Category: 📃Supers News

Popular Oba (king) Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, the embattled traditional ruler of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Nigeria, has been ordered by a U.S. federal court to forfeit millions of dollars in assets to the American government after pleading guilty to charges connected to a $4.2 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.

The 62-year-old monarch, who also holds American citizenship, was indicted in April 2024 alongside fellow Nigerian-American Edward Oluwasanmi. The duo was accused of orchestrating an extensive scheme to defraud the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) of pandemic relief funds.

According to Peoples Gazette, the ruling was handed down on May 5, 2025, by Judge Christopher Boyko of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, who issued a Preliminary Order of Forfeiture authorising the seizure of high-value assets tied to the convicted king.

The order followed a plea bargain entered by Oloyede on April 24, 2025, in which he pleaded guilty to 13 counts, including wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering, and defrauding a federal relief programme. In exchange for a reduced sentence, Oloyede also waived his right to appeal or seek restitution.

Among the assets listed for forfeiture is a residential property in Medina County, Ohio, purchased in May 2021 under his wife’s name, Sherri Oloyede. Also included is $96,006.89 held in a JP Morgan Chase bank account under the name Joseph Oloyede and Associates Ltd. Though the property was registered in his wife’s name, the couple voluntarily waived their right to contest the forfeiture as part of the plea deal.

Oba Oloyede now faces sentencing, where he could receive significant jail time under federal sentencing guidelines. The case also casts a dark cloud over his future as a traditional ruler in Nigeria, with legal and cultural consequences expected to follow.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board will on Thursday review the results of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination following what it described as “unusual” public complaints.

A notice seen by The PUNCH in Abuja confirmed that the review meeting would bring together vice-chancellors, provosts, rectors, school principals, examiners, and technical experts to scrutinise the examination process and address the widespread dissatisfaction expressed by candidates and stakeholders.

This development comes in the wake of mounting protests from candidates and parents over the results released last Friday, with many alleging technical glitches and inconsistencies during the exam.

According to the official notice, the review panel, which includes members from the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, the Educational Assessment and Research Network, and top officials from Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, will evaluate the conduct and outcome of the 2025 UTME.

“In furtherance of the commitment of the board to earn public confidence in its processes, the management of the board has approved your participation to be part of the review panel constituted to appraise the conduct of the examination with the mandate to identify challenges, if any, and proffer relevant recommendations to prevent a recurrence,” the notice reads in part.

It added that the panel’s assignment will be at no cost to the board.

The UTME is a critical prerequisite for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It tests candidates in four subjects, including the compulsory Use of English, with the other three drawn from their proposed field of study.

Of the 1.9 million candidates who sat the UTME, over 1.5 million reportedly scored below 200 out of the maximum 400 marks, raising concerns across the education sector.

According to the examination agency, a total of 1,955,069 results were processed, out of which only 4,756 candidates (0.24 per cent) scored 320 and above, considered top-tier performance, while 7,658 candidates (0.39 per cent) scored between 300 and 319, bringing the total for those who scored 300 and above to 12,414 candidates (0.63 per cent).

Also, 73,441 candidates (3.76 per cent) scored between 250 and 299 while 334,560 candidates (17.11 per cent) scored between 200 and 249.

A total of 983,187 candidates (50.29 per cent) scored between 160 and 199, which is widely regarded as the minimum threshold for admissions in many institutions.

In the same vein, 488,197 candidates (24.97 per cent) scored between 140 and 159, 57,419 candidates (2.94 per cent) scored between 120 and 139, 3,820 candidates (0.20 per cent) scored between 100 and 119, and 2,031 candidates (0.10 per cent) scored below 100.

Over 75 per cent of all candidates (1.5 million) scored below 200, average score seeing as the examination is graded over 400.

Some affected candidates threatened to initiate a lawsuit against JAMB.

Responding to the controversy, JAMB’s spokesman, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, on Monday said the board was accelerating its annual post-examination system review, which typically assesses the registration, examination, and result phases months after the exercise.

“We are particularly concerned about the unusual complaints originating from a few states within the federation,” Benjamin stated.

“We are currently scrutinising these complaints in detail to identify and rectify any potential technical issues.”

According to the statement, the board is scrutinising these complaints in detail to identify and rectify potential technical issues.

JAMB said the annual review encompasses three key stages: registration, examination, and result release.

It explained that during the examination, JAMB ensures that every candidate is afforded the opportunity to sit the test, and should any technical issues arise, the board reschedules the examination for affected candidates.

JAMB said experts have been engaged to assist in the review.

The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, while reacting to the results said that the performance statistics for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination are in line with results recorded over the past 12 years.

He emphasised, however, that such results are not unusual and align with historical patterns.

“This is not peculiar to this year. The performance statistics are consistent with those of the last 12 years,” he said.

In 2024, 76 per cent of candidates who sat the UTME scored less than 200 points.

In 2022, 1.3 million candidates out of 1.7 million – or 78 per cent – who sat the 2022 UTME scored below 200, according to JAMB.

In 2021, only 803 candidates out of 1.3 million – or 0.06 per cent – who sat the 2021 UTME scored above 300.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, while also reacting to the results, said the high failure rate in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination was clear evidence that the government’s anti-malpractice measures were yielding results, especially within the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board system.

Meanwhile, the JAMB board assured that any candidate affected by technical disruptions during the examination would be given another opportunity to write the test, in line with its established procedures.

Commenting on the performance outcome, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, maintained that the results reflect the federal government’s strengthened efforts to combat examination malpractice and ensure integrity in the admissions process.

But candidates and parents have continued to allege discrepancies in the released results with some calling on the Board to release the modalities with which it scored each candidate.

Some candidates have rejected their results, insisting they do not reflect their actual performance.

A group of candidates, numbering over 8,000, reportedly submitted complaints regarding technical glitches experienced during the examination.

A social media user, @Pennyfabz, who scored 156 expressed concerns, saying she had previously scored 285 in the previous edition of the UTME.

“Dear @JAMBHQ, Something is wrong with my result. I’m very confident that this is not what I’m meant to get. Please look into this matter. I’m seriously comforting myself that everything is okay. Please listen to our plea. I can’t go from 285 to 156,” the candidate posted on X.

A parent also called for a review, saying, “We demand a remark from JAMB. These are exceptional students scoring below 200. Many complained of incomplete questions and other technical issues. JAMB has said nothing. This cannot be swept under the rug.”

Meanwhile, it was not all about protests against the results as history was made with Afolabi Ayodeji, a 15-year-old student from Icons Comprehensive College in Ijapo Estate, Akure, Ondo State, scored 370 out of 400 maximum marks obtainable, setting a landmark record in the 2025 UTME result.

A breakdown of his scores, according to JAMB, indicates: Mathematics — 98, Physics — 98, Chemistry — 94 and Use of English — 80, highlighting his exceptional grasp of both the sciences and language subjects.

Ayodeji’s 370 score is the highest recorded in over a decade, marking a noteworthy milestone in Nigeria’s education sector in over a decade.

According to data from JAMB, no individual has attained a score of 370 since the inception of the board’s computer-based test in 2013, making his feat the highest in this era.

“I didn’t set out to break any record; I just wanted to give my best. I thank God, my parents, and my teachers for believing in me,” Ayodeji said after his feat.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially invited individuals and institutions to be part of a special panel set up to review the conduct and outcome of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), amid widespread public concerns over the unusually low scores recorded.

The development was confirmed in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), where one of the invitees, @winexviv, revealed his inclusion in the review panel and shared details of the invitation.

“I received a formal invitation from JAMB for us to transparently conduct a thorough review of the 2025 JAMB exam. The review date is next tomorrow (Thursday),” he wrote.

“After our review, I will publicly share my findings. If you have been troubled, keep calm. I’m hopeful that something positive will come out of it. You burnt candles, had sleepless nights, had high hopes. We will not fail you!”

The invitation letter he received reads in part:

—

JOINT ADMISSIONS AND MATRICULATION BOARD

National Headquarters Complex, Suleja Road, Bwari, P.M.B. 189, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria.

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR

JAMB/R/280/VOL.42/137

13th May, 2025

Mr. Alex Onyia,

CEO, EDUCARE,

Lagos, Nigeria.

LETTER OF INVITATION

In furtherance of the Board’s commitment to maintaining public confidence in its processes—especially in light of the recent outcry following the release of the 2025 UTME results—the Management of the Board has approved your participation as a member of the review panel.

The panel is constituted to appraise the conduct of the examination, identify any challenges, and proffer recommendations to prevent future occurrences.

2. The review panel will, among other things, assess the release of the 2025 UTME.

3. Your participation on the panel is at no cost to the Board.

4. The review is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 15th May, 2025.

5. The Review Panel includes representatives from:

i. All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS)

ii. National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools

iii. Chief External Examiners (CEEs)

iv. Computer Professionals of Association of Nigeria (CPN)

v. Educational Assessment & Research Network

vi. Vice Chancellors of Universities

vii. Rectors of Polytechnics

viii. Provosts of Colleges of Education

ix. Other support staff of the Board attached to the Panel

Please accept the kind regards of the Registrar.

Fabian Benjamin, Ph.D

Public Communication Advisor, JAMB

For: Registrar

SEE POST:

 

 

Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to settle the ₦45 billion debt allegedly owed to the late Chief MKO Abiola by the Federal Government.

Lamido made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of his autobiography titled “Being True To Myself.”

In his remarks, Lamido said it was time for the Nigerian government to bring closure to the June 12, 1993, presidential election saga.

He noted that Abiola, who won the election but was denied the presidency, was still being wronged decades later.

“I would like to appeal to President Tinubu to close the chapter of June 12. In his book, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida revealed that Abiola won the election,” Lamido said.

According to him, when he once met with Babangida, the former military leader disclosed that Abiola was being owed ₦45 billion by the government.

“Abiola is double punished. One, he was denied the presidency. Two, he is being owed. Please tell [Tinubu] to pay Abiola’s family the ₦45 billion. When this money is paid, the chapter of June 12 will be closed. It is very important,” Lamido stated, addressing the Minister of Information who represented the President at the event.

In addition to his appeal, Lamido expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the success of his book project.

He thanked Allah for sparing his life to witness the occasion and extended heartfelt appreciation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he described as his “Boss, Guide, Leader, and Inspiration.”

“Baba, I sincerely and profoundly thank you. May God Almighty endow and bless you with abundant health, wisdom, joy, and well-being,” he said to Obasanjo, who was present at the event and also wrote the book’s foreword.

He acknowledged General Abdulsalami Abubakar for his integrity and service to the nation, and praised the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for promoting religious unity and attending the event despite his tight schedule.

Lamido further appreciated Dr. Iyorchia Ayu for reviewing the book and referred to him as a longtime friend and comrade.

He also commended the Editorial and Organising Committees for their commitment, and the Media Subcommittee for creating nationwide awareness about the book.

The book launch drew notable figures and stirred fresh conversation around the unresolved issues surrounding the 1993 election and the late MKO Abiola’s legacy.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed concern over the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warning that internal divisions and selfish interests may ruin the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.

He stated that, unless the party corrects its internal crisis, it stands no chance of winning the upcoming election.

Wike made these statements during his monthly media chat with selected journalists in Abuja on Monday.

He highlighted the PDP’s failure to provide effective leadership and unite its members as significant factors that could lead to the party’s downfall.

The minister pointed to recent defections, especially those involving Delta State politicians, as clear signs of dissatisfaction within the party.

Wike defended the decision of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to switch from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasizing that it was a political move rather than an act of betrayal.

“When people talk about the governor of Delta State and his predecessor moving out of PDP to APC, what wrong did he do? That he said he was going to support Tinubu, that was the crime?” Wike asked.

He stressed that the defection was a result of leadership failures within the PDP.

Wike also criticized what he perceived as hypocrisy within the party, pointing to the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) for endorsing Labour Party’s Alex Otti for a second term as Governor of Abia State.

He questioned why the party’s leadership was not addressing this move.

“But the Chairman of the BoT, who is the conscience of the party, adopted Otti for a second tenure. Why are people not commenting about that? The Chairman of PDP BoT adopted Alex Otti, governor under Labour Party, for a second tenure,” Wike stated.

The former governor of Rivers State further argued that opposition parties are supposed to be organized and focused on taking over the government, rather than being embroiled in internal conflicts.

He expressed frustration with the party’s focus on targeting him, as the only “crime” he committed was serving as a minister in an APC-led government.

“No opposition party allows impunity; it’s only the ruling party. Opposition is supposed to organize itself to take over the affairs of government. How many times have they made efforts? How many people have you wooed? Rather, they are after Wike. They abandoned what they are supposed to do—the only crime is that Wike is a minister under APC government,” Wike said.

Wike also challenged the PDP’s governors and former governors to show the same level of commitment he displayed during past elections.

“I am the only former governor who did not support the presidential candidate but made sure PDP won 100 percent in the governorship, State Assembly, and National Assembly. Let any sitting governor or former governor come out to say that happened in their states,” he said.

The minister issued a stern warning that unless the PDP corrects its internal mistakes and stops alienating loyal members, it risks repeating the errors that led to its defeat in the 2023 elections.

“You have not won an election, but you are excluding people. You want to play the same game you played in 2023; it will backfire. I have told people that this smartness will not help you. Wike is telling you now to stop this smartness,” he cautioned.

On the defection of Ifeanyi Okowa and his allies, Wike described it as a politically strategic move and criticized the PDP for failing to foresee it.

He expressed disbelief that the party was caught off guard by such defections.

“If you do not show leadership, you suffer for it. This is what I have been saying.”

“I am surprised that PDP said they didn’t see it coming. I won’t call the names of the governors. I call them. I said, ‘Listen, the way things are going, I have warned you people.’ You said they are governors. I have no problem. Let’s see what will happen,” Wike said.

 

 

 

A CCTV video has captured the shocking moment a man walked into a boutique and stole two iPhones while both the owner and sales rep were fast asleep.

The footage, shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by user @ChuksEricE, shows the interior of the boutique at the time of the incident.

In the clip, the suspect is seen quietly entering the store, pausing for a few seconds to assess the situation.

Realizing that the staff were asleep, he began scanning the room for valuables.

He eventually spotted a phone that was charging and calmly unplugged it. He then moved closer to the sleeping individuals and picked up another phone placed beside one of them.

The post revealed that both the boutique owner and the sales rep remained unaware of the theft as it occurred right under their noses.

Fortunately, the entire incident was recorded by the store’s CCTV camera, which clearly captured the face of the suspect.

As the video circulated online, many social media users flooded the comment section with mixed reactions and concerns.

See some reactions below:

@wiseironman: “Sales girl suppose sleep? And she dey collect salary.”

@Edisonokojie1: “This did not seem like what happened in the mid night. Why then were both of them sleeping ?”

@Alexx_Hilton: “People get mind ooo 😮,what if they catch you ? Nawao.”

@grind_charts: “Nigeria’s laziness enables crime.”

WATCH VIDEO: 

CCTV footage captured the moment a man støle an iPhone 14 Pro Max from a shop in Abuja yesterday while both the owner and the salesgirl were asleep😳🙆 pic.twitter.com/p95kbMsGnI

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) May 8, 2025

 

 

Nigerian couple is plunged into tragedy following the devastating loss of their three children, with details emerging online.

The details surrounding the tragic incident were shared by a close associate of the couple via a Facebook post.

The close associate, identified as Caphas Nkadum, revealed that the grieving husband, a devoted brother and servant of God, lost his three children in a lightning strike stemming from heavy rainfall.

Furthermore, he expressed deep grief for the couple over the tragic incident.

His post reads,“MY BROTHER AND MY FELLOW SERVANT OF GOD ELDER EMMANUEL PHIRI , THIS IS HEAVY FOR YOU TO CARRY. MY FRIEND HAVE LOST HIS THREE BELOVED CHILDREN BY THE LIGHTENING AFTER THE HEAVY RAINS”.

“MY FAMILY MOURNS WITH YOU DEAR FRIEND. ALL YOUR KIDS ARE GONE.😭😭😭😭😭”.

See below….