Residents of Alo community in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State are reeling from shock following the discovery of the lifeless bodies of a man, Sheriff Salifu, and a woman identified as Blessing Adama, in a room on Friday morning.
The unsettling discovery unfolded after the landlord of the deceased, Salisu Ibrahim, became concerned by the prolonged silence and the locked state of Salifu’s room well past sunrise. Prompted by this unusual situation, Mr. Ibrahim contacted the deceased’s brother and the police.
Upon forcibly entering the room, Sheriff’s brother was met with a grim scene: the naked bodies of Sheriff Salifu and Blessing Adama lying next to each other on a bed.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP William Aya, stated that an active investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of death. “The Divisional Police Officer in Ankpa immediately dispatched detectives to the location. They documented the scene and photographed the deceased before their bodies were transferred to the Zonal Hospital in Ankpa, where they were officially pronounced dead,” SP Aya explained.
At the time of this report, the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths remain unclear. Authorities are awaiting the results of a medical examination, which they hope will shed light on the cause of this deeply disturbing incident.

Angry investors recently stormed the CBEX office in Ibadan, Oyo State, in a frenzy, carting away various items including tables and chairs. Many Nigerians are lamenting significant losses from what is suspected to be a Ponzi scheme operated by CBEX.

This report takes a closer look at the controversial company at the center of the growing outrage.

CBEX operates as a digital trading platform and claims to be registered in Canada as a cryptocurrency trading exchange. However, checks by SaharaReporters on Canadian business registry platforms reveal that CBEX is not officially registered in Canada, despite assertions from the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Yahaya Ibrahim, that it is headquartered there. The closest match found in the Canadian business directory is a now-defunct entity named “CBEX Capital Corp,” whose license was revoked a year ago.

Further investigation suggests that the name “CBEX” may have misled Nigerian investors. The acronym is originally associated with the China Beijing Equity Exchange, a platform owned by the Chinese government that facilitates mergers, acquisitions, and the restructuring of state-owned enterprises. It remains unclear why the Nigerian version adopted this name, but it may have contributed to the false impression that the platform was backed by the Chinese government, especially since online searches for “CBEX” predominantly lead to the legitimate Chinese state-run entity.

Digital footprints linking the name “CBEX” to the Chinese government firm may have misled many Nigerians who conducted their due diligence before investing.

SaharaReporters previously detailed how, following the collapse of the CBEX platform, enraged individuals looted its office in the Oke-Ado area of Ibadan on Monday evening. Mobs forcibly entered the premises and removed furniture and equipment after the platform’s sudden crash reportedly wiped out user account balances, rendering many investments worthless.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attack was triggered by the platform’s unexpected failure, leading to widespread anger and despair among affected users, who took to social media to share stories of lost funds and shattered hopes.

In response to the situation, Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reiterated that any platform not registered with them is considered illegal. During a virtual session with fintech stakeholders on Monday, SEC Director General Emomotimi Agama stated: “Recently, a post went viral concerning a certain platform and its activities. The fallout includes news of its closure and financial losses. I want to be very clear: if it is not registered, it is illegal.” Although he did not directly mention CBEX, the timing and context strongly suggest he was referring to the controversy.

On X (formerly Twitter), a user with the handle @mrsean_Okwute commented: “I’m just hearing the name CBEX. So Nigerians fell for another scam again? Now I understand why politicians have the nerve to do what they do. Some Nigerians really lack awareness.”

Another user, @Rukkie339, posted: “The streets are quiet—CBEX really did a number on investors. Never get involved in any investment promising 100% ROI. It’s a clear scam. Reach out to friends and family, console—don’t mock. It’s a tough time that leads to dark thoughts.”

A shadowy and unsavoury political drama is unfolding in Igala land, with a concerted effort underway to tarnish the reputation of Distinguished Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho. Instead of a fair contest of ideas, ambitious rivals are resorting to a calculated campaign of vilification against the incumbent Kogi East Senator, whose political rise is marked by significant achievements.
Discerning political observers note that several aspiring politicians from Igala land are secretly plotting to unseat Senator Echocho. However, rather than offering a compelling vision and demonstrating their own capabilities, these individuals have chosen a destructive path: systematic character assassination.
Senator Echocho has become the unwilling target of the envy and insecurity of political opportunists who find his track record of service in infrastructure, youth empowerment, agriculture, and institutional reform a formidable obstacle to their ambitions. This underhanded campaign of disinformation, disguised as public accountability, is a blatant attempt to undermine a leader whose name has become synonymous with progress in Igala land. The aim is not better governance, but the removal of a strong political figure by sowing discord among the electorate.
Senator Echocho’s prominence is not based on mere chance or rhetoric, but on decades of professional excellence, economic foresight, and a deep commitment to his people. His journey to the Senate was forged through resilience, astute leadership, and consistent developmental actions. To now subject his legacy to malicious smear campaigns is not only dishonest but morally reprehensible, setting a dangerous precedent where ambition trumps merit and character assassination replaces genuine competition.
The politically astute Igala people are unlikely to be swayed by such immature attempts to distort the truth. The notion that a leader with tangible achievements can be delegitimized through whispers and media manipulation underestimates the electorate’s intelligence and is a self-defeating tactic.
Those engaging in these antics fail to realize that attacking Senator Echocho does not enhance their own credibility. Instead, it reveals a lack of vision and a preference for destruction over constructive politics, for propaganda over policy, and for envy over genuine enterprise.
Aspiring to public office is a noble pursuit when driven by honour and a clear vision. Political engagement should not descend into a cesspool of falsehood and moral duplicity. Instead of maligning a productive senator, those who seek to lead should present a compelling alternative, outlining their plans and demonstrating how they intend to surpass Senator Echocho’s achievements.
Senator Echocho stands as a symbol of effective leadership, with a verifiable record of infrastructural projects, socioeconomic policies, and legislative initiatives across Kogi East. To orchestrate a campaign to erode this legacy is a disservice to both the Senator and the people of Igala land who benefit from his stewardship.
The public is urged not to become instruments of political manipulation. We must resist the temptation to be used by unscrupulous politicians seeking personal gain. Instead, let us foster a political culture that rewards excellence, protects merit, and promotes unity. As 2027 approaches, let us reject retrogressive politicking and support leaders like Senator Echocho and Hon. Alims, who are strategically positioned to bring federal influence to Igala land. Their proximity to power can be a vehicle for our collective progress if we choose support over sabotage.
In conclusion, let every well-meaning Igala son and daughter reject the politics of envy and embrace a politics of purpose. Let us amplify vision, competence, and collaboration, focusing on building a lasting legacy of progress. The future of Igala land depends on service, not slander. Let reason and unity prevail.

Comr. John Audu

••Ebonyi Senator Regrets “Inappropriate” Remarks, Maintains Hierarchical Stance

A contentious exchange during a Senate ethics committee hearing has sparked public debate, with Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi of Ebonyi North asserting his “stratification” superiority over former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili.
The heated confrontation occurred during a hearing concerning a petition filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central. The tension escalated when Ezekwesili, a former minister, told Nwaebonyi to “shut up,” prompting a sharp rebuke from the senator.
Nwaebonyi, speaking on Arise TV, expressed regret for his choice of words, acknowledging Ezekwesili’s age. “I must also say that I regret my choice of words towards her. She is old enough to be my mother,” he stated. “However, her actions brought up my reaction. But having admitted publicly to what she said, I acknowledge that, and I commend her for it.”
Despite the apology, Nwaebonyi maintained his stance on the hierarchical order, stating, “I am a senator of the Federal Republic by social stratification, I am higher than her in this country. She is supposed to respect me. She was a minister, but a senator is more senior than a minister.”
He further defended his record on women’s participation in politics, saying, “I’m one of those senators that has been supporting women’s emancipation and participation in politics. Respect is earned, not commanded. If you respect me, I respect you. If you yab me, I yab you.”
Ezekwesili, 61, who served as Minister of Solid Minerals and Minister of Education under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, admitted to telling Nwaebonyi to “shut up” after the panel attempted to silence her. She characterized Nwaebonyi’s reaction as indicative of the “indecorous behaviour” of some public officials.
The incident has ignited discussions about respect, hierarchy, and the treatment of women in Nigerian politics.
Key Points:

• Senator Nwaebonyi asserted his superior status over former Minister Ezekwesili based on his senatorial position.
• He expressed regret for his choice of words but maintained his hierarchical view.
• Ezekwesili admitted to telling the senator to “shut up,” citing the panel’s attempts to silence her.
• The altercation has sparked debate about respect and gender dynamics in Nigerian politics.
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