Senator Sulaiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South Senatorial District was on Friday assaulted at the wedding ceremony of Amina Muhammad Sanusi, the daugther of Emir of Kano, MuhammadLamido Sanusi.

In a video seen by NewsDay, a visibly angry elderly man had tried to hit Sumaila with his shoe at the event.

The man could be heard accusing Sumaila of dumping the leader of Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Kwankwaso for President Bola Tinubu.

Sumaila was elected under the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP).

It took the intervention of Governor Abba Yusuf before the matter was resolved.

Members of Kwankwasiyya Movement have lately criticised and accused Sumaila of having ties with President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Senator had defended himself saying it was Kwankwaso who initiated the relationship between all federal lawmakers from the Kano State and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has urged the Senate to make the conduct of investigation on the alleged missing firearms a closed session for security reasons.

Mr Egbetokun stated this in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read at plenary on Thursday.

He commended the Senate’s efforts to conduct a thorough investigation on the alleged missing firearms.

“We appreciate the Senate committee’s probe into the alleged missing firearms,” said Mr Egbetokun. “We urge the committee to conduct future hearings on sensitive security issues in camera so that wrong impression will not be created in the minds of Nigerians and the minds of the international community.”

Mr Egbetokun stated that this would ensure national security and prevent misinformation.

“Conducting hearings on these sensitive security issues in camera will help prevent the spread of misinformation and protect national security interests.

“It will also allow for more candid discussions and fact-finding,” he said.

The inspector-general of police expressed his commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the National Assembly to drive positive changes in the country and improve the lives of Nigerians and the country’s security.

After reading the letter, Mr Akpabio said the IGP’s letter was very clear: “It speaks for itself.”

He said that while the investigation would be done internally by the police, further investigation would also be conducted by the Senate.

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As part of the ongoing tariff hike and restructuring, telecommunications firm, MTN has pegged call rate on its pulse bundle at N13.8 per minute from N7.8 per minute, which represents a 76.92 per cent increase.

Checks showed that the rate prior to yesterday, used to be 13k/seconds and N4/SMS, but message that came after calls via the pulse bundle showed new rate of 23k/seconds and N6/SMS. This means by 23k by 60 seconds amounted to N13.8 per minute. Recall that by the January 20, 2025 Federal Government approved 50 per cent tariff hike, the floor price (minimum acceptable price) of calls was pushed to N9.6 per minute from N6.40 and the ceiling price (maximum acceptable price) of calls to N50; the cost of SMS to N6 from N4; and the cost of 1GB of data to N431.25 from N287.5. The average price of calls will be N16.5/minute from N11.

IN a related development, MTN Nigeria apologised to its customers following a backlash that followed the sudden 200 per cent increase in the price of its 15GB weekly digital bundle. MTN admitted the change was unexpected and acknowledged customer dissatisfaction. The company said that it understood how frustrating it must have been for subscribers to wake up to such a significant price adjustment. MTN, which has 84 million subscribers and 51.4 per cent market share, in a message, yesterday, said: “We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200 per cent increase on your favourite digital bundle. We could share several reasons and provide explanations, but omo, all that one na story.” “We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake. In this love season, don’t stay angry with us. Please forgive and forget. You matter die and we will never stop showing you how much. Let’s continue our relationship. Thank you for your understanding (sic).”

Meanwhile, it has launched a new campaign tagged: ‘Go Make a Difference (Go M.A.D.)’ in Abuja. The new campaign, which is targeted at inspiring residents to take bold steps towards meaningful change, brought together young changemakers, spoken word artists, creatives and everyday Nigerians eager to use their voices to spark transformation. The activation, which is part of MTN’s nationwide movement, encouraged individuals to harness their skills, passions and digital tools to create impact in their communities. From interactive sessions to thought-provoking discussions, the Abuja activation provided a platform for changemakers, entrepreneurs and Nigerians from different facets to share their experiences and ideas on how to make a difference. One of the highlights was a community-driven impact showcase, where individuals shared success stories of transformation, proving that small, consistent efforts can lead to lasting change.

Speaking on the initiative, Senior Manager Sales and Trade Development North, MTN Nigeria, Ohwofasa Obazenu, emphasised the campaign’s vision: “Go M.A.D. is a movement that empowers Nigerians to act. Whether in business, education or social impact, we want people to know that their bold steps can create a ripple effect of change.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has threatened to sanction banks that limit Automated Teller Machines (ATM) withdrawal to less than N20,000 per transaction.

The apex bank disclosed this in a document addressing concerns over the reviewed fees on ATM withdrawal.

Recall that CBN on Tuesday increased ATM transaction withdrawal fees, saying, from March 1st, bank customers will pay N100 charge for every N20,000 withdrawal from the on-site ATM of other banks.

The CBN in a circular to banks and other financial institutions, the CBN said, “ATM Transaction Fees On-Us for customers withdrawing at the ATM of the customer’s financial institution in Nigeria with No charge.

“Not-On-Us for withdrawal from another institution’s ATM in Nigeria; On-site ATMs will attract a charge of N100 per N20,000 withdrawal.

“Off-site ATMs will attract a charge of N100 plus a surcharge of not more than N500 per N20,000 withdrawal.

“The surcharge, which is an income of the ATM deployer/acquirer, shall be disclosed at the point of withdrawal to the consumer.

“International Withdrawals (per transaction) whether debit/credit card: Cost Recovery – exact charge by international acquirer.

“Furthermore, the three free monthly withdrawals allowed for Remote-On-Us (other bank’s customers/Not-On-Us consumers) in Nigeria under Section 10.6.2 of the Guide shall no longer apply.”

However, following widespread concerns over the limit on ATM cash withdrawal by banks, the apex and yesterday released a list Frequently Asked Question, FAQ, to clarify implementation of the new charge.

The CBN noted that the charges for withdrawals made from other banks on-site and off-site ATMs are based on banks allowing customers to withdraw up to N20,000 per transaction.

CBN said: “The fees are based on banks allowing customers to withdraw up to N20,000 per transaction. Any bank that compels a customer with sufficient funds in his/her account to withdraw less than N20,000 per transaction against the customer’s desire for a higher sum would be contravening this regulation’s spirit and sanctioned appropriately.

“Consumers that are denied the right to withdraw up to N20,000 per transaction are encouraged to file a complaint with the CBN using cpd@cbn.gov.ng.”

The regulator also explained that banks can not charge more than the stated fees, but a bank can charge a lower amount depending on its cost structure, among other things.

“The charges and surcharges are capped. Thus, banks and other financial institutions are not allowed to charge more than the fees prescribed in the circular.

“Note also that though the surcharge per transaction is capped, there is flexibility for a bank to charge a lower amount depending on its cost structure and business development drive.

To avoid paying ATM transaction fees, the apex bank said: “You should withdraw money from your bank’s ATM (On-Us transaction) to avoid the transaction fees.

“Additionally, limiting your use of off-site ATMs is advisable to minimise the surcharge.

“Further, consumers can explore other payment channels such as mobile apps, POS devices for payments, etc.”