Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Magistrate Confirms Death of Missing Journalist Onifade After DNA Test
Coroner’s report links remains at Ikorodu General Hospital to Gboah TV reporter; family seeks justice as probe continues
Coroner’s report links remains at Ikorodu General Hospital to Gboah TV reporter; family seeks justice as probe continues
A DNA test ordered by a Lagos magistrate has confirmed that the unidentified body found at Ikorodu General Hospital morgue is that of missing journalist Pelumi Onifade. The announcement was made in Lagos on Wednesday, following the submission of a sealed coroner’s report from the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre. The confirmation brings closure to a case that began when Onifade was allegedly taken away by police officers attached to the Lagos task force while reporting in Agege on 24 October 2020.
According to the coroner, Magistrate Temitope Oladele, a DNA match was established between the remains labelled as body 1385 and samples provided by Onifade’s mother, Adebose Onifade. The journalist, identified by his Gboah TV jacket, was covering a mob attack at a government facility when he was reportedly detained by security operatives. Days later, his body was discovered at the mortuary in Ikorodu, prompting calls for an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The case gained national attention after Gboah TV reported Onifade’s disappearance and subsequent death. In July 2024, the Federal High Court in Lagos directed the state government to conduct a coroner’s inquest to establish the cause of death and prosecute those responsible. Hearings began in October 2024, with the court mandating both Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and the DNA centre to conduct relevant forensic examinations.
Magistrate Oladele stated that all official protocols were followed during the identification process. She said, “The court has received and reviewed the sealed report from the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre confirming that the remains belong to Pelumi Onifade.” However, as at press time, no individual or agency had been officially indicted for Onifade’s death.
Onifade’s family has called for swift justice and accountability following this confirmation. Civil society groups have also renewed demands for comprehensive police reform and protection of journalists on duty. The coroner’s inquiry is expected to continue as authorities work to identify those responsible for the events leading to Onifade’s death.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/dna-report-confirms-missing-journalist-onifade-dead/
Nigeria News (Standard)
MTN Chairperson Condemns Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa, Calls for National Unity
Telecoms leader urges restoration of ‘national consciousness’ as recent violence against foreigners sparks regional concern
Telecoms leader urges restoration of ‘national consciousness’ as recent violence against foreigners sparks regional concern
The chairperson of MTN Group has publicly condemned the ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, urging citizens and leaders to return to what he described as a spirit of ‘national consciousness.’ The remarks were made on Friday during a company event, as fresh incidents of violence against non-South Africans have reignited diplomatic tensions across the region.
The MTN chairperson addressed stakeholders in Johannesburg, denouncing the recent wave of attacks that have affected foreign-owned businesses and communities. The chairperson stressed that such actions undermine social cohesion and threaten the economic stability of not just South Africa but also neighbouring countries, including Nigeria, where MTN maintains significant operations.
Xenophobic violence has remained a recurring issue in South Africa, with previous episodes resulting in loss of lives and extensive property damage. For many Nigerians living in South Africa or with business ties to the country, these developments raise fresh concerns about safety and bilateral relations between Abuja and Pretoria.
While speaking to participants at the event, the MTN chairperson called on South Africans to reflect on their shared history and embrace inclusivity. He stated that rebuilding ‘national consciousness’ was vital for long-term peace and prosperity. No immediate comment was available from South African government officials regarding measures to address the situation.
As at Friday evening, Nigerian authorities had yet to issue an updated travel advisory for citizens residing or travelling to South Africa. The incident is likely to prompt further dialogue between both countries, with stakeholders from the telecoms sector and diplomatic corps expected to push for stronger protections for foreign nationals.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Port Harcourt Gas Secretariat Confirms Domestic Utilisation Surpasses 2bcfd as Exports Reach Five-Year High
Federal government says rising gas output driven by power, industry and transport; energy stakeholders hail economic boost
Federal government says rising gas output driven by power, industry and transport; energy stakeholders hail economic boost
Nigeria’s domestic natural gas utilisation has crossed the two billion standard cubic feet per day (2bcfd) mark, with exports hitting their highest level in five years, according to new disclosures by the Decade of Gas Secretariat. The announcement was made during a media capacity-building programme held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday.
Mr. Taofeek Balogun, representing the Decade of Gas Secretariat at the event, stated that Nigeria’s gas sector is now recording year-to-date production of 7.85 billion standard cubic feet per day (bcfd). He attributed this progress to the Federal Government’s ongoing gas development agenda, which targets increased domestic supply for power generation, industry, transportation and household use.
The surge in both domestic consumption and exports comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to reduce reliance on imported fuels and strengthen its energy security. The government’s push for wider adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles has also created new demand for domestic gas. Experts say this milestone demonstrates the growing role of natural gas in Nigeria’s industrialisation drive and economic diversification efforts.
“This achievement reflects our commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s vast gas resources for national development,” Balogun said at the programme, which was organised in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV). He added that continued investment in infrastructure and policy reforms are essential to sustain growth in the sector.
Stakeholders present at the event commended government’s efforts but urged further action to address challenges such as pipeline vandalism and regulatory bottlenecks. As Nigeria consolidates its position as a leading gas producer in Africa, industry players expect ongoing reforms to attract more investments and support job creation across key sectors.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Mike Bamiloye Reveals Cameraman’s Disappearance Halted Original ‘Agbara Nla’ Production in Osun
Veteran filmmaker recounts how the iconic Christian film was abandoned in 1987 as new sequel readies for cinema release
Veteran filmmaker recounts how the iconic Christian film was abandoned in 1987 as new sequel readies for cinema release
Renowned Christian filmmaker Mike Bamiloye has disclosed that the original production of his influential movie, Agbara Nla, collapsed in Osun State in 1987 after the cameraman vanished with all the recorded tapes shortly after filming concluded. Bamiloye made this revelation on Friday via a post on his verified X account, just as anticipation grows for the upcoming cinema debut of Agbara Nla: The Return.
According to Bamiloye, after completing the initial shooting nearly four decades ago, the entire cast and crew were left stranded when the hired cameraman absconded with the only copies of their work. The incident forced him and his Mount Zion Faith Ministries team to abandon their efforts, despite high hopes for what would become one of Nigeria’s most impactful faith-based films.
Agbara Nla later became a household name across Nigeria, credited with inspiring a wave of indigenous Christian filmmaking and outreach. The lost tapes incident, however, delayed its emergence and shaped Bamiloye’s approach to subsequent productions. The filmmaker’s latest account comes as excitement builds for Agbara Nla: The Return, expected to draw significant attention from both older fans and a new generation of viewers.
Bamiloye did not provide further details on how or if the missing tapes were recovered, but he described the experience as a test of perseverance that ultimately strengthened his commitment to gospel drama. Stakeholders in Nigeria’s Christian creative sector have hailed his resilience, with many pointing to Agbara Nla as a turning point for local content.
With Agbara Nla: The Return set for cinema screens nationwide, Bamiloye’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges facing early Nigerian filmmakers. Industry observers expect renewed interest in faith-based productions and greater recognition for those who laid the groundwork despite setbacks.
_Agbara Nla: The Return._
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/how-original-agbara-nla-production-collapsed-mike-bamiloye/
MTN Chairperson Condemns Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa, Calls for National Unity
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Port Harcourt Gas Secretariat Confirms Domestic Utilisation Surpasses 2bcfd as Exports Reach Five-Year High
Mike Bamiloye Reveals Cameraman’s Disappearance Halted Original ‘Agbara Nla’ Production in Osun
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