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EFCC, GTBank, VDM: What Are The Issues

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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22

Popular Nigerian social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was taken into custody on Friday 2nd May 2025 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Initial reports indicated that Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) may have played a role in VDM’s arrest, which followed his public criticism of the bank after claims of unauthorised transactions from his mother’s account.

His arrest has triggered strong reactions online, with many questioning the alleged role of the bank involved in what critics are calling a targeted crackdown.

Why Really Was VDM Arrested?

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that the social critic was detained following petitions submitted by unidentified individuals.

“We have some petitions against him that we are working on. He has some issues with us,” said Mr Oyewale.

GTB Reaction

As of press time, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has not issued any public statement regarding the arrest of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

VDM’s Lawyer’s Reaction

VDM’s arrest and confirmation came from activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who shared details in a post on his official Facebook page Friday evening.

According to Adeyanju, VDM was held inside the exit door of the bank for more than five minutes, an action he described as deliberate to allow EFCC officials to carry out the arrest.

“VDM was locked inside the GTB exit door for over 5 mins to enable EFCC arrest him and his friend,” Adeyanju said.

In a later update, Adeyanju explained that a team of lawyers from his firm, led by Marvin_Omorogbe, had met with VDM’s friend, who was also arrested and held at EFCC custody.

“VDM refused to come out of the cell; that he won’t see anyone.

“We have located VDM and are working on getting him out. Our lawyers are now with him,” Adeyanju added.

He further stated, “We will be taking legal actions against GTB for the inhumane treatment meted out to our client.”

Social Media Reactions

The arrest has drawn criticism from netizens, civil society groups, and activists, many of whom are calling for the immediate release of the social commentator.

Political activist Omoyele Sowore, in a Facebook post on Sunday, suggested that the EFCC is now trying to justify VDM’s detention by preparing to bring him before a court on Monday.

“It has been established that the EFCC unlawfully arrested and detained Martins Vincent Otse, aka VDM, as a means to silence him for accusing the agency and its leaders of corruption and malfeasance.

“The EFCC is currently exploring legal avenues to charge him to court, possibly tomorrow, in an attempt to legitimise their actions,” Mr Sowore stated.

Mr Obi in a statement posted on his X page on Sunday described the arrest of VeryDarkMan (VDM) to an abduction, highlighting concerns over the excessive use of force, lack of transparency, and absence of civility during the process.

He cautioned that such methods of arrest could instill fear among citizens and potentially be mimicked by criminals.

He said, “The recent developments in our nation continue to raise serious concerns about our direction as a democracy. The tension in the land aggravated by hardship is needlessly fueled by our attitude to the rule of law and human rights. The arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), though perhaps within the legal rights of security agencies, left many Nigerians unsettled.

“If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability. This trend is not new. We must recall that even our esteemed judges, the last line of defence for justice, have suffered similar indignities in recent years. When those who interpret the law are treated with such disregard, it is difficult to expect ordinary citizens to feel protected under the law.”

Cardinals Begin Papal Conclave to Elect New Pope at the Vatican

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

The Catholic Church, with its 1.4 billion members, is now waiting for the election of its next leader a moment that could shape the future of the faith. Catholic cardinals attended a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, May 7, just a few hours before they started the secret vote, known as the conclave, to choose a new pope.

A total of 133 cardinals, who are allowed to vote, walked into the basilica in a formal procession while a choir sang.

The Mass was led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. He opened the ceremony by swinging a censer with incense around the altar and blessing a statue of the Virgin Mary.

After the Mass, the cardinals moved to the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, where they began the private conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who died last month.

Over 130 Catholic cardinals from around the world are now meeting at the Vatican to begin the conclave. This tradition has been used for centuries to elect a new pope after a papacy ends.

According to the Vatican, 108 of the cardinals are taking part in the conclave for the first time. Only five cardinals voted in the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI: Philippe Barbarin of France, Josip Bozanić of Croatia, Péter Erdő of Hungary, Vinko Pulić of Bosnia, and Peter Turkson of Ghana.

The conclave is taking place behind closed doors in the Sistine Chapel. All cardinals are cut off from the outside world, and no contact is allowed until a new pope is chosen. This rule is meant to protect the fairness and secrecy of the process. Voting will continue until one person receives a two-thirds majority.

“When the choice is made, white smoke will billow from the Apostolic Palace. It is a sign to the world that the Church has a new shepherd,” a Vatican spokesperson said.

Once the white smoke appears, the newly elected pope will step onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the public. This marks the beginning of his time as pope.

Some experts believe the process will go smoothly, but there is no clear favorite.

“The winner is not a foregone conclusion. Though this conclave is expected to be less divisive than past ones, it’s still wide open,” said a senior Vatican analyst.

Pilot Error, Equipment Failure Blamed for Crash That Killed Herbert Wigwe – U.S. Report

By
Mary Oluwabamise
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0

The deadly helicopter crash that killed Access Holdings CEO Herbert Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their son Chizi, and former Nigerian Exchange Group Chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo resulted from pilot error and defective equipment, as detailed in a final report issued by the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on May 7, 2025.

The incident took place on February 9, 2024, near the California-Nevada border. The NTSB determined that the pilot persisted with visual flight rules (VFR) despite worsening weather conditions that necessitated instrument flight procedures. This choice caused the pilot to suffer spatial disorientation, leading to a loss of control and the helicopter’s impact with the ground.

The report also pointed out major deficiencies in the helicopter operator’s safety management. Investigators noted that the company failed to properly manage safety procedures, including flight risk evaluations, maintenance records, and adherence to aviation regulations.

A key piece of equipment, the helicopter’s radar altimeter, was inoperative during the flight. The pilot had previously flagged issues with this device to the company’s maintenance director. Despite unsuccessful attempts to fix it, both the pilot and the maintenance director chose to proceed with the flight, knowing the equipment was faulty.

Additionally, after collecting the charter passengers, there was no documented communication between the pilot and the company’s flight follower about the defective equipment or the current weather conditions. The NTSB stressed that these lapses played a significant role in the tragic incident.

All six individuals aboard the helicopter, registered as N130CZ, perished in the crash. The NTSB’s conclusions highlight the vital need for rigorous compliance with flight safety standards and proper equipment maintenance to avoid such disasters.

At Least 26 Killed in Overnight Indian Airstrikes on Pakistan

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

Indian air raids carried out overnight have resulted in the deaths of at least 26 individuals and left many others wounded across Pakistan, according to military sources in the country.

Describing the offensive as a “blatant act of aggression,” the Pakistani armed forces condemned the operation. An Indian official, however, offered a contrasting narrative, labeling the move as “measured, non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible.”

The aerial attack, which follows a missile strike from Tuesday, has further intensified hostilities. India continues to hold Pakistan accountable for an April attack in the disputed Kashmir territory—a charge Islamabad firmly denies. That earlier incident, known as the Pahalgam attack, had left 26 people dead in the Indian-administered portion of Kashmir.

In response to Tuesday’s escalation, Pakistani officials had vowed retaliation “from the air and ground.” Reaffirming that stance on Wednesday, they stated Pakistan “reserves the right to respond, in self-defense, at a time, place, and manner of its choosing.” Following a session of the National Security Committee, a government statement emphasized that “the Armed Forces of Pakistan have duly been authorized to undertake corresponding actions in this regard.”

India’s military later acknowledged the latest strikes in a statement that read its actions were “responding appropriately in a calibrated manner.”

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri defended the overnight operations as precautionary, arguing that Islamabad had not sufficiently acted against “terrorist infrastructure on its territory or on territory under its control.”

According to two Indian defense sources, the strikes targeted nine different sites and lasted roughly 25 minutes. The officials asserted that the objectives were hit and warned that India is ready to respond to “Pakistani misadventures” that could “escalate the situation.”

Pakistan claimed that the strikes affected multiple areas within its territory, not limited to Pakistan-administered Kashmir. It further alleged that a hydroelectric facility in the region was among the targets.

Military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated during a press briefing that 46 individuals were injured during the airstrikes. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said India’s lead diplomat in Islamabad had been summoned in protest.

Calling the strike a breach of its territorial rights, the Ministry remarked, “The Indian side was warned that such reckless behavior poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability.”

The U.S. Mission in Pakistan released an alert on Wednesday, saying officials were “aware of reports of military strikes by India into Pakistan.”

“This remains an evolving situation, and we are closely monitoring developments,” the message read, noting that a “Do Not Travel” warning remains for areas near the India-Pakistan border “due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.”

“We advise U.S. citizens to depart areas of active conflict if they can safely do so, or to shelter in place,” the alert continued.

FG Launches Overhaul of NYSC Scheme, Introduces Teachers and Medical Corps for National Development

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

The Federal Government has initiated a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the inauguration of a committee tasked with overhauling the scheme. The goal is to make NYSC more impactful, relevant to current realities, and aligned with the nation’s development needs.

This move follows growing concerns over the safety of corps members, substandard facilities, and questions about whether the scheme remains effective in today’s socio-economic landscape. The committee was officially inaugurated in Abuja on Tuesday with representatives from government, civil society, and the private sector present.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, acknowledged the significance of NYSC since its inception in 1973 in fostering national unity and youth development.

He said, “The issues of corps members’ safety, infrastructural challenges, and the broader question of the scheme’s relevance in an increasingly dynamic socio-economic environment are among the key concerns. However, these challenges also present opportunities that require urgent, visionary, and determined action.”

Olawande noted that the committee would thoroughly examine NYSC operations and recommend changes to enhance its safety, creativity, and overall impact.

“The outcome of this review must align with broader national development objectives, positioning the NYSC as a strategic tool for youth empowerment and nation-building,” he added.

The committee is expected to review current policies, engage with stakeholders nationwide, propose legislative and operational reforms, and recommend improved funding and monitoring mechanisms. Their findings and suggestions will be presented to the minister within a set timeframe.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, revealed that the government also plans to launch a Teachers’ Corps and a Medical Corps to address critical gaps in education and healthcare, especially in rural areas.

Alausa said, “The Teachers’ Corps would help bridge educational gaps and create a pathway to government employment, while the Medical Corps would strengthen healthcare delivery in underserved areas, addressing critical issues such as maternal and child health.”

Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Usman, highlighted the importance of improving technical and vocational skills among Nigerian youth.

“Such alignment would empower young people to make meaningful, long-term contributions to their communities and to the nation as a whole,” Usman stated.

Tinubu Hosts Delta Governor and APC Leaders Amid Emerging Political Realignments

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

President Bola Tinubu welcomed Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and several governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Presidential Villa on Monday, as conversations around party loyalty and future elections gain momentum.

Governor Oborevwori’s attendance was particularly notable, as it follows his recent switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC—a move that caught many political observers off guard.

This visit represents his first formal interaction with President Tinubu since his defection. Also swept up in the political shift were former Delta Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who ran as the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, and other notable PDP figures from Delta State.

Oborevwori arrived at the Villa at around 3:45 p.m., with APC Governors Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Uba Sani (Kaduna), and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa) arriving shortly after.

The gathering was held privately within the president’s office and lasted for more than two hours.

Governor Oborevwori did not address the press following the session, leading to widespread speculation over the nature of the discussions and any potential political deals made.

While specifics remain unclear, insiders suggest the meeting is part of the Tinubu administration’s strategic plan to boost APC’s presence in the South-South—a region traditionally dominated by the PDP. This push is believed to be linked to early preparations for the 2027 presidential race.

Party Politics: Cross Carpeting Amongst Nigerian Politicians 

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

Since the restoration of democratic structures in May 1999, there have been cases of serving legislators defecting to another party other than the party under whose umbrella they contested and won elections. 

This act is known as Cross Carpeting. In the Nigerian political space, it is popularly known as decamping or defection.

Cross-carpeting, the act of switching from one political party to another, has become a regular part of politics in Nigeria and has drawn growing public attention and debate. 

Politicians, they say, have the right to associate with parties that align with their evolving ideologies or provide a better platform to serve their constituents.

While the Nigerian Constitution grants every citizen including politicians the freedom of association, the frequent wave of cross-carpeting raises important questions about the strength of political ideologies and party loyalty. 

To protect the value of party politics, there should be a balance between this constitutional right and a commitment to democratic values like accountability, stability, and serving the true interests of the people.

Borno Government Prohibits Alcohol Sales

By
Mary Oluwabamise
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0

The Borno State Government has declared a total prohibition on alcohol sales and brothel operations throughout the state, effective January 20. This step is part of a wider effort to curb criminal acts and social vices that endanger public safety.
Alhaji Kaka Shehu Lawan, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, announced this during a press conference in Maiduguri. He clarified that the ban applies statewide, except for military and paramilitary areas like Mammy Markets, as outlined in the Liquor Business (Prohibition) Law of 2000.

Alongside the ban on alcohol and brothels, the government has prohibited the sale and use of illegal drugs and other immoral activities. Mobile courts will be set up to enforce these regulations and penalize violators.

The government has also cautioned individuals and businesses in areas notorious for such activities, including Galadima, Gamboru, Moduganari, Wulari, Hot Bite, Baga Road, Mairi, London Ciki, Artillery, and near Giwa Barracks, to adhere to the new rules to avoid legal repercussions.

Additionally, the state has ordered all unregistered chemists and patent medicine stores to register within two weeks or face shutdown. This measure seeks to ensure that health-related businesses comply with legal and professional standards.

The Borno State Government has reaffirmed its dedication to upholding public order and safety, emphasizing that it will not tolerate activities that jeopardize citizens’ well-being. These actions are part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the region.

2025 JAMB Results: Why Over 1.5million Candidates Scored Below 200

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Official data from JAMB shows a total of 1,955,069 candidates sat for the exam and only about 420,000 candidates scored above 200, while over 1.5 million scored below 200, generating public concerns and criticism.

This shocking outcome leads to questions on why there was such a massive poor academic performance or if it is a result of systemic failure.

What could be responsible for the mass JAMB failure

While it’s natural and almost instinctive to blame the candidates for inadequate preparation or studying on their parts, majority of Nigerians are pointing fingers not at the students this time, but at the institution(JAMB) for not putting in place adequate system that will aid the success of the exam.

Already, social media is agog with reactions on this latest development.

On X, formerly Twitter, mixed reactions trail the performance of the candidates.

According to a user named LEYE, “The JAMB results aren’t just about academics, they reflect deeper systemic issues. Outdated curriculum, uninspired learners, underpaid teachers, societal pressure and neglect. The consequences will catch up with all of us.”

Another user, EMZO, also shared his experience. He said, “I got 266 in JAMB, first and only trial yet I cried like someone that failed. Not cause it was my fault, my system shut itself down and when it turned back on, I had only 8mins left from 51mins remaining.”

Emzo’s statement and that of many others who have had their systems shut down during the exam, reflects the fact that tbis reoccurrence may be a set up for failure, as being unable to answer all of the computer based questions before it shuts down due to technical issues.
One that shouldn’t be blamed on the candidates.

Others have also highlighted the time frame set by JAMB for the young scholars as another set up for failure as some are required to be at their exam centers as early as 6 am with some finishing off as late as 9pm.

These conditions have been heavily criticized as inconsiderate of the welfare and safety of the young students who have no choice but to leave their houses much earlier in order to meet up for the exams.

An example of such concern was that of a young student who was abducted but later found enroute her exam centre scheduled for 6:30am in the just concluded examinations.

These scheduling and logistics concerns asides the technicalities are not only physically and mentally taxing for these young students but also dangerous.

JAMB Reaction to issues and candidates’ underperformance

In response to the criticisms on exam schedule and centres of registration, JAMB on its X handle, denied that examination begins at 6:30am, rather verification and other clearance processes begins at 6:30am while exams are conducted from 8:am. They also denied sending candidates outside stipulated centers.

The 2025 JAMB results are a wake-up call for the Nigerian education sector to look within as the underperformance of over a million Nigerian students in a system set to elevate them seem to project a bleak future.

North-East States Take Precautionary Steps Against Predicted 2025 Flooding

By
Tosin Onisuuru
-
0

Authorities in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states have begun implementing flood prevention strategies in anticipation of severe rainfall, as projected by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for the 2025 season.

NiMet’s outlook identified several states, including these three, as likely to experience significant flooding. Responding to this warning, state officials have confirmed that preparations are already in motion to reduce the impact of possible disasters.

In Yobe State, Dr. Mohammed Goje, Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), revealed that the agency has activated early alert systems and is engaging local communities through awareness campaigns tailored to their native languages.

“We have commenced a series of sensitisation campaigns in local languages across flood-prone communities, especially in Bade, Jakusko and Nguru.

“We are also coordinating with local governments and traditional institutions to enforce environmental sanitation and clear blocked waterways,” Goje said.

Meanwhile, Yobe’s Ministry of Environment has commenced drainage clearing in cities like Damaturu, Potiskum, and Gashua. Commissioner Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa added that a task force is monitoring adherence to waste disposal laws to prevent environmental blockages.

In Adamawa State, the government has intensified disaster preparedness activities, aligning efforts with NiMet’s 2025 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP). Dr. Celine Laori, Permanent Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), emphasized the urgency of proactive community engagement.

She recalled that the SRP had warned of heavy rainfall in 30 states, with Adamawa as one of the high-risk states for flooding.

Laori urged stakeholders to embark on massive sensitisation campaigns to raise awareness and prepare residents to respond appropriately to flood threats.

“The Agency has commenced sensitisation campaigns in flood-prone communities and has mapped out temporary shelters in high-risk LGAs.

“Apart from sensitisation, we welcome any other intervention that will be beneficial to our people as we prepare for the predicted flooding.

“Currently, the agency is collaborating with local authorities and traditional rulers to ensure early warning information reaches vulnerable residents.

“We are not taking chances this year. Our teams are on the ground carrying out community engagement and have stockpiled relief materials in case of emergencies.

“We advised residents in flood-prone communities to begin relocating to higher grounds to safeguard their lives and property,” Laori said.

She also confirmed that major drainage channels in Yola North, Yola South, and Numan are being cleared, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment. According to her, all actions aim to ensure the state is ready before peak rainfall begins.

The government’s proactive stance was acknowledged by Laori, who commended Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for supplying emergency relief materials and backing flood response initiatives.

“The government has already procured food and non-food relief items for distribution in the event of any emergency.

“The administration has shown the willingness and readiness to respond effectively to any flood-related disaster,” she said.

Laori further advised farmers to avoid planting crops in areas prone to flooding to reduce the risk of agricultural loss.

Also weighing in, Mr. Mennas Ngangurah from the Ministry of Water Resources confirmed that real-time water level monitoring is ongoing along the River Benue and its connected streams. He noted this is being done in collaboration with the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

“We have installed flood gauges in strategic locations.

“Our collaboration with NIHSA and NiMet ensures accurate data sharing and timely intervention in the case of flooding,” he added.

In contrast to the activities in Adamawa and Yobe, residents of Borno State have raised concerns over the stalled reconstruction of the Alau Dam, a vital structure for flood control, irrigation, and water supply. The federal government had launched the reconstruction project a few months ago, but visible progress has since halted.

With the rainy season fast approaching, many locals are alarmed by the delays, fearing a repeat of the devastating floods of 2024, when the dam’s failure caused serious damage across Maiduguri and its environs.

“The rainy season will begin soon here in Maiduguri. It is a race against time to reconstruct the Alau Dam before the rains start.

“We were all hopeful when the government announced the reconstruction, but now we see no visible progress at the site.

“The situation is frightening for us,” said Ibrahim Amarawa, a concerned resident of Maiduguri.

“If work doesn’t resume soon, we risk facing another disastrous flood.”

The dam plays a significant role in local agriculture, providing critical water access for irrigation, especially during the dry season. The federal government had announced an N80 billion allocation for the dam’s repair, but as yet, construction has stalled.

An expert from Yobe State University, speaking on condition of anonymity, appreciated the early flood control efforts but emphasized that enforcement and continued public education were essential to ensuring long-term resilience.

Dr. Amina Adamu, a climatologist, called for deeper investments in permanent infrastructure.

“Beyond short-term cleanups, there is a need for embankments, retention basins, and urban drainage systems that can accommodate the volume of rainfall forecasted,” the expert said.

Groups like Yobe Climate Watch have also joined in by launching local outreach programs. According to coordinator Mr. Ibrahim Musa, their goal is to build local capacity to spot early warning signs and collaborate on evacuation when needed.

“We are training local volunteers to identify early signs of flooding and work with local leaders to facilitate evacuation if necessary,” Musa said.

As the rainy season nears, public sentiment across the North-East is a mix of hope and anxiety.

In Borno, meteorologist Usman Kachallah emphasized the multi-purpose importance of the Alau Dam, especially for smallholder farmers whose livelihoods depend on it.

Kachallah said: “For many small-scale farmers, the dam is their primary source of water for irrigation. Its restoration would not only help prevent flooding but also boost agriculture and improve the livelihoods of thousands of people in the region.”

The ongoing delay has prompted questions regarding how well the reconstruction process is being managed.

“We want the government to be transparent about the progress of the reconstruction. We deserve to know what is happening and why there are delays.

“We are scared, and we need the dam to be finished before the rain comes,” Ibrahim Amarawa said.

He insisted that flood prevention should be a top priority for the government as the rainy season approaches.

Experts also linked rising flood risks to climate change, pointing to the increasing unpredictability of weather as a strong reason to implement sustainable flood mitigation plans.

“The government needs to act swiftly to restore the Alau Dam and address other flood-prone areas,” the environmental expert from Maiduguri added.

“We cannot afford to wait until the floodwaters come again. Now is the time to act,” Amarawa said.

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