metro
ICPC, DSS arrest 48 lecturers, security officers, others over JUPEB exam leakage
..3 VCs quizzed, some suspects granted bail
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested 48 individuals for their alleged illegalities in the conducts of the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB).
The joint operation tagged ‘Operation Combo’ conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, led to the arrests of lecturers, security officers, workers and students from some of the participating universities in the exam.
Operation Combo was simultaneously carried out by the operatives of ICPC and DSS in seven states after extensive monitoring of tutorial schools allegedly known for notoriously compromising JUPEB examinations. This has led to the arrest of the President of Tutorial School Owners (ATSO).
The operation, a consequence of sustained period of surveillance and undercover investigations spanning several weeks, led to multiple arrests of suspects including parents of candidates of the exam.A statement by ICPC’s Spokeswoman, Azuka Ogugua, said that lecturers and others involved in examination malpractices and other illegalities in the participating institutions have also been arrested.
READ ALSO:
- Ogun: Two down as cultists operate in broad daylight, ignore Gov Abiodun’s threat
- 2023 presidency: Northern elders make a U-turn, to work with other regions
- Road construction caused Ikeja gas pipeline leakage – NNPC
- Retired NPA GM, Bashir Abdullahi kidnapped in Kano
- Consumers decry poor electricity 8 years after privatization
- JAMB returns N3.51bn operating surplus to treasury
- ‘ISWAP’ kills three security operatives, abducts five travellers in Borno
- 162 Nigerians stranded in Libya repatriated
The suspects were arrested from Wellspring University, Benin, Edo State; Christopher University, Mowe, Ogun State and Crown-Hill University, Ilorin, Kwara State. Again the raid of tutorial centres by operatives in McPherson and Precious Cornerstone universities in Ibadan and Ilara-Epe, in Oyo State respectively, led to more arrests of suspects.
Credible intelligence gathered during the operations showed active connivance of the parents of the students and the management of the universities.
Three current Vice-Chancellors have been invited by ICPC for their roles in the unchecked and massive malpractices reported.
It was revealed that syndicated social media platforms were created by the facilitators for leaking questions and circulating answers to students for a fee during examinations.
Investigation also revealed that candidates, who are mostly minors, allegedly paid between N350,000 to N500,000 each to the suspects in the various tutorial schools to engage in the illegalities.
The cartel, in connivance with the coordinators of the examination centres and other management staff of the institutions, deliberately allowed security lapses to enable the candidates go into examination halls with smart-phones and other electronic devices to send question papers to waiting groups online and subsequently, receive answers to questions thereby engaging in massive malpractices.
Some of the suspects arrested have been granted administrative bail while investigation is on-going.
JUPEB is an advanced level educational examination that qualifies its candidate for admission into 200 level in any Nigerian and foreign universities through direct entry. It is coordinated by the University of Lagos and has up to 10 accredited universities.
Vanguard
metro
Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra
Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra
The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has announced the gruesome murder of Reverend Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo by unknown assailants.
Rev Fr Okonkwo, who is also a pharmacist, was shot dead in Ihiala on Boxing Day.
The killing of the clergyman came barely two weeks after the abduction of a 75-year-old retired Anglican Archbishop, Most Reverend Godwin Okpala and their whereabouts have remained unknown.
A statement signed by Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, Chancellor of the Nnewi Diocese, Rev Fr Raphael Ezeonu said Fr. Tobias was killed between 7 pm and 8 pm along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway.
READ ALSO:
- Lagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us
- Ronaldo, Vinicius, Yamal win big at 2024 Globe Soccer Awards [Full list of winners]
- Vinicius should have won Ballon d’Or, not Rodri – Ronaldo
The statement described the incident as a devastating loss but expressed faith in divine consolation.
Born on August 11, 1984, Fr. Tobias was ordained as a priest on July 11, 2015.
At the time of his death, he was serving as the Manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Ihiala.
The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi called on the faithful to offer prayers and Holy Masses for the eternal rest of Fr. Tobias and to console his bereaved family.
The Diocese said funeral arrangements of Fr Okonkwo will be announced in due course.
Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra
metro
Lagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us
Lagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us
The Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, Ridhwan Jamiu, on Friday said President Bola Tinubu had not disappointed Nigerians.
The cleric said this during the Juma’at prayer at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos, with President Tinubu in attendance.
“We are proud of you. I remember that we encouraged people to vote for you during the campaigns.
” We thank God that you have not disappointed us.
“We know you are capable. We know you have the sagacity. We know you are competent.
“We believe and pray that you are not going to disappoint us.
” May Allah continue to be with you. Allah has entrusted Nigeria to you and will ask you for this trust,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to be grateful to Allah during times of fortune and be patient during adversity.
He reminded the faithful that unwavering hope and faith were essential to believers, even in challenging circumstances.
READ ALSO:
READ ALSO:
- Ronaldo, Vinicius, Yamal win big at 2024 Globe Soccer Awards [Full list of winners]
- Vinicius should have won Ballon d’Or, not Rodri – Ronaldo
- Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]
He assured the president of the steadfast prayers and support of Muslim faithful as he governed the nation.
The cleric urged the president to remember accountability and responsibility to the people, saying responsibility was to the people while accountability was to Allah.
“Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: ” The most beloved of all people to Allah is the righteous and just leader.’
“We have seen righteousness in you and fairness and justice in you. Please keep it up and sustain it.
“You bear one of the names of Prophet Muhammad, Ahmed, someone who does what is praiseworthy.
” This name has been reflected in your past actions and we hope it will reflect in your actions now.”
The Juma’at prayer was the president’s first public outing since attending prayers at the Alausa Central Mosque on Dec. 20.
The president arrived in Nigeria’s commercial capital on Dec. 18 after presenting the 2025 budget to the joint session of the National Assembly.
In honour of victims of the stampedes in Oyo and Anambra States as well as the Federal Capital Territory, which claimed lives, Tinubu had cancelled his public engagements.
On Dec. 23, the president hosted the maiden Presidential Media Chat at his Oyinkan Abayomi Drive Residence in Ikoyi.
As part of the Christmas and holiday festivities, he also received private visitors daily.
Lagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us
metro
Dangote, Tinubu, Lookman named among 100 most influential Africans in 2024 (Full list)
Dangote, Tinubu, Lookman named among 100 most influential Africans in 2024 (Full list)
The New African magazine has unveiled a list of 100 individuals who have made significant impacts across politics, business, science, sports, and civil society in 2024.
This year’s edition takes an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of the individuals who are both on the continent and abroad, explained Anver Versi, editor of the London-based magazine.
Her statement reads, “We need this because I cannot recall the world being so polarised, so divided, so stone-faced in the face of terrible man-made atrocities.
“The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 edition of New African offers an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of the extraordinary individuals shaping the African narrative on the continent and abroad.
READ ALSO:
- Heavy security in Ilesa as ex-Osun deputy gov emerges new Owa-Obokun
- Hacker has stolen N180m from my NGO account – VeryDarkMan cries out
- LSM MD extols founder’s qualities after latter posthumous industry award
“Their stories serve as a source of inspiration and a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the African spirit.”
See full list and categories below…
Politics and Public Service
- Bassirou Diomaye Faye
- Kemi Badenoch
- Muhammad Ali Pate
- Claver Gatete
- Ali Mohamed
- King Mohamed VI
- Ronald Lamola
- Yemi Osinbajo
- Nardos Bekele-Thomas
- Ibrahima Cheikh Diong
Business
11. Robins Tchale-Watchou
12. Fatima Tambajang
13. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah
14. Samaila Zubairu
15. Thierno-Habib Hann
16. Akinwumi Adesina
17. Tariye Gbadegesin
18. Adebayo Ogunlesi
19. Wale Tinubu
20. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
21. Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah
22. Moulay Hafid Elalamy
23. Olugbenga Agboola
24. Alain Ebobissé
25. Tunde Olanrewaju
26. Nassef Sawiris
27. Aliko Dangote
28. Ismael Belkhayat
29. Hassatou Diop N’Sele
30. Jeremy Awori
31. Manuel Moses
32. Hassanein Hiridjee
33. Rene Awambeng
Civil Society
34. Joseph Moses Oleshangay
35. Mohamed Adow
36. Michael Kakande
37. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli
38. William Asiko
39. Eva Omaghomi
40. Nelson Amenya
41. Helmy Abouleish
42. Binaifer Nowrojee
Science & Academia
43. Elhadj As Sy
44. Chinasa T. Okolo
45. Tshilidzi Marwala
46. Prof. Colleen Masimirembwa
47. Prof. Moses Obimbo Madadi
48. Rediet Abebe
49. Rachid Guerraoui
50. Abdoulaye Diabaté
51. Joy Buolamwini
52. Abeba Birhane
Opinion Shapers
53. Miatta Fahnbulleh
54. Olajide Olatunji
55. Carlos Lopes
56. Zain Verjee
57. John-Allan Namu
58. Vera Songwe
59. Nesrine Malik
60. Tayo Aina
61. Thebe Ikalafeng
62. Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi
63. Hannah Ryder
64. Ayman Mohyeldin
65. Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
Creative
66. Zineb Sedira
67. Rita Mawuena Benissan
68. Iansmith Mwenda
69. Idris Elba
70. Ken Wakia
71. Adejoké Bakare
72. Ayra Starr
73. Selma Feriani
74. DJ Edu
75. Eugene Mbugua
76. Chigozie Obioma
77. Kamel Daoud
78. Tesfaye Urgessa
79. Mehdi Qotbi
80. DBN Gogo
81. Yinka Ilori
82. Amina Lola Shoneyin
83. Ekow Eshun
84. Zhong FeiFei
85. Mati Diop
86. Hassan Hajjaj
87. Koyo Kouoh
88. Mo Harawe
89. Victoria Kimani
Sports
90. Patrice Motsepe
91. Letsile Tebogo
92. Imane Khelif
93. Tunde Onakoya
94. Gelson Fernandes
95. Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane
96. Biniam Girmay
97. Ademola Lookman
98. Ruth Chepng’etich
99. Omar Berrada
100. Sifan Hassan
Dangote, Tinubu, Lookman named among 100 most influential Africans in 2024 (Full list)
-
metro2 days agoINTERPOL declares 14 Nigerians wanted for drug, human trafficking
-
metro1 day agoJigawa State governor loses son 24 hours after mother’s death
-
metro2 days agoIbadan stampede: She was treated like a terrorist, Queen Naomi’s sister says about her condition
-
Business2 days agoNNPCL launches production monitoring centre
-
Entertainment16 hours agoMultiChoice announces free access to all DSTV channels for 3 days
-
Business1 day agoBe creative, monarch, others challenge Muslim professionals on economic revival
-
metro10 hours agoHeavy security in Ilesa as ex-Osun deputy gov emerges new Owa-Obokun
-
metro3 days agoMakinde speaks on Sharia court controversy in Oyo