Nigeria’s efforts in international economic relations took a significant leap forward on Tuesday with the announcement that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will establish its first office in West Africa, choosing Lagos as its base. The federal government welcomed this move, viewing it as a strong indicator of trust in Nigeria’s economic policies.

During a meeting with Ambassador Gautier Mignot, who leads the European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Vice President Kashim Shettima acknowledged the EU’s longstanding cooperation and reiterated the country’s desire to deepen its relationship with Europe.

“You are our natural partners and allies,” Shettima said. “Beyond the geography that binds us, we have a cultural affinity that goes back centuries. We see this partnership not just as economic, but also humanitarian and strategic.”

Shettima emphasized the Tinubu administration’s determination to reshape the nation’s economic landscape, pointing to the scrapping of fuel subsidies and the harmonization of exchange rates as key reforms that have enhanced investor trust.

“All the encumbrances toward investment in this country are gradually being eliminated,” Shettima said. “More than ever before, Nigeria is ready for business.”

In February 2025, Nigeria was officially accepted as the 77th member of the EBRD, following a decision by the bank to gradually expand into sub-Saharan Africa. The newly launched Lagos office will act as the bank’s central hub for its operations across the region.

The vice president also praised the EU’s contributions in areas affected by conflict, especially in Borno State, where he once held office as governor. “I know the prominent role that the EU played in humanitarian support in Borno. You deserve commendation, not condemnation.”

Ambassador Mignot, in his address, emphasized Nigeria’s importance to the EU amidst today’s evolving global challenges.

“With the global instability we are witnessing, it is essential to have reliable partnerships. Nigeria is one of those,” Mignot stated, adding that recent meetings among EU representatives had reaffirmed their dedication to working with Nigeria.

He further mentioned the EU’s willingness to expand collaborative efforts through initiatives such as the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) and deepen engagement on matters related to migration and development.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken into custody well-known Lagos socialite, Emeka Okonkwo Daniel, popularly known as E-Money, over allegations of Naira abuse.

According to reports, the arrest occurred on Monday night at his residence located in the Omole area of Lagos.

Sources within the EFCC disclosed on Tuesday that E-Money was apprehended for allegedly spraying U.S. dollars, an act believed to contravene the Foreign Exchange Act.

“On Monday night, we arrested E-Money for Naira abuse and defacing foreign currencies. Specifically, he was alleged to have sprayed U.S. dollars, which is against the Foreign Exchange Act.
He was arrested at his Omole, Lagos residence. Preliminary investigations are ongoing, and he will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” a source confirmed.

Another official, who also verified the arrest, revealed that E-Money is currently being transported to Abuja for further interrogation.

“Yes, he has been arrested and is being flown to Abuja as I speak, to face investigators on the issue,” the source stated, requesting anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly.

The Nigeria Police Force has officially resumed the issuance of tinted glass permits nationwide, following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

This renewed initiative is a direct response to growing public concerns over the harassment of vehicle owners with factory-fitted tinted windows by law enforcement officers.

“The Nigeria Police Force, under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has reactivated the issuance of Tinted Glass Permits (TGP) nationwide through a secure and user-friendly digital platform available at https://possap.gov.ng,” the statement said.

The statement further explained that the decision reflects the importance of a transparent and accountable system for regulating the legitimate use of tinted windows.

“This initiative comes in response to widespread public complaints about the harassment of motorists over the use of tinted windows and reflects the need for a clear, transparent, and accountable process for regularising factory-fitted tinted glass on vehicles,” it added.

Acknowledging the rise in modern vehicles designed with tinted glass for comfort and aesthetic appeal, the police underscored the necessity of regulation.

“With modern automobiles increasingly manufactured with tinted windows, it has become essential to provide a standardised system that accommodates legitimate use while ensuring public safety.
“Tinted vehicles have often been exploited for criminal purposes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, ‘one-chance’ scams, and other forms of banditry,” Adejobi stated.

He further highlighted the challenge that tinted windows present to law enforcement efforts.

“Their use hampers police visibility and impedes effective law enforcement, thereby contributing to public insecurity.
“The reactivation of the permit system is a strategic move to identify lawful users such as individuals with medical requirements or members of the security community while preventing misuse for criminal activities,” the statement said.

The newly relaunched system is expected to bolster national security efforts and assist police investigations. It includes several digital features for efficiency and authenticity.

“It is expected to enhance police investigative capabilities and strengthen national security efforts. Applicants can now process their permits online, with identity verification integrated through the National Identification Number (NIN) and Tax Identification Number (TIN), alongside biometric capture and background checks.
“The system also features QR-coded digital permits, with a streamlined processing timeline of 72 hours. To ensure a smooth transition, a 30-day grace period has been approved, effective from May 1st, 2025, within which motorists are expected to comply,” Adejobi added.

He also confirmed that enforcement would begin after the grace period, and that officers engaging in misconduct would face disciplinary action.

“Enforcement will commence at the end of this period. Officers found engaging in unprofessional conduct, such as extortion or harassment, in the course of enforcement will be decisively dealt with in accordance with extant disciplinary procedures,” he warned.

The Inspector-General assured the public of the Force’s dedication to modern and accountable policing.

“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates the Force’s commitment to a technologically driven and citizen-focused policing strategy.
“He urges the public to embrace the initiative in the interest of safer roads, enhanced public trust, and a more secure Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday apprehended businesswoman Aisha Achimugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Sources revealed that Achimugu was taken into custody around 5 a.m., shortly after arriving from London.

In March, the EFCC declared Achimugu wanted over alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, under the supervision of Justice I.E. Ekwo, directed her to report to the EFCC on Tuesday and to appear before the court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Her legal representative, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, verified her arrest in a message to our correspondent, stating, “Aisha Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested by the EFCC around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.”

Ojukwu condemned the EFCC’s move, calling it a breach of a court directive.

“In light of what transpired in court on Monday, my client returned based on the undertaking before the court to honour the EFCC’s invitation, but was arrested at the airport,” he remarked.

He also noted that Achimugu had initiated a hunger strike in protest of what he described as a violation of her basic rights.

“She is a prisoner of conscience,” Ojukwu stated.

A high-ranking EFCC official, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak publicly, confirmed the arrest, saying, “We had earlier declared her wanted and we can’t allow her to continue to walk freely. Secondly, the court said she must appear before us today. We were not restricted from arresting her; what the court said was if she comes, she should not be detained.

“How are you sure she would appear before us today? Now that we have seen her, we have a course to ensure she appears.”

As of the time this report was filed, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale had not responded to calls or messages regarding the incident.

The Federal Government has resumed the prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), over allegations of treason.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, the government’s prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), submitted a statement Kanu made to the Department of State Services (DSS) on October 15, 2015, following his initial arrest in Lagos, along with four suitcases retrieved from his hotel room.

A DSS prosecution witness read the statement aloud in court, and a video recording was also played. This followed Kanu’s claim that the statement had been taken without his lawyers present.

In the statement, Kanu asserted to DSS officials that “the agitation for self-determination is not a crime anywhere in the world,” and emphasized his commitment to “continue the struggle to emancipate the South East, South South and parts of Benue and Kogi states.”

He also denied participating in any violent acts within the country, maintaining that he had never been associated with such incidents.

The video clips presented in court showed Kanu confirming that he founded Radio Biafra in London, where it was officially registered. He acknowledged that he did not register the station with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), stating there was “no need for it.”

Additionally, the court was shown the contents of the four suitcases, which included Kanu’s personal items and equipment related to Radio Biafra.

Presiding over the case, Justice James Omotosho approved a request to keep the identities of the prosecution witnesses confidential. The judge granted the ex parte application submitted by Awomolo, who cited security concerns due to the case’s connection to terrorism.

Defence counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN) did not oppose the motion but requested that the Federal Government show similar consideration when addressing his client’s bail application.