By Francesca Hangeior

Chinese carmaker BYD saw a surge in revenue last year, a stock filing showed Monday, surpassing the $100 billion mark and beating rival Tesla as the Shenzhen-based firm accelerates its overseas expansion.

BYD has emerged in recent years as the clear leader in China’s highly competitive electric vehicle market, which is the largest in the world.

The country’s automotive champion recorded 777.1 billion yuan ($107.2 billion) in revenue for 2024, eclipsing the $97.7 billion in revenue last year announced previously by Tesla.

BYD’s figure represented a 29 percent increase from 2023 and was higher than a Bloomberg forecast of 766 billion yuan.

The firm’s net profit last year amounted to 40.3 billion yuan, up 34 percent from 2023 and reaching a record high.

The firm’s stock price also reached an all-time peak this month, after it unveiled new battery technology that it said allows a vehicle to travel up to 470 kilometres (292 miles) after charging for just five minutes.

BYD says its newest battery and charging system boasts speeds of 1,000 kW, ahead of Tesla’s Superchargers, which currently offer speeds of 500 kW.

*Says, won’t be forced into submission

By Francesca Hangeior

The embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has denied reports that she apologised to the Senate over the issue that led to her suspension.

Akpoti-Uduaghan in a statement on Monday, described the claims as “false and misleading,” insisting that she still stands by her position.

“The reports suggesting that I have apologized to the Senate and retracted my position are completely untrue. I stand firmly by my words and actions and have not issued any apology to the Senate or anyone regarding this matter,” she said.

She criticised those spreading the false reports, accusing them of trying to twist the truth and mislead the public.

The senator, who was suspended after a disagreement with Senate leadership, said she remains committed to defending the rights of her people. She also claimed that some individuals were trying to manipulate public opinion with fake statements.

“I urge the public to disregard these rumours and publications as they do not represent my position. My commitment remains to truth, justice, and the people I represent.”

She also expressed concern over what she called a planned effort to silence her voice in the National Assembly.

She stated, “This is not just about me; it is about the integrity of our democracy. I will not be intimidated or forced into submission through false narratives.”

Shed Nierians to be careful of misinformation, adding that any official statement from her would come only from her verified channels.

“I appreciate the support and solidarity of my people. Rest assured, I will continue to fight for what is right and just.”

There have been calls for Akpoti-Uduaghan to be recalled following her suspension from the senate.

The push to recall her followed her suspension from the Senate, after a heated dispute with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over seating arrangements.

She also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and has since taken her case before local and foreign media and the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Earlier, the Independent National Electoral Commission disclosed that it had received the petition seeking the recall process of Akpoti-Uduaghan as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Secretary to the commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, received the petition on Monday.

By Francesca Hangeior

The Federal Government said it has recaptured five of 12 inmates who escaped from lawful custody during Monday’s jailbreak at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi state.

Spokesman of the Nigerian Correctional Service NCoS, DCC Abubakar Umar in a statement said the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday 24th March 2024.

He said during the unfortunate incident, some inmates in a section of the facility manipulated the padlocks, leading to the escape of 12 inmates.

“Upon receiving reports of the attack, the Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche MFR, mni, in collaboration with heads of sister security agencies including the SSA to the Governor of Kogi State immediately mobilized to the facility, and personnel were deployed to secure the facility, restore order, and initiate a manhunt for the escapees.

“As of this moment, 5 of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining inmates and bring them to justice”, he stated.

According to him, the Acting Controller General of Corrections has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escapes.

“Additionally, a security audit is being conducted across all correctional facilities nationwide to prevent future occurrences.

“The Service urges members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may assist in the recapture of those still at large. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.

“The Service assures Nigerians that the safety of custodial centres remains a top priority, and measures are being reinforced to strengthen security across all facilities. The NCoS remains committed to ensuring that correctional facilities fulfil their mandate of safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates”, the service added.