CAN threatens legal action over school closure during Ramadan – Newstrends
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CAN threatens legal action over school closure during Ramadan

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Bauchi state governor, Senator Bala Mohammed

CAN threatens legal action over school closure during Ramadan

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued an ultimatum to the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states, requesting the reversal of their decrees mandating a five-week closure of schools for the Ramadan fast.

CAN denounced the decision as discriminatory and a breach of the rights of non-Muslim students, saying that it would take legal action if the instructions were not overturned.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, CAN President Daniel Okoh attacked the program, citing its potential to exacerbate the educational situation in the impacted states, which currently account for 44% of Nigeria’s out-of-school children.

“Education is a fundamental right and the bedrock of progress,” Okoh stated.

“The closure of schools across these states, ranging from nursery to tertiary levels, for an extended period disrupts academic schedules and threatens the educational advancement of millions of students.”

He went on to say that the decision lacked openness and did not involve extensive talks with stakeholders such as Christian leaders, educators, and parents.

“Policies impacting diverse populations—Muslims, Christians, and others—demand transparent, inclusive dialogue with parents, educators, religious leaders, and school proprietors.

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“The absence of such engagement erodes trust and unity in our pluralistic society,” Okoh remarked.
Citing examples from largely Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the CAN president stated that Nigeria should take pragmatic methods to combine religious devotion with education.

“Globally, nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—where Islam is central and Ramadan deeply revered—do not shut down schools for the entire fasting period.

“Instead, they adapt schedules, shortening hours or offering flexibility, to balance education with religious practice. A month-long closure, or five weeks in Bauchi’s case, is excessive and departs from sensible precedent,” Okoh said.

CAN supports interfaith harmony but opposes policies that violate constitutional rights. Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dikko Umar Radda (Katsina), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), and Nasir Idris (Kebbi) should engage stakeholders in constructive dialogue to resolve the issue.

“Transparency is essential, and we expect these governments to act in good faith by promptly engaging all parties.

“The education of our children and the unity of our states are at stake. Should these rights face further jeopardy or dialogue fail to deliver justice, CAN is prepared to seek legal recourse,” Okoh warned.

CAN finished with a call for calm among citizens of the impacted states, encouraging solidarity and cooperation to guarantee no child’s education is jeopardized.

“Let us unite as Nigerians to forge a society where faith and progress harmonize, where no child’s education is compromised, and where every community is valued,” the statement read.

 

CAN threatens legal action over school closure during Ramadan

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Outrage over video of police officers collecting cash from Chinese man

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20 hours ago

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April 16, 2025

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Outrage over video of police officers collecting cash from Chinese man

A video currently making the rounds on social media has triggered widespread criticism and public outrage, after it showed several Nigerian police officers allegedly receiving N5,000 each from a Chinese man and his family.

In the viral footage, the uniformed officers are seen lining up in an orderly fashion as the Chinese man distributes cash to each of them.

The incident has stirred heated reactions online, with many Nigerians calling it a blatant display of unprofessionalism and a disgrace to the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.

Human rights activists and anti-corruption advocates have condemned the act, describing it as unethical and damaging to the already fragile reputation of law enforcement in the country.

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When contacted by Vanguard, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said he was unaware of the viral video or the incident.

Similarly, the Lagos State Police Command distanced itself from the footage. Its spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that the incident did not occur in Lagos, contrary to claims circulating online.

Public figures have also weighed in. Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), described the video as “shameful” and called for the removal of the IGP.

“This is why I keep saying illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun must leave the police force. It is the shame of the nation,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

Popular social commentator and human rights activist Martins Victor Otse, also known as VeryDarkBlackMan, called the act “disgraceful, disrespectful, and degrading,” urging the police leadership to address the matter transparently.

The incident has intensified calls for accountability, with many Nigerians demanding disciplinary action and systemic reforms to restore public confidence in the police force.

 

Outrage over video of police officers collecting cash from Chinese man

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Nigerians lose N1.3tn as ponzi scheme CBEX collapses

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20 hours ago

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April 16, 2025

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Nigerians lose N1.3tn as ponzi scheme CBEX collapses

Thousands of Nigerians face financial ruin after the collapse of CBEX, a digital investment platform accused of running a Ponzi scheme that allegedly vanished with over ₦1.3 trillion ($850 million USD). The fallout has sparked widespread distress, with victims sharing devastating stories on social media.

One investor, quoted in a transcribed audio obtained by Daily Sun, described being lured by a friend’s promise of a 100% return on a $100 Bitcoin investment within 35-40 days. Initially wary due to past scams, she was reassured after visiting CBEX’s Egbeda office, where a supposed EFCC certificate suggested legitimacy. “I visited the office only to see even a kind of a certificate from EFCC that they are aware of these people, that they are not scammers and the rest of them. So that convinced me into investing $100,” she said.

Despite her caution, limiting her investment to $100, her funds vanished when withdrawals were halted. “As my investment matured last week Monday, I planned to withdraw it this week. Only for us to wake up yesterday, 14th of April, around 5 p.m., all the money in our account has vanished,” she recounted. Other reports cite losses of up to ₦3 million, with one man allegedly writing a suicide note after investing his home and borrowed funds. The audio claimed, “About three people have been reported dead. So many attempted suicide because of this Ponzi scheme.”

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The scale of the alleged fraud has raised questions about regulatory oversight. The anonymous victim asked, “The question now is to the authorities, where are they, when Nigerians are injecting this kind of money in this kind of investment?” CBEX’s offices in Egbeda and Ikeja added a veneer of credibility.

Financial experts noted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has long warned against Ponzi schemes promising unrealistic returns. A Lagos-based forex broker, @Obobanj, tweeted, “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has long warned citizens about the dangers of Ponzi schemes, cautioning against investments that promise unrealistic returns. Despite this, platforms like CBEX continue to attract large followings, often collapsing without warning and leaving chaos in their wake.”

Social media reactions on X range from sympathy to criticism. “Nigerians don’t learn,” tweeted @ricky_chiekezie, reflecting frustration over repeated scams. The victim’s despair was palpable: “God, oh, God, oh, what have I done to deserve this? Huh? What have I gotten myself into? God, please help me. Hey, whoa. CBEX has finally killed me, oh.”

As victims reel, calls grow for authorities to investigate CBEX and hold perpetrators accountable. The forex broker emphasized, “The collapse serves as a reminder of the critical need for financial literacy and vigilance in the face of seemingly lucrative investment opportunities.”

Nigerians lose N1.3tn as ponzi scheme CBEX collapses

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Stop promoting risky coins, unlicensed platforms, SEC warns influencers

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21 hours ago

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April 16, 2025

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Stop promoting risky coins, unlicensed platforms, SEC warns influencers

Following the sudden collapse of CBEX crypto trading platform, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned celebrities and influencers against endorsing or promoting unregistered digital asset platforms and meme coins.

After users lost access to their funds in CBEX, aggrieved ‘investors’ looted the office of Smart Treasure (ST Team), an arm of the cypto trading platform in Ibadan.

It is against this background that Emomotimi Agama, Director-General (DG) of SEC, spoke against the promotion of unregistered digital asset platforms and meme coins by influencers.

Citing the provisions of the Investments and Securities Act 2025 recently signed by President Bola Tinubu, Agama said the act established clear rules and regulations for digital asset platforms, including registration requirements to promote transparency and trust.

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According to him, this allows SEC to crack down on illicit activities, such as ponzi schemes, pump and dump tokens, and unregistered exchanges.

He said, “It is important that even for celebrities, we must be cautious around what we do. Becoming influencers or introducing meme coins that do not mean well for the generality of Nigerians are not going to be tolerated.

“The ISA 2025 is intended to promote FinTech growth and innovation, specifically within the Digital Asset space, while ensuring regulatory compliance.

“However, I want to say this very clearly. If it is not registered, it is illegal. The law will be enforced.”

Stop promoting risky coins, unlicensed platforms, SEC warns influencers

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