Recall on Thursday reported that at least eight people died following the boat accident in the early hours of Friday along the Dambo-Ebuchi section of the River Niger.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed the recovery of 22 bodies after the boat mishap that occurred between Baro and Akwanu communities in the Agaie local government area of Niger State.

Eyewitnesses had said the boat, belonging to one Musa Dangana, was carrying over 200 passengers, including market women and farm labourers, on their way to the Katcha weekly market when it capsized.

The tragedy threw everyone on board into the water.

The NSEMA in a statement signed by its Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah in Minna, said the incident occurred on Thursday night, 28 November, 2024, at about 2am.

He stated that the boat was sailing from Ebe Community of Kogi State with a population of almost 50 passengers heading to Katcha market, when the accident occurred.

According to him, NSEMA is currently directing and monitoring search and rescue operations in collaboration with Agaie Local Government Emergency Committee, brave local divers, and other community volunteers in the area.

“Thanks to the prompt response from the community volunteers, twenty-two bodies have been recovered, and eight persons have been rescued alive so far.

“Eighteen out of the 22 bodies recovered are from Kogi State, while four are from Akwanu community in Agaie LG.”

He added that a search and rescue operation was still ongoing to locate more survivors.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly set to appoint prominent political figures, including Femi Fani-Kayode, Reno Omokri, and Shehu Sani, as ambassadors. This information was disclosed by Jackson Ude, a US-based investigative journalist known for breaking political developments in Nigeria. In a social media post, Ude hinted that the ambassadorial list would be made public soon.

“Ambassador F. Kayode, Ambassador S. Sani, Ambassador R. Omokri. And the list goes on and on, waiting for unveiling soon,” he wrote.

While the presidency has yet to confirm the appointments, the potential selection of these figures—each known for their strong political stances and public engagements—has generated mixed reactions.

Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister and a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is a vocal supporter of President Tinubu.

Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, is recognized for his consistent criticism of the current administration, raising questions about his inclusion.

Shehu Sani, a former senator and human rights activist, is another notable name on the list, known for his independent views and advocacy.

As Nigerians await the official announcement, the news continues to fuel debates about the direction of Tinubu’s foreign policy agenda and the implications of these high-profile appointments.

The 7th Prosecution witness, Mr John Adetola, testifying in the case against the former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele has alleged that he collected the sum of $400,000 on behalf of Emefiele.

Adetola, who identified himself as an Executive Assistant to Emefiele, also disclosed how he handed over the money to his boss, Emefiele.

He gave the testimony on Thursday while answering questions from the counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.

He told the trial judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi that the functions of his office includes managing office correspondences, attending to visitors and any other tasks as assigned by his boss.

He said these duties gave him direct access to Emefiele.

On the $400,000, Adetola testified that he was summoned from Ekiti, his new posting place to go pick up the money.

“In 2018, I can’t remember the date, the personal assistant to the CBN Gov in Abuja, Mr Eric Odoh sent me a message on WhatsApp that I should go and collect $400,000 from John Ayoh, the former director of ICT Dept. and give same to the former CBN Governor when he came to Lagos.

“I went to the house of John Ayoh at Lekki in Lagos. He gave me an envelope and I came back to the office, I gave it to the former CBN Governor,” he said

He said he communicated with Emefiele, mentioning some of Emefiele’s family members.

“I communicate with the former CBN Governor through telephone, office line, email and verbal communication.

“I know Mr. George, I know Mr Okanta. They are Mr Emefiele’s brothers. I know his wife, Mrs Margaret Emefiele. I also know the second defendant, Henry Omoile, he lived in Emefiele’s house in Lagos,” he added.

Adetola also told the court that the EFCC accessed his phone which had some office documents and he was questioned on them, after which they printed the documents.

He identified some of the documents showing his communication with John Ayoh and Odoh, stressing that he endorsed the documents as being printed from his mobile phone.

The EFCC prosecutor, Mr Oyedepo thereafter sought the permission of the court to tender the bundle of documents.

The counsel to Emefiele, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olaleko Ojo, raised objections to the admissibility of the documents but withdrew his objections when the counsel insisted that it was merely for identification purposes.

Counsel representing Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Omoile, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adeyinka Kotoye, however, maintained his objections to the admissibility of the documents stating that the documents had no basis in law.

In his response, Oyedepo insisted that the documents were relevant and would prove essential ingredients of the offence.

He insisted on tendering it for the purpose of identification.

After considering all the submissions, Justice Oshodi admitted the documents and marked it as for the purpose of identification.

He adjourned the case till December 10 for the cross examination of the witness.