• Nuel Ojei.

The Founder, Executive Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Nuel Ojei Holdings Ltd, Emmanuel Ojei, has died at the age of 74.

Fondly and popularly known as Nuel Ojei, the businessman died on Saturday night at his hometown, Issele-Uku, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.

His son, Chuks Ojei, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday on behalf of the family.

He described the loss as a profound shock and an irreplaceable personal tragedy.

Reacting to the obituary announcement, the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, describes Nuel Ojei’s death as a major loss to the state and the nation.

“Ojei was an outstanding entrepreneur, visionary leader and committed Deltan whose contributions to business development, job creation and philanthropy left an enduring legacy in the state and Nigeria at large,” said Oborevwori.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, the governor recalled that Chief Ojei, the founder of Nuel Ojei Holdings and Nuel Auto Distributors, began his business career at Rutam Motors in 1973 before he established his own companies that later became major players in Nigeria’s automotive and allied industries.

“Under his leadership, Nuel Auto Distributors, founded in 1981, emerged as the sole agent for Mazda vehicles in Nigeria and later partnered with Mercedes-Benz for authorised vehicle servicing.

“Through Nuel Ojei Holdings, he led a large indigenous conglomerate with investments in automotive, banking, construction and other sectors, providing employment opportunities for hundreds of Nigerians.“

In recognition of his contributions to business development, Delta State University awarded him an honorary Doctorate in Business Administration in 2003.

“The late Ojei was a generous philanthropist whose Nuel Ojei Foundation touched many lives through educational, health and social interventions.”

Oborevwori extended his condolences to the Ojei family, the people of Issele-Uku and the business community, praying that God would comfort them in their grief.

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested the alleged leader of a kidnap gang and an accomplice responsible for the 2023 abduction and murder of renowned neurology professor, Ekanem Philip Ephraim.

A credible security source confirmed that 23-year-old Patrick Essien Etim, identified as the gang leader, and 40-year-old Bassey Antiha Asuquo were apprehended on December 27 at a medical facility in Cross River State.

The duo were reportedly plotting to kidnap another prominent medical professional when DSS operatives swooped in.

The arrests bring a major breakthrough in the case that has haunted the medical community for over two years. Prof. Ephraim was abducted on July 13, 2023, by gunmen posing as patients at her private clinic on Atimbo Road, Calabar.

Her kidnapping triggered widespread protests and an indefinite strike by the Cross River State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), which paralyzed the health sector for over a week as doctors demanded government action for her rescue.

According to the source, the DSS had been intensively tracking the syndicate since the professor’s abduction. The suspects have confessed to killing Prof. Ephraim after receiving multiple ransom payments from her family. They also admitted to involvement in other kidnappings and the vandalism of electricity cables, with a third suspect, Isaac Ekpeyong, arrested in connection to these crimes.

“It has been two years of torment for her loved ones, not knowing what happened to the professor. I believe that with this arrest, her family and loved ones will finally have some peace and the much-needed closure they deserve,” the source stated.

The development underscores the DSS’s renewed focus on covert operations and restoring public safety, the source added.

Investigations are ongoing, with the suspects expected to face prosecution.

Nollywood has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of popular Yoruba actress, producer, director, and singer Allwell Ademola. She was 43 years old.

Reports indicate that Ademola collapsed at her residence and was rushed by a neighbor to Ancilla Hospital in Agege, Lagos, where she was pronounced dead. Unconfirmed sources suggest she suffered a heart attack.

The news broke earlier today, with filmmaker Seun Oloketuyi initially sharing the information on Instagram (in a post that was later deleted). Colleagues quickly reacted on social media, expressing shock and grief.

Actress Faithia Williams posted: “Haaaa. This hit me so bad. Eniobanke. Allahu Akbar..Allwell.”

Mide Martins wrote on Facebook: “BLACK SATURDAY……This is not fair😭 May God forgive your shortcomings Allwell😭😭😭”

Actor Damola Olatunji shared a candlelight image with the caption: “Life is a mirage.”

Allwell Ademola, born August 9, 1982, was a granddaughter of the late Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, Nigeria’s first indigenous Chief Justice. She began her career as a child actor and rose to prominence in Yoruba-language films, producing several movies and mentoring upcoming talents in the industry.

Her passing marks another loss for Nollywood in 2025, leaving fans and colleagues devastated by the abrupt end to a vibrant career. Details surrounding the incident remain limited as family and friends process the tragedy.