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A married woman, identified as Mrs Anita Ekpeyong, has been beaten to comatose and thrown into a well by a stranger who promised to pay her for sex.

Ekpenyong and the man she identified as Isaac had a bargain that he would pay her N3,000 for sex.

According to Vanguard, the woman lives in an uncompleted building at Aladura Mosque Street, White Sand, Isheri Oshun, Lagos, with her husband, Ifeanyi, and their two children.

She left their home after informing her family that she was going to charge her mobile phone.

She said on the way to charge her phone, a man requested to take her home for sex, with an agreement to pay her N3,000.

Trouble started for her when Isaac refused to pay her the agreed sum after having sex with her in his one-room apartment at 4, Kilanko Street, White Sand, Isheri Oshun.

An argument degenerated into scuffle leading to Isaac battering and throwing her inside a well, abandoning her to die.

She was, however, rescued by a passer-by who heard her shouts for help from the well, and raised the alarm.

After being rejected by two private hospitals in the area, she was then taken to the Isolo General Hospital by the Police, where she was treated for a week before being transferred to another hospital, where she underwent another round of treatment before she was discharged at the weekend.

Recounting her ordeal, she said: “I did not know the man before. He only stopped me and asked how much I would take for the service and I said N3,000. But when he finished he refused to pay.

“Rather, he threatened to kill me and dump my body in the bush. He started dragging me out of his house and at the same time hit me on my head.

“He collected my Nokia Android phone and the money I had earlier worked for. He covered my mouth with cloth to prevent me from shouting and gave me a hard fist on my jaw, which forced a tooth to fall off.

“He dragged me out of his compound to about five buildings away from his. At a point, I was so weak and passed out. The next time I opened my eyes, I found myself inside a well.

“The luck I had was that the water level was just up to my chest. That was when I yelled for help.”

Meanwhile, the state police command has mounted search for the suspect, Isaac, who is still on the run.

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NCC Unveils Initiative To Combat Fraud, Spam Messaging

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The Nigerian Communications Commission has unveiled a draft regulatory framework aimed at addressing fraud, spam, and other challenges in the “Application-to-Person” messaging sector.

The telecom regulator made this announcement in a statement on Friday.

The proposed framework was introduced during a virtual Stakeholders’ Forum, a key step towards enhancing the sector’s integrity and ensuring a fair, transparent environment for all parties involved.

The draft framework, presented by the acting Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at the NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, seeks to regulate the A2P messaging space.

A2P messaging, used for notifications such as bank alerts, promotional campaigns, and government updates, has become a vital communication tool in Nigeria.

However, the sector faces significant challenges, including consumer protection concerns, fraud, and data privacy issues, as well as an unequal distribution of value within the ecosystem.

“The international A2P messaging space in Nigeria faces gaps that have led to issues such as fraud, spam, and data privacy concerns. These challenges threaten the sustainable growth of this communication tool,” the NCC said.

The regulator emphasised its commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring a secure, transparent environment for businesses, consumers, and service providers.

The proposed framework aims to address these challenges by protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and holding service providers accountable.

“This forum marks a pivotal step towards addressing these challenges,” the NCC said. “We are here to engage with all stakeholders—operators, aggregators, businesses, service providers, and consumers—to refine the framework and ensure it meets the needs of the entire ecosystem.”

The NCC stressed the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in creating an effective regulatory environment.

The commission’s efforts are focused on promoting a sustainable A2P messaging ecosystem that enables business innovation, enhances communication efficiency, and supports Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.

Stakeholders were encouraged to provide feedback and contribute ideas during the forum to help shape the final framework.

The NCC reiterated its commitment to creating a regulatory environment that supports innovation while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders in the A2P messaging sector.

For further updates, the NCC urged stakeholders to remain engaged throughout the regulatory process, stressing the importance of cooperation in shaping the future of A2P messaging in Nigeria.

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JUST IN: Oil Marketers Reduce Petrol Price By 11.8% To N939.50 Per Litre

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Oil marketers sourcing “Premium Motor Spirit”, “PMS”, also known as petrol, from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery have reduced the price by 11.8 percent to N939.50 per litre, down from N1,060 per litre.

As of Thursday, December 19, petrol was still being sold at N1,060 per litre in Lagos and surrounding areas.

However, by Friday, MRS, a leading marketer, along with others, had adjusted their prices, now selling at N939.50 per litre.

It’s worth noting that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery had earlier lowered the ex-pump price of petrol to N899.50 per litre, down from N970 per litre.

According to the refinery, this price reduction is intended to offer much-needed relief to Nigerians ahead of the holiday season.

Anthony Chiejina, the Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, made this announcement.

“To alleviate transport costs during this holiday season, Dangote Refinery is offering a holiday discount on “PMS” (“petrol”). From today, our petrol will be available at N899.50 per litre at our truck loading gantry or SPM,” Chiejina said.

‘‘Furthermore, for every litre purchased on a cash basis, consumers will have the opportunity to buy another litre on credit, backed by a bank guarantee from Access Bank, First Bank, or Zenith Bank.”

 

More to come…

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EFCC Allocates N18bn For Allowances, N5bn For Travels In Proposed 2025 Budget

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to allocate N18 billion for allowances in 2025.

This figure is part of the proposed 2025 budget currently under consideration and awaiting approval by the national assembly.

As per the appropriation bill, the EFCC’s total budget for 2025 stands at approximately N62.2 billion.

This budget includes personnel costs (N38.6 billion), overheads (N20.9 billion), and capital expenditure (N2.2 billion).

Within the allowance budget, N1.7 billion is designated for “non-regular allowances,” while “regular allowances” are set at N16.7 billion.

Other proposed expenditures for the EFCC include welfare packages (N1.4 billion), fuel and lubricants (N2 billion), financial charges (N1.2 billion), construction and provision of office buildings (N1.1 billion), and maintenance services (N2.1 billion).

The EFCC also plans to allocate N4.9 billion for “local travel and transport,” with “international travel and transport” expected to cost N1.7 billion.

The proposed budget includes N800 million for the purchase of fixed assets.

On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu unveiled the N49.7 trillion 2025 “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace and Rebuilding Prosperity.”

In his address to the national assembly, Tinubu stated that it was time “we rewrite Nigeria’s narrative together.”

The primary focus of next year’s budget will be the defence, infrastructure, health, and education sectors.

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