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EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO in Lagos over Alleged ₦69m Lekki Property Fraud

Influencer faces two separate EFCC cases totalling over ₦105 million; judge remands her in custody as bail hearing set for July

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Influencer faces two separate EFCC cases totalling over ₦105 million; judge remands her in custody as bail hearing set for July

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned popular relationship influencer Blessing Okoro, known as Blessing CEO, before a Lagos Special Offences Court over an alleged ₦69.15 million property fraud. The court session took place in Ikeja, where the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against her. According to the EFCC, Blessing CEO is accused of collecting ₦69.15 million from Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited after claiming ownership of a property located at Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, which she allegedly leased to the company for five years in March 2025.

The EFCC stated that the property did not belong to Okoro and alleged that she used false claims to obtain money by pretence and stealing. At Tuesday’s hearing, her defence counsel raised concerns about the short notice given for the new charges, but the presiding judge insisted that proceedings would continue as scheduled. After entering her plea, the prosecution requested that she be remanded in EFCC custody until her next court appearance regarding another ongoing fraud case in Ikoyi.

This fresh charge comes on top of an earlier ₦36 million fraud case already pending at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi. In that matter, presided over by Justice Dipeolu on the same day, Okoro was granted bail set at ₦10 million with two sureties required—one of whom must be a family member. Both sureties must submit employment details, BVN, NIN, valid international passports, tax clearance certificates for the past two years and six passport photographs each before bail can be perfected.

With both cases combined, Okoro is now facing allegations of obtaining more than ₦105 million under false pretences across two separate courts in Lagos State. Neither case has proceeded to trial yet. The judge handling the latest matter ordered that she remain in EFCC custody until her bail application and trial commence on July 16.

The EFCC maintains it will continue prosecuting financial crime regardless of social status or public following. As at press time, Blessing CEO’s legal team had not issued a public statement beyond entering her plea of not guilty.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/efcc-arraigns-blessing-ceo-69m-property-fraud-2026061012264327506

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Mexico Defeats Nine-Man South Africa 1–0 as Jiménez Scores in FIFA World Cup Clash

South Africa reduced to nine players after two red cards; Mexico secures narrow win to advance in group stage

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June 11, 2026

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South Africa reduced to nine players after two red cards; Mexico secures narrow win to advance in group stage

Mexico claimed a hard-fought 1–0 victory against South Africa in a dramatic FIFA World Cup match on Thursday, with striker Raúl Jiménez netting the decisive goal. The encounter, played at an international venue, saw the South African side finish with only nine players after two were sent off during the tense contest.

The match began with both teams searching for early opportunities, but momentum shifted after South Africa received their first red card midway through the first half. Despite being a man down, South Africa held firm until a second dismissal further weakened their defence. Mexico capitalised on their numerical advantage when Jiménez found the back of the net, putting his team ahead and ultimately sealing all three points.

This result has significant implications for both sides in the group standings. For Mexico, the win strengthens their bid to progress to the next round of the tournament, while South Africa now faces an uphill task to qualify after suffering defeat and losing key players to suspension. Nigerian football fans will be watching closely as these developments could shape potential opponents for the Super Eagles if they advance from their own group.

No official comments had been issued by either team’s coach as at press time. Football analysts have noted that discipline and player management will be crucial for teams hoping to go far in this year’s competition. Meanwhile, organisers are expected to review disciplinary actions following incidents of indiscipline on the pitch.

Both teams will return to action in their subsequent fixtures, with South Africa needing a win to revive their hopes and Mexico seeking another positive result to confirm qualification.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887032-world-cup-nine-man-south-africa-crumble-as-jimenez-seals-mexico-victory.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

CBN to Revise Guidelines for Financial Holding Companies in Abuja

Central Bank moves to update regulatory framework, aiming to strengthen oversight of Nigeria’s financial conglomerates

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22 minutes ago

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June 11, 2026

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Central Bank moves to update regulatory framework, aiming to strengthen oversight of Nigeria’s financial conglomerates

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced plans to review the rules governing financial holding companies, signalling a fresh move to strengthen oversight of the country’s financial sector. The development was made public in Abuja on Thursday, 11 June 2026, as part of ongoing efforts by the apex bank to align regulations with evolving industry realities.

According to the CBN, the review will focus on updating existing guidelines that oversee how financial holding companies operate within Nigeria’s banking ecosystem. These companies typically control multiple subsidiaries across banking, insurance, asset management and other financial services. The new rules are expected to address operational risks and ensure that holding structures do not undermine the stability of individual subsidiaries or the wider financial system.

The move comes amid growing concerns over compliance gaps and risk management practices among some holding companies. In recent years, stakeholders have called for clearer boundaries and stricter supervisory mechanisms to prevent abuses such as regulatory arbitrage or concentration of risk. The CBN’s planned revision is seen as an attempt to address these issues before they escalate.

While specific details of the proposed changes have not yet been disclosed, industry experts expect tighter reporting requirements and improved corporate governance standards. The apex bank said it will engage with relevant stakeholders—including commercial banks and non-bank subsidiaries—before finalising the revised framework.

The CBN is expected to release a draft guideline for public input in the coming weeks. Observers say the updated rules could have significant implications for conglomerates operating under holding structures, as well as for investors seeking clarity on sector stability.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/887029-cbn-to-revise-rules-governing-financial-holding-companies.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

NCAA Launches Probe Into Asaba Aircraft Roadway Landing Incident

Aviation authority begins investigation after plane lands on public road in Delta State, raises safety concerns

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32 minutes ago

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June 11, 2026

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Aviation authority begins investigation after plane lands on public road in Delta State, raises safety concerns

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commenced an official investigation into the unusual landing of an aircraft on a public roadway in Asaba, Delta State, on Thursday. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day, has sparked concern among stakeholders about air safety protocols and enforcement in the country.

According to initial reports, the aircraft made an unscheduled landing on a major road within Asaba metropolis. Eyewitnesses described seeing the plane come to a halt amid surprised motorists and pedestrians, but there were no reported injuries or casualties as at press time. NCAA officials arrived at the scene shortly after to secure the area and begin preliminary inquiries.

This incident has drawn attention to Nigeria’s aviation safety standards, particularly regarding flight operations near populated urban areas. Airspace regulation is a recurring issue in Nigeria’s aviation sector, especially given previous incidents involving runway incursions and emergency landings. The NCAA’s response is being closely watched by both industry professionals and residents who expressed concern over possible lapses that could endanger lives.

An NCAA spokesperson confirmed that a comprehensive probe is underway to determine the circumstances leading to the event. “We are treating this as a serious safety matter and will examine all relevant factors before releasing our findings,” the spokesperson said in a written statement. No opposition or external aviation experts have issued formal comments as at Thursday evening.

The outcome of this investigation is expected to inform future policy measures aimed at preventing similar occurrences. The NCAA said its final report would be made public and promised that any parties found culpable would face appropriate sanctions under Nigerian civil aviation regulations.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/887026-air-safety-agency-begins-probe-of-asaba-roadway-landing.html

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