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SPECIAL REPORT: Access Bank, A Game-Changer in Africa’s Financial Future

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In today’s ever-evolving financial landscape, few institutions can claim to be true pioneers. But Access Bank, with its bold vision, cutting-edge innovation, and pan-African presence, has shattered the traditional image of a bank.

 

It is no longer just a financial institution—it’s a movement, a catalyst for economic empowerment, and a force driving sustainable change across continents.

 

From Nigeria to the World

 

With headquarters in Lagos, Access Bank has become Africa’s largest bank by customer base, serving over 60 million customers across more than 20 countries in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. With bank’s total assets valued at a staggering N41.5 trillion (Access Holdings); N40.8trillion (Access Bank) as at FY December 31, 2024, it’s Nigeria’s largest bank by assets and a formidable multinational financial player.

In Africa, it has recorded a domineering presence in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Zambia, DRC, Tanzania, South Africa, Cameroon, Mozambique, and Angola. Excellently spreading its tentacles in European countries, its footprint is felt in the United Kingdom and France while it has penetrated the

Middle East: United Arab Emirates (UAE).

 

However, the bank also have representative Offices in India, China, and Lebanon.

 

Innovation as a Growth Engine

 

What sets Access Bank apart isn’t just its size, but its commitment to innovation and customer-centric technology.

In partnership with Avaya, the bank deployed a hybrid cloud contact center solution, enhancing real-time customer engagement and scalability.

 

Result? An impressive 10% increase in customer satisfaction score (from 54% to 64%) and a dramatic Net Promoter Score jump from -4 to +23.

 

Its digital banking platforms support millions of daily transactions, providing secure, accessible banking across mobile, internet, and agent networks.

 

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Expanding Digital Inclusion

 

It’s investment in technology isn’t just about convenience—it’s about financial inclusion:

 

* Over 50,000 Closa Agents across Nigeria, ensuring the unbanked and underserved have access to basic financial services.

 

* Robust mobile banking platforms designed to work even in low-bandwidth areas.

 

* Internet Banking offering seamless 24/7 account management, bill payment, and fund transfers.

 

Banking on Sustainability: ESG in Action

 

Access Bank is Africa’s most recognized ESG-focused bank, winning:

 

* Best Bank in Nigeria

 

* Best Bank in Ghana for ESG

 

 

— both at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2024 and 2025

 

Through sustainable finance initiatives, the bank has:

 

* Financed renewable energy projects across rural Africa

 

* Promoted clean energy access

 

* Cut carbon emissions through green operations and eco-loans

 

Its SME Banking Programme empowers thousands of small businesses with tailored financial products, mentorship, and market access—crucial for Africa’s post-pandemic recovery.

 

The 2027 Vision: 125 Million Customers

 

With its determination to be a driver in the industry, Access Bank is targeting 22 African countries by 2027, signaling a strategic drive for dominance across emerging markets.

 

However, doubling its customer base to 125 million by 2027 is a huge feet that is conquerable. In realisation of that, it’s anchoring on:

 

* Aggressive digital expansion

 

* Continental acquisition strategy

 

* Inclusive financial products

 

* Youth and women-focused entrepreneurship financing

 

With its smart, people-first approach, Access Bank is not just participating in Africa’s growth story—it’s writing it.

Conclusion

 

As Africa eye a new economic dawn, Access Bank is proving that banking can be more than numbers—it can be purpose-driven, sustainable, and transformational.

 

For the youth in Kano or Kigali, the entrepreneur in Accra or Addis Ababa, and the rural trader in Makurdi or Mombasa—Access Bank isn’t just a bank. It’s a partner for progress.

 

According to the Nigeria Online Media Alliance (NOMA), this ambition is not only possible—it’s well underway.

 

So, yes—Access Bank is more than banking. It’s the future. And the future is here.

 

“Access Bank represents a bold new vision of what an African bank can and should be—global, inclusive, digital, and sustainable. As Chairperson of NOMA, I can confidently say: This is not just Africa’s largest bank by numbers—it is Africa’s most impactful bank by purpose.”

We Have Not Started Any Police Recruitment, PSC, says fraudsters behind stories circulating in social media

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By Ebinum Samuel 

 

The Police Service Commission is yet to commence the process for the recruitment of Police Officers for the year 2025.

 

The Commission, according to a statement issued today by the spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, wishes to state that the stories currently circulating on social media indicating that the exercise has started and inviting applications is misleading and mischievous.

 

The Commission has not commenced this exercise and obviously will follow established procedures and processes when it is ready. It hereby advises prospective candidates to ignore the publications and wait for official communication.

 

The Commission frowns at this consistent attempt to fraudulently confuse the public each time there are preparations for recruitment.

 

It calls on relevant security agencies to go after these fraudsters and protect the integrity of Police Recruitment.

 

The Commission will continue to ensure that the exercise is transparent and in line with established rules and regulations.

 

The fraudsters are warned to stay off Commission’s programmes as they would be fished out and sanctioned according to law.

Cocaine, tramadol consignments in vehicle side mirrors intercepted at Lagos airport

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By Ebinum Samuel 

 

As NDLEA arrests dispatch riders distributing illicit drugs in Abuja; nabs businesswoman behind cocaine in lipsticks; recovers opioids in footwears at Maiduguri airport

 

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted consignments of cocaine and tramadol 225mg concealed in 71 vehicle side mirrors being sent to Libreville, Gabon through the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos, with not less than three suspects linked to the cargo already arrested in follow-up operations.

The first batch of the consignment consisting 57,420 pills of tramadol 225mg and 57 pellets of Cocaine weighing 1.60kg were intercepted in a cargo going to Gabon on Air Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday 19th July 2025. A popular cargo agent Ihekweme Osinachi Benedict handling the shipment was immediately arrested, after which further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect Uzochukwu Godspower Chukwurah on Sunday 20th July.

Eleven parcels of cocaine with a total weight of 1kg were later recovered from four additional side mirrors being prepared for export found in the home of Uzochukwu on Monday 21st July, bringing the total number of parcels of cocaine to 68 weighing 2.60 kilograms.

In a related development, NDLEA operatives on Friday 1st August arrested a businesswoman Mrs. Nwafor Roseann Nneka at her shop within the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, Lagos following the interception of 100 grams of cocaine and 300 grams of phenacetine, a cutting agent, concealed in ladies’ lipsticks going to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, through the export shed of the Lagos airport on 10th July 2025.

Two cargo agents linked to the shipment were earlier arrested before the eventual arrest of Nneka who runs the criminal trade as a family business with her husband Remigus Nwafor, currently on the run. In her statement, Mrs. Nwafor admitted she bought the lipsticks used to conceal the illicit drugs while her husband handled the actual concealment.

In Abuja, the nation’s Federal Capital Territory, NDLEA operatives conducting intelligence-led stop and search operations in Gwarimpa, Jahi, and Galadimawa areas of the FCT on Wednesday 30th July arrested three dispatch riders: Sabo Sule, 24; Samuel Nnamdi, 28; and Idris Jibrin, 28, for distributing illicit substances around the city. A total of 149.8 grams of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis were recovered from them. Two other suspects:

Aliyu Abubakar, 25; and Adekunle Agbabiaka, 30, were arrested along Abaji-Gwagwalada expressway with 91.1kg skunk, a strain of cannabis, on Saturday 2nd August.

In Lagos, NDLEA officers acting on intelligence on Saturday 2nd August arrested Joseph Michael with 3.3 kilograms of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis in Mushin

while Ibrahim Sulaiman was nabbed in Iwaya area of Yaba with 16.5 litres of

skuchies on Friday 1st August.

No fewer than 100,000 pills of tramadol capsules were seized from a suspect, Hussein Yusuf, 37, at an NDLEA checkpoint along Vandeikya-Ogoja road in Benue state on Friday 1st August, while operatives in Edo state same day raided a warehouse in Ekpoma where a suspect William Alabi, 44, was arrested and 233.5kg skunk recovered.

In Borno state, NDLEA operatives at the arrival hall of the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport (MBIAM) Maiduguri on Friday 1st August intercepted a consignment of 160 pills of tramadol concealed in footwears by a 38-year-old passenger, Umar Aminu who was promptly arrested.

While NDLEA operatives in Ogun state on Friday 1st August raided the Oja Odan area and arrested a female suspect, Yahaya Aminat Seyi, with 7, 218 pills of opioids mainly tramadol, their counterparts in Oyo state nabbed Oladeji Saka, 54, with 77.5 kilograms of skunk at Asanike, Ibadan, just as another suspect Benson Izah, 40, was arrested in Abraka, Delta state

with 12.5kg skunk, 1kg tramadol and 14.4litres of codeine.

In Bayelsa state, NDLEA officers on Friday 1st August arrested 52-year-old Chief Emeka Opara and Onuoha Chidinma, 25, along Tantua road, Amassoma where a total of 41,705 tramadol capsules, among other assorted opioids were recovered from their shop and residence, while a suspect Bashir Gambo, 30, was nabbed at Yar Yasa town, Tudun Wada LGA, Kano state, with 61kg skunk.

Two suspects: Kabiru Ayinde, 40; and Roqeeb Adekanmbi, 25, were on Monday 28th July arrested at Ile-Ogbo area of Iwo town, Osun state, where 90kg skunk, 36.3grams of methamphetamine, a Toyota bus marked SMK 755 YF and ₦228,200.00 cash exhibit were recovered from them.

In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Ciroma Ibrahim Islamiyya School, Potiskum, Yobe; Sultan Maccido Institute for Qur’an and General Studies, Wamakko, Sokoto; metro drivers of Borno Express Transport Services, Maiduguri, Borno state; and worshippers at Seventh Day Adventist Church, Abakpa Nike, Enugu state, while the Osun State command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to Oluwo of Iwo land, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abdurasheed Adewale Akanbi.

While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, MBIAM, FCT, Lagos, Edo, Oyo, Delta, Bayelsa, Benue, Kano and Osun Commands for the arrests, seizures and their dexterity, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.

ICPC Chairman Calls for Fairness and Integrity in Recruitment, Meets with CDCFIB on Anti-Corruption Collaboration

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    In a renewed push to tackle job racketeering and systemic corruption in Nigeria’s public sector, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has called for strengthened collaboration between government agencies to ensure fairness and transparency in recruitment processes. Dr. Aliyu made the appeal on Friday during a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Major General Abdulmalik Jibril (rtd), and his team to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja.   The ICPC Chairman stressed the need for government institutions to uphold meritocracy and maintain a level playing field for all Nigerian job applicants. He warned that systemic irregularities in employment not only dampen national cohesion but also deter foreign investment.   – Advertisement –     “One area I have always raised concerns about is the area of employment. Many young Nigerians are challenged with job opportunities. Agencies of government should try to exercise fairness, try and foster a level playing ground for all, irrespective of where they come from,” Dr. Aliyu stated.   He reiterated that public sector leaders, particularly heads of agencies, must be intentional about equity in hiring to safeguard social stability. He noted that the Commission’s anti-corruption strategy hinges on a tripartite model: prevention, enforcement, and public enlightenment.   Dr. Aliyu further proposed formalizing a working relationship between ICPC and CDCFIB through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at enhancing intelligence sharing, joint training, and institutional capacity building.   Responding, Major General Abdulmalik Jibril (rtd) commended the ICPC Chairman for the warm reception and acknowledged the Commission’s pivotal role in promoting ethical standards in public service. He affirmed the Board’s willingness to partner with ICPC to deepen transparency and strengthen institutional credibility within the paramilitary recruitment processes.   The CDCFIB, originally formed via the 1986 Decree No. 14, supervises the Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.   Newspot Nigeria commends this move toward cross-agency accountability and urges that proposed reforms be backed by tangible outcomes that restore trust in public service recruitment.

‘UK my true home’- Kemi Badenoch says she no longer identifies as Nigerian

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United Kingdom Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, says she no longer identifies as Nigerian and does not hold a passport for the country.

 

Badenoch, who spent much of her childhood in Lagos and is of Yoruba heritage, explained her stance during an appearance on the Rosebud podcast, noting that her sense of belonging now rests firmly in Britain.

 

“I have not renewed my Nigerian passport, I think, not since the early 2000s. I don’t identify with it any more, most of my life has been in the UK and I’ve just never felt the need to,” she said.

 

While stressing she remains connected to her roots, she said her home is defined by where her family is today. “I’m Nigerian through ancestry, by birth despite not being born there because of my parents, but by identity I’m not really. I know the country very well, I have a

lot of family there, and I’m very interested in what happens there.

“But home is where my now family is, and my now family is my children, it’s my husband and my brother and his children, in-laws. The Conservative Party is very much part of my family, my extended family, I call it.”

Badenoch was born in Wimbledon, South West London, in 1980, just before her parents returned with her to Nigeria. She was among the final group of children to automatically receive British citizenship before Margaret Thatcher’s government changed the law the following year.

Growing up in Lagos, she often felt caught between two worlds. “Finding out that I did have that British citizenship was a marvel to so many of my contemporaries, so many of my peers,” she said.

Her parents eventually encouraged her to move to the UK at 16, believing opportunities were limited in Nigeria. “I think the reason that I came back here was actually a very sad one, and it was that my parents thought, ‘there is no future for you in this country’.”

Badenoch recalled never feeling entirely at home in Nigeria. “I remember never quite feeling that I belonged there,” she said.

She has faced criticism in Nigeria for her frank comments about corruption and military rule during her youth, with Lagos politicians accusing her of tarnishing the country’s image. Last year, Nigeria’s vice-president remarked that she was free to “remove the Kemi from her name” if she felt no pride in her Nigerian heritage. Her office responded that she “stands by what she says” and is “not the PR for Nigeria.”

Reflecting on her arrival in Britain, Badenoch said she did not encounter significant racial prejudice. “I knew I was going to a place where I would look different to everybody, and I didn’t think that that was odd.

“What I found actually quite interesting was that people didn’t treat me differently, and it’s why I’m so quick to defend the UK whenever there are accusations of racism. I did not experience prejudice in any meaningful form. That doesn’t mean prejudice doesn’t exist, that it doesn’t happen, many people do. But I didn’t, not seriously.”

In describing her political life, Badenoch likened the Conservative Party to an “extended family with lots of drama.”

“I do see the Conservative Party as family, so much of what we do goes beyond party policy,” she said. “It’s instinct, we recognise each other, we have the same sort of squabbles and it’s why when people ask me about plots I just think, ‘eh this is extended family stuff’. Anybody who’s got an extended family with lots of drama will recognise that.”

Senate Minority Leader looses Local government as ADC Soar 

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By Dan Atayi

 

A major political shift appears to be unfolding in Benue South Senatorial District, as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gains strong footing in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, which is the home base of Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Moro.

 

The unveiling of the ADC in Okpokwu on Tuesday, July 30, 2025, by the state Chairman of the ADC, Rt. Hon. Terngu Tsegba, became a powerful political statement that might sweep the feet of the incumbent Senator. It was initially perceived as a quiet realignment but now grown into a visible movement attracting high-profile defectors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

Among the notable political figures visibly seen were Group Captain Steve Adah (Retd), Hon. Barr. Jacob Ogwuche, former Okpokwu Local Government Chairman, Barr. Chris Iduh, former Labour Party Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr. Ralph Otobo, Former Chairman of Benue State Councillors Forum and a Rights Activists, Hon. Comrade Daniel Atayi; the 2023 Labour Party Assembly contender for Okpokwu State, Hon. Caleb Idoko; Hon. Vincent Okoko Odo, Hon. Robert Obeta, Hon. Igoche Ameh, among others.

 

The presence of these political heavyweights signals a growing dissatisfaction with the current leadership and a rallying of support around the ADC as an alternative platform for change.

 

Observers said the event could mark the beginning of a significant political shift in Benue South, particularly as grassroots support appears to be eroding from Senator Moro’s feet.

 

“This is more than just a political event, it’s an exodus from PDP, LP and APC with no apologies” said Comrade Atayi.

 

It will be recalled that Senator Moro’s political godfather and long-time mentor, Senator David Mark, has since been appointed the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a development many believe has further weakened the senator’s grip on the local political structure.

 

With the ADC making visible inroads and enjoying growing acceptability across communities, the battle for dominance in Benue’s political landscape is clearly heating up!

 

Comrade Dan Atayi is a Political/Rights Activist; a one time Councillor of Ekeh Ward in Okpokwu LGA, & Doubled as the Chairman, Benue State Councillors Forum.

He is also an OAP for National and State political trends and Activism.

Cf: 09127933414,

WhatsApp: 08137015949

Email: investigativepressman@gmail.com

2 teenage girls brutally killed in Kogi

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Shock and grief have gripped Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State after two teenage girls, identified as Ajuma Simon and Omojo Shuaibu, were gruesomely murdered while returning from a local market.

 

The tragic incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday as the victims walked along a bush path leading to their village.

 

Residents reported hearing screams for help during the attack but arrived too late.

 

“They only came to the scene to meet the victims already dismembered. As at the time we got to the scene, one of the victims was still breathing. She told us that the armed men came with the intention to rape or kidnap them,” a witness recounted.

According to locals, the girls attempted to escape but were chased for nearly 300 meters before being caught and brutally attacked.

 

“I know the girls; one of them, Omojo Shuaibu, was my ex-student at the UEC Secondary School Ogbogbo. Very brilliant and dedicated; she was the assistant head girl,” said Yahaya Edibo, a teacher in the community.

 

On Thursday, local vigilantes and youths evacuated the bodies to a morgue in Idah Local Government Area.

 

The Igalamela chapter of the Ukomu Igala socio-cultural organization expressed alarm over increasing attacks by armed men in the area, calling on the state government for urgent intervention.

Confirming the incident, Kogi Police Command’s spokesperson, SP William Aya, said police operatives have been deployed to the community to investigate the killings.

 

(DAILY TRUST)

8 Yahoo Boys sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to internet fraud

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A Federal High Court sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has eight Nigerian youths to one year over their involvement in internet fraud.

A statement issued by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, said the convicted Internet fraudsters (Yahoo Boys) were arraigned on Tuesday, July 29,  before Justice Anyalewa Onoja-Alapa of the Federal High Court Lafia, Nasarawa State.

They were arraigned on one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining by false pretences.

” The suspects are Timileyin Jude, Kelvin Godwin, Benedict  Udoh and Israel Ugwu. Others are Friday Onigbe, Ismaila Jemilu, Salifu Mustapha Achema and Paul Attah.

“Godwin’s count reads, ‘That you Kelvin  Godwin sometime in the year 2025 at Karu, Abuja within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria fraudulently impersonated one Bad Ass Kylie from America by means of your iPhone 14 Pro mobile device via a fake Telegram social media account with intent to gain advantage for yourself from unsuspecting foreign nationals, under the guise of which you benefitted the sum of $200 (Two Hundred States Dollars) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b)(i) and (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (as amended 2024) and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b)(iv) of the same Act”.

“Udoh’s count reads, ‘That you Benedict Simon Udoh sometime in the year 2025 at Karu Nasarawa state within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court fraudulently through your iPhone 14 Pro Max fraudulently impersonated black military man from the

United states of America using different social media site Neckter-recovery of Instagram, Wizzytechassit on email and anededepablo on Facebook with intent to obtain money and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (as amended 2024) and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b)(iv) of the same Act,” the statement said.

According to the statement,  all the suspects pleaded guilty,  prompting prosecution counsel S.N. Robert to urge the court to convict and sentence them.

Police Defy Court Judgment, Harass Orlando CEO in Civil Dispute Turned Criminal – Victim Cries for Justice

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By Ebinum Samuel 

 

…Says IGP-SIU Operatives Violated Court Order, Engaged in Unlawful Arrest and Intimidation

 

In a case that raises serious questions about disregard for judicial authority and abuse of police power, Mr. Henry Orlando, Chief Executive Officer of Orlando Global Concept Nigeria Ltd., has accused operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Special Investigation Unit (IGP-SIU) of infringing on a subsisting court judgment in a civil matter by orchestrating his unlawful arrest, harassment, and continued intimidation.

 

Mr. Orlando stated that the dispute arose from a 2023 transaction between himself and Barrister George Adeyemi Damilare, involving a 1,000-square-meter plot in Jikwoyi, Abuja, valued at ₦26.5 million. According to him, the deal was legally executed and verified by the seller, who acknowledged the terms of payment—₦15 million initially, with the balance paid off in August 2024.

 

Trouble began when Barrister George sought a refund through a civil lawsuit, claiming he had withdrawn interest in the property. The court ruled on the matter, and Orlando says he complied with the judgment by initiating a refund process through his lawyer.

 

Despite the legal resolution, Orlando alleges that the matter was unlawfully escalated into a criminal case by the IGP-SIU, acting on what he describes as a “baseless petition.” On July 21, 2025, IGP-SIU officers reportedly stormed his office with an arrest warrant, denied him access to legal counsel, and detained him without clearly stating his offense.

 

“At the station, I was shown a petition from the same individual whose case had already been decided in court. I was forced to write a statement without a lawyer present and threatened with imprisonment if I failed to make immediate payment,” Orlando recounted.

 

Despite his explanation that the issue had been adjudicated and was being resolved legally, he claims the officers insisted on payment or jail time. Suffering from a serious illness at the time, he pleaded for time but was detained at Asokoro Police Division for three days without access to legal representation.

 

“I was only released after issuing a post-dated cheque under duress, with my sister standing as surety,” he said.

 

The harassment allegedly continued post-release. Orlando claims that same night, officers contacted his sister at midnight, demanding ₦2 million in bail-related payments. Before any response could be made, police allegedly stormed his office, forcibly removed four vehicles, and demanded a full declaration of his assets.

 

“They have turned a civil dispute into a full-blown campaign of intimidation. They trail me, call at odd hours, threaten me and my family, and have even sent defamatory letters to my sister’s workplace, damaging her professional reputation,” he lamented.

 

Orlando emphasized that his legal team has filed a fundamental rights enforcement action and a formal complaint with the Police Service Commission. However, he says the pressure and harassment have continued unabated.

 

He appealed directly to the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and civil society to intervene.

 

“I do not believe the IGP—whom I hold in high regard—would endorse this misuse of power. His name is being used to justify actions that clearly violate the rule of law and the rights of citizens,” he said.

 

Orlando stressed that the issue is a civil matter that has been settled in court and urged authorities to rein in rogue officers turning a debt recovery issue into a criminal persecution.

 

“This is not just unlawful—it is in total contempt of court and a threat to the sanctity of justice. I’m calling on all relevant authorities and the Nigerian public to rise in defense of human rights and due process,” he concluded.

 

As public concern mounts, legal experts and human rights advocates are calling for an immediate, impartial investigation into the conduct of the IGP-SIU operatives and urging the Nigeria Police Force to uphold constitutional protections and judicial authority.

Access Bank Launches Clean Water Project in 10 Nigerian Communities

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As part of its commitment to sustainable development and community well-being, Access Bank has launched the Access Clean Water Project, a transformative initiative aimed at improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in 10 communities across Nigeria.

 

 

 

Through the Access Clean Water Project, Access Bank has facilitated the installation of boreholes in 10 underserved communities, namely: Arogun, Omu Ishoko, Kemta, Ajibode, Aleku, Ogunrun, Oniwawa, Okeran, Abaren, and Afojupa, ensuring reliable access to clean and safe water for thousands of residents.

 

 

 

The project, implemented in partnership with HACEY, a leading development organisation, directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 6, ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

 

 

 

With Nigeria’s population exceeding 200 million and access to pipe-borne water in urban households declining from 32% in 1990 to just 3% in 2015, the need for sustainable water solutions has never been more urgent. The Access Clean Water Project addresses this challenge by providing functional boreholes and WASH education to communities in Obafemi Owode and Otta Local Government Areas, benefiting over 500,000 residents.

 

 

 

This initiative aligns with Access Bank’s broader Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy and reinforces its position as a leading sustainability-focused financial institution. By supporting clean water access, the Bank is fostering community growth through improved health, education, and economic opportunities and demonstrating its commitment to inclusive development and long-term positive impact.

 

 

 

Access Bank is proud to support this vital initiative that not only improves lives but also strengthens the foundation for sustainable economic growth,” said Esther Graham, Programme Officer, Health, Access Holdings PLC. “Our commitment to community development is unwavering, and we believe access to clean water is a fundamental right that drives progress.”

 

 

 

In addition to infrastructure development, the Access Bank Clean Water Project includes comprehensive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) education, equipping community members with essential knowledge on hygiene practices and the prevention of waterborne diseases.

 

 

 

The impact of this initiative is far-reaching. By improving access to clean water, the project is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of waterborne illnesses, enhance hygiene standards, and promote healthier living conditions. Ultimately, the project is expected to strengthen community resilience, drives sustainable development, and reaffirm Access Bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and well-being across Nigeria.