Travelling around the world in a private jet and owning several mansions, this 9-year-old boy is truly living the billionaire life. Coming from Nigeria, Muhammed Awal Mustapha owns multiple supercars and a private jet.

Travelling around the world in a private jet and owning several mansions, this 9-year-old boy is truly living the billionaire life. Coming from Nigeria, Muhammed Awal Mustapha owns multiple supercars and a private jet. The influencer has been nicknamed the world's 'youngest billionaire' and has over 25K followers on Instagram with only 9 posts. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Muhammed Awal Mustapha (@momphajnr) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Muhammed Awal Mustapha (@momphajnr) × The young boy is the son of multimillionaire Nigerian internet celebrity Ismailia Mustapha, who is popularly known as Mompha. The 9-year-old boy goes by the name Mompha Junior and was given his first mansion when he was 6. He was given the mansion by his father. “It reassures you that after all the ups and downs you have a place to go to…. A place that will never judge you and always invite you with open arms… Congrats My Son on your New Home. Ur birthday Gift from Daddy," he reportedly wrote on social media at the time. Also read | Aeronautics enthusiast forced to abandon chance to board SpaceX flight. Find out why Mompha Junior usually shares pictures on his Instagram handle, showing off his lavish lifestyle. Earlier, he shared an image of his private jet where he wrote, "Never look down on any broke nigga, Real Hustlers go broke but never stay broke ..... Hustlers are different from Ritualists!!! God Bless all Hustlers (Amin)." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Muhammed Awal Mustapha (@momphajnr) × Mompha, who is the CEO of a Lagos Bureau De Change, has been accused of laundering over £10million. A court, earlier this month, heard claims by Nigeria's anti-corruption agency which claimed that Mompha hid his wealth in 'movable assets'. However, the multimillionaire pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

This 9-year-old is world's youngest billionaire and owns a mansion, private jet

In a heinous act, Terrorists have kidnapped around 20 children in Nigeria's Borno state. They have also stormed a village and opened fire on civilians.

Terrorists Kidnap 20 children in Nigeria's Borno state

Nigerians will once again have access to the microblogging platform Twitter after the government finally decided to lift a ban on Twitter that was imposed last year in June.

Nigerian government lifts the ban on microblogging platform Twitter that was imposed last year

Following military air strikes on hideouts of armed bandits this week, around 200 people have been killed in villages of the northwestern Nigerian state of Zamfara in deadly reprisal attacks, residents said on Saturday. &nbsp;

The state government has, however, put the death toll of the attacks at 58. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After the military captured the area to hold mass burials, residents gained access to the villages, they told Reuters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fourteen-killed-and-17-injured-in-a-double-bus-crash-in-egypt-443166" hreflang="en">Fourteen killed and 17 injured in a double bus crash in Egypt</a>

Around 154 people had been buried, including several vigilantes, who were also killed, said Ummaru Makeri, a resident, who lost his wife and three kids in the attack. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Residents claim that at least 200 people have died in total. &nbsp;

In the early hours of Monday, the military conducted air strikes on targets in the Gusami forest and west Tsamre village in Zamfara state, killing over 100 bandits including two of their leaders. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-journalists-burnt-alive-amid-gang-war-in-haiti-443005" hreflang="en">Two journalists burnt alive amid gang war in Haiti</a>

In a statement on Saturday, President Muhammadu Buhari said the military acquired more equipment to track and crush criminal gangs, who have been subjecting people to a reign of terror. They have also imposed illegal taxes on communities under siege. &nbsp;

"The latest attacks on innocent people by the bandits is an act of desperation by mass murderers, now under relentless pressure from our military forces," Buhari said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Following military air strikes on hideouts of armed bandits this week, around 200 people have been killed in villages of the northwestern Nigerian state of Zamfara in deadly reprisal attacks, residents said on Saturday.

Following military air strikes on hideouts of armed bandits this week, around 200 people have been killed in villages of the northwestern Nigerian state of Zamfara in deadly reprisal attacks, residents said on Saturday. The state government has, however, put the death toll of the attacks at 58. After the military captured the area to hold mass burials, residents gained access to the villages, they told Reuters. Also Read: Fourteen killed and 17 injured in a double bus crash in Egypt Around 154 people had been buried, including several vigilantes, who were also killed, said Ummaru Makeri, a resident, who lost his wife and three kids in the attack. Residents claim that at least 200 people have died in total. In the early hours of Monday, the military conducted air strikes on targets in the Gusami forest and west Tsamre village in Zamfara state, killing over 100 bandits including two of their leaders. Also Read: Two journalists burnt alive amid gang war in Haiti In a statement on Saturday, President Muhammadu Buhari said the military acquired more equipment to track and crush criminal gangs, who have been subjecting people to a reign of terror. They have also imposed illegal taxes on communities under siege. "The latest attacks on innocent people by the bandits is an act of desperation by mass murderers, now under relentless pressure from our military forces," Buhari said. (With inputs from agencies)

Around 200 killed in deadly attacks by armed bandits in Nigeria, say residents

An estimated 200 people were killed and 10,000 displaced in attacks by armed bandits in the northwestern Nigerian state of Zamfara following military air raids on their hideouts last week.

Nigeria: Almost 200 people killed in attacks by armed bandits in Zamfara

Nigeria has destroyed more than a million of AstraZeneca vaccine doses. The destruction has come days after Nigerian health authorities said that some of the COVID-19 shots donated by the wealthy nations were a few weeks away from the expiry date.

Nigeria destroys more than 1 million AstraZeneca COVID vaccine doses

Once a top Palm oil producer of the world, Nigeria aims to revive the industry and create new jobs in the country.

Once a top producer, Nigeria aims to revive Palm oil industry & create new jobs

A female Nigerian soldier was arrested for accepting a marriage proposal from a male corps member while on duty, according to reports.

An army spokesperson said that she had breached the military’s code of conduct by "indulging in romance while in uniform”, reports BBC.

A video of the proposal went viral last week, purportedly showing a female soldier accepting a proposal from a paramilitary trainee in the government's youth training scheme, known as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as onlookers cheered.

It happened during the Passing out Parade in the western Kwara state.

It is unclear when the proposal took place, but the video had gone viral last week.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Just came to my attention that the <a href="https://twitter.com/Nigerian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Nigerian</a> army detained the female soldier in this video for getting a proposal from a youth corps member. What the Army did is totally unacceptable and I would very much love to mobilise for her to get justice. <a href="https://t.co/wu5027KRYQ">pic.twitter.com/wu5027KRYQ</a>
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) <a href="https://twitter.com/YeleSowore/status/1472491961953271809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The decision to arrest the female solider has drawn criticism from a woman's rights group who accused the military bias.

Similar action had not been taken against male soldiers involved “in a public display of amorous relationships in full military uniform”, the Women Empowerment and Legal Aid group said.

Army spokesman Gen Clement Nwachukwu told the BBC the soldier had flouted the military's code of conduct, as well as its social media policy.

“Her conduct was prejudicial to good order and military discipline

“(The trainers')&nbsp;task was to train the youth corps members and not to indulge in an amorous relationship with any of them," Gen Nwachukwu added.

(With inputs from agencies)

A female Nigerian soldier was arrested for accepting a marriage proposal from a male corps member while on duty, according to reports. An army spokesperson said that she had breached the military’s code of conduct by "indulging in romance while in uniform”, reports BBC.

A female Nigerian soldier was arrested for accepting a marriage proposal from a male corps member while on duty, according to reports. An army spokesperson said that she had breached the military’s code of conduct by "indulging in romance while in uniform”, reports BBC. A video of the proposal went viral last week, purportedly showing a female soldier accepting a proposal from a paramilitary trainee in the government's youth training scheme, known as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as onlookers cheered. It happened during the Passing out Parade in the western Kwara state. It is unclear when the proposal took place, but the video had gone viral last week. Just came to my attention that the @Nigerian army detained the female soldier in this video for getting a proposal from a youth corps member. What the Army did is totally unacceptable and I would very much love to mobilise for her to get justice. pic.twitter.com/wu5027KRYQ — Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) December 19, 2021 × The decision to arrest the female solider has drawn criticism from a woman's rights group who accused the military bias. Similar action had not been taken against male soldiers involved “in a public display of amorous relationships in full military uniform”, the Women Empowerment and Legal Aid group said. Army spokesman Gen Clement Nwachukwu told the BBC the soldier had flouted the military's code of conduct, as well as its social media policy. “Her conduct was prejudicial to good order and military discipline “(The trainers') task was to train the youth corps members and not to indulge in an amorous relationship with any of them," Gen Nwachukwu added. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigerian female soldier arrested for accepting marriage proposal

The Nigerian government has been trying to revive the country's ailing Palm oil industry but those working in the sector warn that the path to recovery will not be easy.

Nigerian government provides loans to farmers to revive Palm oil industry

After a range of countries added flights from Nigeria to their red list amid the Omicron scare, Nigeria is also planning a reciprocal flights ban move against 4 countries.

Omicron scare: Nigeria plans reciprocal flights ban on Argentina, Canada, UK & Saudi Arabia

Nigerian refugee crisis has entered its 7th year. More than 3.2 million people have been displaced in Northeastern Nigeria. Some of these Nigerians are facing the fear of being forced to return home.

Displaced Nigerians face new fears

Nigeria's Borno state will shut all camps that are holding thousands of internally displaced persons by the end of the year. WION tells you more.

Nigeria's Borno state plans to shut all migrants camps

In a shocking incident, Africa's Nigeria witnessed a huge wastage of the COVID-19 vaccine. Around one million doses of vaccine expired after not being utilized.

Around one million doses of COVID-19 vaccine wasted in Africa's Nigeria

Up to one million COVID-19 vaccines are estimated to have expired in Nigeria last month. In Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation and home to more than 200 million people, fewer than 4 per cent of adults have been fully vaccinated.

Up To 1 Million Covid Vaccine Doses Wasted In Nigeria: Report

Amid a long-running battle against militants, the economy of Nigeria's Maiduguri is struggling after power lines were destroyed, cutting the northeastern city off from the national grid.

Nigeria: Maiduguri struggles to recover without power

In a studio in Lagos, Nigeria an angel waits patiently as a team of artists work to get her ready for her portrait. The “angel” and her stylists are all being guided by the 27-year-old artist, Abdulrasaq Babalola.

Nigerian installation artists draw attention to plastic waste

The death toll in a building collapse in Nigeria's capital Lagos has risen to 36. Nine of the trappers have been evacuated, recue operations continue for the third straight day.

Building collapsed in Nigeria's capital Lagos, death toll rises to 36

Rescuers in Nigeria on Wednesday raced to find survivors, two days after a high-rise building under construction collapsed and trapped scores of people in the commercial capital Lagos, as the death toll rose to 22, an emergency official said.

Anxious family members and large crowds gathered near the site of the incident hoping to hear news on the fate of those still trapped under chunks of masonry and mangled steel where the building once stood.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-at-least-4-people-killed-as-building-collapses-people-trapped-425922">&nbsp;Nigeria: At least 4 people killed as building collapses; people trapped</a>

National Emergency Management Agency coordinator for Lagos Ibrahim Farinloye told Reuters via text message that the death toll had climbed to 22 after several bodies were recovered overnight. Nine people were pulled out alive.

Building collapses are frequent in Africa's most populous country, where regulations are poorly enforced and construction materials often substandard.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunmen-abduct-staff-and-children-at-university-in-nigerian-capital-426122">Gunmen abduct staff and children at university in Nigerian capital</a>

The Lagos state government said there had been some building infractions during construction earlier this year, but did not say whether these had been rectified.

Watch |&nbsp;At least 4 people killed as under construction building collapses in Nigeria

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The state's chief architect was on Tuesday suspended indefinitely as the government launched an independent investigation into the causes of the collapse of what was planned to be a high-end apartment block.

The results of the probe will be made public.

Rescuers in Nigeria on Wednesday raced to find survivors, two days after a high-rise building under construction collapsed and trapped scores of people in the commercial capital Lagos, as the death toll rose to 22, an emergency official said.

Rescuers in Nigeria on Wednesday raced to find survivors, two days after a high-rise building under construction collapsed and trapped scores of people in the commercial capital Lagos, as the death toll rose to 22, an emergency official said. Anxious family members and large crowds gathered near the site of the incident hoping to hear news on the fate of those still trapped under chunks of masonry and mangled steel where the building once stood. Also Read | Nigeria: At least 4 people killed as building collapses; people trapped National Emergency Management Agency coordinator for Lagos Ibrahim Farinloye told Reuters via text message that the death toll had climbed to 22 after several bodies were recovered overnight. Nine people were pulled out alive. Building collapses are frequent in Africa's most populous country, where regulations are poorly enforced and construction materials often substandard. Also read | Gunmen abduct staff and children at university in Nigerian capital The Lagos state government said there had been some building infractions during construction earlier this year, but did not say whether these had been rectified. Watch | At least 4 people killed as under construction building collapses in Nigeria The state's chief architect was on Tuesday suspended indefinitely as the government launched an independent investigation into the causes of the collapse of what was planned to be a high-end apartment block. The results of the probe will be made public.

Nigeria races to find survivors as 22 die in a building collapse

Gunmen abducted four staff members and their children from University of Abuja on Tuesday. Attack on a large institution in Nigerian capital is a rare occurence in the country.

The spate of kidnappings started last year as gangs of armed men, locally known as bandits carried out series of abductions from schools. They also attacked villages. Most of the incidents took place in the northwest of the country. The kidnappings were carried out for ransom.

There have been kidnappings of individuals on the outskirts of Abuja, but attacks on universities are rare.

"Suspected bandits attacked the staff quarters of the university in the early hours of today. We have report that four of our staff and their children were, nevertheless, abducted," the university said on its Facebook page.

A source at the university told Reuters that one staff member was taken together with his son and daughter.

Nigeria's security forces are stretched on several fronts, including growing lawlessness in the north and northwest and a 12-year Islamist insurgency in the northeast that has killed thousands.

(With inputs from agencies)

Gunmen abducted four staff members and their children from University of Abuja on Tuesday. Attack on a large institution in Nigerian capital is a rare occurence in the country.

Gunmen abducted four staff members and their children from University of Abuja on Tuesday. Attack on a large institution in Nigerian capital is a rare occurence in the country. The spate of kidnappings started last year as gangs of armed men, locally known as bandits carried out series of abductions from schools. They also attacked villages. Most of the incidents took place in the northwest of the country. The kidnappings were carried out for ransom. There have been kidnappings of individuals on the outskirts of Abuja, but attacks on universities are rare. "Suspected bandits attacked the staff quarters of the university in the early hours of today. We have report that four of our staff and their children were, nevertheless, abducted," the university said on its Facebook page. A source at the university told Reuters that one staff member was taken together with his son and daughter. Nigeria's security forces are stretched on several fronts, including growing lawlessness in the north and northwest and a 12-year Islamist insurgency in the northeast that has killed thousands. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigeria: Gunmen abduct staff, children in rare attack on a university

Six people have been kidnapped by gunmen during an attack on the University of Abuja on Tuesday. There have been a series of gunmen attacks in Nigeria in recent months, leading to deaths and kidnappings.

Gunmen kidnap 6 people from University of Abuja in Nigeria

A high-rise building, under construction, collapsed in Nigeria's commercial capital Lagos on Monday, killing at least four people with dozens more trapped inside.

A high-rise building, under construction, collapsed in Nigeria's commercial capital Lagos on Monday, killing at least four people with dozens more trapped inside. The building is located at off Alexander way, Gerrard Road in Ikoyi Lagos State. It is one of the more wealthy residential and business districts in Lagos, which happens to be the major commercial city of Africa's most populous nation. BREAKING: Several trapped, many feared dead as 21 storey building collapses in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria Footages: https://t.co/15Ouwk6Nod pic.twitter.com/Z0Pqmm7eu0 — Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) November 1, 2021 × Officials have been unable to confirm how many people were trapped, but workers and neighbours continued to dig people out of the rubble of the 25-floor building, AFP reported. "It is a 25-storey building still under construction. Many workers are trapped under the rubble. We are trying to rescue them," said Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, an official with Lagos State emergency management agency. "We cannot say at this moment how many are dead. The rescue operation is ongoing." Workers at the site said that dozens of their colleagues could have been inside when the building collapsed.

Nigeria: At least 4 people killed as building collapses; people trapped

Gunmen abducted four members of staff and their children from the University of Abuja on Tuesday, the university said, in a rare kidnapping at such a large institution in the Nigerian capital.

Gangs of armed men, known locally as bandits, late last year launched a series of abductions from schools and attacks on villages, mostly in the northwest of the country, in return for ransom.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunmen-kill-18-worshippers-in-nigeria-mosque-attack-424180">Gunmen kill 18 worshippers in Nigeria mosque attack</a>

There have been kidnappings of individuals on the outskirts of Abuja, but attacks on universities are rare.

"Suspected bandits attacked the staff quarters of the university in the early hours of today. We have report that four of our staff and their children were, nevertheless, abducted," the university said on its Facebook page.

A source at the university told Reuters that one staff member was taken together with his son and daughter.

Watch |&nbsp;At least 4 people killed as under construction building collapses in Nigeria

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Nigeria's security forces are stretched on several fronts, including growing lawlessness in the north and northwest and a 12-year Islamist insurgency in the northeast that has killed thousands.

Gunmen abducted four members of staff and their children from the University of Abuja on Tuesday, the university said, in a rare kidnapping at such a large institution in the Nigerian capital.

Gunmen abducted four members of staff and their children from the University of Abuja on Tuesday, the university said, in a rare kidnapping at such a large institution in the Nigerian capital. Gangs of armed men, known locally as bandits, late last year launched a series of abductions from schools and attacks on villages, mostly in the northwest of the country, in return for ransom. Also Read | Gunmen kill 18 worshippers in Nigeria mosque attack There have been kidnappings of individuals on the outskirts of Abuja, but attacks on universities are rare. "Suspected bandits attacked the staff quarters of the university in the early hours of today. We have report that four of our staff and their children were, nevertheless, abducted," the university said on its Facebook page. A source at the university told Reuters that one staff member was taken together with his son and daughter. Watch | At least 4 people killed as under construction building collapses in Nigeria Nigeria's security forces are stretched on several fronts, including growing lawlessness in the north and northwest and a 12-year Islamist insurgency in the northeast that has killed thousands.

Gunmen abduct staff and children at university in Nigerian capital

A high-rise, under construction building collapsed in Nigeria's commercial capital Lagos on Monday, killing at least four people with dozens more trapped inside.

At least 4 people killed as under construction building collapses in Nigeria

At least 18 worshippers were killed In central Nigeria during early morning prayer in a mosque, a government official said Tuesday.

The attack took place on Monday in Maza-Kuka village in Mashegu district of Niger state, said Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, the secretary to the government.

Hundreds of motorcycle-borne gunmen stormed the village and opened fire, he said

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-iaea-warns-against-iran-2-killed-in-us-shooting-and-more-424022">Morning news brief: IAEA warns against Iran, 2 killed in US shooting, and more</a>

Three worshippers were injured in the attack, one of them critically, he said.

Matane said, "we are still investigating the motive of the attack."&nbsp;

He added the government had already dispatched military and police personnel for the securing the area.

A police spokesman confirmed the attack adding that&nbsp;security personnel shot dead one of the bandits.

Ransom gangs of thieves and kidnappers, locally known as bandits, have been terrorising communities in northwest and central Nigeria where they raid villages, killing and burning homes after looting them.

The gangs have increasingly been abducting students and schoolchildren to extort ransom from parents and authorities.

The latest attack is another example of the troubled security situation in most states in Nigeria's northwest and central regions. The northwest in particular has been witnessing a spike in deadly violence.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 18 worshippers were killed In central Nigeria during early morning prayer in a mosque, a government official said Tuesday. The attack took place on Monday in Maza-Kuka village in Mashegu district of Niger state, said Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, the secretary to the government.

At least 18 worshippers were killed In central Nigeria during early morning prayer in a mosque, a government official said Tuesday. The attack took place on Monday in Maza-Kuka village in Mashegu district of Niger state, said Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, the secretary to the government. Hundreds of motorcycle-borne gunmen stormed the village and opened fire, he said Also Read | Morning news brief: IAEA warns against Iran, 2 killed in US shooting, and more Three worshippers were injured in the attack, one of them critically, he said. Matane said, "we are still investigating the motive of the attack." He added the government had already dispatched military and police personnel for the securing the area. A police spokesman confirmed the attack adding that security personnel shot dead one of the bandits. Ransom gangs of thieves and kidnappers, locally known as bandits, have been terrorising communities in northwest and central Nigeria where they raid villages, killing and burning homes after looting them. The gangs have increasingly been abducting students and schoolchildren to extort ransom from parents and authorities. The latest attack is another example of the troubled security situation in most states in Nigeria's northwest and central regions. The northwest in particular has been witnessing a spike in deadly violence. (With inputs from agencies)

Gunmen kill 18 worshippers in Nigeria mosque attack

Oil spills and gas flaring wreaking havoc on local communities and the landscape in Nigeria's Delta region. Reportedly, Oil spills have disfigured some of the local ecosystems and economies.

Oil spills, gas flaring wreak havock in Nigeria's Delta

Gunmen killed at least 43 people in an attack in northern Nigeria's Sokoto state, the assault began at a weekly market on Sunday and continued till Monday morning.

Gunmen kills at least 43 people in an attack in northern Nigeria

For many in Nigeria, the appetite for cryptocurrency has increased. They're turning to crypto for business, to protect their savings as the naira loses value and also to send payments abroad. All this, despite disapproval by the financial authorities. Nigeria's central bank barred local banks from working with cryptocurrency. Warning of severe regulatory sanctions. Take a look at this report.

Nigeria turns to cryptocurrency for business

A disturbing video, showing four men clobbering a kneeling woman with what appear to be sticks is doing rounds on social media. The woman is a student in a school in Nigeria.

Her crime? Allegedly drinking alcohol at a birthday party.

As per media reports the video is of the incident that took place in an Islamic school in Nigeria. The violent video in which the girl student is being beaten can naturally raise questions as to what her parents did to protest the incident.

However, it has been revealed that the parents had 'requested' that the girl be beaten up in the school. The school in which this bizarre incident took place is located in Kwara state of Nigeria, as per local reports.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nigerian-school-flogs-girl-for-consuming-alcohol-420261">Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Nigerian School flogs girl for consuming alcohol</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nigerian-school-flogs-girl-for-consuming-alcohol-420261/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I informed the school about the incident and I personally requested them to give her the appropriate punishment, and I insisted I should be present when they carried it out," father of the girl has been quoted as saying by the BBC.

Video of the flogging is being widely shared online and has elicited shocked reactions from viewers.

Local media has said that the head of the school has been suspended and the students have been given medical treatment.

The school earlier claimed that the punishment was in line with Islamic law.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A disturbing video, showing four men clobbering a kneeling woman with what appear to be sticks is doing rounds on social media. The woman is a student in a school in Nigeria.

A disturbing video, showing four men clobbering a kneeling woman with what appear to be sticks is doing rounds on social media. The woman is a student in a school in Nigeria. Her crime? Allegedly drinking alcohol at a birthday party. As per media reports the video is of the incident that took place in an Islamic school in Nigeria. The violent video in which the girl student is being beaten can naturally raise questions as to what her parents did to protest the incident. However, it has been revealed that the parents had 'requested' that the girl be beaten up in the school. The school in which this bizarre incident took place is located in Kwara state of Nigeria, as per local reports. Watch | Gravitas: Nigerian School flogs girl for consuming alcohol "I informed the school about the incident and I personally requested them to give her the appropriate punishment, and I insisted I should be present when they carried it out," father of the girl has been quoted as saying by the BBC. Video of the flogging is being widely shared online and has elicited shocked reactions from viewers. Local media has said that the head of the school has been suspended and the students have been given medical treatment. The school earlier claimed that the punishment was in line with Islamic law.

Parents 'request' school to beat daughter who allegedly had alcohol

A Nigerian school flogged a girl in Taliban-style for 'consuming alcohol'. The girl's father says he asked the school to punish her. WION's Palki Sharma asks: Does flogging have any place in today's day & age?

Gravitas: Nigerian School flogs girl for consuming alcohol

Standing beside the piles of dark red palm fruits ready for crushing for their essence, Nigerian farmer Micah Ojo hopes to cash in on the government's drive to revive the country's once thriving palm oil business.

His farm is one of the small plantations scattered across southern Nigeria where the government is investing heavily in the industry as part of its drive to diversify away from petroleum and help create jobs.

Once a major producer, Nigeria now imports from Indonesia and Malaysia, further straining foreign exchange reserves already battered by a fall in global crude oil prices and the pandemic.

But the story appears to be changing as Nigeria's government, through the central bank (CBN), is pumping billions of naira in loans to assist farmers and investors in the industry.

Several states, including southern Edo and Akwa Ibom, where roads are lined by hectares of dark green palm trees and moribund factories, are injecting new life into the sector.

"We need assistance. The business is capital-intensive," Ojo said at his farm in Edo. "We need government to come to our aid to assist us."

Across the globe, the palm oil industry has faced heavy criticism for deforestation, loss of community land and claims of worker abuses on Southeast Asian plantations. &nbsp;

But the oil, which is used in cooking, foods and cosmetics products, is a major industry in Indonesia and Malaysia, and Africa has also seen growth in recent years.&nbsp;

Supporters say it helps create local jobs and development.

With an agriculture credit scheme and other programmes, Nigeria is supporting operators to buy quality and up-to-date seedlings and set up new plantations and mills.

At Okomu Oil Palm Company in Edo state, there are three palm and rubber plantations sitting on over 33,000 hectares of land, partly funded by a 14-billion-naira ($34-million) loan.

"It has assisted us greatly to expand our footprints in the sector," said managing director Graham Hefer, a South African executive who has run the company since 2007.

But as with other industries, logistical and infrastructure problems in Africa's most populous nation are hindering growth which would allow the industry's output to meet local demand.

"The level-playing-field, which people talk about, is not level in Nigeria," Hefer said, pointing to problems such as a lack of roads, electricity, multiple taxation and congestion at ports.

"We are seriously lobbying government to look into these concerns."

Nigeria, the world fifth largest palm oil producer, consumes around two million tonnes of palm oil per year, half of which is imported, with local output at 800,000 to one million tonnes.

Hefer said the big players like Okomu account for just 30 percent of local production, while small growers represent 70 percent.

Established in 1976, Okomu has three oil mills, producing 40,000 tonnes of crude palm oil (CPO) per year.

One mill is in operation, while the second is due for commissioning this month and the third expected to come on stream next year.

The company expects to double production to 80,000 tonnes per year by 2025.

Small players struggle&nbsp; 
In neighbouring Akwa Ibom State, local authorities said they are using a CBN loan to revamp more than 3,000 hectares of oil palm plantation abandoned over 30 years ago.

The plantation has 200,000 oil palm trees and a 300,000-capacity nursery for seedlings.

But unlike Okomu and other big players, small farmers say they struggle to get financial help, as they are mostly left outside of the central bank loan schemes and are unable to tap other funds.

Ojo, the local farmer, told AFP lack of investment was hurting his business, which is just a few kilometres from the sprawling Okomu plant.

After starting with only five workers, he now has 30 employees, but needs investment to expand on his 150 hectares of farmland.

He said CBN loan money "does not get to local farmers", adding that "we only hear it in the news".

The Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria, an industry lobbying group, has appealed to government and lenders to assist smaller operators with concessionary loans.

To develop one hectare of oil palm requires $4,000 to $5,000 and the gestation period is a minimum of three years, according to the association.

"Banks willing to lend are only ready to do so to very large established institutions with already strong revenue streams," one forum representative said.

"These companies are, for the most part, multinationals. The small growers that the fund is meant to target hardly have access."

Local producers want the state-run Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research to step in and help farmers with improved seedlings, pest and disease control and proper supervision.

"Given the right incentives, our local farmers will perform," said Sola Oni, an analyst with Sofunix Investment. "Government should create the right environment for them to thrive."

Standing beside the piles of dark red palm fruits ready for crushing for their essence, Nigerian farmer Micah Ojo hopes to cash in on the government's drive to revive the country's once thriving palm oil business.

Standing beside the piles of dark red palm fruits ready for crushing for their essence, Nigerian farmer Micah Ojo hopes to cash in on the government's drive to revive the country's once thriving palm oil business. His farm is one of the small plantations scattered across southern Nigeria where the government is investing heavily in the industry as part of its drive to diversify away from petroleum and help create jobs. Once a major producer, Nigeria now imports from Indonesia and Malaysia, further straining foreign exchange reserves already battered by a fall in global crude oil prices and the pandemic. But the story appears to be changing as Nigeria's government, through the central bank (CBN), is pumping billions of naira in loans to assist farmers and investors in the industry. Several states, including southern Edo and Akwa Ibom, where roads are lined by hectares of dark green palm trees and moribund factories, are injecting new life into the sector. "We need assistance. The business is capital-intensive," Ojo said at his farm in Edo. "We need government to come to our aid to assist us." Across the globe, the palm oil industry has faced heavy criticism for deforestation, loss of community land and claims of worker abuses on Southeast Asian plantations. But the oil, which is used in cooking, foods and cosmetics products, is a major industry in Indonesia and Malaysia, and Africa has also seen growth in recent years. Supporters say it helps create local jobs and development. With an agriculture credit scheme and other programmes, Nigeria is supporting operators to buy quality and up-to-date seedlings and set up new plantations and mills. At Okomu Oil Palm Company in Edo state, there are three palm and rubber plantations sitting on over 33,000 hectares of land, partly funded by a 14-billion-naira ($34-million) loan. "It has assisted us greatly to expand our footprints in the sector," said managing director Graham Hefer, a South African executive who has run the company since 2007. But as with other industries, logistical and infrastructure problems in Africa's most populous nation are hindering growth which would allow the industry's output to meet local demand. "The level-playing-field, which people talk about, is not level in Nigeria," Hefer said, pointing to problems such as a lack of roads, electricity, multiple taxation and congestion at ports. "We are seriously lobbying government to look into these concerns." Nigeria, the world fifth largest palm oil producer, consumes around two million tonnes of palm oil per year, half of which is imported, with local output at 800,000 to one million tonnes. Hefer said the big players like Okomu account for just 30 percent of local production, while small growers represent 70 percent. Established in 1976, Okomu has three oil mills, producing 40,000 tonnes of crude palm oil (CPO) per year. One mill is in operation, while the second is due for commissioning this month and the third expected to come on stream next year. The company expects to double production to 80,000 tonnes per year by 2025. Small players struggle In neighbouring Akwa Ibom State, local authorities said they are using a CBN loan to revamp more than 3,000 hectares of oil palm plantation abandoned over 30 years ago. The plantation has 200,000 oil palm trees and a 300,000-capacity nursery for seedlings. But unlike Okomu and other big players, small farmers say they struggle to get financial help, as they are mostly left outside of the central bank loan schemes and are unable to tap other funds. Ojo, the local farmer, told AFP lack of investment was hurting his business, which is just a few kilometres from the sprawling Okomu plant. After starting with only five workers, he now has 30 employees, but needs investment to expand on his 150 hectares of farmland. He said CBN loan money "does not get to local farmers", adding that "we only hear it in the news". The Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria, an industry lobbying group, has appealed to government and lenders to assist smaller operators with concessionary loans. To develop one hectare of oil palm requires $4,000 to $5,000 and the gestation period is a minimum of three years, according to the association. "Banks willing to lend are only ready to do so to very large established institutions with already strong revenue streams," one forum representative said. "These companies are, for the most part, multinationals. The small growers that the fund is meant to target hardly have access." Local producers want the state-run Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research to step in and help farmers with improved seedlings, pest and disease control and proper supervision. "Given the right incentives, our local farmers will perform," said Sola Oni, an analyst with Sofunix Investment. "Government should create the right environment for them to thrive."

Nigeria looks to revive ailing palm oil sector

Gunmen&nbsp;have killed a&nbsp;police&nbsp;inspector&nbsp;in&nbsp;southeast&nbsp;Nigeria,&nbsp;police&nbsp;said on Monday, the latest attack in the restive region where dozens of officers have died this year.

In the attack on Sunday,&nbsp;gunmen&nbsp;ambushed a&nbsp;police&nbsp;patrol in the commercial town of Onitsha in Anambra state and opened fire, state&nbsp;police&nbsp;spokesman Ikenga Tochukwu said in a statement.

"The attackers drove in a Sienna vehicle... and started shooting at the patrol vehicle along Ukegbu junction," he said.

"Unfortunately, during the exchange of gunfire, one&nbsp;police&nbsp;inspector&nbsp;paid the supreme price."

Other officers were wounded in the attack, he said.

No group has claimed responsibility for recent attacks, but&nbsp;police&nbsp;often blame the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed separatist group demanding an independent state for the ethnic Igbo people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-cautious-over-fulfilling-un-climate-fund-pledges-414349">Also read |&nbsp;Johnson cautious over fulfilling UN climate fund pledges</a>

IPOB denies its armed wing, Eastern Security Network, is involved in the attacks, but separatist agitation is on the rise in the southeast&nbsp;and southwest&nbsp;Nigeria.

Tochukwu said that "in a bid to escape the&nbsp;police&nbsp;responding team, the hoodlums set the patrol vehicle ablaze."

In nearby Enugu state,&nbsp;gunmen&nbsp;also attacked an electoral office and set parts of the building on fire.

Officials however said the blaze was put out before vital election materials and equipment could be damaged.

Dozens of&nbsp;police&nbsp;officers and other security personnel have been killed since the beginning of the year in targeted attacks in the&nbsp;southeast.

Prisons have also been raided with scores of inmates freed and weapons carted away.

IPOB's leader Nnamdi Kanu is in government custody since he was arrested abroad in June and brought back to&nbsp;Nigeria&nbsp;to face treason charges.

Separatist activism is especially sensitive in&nbsp;southeast&nbsp;Nigeria, where a declaration of an independent Republic of Biafra by Igbo army officers 50 years ago sparked a civil war that left more than one million people dead.&nbsp;

Gunmen have killed a police inspector in southeast Nigeria, police said on Monday, the latest attack in the restive region where dozens of officers have died this year.

Gunmen have killed a police inspector in southeast Nigeria, police said on Monday, the latest attack in the restive region where dozens of officers have died this year. In the attack on Sunday, gunmen ambushed a police patrol in the commercial town of Onitsha in Anambra state and opened fire, state police spokesman Ikenga Tochukwu said in a statement. "The attackers drove in a Sienna vehicle... and started shooting at the patrol vehicle along Ukegbu junction," he said. "Unfortunately, during the exchange of gunfire, one police inspector paid the supreme price." Other officers were wounded in the attack, he said. No group has claimed responsibility for recent attacks, but police often blame the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed separatist group demanding an independent state for the ethnic Igbo people. Also read | Johnson cautious over fulfilling UN climate fund pledges IPOB denies its armed wing, Eastern Security Network, is involved in the attacks, but separatist agitation is on the rise in the southeast and southwest Nigeria. Tochukwu said that "in a bid to escape the police responding team, the hoodlums set the patrol vehicle ablaze." In nearby Enugu state, gunmen also attacked an electoral office and set parts of the building on fire. Officials however said the blaze was put out before vital election materials and equipment could be damaged. Dozens of police officers and other security personnel have been killed since the beginning of the year in targeted attacks in the southeast. Prisons have also been raided with scores of inmates freed and weapons carted away. IPOB's leader Nnamdi Kanu is in government custody since he was arrested abroad in June and brought back to Nigeria to face treason charges. Separatist activism is especially sensitive in southeast Nigeria, where a declaration of an independent Republic of Biafra by Igbo army officers 50 years ago sparked a civil war that left more than one million people dead.

Gunmen kill police inspector in southeast Nigeria

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