News
French passenger causes chaos, sparks security concerns at Abuja Airport
A French national was reportedly involved in a series of disruptive incidents at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Wednesday, leading to security concerns and multiple airline interventions.
According to Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the passenger was deboarded by Air France after exhibiting unruly behavior that posed a safety risk to other passengers. He was removed from the flight during a stopover in Abuja.
Achimugu clarified that since the passenger did not have a Nigerian visa, he was not allowed into the country. As a French national, the passenger was visited by French Embassy officials and a doctor and was provided with accommodation within the airport terminal.
However, the situation escalated when British Airways also deboarded the passenger due to similar disruptive behavior. The passenger later attempted to board a flight with Asky Airlines but was unable to present evidence of payment for his e-ticket, causing the airline to refuse to board him.
Reports from the scene described the passenger as erratic, littering the terminal with tissue paper and repeatedly shouting, “My passport, my passport.” Immigration officials were reportedly concerned that the passenger might attempt to flee the terminal and escape into the city, prompting them to withhold his passport until arrangements were made for his departure.
Miriam Anosike, the NCAA Consumer Protection regional head, intervened to address the situation with Air France personnel. She sternly reminded them of their responsibility for the passenger, insisting that Air France should ensure his safe departure from Nigeria, as he was becoming a liability to the country.
“If you are afraid to airlift him, why do you expect other airlines to be responsible for him? Get him a ticket and move him tomorrow!” Anosike was quoted as saying.
Achimugu praised Anosike’s handling of the situation, citing her years of experience in consumer protection. He confirmed that NCAA personnel would monitor Air France operations to ensure that the passenger is safely airlifted. Additionally, Air France will be summoned to explain its handling of the matter.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Naira yesterday appreciated to N1,595 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,610 per dollar on Monday.
Thus the Naira has recorded N45 week-on-week, WoW appreciation from N1,640 per dollar Tuesday last week.
Though the Naira was stable at N1,499 per dollar in the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), yesterday, it however recorded N27.3 WoW appreciation from N1,526.3 per dollar last Tuesday.
Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NFEM rate narrowed to N96 per dollar from N113.7 per dollar Tuesday last week.
The Naira has been on the upward trend since Thursday January 23rd, when it appreciated to N1,665 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,670 per dollar on Wednesday January 22nd.
Similarly, the Naira in the official market appreciated on Thursday January 23rd, to N1,548 per dollar from N1,553 per dollar on Wednesday January 22nd.
Since then, the Naira had gained N75 and N54 in the parallel and official market respectively.
Currency traders attributed the upward trend of the Naira to weak dollar demand occasioned by the Chinese New Year holiday.
It was also gathered that banks are now honouring customer requests for Personal Travel Allowance, PTA, and Business Travel Allowance, BTA. Previously, most banks seldom honour customers’ forex requests for PTA and
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The details of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) emergency meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday February 5, 2025, have emerged.
The meeting, which was convened to address several key issues within the party, concluded with important resolutions aimed at stabilizing the party ahead of future challenges.
One of the main decisions taken by the BoT was the recognition of Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary of the party.
This decision follows a court ruling from the High Court of Enugu, which was upheld by the Court of Appeal
The BoT instructed the National Working Committee (NWC) to swear in Udeh-Okoye immediately to comply with the legal judgment.
The board also called on party organs, members, and stakeholders to respect the Court of Appeal’s ruling regarding the position of National Secretary.
The meeting also praised the efforts of the PDP Governors’ Forum, the NWC, and the South-East Executive Committee for their commitment to upholding the party’s constitution.
The board expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the party despite facing internal challenges, particularly legal disputes involving competing claims for the office of National Secretary.
In addition, the BoT gave its approval for the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for March 13, 2025.
The board viewed this meeting as an opportunity for critical deliberations that will help shape the future of the PDP and the direction it takes in the coming years.
A vote of confidence was passed on the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and Secretary, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, recognizing their leadership in stabilizing the party during a challenging period.
The BoT emphasized the importance of unity among members, urging everyone to work together to strengthen the PDP and reclaim its leadership role in the country’s political landscape.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Stars in the Nigeria’s film industry have mourned Nollywood actress, Pat Ugwu, who passed away at the age of 35.
Emeka Okoye on his Instagram post on Wednesday, announced her death with a poster detailing her funeral arrangements.
“Rest in peace sis. Pat Ugwu. @patpat_ugwu so we no get to work again? Death whyooo? God please. Rest in peace PAT.
May your soul rest in the bosom of the Lord,” Emeka wrote, expressing his grief.
He also voiced his fears over the recent spate of losses in the industry, saying, “God please protect all my colleagues especially those am close to.
This unusual Death is frightening. I proclaim life to everyone close to me this 2025 in the precious blood of Jesus. Amen.”
The cause of her death was not immediately clear.
Several Nollywood stars, including Rita Edochie, Destiny Etiko, Nkechi Blessing, and Kevin Mike, also reacted to the tragic news.
Destiny Etiko wrote in the comment section, “Jesus noooooo.”
Mike wrote on Instagram, “Chai, just woke up this morning to hear the death of one of our crew and casts @patpat_ugwu. Rest in peace, dear.”
Pat, who lost her father in 2021, will be greatly missed.
Naira maintains gains, appreciates in Parallel Market
READ Details Of PDP BoT emergency meeting in Abuja
SAD! Nollywood Mourns AsActress Pat Ugwu dies
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