First Bank

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Mounting Trouble For Billionaire Aliyu Abubakar In Nigeria & Europe As He Faces Multiple Investigations

He may be the owner of Abuja’s most luxurious building and a friend to several Nigerian government officials, past and present, but the noose is tightening on Aliyu Abubakar in Nigeria and in Europe.

About a week after Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, EFCC, filed money laundering charges against him for his role in the Malabu $1.1 billion scandal, evidence has emerged that Italian authorities also want him for “international corruption” for his role in the matter.

Prosecutors in Milan, Italy, have therefore written to Nigeria’s Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, seeking the presence of Mr. Abubakar in criminal proceedings relating to

Friday, December 30, 2016

Globacom Tops Shots Adewale Sangowawa, Tony Ighalo, Donnie In Big Trouble, Drag Mike Adeguga’s Telecommunication Company Along

Three top staff of one of Nigeria’s telecommunications company, Globacom, are in trouble in India

The reasons for their trouble are multifaceted

The staff are: Adewale Sangowawa, the Executive Director, Human Resources; Tony Ighalo; and another simply identified as Mr. Donnie.

According to a letter obtained  from the Office of the Joint Secretary and Protector General of Emigrants, Ministry of External Affairs of India, the Globacom staff were accused among others of engaging in illegal recruitment in the country and failure to pay ex-staff of the company who are Indian nationals.

According to the letter dated

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Dangote Truck Crushes 2nd Republic Senator, Mukhtar Abdulkarim To Death

A truck belonging to Dangote Group Plc, on Friday, crushed Mr. Mukhtar Abdulkarim, a Second Republic Senator, to death. Mr. Abdulkarim, along with his brother and driver, was traveling between Kano and Zamfara states on Friday when the truck rammed into his car,

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Akwa Ibom Commissioner For Works, Ephraim Inyang Razed By Fire On Christmas Day

The house of the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Works, Ephraim Inyang was on Sunday gutted by fire.
Although no life was lost to the fire incident, The Nation learnt that property worth millions of Naira were destroyed in the building.
The house is located at L Line, close to De Silva Hotel in Uyo, the state capital.
The fire incident which occurred around 7pm on Christmas day destroyed a particular

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Out Of U.K Prison Ex Gov, James Ibori To Deported To Nigeria In January

Although James Ibori, former governor of Delta state, has been released from prison in the UK, he is not likely to return to the country until January.


He was released on Tuesday, having agreed to be deported after serving half of his 13-year prison sentence.
But Amber Rudd, the home secretary, does not intend to deport Ibori to Nigeria until he hands over £18 million of “proceeds of crime”, according to reports.
A high court judge said attempts to detain him were “quite extraordinary.”
Ordering Ibori to be immediately freed from prison, May said: “You don’t hold someone just because it is convenient to do so and without plans to deport them.”

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Comedian Maleke Narrowly Escape Being lynched By Thugs Over Expensive Jokes On Gov Ifeanyi Okowa

Nigerian comedian and musical artiste Moye Idowu, aka Maleke, on Wednesday narrowly escaped being lynched by thugs said to be working under the instructions of the governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa.
Narrating the incident to SaharaReporters, a police officer who witnessed the show said that Maleke, who was hired to entertain the audience at the 2016 Ika Carnival in Agbor, headquarters of Ika South local government area of the state, made jokes on stage about the governor.

Court Orders Release Of James Ibori From UK Prison

Former Delta State Governor, James Ibori has reportedly been released from prison in the United Kingdom.

How James Ibori’s Planned Christmas Homecoming From London Jail Collapsed

James Onanefe Ibori, the former Delta State governor who became the international symbol of Nigerian corruption when he was tried and jailed in the United Kingdom in 2012, will not be home for Christmas at the weekend, or anytime soon, contrary to rumors. 
A former commissioner in Mr. Ibori's administration, Ighoyota Amori, had created the euphoria among Ibori’s

Skye Bank Initiates Free Mentorship Program For Female Entrepreneurs

Participants in the just-concluded Skye Bank’s mentorship Program for women have commended the bank for its commitment in supporting the entrepreneurship aspirations of women in various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Ms. Bada Omolola, a teacher who participated as a mentee in the recently concluded free session held under the aegis of the bank’s Skye Pearl Initiative described the exercise as a life changing experience.

Another beneficiary Ms. Omolola, who is a cake maker, noted the helpful tips she got from her mentor according to her, “My mentor was receptive, intelligent, humorous and always ready

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

How President Muhammadu Buhari’s Inlaw Yataka Indimi Dared Aso Rock Security, Created Scuffle That Attracted Who Is Who

There is a storm in Yataka Indimi. It bellows like a hurricane stuck in a marigold or suburban azalea. You couldn’t have forgotten so soon how Yataka raised a storm during the traditional introduction ceremony of her brother and Mr. President’s daughter, Zahra.
Yataka insisted on taking her mobile phone into the Presidential Villa in Aso Rock, Abuja, contrary to security protocol. Yataka wanted to record all the proceedings, including the delivery of the boxes made by the French luxury brand, Louis Vuitton, with her mobile phone, despite the fact it was against standard security protocol in the villa.
However, a struggle ensued between Yataka and the security officials who tried to compel her to comply with protocol, only for her to resist. The incident attracted

11 Dead, 5 In Critical Condition As Fully Loaded Commercial Bus Ferrying Wedding Guests Collided With Dangote Trailer

No fewer than 11 people lost their lives, while five others are in a critical condition after a fully-loaded commercial bus collided with a Dangote trailer at the Akintelu end of the Benin-Sagamu Expressway.
The commercial bus, owned by Efex Motors, with number plate, Badagry DG 36 ASJ, was said to be conveying mostly guests of a wedding that held in Benin, the Edo State capital.

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Untold Story Of Gov Elect, Rotimi Akeredolu’s Wife, Betty’s Battle With Deadly Disease

Few women bear the crucible of pain and face down death in a no-holds-barred joust and live to tell their story. 
But Betty Akeredolu did and sheemerged with her life intact. 
Very few people are aware that the in-coing First Lady of Ondo and wife of the state’s governor-elect, Rotimi Akeredolu, once took a trip down death boulevard while

Saturday, December 17, 2016

REDTV Celebrates 1st Year Anniversary!

A year has passed already since REDTV launched unto the scene with aplomb and great promise. It has been a first year of roller coasters but it appears the ride has been nothing but exciting in spite of the ups and downs. REDTV is definitely on the up!


The online lifestyle channel is proudly supported by the United Bank for Africa(UBA) and is a one-stop shop for quality entertainment covering all genres including but not limited to fashion, music, sports, lifestyle and much more.

The #REDTV Rave this past weekend was an opportunity for the network to celebrate it’s one year anniversary and other milestones. Following the day of the private screening of REDTV’s much waited for ‘Here and Now’ series, It was

In The Face Of Heart Aches & Apprehension Over Lost Fortunes In MMM Freeze, Report Unveiled Top Player, Chueddy Ugorji Who Cashed Out Big Time And His Wealth

As apprehension over the fate of millions of participants in the Mavrodi Mondial Moneybox or MMM mounts in Nigeria after accounts were frozen, information emerged that some individuals might have become far richer than anyone can expect.
Some, it was learnt, have been made millionaires by the platform, but in the case of few others like one of MMM’s top men, Chuddy Ugorji, the gain may have run into billions.

Just 12 Gold Coins....That’s All Billionaire Ahmed Indimi’s Son, Ahmed Paid To Marry President Muhammadu Buhari’s Daughter Zahra

President Muhammadu Buhari’s second daughter, Zahra, married an oil magnate, Ahmed Indimi, on Friday.
The wedding, which garnered lots of media attention, took place at the National Mosque in Abuja.
A representative of the Indimi family, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the groom’s family paid 12 gold coins

Excited Skye Bank Customers Relieve Product Experiences

Skye Bank customers have expressed delight at the experience they have enjoyed for being customers of the bank’s priority accounts named Skye Select Account.


Okechukwu Okafor, a Lagos based business man who operates a Skye Select account expressed his appreciation to the bank, saying “I was travelling with some of my friends I didn’t know that being a holder of the priority pass card would give us a privileged advantage”.

Sharing his experience, he explained, “We were full of excitement because for starters, the card gave us access to the lovely lounge at Murtala Mohammad International airport where we were given priority treatment. I also had the opportunity to watch the live football match of my soccer team in comfort”.

Another customer who simply identified herself as Christine also explained, “At Amsterdam, we had an eight hour stopover before our next trip and the card gained us access to two of their executive lounges where we relaxed.”

Thursday, December 15, 2016

‘’Failed Integrity Test’’ & Other Intrigues That Made Senate Reject Acting Boss Ibrahim Magu As Anti Corruption Agency, EFCC Chairman

The Department of State Services has said the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, has failed integrity test, warning that he will hinder President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption war.
The Senate had  on Thursday rejected the nomination of Magu by Buhari  as the Chairman of the EFCC.

How Tobacco Companies Are Targeting Primary, Secondary School Students In Marketing Drive

Tobacco companies are now advertising cigarettes next to sweets and snacks at kiosks in front of primary and secondary schools in Africa, a survey conducted by the African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA) has shown.


World Finance Honours Access Bank as Best Sustainable Bank 2016

Access Bank has won the World Finance Award for the ‘Best Sustainable Bank of the Year 2016’.The award was received by the Bank at the London Stock Exchange in the United Kingdom.


The award focuses on the role of commercial and investment banks in sustainable development examining recent trends in banking and sustainable development, innovative banking practices, and events that have shaped the role of the banking sector in sustainable development.

Billionaires Haruna Mohmoh, Gbenga Komolafe Silently Enjoy Good Fortune Of Association With Ex Petroleum Minister, Diezani Allison Madueke

It is often said that when men grow virtuous before their old age, they only make a sacrifice to God of the devil’s leavings. This witty take according to makers of mischief, somewhat applies to Haruna Momoh and Gbenga Komolafe.

It would be recalled  that Haruna, a former Managing Director (MD) of PPMC was a very close associate of Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former Petroleum Minister. Likewise, Gbenga Komolafe, a major player in the petroleum sector was 

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Obateru Akinrutan’s Obat Petroleum Wants Out Of Court Settlement In N2.1billion Debt Scandal

A firm, Obat Oil and Petroleum Limited, yesterday proposed an out of court settlement with Skye Bank Plc in an alleged N1.4 billion debt owed the bank.
The bank, in a suit before Justice Jude Dagat of the Federal High Court in Lagos, is seeking the enforcement of an arbitral award dated August 7, 2015.
Skye Bank sought to recover a debt of N2,142,462,572.26 owed it by the oil firm.
The loan was guaranteed by Oba Frederick Eniti Akinruntan.

Borrowing Money To Pay Salaries, Sale Of Assets To Offset Rents, All The Troubles Afflicting Heritage Bank

Heritage Bank Plc, SaharaReporters has learnt, is a ghost that its management is desperately trying to give the appearance of a virile financial institution. Sources in the bank told SaharaReporters that the management has been borrowing money to pay salaries since September 2016, after gouging the bank through a variety of abuses that included theft of physical cash and award of contracts at grotesquely inflated sums.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Aviation Minister Hadi Sirikika Goes On ‘’Wild, Uninhibited’’ Fun At The Bahamas

Once one has got the money habit, it is extremely difficult to kick it; some are overwhelmed by the habit and some simply manage to tame the habit. The latter breed is constituted by such moneyed men like Alhaji Hadi Sirika who shot to wealth and acclaim in the wake of his great relationship with Mr President.

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Popular Pastor T.B Joshua In Fresh Mess As 3 Worshippers Die At Synagogue's Yearly Healing & Deliverance Programme

No fewer than three worshippers at the Synagogue Church of all Nations, Ikotun, Lagos State, have been confirmed dead after a stampede on the church’s premises on Saturday.

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Gov Udom Emmanuel Narrowly Escaped As Uyo Church Collapsed 30minutes After Arrival

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom on Saturday escaped unhurt as the Reigners Bible Church International building in Uyo collapsed during a worship session.

Fears Over Insecurity As Rivers Rerun Elections Get Underway

Anxiety has been mounting in Rivers State as political parties jostle to win 37 national and state legislatives seats today.

Meanwhile, an atmosphere of uncertainty has beclouded the elections, particularly in Tai Local Government Area where the Independent National

Thursday, December 8, 2016

$1.6 billion oil scam: Former NNPC boss testifies against Jide Omokore

The trial of the embattled chairman of Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited, Jide Omokore, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, got underway Thursday.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

25 Days of Awesomeness: Cash Prizes, Beats by Dre, DSTV explorers up for grabs in Cashless December:

Pan-African financial services group,United Bank for Africa Plc, UBA, has announced the commencement of its annual end of year campaign, Cashless December. This year’s edition has been themed “25 Days of Awesomeness” and it seeks to reward cashless living. 

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Mounting Tension, Increased Allegations & Counter Allegations As Saturday’s Rivers Rerun Inches Nearer

Disturbed by the mounting tension ahead of Saturday’s rerun election in Rivers State, the Federal Government has warned against the killing of innocent citizens, especially members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have continued to trade accusations over acts capable of causing violence during the exercise.

Ex Minister Musiliu Obanikoro Dressed In Fresh Allegation Of Fraud

SaharaReporters has learnt that former Minister of State for Defense, Musiliu Obanikoro, is entangled in a fresh corruption saga after Nigeria’s anti-corruption investigators said they found out that the ex-minister had received previously undisclosed billions of naira he illicitly received for an election.

Saturday, December 3, 2016

2,000 Applications And Counting Roll In As 3rd Round Of Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme Begins

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) will begin accepting applications for the third round of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme. The Programme is the Foundation’s 10-year, US$100 million commitment to training, mentoring and funding 10,000 African entrepreneurs. 

Powerful Figure Inside Presidency, Abba Kyari Hit By Unknown Illness

President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, has made an emergency trip to London in search of medical treatment after suddenly falling ill on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa. 

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Arrested With Drugs Four Days After Wedding, Groom To Spend Honeymoon In Detention

A commercial tricyclist in Owerri, the Imo State capital, and an Abuja-based trader have been caught by National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officials at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos with 6.390kg of substances that tested positive for heroin.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

NTDC Boss, Sally Mbanefo Booted Out Of Office

The Federal Government Wednesday removed the Director General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo.

The DG has been asked to handover the affairs of NTDC to the next most senior officer.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Ex President Olusegun Obasanjo Duped!

The police in Abeokuta on Tuesday dragged Chief Abiodun Ajayi, the Balogun of Ijemo in Abeokuta South Council Area, to an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court over alleged fraud.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Gov Nasir Elrufai, Senator Shehu Sani’s Raging Fights Worsen

Some officials of the All Progressives Congress, APC, have accused an aide to Governor Nasir El-Rufai of offering a N3 million bribe for them to suspend a senator.

The APC executives of Ward 6, , Kaduna South Local Government Area, said this on Sunday at a press conference.

Friday, November 25, 2016

Tension In Face Of Alleged Murder, Destruction Of Properties As Ondo Elects New Governor

There was palpable tension in Ondo State yesterday as residents prepare to exercise their franchise to elect the next governor of the state. All public institutions and banks were closed while the state government declared public holiday for the students and civil servants to prepare for the election.

Cowed By Pipeline Vandals NNPC Sources Crude Oil Supple From Niger Republic GMD Maikanti Baru Reveals

The Nigeria Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, is exploring the possibilities of piping crude oil from Niger Republic for refining in Kaduna, NNPC Group Managing Director, GMD, Maikanti Baru, said on Friday.

Kicked Out Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni In EFCC Detention Over N1billion Bribe To Former FCT Minister Bala Mohammed To Buy 54 Plots Of Land In Abuja

Agents of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested and detained Tunde Ayeni, a former chairman of Skye Bank, over allegations that he bribed a former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bala Mohammed, to acquire 54 plots of land in Abuja, the Nigerian capital.

EFCC Moves Against Application For Release Of Justice Rita Ofili – Ajumogobia In Detention Since Nov 8

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has urged a Federal High Court in Lagos to refuse an application by the embattled Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia seeking immediate release from the EFCC custody.

Ofili-Ajumogobia has been in EFCC custody since November 8.

UBA CFO, Finance Team Repeat Outstanding Feat, Win Big at CFO Awards

Pan-African financial services group, United Bank for Africa Plc repeated the outstanding feat, it recorded last year at the 2nd edition of Nigeria CFO awards, with a notch higher when its Group Chief Finance Officer (Group CFO) and the Finance Team bagged the treble at the awards night held on November 19, 2016 at Oriental Hotel, Lekki Lagos. The bank won the following awards; CFO of the Year; Financial Innovation Project of the Year and Finance Team of the Year.  


Ugo Nwaghodoh, UBA’s Group Chief Finance Officer was ahead of other nominees in the banking category, to emerge CFO of the year.

Hours To Ondo Governorship Election, Residents Drain Cash From ATMs In State Capital Akure

Scores of residents of Akure were frustrated on Friday following the inability of many automated teller machines to dispense cash as early as 10am.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Sack Justice Abang, Gov Ayo Fayose Tells NJC

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has called on the National Judicial Council to “save the judiciary by sacking Justice Okon Abang.”


Fayose, in his reaction to the Appeal Court judgment, which nullified Abang’s ruling of the
October 14, 2016 and declared it as a fraud, said, “it is obvious that Justice Abang is representing the interests of some cabals.”

Ex Minister Adeseye Ogunlewe Faces Fraud Charges

Three principal officers of the Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB), Abeokuta, including the Pro-Chancellor, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole, will on Friday appear in court on fraud charges.

Jimoh Ibrahim Sacked, Eyitayo Jegede Is PDP Candidate In Ondo Guber, Appeal Court Declares

THE Court of Appeal has sacked Jimoh Ibrahim as the candidate of the PDP in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

“You See Policemen Passing The Night In The Open And Being Unable To Feed.” Thousands Of Stranded Security Operatives In Ondo Deployed For Saturday’s Guber Election Cry Out

Thousands of police officers deployed to maintain peace and order during Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Ondo State, are stranded at several locations across the state

Announced Big Wigs Nowhere To Be Found At Burial For Father Of Money Man, Emeka Offor

Emeka Offor, one of Nigeria’s most controversial government contractors, finally buried his father on Friday, November 18, a whole nine months after the 88-year-old former policeman died in his hometown of Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area in Anambra State. The elder passed on after a minor scuffle with a female family member.

Many Wounded, Cars Vandalised In Violent Clash Over Ex Gov Adams Oshiomhole, Deputy Pius Obudu N300m Homes Protest

At least 12 people were wounded when youths loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) clashed with members of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Benin, Edo State yesterday while property believed to worth millions of naira were destroyed.

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Sister Lola Abegunde Fingers Bank Customers In Heritage Bank Manager, Segun – George Modupe’s Gruesome Murder

Mrs Lola Abegunde, elder sister of murdered Heritage Bank manager, Segun-George Modupe, who headed the bank branch in Otun-Ekiti in Moba Local Government area of Ekiti State, and was gruesomely killed by suspected gunmen alongside three others last week, has said customers may have been involved in her brother’s killing.


‘’ We Will Contest And Win This Election’’ Factional Ondo Guber Candidate Eyitayo Jegede Declares Even As Inec Refuses To Recognise Him, Court Of Appeals Suspends Case Indefinitely

Factional candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Eyitayo Jegede at the weekend gave his supporters hope that he will still contest the election.

Jegede spoke at a reception organised for him by PDP supporters in Akure, the state capital, after returning from Abuja.

Ex Anambra Gov Peter Obi, Incumbent Willie Obaino’s Quarrel Rages On

A former Governor of Anambra  State, Mr. Peter Obi,  has said that  his successor, Chief Willie Obiano, has no legal right to bar him from visiting the state or airing his opinion about the state.

Obi, who spoke at Oraifite during the burial of Chief Emeka Offor’s father, Benneth Offor, described an alleged threat by Obiano to unleash an attack on him if he did not behave himself, as an empty one.

Elumelu To African Youth: Your Time For Leadership Is Now

African business leader and philanthropist, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu stated that the time for leadership amongst Nigerian and African Youth is now. Elumelu, who addressed the students of the Lagos State University, faculty members and officials of the Lagos State government, whilst delivering the institution’s 1st Distinguished Lecture Series in Ojo, Lagos, spoke on the topics of leadership and entrepreneurship.