Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has stepped in to call for immediate action in the case of Segun Olowookere, an indigene who was sentenced to death for stealing a fowl.

Recall Segun’s mother, Folashade Olowookere, emotionally shared the story of her son, who is currently imprisoned, during an interview on Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo’s YouTube podcast. The video gained significant attention, including from Governor Adeleke.

Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a statement from the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke directed a swift investigation and ordered that steps be taken for a potential pardon in Segun’s case. The Governor further instructed the Attorney General to ensure Segun is considered for the prerogative of mercy before the year ends.

The statement read, “I have reviewed the case and acknowledge the importance of the separation of powers in our democracy. In this instance, I have instructed the Commissioner for Justice to begin the process of granting mercy to this young man.

“Osun is a state of justice and fairness. We must uphold the protection of lives and ensure equity.

“I want to assure the public that this matter is receiving my personal attention, and we are acting with urgency as a responsible government.”

The Delta State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, recalled two of its members that were suspended in November over alleged gross misconduct.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the recall was announced during plenary in Asaba by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.

Recall that the Assembly had on November 6 suspended Mr Dafe Chukudi (PDP-Ukwuani) for 14 legislative days over alleged gross misconduct, while Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi) was also suspended for 14 legislative days for the same offense on November 12.

“Dear colleagues, following the allegation of gross misconduct against our suspended members and subsequently, a committee on investigation headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, was set up.

“The committee has commenced investigation. However, the 14 days that they were suspended has elapsed. And by the confidence you all reposed in me as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and now that the 14 days of their suspension has elapsed, there is need to recall Mr Dafe Chukudi and Mr Oboro Preyor to resume their duties as members going forward.

“The suspended members are hereby recalled pending on the outcome of their investigative committee.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, expressed joy over the recall of the lawmakers, saying, “I am very happy that we have lifted their suspension.

“The Speaker has recalled them so that they can celebrate the Christmas with joy and even enter the New Year with some relief of happiness. For me, this is a party gift for me even though I’m not affected.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced a daily withdrawal bar of ₦100,000 for customers using point-of-sale (PoS) terminals, as part of a broader set of measures aimed at streamlining agent banking operations.

This new directive was communicated through a circular titled “Cash-out Limits for Agent Banking Transactions,” which was sent to all deposit money banks (DMBs), microfinance banks, mobile money operators, and super-agents across the country.

The CBN’s intervention seeks to address ongoing challenges in the agent banking sector, curb fraud, and establish consistent operational standards across the financial ecosystem.

The circular outlines specific guidelines for the implementation of these changes, which must be adhered to immediately:

Cash Withdrawal Limit: The withdrawal limit per customer is set at ₦500,000 per week, regardless of the channel used (such as PoS terminals or other platforms).
Daily Transaction Limit: PoS terminals are now required to impose a daily cash-out limit of ₦100,000 per customer.
Cumulative Agent Limit: The total daily cash withdrawal limit for each agent must not exceed ₦1,200,000.
Connection to PTSA: All agent terminals must be connected to a Payment Terminal Service Aggregator (PTSA).
Electronic Reporting: Agents are required to electronically report all daily transactions, including withdrawals, transaction limits, and balances in agent float accounts, to the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) for onward transmission to the CBN. A template for this report will be provided to the principals of agent banks.

The CBN emphasized that principals (i.e., the financial institutions responsible for the agents) will be held fully accountable for any actions or failures related to the operation of agent banking services. This includes ensuring that all agents comply with the outlined limits and reporting requirements.

Furthermore, the apex bank warned that it would conduct unannounced checks, including back-end configuration inspections, to ensure that agents are adhering to these guidelines. The CBN also stated that any violations of the new directives would result in significant penalties, including financial and administrative sanctions.

This move is part of the CBN’s broader efforts to regulate the growing agent banking sector, enhance the security of transactions, and standardize banking practices across various service channels.