Inflation Rate Inches Up as NBS Reports First Rise in a Year

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April 23, 2026

Figures cited by **TheCable** show that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate has risen to 15.38% for the month of March, marking the first upward tick after 12 consecutive months of decline. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) attributed the 0.32% increase from February to rising costs in transport and food items, particularly in urban centers.

Despite the year-on-year inflation being significantly lower than the 27.3% recorded in 2025, the sudden reversal has sparked concerns about the impact of recent fuel price adjustments. Food inflation specifically remains a pressure point, standing at over 14% as the planting season begins amidst security challenges in the food basket states.

**The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)** noted that “the rural inflation rate was significantly higher at 17.22%, reflecting the higher cost of moving goods to remote areas.” **BusinessDay** analyzed the trend, stating that “analysts see this as a ripple effect of the Iran-Israel tensions affecting global fuel and fertilizer prices.”

**Echotitbits take:** The honeymoon period of declining inflation is over. The CBN will likely stay hawkish with interest rates in their next meeting. Watch for the April figures; if the trend continues, the “cost of living” protests could potentially see a revival.

Source: TheCable, April 22, 2026

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Terrorists Raze Traditional Palace in Zamfara Revenge Mission

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Bob Echols’s

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April 23, 2026

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Reporting by **The Premium Times** indicates that armed terrorists have burnt down the palace of a District Head in Zamfara State in what is believed to be a retaliatory strike. The attackers reportedly invaded the community in the early hours of Wednesday, targeting the traditional leader’s residence after security forces had previously neutralized several gang members in the area.

While the District Head was reportedly away during the attack, several buildings were reduced to ashes, and residents have begun fleeing to neighboring towns for safety. This incident highlights the ongoing fragility of security in the Northwest, where traditional rulers have increasingly become targets for extremist groups and bandits.

**The Punch** confirmed the destruction, reporting that “the palace was targeted as a clear message of defiance against local cooperation with the military.” **Leadership** added that “the state government has ordered an immediate deployment of a joint task force to the affected district to prevent further escalations.”

**Echotitbits take:** Attacking a palace is a psychological tactic intended to show that no one is safe. If the government cannot protect traditional icons, it loses its most important link to grassroots intelligence, further complicating the war on terror in the region.

Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/873815-terrorists-burn-down-zamfara-district-heads-palace-in-revenge-attack.html, April 22, 2026

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Nigeria Records N60 Billion Annual Loss to Foreign Web Hosting

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Bob Echols’s

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April 23, 2026

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According to reporting by **Vanguard**, Nigeria is losing an estimated N60 billion annually due to the widespread preference for foreign domain registrations and web hosting services. This massive capital flight is being driven by local businesses and government agencies that opt for international service providers over the domestic “.ng” domain.

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has expressed concern over this trend, noting that it not only drains the economy but also compromises data sovereignty. Experts argue that if even half of this expenditure were redirected locally, it would create thousands of tech jobs and significantly improve the country’s cybersecurity resilience.

**The Guardian** reported on the calls for policy intervention, noting that “stakeholders are pushing for a ‘Local First’ web policy to stem the tide of digital capital flight.” Meanwhile, **ThisDay** quoted a tech analyst who remarked, “Building Nigeria’s digital assets on foreign soil is like paying rent to a landlord who can lock you out of your own business.”

**Echotitbits take:** This is a classic case of “digital neocolonialism.” Until local hosting providers can guarantee 99.9% uptime despite the country’s power challenges, businesses will continue to seek the reliability of foreign servers regardless of the cost to the naira.

Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/technology/nigeria-loses-n60bn-annually-to-foreign-data-hosting-firms/, April 22, 2026

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CBN Issues Emergency Alert Over Sophisticated Cybersecurity Attacks

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April 23, 2026

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In an update published by **TVC News**, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised an urgent alarm regarding a surge in fraudulent digital communications targeting the public and financial institutions. The apex bank revealed that cybercriminals are utilizing malicious links in emails and SMS to gain unauthorized access to personal bank accounts under the guise of official policy updates.

The statement, signed by Acting Director of Corporate Communications Hakama Sidi Ali, warned that these messages often spread misinformation about bank licensing and leadership changes. The CBN emphasized that it does not request sensitive account details via social media or unsolicited links and urged Nigerians to rely solely on its official website for policy directives.

**The Premium Times** corroborated the report, stating the bank “urged Nigerians to only rely on information on its official website and recognized media outlets.” **Channels TV** further highlighted the technological aspect, quoting a cybersecurity expert who said, “the sophisticated nature of these hack attempts suggests an organized syndicate targeting the nation’s financial core.”

**Echotitbits take:** As Nigeria pushes for a more cashless economy, the vulnerability to cybercrime grows. This alert suggests that a major breach may have been attempted; expect the CBN to roll out stricter two-factor authentication requirements for mobile banking apps very soon.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/cbn-alerts-public-to-surge-in-fake-emails-online-scams/, April 22, 2026

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Six Former Officials Arraigned Over Plot to Oust President Tinubu

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April 23, 2026

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Reporting by **The Premium Times** indicates that the Federal Government has filed 13 criminal charges against six former security officials accused of conspiring to violently overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration last year. Court documents presented in Abuja detail a coordinated attempt to destabilize the democratic order, leading to a high-profile legal battle that has captured national attention.

The defendants, whose identities include high-ranking personnel from previous administrations, face charges ranging from treasonable felony to the illegal possession of firearms. This development follows months of covert investigations by the Department of State Services (DSS) into the alleged “Coup Plot,” which the government claims was nipped in the bud before any action could be taken.

The **Straits Times** confirmed the filing, stating, “Nigeria’s government filed 13 criminal charges against six former security officials accused of plotting the violent overthrow of President Bola Tinubu’s government.” Similarly, **Daily Post** reported on the heightened security at the court, noting that “the legal proceedings against the alleged coupists represent a significant test for the nation’s judiciary and stability.”

**Echotitbits take:** This trial is a high-stakes move for the Tinubu administration. While it aims to project strength and deter dissent, the government must handle the evidence with absolute transparency to avoid accusations of a political witch-hunt ahead of the next election cycle.

Source: Reuters – https://www.reuters.com/world/six-suspected-nigerian-coup-plotters-plead-not-guilty-court-adjourns-trial-2026-04-22/, April 22, 2026

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US Artist D4vd Pleads Not Guilty in High-Profile Tesla Murder Case

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April 21, 2026

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According to **Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET)**, rising American singer D4vd has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the death of a 14-year-old girl found in his Tesla. The artist, known for his viral hits and unique alternative soul sound, appeared in court following an investigation that has shocked the international music community. The case has quickly become a trending topic across Nigerian and US social media, as fans grapple with the gravity of the allegations against the Gen-Z star.

**The Independent** reported on the legal proceedings, stating that the singer was “arrested on suspicion over the death” before his formal plea. “The artist appeared in court to deny all charges,” the publication noted, as his legal team prepares for a lengthy defense. **TMZ** also provided updates, quoting sources close to the investigation who mentioned that “the Tesla’s internal data logs are expected to be a central piece of evidence” in determining the timeline of the tragic event.

**Echotitbits take:**

This is a devastating development for a career that was on a massive upward trajectory. Given the forensic nature of the evidence involving a high-tech vehicle, this trial will likely be slow and highly publicized, effectively putting his music career on an indefinite hiatus while his legal team fights these severe criminal charges.

Source: Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/apr/20/singer-d4vd-charged-murder April 21, 2026

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Paramount and Nile Entertainment Ink Massive West African Distribution Deal

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April 21, 2026

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A TikTok video by **Nile Entertainment** executives has confirmed a major partnership with Paramount Pictures to distribute the highly anticipated “Children of Blood and Bone” across West Africa. The deal, which was finalized this week, marks a massive win for the Nigerian film industry as it ensures the Hollywood adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s West African-inspired fantasy novel gets a robust regional release. This collaboration is expected to set a new standard for how major studio blockbusters are handled in the African market.

**Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET)** verified the signing, noting that the agreement specifically targets the growing cinema culture in Nigeria and Ghana. “Paramount Pictures and Nile Entertainment seal West African deal,” the report stated, highlighting the strategic importance of the 2026 release calendar. **Nollywood Reinvented** also covered the announcement, quoting industry insiders who say the move “represents a bridge between Hollywood’s distribution power and local market expertise.”

**Echotitbits take:**

This is more than a distribution deal; it’s a validation of the Nigerian cinema audience’s purchasing power. By partnering with a local firm like Nile, Paramount is acknowledging that “boots on the ground” are necessary to maximize revenue in Africa, likely leading to more simultaneous global/local premieres for major franchises.

Source: NETng — https://thenet.ng/paramount-pictures-nile-entertainment-seal-west-african-deal-for-children-of-blood-and-bone/ April 20, 2026

Photo Credit: ThisDayLive

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Tiwa Savage Partners with Berklee for Landmark Music Program in Lagos

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April 21, 2026

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In a post shared by **Music In Africa**, the Tiwa Savage Foundation has announced the launch of its inaugural music training initiative in Lagos, organized in collaboration with the world-renowned Berklee College of Music. The program, titled “Berklee in Nigeria: Class of 2026,” is set to begin on April 22 and will provide professional instruction to 120 emerging artists. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time the prestigious Boston-based institution will deliver its curriculum directly on Nigerian soil.

**The Guardian Nigeria** reported that the five-day intensive session will culminate in a public concert at the National Theatre. “Selected participants will be awarded full three-year undergraduate scholarships to study at Berklee’s campus in Boston,” the outlet noted, emphasizing the life-changing nature of the project. **Premium Times** added that over 2,100 applicants vied for the spots, with Tiwa Savage herself stating the goal is to “provide structured training and international exposure” for the next generation of African stars.

**Echotitbits take:**

Tiwa Savage is moving beyond being just a “Queen of Afrobeats” to becoming a major power broker in music education. By securing full scholarships to Berklee for local talent, she is tackling the industry’s lack of formal structure head-on, which will likely yield more technically proficient Nigerian exports in the coming decade.

Source: ThisDayLive — https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/03/15/tiwa-savage-partners-berklee-college-of-music-for-african-creatives/ April 21, 2026

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Davido and Chris Brown Set for Historic Joint Album Release

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April 21, 2026

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According to **The Nation**, Afrobeats superstar Davido has officially confirmed that a collaborative album with American R&B icon Chris Brown is slated for release next year. Speaking on the *Swift Conversations* podcast, Davido noted that while his upcoming solo work leans heavily into traditional African sounds with his original Nigerian producers, the “Breezy” partnership remains a priority. This announcement solidifies a partnership that began in 2019 and has already yielded several chart-topping hits.

**The Sun Nigeria** corroborated the news, noting that the duo has recorded nearly a dozen tracks together over the years. “Me and Chris Brown got an album coming next year,” Davido stated, emphasizing his dual identity as an American-born artist who remains rooted in his home culture. **Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET)** also highlighted the development, quoting Davido’s shift in focus: “The music I am making now is very African… but definitely there’s going to be collaborations.”

**Echotitbits take:**

This move signals a strategic shift for Davido; by pairing a “back-to-basics” solo African sound with a high-profile Western joint album, he is effectively playing both sides of the global market. Fans should watch for a lead single late this year, as this project could be the definitive bridge between Afrobeats and mainstream US R&B for the 2026/2027 season.

Source: Pulse — https://www.pulse.ng/story/davido-and-chris-brown-joint-album-2026042110190833590 April 21, 2026

Photo Credit: Pulse

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Court Admits Nine New Exhibits in Ex-AGF Malami’s Money Laundering Trial

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Bob Echols’s

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April 21, 2026

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In an update published by **Vanguard**, the Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted nine new pieces of evidence against the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, his wife, and his son. The exhibits are allegedly linked to a complex web of money laundering and the acquisition of properties that far exceed the former official’s declared income.

The prosecution argued that the documents prove the flow of illicit funds through several “front companies” used to purchase luxury assets both in Nigeria and abroad. The defense has raised objections, claiming the documents were obtained without following due process, but the court overruled these concerns to allow the trial to proceed.

**Daily Post** reported that the “Court vacates orders restraining EFCC from probing firms,” while **Premium Times** noted that “legal experts view this as a landmark case for accountability in the justice ministry.”

**Echotitbits take:** This case is a major test for the EFCC’s ability to prosecute “high-value” political targets. If a conviction is secured, it sends a powerful message; if it stalls, it will reinforce the “untouchable” perception of former high-ranking ministers.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/court-admits-nine-exhibits-in-malamis-money-laundering-trial/, April 21, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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