A group of 20 prospective corps members, who were abducted in Imo State on their way to Akwa Ibom for national service, have been released and offered postings to any of the six South-West states. According to a parent who spoke to The Punch, the survivors were allowed to choose their preferred states in the South-West to continue their national service. The parent also disclosed that the families paid N6m in ransom for each of the graduates. This development brings relief to the families of the freed graduates.
The Court of Appeal in Kaduna has rejected the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. El-Rufai is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over alleged financial offences arising from his administration. The Court of Appeal's three-member panel, in a unanimous judgment, held that El-Rufai failed to establish fresh facts or special circumstances to warrant interfering with the lower court's decision to deny him bail. This development is a setback for El-Rufai in his ongoing legal battle.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen made a remarkable return from injury, coming off the bench to inspire Galatasaray's comeback victory in the Turkish Super Lig. Osimhen replaced Deniz Gül in the 77th minute and set up a late goal as 10-man Galatasaray beat Kasımpaşa 3-1. This match marked Osimhen's first appearance since he was hurt on September 4. His return is a boost to Galatasaray and the Super Eagles.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has restricted discount sales on petrol, requiring motorists to download its mobile application and pay digitally to access the N66-per-litre discount. Checks at NNPC retail outlets in Abuja revealed that petrol was still being sold at N1,405 per litre to customers paying directly at the pumps, while those using the company's mobile application paid N1,339 per litre. This development means that customers who do not use the application will not benefit from the discount.
The NNPC has extended its N66-per-litre discount until October 31. However, the company may forgo an estimated N4.62bn in gross revenue if all its average monthly petrol sales qualify for the reduction. At the NNPC mega station along Obasanjo Way, a fuel attendant confirmed that customers could only access the discount through the company's application. This indicates that the government is promoting digital payments for fuel purchases.
A relative of one of the freed graduates, Joy Zainab, expressed gratitude to those who contributed towards the N6m ransom. Zainab confirmed that family members and well-wishers contributed towards the ransom, which was paid to secure the release of the graduates. The incident highlights the risks faced by corps members during their national service.
In a separate development, Moses Ukoh, the husband of the late Mary Ugwoma, has denied allegations that he was responsible for her death. Ukoh stated that his wife prepared a meal for the family on September 4, and she died the following day. He expressed surprise at a social media post accusing him of being responsible for her death and stated that he is ready for a probe.
Key points
- Freed graduates offered South-West postings after paying N6m ransom each.
- El-Rufai's bail application rejected by Court of Appeal.
- Victor Osimhen returns from injury, inspires Galatasaray's comeback victory.
