RoundReports

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has alerted Nigerians to claims circulating online that it has unveiled a new N5,000 banknote bearing the image of President Bola Tinubu.   RoundReports learnt that the rumour, fuelled by a digitally altered image shared widely on social media, sparked heated reactions among users.  However, the apex bank, in a statement posted on its official X account on Thursday, clarified: “ This content is fake. Let the public be guided .”   The controversy comes against the backdrop of past debates over higher denomination notes.  READ ALSO : EFCC Dismisses Viral Claim Linking Sabinus to Fraud Case In 2012, the CBN announced plans to introduce a N5,000 note, but later abandoned the proposal in 2022.  Calls for such a denomination have resurfaced periodically, often linked to inflationary pressures.   Under Section 18(a) and 18(b) of the CBN Act 2007, the bank holds exclusive authority to print, issue, and regulate Niger...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims circulating online that it declared popular comedian and content creator, Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, widely known as Sabinus, wanted.   A purported public notice, allegedly signed by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, suggested the entertainer was being sought in connection with obtaining under false pretence.  The notice quickly spread across social media platforms, fuelling confusion among fans.   READ ALSO : Tensions Flare in Nigeria’s Music Scene after Burna Boy–DJ Tunez Clash However, in a statement released via its verified Facebook page on Thursday, the EFCC branded the notice “ fake news ” and dismissed its originator as a “ clout chaser .”  The commission added a stern warning: “ Clout chaser, Stop this now! ”   Sabinus, born in Rivers State, has become one of Africa’s leading digital creators, known for his comedic skits and online presence.  His ri...

Academic life at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) is set to return to normal following weeks of disruption caused by the March 29 assault on Angwan Rukuba in Plateau State, which claimed more than 33 lives, including two students of the institution.   Vice-Chancellor Professor Tanko Ishaya confirmed during a press briefing on Thursday that the violence directly affected the university community, leaving two students dead, three others injured, and a staff member also receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.   Recall that the deceased students, Abel Joro Gershon and Adeyomo Oluwafemi Temitope, were killed in separate incidents linked to the unrest.  The attack prompted a government-imposed curfew in Jos North, forcing the university to suspend first-semester examinations.   Ishaya explained that exams scheduled from March 30 were postponed in line with security directives, particularly after fresh violence erupted on April 1 along Bauchi Road.  READ A...

Young American men may soon be automatically registered for the military draft, ending decades of self-registration.  The proposal, submitted by the Selective Service System (SSS) to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on 30 March, would see men registered through federal data integration rather than having to sign up themselves within 30 days of turning 18. According to reports, supporters argue the change will save millions in government spending on reminders and outreach campaigns.  Congress approved the measure in December as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, with Pennsylvania Democrat Chrissy Houlahan saying it would allow resources to be redirected towards military readiness. Currently, men aged 18 to 25 must register or risk penalties including loss of access to federal student aid, jobs, and citizenship for non-citizens.  While most states already link registration to driver’s licence applications, compliance fell to 81 per cent in 2024....

Michael Patrick Campbell, best known for his role in Game of Thrones, has died at the age of 35 after living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).   His wife, Naomi, confirmed that he passed away on 7 April at a hospice in Northern Ireland.  In a heartfelt tribute shared online, she described him as a man who “ lived a life as full as any human can live ,” remembered for his “ joy, abundance of spirit ” and “ infectious laughter.” Campbell, who also performed under the name Michael Patrick, appeared in the sixth season of Game of Thrones as a wilding rioter.  While television brought him international recognition, his most celebrated work was on stage across Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK).   In 2025, he received a theatre honour for his groundbreaking performance in a reimagined production of Richard III, staged in a wheelchair.  READ ALSO : US Orders Partial Withdrawal from Abuja Embassy over Insecurity The adaptation, co-created with write...

The widow of former Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson has announced she is expecting his child after undergoing IVF treatment with frozen embryos.   Thompson, who began his career at Manchester United’s academy, died last April aged 36 following a third battle with stage four lymphoma.  He is survived by his wife Chantelle and their daughters, Thailula and Athena Rae.   Chantelle, now 25 weeks pregnant, described the news as “ absolutely everything ,” telling ITV News that her late husband had spoken of a vision of her with a baby boy before his death.  “ I know it’s never going to replace Joe obviously. Joe’s Joe. But to be able to bring his baby into the world again is beautiful ,” she said.   The couple had previously endured heartbreak when their son Dre died just days before his due date.  READ ALSO : Dubai Businessman Eyes Majority Stake in Chelsea Chantelle revealed her relief when the IVF procedure worked on the first attempt, after ye...

The United States (US) Department of State has authorised non‑essential staff and family members to leave its embassy in Abuja, citing Nigeria’s worsening security climate.   In a travel advisory released on Wednesday, Washington urged Americans to reconsider travel to Nigeria from 8 April 2026, warning of crime, terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest.  The overall advisory was set at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, with 23 states now classified as Level 4: Do Not Travel.   Five states, Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger and Taraba, were newly added to the “ Do Not Travel ” list, joining regions already flagged for high risks of violence, terrorism and banditry.  The advisory stated that security operations may occur without warning and that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping for ransom remain widespread.   Northern states including Borno, Yobe, Kogi and parts of Adamawa were singled out for terrorist threats, while Bauchi, Ka...

Chelsea could be facing yet another dramatic shift in ownership after reports emerged that Dubai-based entrepreneur, Lee Andrews is preparing a bid to acquire a majority stake in the west London club.   Andrews, 42, has publicly declared his intention to push forward with what he himself described as a “ crazy and ambitious ” plan to buy into the reigning World Club Cup holders.  Chelsea are currently sixth in the Premier League, trailing leaders Arsenal by 22 points.   “ I can’t tell you all the workings and inner parts to my wealth but definitely the money is there. It sounds crazy, it sounds ambitious, but watch this space ,” Andrews told The Sun. Any bid would require a vast fortune to challenge current owner Todd Boehly, who led the £4.25billion takeover in 2022.  Since then, Chelsea have endured turbulent times, cycling through five managers and posting a £262.4million pre-tax loss last season despite securing Champions League football.   RE...

The Bayelsa State Government has announced that Friday, 10 April 2026, will be a public holiday across the state.  RoundReports understands that the decision is aimed at allowing workers and residents to fully participate in activities scheduled for the official one-day visit of President Bola Tinubu.   According to the Ministry of Information, Orientation and Strategy, the state is preparing to host the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  Citizens have been urged to turn out in large numbers to give him a warm reception.   The announcement, signed by Commissioner Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, stated that the work-free day is intended to foster unity and ensure maximum involvement in the programmes lined up for the presidential visit.   READ ALSO : CSOs, Labour Fault Tinubu over Budget Breaches Koku-Obiyai said: " GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT " Bayelsa Government declares Friday work-free. " The Baye...

Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has called on states across the country to follow Lagos State’s approach to governance, citing disciplined financial management and a clear focus on service delivery. Akpabio spoke in Lagos on Wednesday while commissioning three key projects delivered by the state government, where he represented President Bola Tinubu at the ceremony. Commending Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his team, Akpabio said Lagos had set a benchmark other states should replicate. “ You have shown that governance must be about service delivery,” the Senate President said, adding that the projects reflected a broader national ambition . “ These projects align with our national vision, a Nigeria that is modern, digitally enabled and economically strong. This is the standard we must replicate across the country ,” he said. The projects commissioned were the Ojota–Opebi Link Bridge, the Lagos State Geographical Information System (LAGIS) Building, and the Lagos State Mu...