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ECOWAS parliament writes UK Court, seeks clemency for Ekweremadu

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THE Speaker of the Parlament of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Parliament/Community Parlament, Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis has written a letter to the Chief Clerk of the Central Criminal Court in London to temper justice with mercy over the conviction of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife.

Recall that Senator Ekweremadu and his wife, alongside a Nigerian doctor, Obinna Obeta, were recently found guilty of attempted organ harvesting of a Nigerian trafficked to Britain to provide a kidney for their ailing daughter.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had last month written a similar where he pleaded same for Ekweremadu.

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The letter by Tunis is addressed to the Chief Clerk, The Central Criminal Court Old Balley, London, EC4M TEH United Kingdom.

The letter titled, A PLEA FOR LENIENCY RE: SENATOR IKE EKWEREMADU, read “My name is Dr. Side Mohamed Tunis, Speaker of the Fifth Legislature of the Parlament of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Parliament/Community Parlament (an organization similar in nature and function as the European Parliament). 1 am also a former Majority Leader and currently a Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Sierra Leone, where I have served since 2012

“I am aware of the of the conviction and penting sentencing of Senator Ike Ekweremadu (my predecessor in office) and his wife, Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu, who had just undergone trial at the Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey over the breach of UK laws relating to organ trafficking and modern slavery.

“Senator Ike Ekweremadu had over a decade of service with the ECOWAS Parliament. Within that period, he was Speaker of the Third Legislature of the ECOWAS Parlament from 2011 to 2015. He equally served as the First Deputy Speaker of the Second Legislature of the Parliament from 2007 to 2011. Ekweremadu is highly appreciated in the Parliament and the West African sub-region for his sterling roles in the development of the Community Parliament and the preservations and stabilization of democracy in the sub-region.

” I wish to recall that as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament in 2009, he chaired the ECOWAS Parlament Ad Hoc Committee on the Political Situations in Niger Republic and the Republic of Guines. His efforts in that regard contributed in no small measure towards resolving the impesse in the two ECOWAS Member States.

“As Speaker, he strenuously and diligently guided the ECOWAS Parliament in the actualization of the 2011-2015 Strategic Plan of the Community Parliament, among them, the strengthening of the institutional role and powers of the ECOWAS Parliament and the promotion and defense of human rights, justice, gender, democracy. peace, and security in the sub-region. He rallied the Parliament against unconstitutional takeover of power in West Africa, as well as the menace of terrorem, insurgency, and militancy. He visited virtually every flashpoint, sometimes at his very personal expense, in the quest to preserve democracy, peace, and stability in the sub-region.

“Importantly, we, to a very great extent, owe it to his leadership the Enhancement of the Powers of the Community Parliament, a cause he dedicated himself and his resources to in the determined bid of the Third Legislature to transit the Parliament from a consultative to a legislative Parliament. In addition, we will always be grateful to his leadership for the infrastructural transformation of the ECOWAS Parliament.

“I also wish to recall Senator Ike Ekweremadu’s interventions in his personal capacity towards the welfare of Parliamentarians and their constituents in special need throughout his long years of service in the Community Parliament. Many Members of Parliament had had the opportunity of attending the Annual Ikacha Foundation Day where be, together with his wife, doled out full scholarships and bursary awards to indigent students to brighten their future, while equally empowering widows and the youth

“In view of Senator Ike Ekweremadu’s contributions to the West African Community Parliament and his knowledge of the sub-region, as well as his wide experience as a ranking Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, longest-serving presiding officer of the legislature in Nigeria, and a member of several international legislative institutions such as the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace, International Parliamentary Congress, Climate Parliament, among others, it could be understood why he has been a major asset to the ECOWAS region. He remains a priceless resource and his long absence owing to his circumstance since June 2022 has denied us his invaluable service. It remains dreadful if he faces a long prison sentence in the present circumstance.

“Concerning his daughter, Sonia, I wish to state that it is a common feeling among parents, especially in Africa, not to bury or survive has or her child. As a father, therefore, I can easily relate with the pains, dilemme, and crossroads of the Senator and his wife over the health condition of their alling daughter, who must still undergo a kidney transplant to stand a chance of surviving to fulfil her destiny. And who else could foot the bills better and also provide that morale support for the daughter? It still remains Senator and Mrs. Ekweremadu. It is certain that Sonia cannot survive the absence of her parents in her present health condition.

“At this juncture, I wish to add that I totally stand against the crime for which the Senator and his spouse have been convicted. The Community Parliament also stands against it. We do not support organ harvesting in anyway and by any method. Nevertheless, we believe that lessons have been learnt, not only by Ekweremadu, but by averybody.

“In view of all these, therefore, I wish to fervently appeal to the honorable court, on behalf of the ECOWAS Parliament, for leniency in meting out justice to the couple. We understand the position of the law, but only appeal that the honorable court puts on a human face in this circumstance and temper justice with mercy, especially considering his good behavior and contributions to the good of the society, the less privileged, and democracy.

” Importantly, the typical Ekweremadu, being one, who is given to charity work and experienced in lawmaking in Nigeria and internationally, could also be very useful to the Nigerian and international community in public enlightenment and legal reformscampaigns on organ trafficking to curtail such incidents drawing from his personal experience.


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Mercedes G63 Kills Six Cows in Abuja Highway Crash

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A luxury Mercedes-Benz G-Class G63 AMG was involved in a late-night crash on a major highway in Abuja, killing six cows and sparking renewed concerns over road safety and enforcement of grazing laws in the Federal Capital Territory.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Monday,

according to eyewitness accounts, when the high-speed SUV collided with a herd of cows that had reportedly strayed onto the roadway. A video circulating on social media shows the aftermath, with the white cows lying across the dark highway as traffic officials worked to manage the situation.


As of the time of filing this report, there were no confirmed injuries to the driver or any passengers in the vehicle. Unverified reports on social media suggested that the SUV sustained only minor damage despite the severity of the collision.


The accident has reignited debates over the continued presence of cattle on major roads in Abuja, despite the 2017 ban on open grazing introduced by the Federal Capital Territory Administration. The policy was designed to curb frequent clashes between herders and communities, as well as prevent traffic disruptions and accidents caused by roaming livestock.

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Residents and road users have repeatedly raised concerns about the enforcement of the grazing ban, noting that cows are still often seen along highways and within urban areas of the capital. Monday night’s crash is the latest in a series of such incidents, highlighting ongoing gaps in regulation and compliance.


Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the crash or confirm whether any action will be taken regarding the presence of the cattle on the highway.

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Job Vancancy: Moniepoint Job Vacancies in Abuja and North Central Nigeria

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Research Interviewers Job in Nigeria – Jhpiego Hiring Across 36 States & FCT
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Leading Nigerian fintech company Moniepoint has announced six new job openings across Abuja and several states in the North Central region, expanding its workforce in compliance, technical operations, sales, and security management.

The vacancies cut across multiple departments, reflecting the company’s continued growth in agent banking, SME solutions, and digital financial infrastructure services.

Available Positions

Field Risk & Internal Control Officer (North Central)

  • Team: Compliance
  • Location: FCT, Nigeria
    The role focuses on monitoring operational risks, enforcing internal control standards, and ensuring compliance across field operations in the region.

Apply Here

Hardware Engineer

  • Team: Advanced Technical Operations
  • Location: FCT, Nigeria
    Successful candidates will handle hardware installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical support for field operations.

Apply Here

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Implementation Officer (North Central)

  • Team: Moniebook Business Management Tools
  • Locations: Benue, Plateau, FCT
    This role involves onboarding merchants and ensuring smooth deployment of Moniepoint’s business tools across assigned regions.

Apply Here

Inbound Sales Officer (Abuja)

  • Team: Moniebook Business Management Tools
  • Location: FCT, Nigeria
    The position focuses on handling inbound customer inquiries, converting leads, and supporting sales growth for Moniepoint business solutions.

Apply Here

Regional Lead, Corporate Security (North)

  • Team: Moniepoint MFB
  • Locations: FCT, Kano
    The role oversees corporate security operations, risk prevention strategies, and protection of company assets across northern Nigeria.

Apply Here

Regional Lead, Field Risk & Internal Control (North)

  • Team: Compliance
  • Location: FCT, Nigeria
    This leadership position is responsible for coordinating regional risk management teams and strengthening internal control systems.

Apply Here

The hiring drive comes as fintech companies in Nigeria continue to expand their physical and digital operations across underserved regions, particularly in agent banking and SME support services.

Moniepoint, one of the fastest-growing fintech firms in the country, has steadily increased recruitment in technical, compliance, and field operations roles over the past year.

With these openings, Moniepoint is strengthening its presence in Abuja and northern Nigeria while scaling its financial services infrastructure across the country.

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Business

Nigerians Slam Moniepoint CEO Over ‘Talent Quality’ Remarks Amid Hiring Debate

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Comments by Tosin Eniolorunda, CEO of Moniepoint, have sparked a heated debate online after he questioned the quality of Nigeria’s talent pool while discussing his company’s hiring challenges.


Speaking at the The Platform Nigeria on May 1, Eniolorunda said the fintech firm had advertised over 500 vacancies since 2024 but struggled to find qualified local candidates. He revealed that by 2025, the company reversed its local-only hiring policy due to the shortage.


I used to feel Nigerians are really bright… but we are still struggling to find Nigerians to fill those roles. They don’t meet global standards,” he said, attributing the gap to factors such as social media distractions, cybercrime, hookup culture, and weaknesses in the education system.

Backlash and Counterarguments



His remarks triggered swift backlash from Nigerians, particularly within the tech community, with many accusing local companies of failing to invest in talent development.

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Critics argued that unlike global firms, Nigerian tech companies rarely offer structured, paid internship programs or training pipelines to groom young professionals. Some pointed to examples of international companies like Oracle Corporation, where internships and early talent programs serve as entry points into full-time roles.


Others shared personal experiences of being rejected by local firms despite strong resumes, while noting that Nigerian professionals continue to secure roles in global companies such as Amazon.


A recurring sentiment online was that many Nigerian companies demand “global-standard talent” but are unwilling to offer competitive compensation or career development opportunities.

Industry Perspective



Supporters of Eniolorunda’s stance, however, pointed to the realities of scaling a fast-growing fintech company in a competitive global market. They cited brain drain, limited specialized skills, and increasing demand for top-tier expertise as genuine challenges facing Nigerian startups.


Analysts say the controversy highlights a broader issue within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem balancing expectations between employers and job seekers, while addressing gaps in education, training, and remuneration.



The debate mirrors ongoing tensions around talent development, compensation, and hiring practices in Nigeria’s fast-evolving tech sector.

As companies expand and compete globally, the question of how to build, retain, and fairly reward talent is likely to remain a central issue.

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Outrage as Soldier Assaults Journalist Over Traffic Dispute in Lagos

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A Nigerian soldier has allegedly assaulted a journalist, Fakoyejo Olalekan, during a traffic control operation in Lagos State, triggering widespread public condemnation after video footage of the incident surfaced online.
The clash occurred on May 2 near Pleasant Event Centre in Ikeja, where personnel of the Nigerian Army were reportedly directing heavy traffic.


According to eyewitness accounts, the altercation began after Fakoyejo remarked to passengers that a soldier’s handling of a motorcyclist had caused an unnecessary delay. The comment allegedly angered one of the soldiers, who ordered everyone out of the vehicle.


The situation escalated when the soldier reportedly slapped and shoved the journalist, and briefly reached for a piece of wood before bystanders intervened to prevent further escalation.


Video clips circulating on social media show at least two soldiers involved in the confrontation. During the incident, Fakoyejo’s phone screen was also seen shattered on the pavement. No serious injuries were reported.

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The footage has since triggered widespread criticism online, with many users calling for accountability and questioning the conduct of military personnel during civilian traffic enforcement duties.


As of May 4, the Nigerian Army had yet to issue an official response despite being tagged in multiple public complaints and posts about the incident.

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Outrage as DSS Arraigns Chidiebere Justice Mark Over Alleged Cybercrime, Military Incitement

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The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned Chidiebere Justice Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on a three-count charge bordering on cybercrime and alleged incitement against the military.

Mark was earlier arrested by the Nigerian Army over a viral video and accompanying statements he shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, @JusticeCrack, in which he reportedly alleged inadequate feeding of Nigerian soldiers.

According to the charge sheet, the defendant is accused of knowingly circulating false information intended to provoke public annoyance, ill will, and hatred among citizens.

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Details of Charges

Count One alleges that on April 28, 2026, Mark disseminated information on social media regarding poor feeding conditions of Nigerian Army personnel, which authorities claim he knew to be false. The offence is said to contravene Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).

Count Two states that the accused published a viral video and statements about the Nigerian Army that triggered widespread negative reactions and were likely to cause fear and a breach of peace. This charge is brought under Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act.

Count Three accuses Mark of attempting to commit a felony by circulating what authorities described as derogatory content about the Army, also linked to potential public unrest, punishable under Section 509 of the Criminal Code Act.

Court Proceedings

Presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, adjourned the case to May 25, 2026, for trial and possible hearing of a bail application. The court also ordered that the defendant be remanded in DSS custody pending further proceedings.

Public Reaction

The arraignment has sparked widespread reactions across social media, with civil rights advocates and concerned citizens debating issues around freedom of expression, national security, and the limits of online speech in Nigeria.

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