Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Remands Sowore in Kuje Prison After Revoking Bail
Judge orders transfer days after bail revocation; activist faces detention pending next hearing date
Judge orders transfer days after bail revocation; activist faces detention pending next hearing date
An Abuja court on Monday ordered the remand of Omoyele Sowore, publisher and activist, at Kuje Correctional Centre following the revocation of his bail earlier this month. The decision was made during a sitting in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), marking a significant turn in Sowore’s ongoing legal battle.
The court directed security operatives to immediately transfer Sowore to the Kuje prison facility, where he will remain until his next court appearance. This move comes only days after the judge withdrew the bail previously granted to Sowore, citing unspecified violations of bail conditions.
Sowore’s remand has drawn attention due to his profile as a prominent critic of government policies and repeated legal confrontations since his initial arrest several years ago. His supporters have often decried his prosecution as politically motivated, while authorities maintain that due process is being followed under Nigerian law.
The presiding judge announced that the next hearing date would be communicated to both parties in due course. As at press time, there was no official statement from Sowore’s legal team regarding their planned response or any intention to appeal the latest order.
Sowore’s detention at Kuje prison is expected to renew public debate about bail rights and pre-trial incarceration for high-profile defendants in Nigeria’s justice system. The court’s decision underscores ongoing tensions between activists and state institutions over issues of civil liberties and judicial independence.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos-Based Aradel Sees 192% Profit Jump as ND Western, Renaissance Africa Acquisitions Boost Earnings
Company’s annual report for 2025 shows significant profit surge linked to strategic investments in oil and gas sector
Company’s annual report for 2025 shows significant profit surge linked to strategic investments in oil and gas sector
Aradel Holdings Plc, a Lagos-based indigenous energy firm, has announced a 192 percent increase in its annual profit for the 2025 financial year, attributing the surge to recent acquisitions involving ND Western and Renaissance Africa. The disclosure came in the company’s latest audited financial statements released on Monday.
According to Aradel, the remarkable growth was primarily driven by increased earnings following its stake acquisitions in key oil and gas assets managed by ND Western and Renaissance Africa. The company noted that these investments delivered significant returns, helping to offset sector-wide challenges such as foreign exchange volatility and operational disruptions experienced during the reporting period.
Industry analysts say the robust results underline a shifting landscape in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, where indigenous companies are playing a more prominent role. The sector has been under pressure due to fluctuating naira rates and production uncertainties, but Aradel’s performance suggests that targeted investments can yield positive outcomes for shareholders. “This development shows local firms can compete effectively if they leverage the right opportunities,” an energy consultant familiar with the matter said.
Aradel’s management expressed optimism about sustaining growth amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s energy policies. The company stated it would continue seeking strategic partnerships to expand its asset base. Efforts to reach officials from ND Western and Renaissance Africa for comment were not immediately successful as at press time.
With global oil prices remaining volatile and domestic reforms still underway, market watchers believe Aradel’s strategy could serve as a model for other Nigerian energy players seeking resilience. The company is expected to provide further updates on its investment plans at its upcoming annual general meeting.
Nigeria News (Standard)
AFRIMA Delegation Begins Stakeholder Engagement in Casablanca Ahead of 10th Music Awards
AFRIMA President Mike Dada leads six-day visit to assess venues, meet Moroccan officials and creative industry leaders
AFRIMA President Mike Dada leads six-day visit to assess venues, meet Moroccan officials and creative industry leaders
The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has commenced a six-day strategic engagement in Casablanca, Morocco, as part of preparations for the 10th edition of the continent’s leading music awards. The delegation, led by AFRIMA President and Executive Producer Mike Dada, arrived in Morocco’s economic capital on Friday, June 21, to meet with key government officials, corporate partners, media houses and stakeholders in the creative sector.
During the visit, which runs from June 21 to June 26, the AFRIMA team will evaluate hospitality facilities, transportation systems and major event venues across Casablanca. This assessment forms part of AFRIMA’s broader continental stakeholder engagement programme designed to strengthen partnerships and determine the city’s readiness to host future editions of the prestigious awards.
The Casablanca engagement follows previous Road to 10th Edition activations held earlier this year in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. According to organisers, one of the main highlights will be a Creative and Media Soirée at the Marriott Hotel on Tuesday, June 23. The event aims to foster pan-African collaboration among Morocco’s music industry professionals and provide a platform for cultural exchange across the continent.
Speaking ahead of the engagements, AFRIMA Director of Brand Communications and Sponsorship Matlou Tsotetsi said the visit underscores AFRIMA’s commitment to building stronger pan-African partnerships through music. “Casablanca remains one of Africa’s most important cultural hubs,” Tsotetsi stated. She added that engaging directly with Moroccan stakeholders is critical for promoting unity in Africa’s creative industries.
The delegation is also scheduled to participate in ongoing music festivals and entertainment events across North Africa as part of efforts to experience Casablanca’s vibrant creative ecosystem. Partners supporting the visit include Big Time Morocco, Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMIC), WeCasablanca, Royal Air Maroc and AFRIMA Ambassador for Morocco Ahmed Soultan. Further updates on preparations for the landmark 10th edition are expected after conclusion of facility inspections and meetings with Moroccan authorities.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Former Super Eagles Striker Ighalo Credits Marcelo Houseman for Launching His European Career
Ighalo says Houseman’s support opened doors to Europe after trials in Germany with Kim Ojo in 2007
Ighalo says Houseman’s support opened doors to Europe after trials in Germany with Kim Ojo in 2007
Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has attributed the breakthrough in his professional football career to the efforts of renowned scout Marcelo Houseman, who discovered him and facilitated his move to Europe. Speaking in Lagos on Saturday, Ighalo recounted how Houseman identified his talent while he was playing for Prime FC and Julius Berger, before securing trials for him and fellow Nigerian player Kim Ojo at Hertha Berlin in Germany back in 2007.
Ighalo explained that although Hertha Berlin initially showed interest only in him, Houseman insisted that both players deserved equal opportunity. The scout turned down offers he considered unfair, demonstrating a commitment that extended beyond mere scouting duties. According to Ighalo, Houseman invested time and resources to ensure young African talents like himself had the chance to succeed abroad.
The former Super Eagles forward said, “Houseman discovered Kim Ojo and me in Nigeria and took us to Hertha Berlin in Germany for trials when we were still unknown players. Hertha Berlin wanted only me, but Houseman insisted that both of us deserved equal opportunities and turned down offers he considered unfair.”
Ighalo’s successful move from Nigeria to Norwegian club Lyn set the stage for a 19-year professional journey across Europe and Asia, including stints at Watford, Udinese, Granada, Manchester United, and Al Hilal. The striker noted that opportunities like these remain rare for many aspiring Nigerian footballers due to lack of access and support from experienced scouts.
Houseman’s approach has been lauded by stakeholders as a model for nurturing young talents from Africa. With Nigerian footballers continuing to seek breakthroughs abroad, Ighalo’s story highlights the importance of dedicated mentorship and fair representation in opening global doors.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/marcelo-houseman-made-my-dream-possible-says-ighalo/
Lagos-Based Aradel Sees 192% Profit Jump as ND Western, Renaissance Africa Acquisitions Boost Earnings
AFRIMA Delegation Begins Stakeholder Engagement in Casablanca Ahead of 10th Music Awards
Former Super Eagles Striker Ighalo Credits Marcelo Houseman for Launching His European Career
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