Business
Pandemonium as Chidinma murders Caleb University 300-Level student
The life of a 300-level student of Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, Morrison Akinbule, has been allegedly brought to a tragic end in a circumstance involving his babymama, identified simply as Chidinma, THE PUNCH is reporting.
Chidinma has been arrested and is being detained at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba for Akinbule death, which occurred on Sunday.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the duo started a romantic relationship three years ago and had a child together. They did not marry.
It was gathered that Chidinma had visited Akinbule at his mother’s house in the Gbagada area of the state around 9pm on Saturday to pass the night.
It was said they had a misunderstanding at night, which resulted in a fight, during which Chidinma allegedly hit Akinbule’s head on the wall.
Akinbule’s elder sister, who spoke to our correspondent on the telephone on Wednesday, said Chidinma had yet to disclose what caused the argument, which led to her brother’s death.
The sister, who did not give her name, said the family was being cautious in discussing the incident with “strangers” for security reasons.
She said: “The lady has been arrested and she is in Panti (SCIID).
“The incident happened in our mother’s house, not on the (Caleb University) campus.
“She came around to visit him.
“We have not ascertained what led to the argument.
“We have been trying to find out, but she is not saying the truth.
“They had been together for about three years and they have a kid.
“She is a babymama.
“The boy is one year and six months old.
“That was the major thing that bound them together.
“We are ready to follow the case to a logical conclusion.
“We have been asking her what led to his death because there is no injury on his body.”
The sister, however, declined replies to further inquiries made by PUNCH Metro on the matter, saying: “This is a critical period for us and we are being very careful.
“That is all I can tell you for now (she cuts the call).”
Meanwhile, in a post on the incident on a social media platform, Nairaland, one Mia Seren, who claimed to be Akinbule’s neighbour, said a piece of cloth was tied to the deceased’s neck when he was brought out from the apartment.
Seren said he was rushed to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead by doctors on arrival.
The post reads: “He went for a party; came back around 9pm. Chidinma was not home, so he called her to ask her where she was. They planned to meet at one place.
When they came back, they were with fast foods and they went to their room.
“About 30 minutes later, we heard them fighting in the room and somebody was hitting someone’s head on the wall. Chidinma did not open the door. Later we did not hear their voices.
“About 30 minutes later, she opened the door and Morrison (Akinbule) was seen on the floor.
“He was unconscious and he had an injury on his head, and had a cloth tied to his neck. We rushed him to a hospital; then they (doctors) said he was gone.”
A friend of the deceased, Gabriel Adewunmi, paid a tribute to him on Facebook, describing him as a loving and caring man, whose dreams had been shattered.
Adewunmi wrote: “I want you to know that I think of you every day. I want you to know that I miss you more than anything and I would give anything to talk to you one last time. I still remember the last time that I saw you on Sunday, September 24. You were leaving for a party and I begged you not to leave.
“You started cracking dry jokes…. I knew I would miss you… I knew it would be a while until I saw you again…yesterday morning (Monday), our friend, Edet, told me you died on Sunday night.
“I still can’t believe this. (I have) been crying since. I can’t even get a good sleep without thinking about you…. You had plans; you told me you wanted (to be) the youngest President in Nigeria.
“Looking back now, I wish I spent more time with you, shared more stories with you, and made more memories. But death took you from us…you were our own Diego Costa; the best FIFA player in Gbagada.
“Thank you for being a brother, a best friend and for being the most influential person I’ve ever met; for accepting and loving everyone, and for being someone that impacted the lives of so many. You will never be forgotten. I will always love you, bro. Goodnight, Morrison Akinbule.”
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, promised to call our correspondent for details of police investigation into the incident, but he had yet to do so as of press time.
Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
society5 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING
You must be logged in to post a comment Login