The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported a slight decline in Nigeria’s headline inflation rate, which eased to 23.71 percent in April 2025 from 24.23 percent recorded in March.

The Bureau released the latest figures in its Consumer Price Index (CPI) update on Thursday.

According to the agency, the movement for April 2025 “headline inflation rate showed a decrease of 0.52% compared to the March 2025 Headline inflation rate”.

“On a month-on-month basis, the Headline inflation rate in April 2025 was 1.86%, which was 2.04% lower than the rate recorded in March 2025 (3.90%),” NBS said.

“This means that in April 2025, the rate of increase in the average price level is lower than the rate of increase in the average price level in March 2025.”

The Anambra State Government has banned the distribution of food items and other gifts to street beggars in public spaces, particularly under the Aroma Bridge in Awka, the state capital, and other locations.

The state government also banned all forms of public begging, loitering, and street trading beneath the bridges in Awka, insisting that the move became necessary to uphold the dignity and order of the capital city, which is the face of the state.

A statement released by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Anambra State Capital Territory Development Authority, Ossy Onuko, on Thursday, stated that the directive is part of the state government’s efforts to sanitise the capital city and maintain public order.

Onuko said anyone found violating this new directive will be arrested and prosecuted.

He, however, cautioned content creators, philanthropists, and charity groups against distributing food, cash, or any form of alms to street children and beggars in public spaces, particularly.

While acknowledging that some of the “charitable acts” were for good intentions, he expressed concerns that they are inadvertently contributing to the continued loitering and congregation of destitute individuals in dangerous locations.

He said, “The government has closely observed the activities of some content creators, philanthropists, and charity groups who encourage and sustain the indiscriminate roaming of children under the Aroma Bridge by consistently giving out food, drinks, and cash gifts to these kids.

“Although their intentions may be noble, they ultimately contribute to the degradation of the capital city and put the lives of these children at risk. These children are exposed to potential harm, such as being knocked down by vehicles, abused by unruly adults, or even recruited into criminal activities.

“Such actions are illegal and we hereby warn that any individual or group found engaging in them will be seen as promoting civil disorder and will face legal action.”

He also advised that all charitable activities be conducted through accredited institutions, such as orphanages, care homes, and registered non-governmental organisations, where support can be provided in a more structured and secure manner.

Onuko further urged the general public to work with the state government to uphold the dignity and order of the capital city, which represents the face of Anambra State.

“Charitable acts should be channeled through accredited organisations such as orphanages, care homes, and registered NGOs, where support can be professionally administered to those in need.

“Alternatively, donations can be made to private homes and spaces that do not create public nuisances,” he added.

The Police on Thursday re-arraigned controversial social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, before a Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly cyberbullying Nollywood actresses, Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.

The social activist is also accused of cyberbullying Nigerian producer and singer Samuel Oguachuba, popularly called Samklef, among others.

VDM was re-arraigned before Justice Musa Liman on a five-count charge to which he pleaded not guilty.

Recall that VDM was first arraigned on May 22, 2024, before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon for the same offences, which are contrary to and punishable under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

He was remanded in custody but later granted bail of ₦10 million on June 10, 2024. The bail conditions required two sureties who must either be employees of a reputable company or Level 17 officers in the federal civil service with evidence of three years’ tax clearance.

The charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024, dated and filed on March 28, 2024, were re-assigned to Justice Liman following Justice Olajuwon’s transfer to another division of the Federal High Court.

In the first count, VDM is alleged to have, on or about October 13, 2023, intentionally published a video on his Instagram handle (@verydarkblackman) containing threatening and bullying remarks aimed at Samuel Oguachuba.

The second count accuses him of intentionally posting videos on or about October 29, 2023, via his Instagram handle, which contained grossly offensive, indecent, obscene, or menacing information against Iyabo Ojo.

In the video, VDM allegedly claimed that “one Iyabo Ojo is having an indecent sexual relationship with her daughter.”

In the third count, VDM is accused of knowingly publishing a false claim on January 19, 2024, that “King Tonto Dikeh is involved in the criminal conversion of the proceeds from the crowdfunding for the Justice for Mobbad Movement and is the person behind the Gistlover blog.”

The fourth count alleges that on March 19, 2024, the defendant intentionally posted videos on his Instagram handle containing insulting and annoying remarks about the Deputy Inspectors General of Police and lawmakers in the National Assembly.

After his re-arraignment before Justice Liman, VDM’s counsel, Deji Adeyanju, requested that his client be allowed to remain on the bail conditions previously granted by Justice Olajuwon.

Police counsel Victor Okoye did not oppose the request.

Justice Liman upheld the earlier bail terms and adjourned the matter until July 24, 2025, for trial.