The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced new Bank Verification Number (BVN) regulations set to take effect from May 1, 2026. The move is aimed at strengthening banking security and tackling the growing rate of financial fraud in Nigeria. These rules will apply to all banks, fintech platforms, and licensed financial institutions across the country. Key Highlights of the New BVN Rules Why These Changes Matter According to the CBN, the new policies are designed to protect customers from identity theft, account takeovers, and other digital banking threats. With the rise in online transactions, stricter security measures have become necessary. For Nigerians, this means being more cautious when changing phone numbers, switching devices, or managing bank accounts. While the rules may seem restrictive, they are intended to improve trust and safety in the financial system.

A Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, raising concerns over Nigeria’s security situation and the integrity of its electoral process. In a statement shared on X, the firm revealed that it has begun briefing officials within the administration of US President Donald Trump on developments in Nigeria. These discussions reportedly focus on allegations of election interference and ongoing violence across parts of the country. Growing International Attention While acknowledging Tinubu’s long-standing political career, the firm stated that his presidency is facing increasing criticism among Nigerians. It emphasized that its role is not to interfere with Nigeria’s leadership but to advocate for democratic accountability. “As American-registered foreign agents, we have no authority to remove a sitting leader. That power lies solely with the Nigerian people,” the firm noted. Atiku’s Role in the Engagement The lobbying effort is tied to a contract with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. According to the firm, its mandate is to push for stronger US engagement on issues related to democracy, security, and human rights in Nigeria. The statement clarified that Atiku is not positioning himself as an adversary but as a concerned statesman advocating for peace and credible elections. Threat of Sanctions One of the most significant parts of the statement is the warning of potential sanctions. The firm indicated it may push for punitive actions under the Global Magnitsky framework if credible evidence links Nigerian officials to human rights violations or electoral malpractice. Such sanctions could include freezing assets and restricting international financial access. Democracy and Accountability The firm also stressed that political power in Nigeria ultimately belongs to the people, not individuals in office. “The presidency is not a birthright, but a privilege granted by citizens,” the statement said, reinforcing the idea that leadership is determined by the electorate. Concerns Over Electoral Integrity Additionally, the lobbying group raised concerns about the role of Nigeria’s electoral body and its ability to guarantee free and fair elections. It warned that any weaknesses in the system could undermine public trust and democratic stability. What This Means Going Forward With a reported $1.2 million contract signed in March 2026, the firm is expected to continue engaging US policymakers, including Congress and the National Security Council, as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections. This development signals increasing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s political climate—particularly around security challenges and electoral transparency.

Nigeria’s agricultural sector continues to face serious setbacks as insecurity keeps many farmers away from their farmlands. In response, the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to take decisive action by establishing a national committee focused on preventing farmer–herder conflicts. Speaking at Vanguard’s Economic Discourse in Lagos, AFAN President Mohammed Magaji highlighted how rising insecurity—especially in the North-West and North-East—has significantly reduced farming activities and food production across the country. Insecurity Threatens Food Production According to Magaji, many farmers are simply unable to access their land due to safety concerns. In some areas, particularly Kaduna State, farmers who once produced large quantities of crops, such as maize, have been forced to abandon their farms entirely. He emphasized that the issue goes beyond farmer–herder clashes. Widespread banditry and insurgency, including attacks linked to Boko Haram, have made farming nearly impossible in several regions. In states like Borno State, where farmers previously cultivated crops across multiple seasons, up to 80% of local government areas are now considered unsafe for farming. Why a Prevention Committee Matters AFAN is proposing a shift in strategy—from reacting to conflicts after they happen to preventing them before they escalate. The suggested national committee would include security experts, intellectuals, and key stakeholders tasked with developing proactive solutions. Magaji pointed to Gombe State as a success story, where adopting a conflict prevention approach has significantly reduced clashes between farmers and herders. The Way Forward The call is clear: without improved security, Nigeria’s agricultural productivity will continue to decline. AFAN believes that with stronger government intervention—particularly in tackling banditry and insurgency—farmers can safely return to their land and boost food production nationwide. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are now on the Federal Government to act swiftly and implement long-term solutions that will restore confidence in Nigeria’s farming communities.

Businessman Churchill has responded to the divorce filing by his estranged wife Rose Muerer saying how can she file to divorce him in court when all they did was an introduction which he says is not a legally recognized marriage. Remember LIB broke the story last week that Rosy Muerer had filed to divorce Churchill after 5 years of marriage and two children following his very public reconciliation with his former wife, Tonto Dikeh. In a statement released on social media this morning, Churchill said that there is no basis for Rosy to file for a divorce in the courts as what they had was a wedding introduction and not a church wedding or a court wedding. He also stated that he was neither served a legal document for notice on the hearing for the dissolution of their ‘’marriage’ filed by Rosy. He said people who are not well knowledgable about the law and media are wrongly advising Rosy. He dismissed the notion that Rosy stood by him while his ex-wife, actress, Tonto Dikeh, dragged him online while he fought for the custody of their son, King Andre. He said anyone else could have stood by him if Rosy wasn’t in his life. He said he and Tonto wronged each other in the past and have chosen to forgive themselves.

The Delta State Police Command has arrested an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Usman Nuhu, over the fatal shooting of a 28-year-old suspect, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State. The incident, which reportedly occurred on Sunday, triggered widespread outrage after a video surfaced online showing the suspect restrained before he was shot. Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bright Edafe, said the officer has been taken into custody and moved to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for further disciplinary action. Force spokesperson Anthony Placid also revealed that the deceased was initially apprehended at the Benin Motor Park along the Warri–Sapele Expressway. He was allegedly attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition when he was intercepted by members of a transport union. According to Placid, police operatives responded to the situation and were in the process of taking the suspect into custody when ASP Nuhu reportedly discharged his firearm, violating established police procedures and resulting in the suspect’s death. Following the incident, the Inspector-General of Police ordered the immediate transfer of Nuhu and his team to Abuja, where they are expected to face the Force Disciplinary Committee for further action, including possible prosecution. The police authorities extended condolences to the victim’s family and assured the public that justice would be pursued in line with the law. They also reiterated their zero-tolerance policy on extrajudicial actions and abuse of power, urging citizens to remain calm as investigations and disciplinary processes continue.

In a statement released by Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the incident began around 1:20 p.m. after authorities received a distress call about an impending clash. Patrol teams were immediately dispatched and encountered the groups already engaged in violence. During the confrontation, the suspects reportedly vandalised an ambulance and tried to spread the unrest to nearby areas. The situation escalated when they turned on police officers, attacking them with stones and other dangerous weapons. Officers, however, successfully repelled the assault. The suspects later moved toward Farm Centre Market, allegedly attempting to break into shops and loot goods. Reinforcement teams quickly intervened, dispersing the group and preventing further damage. Six suspects were arrested in the process. Normalcy has since been restored, according to police. Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, praised the officers for their swift and professional response, noting that their actions helped avert a breakdown of law and order and prevented potential loss of property. He also issued a warning against thuggery, urging parents and guardians to caution their children, stressing that anyone involved in such acts will face arrest and prosecution. Police say investigations are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects and identify those responsible for orchestrating the clash.

The tragic death of two-year-old Winnie Akakue at Wisdom Gate International School, Eligbolo, Rivers State, has sparked widespread outrage, with her family demanding justice and transparency. Winnie reportedly died on March 17, 2026, under circumstances the family describes as suspicious. According to her father, Dr. Iasuaka Akakue, the school claimed she was asleep in class when a bookshelf allegedly collapsed on her. A preliminary autopsy briefing indicated she suffered a fractured skull. However, the family has raised serious concerns about how the incident was handled. Dr. Akakue said they were informed only after the school had already taken the child to two medical facilities, with doctors at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital confirming she was brought in dead. He also alleged that the scene of the incident was tampered with before any independent assessment could be carried out, claiming the bookshelf was moved and the area cleaned. The family further accused certain individuals of pressuring them into a quick burial and an out-of-court settlement. Dr. Akakue expressed dissatisfaction with the police investigation, alleging bias and a lack of thoroughness. He also disputed claims that the family failed to request the autopsy report, stating they were assured they would be contacted once it was ready. “We just want justice for our daughter and to know exactly what happened,” he said, adding that the family is preparing to take legal action. Winnie’s mother, Mrs. Chinyere Akakue, recounted receiving conflicting information from the school. She said she was initially told her daughter was alive, only to arrive and find her lifeless. “It’s been weeks without my child. We’re still in shock,” she said, describing the emotional toll on the family and Winnie’s siblings. Following the incident, a legal practitioner, Chetam Nwala, called for the school to be shut down pending a full investigation, stressing the need for accountability. In response, the Rivers State Government ordered the immediate closure of the school and launched an independent review. The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to enforcing strict safety standards. The school management, while expressing deep sorrow, maintained that it acted promptly and has been cooperating with authorities. It also stated that internal reviews are ongoing to strengthen safety measures. Despite the closure, the school’s proprietress and some parents have appealed to the government to reconsider, citing the disruption to pupils’ education and the strain on families. However, authorities insist the school will remain closed until investigations are concluded.

The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, may suffer further delays following uncertainty over the availability of a key prosecution witness. Sources familiar with the case disclosed that the prosecution is expected to inform the Federal Capital Territory High Court that Jim Obazee may be unable to appear in court as scheduled. Obazee, a special investigator appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is expected to testify in the case involving an alleged $6.23 million discrepancy linked to the Central Bank’s Abuja branch. If his absence is confirmed, the prosecution may seek another adjournment. At the previous hearing on March 17, the trial judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, expressed concern over the repeated delays in the case. He directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure the appearance of its principal witness at the next sitting, warning of possible consequences for further setbacks. Legal observers note that the court has already granted several adjournments beyond what is typically expected, raising concerns about the pace of the proceedings. A judicial source also revealed that the prosecution had earlier considered presenting a police officer as a witness but later dropped the plan, reportedly due to concerns over the credibility and strength of such evidence in a high-profile case. Meanwhile, EFCC officials are said to be in contact with Obazee, who remains willing to testify once properly notified through legal channels. However, it remains unclear whether the prosecution will comply with the court’s directive at the next hearing or request yet another postponement.

A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has restrained the directors of Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (ShopRite) from selling the company’s shares or assets pending the satisfaction of a judgment debt. The presiding judge, Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, also directed the directors—including Jide Ogundare—to disclose all movable and immovable assets belonging to the company. The order followed an ex-parte application filed on November 21, 2025, in furtherance of a consent judgment delivered on July 22, 2025. Counsel to the judgment creditor, Tobenna Nnamani, moved the application, urging the court to grant garnishee orders nisi to attach funds belonging to the judgment debtor across various banks. In addition, the creditor requested details of key assets, including the company’s distribution centre in Ajao, Lagos, as well as its trademarks. The court subsequently adjourned the matter to May 7, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings, as efforts to enforce the judgment debt continue.