General
US Behind Amnesty International’s Plot to Unsettle Nigeria—Yoruba Group
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A group known as the Progressives Yoruba Youth Congress (PYYC) has cried out to the international community over a alleged plot by the United States of America’s backed self-styled human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, to use fictitious reports to create tension in the country.
It said the report was targeted at discrediting the Nigerian military on its fight against insurgency and then called on AI and its agents to come out clean on their plots to heat up polity in the country through its conjured report.
Comrade Akintola Festus, national leader of the group, while addressing newsmen on Wednesday, drew the attention of the United Nations (UN), the European Union and other international bodies to what it described as plots by AI’s local franchise to promote terrorism in Nigeria.
Festus lamented AI’s periodic reports, which accused the Nigerian military and sister security agencies of human rights violation in their efforts to bring a lasting peace to this entity called Nigeria.
The youth leader decried that the international agency is doing everything possible to see a stage-managed implosion in Nigeria, a country gradually and steadily recuperating from bile terrorism.
He, therefore, called on the Nigerian government to without delay commence the process of the expulsion of Amnesty International from the country.
His speech reads below.
“We believe we are aware of the difficulties experienced in the past administration in checkmating terrorism, especially Boko Haram, IPOB and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria has reached alarming proportion for all Nigerians to be concerned.
“The manifest cruelty and appetite for bloodletting in atrocious acts and heinous crimes against Nigerians by these sects is legendary. And we know the sects are ennobled by the sponsorship, funding, and backing of foreign forces bent on foisting evil on our land to destabilize our country.
“We are persuaded to draw the attention of World bodies like the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN) and the Federal Government in Nigeria about some twists and ugly developments concerning winning streaks of Nigerian military against Boko Haram terrorists.
“We strongly suspected sustained and covert actions and activities of terrorists agents, particularly, some international organizations’ domiciled in Nigeria who are discreetly working day and night to promote the scourge of terrorism on Nigeria.
“The Republic of Iran has never concealed this devilish plot on Nigerian and the leaders of these sects, particularly, Boko Haram factional leader, Abubakar Shekau have also affirmed this fact. And the dragnet of sponsors, paid agents and sympathizers’ with terrorists in Nigeria is expansive and obscure. These covert agents operate under different official or unofficial banners.
“To this end, we have realized lately and suspect a strong bond between the Iranian Republic, Boko Haram terrorists and the Amnesty International (AI) in festering the menace of terrorism in Nigeria. AI is an international organization whose mandate is to conscientiously monitor human rights violations in the countries they operate.
“We also note that AI has strong affinity with the United States of America (USA). AI is America’s pet child and America has this inglorious history of dubious interventions in the internal affairs of developing countries like Nigeria.
“AI’s periodic reports are usually based on unsubstantiated allegations and falsehood, alluding to rights violations perpetrated by the Nigerian military and sister security agencies. The reports are primed to limitlessly and baselessly indict the military; while emboldening the terrorists in their suspected sponsored assignment to destroy and delete Nigeria from the map of the world.
“We are mincing no words to assert that no external force can govern us; we must govern ourselves and the rude disrespect by AI to testify before lawfully constituted Probe Panels is an undisguised affront on the powers and sovereignty of Nigeria.
“AI is doing everything possible to see a stage-managed implosion in Nigeria, a country gradually and steadily recuperating from bile terrorism.
“Therefore, we plead with our international partners especially the UN to undertake a critical investigation into the sinister operations of Amnesty International in Nigeria and the complicity of the US Government. We have every cause to suspect AI and America’s covert support of the organization in the evil conspiracy against Nigeria to promote terrorism, an idea hatched by foreign forces against the unity and peace of Nigeria.
“We consequently call on the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to immediately commence the process of the expulsion of Amnesty International from Nigeria. Nigerians cannot compromise or allow anybody or organization, not even AI and its local franchise to reverse the gains the country has recorded on the terrorism war. We are not prepared to return to the dark days of reckless bombings, agonies and deaths arising from terrorism.”
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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