Compilations of top 10 key latest updates that you need to know this Thursday morning, 4th December, 2025
Sowore Accuses IGP Egbetokun, Justice Liman Of Colluding To Perpetually Withhold His Passport, Frustrate Court Hearings
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Justice M.S. Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja of working together to perpetually withhold his passport by deliberately frustrating court proceedings in his ongoing trial for alleged cyberstalking and for referring to the IGP as an “illegal IGP.”
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday after Justice Liman again refused to hear his motion seeking the release of his passport for the fifth consecutive time.
Sowore recounted events that began in January 2025, when he was invited by the police over allegations that he filmed some officers engaging in corrupt practices along Airport Road in Lagos.
Sowore said the police invitation later escalated into accusations that he had described the IGP as “illegal”.
He alleged that the then Deputy Inspector-General in charge of the Force Intelligence Department, Dasuki Danbappa Galadanchi (now retired), pressured him throughout the interrogation.
According to him, his activism against alleged age falsification and illegal tenure extension within the police hierarchy affecting “over 500 officers” triggered a wave of prosecutions and multiple court cases against him.
US company withdraws Nigeria’s presidential jet from sale
The marketing firm handling the sale of Nigeria’s presidential Boeing 737-700 Business Jet has withdrawn the aircraft’s listing.
The jet, previously listed on the company’s website, could no longer be found when our correspondent visited.
In an email response to The PUNCH, Manager of Market Research at JetHQ, Laurie Barringer, confirmed that the company no longer has the aircraft listed for sale and directed further inquiries to the Nigerian government.
“Thank you for your email.
We no longer have the listing on the Boeing. You will need to reach out to the Nigerian Government for information as to what has become of the aircraft.
I appreciate your time — Laurie Barringer, Manager of Market Research, JetHQ,” the email read
Abduction crisis: NASS asks FG to name terrorism financiers
The National Assembly on Wednesday called for the public naming and prosecution of terrorism financiers in Nigeria as the Federal Government explores measures to address the growing insecurity across the country.
Both the Senate and House of Representatives pushed for the exposure of terrorism financiers during their plenary as a way of addressing the security crisis facing the country.
The Senate also demanded capital punishment for kidnappers — and anyone who finances, enables or provides information to them — as lawmakers debated amendments to the 2022 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
The proposal, sponsored by the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, seeks to classify kidnapping, hostage-taking and related crimes as terrorism, giving security agencies wider powers to track, disrupt and prosecute criminal networks across the country.
The debate dominated Wednesday’s plenary, drawing contributions from key senators including Adams Oshiomhole, Orji Uzor Kalu and Minority Leader Abba Moro.
US mulls visa bans over alleged Christian killings in Nigeria
The United States Department of State on Wednesday announced measures aimed at addressing what it described as mass killings and attacks targeting Christians in Nigeria.
The move signals that the US is considering visa restrictions against individuals and groups implicated in the violence.
“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the mass killings and attacks on Christians carried out by radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani militias, and other violent groups in Nigeria and beyond,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement.
Under the new policy, implemented through Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the State Department can restrict visas for anyone who has “directed, authorised, significantly supported, participated in, or carried out violations of religious freedom,” and, where appropriate, extend the restrictions to their immediate family members.
CBN ends cash deposit limit for bank customers
The Central Bank of Nigeria has removed all cash-deposit limits for bank customers while maintaining strict weekly withdrawal ceilings under a revised set of cash-related policies that take effect on January 1, 2026.
The changes were announced in a circular issued on Tuesday and signed by the Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Dr Rita Sike.
The apex bank said the new framework was introduced “to reflect present-day realities” after years of adjustments to cash-management rules.
A key provision of the circular is the full abolition of the cumulative deposit limit.
The CBN stated that “the cumulative deposit limit is hereby removed and the fee for excess deposit shall no longer apply,” ending the requirement for customers to pay charges when depositing cash above a set threshold.
In 2019, the CBN announced plans to start charging bank customers for cash deposits and withdrawals beginning September 19, 2019.
In a publicly released circular, the apex bank explained that the new transaction fees policy was aimed at reducing the amount of cash in circulation and enhancing the collection of government revenues.
Otti’s meeting with Tinubu about Kanu, not defection — Gov’s aide
The Special Adviser to Abia State Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, has said the governor’s visit to President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday centred on issues concerning the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
Ekeoma disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, while reacting to a claim by a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Charles Ogbonnaya, who alleged that the governor visited Tinubu to discuss plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general election.
The governor’s aide insisted that his principal’s meeting with the President was a continuation of efforts to secure Kanu’s release.
“The governor subsequently had a meeting with the President after visiting the IPOB leader at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
This is in continuation of earlier meetings the governor had been having with the FG on this matter in the past two years.
Remi Tinubu gives grants to persons with disabilities in Sokoto
The First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday marked this year’s World Disability Day with the disbursement of N64m in grants to persons living with disabilities across the state.
According to a Thursday statement signed by the Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa, the Mrs Tinubu was represented at the event by the wife of the state governor, Fatima Aliyu.
The statement noted that the First Lady announced the disbursement of N50m to beneficiaries in Sokoto as part of the broader Renewed Hope Initiative intervention being implemented across the 36 states and the FCT.
According to the statement, the First Lady explained that the programme is designed to create long-term economic independence for Nigerians with disabilities.
Rivers Assembly endorses Tinubu for second term
The Rivers State House of Assembly has unanimously endorsed President Bola Tinubu for second term.
The House, during its 37th Legislative Session on Wednesday, said its decision was in appreciation of the numerous Federal Government projects attracted under the Tinubu administration.
The endorsement was contained in a motion signed by 26 members and read at plenary by the House Leader, Mr Major Jack (Akuku-Toru).
They acknowledged that the vote of confidence in the President became necessary to pave the way for continuity.
The members recalled the role played by the President during the intense political crisis in the state, describing it as a fatherly intervention.
They also acknowledged his determination to ensure peace and stability, saying it was a true demonstration of love for the state.
Dollar to Naira exchange rate today, December 4, 2025
The Naira showed resilience against the US Dollar in early trading on Thursday, December 4, 2025, maintaining a narrow gap between the official and parallel markets as the country enters the final month of the year.
Official Market (NFEM):Data from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), also known as NFEM, indicates the Naira is trading at approximately ₦1,445.54 per Dollar as of this morning.
Market activity shows stability, with the currency fluctuating between an intraday high of ₦1,448.20 and a low of ₦1,444.90.
This sustained performance reflects the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) continued efforts to unify rates and improve liquidity through the Electronic Foreign Exchange Management System (EFEMS).Parallel Market (Black Market):
In the unauthorised parallel market, the Naira is trading at an average of ₦1,468 per Dollar, keeping the premium between the official and street rates significantly compressed compared to previous years.
Dealers report moderate demand, with the rate holding steady near the ₦1,470 mark observed earlier in the week.
Pregnant woman dies as staff reject transfer payment for oxygen in Katsina Hospital
A pregnant woman, Aisha Najamu, has died at the Turai Umaru Musa Yar’adua Maternity and Children Hospital in Katsina after staff allegedly refused to accept a bank transfer for oxygen payment, insisting on cash.
Witnesses said the woman arrived at the facility in a critical condition and needed urgent oxygen support.
However, the cashier on duty reportedly declined to process payment because she did not have cash in hand, citing a hospital rule that prohibits transfers.
A man who attempted to assist told Katsina Times that he pleaded with the cashier to accept a transfer so the woman could be treated.
He said the cashier insisted the policy forbids bank transfers and must be followed.
According to him, he even offered to pay extra and later presented a $100 note, but the staff member still refused.
