Business

Court remands serial blackmailer in prison over attack on Sterling Bank Staff

Published

9 years ago

May 1, 2017

Staff of Sterling Bank, especially those who were made fair game for attack by ‘dubious’ blogger, Tega Oghenedoro alias Fejiro Oliver, are now heaving a sigh of relief. The blogger, who writes using pseudonyms, was arraigned and remanded in prison custody in Lagos for cyber stalking.

In 2014, Oghenedoro was arrested at the Abuja Airport by the DSS for attempting to extort N50 million from the governor of Niger State. The ‘blogger’ was a staff of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) in Asaba as a camera man, when he used a pseudonym to demand N50 million from the Niger State government as a condition for dropping a juicy story on the governor.

After the news of Oghenedoro’s detention broke last Friday, a Facebook user familiar with his mode of operation, Obiri Ebilade, wrote on the blogger’s wall: “Many days for the thief, one day for the owner. I think hand don touch Oliver Fejiro, the serial blackmailer.” Ebilade is the former president of the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU).

Before his arrest and arraignment in court, Oghenedoro and his accomplice, Dennis Ukpabi, a disgruntled former staff of Sterling Bank, used the controversial Secret Reporters Blog to publish libelous stories about his former colleagues. Ukpabi’s leverage was knowledge of the details of a 2014 fraud investigated by the bank which led to the sack of a member of staff responsible for the crime.

Ukpabi, who departed the bank unceremoniously over petty squabbles with some of his colleagues, allegedly contracted the services of Oghenedoro to inflict maximum damage on his perceived enemies in the bank. Oghenedoro swung into action by publishing vicious and slanderous stories about Ukpabi’s perceived enemies on the payroll of Sterling Bank using his online platform. He was later arrested and remanded in prison custody.

Immediately after Oghenedoro’s recent arrest, his associates blamed the former governor of Delta State, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, for his ordeal. Truly so, Uduaghan had petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, alleging intimidation and threats from the person of Oghenedoro alias Fejiro Oliver.

Ukpabi and Oghenedoro were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos last Friday for acts punishable under the provisions of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention etc.) Act, 2015.

The first charge read, “That you Dennis Ukpabi and Tega Oghenedoro between 1st – 13th February, 2017 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of Federal High Court, conspired together to commit felonies, namely, knowingly and intentionally sending intimidated, hatred, insulting and needless anxiety messages and thereby committing an offence punishable under section 27 (1) (b) of Cybercrime (prohibition, prevention etc. Act 2015).”

Another charge read that the accused sent offensive messages to Desalu, Busola Awosile, Nyenke and Adeyemi Odubiyi, which are said to be ‘’punishable under section 24 (1) (b) of Cybercrime (prohibition, prevention etc. Act 2015.’’

Dennis Ukpabi and Tega Oghenedoro however pleaded not guilty to the charges. But the prosecution counsel, Mr. J. Oloruntoba, asked the court to remand the defendants in prison custody.

Frantic efforts were made by lawyers representing the two defendants; Mrs. Kitan and Mr. Inibehe Effiong, to persuade the court to admit them to bail. Effiong, who is an associate of Oghenedoro, informed the court that the defendants were accosted by the police and arraigned surreptitiously without proper and adequate notice. Effiong, a self-styled human rights activist, was also his lawyer in the 2014 extortion case with Niger State government.

The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, asked the defendants’ counsel to bring a formal application for bail and promised to hear it expeditiously.

The judge remanded them in Ikoyi Prisons.

Business

ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ADVAN Earns Global Recognition As WFA President’s Award Winner For “Project Freedom”

The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has been recognised on the global stage as a recipient of the prestigious WFA President’s Award, presented by the World Federation of Advertisers during its Global Marketer Week in Stockholm. The recognition places ADVAN among a select group of leading industry associations worldwide acknowledged for driving meaningful impact in marketing and society.

The WFA President’s Awards, established in 2010, celebrate national industry associations whose initiatives advance the marketer’s agenda and contribute to positive change. This year’s honours were awarded following a rigorous selection process involving 38 submissions from associations across the WFA’s global network, with winners chosen for their measurable impact and potential for replication across markets.

ADVAN’s recognition comes through its advocacy initiative, Project Freedom, a bold and strategic effort focused on addressing the challenges of stifling, non–data-driven regulations affecting businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. The initiative underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking while championing the constitutional right to freedom of commerce.

Through Project Freedom, ADVAN has taken a proactive leadership role in engaging key stakeholders and shaping conversations around fair, balanced, and transparent regulation. The initiative reflects a shift toward constructive dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that regulatory frameworks support innovation, protect consumer interests, and enable sustainable business growth.

By earning this global recognition, ADVAN reinforces the growing influence of African marketing institutions in shaping international discourse. Its work highlights how local advocacy, when rooted in data and guided by clear principles, can deliver impact not just within national borders but across the global marketing ecosystem.

The award also affirms ADVAN’s commitment to strengthening self-regulation within the industry, fostering accountability, and promoting standards that align with global best practices while remaining relevant to local realities.

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, ADVAN’s recognition by the World Federation of Advertisers signals a strong endorsement of its leadership and vision. It positions the association as a key voice in advancing responsible marketing, advocating for enabling policies, and ensuring that businesses can operate in an environment that supports both innovation and economic freedom.

Business

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status

Published

3 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

***PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status**

To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.

UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.

In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.

Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.

Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.

Thank you.

Business

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Published

3 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

⸻

About Laffmattazz

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.