On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the atmosphere at the iconic Eagle Square in Abuja was solemn and reflective as Nigeria paused to honor the unparalleled patriotism and sacrifices of its fallen heroes during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

At 64 years post-independence, Nigeria's continued existence owes much to the bravery of countless gallant troops who laid down their lives to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Vice President Kashim Shettima stood in for President Bola Tinubu, who was attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the UAE. Alongside Shettima, other high-ranking government officials and dignitaries participated in the solemn event, which included the laying of wreaths, gun salutes, and other military rituals.

The ceremony witnessed the presence of Senate and House of Representatives leaders, service chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, among others. Ministers, senior government officials, top military officers, members of the diplomatic corps, and family members of the fallen heroes—such as widows and wives of military officers—also joined to pay tribute to the nation’s defenders.

In a prior statement, the Senate praised the selfless sacrifices of Nigeria’s armed forces, extending commendation to active-duty officers and soldiers who continue to safeguard the nation from internal and external threats.

The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day stands as a poignant reminder of the debt of gratitude owed to the courageous men and women who have served—and continue to serve—to uphold Nigeria's peace and sovereignty.

Timileyin Ajayi, a 32-year-old man, has been taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Nasarawa State Police Command in Lafia, the state capital. He is accused of murdering Salome Eleojo Adaidu, a 24-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who was serving at Nicon Insurance in Abuja.

The tragic incident occurred when Salome visited the suspect at his residence in the Papalana area of New Karshi, within Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. According to reports, Timileyin was apprehended while attempting to dispose of Salome's remains after allegedly dismembering her body. He was paraded at the police headquarters along with the knife and machetes purportedly used in the crime.

The suspect reportedly confessed to the act, stating that it was not premeditated but occurred during a confrontation. He claimed his actions were driven by jealousy after discovering messages on Salome’s phone that suggested she was involved with other individuals.

In an interview, Timileyin admitted killing Salome and expressed no remorse. He stated, “I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time. It’s not something I planned. It happened that day. She was cheating and hiding things from me. That was why I decided.” When asked if he regretted his actions, he replied, “No, I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal. I believe we were compatible.”

Salome’s family has vehemently denied knowing the suspect or being aware of any relationship between him and their daughter. Her elder sister, Esther Adaidu, demanded justice, stating, “We don’t know this man. We need justice to be served because he has confessed to murdering my sister.”

The family’s grief was echoed by Salome’s uncle, Samson Adaji Adaidu, who recounted the devastating discovery. He revealed that Salome’s body had been dismembered into multiple pieces and placed in several bags. He expressed hope that the authorities would ensure justice is served.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the Nasarawa State Command, SP Ramhan Nansel, assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway. “Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspect will be arraigned in court for prosecution. We urge anyone with relevant information or complaints against the suspect to come forward,” he said.

Although some reports have suggested that Timileyin is a gospel singer, he identified himself as a cryptocurrency trader. He remains in custody at the CID headquarters in Lafia as investigations continue.

In a decisive move to uphold cash flow stability, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has imposed penalties on nine Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) for failing to provide adequate Naira notes through automated teller machines (ATMs) during the Yuletide season.

Each of the affected banks has been fined ₦150 million for breaching the CBN’s cash distribution guidelines. This enforcement action came after spot checks conducted on their branches revealed non-compliance.

The CBN’s stringent action underscores its repeated warnings to financial institutions about the need to ensure seamless cash availability, especially during periods of high demand. The banks penalized include Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc, Globus Bank Plc, Providus Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Sterling Bank Plc.

In an official communication, the CBN confirmed that the fines would be debited directly from the respective banks' accounts with the apex bank. Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, emphasized the importance of maintaining cash flow to foster public trust and economic stability.

“Ensuring seamless cash flow is paramount to maintaining public trust and economic stability. The CBN will not hesitate to impose further sanctions on any institution found violating its cash circulation guidelines,” she stated.

The apex bank’s investigations and monitoring efforts remain ongoing, with a focus on identifying instances of cash hoarding and rationing at bank branches and among Point-of-Sale (POS) operators. To combat illegal cash sales and operational violations, including exceeding POS operators’ daily cumulative withdrawal limit of ₦1.2 million, the CBN is collaborating with security agencies.

Governor Olayemi Cardoso reiterated the bank’s commitment to ensuring efficient cash distribution during his address at the Annual Bankers’ Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in November 2024. He warned financial institutions to strictly adhere to the CBN’s cash distribution policies or face severe penalties.

“Our focus remains on fostering trust, ensuring stability, and guaranteeing seamless cash circulation across the financial system,” Cardoso stated, emphasizing the CBN’s resolve to maintain a robust cash buffer to meet Nigerians’ needs.

The CBN has called on all financial institutions to strictly comply with its guidelines, warning that further violations would prompt swift and decisive actions to protect economic stability and public confidence.