KICNEWS

Author: Chukwu Ikenna

  • CBN sends strong warning to banks

    CBN sends strong warning to banks

    Banks across the country have been directed to ensure they have enough cash for customers’ withdrawals from their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

    The directive was issued to the banks by the Central Bank of Nigeria on Thursday, February 13, 2025, in a ‘Question and Answer’ explainer released in its recent review of ATM withdrawal fees.

    The apex bank also warned the banks against pegging ATM withdrawals below N20,000 per transaction, especially when the customer have enough funds and asking for higher amounts.

    CBN said, “Any bank that compels a customer with sufficient funds in their account to withdraw less than N20,000 per transaction, against their desire for a higher sum, would be contravening this regulation and will be sanctioned appropriately.

    Customers have also been advised to file complaints against any bank that flouts the CBN’s directive on ATM withdrawals.

    “Consumers denied the right to withdraw up to N20,000 per transaction are encouraged to file a complaint with the CBN using cpd@cbn.gov.ng.”

    “The charges and surcharges are capped, meaning banks and other financial institutions cannot charge more than the fees stated in the circular. However, a bank can charge a lower amount depending on its cost structure and business development drive,” it said.

    The apex bank also advised card users to withdraw funds from their own bank’s ATM’s to avoid incurring additional fees and seek other methods of payments like mobile bank apps, digital payments, POS terminals among others.

     

  • Nigerian Man Arrested For Multi-million Dollar Fraud Scheme In South Africa

    Nigerian Man Arrested For Multi-million Dollar Fraud Scheme In South Africa

     

     

    South African authorities have arrested a Nigerian national accused of orchestrating a
    sophisticated fraud scheme that swindled
    millions from victims worldwide.

    Nwachimere Collins Ofoegbu, 55, was arrested in Sandton on February 10, 2025, following an extensive investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Unit.

    Ofoegbu appeared in the Randburg Magistrates Court on February 11 and will face charges including fraud, theft, and violations of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

    His case has been transferred to Wynberg
    Magistrates Court for a formal bail application on February 18.

    According to investigators, Ofoegbu allegedly
    masterminded an elaborate scheme thaty targeted high-net-worth individuals through the impersonation of banking executives and government officials.

    The investigation began after a wealthy
    businessman reported losing over R20 million
    (approximately $1 million USD) in a complex
    investment fraud.

    “This arrest represents a significant victory in our ongoing battle against sophisticated financial crimes,” said Brigadier Wendy Mashwabane, Acting Provincial Head of the Gauteng Hawks.

    “The level of complexity in this operation shows we’re dealing with highly organized criminal networks operating across multiple continents.”

    The scheme’s sophistication was evident in its
    execution, with fraudsters arranging meetings
    across three continents – South Africa, the
    United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

    Victims were lured with promises of exceptional returns through South African financial markets, with the perpetrators posing as senior banking officials to establish credibility.

    During the arrest, authorities visited two luxury properties belonging to Ofoegbu in the
    prestigious Waterfall Estate and Waterfall Village developments. These properties are believed to have been purchased with proceeds from criminal activities. Investigators have already traced R1.2 million in fraudulent transactions directly to the accused.

    The investigation revealed a complex web of
    international bank accounts used to launder the stolen funds, including accounts at First National Bank, Bank of China, and various London financial institutions. A second suspect
    implicated in the scheme remains at large, with authorities actively pursuing leads.

    The Hawks have urged the public to exercise
    extreme caution in financial transactions,
    particularly when dealing with unsolicited
    investment opportunities promising unusually
    high returns.

    “This case sends a clear message: South Africa
    will not be a haven for financial criminals. We
    have the capability and determination to track
    down and prosecute those who prey on
    unsuspecting victims, regardless of how
    sophisticated their schemes may be.” they said.

  • “How I Was Expelled from University in 1992” – Nigerian Lawmaker

    “How I Was Expelled from University in 1992” – Nigerian Lawmaker

     

    Honourable Bamidele Salam, representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo in the House of Representatives, has revealed that he was expelled from university in 1992 due to alleged gross misconduct and insubordination to constituted authority.

    Bamidele made this known while reacting to the expulsion of a 300-level female student from Nnamdi Azikwe University for assaulting a lecturer over a TikTok video.

    The lawmaker condemned the student’s actions and appealed to the school management to reduce her punishment if she shows remorse and a willingness to change.

    According to him, “She certainly deserves to be punished but for some reasons, I don’t like Expulsion as a punishment for any student.

    “I and four other students Union leaders were expelled from a University in 1992. I was in my final year. Our Offenses were “gross misconduct and insubordination to constituted Authority”. Those were terms generally used to describe students activism against the then military rule and it’s repression of civil rights.

    “But for God’s mercies, it could have been the end of schooling and meaningful life.

    “So, I will plead on behalf of this silly girl, whom i presume to be a first offender, that if she shows some remorse and willing to change, that Expulsion should be commuted to a lesser punishment so that we don’t throw her to the wilderness of life.”

  • Osun 2026: God has Ordained You for Second Term, Primate Ayodele Tells Adeleke

     

    The spiritual head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, Primate Elijah Ayodele has again declared that Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke will win the year 2026 governorship election.

    Primate Ayodele confirmed this in an empowerment programme organised by the Church in Lagos.

    At the programme, which has in attendance, Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo represented by his Chief of Staff; Senator Abiodun Olujimi from Ekiti State among others, the prophet noted that according to the revelation shown to him by God, Governor Adeleke has been ordained to rule the state once again, no matter how the contest may be.

    He recalled that he met Governor Adeleke in the year 2017 and said to him that he would win the 2018 governorship election, but will never get to the seat, which according to him eventually came to pass.

    “Your Excellency, let me remind you. In 2018, you were in the Senate. I came to your house, a white-story building located along the road. I told you that you will win but they will rob you of victory.

    “You stood up, screamed and later danced to give thanks to God. When the election was rigged, I gave thanks to God for the grace he gave me to deliver His message to you”.

    He told the congregation that the humility of Senator Adeleke was so uncommon that he was accompanied to his car by the Governor.

    Primate Ayodele said he is a friend of the former Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola but their friendship ended when he told him that God did not promise him a return to office in 2022 but the latter turned a deaf ear.

    “Oyetola was my friend. I told him he would lose the election but he was not ready to listen to the voice of God and that was what led to separation between us,” he explained.

    “If All Progressive Congress (APC) should field Oyetola come 2026, he will still lose. Anybody the APC fields for the race, Adeleke will beat him. It is divine”, the primate affirmed.

    “People have been calling me a controversial prophet, but I don’t care because God himself is also controversial.

    “I am now giving you God’s words that you, Governor Adeleke will win the 2026 governorship election, no matter how it may be.

    “I want to tell you that if Oyetola should contest again, it’s going to be a red card for him”, he enunciated.

    Primate Ayodele therefore urged Governor Adeleke not to consider moving out of the ruling Peoples Democratic party, PDP, saying the party has been anointed by God to remain in power in Osun State.

    He assured the Governor who he described as the happiest Governor on the continent of Africa to be rest assured that God will not forsake him but shame his enemies.

    “Asiwaju Sir, please keep doing the best that you’re doing for the people of Osun State. There is no magic wand that can save APC. Even if Tinubu came to Osun to campaign for APC and Oyetola, you will win,” he declared.

    Governor Adeleke later laid the foundation for the low cost housing project the church is embarking on in addition to the presentation of empowerment items to beneficiaries.

     

  • Russia to play friendly match against Nigeria’s Super Eagles despite FIFA ban

    Russia to play friendly match against Nigeria’s Super Eagles despite FIFA ban

    The Russian Football Union (RFU) has announced that the country’s men’s national team will play an international friendly against Nigeria’s Super Eagles on June 6.

    The RFU confirmed the fixture in a statement on its official website on Thursday, February 13, stating that the match will take place in Russia, though the exact time and venue are yet to be determined.

    Russia is also set to play two other friendly matches, facing Zambia in March before taking on Belarus on June 10. The RFU said it had reached agreements with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the two other national football bodies to arrange the matches.

    Since 2022, Russia has been banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions due to its invasion of Ukraine, a decision that suspended all Russian national teams and clubs from international tournaments. However, in 2023, FIFA eased restrictions to allow Russian U-17 teams to compete under the neutral banner of the “Football Union of Russia,” without the country’s flag, anthem, or official kit.

    Despite the ban, Russia’s senior national team has continued to play friendly matches against non-western countries. The NFF has yet to issue an official statement on the fixture, and if the match goes ahead, it will mark the first-ever meeting between Nigeria and Russia at the senior level of international football.

     

     

  • BREAKING: UNIZIK expels female student for biting lecturer over TikTok video

    BREAKING: UNIZIK expels female student for biting lecturer over TikTok video

    The management of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, NAU, has expelled Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious from the institution.

    This was announced on Friday in a statement by the Acting Registrar, Victor Modebelu.

    Modebelu said the Acting Vice-Chancellor had received the report from the Student Disciplinary Committee on the student’s assault on a lecturer from the Department of Theater and Film Studies.

    According to the statement, Chimamaka was found to be guilty of gross misconduct and violation of the Students Disciplinary Regulations, particularly Regulation 4.

    “The Ag. Vice-Chancellor, consequently, on behalf of the University Senate, approved the Committee’s recommendation that you be expelled and you are hereby expelled from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka,” the statement added.

  • Only First-Class Graduates Should Guard Nigeria – DSS DG

    Only First-Class Graduates Should Guard Nigeria – DSS DG

     

    Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), has called for a policy mandating the recruitment of only first-class graduates into the intelligence agency.

    He believes this move will enhance Nigeria’s security operations by leveraging top intellectual talent.

    Speaking at the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture at the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Ajayi—represented by Deputy Director Patrick Ikenweiwe—emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in security recruitment. He argued that intelligence work requires exceptional intellect to counter sophisticated criminal networks, drawing comparisons with Israel’s selective university system.

    “In Israel, scoring above 70 in a national exam guarantees university admission. Why can’t we adopt a similar model for security recruitment?” he questioned.

    Ajayi dismissed the idea that security agencies should recruit all graduates, insisting that only the best minds should be enlisted to ensure a more effective intelligence force.

    “How can a ‘dundee’ (d¥llard) secure a country where criminal gangs are made up of first-class minds? It takes intellect to track criminality,” he asserted.

    Beyond recruitment, Ajayi called for a shift in public perception of security agencies, lamenting that many Nigerians see them as adversaries rather than allies—an attitude he warned hinders intelligence gathering and peacekeeping efforts.

    Ikenweiwe further highlighted Nigeria’s evolving security landscape, noting that threats now extend beyond espionage and sabotage to include terrorism, insurgency, cybercrime, and economic sabotage.

    Referencing the NSA Act CAP N74 LFN, 2024, and SSS Instrument No. 1 of 1999, he reiterated that the DSS is empowered to prevent crimes against national security and provide timely intelligence to the government. He also noted the agency’s role in training security personnel from both local and foreign institutions.

    The DSS, he affirmed, remains committed to strengthening national security through strategic collaborations and stakeholder engagement.

  • Minister of interior slams Canada for denying CDS visa

    Minister of interior slams Canada for denying CDS visa

     

    Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has condemned the Canadian Embassy’s refusal to grant a visa to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa.

    The controversy arose when Gen Musa revealed that both he and several senior military officers were denied visas to attend a Canadian event honouring war veterans. While some members of the delegation received their visas, others were left stranded after their applications were rejected.

    Expressing his disappointment, Musa described the incident as a “wake-up call” for Nigeria to fortify its sovereignty and resist being undermined by foreign nations.

    Tunji-Ojo, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, condemned the Canadian Embassy’s actions as disrespectful to Nigeria.

    “Without knowing the full facts, I think even for us it is a policy, the issue of reciprocity as I always say, has to be given due consideration. As much as we are not ready to dabble into the sovereignty of other nations, the issue of visas, issue of migration management is a sovereign issue.

    “As much as we don’t want to dabble into that, it is not a disrespect to the Chief of Defence Staff, to me, without knowing the facts, it is disrespectful to the country, and it is disrespectful to us as a people. If that can happen to the chief of defence staff, then I am worried for an average Nigerian.”

    Tunji-Ojo struggled to find any justification for Canada’s actions, adding that even if questions were raised, diplomatic channels should have been used. He expressed confidence that Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs would take the necessary steps to address the issue and ensure that mutual respect is maintained between the two countries.

  • Nedu steps down as host of ‘The Honest Bunch Podcast’

    Nedu steps down as host of ‘The Honest Bunch Podcast’

    Chinedu Ani, a popular media figure widely known as Nedu, has announced stepping down as a host of The Honest Bunch Podcast.

    This decision follows a fallout with VeryDarkMan, who publicly accused Nedu of being a “kiss and tell” figure on social media.

    In a statement on Instagram on Friday, November 14, Nedu shared that the past week had been particularly challenging, marked by baseless allegations and ongoing attacks that had taken a personal toll on him.

    The statement reads: “The past week has brought a lot into perspective for me. Hosting The Honest Bunch Podcast has been an incredible journey—one built on open conversations, bold perspectives, and the willingness to tackle difficult topics.

    “But with that responsibility has come an overwhelming level of scrutiny, antagonism, and unfounded accusations that have now begun to take a personal toll.

    “In light of recent events, I have made the difficult decision to step away from the podcast. This is not a decision I take lightly, but one I believe is necessary—for my peace of mind, for my family, and for the integrity of the show itself.

    “I have always been committed to honest conversations, but when those conversations lead to relentless attacks and misrepresentation, it becomes clear that stepping back is the best path forward.

    “I sincerely hope this decision brings an end to the negativity surrounding my name and allows The Honest Bunch Podcast to continue thriving. I remain committed to fostering dialogue in ways that encourage meaningful engagement and growth, and I look forward to new opportunities that align with that vision.
    “I wish the show continued success and thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.”

     

  • JUST IN: Comedian Bovi loses father

    JUST IN: Comedian Bovi loses father

     

    Nigerian stand-up comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma popularly known by his stage-name, Bovi, has announced the death of his father, Edward Sagini Ugboma.

    Bovi made the announcement via a statement his Instagram page on February 13, 2025.

    The statement reads: “We, the Ugboma family, wish to announce the peaceful passing of our father, grandfather and uncle, Dr. Edward Sagini Ugboma (PhD) on this day, the 13th of February 2025.

    “He is survived by his children; Judy, Edna, Bovi, Zino, Tano, Tome and Jiji, many grand children and loving relatives.

    “We are grateful for all the calls and messages in this period of mourning and gratitude. Funeral rites will be announced soon.”