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Sultan confirms Moon sighting in Nigeria, Eid-el-Fitr holds Sunday

Bankole ABE
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Sultan confirms Moon sighting in Nigeria, Eid-el-Fitr holds Sunday

THE Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), headed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced that the moon has been sighted in Nigeria today, Saturday March 29.

The Sultan, in a video seen on Saturday, said the Eid al-Fitr for the year 1446/2025 will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

The NSCIA had earlier announced that the fasting in Nigeria would continue because the Ramadan moon had not been sighted in Nigeria.

The NSCIA disclosed this in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Is-haq Oloyede, a professor, on Saturday.

The ICIR reported on Saturday that Saudi Arabia officially announced that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Sunday, March 30, following the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon on Saturday evening.

It also stated that Eid al-Fitr marks the beginning of the new Islamic month and the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which millions of Muslims worldwide observe fasting.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) disclosed this following a directive from the Saudi Supreme Court, which had earlier urged Muslims across the kingdom to observe the sky for the new moon.

The ICIR reports that the Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, follows lunar cycles, with each month beginning upon the sighting of the new moon. Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar, comes after Ramadan and serves as a time of spiritual renewal and gratitude for Muslims worldwide.

While Saudi Arabia will observe Eid on Sunday, some countries, including Malaysia, Australia, Brunei, and Indonesia, have announced that their celebrations will be held on Monday, March 31, as the moon was not sighted in those regions.

The ICIR reports that Eid al-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is a major Islamic celebration that unites families and communities for prayers, feasting, and charitable acts, particularly the giving of Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity to the less privileged before the Eid prayer.

The ICIR reported that the Nigerian government had declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.  

After Moon sighting Saudi confirms Eid-el-Fitr for Sunday

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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After Moon sighting Saudi confirms Eid-el-Fitr for Sunday

SAUDI Arabia has officially announced that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Sunday, March 30, following the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon on Saturday evening.

It also stated that Eid al-Fitr marks the beginning of the new Islamic month and the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which millions of Muslims worldwide observed fasting.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) disclosed this following a directive from the Saudi Supreme Court, which had earlier urged Muslims across the kingdom to observe the sky for the new moon.

“The crescent moon for the month of Shawwal 1446 was sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025,” it reads.

The ICIR reports that the Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, follows lunar cycles, with each month beginning upon the sighting of the new moon. Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar, comes after Ramadan and serves as a time of spiritual renewal and gratitude for Muslims worldwide.

While Saudi Arabia will observe Eid on Sunday, some countries, including Malaysia, Australia, Brunei, and Indonesia, have announced that their celebrations will be held on Monday, March 31, as the moon was not sighted in those regions.

The ICIR reports that Eid al-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is a major Islamic celebration that unites families and communities for prayers, feasting, and charitable acts, particularly the giving of Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity to the less privileged before the Eid prayer.

It is a time of joy and gratitude, beginning with a special congregational

Traditionally, Muslims gather in mosques and open spaces for special prayers, exchange greetings, and enjoy festive meals together.

The ICIR reported that Nigerian government had declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.  

 

Police arraign Abiola Odutayo over murder of Bumpa co-founder Opayele

Bankole ABE
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Police arraign Abiola Odutayo over murder of Bumpa co-founder Opayele

THE Lagos State Police command has confirmed the arraignment of Abiola Odutayo over Bumpa co-founder Teejay Opayele’s murder.

The March 4, 2025, incident that led to the death of Opayele had caused public outcry, prompting police to reiterate their pledge to justice and transparency.

According to a statement by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, on X on Saturday, March 29, following her release from the hospital, Odutayo was arraigned on March 12, 2025, at Court 1, Tinubu, Lagos.

According to the police spokesperson, Odutayo is facing charges of careless and reckless driving on a public highway, which resulted in the death of Opayele.

“We can confirm that following a thorough investigation, Abiola Odutayo ‘f’ was arraigned in Court 1, Tinubu, on March 12, 2025, after she was discharged from the hospital, for driving on a public highway in a reckless and careless manner without due care and attention to other road users and causing the death of one Tunji Opayele ‘m,’ aged 32, and thereby committing an offence,” he posted.

Hundeyin added that the court granted Odutayo bail, and the case has been shifted to April 16, 2025, for the continuation of the matter.

Nigerians from all walks of life, especially on X, have voiced anger over the death of Opayele, who died on March 4, 2025, after a collision on Ozumba Mbadiwe, Lagos.

The driver, Odutayo, allegedly refused to help the critically injured Opayele, reportedly citing worries about his blood staining her car.

Bystanders reportedly laboured to find medical help as several hospitals allegedly refused treatment.

Over 35,000 Nigerians have signed a petition demanding justice for Opayele.

The petitioners are calling for more severe charges, including manslaughter, against Odutayo, the driver for the accident, instead of the current reckless driving charge.They’re also demanding that the Lagos State Ministry of Justice oversee a thorough investigation and ensure proper prosecution.

UK hikes study cost, travel visa applications

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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UK hikes study cost, travel visa applications

THE United Kingdom has announced a rise in visa fees for students, tourists, and other travelers.

This is seen as potentially impacting Nigerians and other international applicants planning to enter the country.

The fee increases were announced in a report published on the official website of the United Kingdom government and are set to take effect on April 9.

Consequently, travelers from visa-exempt countries who require an Electronic Travel Authorisation would face higher charges starting  April 2, 2025.

The United Kingdom Home office said that the student visa fee has increased from £363 to £490, reflecting a 35 per cent rise.

 It added that the fee for a six-month visit visa has increased from £100 to £115, with adjustments also made to other visa categories, including work and family visas.

The United Kingdom government said that the fee increase is essential to maintaining its immigration system and supporting public sector wages.

“It is right and fair to increase visa application fees to ensure that the costs of running the immigration system are met by those who benefit from it,” the Home Office stated.

It said that the cost of a Standard Visitor Visa, valid for up to six months, will rise by 10 per cent, increasing from £115 to £127.

It added that fees for longer-term visitor visas will see significant increases, with the two-year visa rising from £432 to £475, the five-year visa increasing from £771 to £848, and the ten-year visa climbing from £963 to £1,059.

Along with visitor visas, the ETA fee, currently set at $12, will rise by 60% to $20 starting April 2, 2025.

“The changes will help maintain a sustainable and efficient immigration system,” the Home Office reiterated.

The ICIR reports that the United Kingdom last raised visa fees for work, visit, family, settlement, citizenship, and student visas on October 4, 2023.

 

Earthquake: Death toll rises as foreign rescue teams arrive Myanmar  

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Earthquake: Death toll rises as foreign rescue teams arrive Myanmar  

MYANMAR’S military government  announced on Saturday that the death toll had risen to 1,002, a significant increase from the initial state media report of 144 fatalities on Friday.

 

The ICIR reports that foreign rescue teams arrived in Myanmar on Saturday to aid in the search for survivors after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake around midday on Friday severely damaged critical infrastructure in the war-torn nation.

 

Myanmar, already ravaged by civil war since a 2021 military coup that overthrew its elected civilian government, suffered widespread impact from the earthquake, affecting regions from the central plains near Mandalay to the hills of Shan.

At least nine people were killed in neighboring Thailand, where the earthquake shook buildings and caused a partially constructed skyscraper to collapse in Bangkok, trapping 30 people under the rubble and leaving 49 missing.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s predictive model estimated that Myanmar’s death toll could surpass 10,000, with economic losses potentially exceeding the country’s annual output.

The ICIR reported that the earthquake damaged roads, bridges, and buildings across Myanmar, prompting the junta’s top general to make a rare appeal for international aid on Friday.

“Search and rescue operations are currently being carried out in the affected areas,” the junta said in a statement on state media on Saturday.

A Chinese rescue team arrived in Yangon, Myanmar’s commercial capital, located hundreds of kilometers from the hardest-hit cities of Mandalay and Naypyitaw, where sections of a 1,000-bed hospital were damaged.

Meanwhile, Russia, India, Malaysia, and Singapore dispatched plane loads of relief supplies and personnel to Myanmar.

“We will continue to monitor the developments and more aid will follow,” said Indian Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

South Korea announced an initial donation of $2 million in humanitarian aid to Myanmar, to be delivered through international organizations.

Similarly, the United States has pledged to provide some assistance, despite its strained relations with Myanmar’s military and sanctions on its officials, including junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

The ICIR reported that Myanmar has faced several natural disasters in recent years, including Typhoon Yagi last year and Cyclone Mocha in 2023.

 

Wike rules out political motive in PDP land revocation

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Wike rules out political motive in PDP land revocation

THE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has denied allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the revocation of its land title was a deliberate move to suppress the opposition.

Wike who made the statement on Friday in Abuja expressed dismay over  allegation that he was directed to revoke the party’s land title in the Central Area to suppress opposition.

The ICIR reported on March 18, that Wike revoked the right of occupancy granted to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), National Secretariat, in Abuja over alleged non-payment of ground rent spanning two decades.

A notice from the FCTA Department of Land Administration, dated March 13, 2025, stated that the opposition party’s acquired land at Plot No. 243 in Central Area, Cadastral Zone  Abuja, had not met its financial obligations since January 1, 2006, leading to the FCTA reclaiming the property.

In response, a PDP chieftain, Bode George, in an outburst said that Wike crossed the red line by superintending over the decision to revoke the land.

The ICIR reported that in an interview on Arise TV on March 21, George described Wike’s action as a blatant declaration of war against the PDP and questioned his continued membership in the party.

However, Wike, in his latest defence, noted that executive actions in the country were often interpreted through political, religious, and ethnic lenses.

He added that the revocation of land titles from allottees who had failed to pay mandatory ground rent for over 10 years was often misconstrued as a political move.

Wike noted that despite being in power for several years, the PDP failed to pay outstanding ground rent for its land title in the Central Area, where it was building its National Secretariat.

“ Despite generating between N13 billion and N20 billion from the sale of party forms, the PDP had failed to pay ground rent,” he said.

Wike also revealed that Wadata Plaza, the location of the PDP National Secretariat, was not registered as party property but was instead listed under a senator residing in Abuja.

“The registered owner had failed to pay the ground rent for 28 years, but the PDP continued to claim that the minister was targeting its secretariat,” the minister added.

“Maybe they had a deal with the man and did not complete the deed of assignment and were shouting oh, they sent Wike to revoke the land as a ploy to kill opposition. What kind of mentality is that?”

The Minister stressed that the land revocation was not exclusive to the PDP, noting that other institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Central Bank of Nigeria, as well as individuals, had also lost their land titles for the same reason.

“CBN has been pleading for the reversal of the land title, but I told the bank to pay the outstanding ground rent before the revocation is reversed.” He said.

The ICIR reported that Wike had approved the revocation of 4,794 land titles on March 17, 2025, due to non-payment of ground rent for over 10 years, affecting individuals, corporate organisations, and government institutions.

Confusion as ex-Rivers HoS counters wife over kidnapping alarm, says claim scripted

Bankole ABE
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Confusion as ex-Rivers HoS counters wife over kidnapping alarm, says claim scripted
  1. EX-Rivers State Head of Service (HoS), George Nwaeke, has contradicted his wife Florence’s claims that he was kidnapped.

Nwaeke, in a video released in the early hours of Saturday, said he’s safe in Abuja, where he voluntarily went to report himself to security agencies over recent developments in Rivers State.

His clarification comes following an outcry by his wife, Florence, late Friday, that she did not know the whereabouts of her husband after he resigned from service.

He explained that he resigned as Head of Service on Monday due to these developments.

Nwaeke suggested that his wife was misinformed and given a script to read, stating that the video she made was “null and void.”

“I just saw a video of my wife trending. She was told I had been kidnapped and given a script to read. I want to make it clear; I am not kidnapped. I am in Abuja working.

“When I was Head of Service, my wife was not involved in my official duties. That script she read is null and void. I am safe and sound. I will report myself to the appropriate security agencies because Abuja houses their headquarters, and I feel safer making my report here,” he stated.

Florence had raised alarm over the whereabouts of her husband.

In an interview seen on Channels TV late Friday evening, Florence told journalists she was afraid for her husband’s life and had no idea where he was.

Florence, who looked very disturbed in the video, called on Nigerians for help in locating her husband.

Florence’s cry for help came after her husband’s interview, where he made some serious allegations against the suspended Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

He claimed the governor was planning to back Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, in the 2027 presidential election and even accused him of meeting with militants to orchestrate attacks on oil facilities and other assets.

However, Fubara, in a response to Nwaeke’s claims late Friday, suggested that the former HoS may have been paid or coerced to have made the “false” claims against him.

Fubara shared screenshots of chats between Nwaeke and his Chief of Staff, Ederson Ehie.

The chats reveal that Nwaeke asked Ehie for money and support, promising loyalty in return. He claimed his N500,000 salary was insufficient for his needs.

The ICIR reported that Nwaeke’s resignation as HoS was announced in a statement Tuesday morning by the Chief of Staff to the state’s Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas.

 President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, March 18.

The declaration followed political turbulence in the state.

In a nationwide broadcast, the president suspended Fubara; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all the state House of Assembly members for six months.  However, he retained the state judiciary.

Tinubu blamed the governor for allowing the political crisis in the state to escalate.

He added that the declaration did not affect the state judiciary, which he said must continue to function by its constitutional mandate.

The political crisis in the state climaxed on Monday, March 17, when the House of Assembly served Fubara and his deputy a notice of gross misconduct, which could lead to their impeachment.

The lawmakers accused Fubara of misusing public funds, obstructing the Assembly, and making unauthorised appointments without proper screening and confirmation.

Recall that the power struggle between the governor and the Amaewhule-led Assembly reached its peak after the Supreme Court judgment, which ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Attorney General of the Federation to withhold Rivers State’s statutory allocation.

It also annulled the recent local government election conducted in the state by Fubara.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tinubu signs Investments, Securities bill into law

Ehime ALEX
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0
Tinubu signs Investments, Securities bill into law

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has signed into law the Investments and Securities Bill (ISB) 2025.

The bill repeals the Investments and Securities Act No. 29 of 2007 and enacts the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made this known in a statement by its  external relations officer, Efe Ebelo, on Saturday, March 29.

It said the legislation would strengthen the legal framework of the Nigerian capital market, enhance investor protection, and introduce critical reforms to promote market integrity, transparency, and sustainable growth.

According to SEC, the enactment of the ISA 2025 reaffirms the authority of the SEC as the apex regulatory authority of the Nigerian Capital Market as well as to regulate the market to ensure capital formation, the protection of investors, and maintenance of fair, efficient and transparent market and reduction of systemic risks.

It also introduces transformative provisions to further align Nigeria’s market operations with international best practices.

“The Act enhances the regulatory powers of the SEC in a manner comparable with benchmark global securities regulators. These enhanced powers and functions ensure full conformity with the requirements of IOSCO’s Enhanced Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (EMMoU), enabling the SEC to retain its “Signatory A” status and enhancing the overall attractiveness of the Nigerian capital market,” SEC’s Director General, Emomoitimi Agama, said.

Other notable provisions of the ISA 2025 include the classification of exchanges, the inclusion of provisions on financial market infrastructures, and the expansion of the definition and understanding of securities, he said.

Agama pointed out that the Act explicitly recognises virtual/digital assets and investment contracts as securities and brings virtual asset service providers (VASPs), digital asset operators (DAOPs) and digital asset exchanges under the SEC’s regulatory purview.

“Comprehensive Insolvency Provisions for Financial Market Infrastructures – The Act introduces provisions that exempt transactions facilitated through or otherwise involving Financial Market Infrastructures from the application of general insolvency laws. Management of Systemic Risk – The Act introduces provisions for the monitoring, management and mitigation of systemic risk in the Nigerian capital market.

“Expansion of the Category of Issuers to the Public- The Act expands the categories of issuers, as a key step towards the introduction of a wide range of innovative products and offerings as well as the facilitation of “commercial and investment business activities”, subject to the approval of the Commission and other controls stipulated in the Act,” he explained.

The Act contains a new part which provides for the regulation of commodities exchanges and warehouse receipts necessary for the development of the entire gamut of the commodities ecosystem.

On the issuance of securities by sub-nationals and their agencies, the SEC boss said salient provisions of the Act addressed existing restrictions in respect of raising funds from the capital market to allow for greater flexibility.

The Act also introduces the mandatory use of legal entity identifiers (LEIs) by participants in capital market transactions to improve transparency in the conduct of securities transactions and expressly prohibits Ponzi Schemes and other unlawful investment schemes, while prescribing stringent jail terms and other sanctions for the promoters of such schemes.

To strengthen the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST), the Act amends some key provisions in the repealed ISA 2007 pertaining to the composition of the tribunal its constitution, qualification, and appointment of the chief registrar as well as the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

This is to enhance the ability of the tribunal to optimally discharge its mandate, Agama pointed out.

“By addressing regulatory gaps and introducing forward-looking provisions, the new Act empowers the SEC to foster innovation, protect investors more efficiently and reposition Nigeria as a competitive destination for local and foreign investments,” he added.

The Senate had on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, passed the bill on the floor of the chamber, The ICIR reported.

Wife of former Rivers HoS raises alarm over husband whereabouts

Bankole ABE
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0
Wife of former Rivers HoS raises alarm over husband whereabouts

FLORENCE, the wife of the former Head of Service (HoS) in Rivers state, George Nwaeke, has raised an alarm over the whereabouts of her husband.

In an interview on Channels TV late Friday evening, Florence told journalists she was afraid for her husband’s safety and had no idea where he was.

Florence, who looks very disturbed in the video, called on Nigerians for help in locating her husband.

“He said there was nothing like N15 billion; and he is not aware; that he is just head of service and doesn’t know anything about the finances of the state. So, when they pressured him to sign a document, he said he would not sign; instead, he will resign, and he resigned.

“Oh, Jesus, help me. Nigerians, help me. My husband is in trouble. My husband is in trouble. My husband is in trouble. Look at the message I sent to him,” she said.

Florence’s cry for help came after her husband’s interview, where he made some serious allegations against suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

He claimed the governor was planning to back Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed in the 2027 presidential election and even accused him of meeting with militants to orchestrate attacks on oil facilities and other assets.

Meanwhile, Fubara, in a response to Nwaeke’s claims late Friday, suggested that the former HoS may have been paid or coerced to have made the “false” claims against him.

“The truth is that Nwaeke has been compromised, and whatever he is saying is only aimed at fulfilling his promise to those who may have paid or coerced him to lie against me,” Fubara said in a statement he issued late Friday.

Fubara shared screenshots of chats between Nwaeke and his Chief of Staff, Ederson Ehie.

The chats reveal that Nwaeke asked Ehie for money and support, promising loyalty in return. He claimed his N500,000 salary was insufficient for his needs.

The ICIR reported that Nwaeke’s resignation as HoS was announced in a statement Tuesday morning by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas.

Meanwhile, Ibas appointed Ibibi Worika, a professor, as the new secretary to the state government (SSG).

The ICIR reported that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, March 18.

The declaration followed political turbulence in the state.

In a nationwide broadcast, the president suspended Fubara; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all the state assembly members for six months.

However, he retained the state judiciary.

Tinubu blamed the governor for allowing the political crisis in the state to escalate.

He added that the declaration did not affect the state judiciary, which he said must continue to function by its constitutional mandate.

The political crisis in the state climaxed on Monday, March 17, when the House of Assembly served Fubara and his deputy a notice of gross misconduct, which could lead to their impeachment.

The House members, who have been at loggerheads with the governor, claimed the accusation was in tandem with the Nigerian constitution.

The lawmakers accused Fubara of misusing public funds, obstructing the assembly, and making unauthorised appointments without proper screening and confirmation.

Recall that the power struggle between the governor and the Amaewhule-led Assembly reached its peak after the Supreme Court’s judgment, which ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Attorney General of the Federation to withhold Rivers State’s statutory allocation.

It also annulled the recent local government election conducted in the state by Fubara.

Fubara and Wike have been at loggerheads over who controls the soul of the oil rich state.

MRS Oil exits Nigerian stock market

Ehime ALEX
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0
MRS Oil exits Nigerian stock market

MRS Oil Nigeria Plc said it had concluded plans of voluntarily delisting all its issued shares from the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

The oil firm said in a notification to shareholders and the investing public on Friday, March 28.

This will stop MRS shares from being traded on the floor of the Nigerian stock exchange.

According to the company, it has subsequently requested admission to the NASD OTC Securities Exchange (NASD), where its shares will be trading as unlisted securities.

The ICIR, in April 2024, reported MRS Oi’s plans to voluntarily delist from the Nigerian stock market.

By this action, the oil firm joined the list of companies that have delisted or finalised arrangements for delisting from the NGX.

About seven companies delisted from the exchange in 2023 worth over N264.92 billion, and several others initiated the move to delist in 2024, including Oando Plc, Glaxo SmithKline Consumer Nigeria, PZ Cussons Nigeria Limited, and Coronation Insurance.

Announcing the final arrangement of its delisting, MRS Oil said the decision followed the approvals granted by its shareholders at the Extra-ordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on June 25, 2024.

It noted that its plans to delist its shares from the Nigerian stock market are by applicable regulations.

“The effectiveness of this Payout remains subject to the final approvals of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and NGX.”

Key terms of the payout or refund of the principal investment to shareholders as approved by SEC include that the company shall comply with NGX regulations by setting aside the necessary funds to settle dissenting and absentee shareholders.

The company’s registrars shall maintain the account for three months, during which eligible shareholders who wish to exit the company may claim their entitlements.

Another condition is that after three months, shareholders who have not opted for the payout shall be migrated to the NASD platform, and any unclaimed funds shall revert to the company.

It added that the registrars shall submit a detailed report to the SEC, listing the shareholders who have exited and have received payment.

In light of the foregoing, shareholders who were absent from the EGM or dissented to the Voluntary Delisting are advised to contact the registrar for their payoff from April 4 to July 4, 2025.

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