Business
27-year old teacher Murdered in Ogun, as sources accuse Her boyfriend
She was supposed to go to her parents’ house at Oshodi on that fateful Friday like she usually did every weekend after closing from work as a secondary school teacher at Abule Oko, a community in Ogun State.
But this day — June 23, 2016 — turned out to be different for both her and her family.
After waiting till Friday night and still didn’t hear anything from her daughter, with her two mobile phone lines switched off, her father was troubled and had to come looking for her.
There and then he got one of the most shocking moments any parent could ever witness.
The door to her apartment was locked, but one of the windows was opened.
He asked her neighbours whether they had seen her that day, but all of them said no. They last saw her on Thursday when she returned from work.
He was confused, didn’t know whether his daughter was inside or not, so he kept on trying her phone lines, all to no avail.
After reaching his patience limit, he called on a carpenter in the area to force the door open and then everyone was horrified — her daughter laid in her own blood, a pillow case covering her face and her body already swollen.
Someone had murdered her in cold blood when she was sleeping and had taken her two mobile phones away.
According to an eyewitness who spoke on condition on anonymity, the death of Yemisi Tiamiyu, a 27-year-old University of Lagos graduate, is still one of the most mysterious events the source had ever witnessed.
“It is still a mystery to me up till now because Yemisi was an easygoing lady who could never have offended anybody,” the source said. “I saw her last on Thursday and we greeted before she went to sleep. When I didn’t see her on Friday, I thought she went to work early, which was strange, only for us to find her on Saturday murdered when her door was forced open on the order of her father.”
What could have led to her murder?
The source said no one had yet to find out, but that she was seen on the day before she was murdered shouting at a guy on the phone.
The source said, “I overheard her shouting at a guy, I think it’s her boyfriend, on the phone. Both of them were involved in a heated argument and she was uttering the words: ‘Leave me alone. Leave me alone. I don’t want you in my life again.’ I even told her to take it easy with him and asked what the argument was all about, but she didn’t say anything. She was a conservative lady, she didn’t talk much to people.
“She told me not to worry, that she would sort out everything. That was on Thursday evening. She must have been murdered in the early hours of Friday and there is suspicion she was killed by the guy. It is very painful what the murderer did to a very beautiful lady like Yemisi.”
One would expect that this atrocity would have generated an outrage and a cry for justice by the family, the school where she taught, the residents and the community, but the reverse is the case.
In fact, the source who spoke to our correspondent said everyone — including her family — had been trying to let the situation lie low.
“They strictly warned us never to let the incident leak out. But how could I, as a human being, keep quiet when a fellow human being was murdered in a mysterious circumstance? What is the family hiding? Why is everyone keeping quiet over this issue?” the source bemoaned.
Asked if the source had ever seen the guy with Tiamiyu before, the source said, “I have never seen him before, so I don’t know how he looks.”
Wanting to let the incident ‘die’ was clearly evident when our correspondent visited the deceased’s apartment on 24, Unity Crescent, Abule Oko.
The unpainted house sits idly between two uncompleted buildings, locked up. Everywhere was quiet, except for the chattering of some neighbours.
“We don’t want to talk about this issue and we are not going to. Whoever informed you of this incident should also tell you who killed Yemisi. There is an order to that effect, even by her father and the rest of the family. We don’t know the murderer; we have never seen him,” one of them spoke harshly to our correspondent.
The school where the deceased taught, Tobbles Primary and Secondary School, a few metres from her apartment, had also been warned by the family and the community not to say anything about the incident, but the administrator of the school, simply Kolawole, had no choice but to say a few things about the incident when it was clear to him that the incident could no longer be kept secret.
He said, “She was one of our staff members and she had not spent up to a year here when the incident happened. I saw her last on Thursday before the incident occurred. I was going round for supervision and when I got to the staffroom where the teachers were, I saw her. I was cracking jokes with them before I left. She taught the secondary classes and she was hardworking. On Friday when I was carrying out another supervision, as I do every day, I didn’t see her, so I asked her colleagues, ‘Where is Yemisi?’ They said they had not seen her and had they had been trying to call her, but her numbers were not going through.
“Every Friday, I learned she usually went to her parents’ house at Oshodi. But on this fateful day, we didn’t see her and the only means we could contact her was through her phone lines. I didn’t call her, but all her colleagues were calling her, but her lines were not going through. I was in the church on Sunday around 12 noon when my boss called me that somebody called him that Yemisi was found dead. I screamed, ‘What happened to her?’ I asked. It was strange and I couldn’t concentrate again in the church service as a pastor. In fact, the people around me saw that I had lost my mind. They were wondering what happened to me. It’s like you are flowing and then you suddenly lose focus.
“This was a lady in her prime years and that day, I had to leave Lambe, where my church is, and had to get to her residence. When I got there, the house had been shut. I saw some people coming out in mourning.”
On the type of person Ms Tiamiyu was, Kolawole said, “She was very cool a lady, easygoing. She didn’t talk much. She was not troublesome. She was an introvert and a formal type of person. Very conservative. So it was strange when we heard what happened to her. We mourned her for a week here. All activities were suspended. The situation got everyone moody.”
The leader of the community, simply called Baba Lati, was not around when our correspondent visited the area on Thursday, but on learning about the purpose of the visit, he screamed on the phone, “Who told you that? Where did you get your information from? Don’t come and cause problem and confusion for us in this community. Even the father of the deceased has stated categorically that he doesn’t want to let this matter leak. Go away!”
When our correspondent visited the deceased’s Facebook page, she had in time past been sharing tips on relationship and men.
On July 15, 2015, she posted, “If you lose your mind because someone says he or she doesn’t love you, what will happen when you eventually meet the person who loves you? Always value yourself.”
On January 11, 2013, she shared, “Men who beat their wives are heartless and will never change because heart transplant is very expensive.”
On November 6, 2012, she wrote, “If a guy cannot love you for who you are, what will happen when you start giving birth? When a guy loves you only because of your stature, watch it.”
A few of her friends also expressed shock at her death.
“I can’t believe you are gone, still shocks me,” her friend, Teniola Adesanya, wrote, while another, Omoniarami Asanikehinde, simply said, “Rest in peace, dear.”
Up till now, Tiamiyu’s killer has yet to be found.
The Ogun State police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi said the command had yet to learn of the incident until our correspondent brought it to the command’s notice.
Riceocracy: When Tinubu and the APC Government Substitutes Governance with Handouts
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“Tinubu’s administration faces mounting criticism as rice palliatives replace real solutions to Nigeria’s deepening crisis.”
ABUJA, Nigeria — March 17, 2026
A growing wave of public frustration is sweeping across Nigeria as citizens decry what has now been dubbed “Riceocracy” a governance pattern where the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) respond to systemic failures with the distribution of rice rather than meaningful reforms.
Across the country, from major cities like Lagos and Abuja to underserved rural communities, Nigerians are voicing anger over persistent issues: no stable electricity, deteriorating road networks, unaffordable fuel and cooking gas, and a struggling education system. Yet, in response to these structural problems, the government’s most visible intervention has been the distribution of food palliatives; particularly rice.
The central figures in this unfolding crisis are President Tinubu and the APC-led federal and state governments, who have overseen the rollout of these relief measures. On the other side are millions of Nigerians battling rising inflation, joblessness, and declining living standards.
The trend gained momentum following the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, a policy decision by the Tinubu administration that triggered a surge in transportation and commodity prices. By 2024 and into 2025, the government intensified the distribution of rice and other palliatives as a stopgap measure to quell public discontent. Now, in 2026, the approach has become a defining feature of the administration’s response to economic hardship.
The “Riceocracy” phenomenon is nationwide. Reports from states such as Kano, Rivers, and Borno show large crowds gathering for rice distribution exercises, even as basic infrastructure continues to decay. Urban centers are not exempt; in cities like Lagos, residents still grapple with erratic power supply and high living costs despite periodic palliative programs.
Analysts point to political convenience and immediate optics. Distributing rice is quick, visible, and politically advantageous, especially in a climate of widespread hardship. However, critics argue that it reflects a deeper governance failure; an inability or unwillingness to implement long-term solutions.
Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has long warned against superficial governance, describing such approaches as “a betrayal of democratic responsibility.” In the same vein, global economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has stressed that “palliatives may provide temporary relief, but they cannot replace sound economic management and structural reform.”
Political economist Pat Utomi offers a sharper critique: “A state that reduces its responsibility to food sharing risks institutionalizing poverty rather than eliminating it.” His statement captures the growing concern that Nigeria’s leadership is addressing symptoms rather than causes.
The implications are severe. Nigeria’s power sector remains unreliable, forcing businesses to depend on costly alternatives. Road infrastructure continues to hinder economic activity, while the education sector suffers from underfunding and frequent disruptions. Despite these challenges, rice distribution has become the most consistent government response.
Critics further argue that this strategy fosters dependency and weakens civic engagement. Instead of demanding accountability, citizens may feel compelled to accept handouts as substitutes for rights and services. Allegations of mismanagement and politicization of palliative distribution also persist, raising questions about transparency and fairness.
The term “Riceocracy” may sound satirical, but it reflects a sobering reality. It highlights a governance model where survival replaces development, and where public policy is reduced to emergency relief rather than strategic planning.
As Nigeria marks this moment on March 17, 2026, the message from scholars, civil society, and frustrated citizens is unmistakable: rice cannot fix a broken system. Only deliberate investments in infrastructure, education, energy, and economic productivity can restore confidence and chart a sustainable path forward.
Until then, the image of Nigerians queuing for bags of rice will remain a stark symbol of a nation still searching for leadership that goes beyond palliatives to deliver real progress.
ZENITH BANK OPENS MANCHESTER BRANCH TO SUPPORT CROSS-BORDER TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of a new branch in Manchester, United Kingdom, marking another significant milestone in the bank’s international growth and its commitment to strengthening financial connections between Africa and global markets.
The official opening ceremony, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, is expected to attract government officials from Nigeria and the United Kingdom, regulators, investors, customers, and business leaders from both countries, underscoring the growing economic ties and investment opportunities between the two markets.
The new Manchester branch will complement Zenith Bank’s existing operations in the United Kingdom and serve as a strategic hub for supporting businesses engaged in international trade and investment. Through the branch, the bank will provide corporate banking, trade finance, treasury and related financial services to clients operating across the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa.Speaking ahead of the launch, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, said: “The opening of our Manchester branch represents another important step in Zenith Bank’s growth as a leading African financial institution connecting businesses and markets across continents. Manchester is one of the United Kingdom’s most dynamic commercial centres, and our presence here will further strengthen financial connections between businesses in the UK and opportunities across Africa’s rapidly expanding markets.
”Founded in 1990 by its Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s most respected banking institutions, boasting a robust capital base and a remarkable history of year-on-year profitability. Built on a strong foundation of people, technology and service, the Bank has consistently delivered innovative financial solutions while maintaining a disciplined approach to growth and risk management. The impressive performance of the Bank has consistently earned it excellent ratings, recognition and endorsement from local and international agencies and institutions.Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Zenith Bank operates over 500 branches and business offices across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Bank currently operates subsidiaries in several African countries including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Cote d’Ivoire, while maintaining a presence in major international financial centres including the United Kingdom, France, UAE and China.
In recent years, Zenith Bank has continued to expand its international network as part of its strategy to support global trade and investment flows involving Africa.Manchester, widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom’s most vibrant economic centres, hosts a diverse base of businesses across sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, logistics, technology and consumer goods. The city’s strong commercial ecosystem and international outlook align closely with Zenith Bank’s expertise in corporate banking, structured finance and trade finance.The Manchester branch will work closely with the Bank’s London operations and its broader international network to support clients seeking to expand across markets and unlock new opportunities in both the United Kingdom and Africa.
With the opening of the Manchester branch, Zenith Bank continues to advance its vision of building a truly global African banking institution that connects businesses, facilitates trade and investment, and creates stronger economic bridges between Africa and the world.
Business
New Petrol Import Permits May Reverse Nigeria’s Push for Domestic Refining and Increase Pressure on Foreign Reserve” — Energy Policy Group Tells President Tinubu
*“New Petrol Import Permits May Reverse Nigeria’s Push for Domestic Refining and Increase Pressure on Foreign Reserve” — Energy Policy Group Tells President Tinubu*
An energy policy group has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the wider economic consequences of newly issued permits allowing marketers to import petrol into the country, warning that the move could undermine Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen domestic refining and stabilise the economy.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the Energy Transparency and Market Justice Initiative (ETMJI) said the approvals granted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) could produce unintended consequences if not carefully managed.
The group’s president, Dr. Salako Kareem, said Nigeria was at a delicate moment in its energy transition and that policy choices made now would determine whether the country finally escapes its decades-long dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
Kareem said while the regulator’s responsibility to guarantee adequate fuel supply is understood, expanding import permissions at this stage could weaken the policy direction required to encourage local production and long-term sector stability.
“Our respectful appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is that decisions concerning petrol importation must be carefully weighed against their long-term economic consequences,” Kareem said.
“Nigeria has spent decades trying to overcome the paradox of being a major crude oil producer while relying heavily on imported refined products. Any policy action that appears to reopen the floodgates of importation may slow down the progress that has been made toward strengthening domestic refining capacity.”
He warned that increasing petrol imports could place additional pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves, especially at a time when the government is pursuing difficult economic reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and improving fiscal discipline.
“For many years, the country has lost enormous volumes of foreign exchange importing petroleum products that could ideally be refined locally,” Kareem said.
“If import volumes begin to rise again, the demand for foreign currency will inevitably grow. This could place renewed strain on the naira and undermine the broader economic stabilisation programme that the government is currently pursuing.”
The group also warned that excessive reliance on imported petrol could create opportunities for product dumping and the entry of substandard fuel into the Nigerian market, a challenge that has troubled regulators and consumers in the past.
According to Kareem, Nigeria’s downstream sector has historically struggled with quality control issues whenever importation becomes widespread, because imported fuel often travels through multiple intermediaries before reaching domestic depots.
“One of the lessons from the past is that when imports dominate the supply chain, the market sometimes becomes vulnerable to the dumping of inferior petroleum products,” he said.
“This not only creates regulatory complications but also exposes Nigerian consumers to fuels that may damage vehicles, affect industrial machinery and ultimately impose hidden economic costs on the country.”
He added that encouraging domestic refining and strengthening local supply chains would provide better product traceability and improve overall market transparency.
Kareem stressed that the group’s intervention was not intended as criticism of the NMDPRA, noting that regulators must often make complex decisions to prevent supply disruptions in a volatile energy market.
However, he urged the federal government to ensure that short-term supply management does not weaken long-term national objectives in the petroleum sector.
“We recognise that the regulator has the responsibility to ensure that Nigerians do not experience fuel shortages, and that duty is extremely important,” he said.
“But at the same time, policy coherence is essential. The country must avoid sending signals that could discourage investment in local refining or create uncertainty about Nigeria’s commitment to energy self-sufficiency.”
Kareem said Nigeria now has a rare opportunity to restructure its downstream petroleum industry in a way that strengthens domestic production, protects foreign exchange reserves and builds long-term industrial capacity.
He urged the president to ensure that the country’s regulatory framework reflects that strategic vision.
“Our appeal is simply for policy alignment. If Nigeria truly wants to build a resilient energy economy, then every major decision in the downstream sector must reinforce the goal of reducing import dependence, strengthening domestic production and protecting the country’s economic stability,” Kareem noted.
The group added that careful policy coordination between regulators and the presidency would help ensure that Nigeria avoids repeating the costly fuel import cycles that have historically drained public resources and weakened the national economy.
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