Author: Dodo Elias Denen

The Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), led by the wife of the Inspector-General of Police, Mrs Olufunmilola Disu, has reaffirmed its commitment towards supporting the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) through welfare and empowerment initiatives aimed at strengthening police families and enhancing national security.

This assurance was given by the President of POWA, during a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday.

Describing the visit as both symbolic and strategic, Mrs. Disu noted that POWA’s engagement goes beyond protocol, positioning the Association as a key partner in reinforcing the human foundation of the Nigeria Police Force.

“We come not merely in protocol, but in partnership,” she said, emphasising that the strength of the Force is closely tied to the well-being of its families.

She commended the IGP’s leadership for providing clear direction anchored in reform, accountability, and institutional strengthening, adding that POWA fully aligns with this vision.

According to her, the Association remains committed to initiatives that uplift morale, promote family stability, and reinforce the values of service, dignity, and discipline within and beyond the barracks.

Highlighting recent interventions, Mrs. Disu revealed that POWA’s free eye care initiative has provided critical vision support services to over 1,000 police families, significantly improving their quality of life and productivity. She added that plans are underway to expand the programme nationwide.

She further outlined POWA’s strategic priorities, with a focus on mental and emotional health support, economic empowerment, education and youth development, national unity, and the strengthening of welfare systems.

“When families are strengthened, institutions are steadied; and when institutions are steady, nations are secure,” she stated.

Responding, the Inspector-General of Police expressed deep appreciation to the wives of officers, describing them as the unseen backbone of the Force and a critical pillar of its effectiveness.

Welcoming the delegation, the IGP noted that the visit represented more than an official engagement, describing it as “a powerful show of solidarity” and “family visiting family.”

He acknowledged the immense sacrifices made by police families, particularly the uncertainty that defines the profession.

“Every day, we tell you, ‘I’ll see you tonight,’ but deep down, we know it is not guaranteed. We step out each day unsure of what lies ahead, yet we go because duty calls,” he said.
The police chief stressed that the role played by officers’ wives is both demanding and indispensable.

“What you do is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. You hold things together while we are away, and your sacrifices are not taken for granted,” he added.

He commended their role in raising children and maintaining stability on the home front despite the demands of policing, noting that the success of many police children is a testament to their dedication.

Reaffirming the importance of family support in policing, he concluded that the contribution of officers’ wives makes the demanding nature of police work more bearable.

“Our job is a difficult one, but you make it easier. You make our homes worth coming back to.”

Detectives of the Ibafo Divisional Headquarters, Ogun State Police Command, have arrested two security guards, Isikilu Dauda ‘M’, aged 55, and Rasaki Abbas ‘M’, in connection with the alleged murder of a traveler, Promise ‘M’, in Ibafo, Ogun State.

According to the press statement by DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, Anipr
Police Public Relations Officer. The incident occurred on Thursday, 10th April 2026, at about 0700hrs, following a credible tip-off from a concerned citizen. Detectives promptly mobilized to the scene, rescued the victim, and rushed him to the hospital for urgent medical attention.

While en route to the hospital, the victim identified himself and stated that he had been attacked and macheted by security guards after arriving in the area late the previous night. He was subsequently confirmed dead on arrival by the doctor on duty.

Following the confirmation of death, the body was properly documented and deposited at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, for post-mortem examination. Preliminary investigation revealed a trail of blood linking the scene directly to one of the suspects, leading to his arrest, while sustained efforts resulted in the apprehension of the second suspect. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing accomplices.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for thorough investigation and prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, strongly condemns the act and assures that all those involved will be brought to justice. He warns against all forms of unlawful violence and reiterates the Command’s zero tolerance for extrajudicial acts.

Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency numbers: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Maritime Police Command, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat, fsi, mspsp, paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral A. A. Mustapha, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and enhance security within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

According to the press statement by Signed ASP Adebayo Rasheed Adesayo, Police Public Relations Officer. The visit, which took place at the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command, provided a platform for both Commands to reaffirm their shared commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways through deliberate coordination, intelligence sharing, and joint operational strategies.

Speaking during the visit, the AIG Maritime, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat, fsi, mspsp, emphasized that the security of the maritime environment remains a collective responsibility. She underscored the importance of sustained synergy between both Commands, acknowledging the Navy’s leading role in securing Nigeria’s territorial waters while reiterating the complementary mandate of the Maritime Police Command in maintaining law and order within inland waterways and coastal communities.

In his response, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral A. A. Mustapha, warmly received the delegation and commended the AIG Maritime for her proactive approach towards fostering collaboration. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to continued partnership with the Nigeria Police Force in addressing maritime security challenges.

Deliberations during the meeting identified key areas of cooperation, including the intensification of coordinated patrol operations across Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks, the development of a unified response framework for maritime emergencies, and the enhancement of capacity building through joint exercises.

The visit concluded with an exchange of souvenirs and a renewed commitment by both Commands to deepen collaboration in the collective interest of national security, as well as the protection of lives and property within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

As the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitaliSation exercise came to an end March 31, 2026, most banks operating in the country rose to the challenge and met the requirement ahead of time.

However, Fidelity Bank’s proactive approach paid off, and it continued to demonstrate its commitment to growth and innovation. In a remarkable display of investor confidence, Fidelity Bank opened and concluded a private placement in just one day on December 31, 2025. Leading institutions, including AFREXIM Bank and its subsidiaries, invested in the bank, showcasing their faith in Fidelity’s vision and leadership.

With the CBN’s verification process complete, Fidelity Bank’s capital base now exceeds the required N500 billion threshold. This milestone positions the bank to expand its footprint, drive growth, and deliver returns to investors.

Market analysts stated that the successful completion of the private placement underscores strong investor confidence in the bank’s growth strategy, governance framework and long-term fundamentals, even amid tightening regulatory standards and evolving macroeconomic conditions.

The lender had announced to the investing public that it has surpassed the N500billion regulatory capital threshold following the successful completion of a N259billion private placement of ordinary shares.

The Company Secretary, Fidelity Bank, Ezinwa Unuigboje in a signed statement on Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) disclosed that the private placement, conducted with the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), was opened and closed on December 31, 2025.

According to her, the proceeds from the exercise lifted Fidelity Bank’s eligible capital from N305.5billion to N564.5billion, subject to final regulatory approvals.

The latest capital raise positions the lender comfortably above the new minimum capital requirement of N500billion for commercial banks with international authorisation, as stipulated by the apex bank under its banking sector recapitalisation programme. According to the bank, the private placement was carried out pursuant to the mandate granted by shareholders at its Extraordinary General Meeting held on February 6, 2025.
At the meeting, shareholders authorised the board to issue up to 20 billion ordinary shares through a private placement as part of measures to strengthen the bank’s capital base and enhance its capacity to support economic growth. The N259billion raised through the private placement builds on earlier capital-raising efforts by the bank. Fidelity Bank had stolen the show by taking a bold step in June 2024, launching a Public Offer and Rights Issue to raise capital.

Fidelity Bank successfully raised N175.85billion via a combination of a public offer and rights issue, which had increased its eligible capital to N305.5billion at the time. That exercise left a capital shortfall of N194.5billion relative to the new regulatory benchmark, a gap now fully covered by the latest transaction. Fidelity Bank’s strategic moves have set it up for success, and the stage is set for the bank to make significant strides in the Nigerian banking sector. Fidelity Bank noted that the strengthened capital position will enhance its balance sheet resilience, support business expansion, and enable it to play a more robust role in financing key sectors of the Nigerian economy, in line with regulatory expectations. The bank added that it remains focused on value creation for shareholders, prudent risk management and sustained profitability as it navigates the post-recapitalisation phase of the banking sector. Meanwhile, the stock price of Fidelity Bank closed trading April 10, 2026 at N19.50 per share on the NGX.
As reported by Kayode Tokede of Thisday Newspaper

The Ogun State Police Command, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, has intensified Operation “No Traffic Gridlock” across key traffic corridors in the State, with significant enforcement outcomes recorded in the Sango Ota and Ijebu Ode Toll Gate axes.

According to the press statement by DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, Anipr
Police Public Relations Officer. In the Sango Ota corridor, coordinated night operations were carried out, led by the Area Commander, Sango Ota, to remove shanties and clear illegal structures obstructing road setbacks and contributing to persistent traffic congestion. In addition, early morning enforcement operations commencing as early as 0500hrs led to the clearance of major obstruction points and the impoundment of six (6) vehicles found in violation of traffic regulations. The area has since witnessed improved traffic flow, while sustained monitoring continues.

Similarly, the Ijebu Ode Toll Gate axis was sanitised through sustained enforcement operations led by the Area Commander, Ijebu Ode, targeted at indiscriminate parking of heavy-duty trucks and roadside trading along the highway. The coordinated intervention resulted in the systematic clearance of truck build-ups and removal of obstructions, leading to significant improvement in vehicular movement within the axis. Continuous monitoring and compliance enforcement remain in place to sustain the gains achieved.

The Commissioner of Police warns that illegal parking, roadside trading, and obstruction of highways will not be tolerated, adding that offenders will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. He reiterates the Command’s commitment to sustaining Operation “No Traffic Gridlock” until full compliance and seamless traffic flow are achieved across all affected corridors.

Members of the public are encouraged to support the ongoing operation by reporting traffic obstruction and related concerns through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.

Built on a solid foundation of administrative experience, strong academic credentials, and sustained grassroots engagement, the candidacy for Kosofe Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly reflects a readiness for effective and people-centered representation.

Hon. Dr. Musiliu Alade Aigoro has formally declared his intention to contest for the seat, bringing to bear a track record shaped by public service, party loyalty, and community impact.

In an interview, Aigoro outlined his educational background, noting that he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, as well as Master’s degrees in Public Administration and International Studies. He further disclosed that he is currently rounding off a Doctorate in Public Administration, with a focus on Public Policy Analysis.

He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration and the Mentoring and Career Development Institute of Nigeria, underscoring his professional standing in governance and public sector leadership.

According to Aigoro, his aspiration is driven by competence and a clear commitment to public service. He emphasized that leadership positions require both qualification and capacity, particularly in a complex governance environment such as Lagos State.

Popular known as a community-focused leader, Aigoro highlighted his long-standing role in conflict resolution and grassroots engagement across Kosofe. He noted that various stakeholders, including market leaders, transport unions such as the NURTW, and other community groups, regularly seek his intervention in resolving disputes and facilitating solutions.

He further revealed that he has supported youth empowerment initiatives by facilitating employment opportunities within the Lagos State Government and providing assistance to indigent students, including enabling access to higher education at Lagos State University (LASU).

Aigoro also detailed his extensive involvement within the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he has held multiple strategic roles. These include serving as Coordinator for the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organisation in Kosofe (2019), Chairman of the campaign team for Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, Director of Security for the late Senator Bayo Oshinowo’s campaign, Director of Special Duties for Senator Tokunbo Abiru’s by-election campaign, and Director of Local Government Affairs in the Sanwo-Olu campaign structure. He also served as a member of the APC State Screening Committee and the Electoral Committee during the last Local Government elections.

He stated that these responsibilities reflect his loyalty, consistency, and capacity within party structures, reinforcing his readiness for legislative office.

Aigoro further disclosed his previous role as the commissioner of the Lagos State Audit Service Commission, an appointment he is thankful to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for, helped him to drive youth employment and community-focused interventions, often without public attention.

Drawing on his deep political engagement within Kosofe, Aigoro said he has conducted needs assessments across key areas including Ogudu, Ifako, Oworonshoki, Anthony, Mende, and Ojota. This, he explained, has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the constituency’s development priorities.

He outlined his legislative focus to include effective lawmaking, oversight, and representation, with particular emphasis on infrastructure development, upgrading of public facilities, and ensuring that government policies deliver tangible outcomes for constituents.

Aigoro also affirmed his alignment with the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acknowledging that while reforms may require time to mature, there is an immediate need for responsive measures to mitigate the economic pressures faced by citizens.

He concluded by reiterating his commitment to delivering responsive, people-centered representation that bridges governance and grassroots realities in Kosofe Constituency I.

MMELI Arts Foundation, Alliance Française Lagos convene women for storytelling intensive to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026

To commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, MMELI Arts Foundation, in collaboration with Alliance Française de Lagos, has held the Women, Words and Wealth workshop in Ikoyi, bringing together women writers and creatives for an intensive focused on craft, voice and pathways to publication.

Designed as a practical workshop, the programme focused on helping participants strengthen creative identity, develop a distinctive voice and navigate publishing opportunities. Sessions centred on Creative Identity, Developing Your Voice and Publishing Pathways, led by storyteller and filmmaker Phoenix Ezendu; actor, writer and filmmaker Richard MofeDamijo; and award-winning author and journalist Nina Anyianuka.

Speaking on the workshop’s significance, Richard Mofe-Damijo, chairman of MMELI Arts
Foundation, said the organisation was focused on building structures that move African voices “beyond potential into tangible influence”, adding that creative talent must be matched with institutional support to compete globally.

Victor Mark-Onyegbu, head of grants and community building at Africa No Filter, urged participants to recognise the power of narrative in shaping global perception, and to tell grounded stories that challenge long-standing stereotypes about the continent.

Founded by Nina Anyianuka, MMELI Arts Foundation says it supports cultural renewal and professional development for creatives. Partners for the workshop included Nestlé Nigeria, Rite Foods, Alliance Française Lagos and Africa No Filter.

Anyianuka said the foundation was pushing for greater rigour in creative practice. “The goal is not simply to encourage expression, but to equip women with the tools to produce work that can stand in professional and global spaces,” she said.

“That is why we created Women, Words and Wealth: to help women writers move from private expression to public authorship, with an emphasis on discipline, structure and intentionality,”
she added.

Participants described the workshop as a timely boost for women in the creative sector, blending cultural grounding with practical frameworks for building sustainable careers in storytelling.

Dorothy Ughenu, a television and screenwriter, said: “Women, Words & Wealth was a first-of-its-kind programme that developed and nurtured a safe space for women in the storytelling community. Applying the structures shared by the facilitators will amplify our voices and strengthen our earning power.”

MMELI Arts Foundation said details of forthcoming workshops and opportunities for writers will be announced in the coming weeks. Interested participants and partners are encouraged to follow the foundation’s updates via its website and social media pages. They can also contact the editorial desk for registration information and collaboration enquiries.

The MMÉLÌ ARTS FOUNDATION (MAF) is a pan-African nonprofit organisation committed to
advancing creative excellence, cultural enrichment, and community development through the arts.

MAF empowers African creatives with the resources, opportunities, and recognition they need to thrive across disciplines, from craft, design, and literature to dance, music, film, theatre, and the visual arts.

Nina Anyianuka, an award-winning author and journalist, is the founder and CEO of MMELI Arts Foundation.

The Headquarters Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy on Thursday marked a defining moment in its leadership structure as 27 Lieutenant Commanders were formally elevated to the rank of Commander in a dignified ceremony.

The event, held at the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT Officers Mess, underscored a critical transition in the careers of the officers as they stepped into more demanding leadership roles within the Service.

The colourful ceremony drew senior naval officers, family members and well wishers, all gathered to witness what was widely described as a milestone moment in the professional journey of the beneficiaries.

Speaking at the occasion, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, congratulated the newly promoted officers, describing their elevation as both an honour and a call to greater responsibility.

He emphasised that the rank of Commander comes with heightened expectations, noting that leadership at that level requires discipline, accountability and unwavering commitment to duty.

Mustapha charged the officers to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Navy, stressing the need to sustain professionalism and maintain exemplary conduct in all operational engagements.

He further urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, loyalty and consistent performance, warning that the Service demands nothing short of excellence at that level.

The FOC also encouraged the officers to deepen teamwork and collaboration, adding that collective effort remains vital to strengthening maritime security and improving operational effectiveness.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the formal decoration of the officers by the FOC, supported by senior officers and spouses, in a symbolic act reflecting both institutional trust and personal achievement.

The ceremony concluded on a celebratory note as attendees commended the officers’ accomplishments, while the newly decorated Commanders renewed their pledge to serve the nation with honour and dedication.

The Nigerian Navy has once again asserted its dominance in the nation’s maritime domain, leading a decisive operation that resulted in the arrest of two vessels, Motor Tanker MKPODU and Motor Tanker WESTAF, for suspected crude oil theft in the South South region.

The arrests, carried out late on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, followed credible intelligence leveraged by troops of the Joint Task Force South South, Operation Delta Safe. The success of the mission underscored the Nigerian Navy’s pivotal role in safeguarding Nigeria’s oil assets and territorial waters.

Naval assets, including Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE and a naval helicopter, were swiftly deployed to the scene, demonstrating the Service’s operational readiness and superior maritime surveillance capability in intercepting economic saboteurs at sea.

At the point of interception, Motor Tanker MKPODU was caught actively siphoning crude oil at an offshore wellhead within the Calabar/Akwa Ibom axis. The vessel was found laden with about 480 metric tonnes of suspected stolen crude.

Similarly, Motor Tanker WESTAF, intercepted at a nearby location, was discovered with approximately 459 metric tonnes of suspected crude oil, further exposing the scale and coordination of the illicit operation.

Following the arrest, the Nigerian Navy maintained firm custody of the vessels, with NNS SHERE leading the offshore operation, while NNS OSE and personnel from Forward Operating Base Ibaka ensured their safe transfer to the naval jetty in Calabar.

In a further demonstration of sustained naval pressure, Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA, acting on expanded intelligence, apprehended a third vessel, Motor Tanker STELIOS K, on April 10, reinforcing the Navy’s relentless pursuit of oil theft networks.

Parading the suspects at the Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY jetty, the Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, highlighted the indispensable role of the Nigerian Navy in driving the operation, while noting the critical support of the Nigerian Air Force in providing real time aerial intelligence.

He stressed that the success of the operation reflects the strength of inter service synergy, particularly the seamless collaboration between naval and air assets, backed by strategic direction from the Defence Headquarters.

Also speaking, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, commended the coordinated efforts and revealed that the Navy is actively tracking additional vessels linked to crude oil theft, signaling that the ongoing crackdown is far from over.

Please be careful, there’s a WhatsApp scam going around

Scammers are currently impersonating Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, to trick people into fake investment schemes.

They’ve created a WhatsApp group called *“Value Focus Club 60”* using this number: *+234 915 708 8290*, and even used his picture to make it look real.

*Important things to know*:
• The Chairman is NOT on WhatsApp running any investment group
• Access Holdings does NOT offer investment advice via WhatsApp
• Any message claiming otherwise is 100% fake

A whistleblower actually spotted this and raised the alarm, so please don’t ignore this.

*What you should do*:
• Don’t join the group or engage them
• Don’t share your personal or banking details
• Block and report the number on WhatsApp
• Let others know so they don’t fall victim

The company is already working to shut it down, but awareness is key.

Please share this with your contacts, someone you know could be targeted.