General
Police Parade First Bank Staff Involved in Foiled Abuja Robbery
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.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The South African Consulate General in Lagos, in partnership with Brand South Africa and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), is hosting the 4th edition of the South Africa Focus Week in Lagos, Nigeria, from April 22 – 26, 2026.
The annual platform continues to grow as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering social cohesion between South Africans and Nigerians while positioning South Africa as a preferred destination for business, tourism, and education. Since its inception in 2023, South Africa Focus Week has attracted over 1,500 participants, bringing together stakeholders from across sectors, including trade and investment, arts and culture, tourism, aviation, and the culinary industry.
The 2026 edition holds particular significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democratic Constitution, enacted in 1996, as well as 32 years of unbroken diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria, established in February 1994. These milestones underscore the enduring partnership between the two nations, rooted in shared history and strengthened through formal agreements and ongoing collaboration.
The 2025 economic relationship between South Africa and Nigeria reflects a strategically significant, multi-dimensional partnership anchored in trade, energy security, investment flows, and strong institutional cooperation. While bilateral trade remains structurally imbalanced – with South Africa exporting US$468.48 million and importing $1.69 billion, resulting in a $1.22 billion deficit – this dynamic is largely driven by South Africa’s reliance on Nigerian crude oil, positioning the relationship as one of strategic interdependence rather than imbalance alone.
This partnership is further elevated by the relative economic weight of both countries. According to IMF projections, South Africa’s economy is valued at approximately $443.6 billion, while Nigeria’s stands at around $334.3 billion in nominal terms for 2026. As two of the largest economies on the continent, their bilateral engagement constitutes a central axis of African economic activity, with disproportionate influence on the success of continental integration efforts.
Beyond trade, the relationship is reinforced by deep two-way investment linkages. South African firms -including MTN Group, Shoprite, and Standard Bank – maintain a strong presence in Nigeria, while Nigerian companies such as Access Bank and Paystack have established a growing footprint in South Africa. Although investment flows are asymmetrical and some Nigerian firms have faced operational challenges, these exchanges reflect an emerging bi-directional economic corridor that extends beyond goods trade into services, finance, and digital innovation.
Aligned with Brand South Africa’s mandate to build the country’s global reputation and competitiveness, the week-long programme will convene leaders from government, business, civil society, academia, and the media. Discussions will focus on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a tool for market access and global positioning, with Nigeria serving as a key focal point.
The South Africa Focus Week has features a series of high-level engagements and cultural activities designed to deepen economic ties and promote collaboration: South Africa–Nigeria Infrastructure Investment Conference (April 22, 2026) which was held under the theme South Africa–Nigeria Partnership: Unlocking Infrastructure Opportunities,” the conference will bring together key stakeholders in infrastructure development to explore collaborative projects in road, rail, and transportation systems.
The forum also examined the role of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) and facilitated discussions on project financing and implementation with institutions such as the DBSA and Nigeria’s Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
This was followed by the 2nd Economic Diplomacy Roundtable (Thursday, April 23, 2026), which was hosted in partnership with MTN Nigeria under the theme Role of Technology in Infrastructure Development, the roundtable will convene senior government officials, private sector leaders, and industry experts to identify investment opportunities and strengthen strategic partnerships.
Friday, April 24, was for Arts and Culture Experience, which is a dedicated cultural day will showcase Lagos’ creative spaces and features a panel discussion on South Africa’s arts, film, music, and culture. The programme includes a South African film screening, engagements with filmmakers, and a networking reception aimed at fostering collaboration between the creative industries of both countries.
The event continues on Thursday, April 25, with Freedom Day Celebration and Closing Ceremony. This commemorative event will celebrate 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution, 32 years of freedom and democracy, and the enduring diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria. The ceremony will also provide an opportunity to reflect on outcomes from the week and outline future areas of cooperation.
The celebration forms part of Brand South Africa’s Global South Africans Programme, which recognises and connects South Africans in the diaspora as ambassadors of the nation’s values and identity.
The week climaxes with the 4th edition of the South Africa Golf Tournament at Ikoyi Golf Club on Saturday, April 26, 2026, which will be done in partnership with Crossflex International.
According to a statement, the event aims to strengthen people-to-people relations through sports diplomacy, bringing together South African and Nigerian golfers in a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Mr Tunde Ayeni, has been apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Spokesperson of the anti-money laundering agency, Mr Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest of the businessman on Friday but declined to provide further details, according to TheCable.
Mr Ayeni was accused of diverting the N36.5 billion and $30 million loans from Polaris Bank Limited to companies with which he has links.
He was alleged to have obtained the credit facilities for marine security, electricity distribution, and real estate projects, but moved them to telecom investments tied to NITEL/MTEL assets via a NATCOM account.
After the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked the operating licence of Skye Bank in 2018, it nationalised it to Polaris Bank.
The EFCC has been looking into the alleged diversion of funds by Mr Ayeni, resulting in his arrest in Abuja on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
He is being grilled over the matter and would be arraigned in court once the investigation is concluded.
This is not the first time Mr Ayeni has been nabbed and probed by the EFCC, as this happened a few months after his bank lost its licence.
The then acting spokesman for the EFCC, Mr Tony Orilade, said Mr Ayeni was quizzed by detectives over issues related to fraud and embezzlement allegedly committed by him when he was Chairman of the bank a few years ago.
By Adedapo Adesanya
“We are fully committed to working with the new Commissioner of Police and giving all necessary support towards the successful discharge of his responsibilities.”
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