Business
Kidnappers of Igbonla College students demand N1Billion as ransom
Kidnappers of six students of Igbonla Model College, Epe, Lagos State, have contacted some parents of the victims, demanding N1bn ransom to release them.
SUNDAY PUNCH reports that the parents were contacted on Saturday and allowed to briefly speak with their children. While two of them were asked to pay N400m each, another two were told to raise N100m per child.
They were reportedly told to meet with the school authorities and the state government to raise the money.
However, details of ransoms demanded from the remaining parents had yet to be ascertained by our correspondent as of the time of filing this report.
The gunmen had gained entry into the school premises at about 6am on Thursday through the creek at the back of the college and headed for the boys’ hostel after breaking the school fence.
They broke the hostel doors, seized 10 senior secondary school pupils and led them to the shore where their boat was parked.
After profiling their family backgrounds, four pupils were released, while the assailants whisked away the remaining six pupils identified as Peter Jonah, Isiaq Rahmon, Adebayo George, Judah Agbausi, Pelumi Philips and Farouq Yusuf.
It was reported that the gunmen had written the school authorities three days before the incident, informing them of the attack.
They made good their threat in the dawn after policemen and soldiers, who repelled an attack around 8pm on Wednesday, left the school.
The fence broken by the kidnappers to take the students
In the wake of the abduction, parents and guardians thronged the college to pick their children and wards, blaming the incident on the poor security in the school.
Some parents of the abducted school children, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the kidnappers called between 3pm and 5pm on Saturday.
A parent said, “They allowed me to speak with my son. I asked him if he was fine and he said yes. They asked me to meet with the school authorities to raise N400m for my child to be released.”
Another parent of one of the pupils said they begged the kidnappers that they had only menial jobs when they demanded the same amount.
“I said N400m was much, but one of them told me not to worry myself. He said I should meet with the school authorities and the government. I was also allowed to speak with my child. I spoke with two other parents and they said they were asked to pay N100m each,” the parent said.
When contacted on the telephone, the school Vice Principal, Academic, who did not disclose his name, said, “I’m sorry. I cannot volunteer information for you. I’m not permitted to speak to you. Thank you.”
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said the police had yet to be informed about the ransoms, adding that investigations were ongoing.
Meanwhile, a resident of Epe, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said security had also been beefed up around the college, following a clash between the security agents and the suspects.
He explained that the clash forced some residents of Ode village, a riverine community in Ogun State which shares border with Epe, to desert the area.
The resident added, “I have been to the school twice today (Saturday) and I saw many security men at the roundabout leading to the school. At the school gate, there were armed policemen and soldiers. I also saw some members of vigilance group around the school premises.”
SUNDAY PUNCH
*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
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.
Business
MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria
MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria
Anyone who has tried to get a loan to buy a house in Nigeria knows the drill: endless forms, property valuation, and eventual down payment of a minimum 25% or more on the property. Sometimes, interest rates could go as high as 30% per annum, while the typical loan limit is N50 million.
Now, FirstBank is making homeownership more attractive.
FirstBank, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), has introduced the MREIF Home Loan. MREIF loan is a game-changer, offering a single-digit interest rate of 9.75% per annum, with a loan amount of up to ₦100 million and a repayment period of up to 20 years. This is perfect for salaried individuals, including Nigerians in the diaspora, looking to purchase homes in approved locations.
The MREIF loan stands out with its lower interest rate, higher loan amount, and flexible equity contribution as low as 10%. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking affordable homeownership.
You are one quick decision away from being a landlord.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a home, FirstBank’s MREIF Home Loan is the smartest route to owning property in Nigeria today. Visit the FirstBank website https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ to get started.
- Çelebi Aviation Enters Kenyan Market, Accelerating Strategic Growth Across Africa April 24, 2026
- Algeria eliminates trachoma as a public health problem April 23, 2026
- Various Activities by Diaspora Eritrean Communities April 23, 2026
- Uganda: Parliament Passes Reforms to Professionalise Teaching Sector April 23, 2026
- Sierra Leone Signs Offshore Petroleum License with Marginal Energy April 23, 2026
- New strategic partnership in the Arab States region to enhance access to green finance for small and medium-sized enterprises April 23, 2026
- STUDIOCANAL announces The Road Home, a distinctly South African story, to be filmed in Cape Town April 23, 2026
- Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Establishes Nairobi Office, Targeting Additional US$2 Billion in Regional Investments and Financial Services Solutions April 23, 2026
- Sonangol’s Kátia Epalanga to Lead Muhatu as Angola Prioritizes Inclusive Growth April 23, 2026
- Africa Strengthens Foundations to Lead Its Own Financing as Domestic Pools Surpass External Flows, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Report Shows April 23, 2026
- Çelebi Aviation Enters Kenyan Market, Accelerating Strategic Growth Across Africa April 24, 2026
- Algeria eliminates trachoma as a public health problem April 23, 2026
- Various Activities by Diaspora Eritrean Communities April 23, 2026
- Uganda: Parliament Passes Reforms to Professionalise Teaching Sector April 23, 2026
- Sierra Leone Signs Offshore Petroleum License with Marginal Energy April 23, 2026
- New strategic partnership in the Arab States region to enhance access to green finance for small and medium-sized enterprises April 23, 2026
- STUDIOCANAL announces The Road Home, a distinctly South African story, to be filmed in Cape Town April 23, 2026
-
news4 months agoWHO REALLY OWNS MONIEPOINT? The $290 Million Deal That Sold Nigeria’s Top Fintech to Foreign Interests
-
celebrity radar - gossips3 months agoDr. Chris Okafor Returns with Power and Fire of the Spirit -Mounts Grace Nation Altar with Fresh Anointing and Restoration Grace on February 1, 2026
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoEnd of an Era: Nigeria Mourns Evangelist Dr. Uma Ukpai, 80
-
celebrity radar - gossips4 months agoProphet Kingsley Aitafo Releases 2026 Prophecy: ‘Nigeria Will Rise, but the World Must Prepare for Turbulence’
You must be logged in to post a comment Login
You must log in to post a comment.