Yahaya Umar, a veteran broadcaster and Assistant Director at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), died Sunday night in his office on the 11th floor of Radio House, Area 10, Abuja. Umar was widely recognized for his distinctive voice and style, anchoring the network news at 7 a.m., 4 p.m., and 10 p.m. on the FRCN network. Colleagues at Radio Nigeria expressed shock and sorrow over his sudden passing, gathering in groups to share memories and pray for his soul. Staff also called on Allah to grant strength to Umar’s family during this difficult time. As of Wednesday, no official statement had been released by FRCN management regarding his death. Umar’s contribution to Nigerian broadcasting spanned many years, making him one of the most familiar voices on national radio. His unique style and professionalism earned him respect across the media landscape. The loss of Yahaya Umar marks the end of an era for FRCN and Nigerian radio journalism, leaving a void that will be deeply felt by listeners and colleagues alike. Further details about funeral arrangements are awaited.
Air India flight AI171 crashes shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad
An Air India passenger plane, Flight AI171, crashed minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The Boeing B787 aircraft, bound for London Gatwick, went down near the Meghani area close to the airport, shortly after its 1:38 pm departure. Thick black smoke was seen billowing from the crash site, prompting an immediate response from fire services and emergency personnel. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the incident and said investigations are underway. There were 242 passengers on board at the time of the crash. Authorities have not yet released information on casualties or the cause of the crash. Rescue operations continue as emergency teams work at the scene. This tragic event has caused significant disruption at Ahmedabad airport, with officials urging the public to stay clear of the area as investigations proceed. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Air Peace denies Senator Oshiomhole’s allegations of extortion and overbooking
Air Peace has rejected claims by Senator Adams Oshiomhole accusing the airline of extorting passengers and overbooking flights, describing the allegations as “deliberate falsehood.” In a statement released on Thursday, Air Peace management said no tickets were sold after check-in closure for the flight in question and that the aircraft departed with over 30 empty seats. The airline challenged Oshiomhole to provide evidence of any passenger being extorted, insisting that all passengers who flew had purchased their tickets before check-in closed. The airline further accused the senator of arriving late and causing disruptions at the airport, including jumping on the baggage conveyor belt and blocking terminal access. Air Peace called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to release CCTV footage to clarify the events. Senator Oshiomhole, however, maintained that he and about 20 to 30 other passengers missed their flight despite timely check-in and online boarding passes. He alleged that the airline overbooked the flight and sold tickets at higher prices at the counter, disadvantaging those who booked earlier. The senator also described the situation at the airport as chaotic and accused Air Peace of racketeering. The senator said he refused special treatment offered by the airline and highlighted the financial burden caused by unplanned hotel expenses for himself and a visiting delegation.
TCN begins construction to connect new Bauchi 330kV substation to national grid
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has started work on a crucial project to link the new Bauchi 330kV Transmission Substation to the national grid. Construction of a turn-in-turn-out (TITO) connection along the 330kV Jos–Bauchi–Gombe transmission line began on June 10, 2025, and is expected to be completed by June 14. According to Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, the project aims to enhance the power network’s resilience and flexibility by installing a new transmission tower. This upgrade will allow Bauchi and Gombe substations to serve as mutual backups during maintenance or faults. Additionally, it will enable the Jos Substation to supply Bauchi directly via a 132kV line if the main 330kV route through Gombe is unavailable, improving overall power reliability and emergency response. During the construction period, power supply to the Gombe and Biu substations will continue through alternative sources, including the Dadin-Kowa Hydro Power Plant and the Maiduguri Substation, supported by the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant. However, there will be a temporary reduction in electricity supply to Jos and Yola Electricity Distribution Companies, affecting customers in Bauchi, Gombe, Ashaka, Savannah, Damaturu/Potiskum, and Biu. Full power outages are expected in Yola and Jalingo for the five-day duration. TCN has appealed for patience from affected consumers and assured that normal electricity delivery will resume immediately after the project’s completion. This upgrade is part of TCN’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure and ensure a more stable bulk power supply.
Multichoice Nigeria loses 1.4 million subscribers amid price hikes and economic challenges
Multichoice Nigeria has reported a loss of 1.4 million subscribers over the past two years, a decline largely attributed to multiple price increases and difficult economic conditions in the country. The pay-TV operator raised its DStv and GOtv subscription prices three times between April 2023 and May 2024. These increments coincided with Nigeria’s high inflation rate, which exceeded 30%, as well as ongoing power outages and fuel shortages that have strained consumer spending. According to the latest audited results released by Multichoice Group for the year ended March 31, 2025, Nigeria accounted for 77% of the 1.8 million subscriber losses recorded across the Rest of Africa operations during this period. The total subscriber base in the region fell from 9.3 million in 2023 to 7.5 million in 2025. The company noted that while subscriber losses slowed somewhat in the 2025 financial year, declining 7% compared to a 13% drop in 2024, the overall trading environment remains challenging. Multichoice’s revenue dropped 9% year-on-year to ZAR50.8 billion, with subscription revenue falling 11% due to fewer customers and foreign currency pressures. Multichoice also highlighted structural changes in the video entertainment industry, such as the rise of streaming services and piracy, as factors impacting its traditional pay-TV business. John Ugbe, CEO of Multichoice Nigeria, said the company is navigating a tough economic landscape that has affected consumer affordability and access. “Inflation and power shortages have put significant pressure on our customers, leading to a decline in subscriber numbers,” Ugbe stated. As the company continues to adapt to these challenges, it remains uncertain whether further price adjustments will be announced, given the steady decline in its customer base.
Adams Oshiomhole causes disruption at Lagos airport after missing flight to Abuja
Senator Adams Oshiomhole disrupted operations at Lagos Murtala Muhammed Airport’s Zulu Terminal on Wednesday morning after missing his Air Peace flight to Abuja. Oshiomhole arrived at the airport around 6:10 a.m., shortly before the scheduled 6:30 a.m. departure. However, the gate had already closed, and he was denied boarding. Frustrated, he reportedly assaulted airline staff and blocked the terminal entrance, preventing other passengers from entering and causing significant delays. Air Peace condemned the incident, emphasizing their strict boarding policies and the importance of punctuality. The airline also activated contingency plans to minimize inconvenience to other travelers. Oshiomhole later stated that despite completing online check-in, he was denied boarding while observing others still being allowed on the flight. He accused the airline of reselling seats at inflated prices, which the airline has not publicly addressed. Airport management convened a meeting to resolve the standoff and restore normal operations. The incident highlights tensions that can arise when strict airline policies meet passenger frustrations.