Business
Release Jesam Michael! Jail the Real Thief!” – Protesters Cry Out as Drama Unfolds in Court (VIDEO)
Release Jesam Michael! Jail the Real Thief!” – Protesters Cry Out as Drama Unfolds in Court (VIDEO)
A storm of outrage swept through the FCT High Court in Jabi, Abuja, on Wednesday as aggrieved investors of Afriq Arbitrage System (AAS) flooded the courthouse, demanding the prosecution of Abayomi Oluwasesan, whom they accuse of embezzling a staggering $87 million from the company.
The protest, which quickly gained viral traction online due to footage showing placard-waving demonstrators chanting slogans like “Abayomi Is the Thief!” and “Where Is Our $87 Million?”, was a passionate call for justice and the immediate release of the embattled AAS founder and CEO, Mr. Jesam Michael, who is currently remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.
The Heart of the Outrage
The investors allege that the man truly responsible for the financial crisis at AAS is not Jesam Michael—but rather his former associate, Abayomi Oluwasesan. According to multiple protest leaders, Jesam entrusted Abayomi with operational control during a period of medical recovery, only for Abayomi to betray that trust.
“He was given the keys to keep the business running,” said investor Albert Churchill, visibly emotional as he addressed the crowd. “Instead, he used that access to lock Jesam out of the system, transferred millions into personal accounts, and went on a spending spree—buying cars, houses, and vanishing from Lagos.”
Where Is the Money?
Investor Mr. Chibuzor added that while Abayomi has reportedly returned a few assets under a plea deal, the bulk of the money—still locked in crypto wallets under his control—remains missing.
“This is not just about bail for Jesam,” Chibuzor emphasized. “This is about recovering what was stolen. We are not shouting in ignorance. The facts are out there—Abayomi even admitted to taking the money! Why is he free while our CEO, who tried to help people through blockchain innovation, is in detention?”
Public Sentiment Turns
The protest gained momentum following a June 13 post by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announcing Jesam’s arraignment. However, the EFCC post triggered an unexpected twist: over 1,000 of the 1,033 public comments on Instagram stood in defense of Jesam Michael. The overwhelming consensus online was clear—many Nigerians believe he’s being wrongly punished while the actual perpetrator remains untouched.
Justice or Injustice?
The scene at the courthouse painted a picture of deep frustration, but also a united call for action. Protesters vowed to continue lawful demonstrations until the alleged thief is held accountable and investors’ funds are returned.
“This isn’t just about one man,” said protest coordinator Tina Adebayo. “It’s about trust in our justice system and the protection of innovation in Nigeria. Jesam Michael built something powerful. Abayomi destroyed it. Now, the system must correct this wrong.”
What’s Next?
With court proceedings underway and public interest surging, all eyes are now on the Nigerian judiciary, the EFCC, and law enforcement agencies. Will they heed the protesters’ call and go after Abayomi Oluwasesan with the same energy used against Jesam Michael?
For the thousands of Afriq Arbitrage investors demanding answers, one thing is clear: the fight is far from over.
📹 Watch the protest video:
📢 #JusticeForJesam #WhereIsThe87Million #AASInvestorsUnite #Crypto
Bank
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
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.
Business
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
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
Business
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Launch Strategic Plan for World-Class Sugar and Agro-Logistics Hub at Khalifa Port
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Sign MoU to Explore Collaboration in Sugar Refining, Agro-Industrial Development, and Integrated Global Logistics Solutions
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Monday, 16th February 2026
BUA Group, AD Ports Group, and MAIR Group of Abu Dhabi today signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions. The partnership aims to create a world-class platform that strengthens regional food security, supports industrial diversification, and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for trade and manufacturing.
The proposed collaboration will leverage BUA Group’s industrial and logistics expertise, Khalifa Port’s world-class infrastructure, and AD Ports Group’s operational experience. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051, which seeks to position the UAE as a global leader in sustainable food production and resilient supply chains. It also aligns with Nigeria’s food production- and export-oriented agricultural transformation agenda, focused on scaling domestic capacity, strengthening value addition, improving post-harvest logistics, and unlocking new markets for Nigerian produce across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.

Photo Caption: L-R: Kabiru Rabiu, Group Executive Director, BUA Group; Cpt. Mohammed J. Al Shamisi, MD/Group CEO, AD Ports Group; Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO (Ports Cluster) AD Ports Group; Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder/Executive Chairman, BUA Group; and Steve Green, Group CFO, MAIR Group
Through structured aggregation, processing, storage, and maritime export channels, the partnership is designed to reduce supply chain inefficiencies, enhance traceability and quality standards, and also create a predictable trade corridor between West Africa and the Gulf.
BUA Group—recognised as one of Africa’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, with major investments across sugar refining, food production, flour milling, cement manufacturing, and infrastructure- brings extensive industrial expertise and large-scale operational capability to the venture. MAIR Group will provide strategic support in developing integrated logistics and agro-industrial solutions, creating a seamless platform for production, storage, and distribution.
Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, said:
“This MoU marks an important milestone in BUA’s international expansion and reflects our long-term vision of building globally competitive industrial platforms. Together with AD Ports Group and MAIR Group, we aim to develop sustainable food production and logistics solutions that strengthen regional supply chains and support the UAE’s Food Security Strategy 2051.”
He further added that, “This partnership represents not just a commercial arrangement but a strategic food corridor anchored on shared economic ambition, resilient infrastructure, and disciplined execution, reinforcing long-term food security objectives for both nations.”
A representative of MAIR Group added:
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing strategic industries in Abu Dhabi and building integrated solutions that reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for trade, food security, and industrial excellence.”
A spokesperson from AD Ports Group commented:
“Our partnership with BUA Group and MAIR Group highlights Khalifa Port’s role as a catalyst for high-impact industrial investments. This initiative will enhance regional food security, strengthen global trade connectivity, and support Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals.”
This MoU marks a historic collaboration that combines world-class infrastructure, industrial expertise, and strategic vision, setting the stage for a sustainable and resilient food and logistics ecosystem that will benefit the UAE, the region, and global markets alike.
-
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
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING
-
society5 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth


