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Families of Accident Victims Petition IGP Over Alleged Release of Drunk Driver in Jos

Published

1 year ago

September 10, 2025

vicky

The Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina

Three families in Plateau State have petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), demanding justice after their relatives were hit by a drunk driver in the Rayfield area of Jos South Local Government Area, leaving two amputated and one paralyzed.

The victims — Isaac Dung, Nathan Bayei, and Chomo Dachung — were returning from watching the Arsenal vs. Manchester United match on August 17 when the driver lost control, crashed into a building, and inflicted severe injuries on them. They are currently receiving treatment at Potters Specialist Hospital in Jos.

A family spokesperson told DAILY POST on Tuesday that although the driver was initially arrested, he was later released to a surety, Mr. Bulus Damul, who had promised to cover medical expenses. However, out of an estimated N8 million hospital bill, only N2 million has reportedly been paid, after which the driver’s guardian allegedly withdrew support.

Jemimah Bayei, sister of one of the victims, said doctors had no choice but to amputate the legs of two of the young men due to the extent of the damage. She accused Damul of abandoning the victims despite an initial agreement that the driver’s family would bear full responsibility for medical expenses.

“Mr. Damul had earlier agreed to pay for the treatment, but he no longer responds to our calls. He doesn’t show concern for what his ward has done to these young men. To our shock, we also discovered that the driver has been released without our knowledge because they are very influential,” she alleged.

Another relative, Mrs. Bridget Pam, described the situation as unjust. “We have been left with medical expenses that we cannot afford. My brother has lost his leg completely. We are calling on authorities to intervene and compel the family to fulfill their obligations,” she said.

In response, Mr. Damul denied abandoning the victims, insisting he had visited them in the hospital with his family and pastor. He explained that while he initially agreed to cover 80 percent of the expenses, the victims’ families later presented a Memorandum of Understanding demanding he set aside N30 million for medical bills or pay N75 million if he defaulted.

“I have already paid N2 million, but when they brought that MOU, I refused because it was not part of the original agreement. I never said I would take them to court,” Damul stated.

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Digital Storytelling Takes Centre Stage at 2026 EU-NFI Students Film Festival Finale

Published

13 minutes ago

October 2, 2026

PlateauReports

JOS, PLATEAU STATE — Student creativity and digital storytelling took centre stage in Jos as the 2nd edition of the European Union–National Film Institute (EU-NFI) Students Film Festival came to a colourful close on September 29, 2026.

The two-day festival, organised by the National Film Institute (NFI) in partnership with the European Union (EU), brought together emerging filmmakers, film students, industry professionals and stakeholders for screenings, masterclasses and competitive showcases aimed at developing the next generation of Nigerian filmmakers.

The event provided students with an opportunity to showcase their creative abilities while exploring the role of film and digital storytelling in documenting Nigerian experiences, culture and contemporary realities.

EU Ambassador Applauds Students’ Creativity

Speaking at the festival finale, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Gautier Mignot, described the students’ creative output as impressive and expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria’s film industry.

Mignot highlighted the important role of the National Film Institute in Nigeria’s creative ecosystem, noting that initiatives such as the students’ film festival align with the European Union’s priorities in youth empowerment, education, culture and strengthening EU-Nigeria relations.

He also commended the leadership of the Institute, particularly the Rector, for his commitment to the students and for fostering a relationship built around creativity, mentorship and learning.

Ali Nuhu: Festival Is More Than Competition

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Dr. Ali Nuhu, described the festival as more than a platform for competition.

According to him, the initiative provides young Nigerians with an opportunity to develop their skills and become cultural ambassadors who can use film to tell stories that reflect Nigeria’s identity and diversity.

He called for sustained investment in skills development, education and learning opportunities for young people seeking careers in the creative industry.

NFI Announces Winners

The Rector of the National Film Institute, Prof. Pomak Frank Tengya, expressed the Institute’s readiness to continue supporting young filmmakers and assured participants that the institution would host the 2027 edition of the festival.

He subsequently announced the winners in the various competition categories.

Each of the top prize winners received ₦100,000.

The winners include:

Best Sound: Rev Kola — Osakpolo Arthur
Best Documentary: Carrying a Legacy — Badung Chuhwak
Best Animation: Coming Home — Habibi Risku
Best Cinematography: Dusk Till Dawn — Longtong Tamg’an
Best Director: They Call Me Mother — Esther Oyninyechi Nnamani
Best Short Film: They Call Me Mother — Esther Oyninyechi Nnamani

Esther Oyninyechi Nnamani emerged as one of the biggest winners of the festival, taking home awards for both Best Director and Best Short Film.

Nurturing the Next Generation

The festival further demonstrated the potential of film education and practical creative opportunities in nurturing young talents and strengthening Nigeria’s growing creative economy.

With students taking centre stage as writers, directors, cinematographers, animators and storytellers, the EU-NFI Students Film Festival provided a platform for emerging filmmakers to gain exposure, learn from industry professionals and connect with fellow creatives.

As the National Film Institute looks ahead to the 2027 edition, the festival continues to position Jos as an important centre for film education, creativity and digital storytelling in Nigeria.

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Business

Airtel Money sets IPO price at £1.96 per share, targets £5.3bn valuation

Published

5 hours ago

October 2, 2026

PlateauReports

Airtel Mobile Commerce N.V. (Airtel Money), the mobile money business of Airtel Africa, has set the offer price for its planned initial public offering (IPO) at £1.96 per share, implying an estimated market capitalisation of £5.3 billion ($7.0 billion) at admission.

Airtel Africa disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying Airtel Money intends to list its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange, with admission currently expected on 14 October.

The planned listing followed Airtel Africa’s announcement on 23 September of its intention to undertake an IPO for Airtel Money, which operates mobile money services across several African markets.

Listing offer

Under the offer, certain existing shareholders of Airtel Money are expected to sell 270 million existing shares. Also, an additional 27 million shares may be sold if the over-allotment option is fully exercised.

Airtel Africa said it does not expect to sell its existing Airtel Money shares in the offer, except pursuant to the over-allotment option.

The telco said it would remain a “long-term strategic shareholder” in Airtel Money and support the business as it moves into its next phase as an independently listed company.

Based on current indications from existing shareholders, approximately 16.5 per cent of Airtel Money’s issued ordinary share capital is expected to be held in public hands if the over-allotment option is not exercised.

This could rise to approximately 17.5 per cent if the maximum additional shares are sold, according to Airtel Africa.

Airtel Money expects the level of public ownership to make it eligible for inclusion in the FTSE UK indices.

The company said it intends to apply for admission of its ordinary shares to the equity shares category of the Official List of the UK Financial Conduct Authority and for trading on the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market.

Airtel Money said further details of the offer would be contained in its prospectus, which it said would be made available on Airtel Money’s IPO website, subject to applicable access restrictions, on Thursday.

READ ALSO: What Dangote IPO signals – NGX Chairman

Airtel Africa has been planning to spin off its mobile money business from its core telecoms operations following the financial subsidiary’s performance in previous years.

Its mobile money unit, Airtel Money, logged a strong performance in 2025, recording $1.4 billion in turnover, more than one-third higher than what it reported a year before.

Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with operations in 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Airtel Africa provides an integrated offer to its subscribers, including mobile voice and data services, as well as mobile money services, both nationally and internationally.