FRIDAY MAY 17 Top Stories

1. Speculation is mounting that the United Arab Emirates may lift the visa ban imposed on Nigeria, as Emirates, the country’s national carrier, has announced the resumption of services to Nigeria from October 1, 2024.

2. The Defence Headquarters has declared a Nigerien-born notorious terrorists leader, bandit and illegal gold miner, Halilu Buzu wanted in connection with allegations of terrorism, banditry and armed Smuggling in Zamfara state.

3. The Senate has passed the North West Development Commission bill to address challenges facing the seven states in the geopolitical zone following consideration and adoption of the report of the Committee on Special Duties on the NWDC (Establishment) bill which was sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin.

4. Calls for the establishment of state police got the backing of speakers of the 36 Houses of Assembly on Thursday as they expressed support for the move which they believed will boost the push against insecurity.

5. At least 18 travelers were killed in a crash on the Umuahia-Enugu axis of the Port Harcourt Enugu Highway Thursday morning at a Police checkpoint when a truck driver lost control and rammed into them killing the driver and all the passengers.

6. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has announced May 24 as the official date for the opening of a portal for student loan applications, marking a significant milestone in the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to foster accessible and inclusive education for all Nigerian students.

7. Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has upheld a regulation that allows the Central Bank of Nigeria to collect the social media information of customers as part of the Know-Your-Customer protocol.

8. Kano State Police Command, has confirmed 11 persons dead following Wednesday’s bombing incident at a mosque in Gadan Village, Gezawa Local Government Area of the state. Police spokesman in the State, Abdullahi Haruna, said three more of the victims died on Wednesday, raising the figure to 11 from the eight casualties recorded on Wednesday.

9. Nigerian singers, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Tems, Asake, Seyi Vybez, Davido and Lojay have been nominated for the 2024 BET Awards.