Author: topnews

Union Bank of Nigeria Completes Merger with Titan Trust Bank

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Union Bank of Nigeria, one of the nation’s longest-standing financial institutions, today announced the successful completion of its merger with Titan Trust Bank Limited, following final approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This milestone concludes a process that began with the signing of a Share Sale Agreement in 2021 and positions Union Bank as an even stronger force within Nigeria’s financial services sector. Under the terms of the merger, Union Bank has fully absorbed Titan Trust Bank’s operations and assets. The combined institution will continue to operate under…

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Ex-IGP Solomon Arase Dies in Abuja at 69

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Former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Ehigiator Arase, has reportedly died in Abuja at the age of 69. Arase, who served as Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police between April 2015 and June 2016, was said to have passed away on Sunday at Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja. Born on June 21, 1956, the Edo-born lawyer and security expert joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1981, rising through the ranks to become Inspector-General before retiring in 2016. Following his retirement, he was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) in January 2023 by…

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FirstBank’s ₦1 Trillion Digital Loan Disbursement Milestone and the New Era of Inclusive Lending in Nigeria

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For decades, Nigeria’s credit system posed significant challenges for small businesses and low-income earners, who often struggled to qualify for loans. Traditional banks demanded collaterals, guarantors, and endless paperwork, effectively shutting out a large portion of the population working in the informal economy. FirstBank’s digital lending model flipped the script. With the launch of its digital lending model, the bank eliminated collateral requirements and slashed approval times from weeks to under five minutes. Loans now flow through multiple channels including *894# (the Bank’s USSD service), FirstMobile, LitApp, and the FirstMonie…

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Oluwo Denies Marijuana Allegation, Curses Accusers

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The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has strongly denied allegations that he smokes marijuana, describing the claims as malicious and invoking curses on those behind them. In a viral video circulating on social media, the monarch, speaking at a public event, dismissed the rumours as falsehoods peddled by “unfortunate people,” warning that divine punishment awaited the perpetrators. “They are lying against me. They are unfortunate people. Unless I am smoking marijuana, if I’m a smoker, God should remove me from this throne. You who are accusing me of…

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Ondo Court Remands Pastor for Allegedly Raping Daughter

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A Magistrate Court in Akure, Ondo State, has ordered the remand of a 42-year-old pastor, Samson Ajayi, at the Olokuta Correctional Centre over allegations of serially raping his 17-year-old biological daughter. Ajayi, a father of five, was arraigned on two counts of rape and defilement after his wife reported him to the police in Igoba, Akure North Local Government Area, alleging that he had been abusing their daughter for more than four years. Prosecutor Supol Martins Olowofeso told the court that the offences were committed between March 2021 and August…

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Tiwa Savage Speaks on Challenges in Music Industry, Says It Is ‘Filled with Darkness’

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Nigerian Afrobeats star, Tiwatope Omolara Savage, popularly known as Tiwa Savage, has opened up about the struggles she faces in the music industry, describing it as “filled with so much darkness.” Speaking during a recent livestream, the award-winning singer said many people doubted the success of her latest album because it did not feature international collaborations or club-friendly tracks. “My Alpha and Omega, this industry is filled with so much darkness. I wish you guys knew,” she said. “But I thank God that I’ve kept my eyes on Him. I…

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Jonathan’s Brother Denies Report of Ex-President Withdrawing from 2027 Race

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  Former President Goodluck Jonathan has refuted reports claiming he has stepped aside from the 2027 presidential race. The rebuttal followed a publication alleging that the Otuoke-born statesman had declined to contest in order not to jeopardise Southern political unity. Although Jonathan has yet to officially declare his candidacy, there are indications that he has been holding consultations across the country ahead of a possible bid. On Friday, his cousin, Azibaola Robert, dismissed the report in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page. He insisted that Jonathan never said…

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Nigerian Immigration Raises Passport Fees to N100,000, N200,000 from September 1

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The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a fresh increase in the cost of obtaining the Nigerian Standard Passport, effective September 1, 2025. In a statement issued on Thursday by the Service Public Relations Officer, ACI AS Akinlabi, the agency said the new rates would apply only to applications processed within Nigeria. Under the revised tariff, a 32-page passport with five-year validity will now cost ₦100,000, while the 64-page, 10-year booklet has been pegged at ₦200,000. The statement, however, clarified that charges for Nigerians applying abroad remain unchanged at $150…

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Man Arrested for Beating Wife to Death in Ekiti

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Tragedy struck in Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State, as a woman identified as Modupe Alasin reportedly died after being brutally assaulted by her husband over lateness to the farm. Eyewitnesses said the victim cried out for mercy while her husband flogged her repeatedly. Shortly after, he allegedly ordered her to fetch water from a nearby stream. However, she collapsed by the stream and died, apparently from exhaustion and injuries sustained. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, SP Sunday Abutu, said the suspect had been arrested, adding…

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Police Arrest Officers Caught Counting Cash in Patrol Van

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  The Delta State Police Command has arrested officers caught in a viral video counting bundles of cash inside a patrol vehicle marked Area Command, Asaba. The video, which quickly spread on social media, showed the personnel handling large sums of money in the parked van, sparking public suspicion that the cash was linked to extortion. Confirming the arrest on Tuesday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe, said the officers were tracked down and brought before the Commissioner of Police after the footage came to the notice of authorities. He…

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