
News
Senator Natasha granted N50m bail as court rejects FG’s request to remand her in prison
Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has been granted bail in the sum of ₦50 million by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama.
The court rejected the prosecution’s plea to keep her in prison pending the resumption of the case in September.
Justice Chizoba Orji, who delivered the ruling on Thursday, dismissed the Federal Government’s application to remand Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in prison custody, stating that there was no compelling reason to deny her bail.
The judge held that the defendant had shown a willingness to face her trial and thus deserved to remain free pending its conclusion.
As part of the bail conditions, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is to provide one surety — a person of integrity who owns a verifiable landed property within Abuja.

The court based its ruling on the constitutional right to presumption of innocence, as enshrined in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Sections 163 and 165 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
The case has been adjourned until September 23, 2025, for trial.
Natasha’s lawyer, Professor Roland Otaru had sought and got permission to move bail application for the defendant on the ground that it was matured for hearing having been served on the prosecution and having joined issues with each other.
In moving the bail application, the Professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria urged the Judge to exercise her discretion in favor of Natasha.
He argued that the suspended senator was not a flight risk and would not interfere with police investigation and witnesses.
Besides, he submitted that the Constitution of the country presumes her innocent while the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 emphasizes bail in such a minor offence.
On his part, the federal government lawyer made spirited efforts to get the bail application refused, adding that it took great efforts and encountered difficulties before the defendant could be served with the charge.
However, in her brief ruling, Justice Chisoba Oji noted that the alleged offence was not a capital one and that the law presumes her innocent for now.
The embattled senator is being prosecuted for allegedly making false and defamatory claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. According to the charge (marked: CR/297/25), the alleged statements were made during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on April 3, 2025.
In the charge sheet, the government accused her of knowingly making damaging imputations that could harm the reputations of both Akpabio and Bello — an act allegedly in violation of Section 391 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 392.
Among the prosecution’s witnesses are Senate President Akpabio and ex-Governor Bello, named as nominal complainants. Other witnesses include police investigators Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and one Sandra Duru.
The charges follow a controversial letter Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), accusing the police of bias in handling her petitions against the Senate President.
It will be recalled that the senator was suspended for six months by the Senate after a heated exchange with Senate President Akpabio during plenary on February 20.
She had protested a change in her seating arrangement and insisted on raising a point of order, despite being overruled.
In a subsequent interview on February 28, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that her troubles in the Senate escalated after she rejected alleged inappropriate advances from Akpabio.
She has since approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the legality of her suspension. The court is expected to rule on the matter on June 27. In her ex-parte application, she asked the court to declare any disciplinary action taken against her while the suit is pending — including her suspension — as “null, void, and of no effect.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan continues to maintain her innocence, vowing to defend herself in court while also pursuing justice against what she describes as political persecution and her escape from prison could be seen as a first step in her quest for personal justification.
Business
AFRAA welcomes Enugu Air, strengthens Nigeria’s Domestic Aviation growth
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has admitted Enugu Air as Member, extending the Association’s membership base in Nigeria’s fast-growing domestic aviation market and reaffirming AFRAA’s commitment to supporting the continued development of African carriers across the continent.
This was announced by AFRAA in Nairobi on Wednesday, making Enugu Air the 50th Member of the association, joining the AFRAA airline fraternity, collectively representing more than 85 per cent of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
Speaking on the occasion, AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, said, “We are delighted to welcome Enugu Air into the AFRAA fraternity.

“As a state-backed carrier serving Nigeria’s rapidly expanding domestic market, Enugu Air represents the kind of homegrown investment that is vital to building resilient air connectivity across our continent.

“We look forward to supporting the airline through the IOSA certification process and to its continued growth within the AFRAA membership, as we work together to advance the cause of unified African skies.”
Reacting to the development, the CEO of Enugu, Capt Tolu Ita, described the admission into AFRAA as a major milestone in the airline’s short history.
“We are honoured to join the AFRAA fraternity. This membership underscores Enugu Air’s commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable air travel for Nigerians while contributing to the vision of a unified African aviation market.
“We look forward to collaborating with fellow AFRAA members and leveraging the association’s support as we grow our network and pursue IOSA certification,” Tolu stated.
Founded on July 7, 2025, Enugu Air commenced commercial operations with a fleet of Embraer E170/E190/E195 aircraft.
The airline, which has its headquarters in Enugu and operates from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, currently serves nine domestic destinations including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin City.
As part of the airline’s growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
As part of its growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
The admission of Enugu Air aligns with AFRAA’s strategic priorities and strengthens the voice of the association. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its fastest-growing economies, remains central to the realization of a truly integrated African aviation market.
Meanwhile, founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry.
The association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable air transport industry in Africa, where African airlines become key players and drivers of African economic development.
AFRAA membership cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators.
The association’s members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
News
Aiyedatiwa appoints 1,004 aides, picks commissioner, three advisers
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved a fresh round of appointments involving a commissioner, three Special Advisers and 1,000 other aides.
The appointments comprise 90 Senior Special Assistants and 910 Special Assistants, with the governor saying the move is intended to reinforce his administration and improve its reach across the state.
Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba, from Akoko North-West Local Government Area, has been nominated as Commissioner for Special Duties. Her nomination has been transmitted to the state House of Assembly for consideration and confirmation.
The governor also appointed Hon. Abimbola Fajolu as Special Adviser on Environment, Chief Ade Adeniyi as Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development, and Mr Muyiwa Ogunyemi as Special Adviser on Transport.
Among those named as Senior Special Assistants are Erelu Toyin Ogungbure, Women Mobilisation (South); Bidemi Obayangbon, Forestry; Gboluge Olufunmi Alex, Community Engagement (South); Hon. Akin Adeniyi, Community Engagement (Central); and Obayan Theophilus Ayodeji, Community Engagement (North).

Others include Kelvin Solomon, Students Affairs; Adeolu Iwakun, Volunteer Services; Samson Job Bazuaye, Oil and Gas; Fade Ojamomi, Youth Empowerment and Job Creation; Sam Adepoju, Public Engagement; and Alhaji Samad Orijeminiyi, Scholarship.
Also appointed are Victor Omodara, Grassroots Mobilisation; Abayomi Adefolalu, Photography; and Alhaji Abdukadiri Adenoyi, Prince Nzuoma Egbulefu and Alhaji Garba Goni, all for Non-Indigenes.
News
40 feared dead as boat capsizes in Sokoto
About 40 people are suspected to have lost their lives after a boat carrying farmers to their rice farms capsized in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident occurred while the victims were crossing a stream to access their farms.
An eyewitness said more than 70 people were on the boat when it capsized shortly after taking off.
The village head was among those on board but he was reportedly rescued.
“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued,” a local journalist who was at the scene, Sharhabilu Yahuza Kiliya, told our reporter.

According to him, the victims comprised farm owners and labourers who had been engaged to harvest rice.
“The canoe capsized shortly after take-off. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies,” he said. (Daily Trust)
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