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Police Parade First Bank Staff Involved in Foiled Abuja Robbery

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Larry Ehizo First Bank

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A member of staff of First Bank Nigeria, Mr Larry Ehizo, has been paraded by police over his alleged involvement in the botched robbery at the Mpape, Abuja branch of the financial institution last Saturday.

Until the incident, which was foiled by the combined efforts of security agents comprising the police, military and the secret police fondly called the DSS, Mr Ehizo worked at the bank as a Customer Service Officer.

Speaking when he was paraded by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, Mr Ehizo claimed one of the masterminds of the robbery, one Ernest, who is at large, had threatened to kill him, his girlfriend and his family if he did not help them rob the bank.

According to the 30-year-old 2014 graduate of Political Science from the University of Abuja, he drove the five robbers into the bank premises in his vehicle under duress.

“I met a friend (Ernest) in November and we had a discussion where we used to hang out. We almost had a serious argument after he complained about our services at First Bank. I tried to calm him down, but he was very furious, threatening not to bank with us again.

“He, thereafter, said he was going to hurt someone, but I told him not to do that, saying the worst he could do was not to do business with our bank again and possibly rob the bank. I never knew he took the second suggestion seriously. He used that to threaten me that I must allow his guys easy access into the banking hall for robbery.

“He went as far as threatening my family, myself and even the people around me, including my girlfriend. I was afraid to report this matter to the police because he warned me not to try such, threatening to kill me and others with the help of his friends, who he said were cultists.

“During the planning, he said he was going to give his friends N7 million and then promised to give me 20 percent of whatever we make from the deal, but I told him I wanted nothing from him. He insisted that I must collect it.

“I am a Customer Service Officer. I have been with the bank for over two years. If I had gone to the police, I would not have been here talking now. Members of my family also would not be. He knows my family house and knows where I stay personally at Mpape.

“When he brought his friends to me, I still begged him, but he insisted on robbing the bank. On the day of the attack, he said I should put them in my car for easy access into the bank. He even followed me to the premises. He waited to see when we entered inside and he immediately called me and I did everything out of fear of not dying and not having anyone dying because of me.

“Ernest is a customer at the bank. He comes around. There is a place I go to hang out in Mpape. He is a barman there. He sells drinks,” Mr Ehizo narrated.

One of the robbery suspects, Mr Princewill Obinna, said they did not expect to encounter any difficulty as they were assured by Ernest and Ehizo that the operation was going to be smooth.

“I was among those people that robbed the bank. It happened that Mr Larry invited us. Mr Ernest met us and told us there was a job we wanted us to do, but that he would connect us to the person with the operation.

“I asked him who the person was and called and introduced us to Mr Larry, who told us that there was an event that he wanted us to carry out because Ernest had been troubling him about it.

“He said he and Ernest have the background and survey of the job and that they would guide us on how to go about it, promising that it would be without stress and be completed within some minutes.

“I asked what the deal was about and he said it was a bank. I was shocked and said I have never done such job before. He said we should not worry that there was a tinted vehicle that would take us in without people noticing us. He asked if I knew some persons that could help us and I introduced them to other members of the gang.

“They also never wanted to do it, but we all agreed at the end of the day. That was how we came to find ourselves there.

“The message came to me on Tuesday that the operation was on Saturday. They promised to give us N7 million to share. I coordinated the other boys.

“The ammunition we took there was a local pistol that our late friend (robber who was shot) brought. He said he would be the one to stand at the gate and that I should hold this one and threaten the Mobile policeman,” he said.

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today

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Abuja Night of Glory

By Blaise Udunze

Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.

The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.

Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.

Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.

The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.

Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.

Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.

Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.

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Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC

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rivers speaker Martin Amaewhule defect

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.

This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.

The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.

This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.

A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.

Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.

It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.

Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

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Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN

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energy sector

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.

The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.

Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.

“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.

According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.

“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.

He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.

Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.

He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.

“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.

On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.

“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.

He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.

Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.

He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.

“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.

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