The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed the country has recorded 832 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and Mpox. Speaking during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, the agencys Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, revealed that 132 fatalities were recorded from Lassa fever and three from Mpox. While acknowledging a recent decline in Lassa fever infections during epidemiological week 16 (ending April 20, 2025), he warned that the overall risk remains high, particularly in endemic regions. Cumulatively, as of week 16, Nigeria has reported 4,253 suspected cases of Lassa fever, 696 confirmed cases, and 132 deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate of 19.0 percent, he stated. Dr. Idris attributed recent improvements to intensified surveillance, treatment efforts, and enhanced community engagement. He emphasized, however, the continued need for vigilance and collaboration to sustain progress. Regarding Mpox, the NCDC boss disclosed that three deaths have been recorded in 2025two in Abia and Ebonyi States in week 10, and one recently in Rivers State involving a patient co-infected with HIV and tuberculosis. As of week 16, 723 suspected cases and 136 laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox have been reported across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The national case fatality rate currently stands at 2.2 per cent. The epidemic curve reveals multiple peaks in Mpox cases, indicating ongoing transmission. While most states have reported suspected cases, confirmed infections are heavily concentrated in Nigerias southern and central regions, Dr. Idris noted. To address these outbreaks, the NCDC has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), deployed National Rapid Response Teams to affected states, and prepositioned essential medical supplies, including personal protective equipment and laboratory consumables. Five additional Mpox diagnostic laboratories have also been optimized in Bauchi, Kano, Cross River, Rivers, and Enugu States. Healthcare workers are undergoing specialized training in infection prevention, case management, and cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) care. Community outreach is being reinforced through public awareness campaigns, media engagement, and targeted health communication strategies, he added. On cerebrospinal meningitis, Dr. Idris reported a consistent decline in new cases and fatalities over the last three weeks. He attributed the improvement to effective vaccination, early treatment, and adaptive surveillance strategies tailored to real-time data. Although the situation remains serious, strong national and state-level coordination is showing positive results. The response will continue until full containment is achieved and states take full ownership of the CSM Incident Action Plan, he said. Dr. Idris also expressed concern about the rising Mpox trend since its reemergence in 2017, with significant spikes recorded between 2022 and 2024, positioning Nigeria among the most affected countries globally. He warned that underreporting and delayed data entry remain challenges that need urgent resolution to ensure accurate and timely outbreak response. A national mortality review for the recent Mpox deaths is being planned to further assess response effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health through timely surveillance, transparent reporting, and coordinated national response mechanisms aimed at reducing disease burden and preventing future outbreaks. The post NCDC records 832 Lassa fever, Mpox cases, 135 deaths appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.

A coalition of lawyers and civil society organisations who has been at the forefront of the demand for a probe of former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has vowed to intensify its campaign until justice is served.

The group, under the aegis of the Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law (GDRL), accused Kyari of attempting to derail investigations into the alleged mismanagement of $4 billion allocated to refurbishing Nigeria’s refineries.

In a statement jointly signed by Barrister Aminu Bello, Secretary General, and Rotimi Adeyemo, Director of Publicity, on Friday, April 2, 2025, the group alleged that the former NNPCL executive resorted to underhanded tactics; including bribery, blackmail, and impersonation, to suppress its demand for a judicial commission of inquiry into the alleged misappropriation.

According to the lawyers and CSOs, Kyari is trying to frustrate ongoing calls for transparency by targeting key coalition members with monetary inducements and threats.

ALSO READ: Anti-corruption group accuses leader of taking bribe to shield Kyari from probe

“Let it be known that we will not be bought, bullied, or silenced. The attempt to pressure us into withdrawing our petition has failed. The strategy has now shifted to creating confusion using impostors and faceless coalitions. This too will fail,” the statement reads.

“It is baffling that over $4 billion was claimed to have been spent on turnaround maintenance, yet our refineries remain dormant. Where did the money go? We have a duty to ask these questions, and we won’t stop asking until answers are provided under oath.”

The coalition, which had initially submitted a petition to the Minister of Finance demanding a judicial commission of inquiry, is calling for an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of over $4 billion earmarked for refinery repairs that yielded no results.

The group is also challenging the nearly $21.6 billion in crude-backed loans secured by NNPCL under Kyari’s leadership.

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Lawyers vow to go harder on Kyari

It argued that Nigeria’s economic sovereignty was further compromised under Kyari through loan structures that surrendered the upside of crude trading to international intermediaries, leaving the country at a disadvantage.

“The damage is clear. Over $4 billion was allegedly spent on fixing refineries that are still far from functional. Crude-for-cash arrangements continued to put Nigeria at a disadvantage, with the nation losing the upside from trading its crude,” the statement added.

“These were not just policy errors — they were systemic betrayals of public trust. No responsible nation allows such weighty financial irregularities to go unchecked. We are calling for the immediate constitution of a judicial commission of inquiry led by retired justices of impeccable character to investigate this criminality.

“The millions of Nigerians who depend on affordable, functional fuel deserve the truth. Their hard-earned money should not be squandered under the guise of maintenance that never occurred.”

Insisting they are undeterred, the lawyers and CSOs warned that if the federal government fails to act, the protest movement will not only continue but escalate to major cities across the country, including Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna.

“We are prepared to mobilise thousands more. This campaign will spread to every zone of the country until the government establishes a credible, independent panel to probe the NNPCL under Mele Kyari. We have the stamina, and we have the support of the Nigerian people.”

They also challenged investigative journalists and media professionals to independently verify the condition of the refineries and document the truth for the world to see.

ASLO READ: Allow judicial commission of inquiry to probe your tenure – Arewa group tells Kyari

“We invite the media to visit Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries. Nigerians deserve to know what $4 billion was allegedly spent on. If nothing has changed, then someone must be held accountable — NOT TOMORROW, BUT NOW.”

The group urged President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate leadership and prove that his administration is not shielding any individual from scrutiny.

“Mr President, history has placed this responsibility in your hands. You must act swiftly and decisively. Set up an independent commission of inquiry and send a clear message to Nigerians and the world that your government does not tolerate impunity. The time is now,” the statement added.

The coalition commended citizens, civil society partners, and members of the public who have amplified their call for accountability, saying their solidarity has strengthened the push for justice.

Some yet-to-be identified gunmen have abducted a farm manager identified as Sani Ango in the Gwarin Baka under Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State. According to a source who spoke with Punch, disclosed that the victim was abducted at a farm house around 2: am last Thursday where he was met alone because other staff of the farm had closed for the day. No one was said to have been hurt even as the gunmen fired gun shots sporadically into the air to scare residents and other farm workers. It was further gathered that the gunmen who whisked him away to an unknown destination have yet to establish contact with his family members. The publication reports that the Ngaski local government is not among the  local governments in Kebbi State experiencing banditry and kidnapping in the state.  The post Gunmen abduct farm manager in Kebbi appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.