News

Polaris Bank Inherited Liability: A Guarantor Nightmare for a Staff Loan gotten under Defunct Skye Bank

Published

10 months ago

May 19, 2025

Defunct Skye Bank presently owned by Polaris Bank has suffered an innocent guarantor Mr. Ude under the watchful eyes of the current management.

In 2015, Mr. Ude was a Staff of the defunct Skye Bank and worked with a colleague called Mr. Jacobs Adeyinka Alexander in the department of Information and Technology Broad Street Branch. In his interview with onspotnewsng he revealed that he and a female colleague guaranteed Mr. Jacobs for a staff loan facility in the sum of about N2,205,000.00 in November 2015.

Not too long after the loan was collected by Mr Jacobs, he resigned from the bank by tendering his resignation letter, it was accepted by the bank HCM and the guarantors were not informed about this. Upon default of payments after resignation, Mr. Jacobs Adeyinka Alexander came for a loan restructuring at the bank and what was agreed wasn’t discussed with the guarantors again.

It was when Mr. Jacobs failed to fulfil his payment obligation after the loan was restructured that the guarantors were contacted. Mr. Ude explained to onspotnewsng that all efforts to contact Mr. Jacobs proved abortive as his rude response was that he has an understanding with the bank team, hence, the running restructed loan. Further enquiries reveal that one Mr. Tunji Bajowa, head of loan recovery whose office is located at Polaris Bank Ltd, Churchgate building Victoria Island and Mr. Fidelis were the bank handlers Mr. Ude was relating with in respect of this matter.

Consequently, the bank loan handlers hand twisted Mr. Ude to adopt and restructure the aforementioned loan as it had eroded his savings and pending salary/ monthly emolument. Twenty Four months repayment period, zero COT/ monthly interest, Payment to be remitted from staff savings account -1020245278, payment to be remitted quarterly and payment source to be from staff salary, were the terms enforced on Mr. Ude as a guarantor simply because he still wanted to be working in order to feed his family by not losing his job.

Mr. Ude curiosity by asking the loan handlers about the effort they have put into recovering the loan and what is the terms and conditions was misinterpreted as a threat. Arguably, this only makes one to ponder if there was a gimmicks going on in all of these. Questions like; Did the HCM did their due diligence to confirm Mr. Jacobs Adeyinka Alexander new employer after he left the bank to see how his payment will continue before accepting his resignation? Why was a restructure of the loan facility agreed without the knowledge of the guarantor’s? What effort has the bank made to recover funds from Mr. Jacobs? Why did the bank refuse to pay Mr. Ude his benefits/ emolument? Why did the bank throw another account into debit separate from the one agreed with him? What court order or authorization was gotten before throwing his account into debit? How much has Mr. Jacobs paid? Was the second guarantor aside Mr. Ude also forced to pay too?

Onspotnewsng investigation reveals that Mr. Jacobs Adeyinka Alexander left the defunct Skye Bank for Unity Bank, same banking industry, a proper follow up by the HCM/loan handlers should have help recover the facility seamlessly instead of Mr. Ude only bearing the abrupt of a Delinquent Account alone.

In October 2018, a negative sum of N2,511,907.18 (Two Million, Five Hundred and Eleven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seven Naira, Eighteen Kobo) was posted to Mr. Ude staff account without recourse only to be told after probe that the unknown posted money was the staff loan granted to Mr. Jacobs Adeyinka Alexander.

As if that was not enough, March 29, 2019 the bank handed Mr Ude “a service no longer required” directive with effective date of April 1, 2019.
Despite no longer working with the Bank, Mr Ude has thrived to keep servicing the forced loan by reducing to a tune of negative N1,881,414.45 which was brought forth from the agreed serving loan account (staff saving) 1020245278 to (staff current) 1780140888. As at Close of April 2019, the forced obligation was already more than half the amount serviced, leaving the amount at Negative N1,215,324.21.

Furthermore, Mr. Jacobs loan obligation forcefully dwelling in Mr. Ude account is a negative of N8,392,339.02 with monthly debit interest capital of 248,317.13 that just accumulated and inputted on the account on the 31st Oct. 2024. What is surprising here is that how and why the figure of negative N8,392,339.02 is tagged to the account 1780140888, where the account/owner was never granted such loan and was not in the twisted inherited/ restructed staff loan of Mr. Jacobs. Again, zero interest was the forced loan on Mr. Ude, why has it grown to N8m plus?

Mr. Ude claim he has exhausted all efforts within his means to trace and locate Mr. Jacobs as his
greatly concerned for his welfare for himself and family if he continues to service a loan
facility that keeps growing coupled with economic hardship. Even most recently, one debt recovery company called “Mida Africa Ltd” contacted Mr. Ude and his response by explaining to them what really happened has fall on deaf ears.

Mr. Ude has reasonable cause to believe that Mr. Jacobs Adeyinka Alexander actions have made him to suffer innocently with the bank not giving him listening ears. Human face of handling complexities in work place and most importantly employer-employee engagement seems to be lacking in this scenario. He lost his job as a result of this forced loan and still getting frustrated over this same root cause since 2015.

A cleron call to Polaris Bank and Mr. Jacobs Adeyinka Alexander has become necessary at this juncture as all effort by Mr. Ude to have a round table discussion has proved abortive.

–[email protected]

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NFVCB Boss Urges Stronger Distribution Channels As Coal City Film Festival 2026 Opens In Enugu

Published

4 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini, has called for stronger distribution frameworks within Nigeria’s film industry to ensure that locally produced content achieves global visibility.

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‎Dr Husseini made this call while delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2026 edition of the Coal City Film Festival, held in Enugu.
‎Welcoming participants to the festival, Dr Husseini expressed his personal delight at hosting the event in Enugu, his birth state, noting the city’s rich cultural heritage and longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s creative landscape.
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‎He commended the festival organisers, particularly the Festival Director, Uche Agbo, for their resilience and commitment in sustaining the initiative.
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‎ According to him, the Coal City Film Festival has grown into a significant cultural platform and a must-attend cinematic event in South East Nigeria.
‎Speaking on the festival’s theme, “Local Stories, Global Screens,” Dr Husseini emphasised the importance of authenticity in storytelling. He noted that films rooted in local realities, languages, and cultural truths often resonate more strongly with global audiences.
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‎He cited notable Nigerian productions such as “King of Boys” by Kemi Adetiba, “The Wedding Party” by Mo Abudu, “Anikulapo” by Kunle Afolayan, “Black Book” by Editi Effiong, and “Lionheart” by Genevieve Nnaji as examples of culturally grounded stories that have gained international recognition on platforms such as Netflix and at global film festivals.
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‎While acknowledging the growth in film production across Nigeria, the NFVCB boss identified distribution as a major bottleneck in the industry. He observed that many high-quality films struggle to reach audiences both locally and internationally due to limited distribution channels.
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‎Dr. Husseini therefore urged film festivals across the country to evolve beyond networking platforms into active marketplaces where filmmakers can secure distribution deals. He stressed that festivals must attract distributors, exhibitors, streaming platforms, and marketers to create tangible opportunities for filmmakers.
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‎“Film festivals must become gateways to distribution where filmmakers leave not just with applause, but with real opportunities,” he said.
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‎Reaffirming the Board’s commitment to industry development, Dr. Husseini stated that the NFVCB has continued to reposition itself as a partner in progress by engaging stakeholders, improving classification processes, and promoting a balance between creative freedom and social responsibility.
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‎However, he raised concerns over increasing non-compliance with regulatory requirements, noting that some filmmakers bypass the Board by releasing unclassified films or operating without proper licensing.
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‎He reiterated that all films and video works must be submitted to the NFVCB for classification and registration before being released on any platform, including digital platforms such as YouTube.
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‎“This is a legal obligation, and the Board will not hesitate to take decisive action against defaulters,” he warned, adding that regulation is essential for protecting the industry, audiences, and national values.
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‎Looking ahead, Dr. Husseini assured stakeholders of the Board’s continued collaboration with filmmakers and festival organisers to build a structured, sustainable, and globally competitive Nigerian film industry.
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‎He concluded by commending the organisers of the Coal City Film Festival for their vision and contribution to Nigeria’s cultural economy, urging filmmakers to continue telling authentic stories that can resonate across global screens.

-Leadership

News

Wike Reaffirms Nigeria–EU Ties, Moves To Reclaim Encroached Diplomatic Lands

Published

10 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the European Union, while announcing steps to recover diplomatic lands in Abuja allegedly taken over by land grabbers.

Wike made this known on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.

He emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation between Nigeria and EU member states, noting that the partnership aligns with the broader policy direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“We will continue to engage EU member countries to further strengthen bilateral relations,” the minister said.

Addressing concerns over diplomatic land allocations, Wike disclosed that several plots originally designated for EU countries had been unlawfully occupied over the years. He noted that the FCT Administration has begun reclaiming such lands.

“We discovered that some lands allocated to EU member countries were taken over by land grabbers. In recent weeks, we have moved to recover those lands by removing illegal structures,” he stated.

He added that the government would formally communicate with the affected countries to determine their continued interest in the properties and ensure rightful ownership is restored.

“We are writing to those countries. If they still intend to retain the lands, we are willing to return them. We will not allow land grabbers to take advantage,” Wike said.

The minister also commended the EU for its contributions to governance and justice sector reforms in the FCT, particularly in court digitalisation and improved justice delivery.

“I am aware of your support, especially in strengthening the administration and dispensation of justice. We will continue to partner with you to deepen these initiatives,” he added.

On requests for land allocation for local EU staff, Wike assured that applications would be considered based on due process, stressing that such processes must ultimately benefit the public.

He further addressed infrastructure concerns at the IBB Golf Club, confirming that a caretaker committee has been constituted, with rehabilitation works expected to commence soon.

In his remarks, Mignot described Nigeria as a key strategic partner for the EU, noting that both parties are entering a new phase of deeper engagement.

“The European Union remains one of Nigeria’s foremost trade and development partners. Our relationship is strong, mutually beneficial, and evolving into a more significant phase,” he said.

He highlighted ongoing EU-supported programmes in the FCT, including judicial reforms, court digitalisation, human rights initiatives, and support for victims of gender-based violence.

Mignot also invited the FCT minister to engage further with EU ambassadors to explore collaboration in areas such as waste management, urban planning, and water infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Wike recently ordered the demolition of buildings illegally constructed on land designated for foreign embassies in the diplomatic zone of Katampe Extension, Abuja.

He explained that the land, originally allocated on March 18, 2008, for residential use by diplomatic missions, was later encroached upon by an unauthorised developer who commenced construction without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority.

The affected diplomatic missions include Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

-Leadership

News

Inspector-General Disu Submits 75-Page Framework On ‘State Police’ To Senate As Push Gains Momentum

Published

10 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, the document titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police” was presented at Jibrin’s office within the National Assembly complex.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has submitted a 75-page framework on the establishment of State Police to the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, in a fresh move to advance decentralised policing in Nigeria.

The report was delivered on behalf of the IGP by Prof Olu Ogunsakin, who chairs the Nigeria Police Force committee set up to develop modalities for instituting State Police.

Disu said the document encapsulates the Force’s professional input following extensive consultations and a thorough evaluation of the legal, operational and administrative implications of decentralised policing.

“The report covers the considered views, professional insights and strategic recommendations of the Force, derived from extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the operational, legal and administrative implications of instituting State Police in Nigeria,” Disu said.

“It is our expectation that the contents of this report will meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations and assist in shaping informed, balanced, and pragmatic decisions on this critical aspect of national security architecture.”

The police chief noted that the framework has been formally submitted to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution as the Nigeria Police Force’s official contribution to the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Responding, Senator Jibrin commended the IGP for what he described as a proactive step aligned with the security agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Deputy President of the Senate commended the IGP for his proactiveness on the establishment of State Police in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to fully secure the country,” the statement read.

He assured that the Senate Committee reviewing the Constitution would carefully examine the framework alongside other submissions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s legal foundation.

The proposed framework is expected to outline the operational structure, governance model, and coordination mechanisms between federal and state policing systems— marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Disu inaugurated an eight-member committee in March to drive the implementation of State Police, declaring that the reform was irreversible.

At the inauguration in Abuja, the IGP insisted that decentralised policing “has come to stay,” dismissing concerns that it could threaten the roles of existing police personnel.

“State Police has come to stay, and the police should be able to contribute their part in making it succeed. The police are not afraid, our jobs are not being taken,” he said.

He described the committee’s assignment as urgent and critical, giving members one month to submit their report amid rising security challenges across the country.

Disu stressed that the move towards State Police is aimed at strengthening internal security by bringing law enforcement closer to communities and enabling faster, more targeted responses to threats.

“Across the nation, we continue to confront evolving security challenges. These require innovative thinking, strategic collaboration, and the willingness to explore reforms,” he added.

The push for State Police has gained renewed momentum following President Tinubu’s assurance that the plan would not be shelved, urging stakeholders to support the initiative.

-Sahara