Today, the Awujale Throne stands at the intersection of memory and modern interpretation, as its Olufadi–Tunwase lineages debate resurfaces with renewed intensity.

At its core lies a defining question:

Are we guided by history—or are we attempting to revise it?

Olufadi in Perspective: Honour Without the Crown

There is no ambiguity in acknowledging Olufadi (Olufadekemi) as a respected figure within the Royal heritage of Ijebuland. As an Abidagba Prince—his proximity to the Awujale throne underscores his relevance. So says one of Adenuga Tunwase Prince in response to the narration of a Prince of Olufadi lineage, laying credence claim to Awujale's Stool Viz Abidagba assertion. 

However, history makes a clear distinction:

Olufadi did not ascend the Awujale stool.

That pivotal moment in the late 19th century belonged to his younger Abidaagba sibling, Oba Adesimbo Tunwase, who emerged as Awujale around 1886.

Yet, in the spirit of balance and fairness, a critical clarification has been raised by stakeholders:

Olufadi did not “lose” the throne to Adesimbo Tunwase as put forth by the Adenugas —he had passed on before that ascension.

This distinction is important. It shifts the narrative from one contest to one of circumstances, reinforcing the need for accuracy in historical interpretation.

This is not a denial of heritage—it is an affirmation of historical fact. In Ijebu or even Yoruba monarchical tradition, honour and kingship are not interchangeable.

1886: The Defining Turn in Dynastic Continuity

The ascension of Oba Adesimbo Tunwase was more than a succession—it was a defining moment of dynastic activation.

Kingship, within Ijebu/Yoruba custom, is transformational:

It activates lineage

It establishes continuity

It determines the trajectory of royal succession

As one Palace Elder noted:

“Many are born Princes, but only one becomes the root of kingship. The crown does not suggest—it decides.”

Thus, while Olufadi remained within the dignity of princely heritage, the Tunwase lineage transitioned into active Royal continuity.

A Necessary Counterpoint: The Question of Consistency

However, critics of the Tunwase argument caution against selective interpretation of history and promotion of self-serving exclusivity of what tradition, history and the Cheiftaincy laws has made broad.

A pointed reaction to the Adenuga Tunwase position highlights a parallel often overlooked:

“If Olufadi lineage’s inability to ascend the throne since 1885 is cited as grounds for ineligibility, the same logic must apply to ADESIMBO TUNWASE lineage as well. Awujale Adenuga Folagbade himself did not complete his reign on the throne—having been removed and exiled to Ilorin. This raises questions about using continuity as an absolute standard.”

This perspective introduces a crucial dimension:

Can continuity be invoked selectively without undermining fairness?

It further reinforces that within Ijebu custom, royal legitimacy is not always linear, and historical interruptions do exist.

1915: Eligibility—Selective, Not Automatic

The events of 1915 remain one of the strongest historical reference points.

At the time:

The turn of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House arose

Prince Adenuga of the Tunwase lineage was identified as the only qualified Abidagba candidate

His limitation was age—not legitimacy

The Ruling House was subsequently bypassed

A historian in Ijebu Igbo explained:

“1915 demonstrated that eligibility was selective, not collective. Not every descendant stood on equal footing.”

This moment underscores a critical principle:

lineage alone did not guarantee eligibility—qualification did.

1925: Continuity Affirmed Through Kingship

History moved decisively in 1925.

A descendant of the Tunwase lineage ascended the Awujale Throne, reaffirming a principle deeply rooted in tradition:

legitimacy is strengthened through actual kingship occupancy.

From Erunwon, a Chief source reflected:

“History does not remember who argued—it remembers who ruled and his lineages are all eligible in the face of law and tradition”.

Law and Tradition: The 1959 Chieftaincy Declaration

The Awujale Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959 provides the formal legal framework guiding succession, recognising four ruling houses:

* Fusengbuwa

* Anikinaiya

* Fidipote

* Gbelegbuwa

However, its scope remains limited.

While it structures rotation among Ruling Houses, it does not:

1, Determine superiority within a Ruling House 

2, Erase historical precedence

3, or Equalise all lineage claims

A legal practitioner in Ijebu Ode noted:

“Law provides the framework. Tradition determines legitimacy.”

The Debate Reignited: Continuity or Inclusion?

At the heart of the present discourse lies a delicate tension:

Should succession follow established historical continuity, or should evolving realities permit broader inclusion?

The Adenuga Tunwase position maintains that:

Kingship progression follows those who have occupied the throne

Eligibility has historically been specific, not automatic

Precedent remains a critical guide

Yet, voices from the Olufadi lineage and other stakeholders present a counterpoint rooted in equity and shared ancestry:

“Olufadi lineage remains the eldest Abidagba branch within Fusengbuwa. That standing deserves recognition, not dismissal.”

And more broadly:

“As Royal blood of the same dynasty, discussions must be anchored in fairness, truth, and love—not ridicule.”

Fairness and the Burden of Interpretation

Fairness within tradition is not easily defined.

Is fairness:

Strict adherence to historical precedent?

or Adaptive inclusion within a changing society?

The answer may lie in a careful balance—one that preserves historical integrity without silencing legitimate aspirations.

Clarity Without Erasure

This report does not seek to diminish the Olufadi lineage.

Olufadi remains:

a respected prince

a figure of heritage

an integral part of the royal narrative

Equally, it acknowledges that:

Olufadi did not ascend the throne

His absence from kingship was circumstantial, not necessarily competitive

His lineage retains historical and cultural significance within the dynasty

At the same time, tradition continues to distinguish between: Those who approached kingship and those who exercised it.

That distinction remains central—but must be applied with consistency and fairness.

Conclusion: A Throne Between Memory and Meaning

The Awujale stool stands as both a symbol of continuity and a test of interpretation.

From available records and customary understanding:

Olufadi was a Prince, not a crowned Awujale

The Tunwase lineage reflects continuity through kingship occupancy

The events of 1915 and 1925 affirm selective eligibility

The 1959 Declaration structures succession but does not settle intra-lineage claims

Historical interpretation must remain consistent to sustain legitimacy

Yet, the counterpoint endures:

Continuity must not be applied selectively

Lineage seniority within Abidagba deserves acknowledgment

Circumstantial history must not be misrepresented as defeat

Ultimately, the question persists:

Will the future of the throne be guided strictly by history—or shaped by a more inclusive interpretation of it?

Final Reflection

As one Elder aptly concluded:

“The future may choose the king—but history chooses the standard. Yet, wisdom ensures that the standard is applied with fairness to all.”

- Source: Igboro Lawa via Babafemi Mebude writes from Ijebu-Ode.

Oluwo, in a statement on Friday night, alleged that Oba Ogunwusi was seeking his downfall despite playing a prominent role in his emergence as the Ooni of Ife.

He stated that the link he used for Oba Ogunwusi would have been used for his elder brother, Tunji Adeyeye, who was his friend and peer at Akobo, Ibadan at a tender age. 

Oluwo recalled how he arranged several meetings in Ibadan after one Akin Daodu, then a close ally of Oba Ogunwusi, begged for his intervention.

He said: “To my surprise, the same person I helped to the throne has been planning evil against me.

“He orchestrated my suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas meeting against the AIG who was a star witness to what transpired.

"He is using a few kings in Iwoland to destabilise my territory.

“He attacked me last month in the presence of the governor, that I am discouraging deity worship.

"He was one of those who used my former wife against me.

"He wants me to be removed as Oluwo by all means. Such is a dream that can never come true.

“No one can remove me as Oluwo. No one can kill me and no one can bring me down.

“He should keep trying. He will be the one to live to regret. His cohorts that tried it in the past failed.”

However, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, speaking through his Director of Media, Otunba Moses Olafare, denied the allegations raised by Oluwo.

He said: “Oba Adeyeye has been ordained as a king from heaven, regardless of who does what. He is a king with God on his side.

“When Oluwo wanted to be king, Ooni supported him with cash and other logistics that we can’t even mention here.

“At the last Council of Oba meeting, Ooni only jokingly told Oluwo that he should not condemn any monarch for worshipping deities but should allow anyone to practice anything they feel is good for them.”

Adejare stated that he and Abidemi lived like strangers under the same roof for five years.

The plaintiff explained that he and the defendant hardly communicated, while there was no intimacy between them.

He added that they always found it difficult to resolve their differences, like other couples did because his wife was violent.

According to Adejare, Abidemi always went for the pestle when fighting with him.

He added that she had, on some occasions, drew the knife at him.

Adejare further said that the unhealthy relationship between him and his wife took its toll on her wellbeing, thus affecting her emotionally and psychologically.

The plaintiff said the defendant got into depression and attempted suicide.

He thus prayed the court to declare their union dissolved.

Adejare gave his consent to their children being put in Abidemi’s custody, while he also promised to stay committed to looking after their welfare by giving allowance for their upkeep every month.

Abidemi failed to show up in court despite being served court summonses.

Adejare testified thus: “My wife and I had a Customary marriage.

“We started living together in 2019 after I paid N300,000 as her bride price.

“I had a lot of dreams and plans for our marriage, but all these were aborted because my wife never gave our relationship a chance.

“The love I had for my wife while we were courting gradually waned a few months into our marriage.

"Abidemi refused to be submissive.

“She failed to realise that marriage is all about compromise.

“My wife denied me respect as the head of the home.

“We were always at loggerhead and regularly failed to iron out our differences like other couples did.

“We hardly chatted or discussed, which led to a strain in our relationship and later a breakdown in our communication.

"My wife’s health unknowingly began to deteriorate.

“She became emotionally and psychologically unbalanced and went into depression.

“Abidemi became abusive, aggressive, and violent.

 “She made our home unpleasant for me to stay in and also unwelcoming for our relatives and friends.

“She fought me with any dangerous object within her reach.

“She sometimes hit me with the pestle, not minding that she could break my head.

“Abidemi’s behaviour turned worse when she started drawing a knife at me.

“My lord, my wife once attempted suicide after we fought.

“Thank God I was around to foil her plan.

“She moved out of my house with our children after this.

“I have never shirked my responsibility towards our children since she took them away.

“I pray the court to stop our marriage and grant my wife custody of our children.

“I also plead that the court grant me free access to them.

“I pledge to make their upkeep a priority by giving them feeding allowance every month and meeting all of their other needs.”

The court president, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, adjourned the case and ordered that a fresh hearing notice be issued and served the defendant.

Speaking during a meeting with traditional rulers at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the administrator expressed his deep love for the Niger Delta region. Ibas, a retired vice admiral and former Chief of Naval Staff, also noted Rivers State’s significance in the nation’s development.

He lamented the persistent instability in the state, stating that it pained him to witness the unrest. “As a former naval chief, my duty is to protect lives, and I remain committed to restoring peace in Rivers State,” Ibas said. He assured that his administration would work tirelessly to return the state to a place of pride and stability.

The administrator underscored his primary mandate to restoring peace, stressing the need to curb the interest of a few who prioritize personal gains over the state’s collective well-being. He stressed that Rivers State is too vital to be left in turmoil, adding, “A society without order is a society without progress.”

He advised against any form of political partisanship, whether in speech, action, or body language. He reminded the traditional rulers of their role in community policing, urging them to maintain open communication channels with their subjects. “Security is the responsibility of all, not just the government,” he said, adding that his administration would not tolerate excuses for disorder.

While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he reaffirmed his administration’s openness to suggestions and collaboration.

In his response, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Chike Worlu-Wodo, assured the administrator of their support. He described the appointment as a positive decision for the state, affirming that traditional rulers are committed to maintaining peace in their respective domains.

“As traditional rulers, our primary duty is to ensure peace in our kingdoms, clans, and communities,” he said. He urged the administrator to see himself as a peacemaker, likening his role to that of a mediator resolving conflicts between two people.

The monarch wished the administrator success in his mission, stressing that Rivers State desperately needs peace. “We are not in doubt of your ability, which was why you were appointed,” he stated.

Since the former Governor of Kaduna, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the conversation about forming a mega party that will wrestle power from the APC in 2027 has intensified.

El-Rufai has invited opposition politicians, including Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, to strengthen his new party and make it the main challenger to the APC in the coming general election.

If El-Rufai’s plan to get top opposition politicians to join the SDP succeeds, it would mark the end of the PDP, a party that ruled Nigeria for 16 years before the APC took over power in 2015.

However, the idea of the mega party does not seem to sit well with George, who believes the lingering crisis in the PDP should not be grounds for the party to collapse its structure and form an alliance with other fringe opposition parties.

Speaking on Arise Television on Friday, March 21, 2025, the PDP chieftain said some of those pushing for coalition have the ambition to become president.

When the PDP crisis started, George warned that the party was not anybody’s private enterprise, but nobody listened to him.

He warned that the coalition advocates are making ‘monumental mistakes’ and added that no nation or party is without crisis. 

He said, “All those people saying they are going to float a mega party, is there any of them who is not ambitious to be president of Nigeria? Is that the real approach to solving this problem? 

"For me, it started like a little mess at our national convention. Some of us advised that our party is not a private enterprise of anybody, but nobody listened. Then Wike started on his own, and he has gone beyond the red line. 

"Do you think there is any nation or party that does not have a crisis? All these groups who are running around for their personal ambition, they are making a monumental mistake and they are all dancing on the graves of our founding fathers.”

On the state of emergency controversy in Rivers State, George urged President Bola Tinubu to be very careful.

He also advised the people of Rivers State to eschew violence and avoid any situation that would further escalate the state’s tense atmosphere. 

 He told reporters on Friday in Abuja that the President acted in the best interest of the State and Nigeria, having taken his decision in compliance with the Constitution.

“No President or government worth a name, will fold its arms and watch a political situation deteriorate to what we saw unfolding in Rivers State.

"We saw that bombing of pipelines had begun, and the security situation was getting worse with the tension everywhere”, Karimi stated.

Karimi, who represents Kogi-West on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recalled the “fatherly role” Tinubu had played in the crisis since 2023 in a bid to get the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara to reach an understanding, to no avail.

He explained: “We were all here in 2023 when Mr President called that truce meeting at the Aso Rock Villa. There was the eight-point agenda for settlement reached between the factions.

"When Nigerians expected that progress should be made to achieve peace, things started deteriorating considerably to a point where the governor demolished the House of Assembly building and administered the state with only three legislators.”

Karimi observed that with the recent judgment of the Supreme Court, which gave the upper hand to the 27 lawmakers loyal to the camp of the FCT Minister, matters merely got worse in the State as the lawmakers were set to impeach the Governor.

“What did you expect would be the implications? There would have been more destruction, killings and economic losses for the country.

"With the bombings that had already started, it was a matter of time before the whole state would be engulfed in flames. No responsible President would sit, arms folded, and allow that to happen “ he added. 

The senator further argued that it took “painstaking efforts” by the administration to raise daily crude oil production to around 1,800 barrels, noting that Nigeria’s economy was already “witnessing a rebound under the renewed hope projects of the government.”

“Allowing the situation in Rivers to get worse before he would act, wouldn’t have helped the state or Nigeria as a country in any way.

"Mr. President intervened at the right time, and his actions are covered by law,” he said.

Karimi also spoke on the emergency declaration  in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and a couple of other states by former President Goodluck Jonathan without removing the Governors from office or suspending the state assemblies.

According to him, the case with those States was not generated by political crises but rather security concerns.

"So, I will advise those comparing the two scenarios to remember that one was purely about security threats resulting from the insurgency caused by Boko Haram, while that of Rivers is clearly political.

“It was the proper thing to do to suspend the political actors in the two factions to allow for tensions to diffuse. Nigerians should appreciate the President for the action he has taken so far,” he stated.

Sen. Karimi also noted that there was no cause for alarm as the National Assembly had indicated that the emergency rule could be reviewed as soon as there were signs that things could quickly normalise in Rivers State.

One person has been reportedly killed following renewed hostilities between Ifon and Ilobu communities in Osun State over disputed lands.

One person has been reportedly killed following renewed hostilities between Ifon and Ilobu communities in Osun State over disputed lands.

The Spokesperson to Olufon of Ifon, Mr. Akeeb Adekunle, alleged that the crisis has been brewing since last week following a series of attacks on Indigenes of Ifon by Ilobu, which were reported at the police station without any succor.

His words, “The incident escalated last night with hoodlums from Ilobu invading some of the disputed areas, especially Apenponroro burning a Primary Health Centre and residential buildings.

“An old woman was killed in the community and her body burnt in her house. Our people are running for their safety presently”.

Also, Chief Adegoke Ogunsola alleged that hoodlums from Ifon had been terrorizing Ilobu indigenes in the area and attempted to kidnap a victim before some people rescued him after crying for help.

“We have reported several attacks in the Apenponroro area in Ilobu by Ifon hoodlums to the Police, but we have not received any help. But Yesterday night, the hoodlums invaded the Ilobu community, shooting sporadically into the air and burning houses till this morning.

“We urge security operatives to come to our aide soonest to avoid carnage in the community,” he said.

Reacting, Osun Police spokesperson Akeem Adeoti said police have been deployed to curtail the ongoing crisis in the area.

Citing the need to restore law and order, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State for an initial six months.

Tinubu announced the nomination of retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the Rivers State administrator to steer the affairs of the state.

A few hours after the declaration, soldiers took over the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt.

An insider said the governor was still in his official residence in the Government House when the troops swarmed over the premises around 9 pm.

The source stated, “Well, as I speak to you now, there are soldiers inside Government House but the governor is in his residence.”

Also, an Armoured Personnel Carrier was stationed at the entrance of the seat of power in the state overlooking the road.

Our correspondent, who visited the Government House along Azikiwe Road in Port Harcourt, at about 9pm observed several Sports Utility Vehicles outside the main gate with full lights on.

It could not be ascertained if the governor was about to leave the Government House.

Tension in Rivers

In many parts of the Port Harcourt metropolis, residents and motorists were seen rushing home to their families immediately after the news of the state of emergency filtered in.

People were also seen on the streets discussing the latest issue as some residents expressed dismay over the announcement and blamed the political actors for what happened.

Tinubu justifies action

In his broadcast, the President Tinubu said he was disturbed by the unfolding events in the state, which appeared to have defied political solutions, stalled development and progress and denied the people of the state the dividends of democracy.

He said,  “In the circumstance,  having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th  March, 2025 and I so do.

“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.”

The President clarified that the emergency declaration did not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which will continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate.

According to him, the Administrator will not make any new laws but is free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.

The declaration, he added, had been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which had been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution.

‘’It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole,’’ the President stated.

The declaration came a few hours after Tinubu summoned an emergency meeting with his service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa following double blasts at two different oil pipelines in Rivers State.

The meeting, which began at 3:00 pm, was attended by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Directors General of the State Security Service, Mr Adeola Ajayi and the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.

Also in attendance were the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, and other top government officials.

Fubara urges calm

Responding to his suspension by the President, Fubara, in a statement he personally signed, called for calm, saying, “We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.”

In the statement titled, “Press Release by the Executive Governor of Rivers State,” the suspended governor blamed the members of the state Assembly loyal to Wike, saying they frustrated all his attempts to comply with the verdict of the Supreme Court.

Fubara said, “My dear Rivers People, I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.

Since assuming office as your governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.

“We prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear state.

“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.

“This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.

“Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgment to return the state to normalcy.

“These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.

“Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.

“Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.

“Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the state forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.

“At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.

“We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.”

Explosions rock pipelines

Between late Monday and Tuesday double blasts were recorded at two different oil pipelines in Rivers State.

The first explosion rocked a section of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The TNP is a federal transport line that supplies crude oil to the Bonny Export Terminal in Rivers State.

The incident occurred late on Monday night near the Bodo-Bonny Road under construction.

It comes hours after the Rivers State House of Assembly served notice of misconduct against Fubara, an action seen as laying the ground for his planned impeachment by the lawmakers loyal to ex-Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

However, community sources attributed it to illegal bunkering, but Shell is yet to make any official statement on the incident.

A video seen by one of our correspondents showed a massive fire in a forest location.

Another explosion was reported on Tuesday morning at a pipeline manifold in Omwawriwa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The latest incident was said to be on a manifold connecting a federal line in the area, which transports crude oil to Brass in Bayelsa State.

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the explosion and arrested two suspects in connection with the incident.

This came as some youths blocked the East-West Road in protest over the political crisis in the state.

The PUNCH could not be confirmed if the blasts were connected to threats issued by some militant groups to attack oil installations on account of the political crisis in Rivers State.

However, the police have launched a thorough investigation into the matter, the spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday.

Iringe-Koko said operatives moved to the scene and contacted the operator, Shell, which shut down the pipeline.

The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that a fire incident occurred at the Shell Petroleum Development Company operated Trans Niger Delta Pipeline, located at the border of Kpor and Bodo communities.

“During a routine night patrol, security operatives observed the incident and promptly alerted SPDC management. The latter initiated necessary safety protocols, including shutting down the affected pipeline.

"As a result of swift intervention, the situation is now under control, and there is no further threat to residents or the environment.

“The Rivers State Police Command has commenced a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire. In connection with this, two individuals have been taken in for questioning as part of efforts to uncover any potential act of sabotage.’’

Political crisis

Fubara and 27 lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, have been involved in a face-off which has heightened tension in the state.

Though the President intervened, the crisis escalated as Fubara, the lawmakers and Wike failed to reach an agreement.

Fubara demolished the state  Assembly after it was bombed on October 29, 2023, thus preventing the opposition lawmakers from sitting.

He also presented the 2024 budget before four legislators loyal to him, stating that the pro-Wike lawmakers had defected from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

However, a Rivers State High Court ruled that the 27 lawmakers remained valid members of the PDP.

On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court affirmed the judgments of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, both in Abuja, which had earlier declared the acts against the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly members as unlawful and illegal.

A N10m fine was imposed on Fubara to be paid to the assembly and the 27 members who instituted the suit against him.

The Federal High Court had held that the receipt and disbursement of monthly allocations since January last year by the governor was a Constitutional aberration that must not be allowed to continue.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik who delivered the Federal High Court judgment, had last year issued an order that the presentation of the 2024 budget by Fubara before a four-member Rivers House of Assembly was an affront to the Constitutional provision.

Specifically, the judge had said that Fubara’s action in implementing unlawful budget smacked gross violations of the 1999 Constitution he swore to protect.

The judge had restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria, Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank and Access Bank from further allowing Fubara to access money from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account.

Affirming the judgment, the Supreme Court ordered the CBN and the AGF to stop further release of financial allocations to the Rivers State  Government with immediate effect.

The apex court directed that the order shall be in force until Fubara stopped all his illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional activities.

Specifically, the court said that no money shall be released to the state government until a lawful Appropriation Law is enacted under Amaewhule as the speaker.

Justice Emmanuel Agim, who delivered the judgment, also ordered the 27 lawmakers to resume immediately.

The apex court lambasted the governor for engaging in criminal activity of demolishing the House of Assembly with impunity just to prevent the 27 legislators in the house from sitting to carry out lawful activities.

Fubara in his reaction pledged to comply with the judgment.

Impeachment moves

On Monday, the state Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy.

The Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly served Fubara and Odu with a notice of alleged gross misconduct, signalling an imminent impeachment process.

The notice listing the alleged misconduct sent to the Speaker was a sequel to a letter dated March 14, 2025, signed by 26 members of the Assembly.

Amaewhule sent the notice in two separate letters he signed on Monday, March 17, 2025 and addressed to the governor and his deputy.

 The development heightened the political tension in the state, as some Ijaw groups had threatened a crisis in the region if Fubara is impeached.

The groups- Ijaw National Congress, the Ijaw Youth Council and other groups expressed strong opposition to the potential impeachment of Fubara, who is of Ijaw descent.

They warned that such actions could lead to unrest, emphasising their commitment to defending the governor’s mandate and cautioning that his removal might destabilise the region and affect oil production.

Alluding to these developments, Tinubu in his broadcast also cited the Supreme Court judgment which held that 27 members of the House who had allegedly defected “are still valid members of Rivers State House of Assembly and cannot be prevented from participating in the proceedings of that House by the 8th Respondent (that is, the Governor) in cohorts with four members”

Noting the threat by some militants to attack oil facilities, the President disclosed that the security reports made available to him showed that between Monday and Tuesday, there had been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militants without the governor taking any action to curtail them.

He stated, ‘’Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against the perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now not disowned them. Apart from that, both the House and the governor have not been able to work together.

‘’Both of them do not realise that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governance of the state.

‘’The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday (Monday) and today (Tuesday), there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militants without the governor taking any action to curtail them.

‘’I have, of course, given stern orders to the security agencies to ensure the safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines.

‘’With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security.’’

- Punch 

The biggest reaction to the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State and suspension of Gov Sim Fubara seems to come from Bayelsa State where the ex-governor has rejected the declaration.

Seriake Dickson, who was also a senator, has issued a statement saying he never would support a declaration that would remove an elected governor. He also said it appeared the Ijaw nation was targeted.

Dickson said: “This evening, like all Nigerians, I was taken aback by the broadcast from the president over the political disputes in Rivers State. I do not support the declaration of a state of emergency, especially when that is taken to mean that the Governor and his deputy will vacate their seats for six months.

“I don’t believe that is the intendment of the constitution, and that has been my position on matters like this even when we had a PDP President. I have always opposed declarations of emergency in states that meant that their governors would vacate their offices, and this is no exception.

"I have always had the view that even with the declaration of a state of emergency in a state, the elected government must be protected and need not be removed.”

The ex-governor said he spent all his adult life fighting and defending his people, even when leaders, out of envy and wickedness, sponsored propaganda and misinformation. “When I was leaving as governor, and because I knew the anti-democratic and anti-Ijaw forces in our region and in the country, having fought and defeated them, knowing their strengths, strategies and their determination, I brought in a successor. He did not tell me he wanted to be a governor.

“I brought him in to lead and protect our people with our support, because he was part of the Ijaw movement.

“While managing a recession for six years during my 8-year tenure, I worked and made a mark in all sectors of our State. We raised and maintained countless number of people — men, women and youths, with less than N500 million monthly after paying half salaries in a recession.

"We still stopped the brutal federal forces from taking over the state in 2015, 2019 general elections, and 2020 governorship election where I sponsored all candidates with the support of our friends and allies.”

He asked: “Is this what has become of the Ijaw nation that we all staked everything to build?

“It is a sad day for all democrats. It’s a sad day for Rivers State, and a sad day for our people. I urge everyone to put on their thinking caps. I urge our people to lift up their spirits as we will get over this together.”

Meanwhile, Afam Osigwe, SAN, President, Nigerian Bar Association, has outrightly rejected the declaration of state of emergency saying it is unconstitutional, whether it is suspension or summary removal.

Mr Akpabio is sued for himself and on behalf of all members of the Senate.

The Senate recently suspended Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, after she reportedly ‘spoke without permission’ and ‘refused her new seat in the Senate chamber.’ Her salary and allowances have also been withheld for the duration of the suspension, and she has been barred from identifying herself as a senator.

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to rescind the unlawful suspension of Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, reinstate her, and fully restore all her legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges.”

SERAP is seeking: “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Senate from further suspending or taking any disciplinary action against Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for the peaceful exercise of her fundamental human rights.”

SERAP is also seeking “a declaration that the application of sections 6(1)(2) of the Senate Rules, the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), to suspend Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan violates her human rights and deprives her constituents of their right to political participation.”

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “Granting this application would serve the public interest and promote respect for the rights of everyone in the National Assembly.”

SERAP is arguing that, “No one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission’. Being a senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights. The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting human rights, not stamping them out.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “Punishing Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for peacefully expressing herself is unlawful, unnecessary and disproportionate. Her suspension would also have a disproportionate chilling effect on the ability of other members of the Senate to freely express themselves and exercise their human rights.”

According to SERAP, “Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is based solely on the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression in the Senate. All the other grounds cited by the Senate for her suspension seem to be a pretext to further restrict her fundamental human rights.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “Suspending Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan for peacefully exercising her right to freedom of expression has made her opinion in the Senate ineffective.”

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Mrs Adelanke Aremo, read in part: “No member of the Senate should suffer any consequences for peacefully exercising their freedom of expression.”

“Any application of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 by the Senate must conform with constitutional and international human rights norms and standards relating to freedom of expression and should not jeopardise the right itself.”

“A higher degree of tolerance is expected when it is a political speech and an even higher threshold is required when it is directed towards government officials including members of the Senate.”

“The unlawful restriction of Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to freedom of expression has indirectly violated Nigerians’ right to receive information and ideas and seriously undermined the right of her constituency to political participation.”

"Given the impracticality of direct participation of all citizens, article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides that a citizen shall exercise political power either directly or through freely chosen representatives.”

“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate has restricted and seriously undermined the ability of the residents of her Kogi Central Senatorial District to effectively participate in their own government.”

“The Senate has the obligations to uphold the rule of law and the provisions of section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Nigeria’s obligations under article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”

“Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] provides that, ‘(1) Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.’”

“Under Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights: ‘1. Every individual shall have the right to receive information. 2. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.’”

"Article 9 (1) and (2) are substantively similar because the right ‘to receive information’ is derived from the ‘right to express and disseminate’ one’s opinions.”

“The Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa, in Principle II (2) provides that ‘any restrictions on freedom of expression shall be provided for by law, serve a legitimate interest and be necessary and in a democratic society’.”

“Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides that, ‘Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law.’”

“The right to express one’s opinion is of paramount importance, not only because it oils the engine of a representative democracy but also because it creates a free and open environment.”

“The right to freedom of expression is a fundamental individual human right which is also a cornerstone of democracy and a means of ensuring the respect for all human rights and freedoms.”

"The Human Rights Council, the body charged with monitoring implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights has stressed that any limitations or restrictions to freedom of expression should be applied strictly so that they do ‘not put in jeopardy the right itself.’”

“Article 19(1) of the Covenant establishes the right to freedom of opinion without interference. Article 19(2) establishes the Senate’s obligations to respect and ensure ‘the right to freedom of expression,’ which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, either orally or in writing.”

“The Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) should not and cannot set aside Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to express herself and disseminate her opinions which is clearly guaranteed in section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and under the human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Obasanjo said this in one his two books released recently to mark his 88th birthday.

The book is titled “Nigeria: Past and Future.”

In chapter 14 of his new book, the former President lamented that the dignity, honour and distinction associated with Nigeria’s traditional institution in the colonial days and early post-independence days, have been “diluted and polluted.”

Obasanjo said, “Today, there are criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits and kidnappers as so-called traditional rulers.

“This is a great pity, and it has greatly contributed to the problems of Nigeria by traditional rulers. How do we account for a traditional ruler snatching a ballot box at an election polling station and running away with it?

“The class of traditional rulers with their distinction, honour and dignity, as we knew them in the colonial days and early post-independence days, has been diluted and polluted.

“That dignity, aura and respect should be brought back and traditional rulers should be an asset to Nigeria’s development and greatness and not a liability.

“There is a need for moral re-armament among the traditional rulers – the ancient and historic ones. And they can and should make meaningful contributions to the Nigeria of our dreams that will serve the purpose and interest of all.”

Obasanjo also warned that Nigeria may experience violent change of power if the country continues in the current trajectory of maladministration.

He said the country is blessed with talented and hardworking youths, but the young population is disenchanted with the mismanagement of the nation’s commonwealth, large-scale corruption, and leadership ineptitude.

He said “Current trends on the continent portray a more assertive, younger population, intolerant of abuses of power and in search of the dividends of good governance, such that whether or not we accept it, an inevitable shake-up is in the offing.

“In what manner that happens is left for the current operatives of government to decide or fashion out. That is why my clarion call for a domesticated system of governance that reflects our temperament, context, content, culture, and exigencies is urgent.

“We are currently sitting on a ticking time bomb partly because of the system we practise, how corruptly we practise it, and how exclusively we practise it with impunity, callousness, brazen outrage and total disregard for any element of righteousness, integrity, accountability, sensitivity, compassion, inclusiveness and the fear of God.

“If the incumbent leaders do not shape up and satisfy the yearnings and demands of their people, especially the youths, who are disappointed, dissatisfied, bitter, hungry, angry, unemployed and unempowered, then the future is indeed very bleak, with no light at the end of the tunnel.

“These young people watch helplessly as their leaders tell them blatant lies unabashedly, while continuing their orgies of vulgar and ostentatious lifestyles rather than investing the money from the nation’s commonwealth in SMEs to create jobs and generate wealth.

“Should we have the misfortune of pushing these young people to the point of crossing the Rubicon, the country will pay a very high cost because a chain of events will be unleashed, the end of which no one can predict.

“We have no better time for change than now before change is forced upon us. It was JF Kennedy, former president of the United States of America, who, in 1962, said that those who make peaceful change impossible will make violent change inevitable. I am not calling for violent change, but it will become a reality if we continue on the present trajectory.

“Let us set aside lies, illusions, delusions, dishonesty and scapegoatism. Let us face reality and deal sincerely with ourselves, among ourselves, by ourselves and for ourselves.

“Sadly, for Africa, this grave and worrying concern is not just a Nigerian phenomenon but an entire African malady.

“It is now in its autumn of incubation, and if it does not receive serious attention, it will metamorphose into a destructive pandemic in its winter and spread across the continent.

“To ignore the warning and the writing on the wall is to continue to dance slow foxtrot while our trousers are burning. The day of reckoning may not be too far, but like the Biblical second coming of Jesus Christ, who can tell when that will happen?”

- Daily Trust 

There is pandemonium in Gwer West Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state as irate youths Tuesday morning burnt down the Local Government Council Secretariat in Naka and the Palace of the Chairman of Gwer West traditional council, HRH Daniel Abomtse, over the alleged murder of three members of the Civil Protection Guards by suspected armed herdsmen on Monday.

The angry mob also allegedly razed other properties in the town including the hotel belonging to the lawmaker representing Benue North West District in the Senate, Senator Titus Zam.

It was gathered that the angry youths took to the streets as early as 7am when the bodies of the three murdered local security personnel were brought to Naka for burial.

According to the source who spoke on condition of anonymity, “The youths were not only angered by the murder of the  three local security personnel but by the fact that the government is not doing enough to check the unending incursions and killing in Gwer West LGA by armed herdsmen.

“What you see happening today is a revolt and demonstration of bottled up anger over the activities of armed herdsmen in Gwer West communities and the failure of the authorities to check the menace.”

Confirming the development, Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Omirin, said the protest which was started by the youths in Naka was later hijacked by hoodlums, “and they burnt down the Local Government secretariat and the Ter Nagi’s palace.”

He explained that the crisis was triggered by “the murder of three members of Civil Protection Guards who were killed in Gyaluwa community by armed herdsmen, so when their bodies were brought to Naka, it sparked protest from the youths which was taken over by hoodlums.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, Joseph Har, who confirmed that the attacked community was the home of the Security Adiviser to the Governor (External) Col. Alex Ashungyu (retd) told our correspondent: “He called and told me that the secretariat was burnt. I was also told that after burning the secretariat, they proceeded towards Abomtse’s palace and Zam’s hotel but I have not heard the latest.”

Har, who could not confirm that the murdered trio were members of the Civil Protection Guards, said: “If they were farmers, hunters or local fighters, I do not know.”

Efforts to reach Col. Ashungyu were unsuccessful but the Chairman of the Gwer West Traditional Council and Ter Tyoshin, HRH Daniel Abomtse who said he travelled for medical check-up confirmed the razing of his palace and other valuable in his residence.

“I travelled for medical check-up only to hear that the boys this morning razed the Local Secretariat and my palace and other valuables including three vehicles and motorcycles that were within the premises of the palace were all burnt. But I am driving back to Naka as we speak.”

Confirming the development in a brief statement the Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent, CSP, Catherine Anene said: “Information has been received about an on going protest in Naka and the Commissioner of  Police moved this morning to the area with other tactical teams. Further development will be communicated to you please.”

Behind closed doors, violence is growing in relationships. Abuse is turning into deadly fights, with some instances tragically leading to the untimely death of one or both partners. Alarmingly, statistics reveal that women are disproportionately affected, suffering a higher rate of fatal outcomes compared to their male counterparts.

In January 2025 alone, there were four reported femicide cases, while five other women were disfigured. Between October and December 2024, 23 Nigerian women were sent to their early graves by their lovers. This figure was retrieved from reported cases in different media outlets.

Housewife set ablaze

One of the January incidents occurred on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, after a middle-aged man, Sunday Nwana, reportedly set his wife, Chioma Nwana, ablaze over allegations of infidelity, in Eziezekwe community, Abagana, in the Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State. Chioma, who sustained severe burns, was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries the following morning.

A similar incident occurred the same month in Benin City, Edo State. In this case, a fight broke out between a newly wedded couple, whose romance was supposed to still be sweet. But the man, Kelvin Izekor, is now behind bars for allegedly killing his pregnant wife, Success Izekor.

A viral video showed police officers and residents removing Success’ lifeless body from their apartment. The video revealed the horrific extent of her injuries, with deep machete wounds visible on her head.

Also on January 14, 2025, Saheed Ganiyu, a 47-year-old vulcanizer, allegedly set his girlfriend, Esther, ablaze in Abuja. Fortunately, Esther survived the horrific attack, but the physical and emotional scars will remain.

Twenty-four hours earlier, Nigerians woke up to yet another devastating news of a 24-year-old National Youth Service Corp member, Salome Adaidu, who was killed by her fiance, Timileyin Ajayi, in Nasarawa State. In this case, her head was severed while the rest of her body was chopped in bits and bagged. During interrogation, the suspect accused the late Adaidu of being unfaithful.

Additionally, on Sunday morning of January 26, 2025, while other Christian faithful were preparing for their respective places of worship, a heated argument broke out between a couple – Mr Sunday and Mrs. Chinonso Echegi, in their apartment in Nsukka, Enugu State. In the process, Sunday allegedly chopped off his wife’s left hand with a knife.

Investigation shows that an average of eight cases of domestic violence happened between September and December 2024, in Nigeria. Statistics at our disposal revealed that nine cases of femicide were reported in September, with two incidents each, in Ogun and Kogi states and one each, in Adamawa, Ondo, Edo, Delta and Anambra states.

Surprisingly, it was discovered during investigation that domestic violence between unmarried lovers has a higher ratio of 55.6%, when compared to those in marriage, with 33.3% reported cases of domestic violence.

Intimate partner violence affected women aged 25-38 and non-intimate partner violence and domestic violence affected women and girls aged 17-38.

The most heartbreaking reported case of femicide was that of Christana Idowu, a 21-year-old 300-level student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) who was allegedly killed by Ayomide Adeleye, a student at the Olabisi Onabanjo University , OOU, Ogun State. Another victim, Ogechukwu Okafor,was allegedly stabbed to death by her husband, Elijah Ibeabuchi, in Anambra State.

Among the non-intimate femicide incidents that occurred in the period under review was that of the murder of Damilola Olowoyo, a 19-year-old student of the Federal University of Lokoja , Kogi State, who was allegedly murdered by Jeremiah Samson who had earlier kidnapped her and collected a ransom of N400,000 from her parents.

In November and December, 14 cases of femicide were reported in Nigeria. Ten of these cases were reported in November and four in December 2024. A breakdown of the incidents revealed that Enugu state had the highest record with four cases, two cases were reported in Adamawa and Ogun states respectively, while one case each was reported in Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi , Jigawa, and Plateau states.

In one of the cases reported in December 2024, one Malami Gebawa from Durbawa village in Kware Local Government Area, Sokoto State, allegedly broke his wife’s right leg and hand for attending a clinic without his permission.

Reactions

Suggesting ways to sensitize members of the public on the menace of domestic violence, Founder of Mirabel Center, Itoro Eze-Anaba, said there was need for every Nigerian to have knowledge on domestic violence and its consequences to the victim or survivor and the perpetrator.

She stated that the media also had a role to play in this regard. According to her: “the role of the media goes beyond reporting, to agenda setting and holding the government accountable. The church, the school, community associations, professional bodies, employers, and labour unions should all engage in sensitization to curb the menace of domestic violence”.

While noting that the menace transcended beyond regions, she lamented that “cultural and societal norms prevent women from speaking out. Undue emphasis on marriage as being the symbol of success for women is a contributing factor. Where marriage is seen as an achievement, fear of being seen as a ‘failure’ also prevents women in abusive relationships from leaving those relationships.

In many instances, there is generational violence, as a child who sees his mother being abused by his father also goes on to abuse his wife, believing that violence is normal in relationships. Punishing abusers is a process that starts with reporting the incident to the police and ends with the sentencing of the perpetrator by the court based on available evidence beyond all reasonable doubt.

In this process, so many individuals and institutions are involved. It is important that all stakeholders in this process have the resources and the capacity to fulfill their responsibilities towards holding the perpetrator accountable and keeping the survivor safe. Where there is a gap or lack of capacity by any of the institutions involved, then it is difficult to ‘punish the abusers”, she said.

She therefore called for all hands to be on deck, “starting from the home, the community, law enforcement, judiciary, and other institutions working together to protect the survivor and hold the perpetrator accountable”, Eze-Anaba stated.

Impact on children

Speaking on how domestic violence affects children who witness it, Nneka Okeleke, an educationist and child advocate, said, “every child deserves a peaceful and blissful environment, where love and unity dwell, but when it is vice versa, the child begins to see violence as the best way to resolve conflicts.

It becomes difficult for them to associate with other children peacefully. They see every opportunity to fight and be brutal, especially those whose parents go as far as indulging themselves in using weapons and tools against the other. I have seen cases like this. In fact, while such children are involved, their parent(s) fuel the chaos even more.

“Secondly, depression shapes their lives. Children who are raised in an abusive and traumatic environment might grow to become depressed, anxious, less expressive, and toxic individuals, and this can last for a longer time. Another predominant factor is that violence becomes a pattern in the lives of these children and might extend from one generation to the other except for the interference of God. There are cases when people mention that their fathers beat their mothers, and that makes them think that the only language that a woman understands is violence, especially the stubborn ones and vice versa.

“The effects of domestic violence are incredibly deep and lasting. Addressing these issues requires the cooperation of both parents and teachers to show children that being involved is not the way forward. That is why parents should do better and ensure that their arguments or conflicts should be settled behind closed doors. Teachers should ensure that any child caught bullying another must be sanctioned and enlightened on the negative impact domestic violence has on a child and the society at large.”

What the laws say

Speaking on the effectiveness of Nigeria’s laws in protecting victims of domestic violence, a legal practitioner and dispute resolution lawyer, Timothy Olamide, defined domestic violence as behavior directed towards a family or household member that could cause a reasonable person to feel traumatized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or assaulted.

Making reference to the constitution, Timothy noted that, “statutorily, section 18(g) of the Protection Against Domestic Violence Law of Lagos State, 2007, defines domestic violence to mean physical abuse, sexual abuse, and exploitation, including but not limited to rape, incest, and sexual assault; starvation; emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse; economic abuse and exploitation; denial of basic education; intimidation; harassment; stalking; hazardous attacks, including acid, both with offensive and poisonous substances; and damage to property, among others.

The above definition of domestic violence by the Protection Against Domestic Violence Law of Lagos State, 2007, means domestic violence is not limited to the cases cited. It means the definition accommodates other acts that the law did not contemplate at the time of its enactment by the government of Lagos State. Domestic violence is prevalent in Nigeria, hence the enactment of several laws both by the states and federal governments to curb the perpetration of the act of violence in the country.

“The laws not only frown upon the act of domestic violence but also provide for punishment at various degrees for those found guilty of perpetrating the act and provide compensation for the victims of domestic violence or their family members who are dependent on the victims where the victim dies in the course of domestic violence”.

Research according to him, showed that the lack of appropriate and satisfactory response from law enforcement officials was a huge gap in the fight against domestic and sexual violence, especially in Nigeria, as the majority of cases end up settled out of court.

According to him, “The law enforcement agencies often trivialize cases of domestic violence and give them little or no attention. This is because they seem to have more serious crimes to handle, than issues like domestic violence, which, in its true sense, is a serious crime, as sometimes the victim of domestic violence can die.”

A devastating incident occurred at a welding workshop in the Asimolowo area of Ifo, Ogun State, resulting in the electrocution of 23-year-old apprentice Jonathan Emmanuel.

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three individuals in connection with the tragic event: Oladokun Johnson, a welder; Azeez Salami, a truck driver; and Olaleye Kamaldeen, the truck owner.

According to reports, Jonathan Emmanuel’s father, Mr. Abah Emmanuel, notified the Ifo Divisional Police Headquarters about the incident on Thursday, March 6, 2024, at approximately 6 pm.

He had received information from Salami, the truck driver and Jonathan’s master, about the electrocution.

The police swiftly responded to the report, dispatching officers to the scene to assist in evacuating the victim to the General Hospital.

Unfortunately, the doctor on duty confirmed that Jonathan Emmanuel was brought in dead.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Oladokun Johnson, the welder, was working on a container at his workshop using a welding machine with an exposed live wire.

This negligence created a hazardous environment that ultimately led to the tragic incident.

At the time of the incident, Olaleye Kamaldeen, the truck owner, had arrived with a minibus carrying about ten truck rims for offloading.

As Azeez Salami, the truck driver, Olaleye Kamaldeen, and Jonathan Emmanuel were rolling the rims towards the truck, one of the rims came into contact with the exposed wire, resulting in Jonathan’s immediate electrocution.

The police have recovered the welding machine and exposed wire as exhibits. The welder, truck owner, and driver have been arrested and are currently in custody as investigations continue.

The case will be transferred to the SCID for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Ogun State Police Command has strongly advised business owners and artisans to prioritize workplace safety measures to prevent such tragic and avoidable incidents.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring a safe working environment.

The police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.

The community is also being encouraged to report any concerns or hazards in their workplaces to prevent similar tragedies.

As the investigation unfolds, the Ogun State Police Command is committed to ensuring that justice is served and that those responsible for Jonathan Emmanuel’s electrocution are held accountable.

The spokesperson for the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC), Kingsley Okotie, has confirmed the early morning invasion by over 12 personnel from the Air Force base located in Sam Ethnan Barracks, Ikeja, Lagos

According to Okotie, who spoke to Vanguard on the phone, over 12 personnel stormed the IKEDC office with their truck and began flogging the company’s staff. He said, “They came in with their truck, beating the staff of our company. They even took my laptop, and now most staff can’t find their phones since they left. They came in around 8 a.m. this morning, Thursday, March 6th, 2025.”

Explaining the reason for their invasion, Okotie added, “We disconnected their electricity 10 days ago because they are owing us over N4 billion, they were disconnected, and this is what we got.

“They molested and assaulted our staff. They went away with about 16 of our vehicles with our drivers driving them at one point, they destroyed all our offices, stole laptops, phones, and destroyed all our IT infrastructure, blinding all the cameras CCTV”.

Internal crisis is imminent in the Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the South-South Zonal Secretary, George Turnah and the state Chairman Mr Solomon Agwanana engage in a war of words.

Since his emergence as the Zonal Secretary at the PDP Zonal Congress in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, the state party leadership had been at daggers drawn with Turnah.

The state party leadership, in a letter dated March 5th signed by Agwanana, the party Secretary, Gesiye Isowo, and Publicity Secretary, Ebiye Ogoli, had accused Turnah of recruiting party officials from the ward, local government, and state levels in a bid to form a parallel party structure and instigate crisis in the party.

The party, therefore, warned party officials of their relationship with Turnah, threatening to sanction those found to be fraternising with him.

However, Turnah in a swift reaction through a statement titled: “Time for Change Has Arrived”, by his media assistant, Kevin Loveday-Egbo declared that the Agwanana-led faction of the party should brace up for an “avoidable transformation within the party’’.

Turnah, who denied any intention to cause division in the party, asserted that Agwanana’s time as party chairman was up, noting that the party had declined due to ‘’’Agwanana’s poor leadership, underscoring the urgent need to rescue it from potential collapse’’.

According to him, the party has been losing committed members to the opposition due to Agwanana’s leadership failure and promotion of factionalism in the party.

Turnah called on Governor Douye Diri not to allow himself to be misled by Agwanana’s deceptive strategies, stressing that the “disappointing turnout’’ of SEC members at its recent meeting was clear evidence of ‘’widespread distrust and dissatisfaction within the party.’’

He sounded a note of caution to party members to urgently unite for action and save the party from further deterioration and work towards restoring its integrity by enthroning authentic leadership that truly represents the interests of the people.

As leaders of this party, we must save it from Agwanana’s incompetence and ineffective leadership, which lacks fundamental knowledge and skills in party management. If Agwana understood the level of dissatisfaction among party members, he would see that he and his allies have become mere shadows of their former selves. Change is here and it is inevitable,” Turnah added.

He therefore called on leaders of the party in the state and beyond to recognise the critical moment the party has found itself and push for a new direction that prioritises accountability and effective governance.

ABUJA – The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has once again resubmitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.

This time, she submitted the petition on behalf of her constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu.

Following the presentation, Senate President Akpabio inquired whether there were any legal impediments to accepting the petition.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan responded that there were none. At 12:38 PM, Akpabio instructed her to formally lay the petition before the Senate.

The petition was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), with a directive to report back to the plenary within four weeks after legislative review.

This development follows a similar petition submitted by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the previous day, which sparked controversy. The Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), had raised a point of order, citing Senate Standing Order 40.

He argued that the matter could not be entertained or referred to the Ethics Committee, as it was sub judice due to an ongoing court case involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President.

Monguno also contended that the petition could not be considered since Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had personally signed it.

As a result, the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed the petition, declaring it “dead on arrival.”

This latest petition adds to the ongoing tensions between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio.

Just last Thursday, a heated confrontation erupted in the Senate chamber when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio. She arrived at the session to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned, prompting her to demand an explanation for what she perceived as an unjustified move.

A community leader in Umudioka village, Awka, Chief Michael Nwobu, 83, has been murdered in his residence, 27, Okolobu Street, Umudioka Village, Awka, Anambra State, by unknown persons.

The incident happened last Sunday when the hoodlums gained access to his residence after his family members had gone to church.

According to his first son, Mr Nnaemeka Nwobu, who is based in South Korea, “I got a call on Sunday that my father, Chief Michael Nwobu was murdered Sunday. My father was supposed to go as a witness in the High Court Awka on the 5th of March 2025 over the land dispute between Mr. Patrick Nwobu and Mr Nnamdi Nnaemeka but he was killed on March 2. I was told he was stabbed several times.

“I suspect that they hired some cultists to kill my father. The killer almost cut off his head. The Nigeria police command in Awka is still investigating the circumstances surrounding his murder. They have not said anything for now.

“I am not happy about the killing of my father, the way he died and I can’t imagine how he was trying to survive, struggling to stay alive when they were killing him. I want justice from the police and the government over the killing of this innocent man. My late father, Chief Michael Chinweze Nnaemeka Nwobu was a man of justice. May God help us.”

Another statement by the victim’s son, Nnaemeka Kene Joseph to the police read: “I strongly suspect some of our family members because of the case they have in court with him. There was a threat to overthrow his leadership of the family before he was killed and that is all I have to say. I am also suspecting some of the tenants who were present in the house at the time of the incident.”

ABUJA — THE National Women Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, has called for the suspension of the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, over an alleged sexual harassment against one of its members.

The SSANU Women have called on the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wives of governors, the National Assembly Assembly, the Ministers of Education and Women Affairs and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, among others to intervene and threatened to stage a protest to the National Assembly if nothing was done against the Vice Chancellor.

But the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Fasina, has said he is innocent of the allegation, claiming that he never harassed the lady in question sexually and that the Police that investigated the allegation have given him a clean report.

The Vice Chancellor, who described the allegation as mere blackmail and campaign of calumny, further said that the lady had exonerated him through a statement she made before the Police on the same subject matter that she was not sexually assaulted.

Although, Vanguard gathered that both the SSANU member and the Vice Chancellor are facing a nine man panel set up by the University’s Governing Council, to look into the weighty allegation, the Vice Chancellor has claimed that the lady in the petition she sent to the Council did not mention anything like sexual harassment.

“So for me it is a blackmail, it’s a lie from the pit of hell. We need to be fair in handling people’s cases, you don’t begin to blackmail and ruin somebody’s reputation for goodness sake.

“The point is that I am innocent of the allegation, it’s not true. In all her writing to the Council, she didn’t mention anything like sexual harassment. What’s happening is a defamation of character,” the VC said.

Addressing journalists after SSANU’s 50th Regular National Executive Council, NEC, meeting at the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, the National Women Committee of the association said that the suspension of the Vice Chancellor had become imperative in order to allow for a free and fair investigation of the matter.

In the prepared text read by its National Women Coordinator and Chairperson for the Committee, Comrade Ijeoma Basil Kalu, the women expressed dismay and dissatisfaction on the lingering issue on sexual harassment on one of its own by the Vice Chancellor.

They claimed that their colleague, who is said to be a Deputy Director in Works Department, ‘categorically’ rebuked the VC and refused the alleged persistence advances, which they said “is clearly a case of sexual harassment.”

According to them: “This despicable act is not just a gross violation of our members dignity and fundamental human right but a shameful abuse of power that erodes the moral fabric of our academic institutions and by extension our female members.”

Some other demands made by the SSANU Women Committee include: “The immediate re-composition of the Council Committee already set up to investigate the matter and the re-construction of the Committee’s Terms of Reference which is tilted towards fault finding and not resolving the matter

The immediate reversal of the suspension of the Branch Chairperson and Secretary Comrade Ben Faleye and Ayomikun Aluko who were only acting in the line of their duties

“The safety and security of our members as they are victims of sexual harassment and intimidation in the work place.”

“They called for speedy determination of the matter in a non prejudiced manner by the Governing Council of the University.

“We call on the office of the first lady (Federal) and (State), Minister of Education, Minister of Women Affairs, Nigeria Labour Congress Women Commission, the Gender Mobile, the ICPC, Stand Up for Women Society, FIDA and all other appropriate and concerned bodies to dispassionately look into the matter and see that justice is served as appropriate.

“Lastly, we stand in full solidarity with our members and all other victims of sexual Harassment as we will continue to fight and advocate for a safe and just working environment. Enough is enough justice must prevail.”

But the Vice Chancellor in his reaction said: “This matter has been investigated by the Police and they have given me a clean report that I didn’t commit any offence of sexual harassment . In fact, the lady wrote in her own handwriting to say that there was no sexual harassment, the husband was with her, she was the one that said it not me.

“The Council has already set up a committee in this matter and the committee has invited the two of us, we have faced the committee. So I don’t want to be subjudice in this matter, I don’t want to say more than that because once a committee is in place to investigate, you have to be very careful, you must not talk to bias the committee.”

When contacted on the matter, the Pro Chancellor of the University and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, said that he was waiting for the panel set up to investigate the matter to submit its report

“My position is that we should find a way to resolve this problem.as soon as we are able to take the report of the panel. I am not in the business of making people unhappy or uncomfortable,” he said.

During a press conference held in Abuja on Sunday, Comrade Olalere Benedit, the Deputy Director of Publicity for SSN, asserted that this campaign involves the creation of AI-generated voice recordings and manipulated videos designed to disseminate false information about Senator Akpabio.

The group claims that this alleged initiative is part of a larger strategy to discredit the Senate President and erode the integrity of the National Assembly.

Benedit further accused Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of previously engaging in similar tactics, referencing controversies associated with the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

In light of these serious allegations, the SSN has called upon Nigerian security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), to thoroughly investigate the situation.

The organization also cautioned the public to be wary of misleading content generated by AI, emphasizing that this purported conspiracy could lead to misinformation and damage the Senate’s reputation.

“We urge security agencies to stay alert and take the necessary actions to prevent the proliferation of this harmful propaganda,” Benedit said.

Niger State – There is growing uncertainty surrounding the suspected raid of White Hill Hotel in Minna, Niger State, as conflicting reports emerge over the identity of those responsible.

While some witnesses claim the operation was carried out by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), others insist it was a bandit attack.

According to sources, heavily armed men stormed the hotel around 5 a.m., disconnected the CCTV cameras, and raided the premises without identifying themselves as security operatives

The armed men arrived early in the morning, disabled all security cameras, and carried out the operation without resistance. After overpowering the security guards, they moved from room to room, abducting their victims and whisking them away to an unknown destination,” an eyewitness disclosed.

Sources in the area believe the attack may have been a targeted operation, as some foreign nationals (suspected white men) were said to have lodged at the hotel and were possibly trailed by their captors.

“From what we heard, no fewer than ten people were taken away. This is the second time this hotel has been raided this year—the first attempt in January was unsuccessful,” another witness stated.

When contacted, the Niger State Police Command Spokesman, Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun, distanced the police from the incident, stating that law enforcement was not notified during the raid.

“There are two police stations close to the hotel—Tudun Wada and Morris Police Stations—but the hoteliers did not alert or inform any of them. Since there are claims that it was EFCC officials, confirmation is better sought from them, not the police,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the abducted persons remain unknown, and no contact has been made with their relatives or the hotel management.

Niger State – There is growing uncertainty surrounding the suspected raid of White Hill Hotel in Minna, Niger State, as conflicting reports emerge over the identity of those responsible.

While some witnesses claim the operation was carried out by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), others insist it was a bandit attack.

According to sources, heavily armed men stormed the hotel around 5 a.m., disconnected the CCTV cameras, and raided the premises without identifying themselves as security operatives

The armed men arrived early in the morning, disabled all security cameras, and carried out the operation without resistance. After overpowering the security guards, they moved from room to room, abducting their victims and whisking them away to an unknown destination,” an eyewitness disclosed.

Sources in the area believe the attack may have been a targeted operation, as some foreign nationals (suspected white men) were said to have lodged at the hotel and were possibly trailed by their captors.

“From what we heard, no fewer than ten people were taken away. This is the second time this hotel has been raided this year—the first attempt in January was unsuccessful,” another witness stated.

When contacted, the Niger State Police Command Spokesman, Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun, distanced the police from the incident, stating that law enforcement was not notified during the raid.

“There are two police stations close to the hotel—Tudun Wada and Morris Police Stations—but the hoteliers did not alert or inform any of them. Since there are claims that it was EFCC officials, confirmation is better sought from them, not the police,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the abducted persons remain unknown, and no contact has been made with their relatives or the hotel management.

Balikis, who dragged her husband, Yekini, to court, accused him of irresponsibility, battery and alleged that he was a threat to her life.

Balikis stated that  Yekini constantly neglected and starved her.

She added that he was also in the habit of beating her.

According to Balikis, Yekini did not relent in beating her even when she was pregnant with twins.

The plaintiff further told the court that the defendant, in addition to battery, threatened her with a knife.

Balikis told the court that she resorted to hawking cooked beans and yam three months after she was delivered of their twins children to avoid dying of hunger.

The plaintiff stated that she had to walk out of their marriage to avoid being beaten to death by her husband.

Balikis pleaded that the court grant her custody of their children but make her husband in charge of their upkeep.

She also requested an order restricting him from threatening,  fighting and also interfering with her private life.

Yekini was absent in court despite being served court summonses.

Balikis, in her testimony, said: “My husband and I contracted no marriage. We met and started living together as husband and wife.

“He also did not pay any dowry on me.

“My husband started showing traits of irresponsibility from the outset of our marriage. He would leave for work  without giving me money to eat and run the home.

“He only bore the title ‘breadwinner’ but never acted it out.

“I was fending for myself despite living under his roof.

“He never gave me a dime, but would expect that I served him sumptuous meals on his return home.

“The situation in our marriage got worse after I became pregnant with twins.

“He would get angry anytime I demanded money for antenatal treatment in the hospital or for the purchase of our  babies’ needs.

“I singlehandedly provided all that was necessary in preparation for the arrival of our babies.

"My husband is a brute indeed.

He beat me at every given opportunity and never showed any sign of remorse.

“The beating became double whenever I insisted he would not leave home unless he made provisions for my needs.

“The fact that I was heavily pregnant did not debar him from punching me.

“He once chased me with a knife, threatening to kill me after we had a heated argument on his nonchalance towards me.

"He subjected me to a miserable life which made weep and bemoan my fate every day.

“The coming of our twins brought no difference to our relationship.

“Instead of looking fresh with added beauty after putting to bed, I became lean and haggard as a result of hunger.

“I was breastfeeding two children at a time on an empty stomach. Our children also looked malnourished because they could not get enough milk to suck from me.

“I was left with no other option than to start hawking beans and yam under the scorching sun when our children were just three months old.

“My husband, despite seeing the hardship he exposed me to, refused to take a new leaf. He rather became more cruel.

“The only contribution my husband made towards our children’s welfare was paying half of their school fees while I paid the balance.

“I moved out of his house after he dealt me heavy blows for daring to  demand that he refilled our gas cylinder.

“He came to my new abode to forcefully collect our twins from me and handed them over to his mother. Our children were underfed and out of school for a whole year.

“I brought them back to my house and enrolled them in school. They are now happy and  doing fine in school.

“My husband never ceased to come to my shop to threaten and fight me since I left him.

“I beseech this honourable court to grant me custody of our children but make my husband responsible for their upkeep giving adequate attention to their feeding, education and health care.

“I also request an order restraining him from threatening, fighting and interfering with my private life.”

The court president, Mrs S.M Akintayo, giving her judgment stated that there was no marriage to be dissolved because none was contracted in the first place.

According to her, no customary marriage held an no bride price was paid.

Akintayo added that it was necessary to grant the plaintiff the relief she sought since she was no more interested in her union, adding that the defendant was given ample opportunity to defend himself but that he refused to come to court.

Ruling, she declared their union dissolved.

Akintayo granted custody of their children to the plaintiff while the defendant was mandated to be responsible for their upkeep.

She further restricted him from threatening, fighting, and interfering with the plaintiff’s private life.

The legal team, led by Oyetibo, also includes Olu Daramola (SAN), Muiz Banire (SAN), Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN), Dada Awosika (SAN), Dayo Amokaye (SAN), Mofe Oyetibo (SAN), Olumide Oyewole, and Wunmi Okeremi.

Obasa, the Agege lawmaker, had challenged his removal in court, claiming that 36 lawmakers ousted him from the speaker’s seat on January 13, 2025, while he was out of the country. His case, filed on February 12, 2025, is being handled by Afolabi Fashanu (SAN).

Ahead of the hearing at the Lagos State High Court, 29 lawmakers loyal to Meranda arrived to show their support. Meranda herself was also present as proceedings commenced.

Recall that Obasa stormed the assembly’s complex on Thursday and presided over the plenary with four lawmakers in attendance.

During an interview on Channels Television on Thursday evening, Obasa said Meranda has agreed to resign as the speaker during a peace meeting.

He attributed the appreciating value of the naira and reduction in petroleum product costs to responses to the economic policies introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The minister however cautioned telecom service provider MTN and construction company RCC Nigeria Ltd over the delayed execution of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway project, funded under the Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment (Tax Credit) Scheme.

According to a statement by his media aide Uchenna Orji, the minister threatened to hold MTN liable for any funding challenges and ruled out any consideration for variation of price (VOP) by the government until the project is completed.

Umahi spoke in Abuja during a meeting with representatives of the two firms – MTN and RCC. Minister of State for Works, Mohammad Bello Goronyo and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. O.O. Adebiyi, were at the meeting.

Funding and execution of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway by MTN and RCC were discussed at the meeting, which reaffirmed May 10, next year completion deadline for the project.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining high construction standards, the minister highlighted the need for cost adjustments in line with the improving economic conditions, particularly in the cement sector.

Umahi said: “I’m happy that the policies of Mr. President are working. Today, a dollar is about N,400. At the time the dollar was almost N2,000, cement prices rose from N7,500. Now that the President has stabilized the exchange rate, why is cement still selling at N9,500?

"We are requesting cement manufacturers to bring down the cost of cement to N7,000. If after one week they don’t do that, I will have to complain officially to Mr. President.”

Regarding the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway project, a resolution was reached with MTN Nigeria and RCC to set a firm completion deadline of May 10, 2026.

The telecom firm was also cautioned about its responsibility in ensuring proper funding, while RCC was reminded of the government’s commitment to contractual obligations.

“There will be no variation or VOP on the project. And RCC must note that going forward, the operation of VOP in their projects must be in accordance with the procedure contained in the Conditions of Contract and not at the whims and caprices of the contractor.

"MTN must not sacrifice its responsibility of funding the project at the altar of business profit, as this will wittingly or unwittingly inhibit speedy delivery and impugn the public perception of the government’s commitment to completing the project.

“There must be a written commitment between MTN and the Federal Ministry of Works to adhere to these conditions. The more the job delays, the more variation becomes a factor.”

The minister also addressed concerns regarding alleged interference by the ministry in the project, clarifying that the decision to halt the use of unsuitable construction materials was in line with the government’s duty to ensure quality.

"We have to put the records straight that this ministry has the responsibility to ensure quality delivery of work by contractors. And the contractor in this case is MTN,” he said.

Elaborating on his site inspections and issues identified, he said: “We went through what MTN was doing. We discovered that they were using peeled sand to do the job.

“I’m an engineer, not a history graduate. I’m a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and I’ve spent all my life in the field.

"We gave a directive, which is in line with the general conditions of contract, that they should stop using such sand and go back to using river sand, which we paid for.”

The minister also criticized RCC for demanding an additional N14 billion on a N38 billion project under the pretext of inflation, warning that such indulgences by contractors would no longer be tolerated.

Echoing Umahi’s position, Goronyo and the permanent secretary stressed the importance of policies that ensure timely project execution and value for money.

They urged RCC Nigeria Ltd to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA) vision of the administration and complete the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway on schedule for commissioning by the President.

In his remarks the MTN representative reaffirmed the company’s commitment to meeting the deadline.

This production capacity is sufficient to meet 100 per cent of Nigeria’s local demand for refined petroleum products.

Speaking during a tour of the refinery complex by a Zambian government delegation, the President of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote revealed that his company – the Dangote Petroleum Refinery – has enough Premium Motor Spirit (PMS otherwise known as petrol) in storage to sufficiently meet the local needs of Nigeria.

Speaking at the weekend, Dangote disclosed that the oil refinery has “more than half a billion litres of petroleum and over ₦600 billion worth of products in its tanks.

Dangote said, “…as we speak right now we have more than half a billion litres. The Refinery is producing enough refined products, like gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, to meet 100 per cent of Nigeria’s requirements.

Speaking after a tour of the Refinery complex by a Zambia Government delegation, led by the country’s Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, Dangote stated that the refinery project, like other projects in the past, is not for Nigeria alone.

“This refinery is not only for Nigeria; it is for Africa. We must sustain the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) deal. We are trying to see how we trade with other African countries

The Zambian Minister of Energy said his takeaway from the Dangote Refinery working visit was that the President, Aliko Dangote, is truly focused on the bigger picture for Africa.

Chikote, who led a delegation of energy experts to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to partner Zambia on energy solutions, expressed satisfaction and readiness to work with the African manufacturing giant.

After a tour of the Dangote complex at the Free Trade Zone, Ibeju Lekki, starting from the Single Point Mooring to the Dangote Jetty, the biggest fertiliser plant in Africa and the 650,000bpd largest single-train refinery in the world, the Minister enthused that the presentation by the Vice President, Oil and Gas of Dangote Industries Limited, Edwin Devakumar, made their hearts “jump”. He stated that the presentation speaks to the challenges of his country, Zambia.

The energy minister added, “In Zambia, we created an environment for the private sector to participate in the growth and development of our country. Currently, 100 per cent of our petroleum is done by the private sector.

“We are targeting increased productivity in mining, agriculture, and other sectors. Your presentation is an immediate solution to our energy needs. We are trying to promote competition among our private players.

"We are looking at Dangote coming on board, which would lead to efficient, reliable, quality, and competitive products, and we want these done like yesterday.”

"Coming to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, we have learned so many advantages of bringing many players for competition, which has improved the lives of the citizens.”

According to him: “From what we have seen, we need to promote trade within Africa to promote each other. We need these countries together to make Africa efficient, and a reliable trade hub.

“We have seen here that we can learn from what Dangote has done, and this would lead Africa and Africans to stand on their feet and not depend on overseas support in terms of trade. I believe going forward that people have learned a few lessons. The one lesson I have learned from this visit is that Dangote looks at the bigger picture for Africa.”

Another member of the Zambia delegation, Samuel Maimbo, the Vice President of Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning at the World Bank Group, presently campaigning for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB), explained that there is not enough development aid to develop Africa.

“There is also not enough government funding to develop Africa. The only way we can finance Africa’s growth at a pace and scale that solves our problem is by working through the private sector, which is why we are here today, to learn and to see what an ambitious programme looks like,” he stated.

He added that it is only the private sector that can help develop the continent of Africa.

The Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited, Edwin Devakumar stated that the Refinery produces the best quality products as its core business strategy.

“The project concept was to process the crude from Nigeria and add value. But we also wanted to provide some flexibility to process most of the African crudes and some of the Middle Eastern crudes,” Edwin said.

He added “In another concept, what we did was maximum value extraction. That is a process where every barrel of crude which goes in, the value addition should be the best.”

According to Edwin, “the Refinery can meet all our requirements. 44 per cent can meet the entire requirements of Nigeria, and 56 per cent of the production would be exported. Every day, we produce lighter products of 104 million litres; 57 million litres of petrol every day; 20 million litres of jet fuel; and 27 million litres of diesel production.

"The local consumption is just around 46 million litres, and the remaining 58 million litres will be exported daily,” he added.

ASABA – Unidentified gunmen invaded a church in Asagba Ogwashi, Aniocha South Local Government Area, Delta State, over the weekend, shooting the pastor and abducting six worshippers.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident on Sunday, stating that it was reported on Saturday evening.

A rescue team is currently in the bush on their trail,” Edafe said.

It was gathered that the gunmen stormed Elyon Paradise Ministry Church, Asagba Ogwashi, during a night vigil. They rounded up six members of the congregation and whisked them away to an unknown destination.

The pastor, identified as Apostle Divine Omodia, was shot and also had two fingers severed by the assailants.

Sources revealed that the kidnappers have yet to contact the church or the victims’ families for a ransom demand since the attack.

The injured pastor was rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where medical personnel are battling to save his life.

Sandra Osasere, a 33-year-old mother of four, narrates how her husband’s corpse was seized by a hospital and the financial struggles the family faced during his treatment, the lack of support from the police force, and other issues

Could you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Sandra Osasere. I am 33 years old. I am the widow of late Assistant Superintendent of Police Victor Osasere. He was just promoted to the position of ASP when he died. He was 45 years old when he died and we have four children together.

Can you share the circumstances surrounding your husband’s death?

On November 21, 2024, he was preparing to go to his workplace and was helping me get the children ready for school when he suddenly started shouting, ‘My head, my head!’ and collapsed. I called my neighbours for help, and we rushed him to the police hospital in Ikeja.

When they examined him at the hospital, they said a brain test needed to be done. After the test, we were referred to another hospital. We were taking him to different hospitals because all the government hospitals were on strike.

The first private hospital we took him to asked for N2m as deposit, so we left and took him to the Mainland Hospital in Yaba, where they demanded N1.5m. Eventually, we managed to admit him around 2am. Before the family could raise the N1.5m, my husband was in the ambulance for about two hours.

After admission, they said he was in a coma and needed surgery, and we were asked to pay N3.2m for it. We were promised that he would be fine after the surgery. But he remained the same, and there was no difference after the procedure. That was where he stayed until he finally passed away on December 10,2024.

Did you receive any medical report at the hospital?

They didn’t give me any medical report, but when we asked, they said it might be high blood pressure. Before the operation, they mentioned he was having issues with his head. They told us it was high blood pressure that caused something to burst in his head, which was why they said they needed to carry out surgery.

Was that written officially to the family?

They only said it but didn’t put it in writing.

Has the corpse been released to the family for burial?

They have not released the body. They said it would not be released until we paid the outstanding bill of over N4m. My husband’s family even went there to beg them with N1.5m, but they refused. After spending almost N12m, they still refused to release the corpse, insisting that the remaining N4m be paid.

Since your husband was a police officer, what assistance is the police providing in this matter?

No, we’ve not heard anything from them.

Have you informed the police about it?

Yes, I did when my husband was in a coma. I went to the Commissioner of Police in Lagos and explained everything that happened, but they said there was nothing to be done about it. They later said they would get back to us; but we’ve not heard anything from them since then.

In what way do you think the police can help in this matter?

We need them to help us so that we can at least retrieve my husband’s corpse from the hospital.

How many years did your husband work with the police before his death?

He worked with them for 25 years before his death, and he was just promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police last year.

What were your husband’s last moments?

He had travelled for a burial and had just returned from Benin, Edo State. Everything he talked about was regarding his late sister, who had passed away. He was saying that he was hurt by her death and would find a way to get those responsible. We were also planning to travel abroad. Those were some of the things he talked about before he died.

Was your late husband’s sister ill before she died?

No, she wasn’t really sick. She had previously battled a stroke, but she had been treated and had recovered. According to what we heard, it happened one midnight when she fell and started shouting that she was seeing something strange, which others could not see.

That was what they told us because we weren’t there when it happened to her. They said she woke up around 1am and was shouting that she was seeing something strange, like a very big bird. After that, she collapsed and began vomiting and defecating on herself. They rushed her to a hospital, but she died the following day.

What did you suspect was responsible?

It was a spiritual attack. The person beside her did not notice anything that she said she was seeing that night.

How much did you pay to the hospital before your husband died?

We spent more than N11m. It was close to N12m.

How is the family currently coping with the situation?

After all the medical bills paid when he was in a coma, the expenses have really affected the family financially. Right now, things are not the same, and we are facing many challenges, especially since the hospital has refused to release the corpse to the family.

It’s not easy for me because the four children are with me now. My husband’s family has really tried, as they have spent a lot already. So, they cannot afford our needs. Since the day I lost my husband, my children have been staying at home. They don’t even go to school anymore.

Are other family members not supporting?

We spent a lot to save my husband’s life when he was still in a coma. They are broke at the moment because they no longer have the money. So, it’s affecting me and the children.

How many surgeries were done on him?

Only one surgery was done, for which we paid N3.2m. Initially, we were told that two surgeries would be performed, but after the first one, we didn’t have enough funds for the second one. So, he passed away after the first surgery.

How are you sorting out school fees for your children?

My children are no longer going to school, and I want the government to help me so that I can send them back to school. Most of their peers are in school, but my children are staying at home because we don’t have the money to send them. They should help me so I can train them properly.

What is the police saying about your late husband’s benefits?

They’ve not done anything about it. While he was in a coma, it was his colleagues who contributed N900,000 to help us. Even his salary has been stopped, as I’ve also stopped receiving alerts. So, we don’t have access to any money.

How do you intend to get his benefits?

I just want the government to intervene in this matter and help us.

What do you do to sustain yourself at the moment?

I was an apprentice in fashion design before the incident happened. I had to relocate from Lagos to Benin after my husband’s death. So, I’m not doing anything at the moment.

Do you have any plan to seek legal advice if the hospital continues to withhold the corpse?

I don’t have the money to take any legal action.

The ruling was delivered on Friday by Justice A. Aderigbigbe in response to an enrollment order brought before the court by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against OSIEC and its Chairman, Hashim Abioye.

The court reaffirmed that there are vacancies in all 30 local government areas of the state, as previously determined by a Federal High Court ruling.

The court found as a fact, that the election conducted by the 1st Defendant on 15th October, 2022, having been invalidated, nullified and voided, and the purported elected officials produced by the purported election having been sacked by the Federal High Court in FHC/CS/OS/103/2022; ACTION PEOPLES PARTY (APP) VS. INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC) & Ors, delivered on the 30th November, 2022 and as confirmed by the decision of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No: CA/AK/226M/2024; ALLIED PEOPLE MOVEMENT (APM) & Ors VS. ACTION PEOLES PARTY (APP) & ORS delivered on the 13th January, 2025, vacancy actually exists in the political administration of local councils in the State, thereby, consequently upholding the prayers of the PDP in the suit.

The court further directed and compelled all the security agencies, comprising of the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Army, the department of State Security Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante group etc in the state to provide adequate security, during and after the election.

The Ogun State Police Command on Friday said it has launched a probe into a case of arson involving some cattle herders who allegedly set ablaze a vast cassava farm in Adao Village, via Alabata, Abeokuta, the state capital.

The spokesperson for the state police command, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement sent to journalists on Friday.

Odutola said, “On February 20, 2025, one Mr. Ogunbayo Adewale of Raka Village reported at the police station that upon visiting his 35-acre cassava farmland on February 19, 2025, at about 1640 hours, he discovered that the farmland had been set ablaze.

“Additionally, some herds of cattle were seen grazing on the farm, and several cassava plants had already been uprooted.

According to the complainant, upon sighting him, the herders commanded the cattle to flee, but he managed to apprehend one of the cows, which he brought to the police station as evidence.”

She added that in response to the report, the Divisional Police Officer of FUNAAB Harmony immediately deployed grassroots policing strategies to calm rising tensions and prevent a potential tribal conflict.

Odutola explained that preliminary investigations commenced immediately, leading to the identification of the owner of the seized cow while the complainant has equally estimated the damage to his farmland to be at N27.3m.

She stated that to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, the case has been transferred to the surveillance section for further inquiries and necessary legal action.

Odutola said that the command assured the public that justice will be served and urged all parties to remain calm while the investigation on the arson case is ongoing.

She maintained that the command remains committed to maintaining law and order, preventing inter-group conflicts, and protecting the rights of all citizens.

A huge crowd of spectators that trooped out to the Ilorin Magistrate’s Court complex, located opposite the State High Court complex on Tuesday, when the suspected killer was arraigned, was full of anger and condemnation of the evil act committed.

It took intervention of fully armed law enforcement agents to control the surging crowd inside the court room to see the suspect and his accomplices until they were ferried inside a vehicle that conveyed them to prison after the court sitting.

Leading the call for quick dispensation of justice is the Emir of Ilorin and the chairman, Kwara State traditional rulers’ council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who condemned the killing and urged the Nigeria Police and the judiciary to ensure that total justice is served in the matter.

The emir, who described the incident in a statement he issued as “most unfortunate, alien and a regrettable act of wickedness”, urged clerics in the Ilorin Emirate and beyond to sanitise the system by ensuring that the likes of Abdulrahman Bello are expressly exposed to law enforcement agencies before causing more harm to innocent persons.

“It is only hard work that pays. Total war should be declared against idleness, laziness and unwarranted loitering around the society by youths in the name of finding means of survival,” he said.

Also, the leader of a youth development agency, the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), Olasupo Abideen, who described the incident as worrisome, said that appropriate action should be taken to check the situation.

He said a special court should be set up to try violators of gender based violence, “so that trial would be faster, judgement would get done and they should not be given a right of appeal because anyone who kills others deserves to be killed. Anyone who causes pain or destruction to others should face the full wrath of the law. Gender based violence should not be allowed across any society. It’s an anathema that has eaten deep into some people.”

While he called for a review of Violence Against Person Prohibition (VAPP) Act by the National Assembly, he said that the offence committed was “technology-facilitated gender-based violence” because it all started on Facebook.

“An aspect of the VAPP Act that has not been captured is the technology facilitated gender-based violence, which is what just happened in Ilorin,” he said.

Apartment of self-acclaimed cleric

Bello, the 29-year-old self acclaimed Islamic cleric and the suspected killer of the final year student of Kwara State College of Education, is an indigene of Isale Koto community in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.

However, he operated his barbaric and cannibalistic venture away from his family compound at Isale Koto area to take residence opposite RainOil, Majeasura community, Olunlade area; another location in the Ilorin metropolis.

Bello’s apartment, a room-and-a-parlour self-contain at Olunlade area, revealed a gory sight. A room that can be described as slaughter slab had blood stains on the floor and contained a special wooden table for cutting human parts, a cutlass, a knife, used paint buckets of different sizes, plastic container with human parts and blood, cooking gas and pots, among other items.

The other room had a mattress, small plastic containers with black soap, pairs of slippers of his victims, sound system, some of his apparels and used plastic bottles containing substances suspected to be concoction or charms, among others.

The Police state command is yet to confirm speculation that a sum of N6.5 million was found in his bank account, while it is also yet to be confirmed that the suspected killer sold the body parts to different parts of the country, with the head of his victim reportedly sold to one of his accomplices in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

The matter

It is recalled that a final year student of the Kwara State College of Education in Ilorin, Lawal Hafsoh Yetunde, was killed in Ilorin, on Monday, February 10, by her boyfriend that she met on social media (Facebook).

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the suspected killer, after the gruesome killing, dismembered her body for alleged ritual purposes.

It was reported that Yetunde went missing on February 10. She was said to be attending a naming ceremony when she received a call from a friend.

According to sources, she dropped her food to answer the call and then left. “Since then, we’ve been searching for her everywhere, but no one knew her whereabouts.

On Tuesday, her parents reported the case to the Oja Oba Police Station in Ilorin. The police requested her phone number and used it to track her last call. The call was traced to an individual living at Olunlade district area of Ilorin, although his family house is at Isale Koto.

“The suspect was arrested, but initially denied knowledge of the lady’s whereabouts. However, when the police searched his house, he confessed that the lady was in his area and had died from an asthma attack after he called her to come over.

“Upon further investigation, the police found the lady’s body, dismembered and hidden in a bowl, along with the equipment used to dismember her.”

Sources said that the victim and the suspected killer met on Facebook, where he obtained her phone number. He then called her and invited her to come over to his place.

Speaking on the development, Abubakar Hafiz, a resident of Afon Junction, Ganmo community of Asa Local Government Area of the state said that justice must be served quickly on the development to discourage others who may intend to get involved.

“Disturbingly, evidence found in the suspect’s house suggests this may not be his first offence. A table in his room appeared to be equipped with tools used to dismember bodies,” he said.

Suspect’s account

In a video believed to have been recorded at a police station in Ilorin, the suspect denied murdering the victim for ritual purposes, but admitted to dismembering her body and disposing of it in a dustbin.

Bello, who described the deceased as his girlfriend, revealed that they had met on Facebook. Speaking in Yoruba while kneeling in the video, dressed in a gold-colored ‘jalabiya’, he explained the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. He claimed that he was only a victim of circumstance and did not intentionally kill Yetunde.

According to him, the incident occurred when the victim visited his residence after attending an event. He recounted that she complained of hunger, prompting him to go out and buy food for her. Upon his return, he found her gasping for breath and struggling to stay alive. Despite his efforts, she passed away suddenly.

Bello claimed he was overwhelmed with fear and confusion, which led him to make the rash decision to dismember her body and dispose of it at a public refuse dump nearby. He insisted that it was his first time being involved in such an act, emphasizing that he had never done anything like it before.

The suspect further described himself as an ‘alfa,’ a term commonly used to refer to a Muslim cleric, and stated that he was in the process of gaining admission into Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, before the tragic incident unfolded.

A magistrate court in Ilorin on Tuesday, remanded the self-acclaimed Islamic cleric, together with five other friends at Oke Kura Correctional Centre, Ilorin.

The Magistrate Sanusi B. Mohammed, who presided over the matter, adjourned the case till March 6, 2025.

The suspect, Abdulrahman Bello, who was arraigned with five other suspects, were not represented by any counsel.

They were accused of a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, possession of human parts and armed robbery.

Obasanjo made this remark at the unveiling Babangida’s autobiography titled, “A Journey in Service,” and the launch of his presidential library on Thursday in Abuja.

The former President, who was the event’s chairman, said when he wrote his own book, late Tunji Braithwaite, who he described as his chronic critic, condemned the book without reading it.

He said with the autobiography, Babangida had succeeded in documenting history, asides contributing to history making.

Obasanjo said, “You have not only contributed to history; you have contributed to documenting history.

“It is an important part of our nation building to keep accurate records. Please don’t be unduly worried about critics and put him down syndrome.

“It may even be an indication of success but take note of objective criticism. A chronic critic of mine, late Tunji Braithwhite, may his soul rest in perfect peace, condemned my book.

"And when asked if he had read it, he answered in the negative. He said he had not read it, saying once the writer is Obasanjo it must be condemned.”

In his book, Babangida admitted for the first time that Moshood Abiola won the annulled 12 June 1993 presidential election, 32 years ago.

The Federal Government on Wednesday disclosed that Nigeria’s petrol consumption has dropped to 50 million litres per day with local refineries supplying half of the daily requirements.

The government said the other half is being sourced through importation. It clarified that none of the companies involved in domestic refining was involved in the importation.

Speaking to journalists after a stakeholders meeting in Abuja, Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, Mr. Ogbugo Ukoha said petrol importation became necessary to ensure that scarcity does not return to the downstream sector.

“Let me speak a little bit about supply. All of us have experienced a yuletide free of any scarcity and let me just reconfirm that from year to year we saw an increase in the demand for PMS by 2021, 2022 up to 2023 just before the current administration came in. The daily PMS supply sufficiency was always more than 60 million, in fact averaging about 66 million a day for PMS. And following Mr. President’s withdrawal of subsidy, the announcement on May 29th, 2023, we immediately saw a steep decline in consumption and between then and as we speak, we’ve continued to do plus or minus 50 million.

"Of these 50 million liters averaging for each day, less than 50% of that is contributed by domestic refineries and so the shortfall in accordance with the PIA (Petroleum Industry Act) is sourced by way of imports”.

Ukoha also disclosed that the Authority has banned 60,000 litres capacity tankers from transporting petrol and other petroleum products beginning March 1, 2025.

The ban was imposed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, despite protests from truck owners.

The National Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO, had last week warned that the ban would cost them over N300 billion invested in procuring over 2,000 units of 60,000 litres capacity trucks currently involved in the transportation of petroleum products across the country.

Ukoha said tankers with 60,000 litres capacity were responsible for some of the recent spike in petrol tanker fires in the country.

Ukoha also noted that the high-calibre tankers also had a major impact on the state of Nigerian roads.

He said: “The breaking news about that today is that in today’s meeting comprising DSS, FEMA, Federal Fire Service, Road Safety, NATO, NUPENG, MEMAN, PETROAN, IPMAN, DAPMAN, SON, ONSA, it was decided that beginning 1st March, any truck with an axle load that is carrying more than 60,000 litres of hydrocarbon will not be allowed to load at any loading depot.

“Let me repeat, beginning 1st March, trucks with a capacity in excess of 60,000 litres will not be allowed to load in any loading depot for petroleum products. By Q4 of 2025, we will also preclude the loading or transportation of petroleum products on any truck in excess of 45,000 litres. So that is the breaking news for today”.

Hecker stated this at a digital news conference while attending the 2025 African Air Chiefs’ Symposium (AACS), on Wednesday in Lusaka, Zambia.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the digital conference was organised to enable Gen. Hecker to discuss U.S. commitments to military partnerships with African nations and AACS operations.

Hecker said terrorist groups like ISIS were high-value targets that threatened African nations and the U.S., and would be targeted by the U.S, as it did against ISIS in Somalia recently.

“They are significant high-value targets that threaten African nations and threaten the United States.

“So we will continue to go after terrorist organisations that threaten our African partners as well as the United States,” he said.

Hecker said that the U.S. was willing to collaborate with African air forces, not only by way of security support, but also through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

On Boko Haram insurgency, and how the U.S. Air Force can help the Nigerian military achieve air superiority over the terrorists, he said the U.S. had already been supporting Nigeria.

“Well, I think as you know, the U.S. Government has provided training and equipment to Nigeria for quite a while, so hopefully that will help them out.

“But what we’re looking at in this conference is not that. We’re not talking about air superiority or conflict.

"We’re talking about how we can help each other – African nations can help one another – and that’s what the goal of this conference is,” Hecker said.

Also speaking, Zambia’s Air Force Commander, Lt.-Gen. Oscar Nyoni, gave an insight into the symposium and how AACS member states would respond to humanitarian needs, if a disaster struck.

According to him, with AACS, humanitarian/disaster needs like foodstuff, logistics, supplies and aerial vehicles will be easily provided by member states contributing whatever they are able to contribute.

“Remember, we are an air force – we are air forces that have come together, and with our friends from the U.S. and all the other member-states.

“It becomes easier for logistics to come on board and makes it easy for the one who is in trouble to be assisted. The more the numbers, the better for us,” Nyoni said.

(NAN)

EFCC Chairman Olukoyede, issued the warning at a summit tagged: “Local Government Autonomy, Fiscal Responsibility and Sustainable Development” organised in Gombe by the state government, urged the helmsmen at the councils to resist the temptation of fraud.

He reminded them that chairmen and executives at the local government level do not have immunity.

"Any breach of financial law will be prosecuted without delay”, the anti-graft commission boss said.

With local government autonomy granted by the Supreme Court, Olukoyede said the commission would deploy more personnel to Gombe State to monitor fund management.

"Only the governor and deputy governor have constitutional immunity. Local council chairmen, you do not have immunity,” he stated.

He reminded council chairmen that financial autonomy does not come with constitutional immunity. Therefore, their use of public resources would be strictly monitored.

The EFCC boss described the apex court’s decision on local government autonomy and direct allocation of funds as a welcomed development that should improve council funding.

However, he expressed concerns that such funds might not be used properly, given councils’ history of financial mismanagement and lack of accountability.

According to him, council resources have often been misused, turning councils into ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) for corrupt officials who divert public funds for personal gain.

The EFCC chairman noted that councils’ financial struggles and inability to meet community obligations raised concerns about their fiscal viability and effectiveness.

Many council chairmen have blamed inefficiency on state governors’ influence and the hijacking of local government resources, he said.

With financial autonomy, such excuses would no longer be valid and chairmen would be held responsible for mismanagement in their councils.

He urged council chairmen to embrace accountability and financial integrity, using autonomy to implement life-changing projects in their communities.

Olukoyede urged them to improve their capacity to manage resources effectively, ensuring transparency and compliance with financial laws.

“Acquire more knowledge and build your capacity on relevant laws guiding financial management. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” he warned.

The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and approval of a motion titled: “Urgent need to investigate the alleged funding of Boko Haram by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC – Borno South) during plenary.

However, no date has been set for the heads of the Nation’s intelligence agencies to appear before the Senate.

The House also mandated the committee to summon the leadership of INEC to provide detailed explanations behind the delay and the steps taken to rectify the situation, and report back within four weeks for further legislative actions.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Rep Jafaru Leko.

Moving his motion, the lawmaker noted that INEC, established pursuant to Section 153(f) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), is the sole body vested with the responsibility of conducting elections for the federal and state elections including the area councils in the Federal Capital Territory.

He further noted that Sections 47 and 90 of the Constitution, (as amended), outlines the Establishment of the National Assembly and the state Houses of Assembly, ensuring the right of citizens to be represented in the federal and state legislative bodies.

He said since the 2023 general and subsequent elections, there have been instances of resignations, deaths, or appointments of former members of both the national and state assemblies to executive positions, leading to vacancies.

He said Section 68 of the Constitution provides for the cessation and vacation of seats of the National Assembly, while Section 76(2) stresses the need for a bye-election to be conducted not later than one

month after the vacancy occurs.

He said upon the declaration of these seats as vacant, INEC is obligated, under the provisions of Section 76(2), to conduct bye-elections to fill the vacant positions and ensure proper representation of the affected constituencies.

He expressed concern that the continued vacancy of these seats, without holding timely bye-elections, results in the disenfranchisement of the affected citizens, which he said constitutes a violation of the constitutional principles of representation and deprives the electorate of their right to adequate representation.

Leko said the inaction by INEC sets a dangerous precedent, where compliance with the Constitution and electoral laws become optional rather than mandatory.

The House mandated its Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

Daily Trust reports that there are seven vacant positions in the National Assembly comprising five in the House of Representatives and two in the Senate.

The seats from the House include Edo, Oyo, Kaduna, Ogun and Jigawa states, while the two Senate seats are vacant in Edo and Anambra states.

While two of the seats became vacant as a result of the last governorship election in Edo State, the other five seats became vacant as a result of the deaths of the elected lawmakers.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Denis Idahosa, were members of the National Assembly representing Edo Central and Ovia Federal Constituency in the Senate and the House of Representatives respectively.

Other seats were left vacant by the deaths of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra South), Isa Dogonyaro (Jigawa State), Ekene Abubakar Adams (Kaduna State)  Olaide Akinremi (Oyo) and Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ogun State).

The association’s General Secretary, Dr Uthman Adedeji, announced the development to the News Agency of Nigeria in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, explaining that the strike is due to the power outage in some of the hospital’s residential areas.

It would be recalled that after over 100 days of blackout, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, reconnected UCH.

Earlier, the association had issued a communique announcing its readiness to embark on an indefinite strike on Monday, February 17, 2025, if electricity was not restored.

According to Adedeji, while electricity had been restored, only some parts of the residential quarters were reconnected.

He said, “Arising from the just-concluded Emergency General Meeting of ARD UCH which was convened to appraise the current situation, it was observed that a part of the residential quarters were reconnected.

“Some other parts were, however, left in darkness.

“In the light of the prevailing circumstance, we are left with no other option than to embark on the earlier planned total and indefinite strike until all residential quarters are sorted (taken care of).

“We acknowledge the efforts of the UCH Management towards meeting our demand, but a lot needs to be done to guarantee uninterrupted service delivery.”

He assured all that the association would regularly review the lingering crisis that infringed on its members’ welfare.

Vehicular movement along the Ughelli axis of the ever-busy East-West was put on hold for several hours as angry protesters from the Edjekota community of Ogor barricaded it over allegations of land grabbing by some leaders and community heads from Ogor kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The peaceful protesters, mainly aged women, men and youths, were displaying leaf branches and burning tyres on the road.

They alleged that some leaders and community heads are selling acres of land belonging to the Edjekota community without the knowledge of the rightful owners.

During the protest, the protesters alleged that some prominent persons from the kingdom sold acres of land and their ancestral ponds to unknown persons without their knowledge.

One of the Protesters, Mr Sunday Monologue, said, “We are protesting because we learned that the land we inherited from our forefathers is being taken over by some persons. On getting to the place, we saw a bulldozer working.

“We have to stop them from bulldozing the land because if we loose it, it means we no longer have inheritance for our children to inherit.” He stated.

The secretary of the Edjekota community, Mr Christopher Otobor, said, “We are advising those encroaching into our land to desist from doing so as we are not ready to sell any part or parcel of our land to anyone.

“Edjekota community is the owner of this land that is having boundary with Evwreni and Oghenerurie communities respectively and if those involved are not cautioned to stop, we would have no option than to be an autonomous community.”

For his part, the Chairman of Edjekota, Pastor Oghenemakpor Uyoh, said, “A few days ago, the community people accused me of selling their land, and they never believed my denial.

As the community chairman, I cannot sell land that belongs to families in the community. As I speak to you, my father did not have any land there and I will not get involved in what does not belong to me or my family.

We want the government to help; we don’t want to sell land, and whoever bought any land should go and retrieve his or her money because that land along the East-West road that belonged to the Edjekota community is not for sale.”

Also, 80 years Pa Isaac Erutere said, “This is the land of our forefathers, where we were born and brought up. We farmed here, but surprisingly, we saw a bulldozer in our land that we did not sell. Hence, we are protesting.

“We want the government to intervene as we are yet to identify those who sell and those who bought. Our land is not for sale as it is the only inheritance from our forefathers.

“We don’t know the buyer, and that is why we came in mass to protest and alert the State and federal governments that people have encroached on our land. We want the government to help us.”

The purportedly reinstated Chairman of Irewole Local Government, Osun State, Mr Remi Abass was reportedly killed by hoodlums working for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, after taking over the council secretariat in Ikire.

It would be recalled that both parties have been laying claim to control of the third tier of government as the APC claimed that the Court of Appeal judgement delivered last week has reinstated the sacked elected council chairmen and councillors while the State Government said the election was nullified by the Federal High Court in Osogbo.

Early hours on Monday, Abass, led other sacked council officials to take over in line with the court’s verdict and reportedly entered the Secretariat when hoodlums allegedly working for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stormed the Secretariat to dislodge them.

It was gathered that there was an exchange of gunshots during which Abass was killed while several others were injured.

Some hoodlums also stormed the highway shooting sporadically into the air, creating tension in the community and forcing motorist to make detour to avoid being caught in the cross fire.

“The thugs came out from the building opposite the Secretariat, wielding gun. They deliberately targeted the council chairman. Many surrounded him and did not allow him to escape from the scene and killed him”, a source revealed.

The Commissioner for Protocol and Government Affairs in the state, Mr Soji Ajeigbe claimed that two PDP members, Ege and Igara, were killed by gun-wielding thugs working for the APC.

“Apart from those killed, six others were killed while they were attempting to take-Over the Secretariat. We have deposited the bodies in the morgue while the injured were receiving treatment at the hospital”, he said.

When contacted, Osun State Police spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola said she will investigate the matter and reach back.

Obasa is challenging the Assembly and the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, before a State High Court in Ikeja, claiming that the lawmakers erred in removing him while the state’s legislative arm was in recess.

In a motion dated February 12, 2025, filed through his counsel led by Chief Afolabi Fashanu, SAN, Obasa sought an order of the court for an accelerated hearing of the suit.

Obasa was removed as the Lagos Assembly Speaker on January 13, 2025, while he was abroad, by 36 lawmakers.

However, upon his return to the country, he challenged his removal, declaring that the action could not stand as he remained the Speaker.

In his suit, Obasa is seeking, among other reliefs, an order of the court fixing a date for the expeditious hearing of the originating summons and abridging the time within which the defendants may file their response by way of counter-affidavits/written addresses to seven days after the hearing and determination of the application.

In the motion filed at the court on Friday, Obasa also sought an order abridging the time within which the plaintiff may file his reply on points of law to three days.

The embattled lawmaker’s application is predicated on nine grounds, including the interpretation of Sections 36, 90, 92(2)(c), 101, and 311 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), vis-à-vis Order V, Rule 18(2), and Order II, Rule 9(1)(ii)-(viii) of the Rules and Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

"This action challenges the constitutionality of the sitting and proceedings of the Lagos State House of Assembly during recess without the Speaker reconvening the House or granting any other person the power to do so.

“Public interest requires the case to be heard and determined speedily and expeditiously so that legislative activities in the state are not stalled.

“The legality of the continued sitting of the 1st defendant under the present leadership, in violation of the aforementioned laws and rules, calls for an urgent determination.

“This Honourable Court is imbued with inherent powers to grant accelerated hearing and abridgment of time.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Nuel, the petitioner, in his divorce petition, said, “I never enjoyed any care and affection from my wife since the consummation of the marriage.

"All the steps taken by me to get closer to my wife, resulted in insults and cruelty.”

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the petitioner told the court that his wife moved out of their matrimonial home six years ago.

“My wife left our matrimonial home on August 26, 2019 with the pretext that she was going for her grandmother’s  funeral.

“She never returned to our home since then. 

"I made several attempts that she might return to me but she refused to.

“It is on this ground that I seek for divorce from my wife,” he said

He also prayed the court to grant him custody of their three children.

The respondent, Maria, a businesswoman was present in court and she denied all the allegations brought against her.

She consented to her husband’s prayer for divorce and begged the court not to grant him custody of their last child.

“My husband cannot take care of our last child because she is still a baby and she has some health challenges,” she said.

The presiding judge, Mr Festus Enomhonse, advised the couple to explore out of court settlement and adjourned the case.

Grade A Customary Court, Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, has granted the prayer of divorce of a woman, Tomilola, who dragged her husband, Ifemi to court, accusing him of irresponsibility, lack of care, constant fight and domestic violence.

Tomilola stated that Ifemi neglected her and their children, leaving them to starve.

She also said that he was in the habit of beating her, a practice she extended to her workplace.

She added that he went as far as seeking that her appointment was terminated at her workplace.

Tomilola appealed for their children’s custody while she requested that her husband be ordered to be responsible for their welfare, giving adequate attention to their feeding, education, and health care.

Ifemi agreed to divorce but refuted all that his wife said.

The defendant stated that the plaintiff was promiscuous, which was the root of the crises in their marriage.

He refused that his wife had custody of their children.

Tomilola, in her evidence, said, “My husband and I got married in April 2012, but my parents rejected the dowry he paid on me.

"My husband offered me nothing other than suffering and hardship in our marriage.

“He always shirked his responsibility in the home and left me to carry the home’s burden.

“My husband is violent. He not only beat me but always ensured he left me nursing wounds.

“He did not only beat me at home but also in my office.

“My husband soiled my reputation at work.

"He went further to request that my appointment be terminated.

“My lord, I moved out of our matrimonial home before I went into depression.

“I earnestly plead for the dissolution of our marriage and custody of our children.

“I further appeal to the court to mandate my husband to be responsible for our children’s upkeep giving feeding, education and health care a priority.

“I further request an order restricting him from threatening and interfering with my private life.

Ifemi, in his response, said: “My wife is a liar.

“She is promiscuous, which was the reason we fought every now and then.

“I was responsible for our children’s upkeep till she left my house.

“I pray the court to grant me our children’s custody. I will take them to my sister, who will give them adequate care.

“My lord, I cannot afford more than N20,000 for our children’s feeding in case the court decides to hand them over to my wife.”

Giving her judgment, the court president, Mrs S.M Akintayo, dissolved their wedlock and handed over the children’s custody to the plaintiff.

The defendant was mandated to give their children N40,000 per month for their children’s feeding and be responsible for their education and health care.

He was also restricted from threatening, beating, and interfering with the plaintiff’s private life.

A Harare man, Joseph Katumba, has accused his wife, Stella Kangara, of denying him his conjugal rights for nearly a decade as punishment for being unemployed.

Katumba shared his ordeal in court, alleging that his wife reacts violently whenever he attempts to be intimate with her.

“She screams, bites, and scratches me whenever I touch her.

“She yells, ‘You want to kill me!” and pushes me away,” Joseph said.

He described how he has been sleeping on the floor for nine years while his wife occupies their matrimonial bed.

According to Zambia Observer, seeking relief, Joseph requested a protection order against his wife, claiming her actions amounted to emotional and psychological abuse.

In her defense, Stella argued that her husband’s unemployment had rendered him unappealing.

“I am not a s3x object. I need emotional and financial security to feel loved and appreciated.

“My husband’s lack of effort to get a job has killed my desire for intimacy. Sometimes we sleep on an empty stomach, and he will demand for s3x when I don’t even have the energy for it,” she told the court.

The magistrate, Meenal Naratom, presiding over the case, condemned Stella’s actions, emphasizing that unemployment did not justify abusive behaviour.

“While unemployment can be a significant stressor, it does not justify physical and emotional abuse,” the magistrate stated.

The court granted Joseph a protection order, prohibiting Stella from further abuse.

Naratom also advised the couple to pursue marriage counseling to address their challenges and work towards rebuilding their relationship.

A man, Olasunkanmi, has approached Grade A Customary Court, Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, seeking that his 24-year-old union with his wife, Modinat, be dissolved on the account of no love and threat to life by the latter and also irreconcilable differences.

Olasunkanmi explained that his wife suddenly became rebellious and started making decisions contrary to his will.

The plaintiff stated that the defendant went out at will and became domineering.

Olasunkanmi added that Modinat always insisted that whatever decision she took concerning their children and other issues in the home was final.

According to Olasunkanmi, Modinat made his life miserable and their home too hot for comfort.

The plaintiff stated that the defendant later moved out of his house, and all attempts to reconcile both failed.

He stated further that his wife later took to threatening and fighting him at his workplace.

Olasunkanmi thus prayed the court to end their relationship and grant him custody of their children, who, according to him, had always been with him.

The plaintiff also pleaded for an order restraining the defendant from threatening and interfering with his private life.

Modinat denied all the allegations brought against him by her husband but agreed that their wedlock be dissolved.

The defendant described the plaintiff as heartless and cruel.

According to Modinat, any time she received her salary, Olasunkanmi would collect it from her.

This she stated went on for nine years

She further said that he insisted that she aborted a three-month-old pregnancy.

She added that he refused to pay her a visit while on admission for three months in the hospital.

Modinat pleaded for their children’s custody and entreated the court to mandate her husband to be responsible for their upkeep.

Olasunkanmi, in his testimony, said, “My wife and I courted for five years before we got married.

“Our wedding ceremony was conducted under Islamic induction.

“I thought I had known her enough, but unfortunately, this was not so.

"My wife suddenly changed.

“She became defiant and uncontrollable. She flouted my orders at will.

“Modinat was in the habit of going out without my permission and returning whenever it pleased her.

“The more I complained, the worse she became.

“My wife gradually usurped my position in the home.

She declared that whatever decision she made concerning our children and the home in general was final.

“I reported her to her parents who admonished her, but all the advice they gave her fell on a deaf ear.

“My wife refused that I had rest of mind; she made our home too hot for comfort.

“Modinat later walked out of our marriage and frustrated every effort at reconciling us.

“She later took to coming to my workplace to threaten and fight me.

“My lord, I pray that this honourable court put an end to our relationship.

“I further appeal that the court grants me custody of our children for they have always been with me except the one whom she took along with her.”

Modinat while responding, said, “My husband is wicked and cruel. He enslaved me for years.

“He always collected my salary from me anytime I was paid.

“He did this for nine years

"He also took from me all the money well wishers gave me during our children’s   naming ceremonies.

“My husband’s conscience is dead. He insisted that I aborted our three- month pregnancy, stating that he was not interested in having more children.

“Again, I was sick and on admission in the hospital for three months.

“My husband only checked on me after my parents rebuked him.

“My lord, I am also through with our marriage.

“I appeal to this honourable court to grant me custody of our children, but make my husband responsible for their upkeep.”

Giving judgment after she had heard both parties, the court president, Mrs S.M Akintayo, granted the plaintiff his prayer.

She ruled that both the plaintiff and defendant ceased to be husband and wife.

Akintayo granted custody of their first two children to the plaintiff and the last to the defendant.

She further gave an order restraining the defendant from threatening and interfering with the plaintiff’s private life.

Both the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, hinted on Friday that the country could respond “decisively” to the situation.

The military officials had been invited to an event honouring war veterans in Canada. But while some members of the delegation received visas, others were denied entry, causing disappointment and frustration.

General Musa shared his experience at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja on Thursday, expressing his dismay over the visa refusal.

He described the situation as a “wake-up call” for Nigeria and urged the nation to strengthen its sovereignty and stand firm on its own.

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, supported the Chief of Defence Staff.

Ribadu condemned Canada’s action, calling the visa denial “disrespectful” and adding that “Canada can go to hell.”

Embassy deflects criticism

Reacting, the Canadian High Commission on Friday acknowledged media reports on the visa denials but refrained from commenting on the specifics of the visa applications.

The commission confirmed its awareness of the situation but reiterated that it could not disclose details about the status of individual visa applications.

“The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria is aware of media reports related to planned travel by senior officials. However, for privacy reasons, we are unable to comment on the status of visa applications of specific individuals,” the statement read.

However, sources within the government have expressed frustration over the incident, which has escalated into a diplomatic issue.

Ministers knock Canada

The Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo, expressed strong disapproval of the embassy’s action, calling it disrespectful not only to General Musa but to Nigeria as a whole.

Tunji-Ojo suggested that Nigeria would consider reciprocal measures in light of the treatment of its highest-ranking military officer.

He emphasised that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would take steps to address the situation and ensure that diplomatic relations were upheld.

Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’ on Friday, Tunji-Ojo described the embassy’s decision as a sign of disrespect for Nigeria.

The minister said, “Without knowing the full facts, I believe that reciprocity must be considered in such matters. While we respect the sovereignty of other nations, the issue of visas and migration management should be approached with fairness.

“Denying a visa to the Chief of Defence Staff is not just disrespectful to him personally, but to Nigeria as a whole. If this can happen to a high-ranking official, then one must wonder about the fate of the average Nigerian.”

On his part, the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle, asked Nigeria to assert its position on the global stage.

A statement on Friday said Matawalle expressed “profound disappointment” regarding the treatment of the delegation, emphasising that such actions could jeopardise the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Canada.

"This incident is not merely a bureaucratic oversight; it is a serious affront to our national dignity and integrity. We cannot allow our country to be treated with such disregard and levity on the international stage,” he stated.

He called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the reasons behind the visa denial, asserting that Nigeria must respond decisively to uphold its reputation as a key player in global affairs.

“We must not remain passive in the face of such disrespect. It is imperative that the Nigerian government takes a firm diplomatic stance. If no satisfactory explanation is provided, we must be prepared to respond appropriately and assertively,” Matawalle said.

The minister said the visa denial raised significant concerns regarding Canada’s treatment of Nigerian military officials and the overall state of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Nigeria may reciprocate

A senior official in the Nigerian Immigration Service who spoke on condition of anonymity warned that if the Canadian embassy did not address the matter appropriately, Nigeria might take action by turning away Canadian nationals at its borders.

He said, “It was a minor issue before, but it has now become a major one. When high-ranking officials like the CDS need to travel, their protocol officers typically obtain a Note Verbale and submit it to the embassy along with their passports. However, certain individuals in urgent situations may not require it.

"For someone of the calibre of the Chief of Defence Staff to apply for a visa without a Note Verbale, the appropriate action for the Canadian embassy should have been to verify his identity with the relevant authorities. Denying the CDS a visa is insulting.”

The source likened the potential response to a similar action taken earlier this year when Nigeria retaliated against South Africa by turning back a South African airline that was carrying dignitaries.

The official said, “If the Canadian embassy does not handle this situation properly, the response will be significant. Nigeria may also start turning back Canadian nationals entering the country. This is similar to what we did with South Africa a few months ago when they turned back a large number of Nigerians.

“In response, a South African airline carrying dignitaries was turned back at the Lagos airport, prompting the immediate intervention of the South African president. The Canadian embassy should be cautious.”

A top source at the Defence Headquarters said the Canadian embassy did not reveal why itdenied visas to the CDS and other senior officers.

The source stated that the CDS was attending the Invictus Programme in Canada.

The source said, “You should be asking the embassy why they denied a whole CDS a visa. Do not forget he is also the chairman of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff in Africa. That is very bad. They were never told why their visas were denied; they were simply informed at the embassy that their applications were rejected. The CDS and other officials were not going for a jamboree.

"They were going there for the Invictus programme. Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, came to Nigeria in 2024 to champion the Invictus Games, which he founded. They sent a representative two weeks ago when the groundbreaking ceremony for the Invictus Centre was held in Abuja.

“So, it is a renowned international event. It is not as if the CDS would run away if granted a visa. The most surprising thing is that the first contingent, which included the Director of Defence Information, is presently in Canada. It is a national embarrassment.”

Ex-envoys differ

Retired diplomats have also weighed in, with some pointing to Nigeria’s lack of senior representation in embassies as a contributing factor to the incident.

An ex-diplomat to Algeria, Mohammed Mabdul, stated that the absence of ambassadors in Nigerian embassies, including in Canada, had weakened the country’s diplomatic presence.

Mabdul said, “All our embassies don’t have ambassadors. We only have charge d’affaires. If there was an ambassador in Canada, the matter would have been related to him and he or she would take it up.”

He further argued that the delay was one of the major reasons for the recent diplomatic challenges.

"The embarrassment is because we have no senior representation in our embassies abroad.

“So, it has downgraded our relations with most of the countries. They don’t take us seriously and it will affect our activities.”

A retired ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, noted that the situation was reminiscent of an incident in the 2000s when General Yakubu Gowon, a former military leader, faced similar treatment from the Canadian authorities.

Amedu-Ode said, “At that time, the late Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, who was serving as Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, had to summon representatives from Visa Facilitation Services, which processes Canadian visas, to express Nigeria’s dissatisfaction over the treatment of its citizens.”

He emphasised that diplomatic matters should be addressed by the appropriate governmental body to ensure proper protocol was followed.

However, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr Yemi Farounbi, said the Canadian embassy could have denied the Chief of Defence Staff, and other top military officers visas on grounds of anti-democratic actions.

Speaking to our correspondent on Friday, Farounbi, said Canada had stated many times that top military officers usually abridged human rights.

"There are many reasons why a country can deny its visa to other citizens particularly when they are high-ranking officers,” the ex-diplomat said.

“Canada has always explained that where high-ranking officers appear to be anti-democratic or have offended civil human rights, it has a tendency to deny such people its visa. In this particular case, we don’t know why they have done so.”

The octogenarian stated the matter ought to be addressed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He said Nigerian generals must realise that “there is a level of civility or respect expected in bilateral relations.”

The former ambassador said every sovereign country had the right to safeguard its territory, including regulating those who gained access to its territorial boundaries.

Farounbi also cautioned the NSA for saying Canada “can go to hell.”

He said, “I believe that given the fact that Nigeria is a very bi-industrial, open-work organisation and it has existed in bilateral relations for a long time, it would have been better if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been used to solve this problem.

"It was absolutely inappropriate. Nigeria is another sovereign nation. In dealing with a nation in which you have peaceful, diplomatic, and bilateral relations, I think it was inappropriate.”

Why Canada denied officers visas

A human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, said the visa denial could stem from allegations of corruption or human rights abuses involving Nigerian military officers.

He noted that many public officers, including military leaders, had faced visa restrictions due to such concerns.

Falana said, “With respect to the ban on military chiefs, it has to do with human rights abuse. Either for invading communities or reckless killing of civilians without accountability.

“So, it is a challenge to the government to respect the rights of Nigerians and fix our country. Another ground that they use is that some conferences do not require the attendance of top military chiefs and government officials.”

While acknowledging Canada’s historical support for Nigeria, Falana stressed the importance of addressing human rights issues to avoid future diplomatic friction.

"More than any country, Canada stood by Nigeria during the struggle against the military. Under Abacha, it had to withdraw its ambassador and close down the commission in Canada.

“Even now, Canada has continued to receive more Nigerian professionals than other countries in their Japa business.”

A senior government official, who asked not to be quoted, said Canada might have also rejected half of the delegation because of the number.

He said, “Why is nobody asking the number of people who applied for the visa? You know how government officials use these trips to take their girlfriends abroad. They put many people in their entourage, even people who should not be there. It is possible that the number of people going for the trip is a lot, and the consular officer, who may just be a low-level worker, decided to cut the number by 50 per cent. It is not every event that should require the presence of the CDS; he could have sent a representative.”

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, would speak on it at the appropriate time.

The NSA, Ribadu, declined further comment on the matter, insisting that the treatment of the country was unfair.

- Punch 

Oba Oloyede, a United States of America-based accountant and information system expert, was appointed new Apetu in July 2019.

He succeeded Oba James Adegoke, who died on November 26, 2017.

Our correspondents learnt that the royal father had been regularly shuttling between Nigeria and his base in the US since his installation.

However, since March 2024 that he left his domain, he has not been seen, fueling speculations about his whereabouts.

While some of the residents who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of attack said Oloyede was indisposed and was recuperating in the US, many others believed the monarch was facing trial for fraud.

Monarch last seen in March 2024

A chief in Ipetumodu, who spoke on condition of anonymity to Saturday PUNCH, said many of his colleagues, including the Oosa of Ipetumodu, who is next in line to Apetu, had stopped going to the palace.

He said, “It’s been close to a year now that we have not seen our king in the town.”

The chief noted that Oloyede was also missing critical community events.

“Last December, we were told he would come back to town before January ended, but it’s now February and we haven’t seen him. It was the IPU Chairman, Joba Akinjogbe, that spoke on behalf of the king during this year’s Christian annual prayer.

"But on the day of the prayer, we saw someone that looked like our monarch on screen through a projector. But we didn’t see his face. He told the gathering that he was not in prison and promised to come back by January ending.

“In 2024, we were told he was sick but since then, we have not seen him in town and nobody knows where he is,” he added.

The chief lamented that before the monarch disappeared, he demolished the “ancient palace” and promised to build a modern one.

“He was not living in the palace. He was staying at his private residence. We told him then that it’s not proper to demolish the entire palace. But now, the entire old palace has been demolished even in his absence. The court was also demolished.

“Some chiefs, led by the Asalu, Sunday Adedeji, are still going to the palace to hold meetings. But the Oosa, who is the second in command to the king, and four others, including myself, are no longer going there for meetings.

“During the last event when the king was projected on screen, a lot of residents said that it was fake and insisted that the only thing they wanted was for the king to come back to the town,” he added.

A reliable source close to the palace said three major festivals – Odun Egungun (masquerade festival), Odun Edi (Edi festival) and Ota Aaje (Obatala festival) were not graced by the Apetu.

Our correspondent gathered that the monarch was expected to wear an ancient crown and offer iwure (blessings) for the town and his subjects during the Edi festival, which took place in October 2024, but he was nowhere to be found.

The king’s absence from the festivals reportedly created panic in the town.

"It was the king’s wife who represented him and this is against our culture,” the source said. “It is an abomination for the masquerade to bow to a woman.”

“The king and the Aaje deity are supposed to see each other in a year during the Ota Aaje festival but he was not there. It is a popular belief that the deity gave birth to all the Ipetumodu’s princes. Even the king didn’t attend Ipetumodu Day.”

A member of a royal family who said he could not speak on record for fear of being attacked said the absence of the monarch was impacting negatively on the community.

He claimed that the king’s wife had been running the community as a regent.

The prince said, “Residents are asking the chiefs about the whereabouts of Oba Oloyede, but the chiefs have not given them any genuine reply. They keep saying he is doing business abroad while some are saying he is sick.

“Our monarch came to Ipetumodu last year in March, but since he left then, we have not seen him in town. Although he doesn’t stay long in Ipetumodu before travelling, this one is the longest that he has not come to the town since he was crowned king in 2019.

"But we saw it online that the king and one Oluwasanmi were involved in a COVID-19 fund scam in America and the American government has indicted him. It was also reported that the government has seized all his property and he was not allowed to travel out of the country.”

Fraud charges

Saturday PUNCH noted that around the time the monarch travelled in 2024, the US indicted one Joseph Oloyede (61), and another defendant, Edward Oluwasanmi (61), for their alleged roles in a scheme to fraudulently obtain $4.2m in COVID-19 relief funds.

The two suspects were charged with 13 counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.

According to a press release by the US Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Ohio on April 5, 2024, the said suspects floated a series of phony businesses to allegedly receive $4.2m in funds designed to help small businesses and employees survive the coronavirus pandemic.

The statement revealed that both defendants devised a means to defraud financial institutions by obtaining COVID-19 relief funds from SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan programme and the Paycheck Protection Programme under false pretenses.

"Oloyede is also alleged to have submitted falsified PPP and EIDL loan applications in the names of other co-conspirators and confederate borrowers and their businesses, obtaining approximately $1.3m through those applications for a total of at least $4.2m obtained through the fraud,” the statement added.

Oloyede and Oluwasanmi had property in Medina and Willoughby, respectively, and were charged by a federal court in Cleveland.

However, both men were released on $20,000 unsecured bonds.

The warning

Cleveland.com, a reputable media organisation in the US, while quoting court records, reported that Oloyede is the owner of Available Tax Services, a consultant business in Bedford Heights.

He reportedly created several other businesses that did little or no real business, lied on applications for loans and recruited others to fill out fraudulent forms.

The court indictment said those who filled out the forms paid him and his casemate, Oluwasanmi, kickbacks for organising the fake filings.

Oloyede, according to court records, used some of the money to pay a contractor $24,473 for work on his Foote Road home.

Prosecutors are seeking to seize Oloyede’s home, which he bought in 2021 for $130,000.

An indictment is only a charge and is no evidence of guilt until trial is concluded and the government proves the case beyond reasonable doubt.

A popular king in Osun State warned Saturday PUNCH against linking Oloyede with the ongoing fraud case since his middle name, “Olugbenga” was missing from the charge and there was no picture to prove he was the one arraigned.

“If it was the monarch, it would have been stated in the charge and even western media would have published the story because he is a first-class king,” the Monarch stated.

Finding Oba Oloyede – Investigations

Findings by Saturday PUNCH suggested that the Oloyede facing trial in the US might be the same Oba of Ipetumodu.

Investigations by our correspondents revealed that the monarch was born on December 7th, 1962. He is of the same age with the defendant standing trial in the US.

Also, around the time of his travel to the US was when the trial of the Oloyede in Cleveland happened.

Oloyede the monarch claimed to have served as an assistant professor of accounting at the Indiana Wesleyan University, Cleveland Education Center. The Oloyede on trial had a close connection with Cleveland.

While these may be said to be circumstantial, a further dig into his social media reveals further details.

A check on LinkedIn showed Oba “Joseph Oloyede DBA, FCA, EA” in his royal apparel. Under his profile photo is the tag: professor, tax consultant. His location is indicated as Greater Cleveland.

The LinkedIn profile showed a high amount of personal and professional engagements.

Although he rarely shares posts on the platform, there are several comments he made on other people’s posts, mostly reacting and congratulating friends and family members on their achievements.

About four years ago, while commenting on the graduation photos of one “Elizabeth Ajadi,” he wrote, “Omo Oba. Congratulations. Fly like an eagle; the sky is just the beginning. More blessings.”

The celebrant then replied, “Thank you Kabiesi.”

The “About” column stated clearly that his specialties included corporate and individual taxes; bookkeeping; payroll service; business incorporation and management consulting.

He had 79 endorsements, including 20 from his former colleagues at the Indiana Wesleyan University, where he claimed to have served between June 2003 and May 2021.

Oloyede also gave five recommendations to some professional colleagues.

The only article he posted on January 19, 2016, showed him advertising a company: Available Tax Services.

The post, titled, ‘It is Tax Time Again’, read, “File for taxes and get a chance to win one of three 32” TV sets. No purchase necessary, not valid where prohibited.

“At Available Tax Services, every customer gets a gift. That is our way of appreciating your business.

“Honesty, integrity and accuracy are the premise of our professional excellence.”

His “Contact Info” on LinkedIn showed links to the company’s website and a sister company, AvailableTutors. The Oloyede standing trial in the US is the owner of Available Tax Services.

Monarch curses enemies

In a speech he delivered at the New Year prayer organised by the Ipetumodu Christian community, where he addressed residents via a projector, Oloyede rained curses on his enemies.

The royal father, in the footage seen by Saturday PUNCH, while speaking in Yoruba, said, “I give thanks to God because the wishes of the enemies didn’t come to pass. Some people won’t even believe that it is me speaking.

“They will think we recorded this speech to deceive you. I give thanks to God for keeping us throughout last year. I also thank Ipetumodu community for standing by me. All the lies being peddled around; I have told God, whoever writes nonsense about me won’t write anything good in his life. The one written just two days ago, the author will die this year.”

When one of our correspondents contacted him via WhatsApp and read the indictment charges to him from the US Ministry of Justice, he did not give a direct response.

Speaking in Yoruba, Oloyede said, “A person may choose to say whatever pleases him with his mouth. No one follows me here. Not everything you see on the Internet should be believed. And then, every story will always have two sides.

“There are so many enemies and whatever pleases a person, he will use his mouth to say. So many people don’t want the progress of my community. I am having a rest.

“And if a king is not dead, another one can’t be installed. Those that vied for the throne with me before I was appointed are already running around, saying they wanted to replace me, even people from my ruling house are involved.

“There are a lot of stories flying around; lies being peddled around. A lot has been pushed out. Some of them said I have been convicted.”

Asked when he would return to his domain, he said, “There is a specific period I used to come here to work. Whoever doesn’t work, won’t have money. There is no special vote that a king will draw from. That is why I have been shuttli

ng between my domain and here (US). I have not suffered paralysis. Am I not the one you are talking to now? I am not on the deathbed.”

- Punch

Governors of the six South-West states- Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo and Ondo, on Thursday, agreed to set up a new joint security outfit to tackle new waves of insecurity in the region.

There have been concerns in recent months over alleged movement of bandits and suspected terrorists from the northern part of Nigeria to the South-West, a region considered relatively more peaceful.

The new outfit which is yet to be named, according to the governors, would be tasked with combating all forms of banditry and other crimes in the region.

There currently exists a security outfit known as “Amotekun” in some states of the South-West. The governors did not say whether the new outfit being planned would incorporate the existing one.

The governors also agreed to establish joint food hubs to address increasing food inflation and associated challenges in order to engender security of the region.

The meeting of the South-West governors hosted by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at Lagos House, Ikeja, was attended by Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Biodun Oyebaniji (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Ademola Adeleke, Osun.

Sanwo-Olu, chairman of the South-West Governor’s Forum, who read a communique issues at the end of the meeting, said deliberations focused on common interests and key regional issues, which include. These, according to him, include security, agriculture, food security, economic collaboration, and the South-West Development Commission.

The 11- point communique, the governors commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts at making Petroleum products available, stabilising the exchange rate, and introducing student loans under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has benefited South West students in tertiary institutions.

The governors hailed the relative peace and security in the region and condemned the activities of the Islamic States of West Africa (ISWAP) and the threat they pose in parts of the South West.

They encouraged enhanced collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and local security outfits, urging them to remain vigilant. They also committed to taking necessary actions to counter these threats.

The governors agreed on the establishment of a Joint Security Surveillance to oversee and coordinate security efforts across the South West region.

"As part of this resolution, the Forum has committed to deploying advanced technology, including aerial surveillance systems to enhance security operations. Additionally, the Forum resolved its Special Advisers on Security collaborates on intelligence gathering and sharing between State security agencies, local security networks, and federal law enforcement authorities among South West States.”

The governors commended the Federal Government and the Senate for establishing the South West Development Commission (SWDC) and collectively agreed to situate its headquarters at Cocoa House, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The governors also acknowledges the efforts of Odu’a Investment Company Ltd in efficiently managing joint assets of the South West region over the past five years.

They also commended the company’s board and management for the ongoing redevelopment of Premier Hotel in Ibadan, Oyo State, and the proposed redevelopment of the Lagos Airport Hotel in Lagos State.

On food, the governors, recognising the need for food security, encouraged collaboration among South West states to implement collective measures aimed at curbing food inflation in the region.

They expressed concern over the activities of unscrupulous middlemen who deliberately inflate prices of goods and commodities in South West markets, and therefore, agreed to establish a State Food Inflation Joint Monitoring Team and as well as establishment of Aggregation Centre /Food Hubs to foster inter-state

collaboration and mitigate food inflation.

A Christian youth advocacy group, the Nigerian Christian Youth Network, NCYN, has denounced what it described as the meddling of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the contractual dispute between music producer Ezekiel Onyedikachi, popularly known as EeZee Tee, and gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Michael Ekwere, the group also appealed to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, and notable Christian leaders to intervene in the matter, which it said is unhealthy for the Christian music industry.

The group noted that, from its findings, the issue between EeZee Tee  and Mercy Chinwo is purely a contractual dispute, which does not in any way fall within the mandate of the EFCC.

It, however, expressed dismay that the commission would neglect its core mandate of combating the huge economic and financial crimes plaguing the country and instead give serious attention to a dispute between a gospel artist and her label company due to personal interest.

The statement reads: “As a faith-based organization, we are concerned with the current dispute between EeZee Tee and Mercy Chinwo because they are our brethren in the faith. We have carefully examined the issue, which has generated much uproar in the Christian and secular communities, and concluded that it is purely a contractual dispute.

“On the one hand, Mercy Chinwo is alleging that her legitimate earnings are being withheld byEeZee Tee Concept, owned by EeZee Tee. On the other hand, the record label is also demanding an unbiased account reconciliation, claiming that Mercy Chinwo failed to remit the company’s share from her public engagements.

“Clearly, this is a simple contractual dispute that either party can seek to resolve in a civil court.

“We are, however, worried that the EFCC has now become a tool in the hands of one party to intimidate and harass the other.

From our findings, acting on a petition, the EFCC, without any valid court order, last year froze the domiciliary account of EeZee Tee, detained him in Ilorin, Kwara State, for nine days, and further compelled him to pay Mercy Chinwo $274,000.

When EeZee Tee challenged his illegal detention through a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the EFCC, the commission quickly ran to another court to obtain an arrest warrant against him.

“In a three-count charge now before the Federal High Court, Lagos, the EFCC is accusing EeZee Tee of ‘fraudulent conversion’ of the legitimate earnings of Chinwo and another artist, Judikay.

“From what is ongoing, it is clear that the EFCC is acting on a script, either for personal or pecuniary interest, and we urge the commission’s chairman to call his officers to order.

“We see no reason why the commission would allow itself to be used as a tool to harass, intimidate, and embarrass someone in a clear civil dispute.

We call on the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to look into this case and many other similar cases for which the EFCC has been accused of pursuing merely to embarrass and intimidate respectable Nigerians.

“We also use this medium to appeal to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and Christian leaders to look into the matter, which we believe is unhealthy for the Christian music industry.”

A startling altercation in which a student allegedly bit and physically challenged her lecturer has prompted a probe by Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). Njelita Louis, a school spokesperson, stated that any parties found to be at fault would face the proper punishment from the institution's administration.

A statement by the Acting Head of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol, Njelita Louis, emphasised the university’s commitment to discipline and decorum.

He assured that appropriate actions and sanctions would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.

The statement reads: “The Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been made aware of a disturbing incident involving Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies and Goddy Mbakwe Precious a 3rd year student in the department of History and International Studies.

“The incident, which has gained significant attention on social media, is being taken very seriously by the university authorities.

“In line with our core values of discipline, self-reliance, and excellence, and in adherence to the principles of fair hearing, equity, and justice, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu, has ordered a full-scale, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the matter.

According to Njelita: “We urge all concerned parties and members of the public to remain calm as we diligently pursue the truth.

“The university is committed to upholding discipline and decorum, and we will ensure that appropriate actions and sanctions are taken based on the outcome of the investigation.”

He said that the Nnamdi Azikiwe University remains an institution of learning that upholds high moral and ethical standards.

“There is no place for indiscipline, misconduct, or any form of unacceptable behaviour within our community.

“Further updates will be provided as necessary,” Njelita added.

In viral video on Tuesday, a third-year student in the Department of History and International Studies, Goddy Precious, was seen around the corridors dancing in front of her phone, capturing a TikTok moment when the lecturer, Dr. Chukwudi Michael Okoye, walked from behind.

The lecturer gently tapped the female student on the shoulder, asking her to give way but the student was pissed by the lecturer’s action and interruption of her video moment.

However, the situation escalated into a physical confrontation when Okoye overheard the student insulting him and returned to confront her.

Upon returning, he noticed she was recording a video. Not wanting to be captured, he reached for the student’s phone but she aggressively grabbed his clothes. During the struggle, she bit him multiple times and tore his clothes.

In a statement circulating on social media, Okoye narrating what happened, claimed that after walking past the student, he overheard her insulting him and decided to return to verify if she was one of his students. 

He then reportedly demanded that she delete the video in which he appeared, which led to the altercation.

In the process, the lecturer alleged that the student bit him on both arms, tore his clothes, slapped and scratched his face.

The lecturer’s account reads: “My theatre arts people, I had just left hall 19, where Dr Ebekue (another lecturer) was teaching. Walking along the passage, I saw a girl doing a video with her phone (she had placed the phone on the window hood and was striking poses in the middle of the walkway),” he said.

“Tapping her slightly, I asked her to excuse me as I walked past. After about two or three steps, I heard her say, ‘Who does this man think he is?’ I walked back to ascertain first if she was my student and second to make sure she deleted the video showing where I passed.

However, in her account, Ms Mbakwe said she was recording a video when she felt someone push her and said “excuse me”.

“Initially, I thought it was a student, but when I turned around, I was shocked to see a man –a lecturer unbeknownst to me. I whispered to my friend, ‘Omo, see how this lecturer pushed me,’ and my friend tried to reassure me,” she wrote.

The student said someone immediately tried to grab her phone from behind her but she held on tightly before turning to see it was the same person who interrupted her video.

“Mind you, I didn’t even know he was a lecturer. I pleaded with him, ‘sorry sir, why are you dragging my phone? But he remained silent, tugging at my phone until it fell and broke,” she said.

She also claimed the lecturer grabbed her “breast region and said unspeakable things” to her.

“I was left stunned, trying to comprehend the horror unfolding before me. As I realised my cleavage was exposed, I begged him to let me go, but he ignored my pleas, holding me firmly. His nails and clutches left certain prints and scratches on my chest rather,” she wrote.

“I was mortified. I tried to cover myself, pulling my dress together, and exclaimed in desperation, ‘Sir, I’ll hold you oh!’. I didn’t mean to threaten him; I just wanted him to release me. But he wouldn’t budge. 

“In a split second, I bit his hands, hoping he’d let go. That was when I held his clothes and accidentally tore his shirt.

“The situation escalated, with some students intervening and in no time, I saw theatre arts students (from his department) approaching me with weapons. I was so terrified and hurt. The securities eventually arrive, taking me away in their van.”

In a circular, CBN Acting Director, Financial Policy & Regulation Department,  John Onojah, explained that the revised charges will address increasing operational costs and enhance the efficiency of banking services.

Under the new rules, customers withdrawing from their own bank’s ATMs (on-us transactions) will continue to enjoy free withdrawals.

However, withdrawals from on-site ATMs (ATMs located at bank branches) will incur an N100 fee per N20,000 withdrawn.

For withdrawals at ATMs belonging to other banks (Not-on-Us transactions), an N100 fee plus a surcharge of not more than N500 per N20,000 withdrawal will apply.

The CBN emphasized that the surcharge is the income of the “ATM deployer/acquirer and must be disclosed to consumers at the point of withdrawal.”

This review marks the first change in ATM transaction fees since 2019 when the CBN reduced the withdrawal fee from N65 to N35.

According to the CBN, the updated fees are in line with Section 10.7 of the ‘CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (2020).’

The statement reads, “In response to rising costs and the need to improve the efficiency of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services in the banking industry, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reviewed the ATM transaction fees prescribed in Section 10.7 of the extant CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions, 2020 (the Guide).”

"This review is expected to accelerate the deployment of ATMs and ensure that appropriate charges are applied by financial institutions to consumers of the service,” the CBN added.

For international withdrawals using debit or credit cards, banks, and financial institutions are now allowed to charge a “cost-recovery charge equivalent to the exact amount charged by the international acquirer.”

Additionally, the CBN stated that the three free monthly withdrawals for Remote-On-Us (other bank’s customers/Not-On-Us consumers) will no longer apply under Section 10.6.2 of the Guide.

The apex bank has urged all financial institutions to ensure compliance with the new guidelines before the March 1, implementation date.

The speculation, which recently gained traction online, claimed that Nengi had given birth to the governor’s child, with some reports even suggesting he has four wives.

However, Governor Diri has categorically denied the claims, describing them as baseless and unfounded.

Nengi herself had taken to her X handle to debunk the claims, stating, “As much as I believe social media lies aren’t worth my time, I’ve come to accept that we live in a world where people are quick to spread lies without limits so let me be clear, I’m not pregnant for any Governor.

I’ve chosen to speak coz this isn’t just an attack on me, it involves people I hold in the highest regard, and I won’t allow a beautiful, personal part of my life be turned into something ugly.

While I continue to mind my own business and enjoy my pregnancy in PEACE, I wish y’all Love and a happy Valentine’s weekend”.

The governor’s Director-General on New Media, Samuel Kolawole Oredipe, attributed the rumors to the governor’s political enemies, stating that they are “spreading falsehood” to distract from the governor’s accomplishments.

He wrote: “Political enemies of His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, are at work again. What a wicked set of people spreading falsehood on a day the Prosperity Administration commenced activities marking its 5th anniversary.

“Nengi Rebecca Hampson has no personal relationship with the governor. Nengi has come out on social media to debunk the lies. This is a distraction, and some of us are very justified in the many reasons offered to regulate the use of various social media.”

This trend has been linked to a resurgence of terrorist activities, complicating the already challenging security landscape in the country.

However, there are over 1,400 illegal routes into Nigeria – 1,316 more than the approved number of border control posts – according to data from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). The 84 approved border controls cover 4,047km, the total length of Nigeria’s land border shared with Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.

A military source who pleaded anonymity told BusinessDay that the porous nature of these borders has become a gateway for foreign fighters, fueling insurgency and terrorism in the country.

“These fighters come from within Nigeria and neighbouring countries, exploiting unguarded routes and unmonitored spaces to join insurgent camps,” he said.

Nigeria’s four international borders present distinct security challenges due to their geographical features and length.

The Benin border spans 773 kilometers, running from the Niger River to the Bight of Benin. It serves as a critical link between Nigeria and West Africa but remains vulnerable to illegal crossings.

The Niger border, which stretches about 1,497kilometers, is the longest and cuts through vast forests and ungoverned spaces, providing insurgents with easy access to Nigerian territory.

Similarly, the Cameroon border, covering 1,690 kilometers, extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the South to Nigeria’s northernmost regions. Its extensive length and diverse terrain make monitoring and patrolling particularly difficult.

Although the Chad border is only 87 kilometers long, its strategic location makes it a critical point for security operations.

The source also identified waterways and dense forests in states like Niger, Kaduna, and Zamfara as prominent entry points for insurgents.

“Our borders are open in many areas, making it easy for terrorists disguised as locals or cattle rearers to infiltrate,” he said, highlighting the urgent need for tighter border controls.

He proposed the adoption of HESCO barriers—military fortifications made of sand-filled containers—to block unauthorised crossings. Combined with patrols, he argued, these barriers would deter infiltration and secure vulnerable routes.

The defence official also recommended creating a dedicated Border Security Force, with 1,000 personnel deployed per border state.

He called for better coordination among security agencies and urged state governments to actively engage in the National Counterterrorism Strategy and Crisis Management Doctrine.

"Local governments must address ungoverned spaces—areas without functional police stations, judicial systems, or governance structures. These gaps leave communities vulnerable to insurgent influence,” he warned.

A critical point raised by the source is the need to reconsider ECOWAS’ free movement policy in the light of rising security threats.

While regional integration remains vital, he argued that current realities demand stricter border controls to curb the flow of insurgents, illegal arms and cattle rustlers.

He stressed the importance of decisive actions and political will in addressing border security challenges.

“Defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity must not be politicised. We need coordinated efforts to safeguard lives and prevent further infiltration by foreign fighters,” he asserted.

Speaking with BusinessDay, Chidi Omeje, CEO of Security Digest, underscored the gravity of border security, describing it as a ‘capital-intensive’ endeavour requiring urgent national attention.

"Border security is a serious business anywhere in the world. Even in the United States, it was a cornerstone of former President Trump’s administration. For a country like Nigeria with thousands of unmanned borders, the situation is even more critical,” he noted.

He noted that Nigeria’s borders remain porous due to insufficient manpower, equipment, and logistical support.

“Agencies like immigration, customs, and other security outfits face severe constraints, leaving vast stretches of land unmonitored. We need a collective effort,” Omeje stated.

"This is a national emergency. It’s not about passing blame between defense headquarters and immigration; everyone must step up,” the officer, earlier quoted, added.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior officer in the service echoed these concerns, calling for a significant increase in funding and resources for border security agencies.

“The government needs to prioritise equipping immigration and other security agencies with patrol vehicles, motorbikes, communication equipment, and advanced surveillance tools,” she said.

Experts argue that beyond equipment, the welfare of officers must also be addressed. Many officers face poor working conditions, including inadequate housing, lack of healthcare facilities, and delayed pensions.

“An officer who isn’t motivated or assured of their future is more likely to compromise. Pensions take years to process, and officers often lack basic amenities like accommodation and access to medical care,” she further said.

- BusinessDay

He also issued a stern warning to all officers regarding serious breaches of human rights, emphasizing the duty of the Force to uphold these rights.

Speaking during a virtual meeting he convened with strategic police managers, yesterday, Egbetokun frowned at such acts, having received various complaints regarding human rights violations through the Force’s complaint channels.

A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, yesterday, said the meeting was in a bid to reinforce operational integrity and ensure effective management within the Nigeria Police Force.

He said: “During this critical session, the IGP addressed several pressing issues, which aim to bolster the ethical and professional conduct of police personnel across the nation.

"The IGP states that any conduct violating human rights will not be tolerated and will be met with severe consequences.

“The IGP also warned all tactical squads against the misuse of power and improper dressing, emphasizing the importance of operating in approved uniforms. No operative should be seen carrying assault arms (rifles) while dressed in civilian attire (mufti).

“All tactical squads are to ensure compliance with the standard operating procedure, while properly dressed in the assigned uniform for the particular squad.

“The IGP further emphasized on the indiscriminate transfer of cases without the written approval of the IGP. This conduct is highly prohibited and would no longer be tolerated, as such exposes the parties to unnecessary burdens and delayed justice in their cases.

“The IGP concluded by directing that all ranks must work collaboratively to prevent any irresponsible acts that can tarnish the reputation of the Force.”

The minister made this statement during a meeting with the Managing Director of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Engineer Francis Agoh, to discuss the restoration of power to UCH, which has been without electricity for the past three months.

Following the meeting, it was agreed that power would be restored to the clinical section of Nigeria’s foremost health institution within the next 48 hours.

The electricity crisis at UCH is linked to the hospital’s disconnection from the national grid by IBEDC due to an outstanding debt of approximately N500 million.

Tribune Online reports that some students of the University of Ibadan staged a peaceful protest, led by Aweda Bolaji, while the minister was meeting with the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo.

The students expressed their grievances over the hardships they have endured in the past three months, as the hospital remains in total darkness following its disconnection from the national grid by IBEDC.

Bolanle stated that Babajide was cruel and in the habit of fighting and giving her heavy blows, which sometimes left her with swollen face.

The plaintiff added that the defendant attempted to kill her.

According to the plaintiff, one of their children told her that he always saw their father lacing her food with poison.

Bolanle also said that Babajide neglected her welfare and that of their children, which spurred her decision to walk out of their marriage with three out of their four children.

According to Bolanle, Babajide failed to give the only child left with him the needed attention.

The plaintiff explained that their child, according to his teacher, never got to school earlier than 10:00 am. on a daily basis, while he refused that he attended lessons after school hours.

She further said that her husband never ceased to threaten and beat her despite their living separately.

Bolanle said that Babajide sometimes waylaid and beat her black and blue.

She stated that their eldest child, a female, was not exempted from such a brutal treatment.

The plaintiff thus requested an order restraining the defendant from harassing, threatening, and interfering with her private life.

She also entreated the court for custody of their children in order that she might give them adequate attention.

Bolanle further requested an order directing her husband to be responsible for their children’s upkeep while quoting the sum of N20,000 as allowance for their feeding on a monthly basis.

The plaintiff further requested that the defendant make their children’s education and health care a priority.

Babajide denied all allegations brought against him but agreed to divorce.

The defendant refused that his wife had custody of their children. a

Babajide told the court that he could not afford more than N5,000 per month as feeding allowance for their four children.

Bolanle, in her evidence, said, “My husband and I started dating in 2004 after we met.

“He impregnated me while dating, but my parents handed me over to him after I put to bed, and he had paid my bride price.

“My husband started beating me from the outset of our marriage.

“He was rash and cruel. We therefore fought almost all the time.

“He was in the habit of punching and leaving me to nurse a swollen face.

“My husband wanted to get rid of me at all cost.

“One of our children informed me that he always saw his father lacing my food with a black substance in powder form.

“I confronted him the day I caught him and demanded that he ate out of the food, but he refused.

“I moved out of his house with three of our children when it was obvious that he would kill me.

“My husband, despite having just a child to cater for, failed in his duties towards him.

“His class teacher informed me that he always came late to school around 10:00 am, adding that he did not enroll for extra lessons after school hours.

“My husband is in the habit of waylaying and beating me to pulp.

“Our daughter, who is our eldest child, is not spared of such inhumane treatment.

“He also comes to my new place of abode to threaten and fight me.

“My lord, I came to court to have our marriage dissolved before he kills me.

“I request an order restricting him from threatening and interfering with my private life.

“I also entreat the court to grant me custody of our children so that I can give them adequate care.

“I further request an order directing my husband to be responsible for our children’s upkeep by giving them N20,000 per month as feeding allowance.

“He should also be in charge of their education and health care.”

Babajide responded, “My lord, I agree to divorce, but I want the court to know that all my wife said about me are lies.

“I refuse that she has our children’s custody.

“Our son’s class teacher is a liar. He always left home early for school.

“He is not attending extra lessons in school because they are yet to commence this term.

“My lord, I cannot afford more than N5,000 per month as our children’s upkeep in case she is granted their custody.”

Ruling after she had heard both parties, the court president, Mrs S.M. Akintayo, stated that although they had a valid customary marriage and the bride price paid, the plaintiff had the right to be granted the relief she sought since she stated that she was no longer interested in their marriage.

Akintayo, therefore, dissolved their union, declaring that both were no longer husband and wife.

She granted custody of three of their children to the plaintiff since, according to her, they are still under age, while she stated that eldest being of age was free to decide whom she wanted to stay with between the two parents.

Akintayo further gave an order, restricting the defendant from threatening and interfering with the plaintiff’s private life.

In an interview, the elder statesman warned that unless Nigeria undergoes real restructuring, its democratic experiment will continue to falter.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s abundant resources, George lamented how greed and self-interest have undermined the country’s potential. “God gave us a massive land, rich in both natural and human resources. There is no part of this country that isn’t blessed. Yet, greed and self-interest continue to plague us,” he said.

He accused political elites of failing to prioritize governance, allowing corruption and inefficiency to fester. “Other nations envy what we have, but we waste it. Look at Ghana; during their elections, the sitting president conceded before the final results. No manipulations, no drama. Here, we introduce a new system, and suddenly, there’s a glitch. It’s disgraceful.”

George pointed to tribalism and religious bigotry as two major obstacles to national unity and good governance. “People make a big deal out of religious differences, ‘Oh, this one is a Muslim,’ or ‘That one is a Christian.’ But what does that have to do with the price of milk?” he asked.

He shared personal experiences of religious tolerance, including how his older sister married a Muslim and became an Alhaja. “She remained my sister till the end. So, I ask, what do religious labels have to do with how we treat one another?”

According to George, these divisions are deliberately fueled by politicians for personal gain. “The British left us two devils: tribalism and religious bigotry. But tell me, what does religion have to do with governance?”

George did not mince words in his criticism of Nigeria’s political structure, declaring that the current system is fundamentally flawed. “It has failed, absolutely. The current constitution is the root of our problems. Every month, states go to Abuja to collect their share of national revenue instead of generating their own. That’s not democracy; it’s a unitary system disguised as federalism,” he asserted.

He advocated for a return to the six-zone structure proposed by former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, arguing that it provided a more equitable distribution of power. “When one region hoards all the power, resentment builds. That’s exactly what happened to my party. The presidential candidate, national chairman, and other key positions all came from the same region. That was a fundamental mistake,” he explained.

For Nigeria to move forward, George insists that meaningful restructuring is the only solution. “Not just any restructuring, but a real, practical one. If we continue on this path, we are only postponing disaster.”

He warned that failure to implement genuine reforms would deepen the country’s woes. “People are suffering. The price of fuel is crippling businesses, yet those who control the banking sector are making billions. If the president truly cares about the people, he should work with the financial sector to stabilize fuel prices,” he urged.

With the country facing economic hardship, insecurity, and rising youth unemployment, George called for urgent reforms. “We had trade centers where people learned carpentry, tailoring, and hairdressing. Now, nothing. That’s why we have a Yahoo Yahoo epidemic, because the system has failed young people,” he said.

He issued a stern warning to political leaders: “Nothing lasts forever. Power is temporary. If you are in leadership, use the opportunity to serve, not to loot. A land of plenty should not have starving citizens. If we don’t change course, history will not be kind to us.”

As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, George’s words serve as both a diagnosis and a call to action. Whether the country’s leaders will heed his warnings remains to be seen.

While discussing with an unidentified man, K1 had used the phrase “Ganusi” in reference to some Islamic clerics (alfas). Many interpreted the remark as implying that certain alfas attend such ceremonies primarily for financial gain.

This led to an avalanche of criticisms from different alfas and other Nigerians who felt that K1 denigrated the clerics with that statement. However, the singer doubled down on the remark and maintained that he had done nothing wrong, and did not see the need to apologise.

Meanwhile, the catchy phrase has quickly evolved into a viral lingo that’s widely used across social media, at parties, on the streets and in casual conversations.

Also taking advantage of the social mileage the phrase has garnered, K1 has infused it into a song, which he has been using to thrill his fans at different gatherings.

Controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, who has proved to be quite prolific at turning trending issues and slangs into songs, has also a recorded a track with the same title.

The attention-grabbing phrase has been used in multiple contexts in recent times. During the week, our correspondent overhead a rewire (motor electrician) calling out to his colleague, “What are you doing over there? You’ve gone to ganusi, abi?”

Another man could be heard on the phone telling a friend, “Let’s meet up after work tonight and go to a bar to ganusi.”

Social media platforms such as X (Twitter), Instagram and TikTok have also played undeniable roles in spreading the popularity of the phrase. In particular, TikTok creators were quick to latch onto the word, incorporating it into short skits, dance videos and challenges.

This is even as social media influencers, comedians and other entertainers have been using the phrase in their contents, further cementing its place in Nigerian pop culture.

Indeed, the phrase has become a reflection of Nigerians unique approach to entertainment—blending music, language and humor into a single, identifiable experience.

Some have also posited that it shows how music and language can shape and reflect the social fabric of the nation, where expressions are often born from the most unlikely places and take on lives of their own.

However, this is not the first time that K1’s slang has resonated deeply with the Nigerian audience.

‘Ade Ori Okin’ and ‘Solo Makinde’, which are both titles of his songs, are examples of how his lingos have found their way from the music studio to the nooks and cranny of the country, and beyond.

- Punch 

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Hon.. Kayode Akinmade, described portable as serial dissident and unrepentant rascal who have been in the habit of assaulting government officials without provocation.

Akinmade said the latest attack orchestrated by portable and his cohorts against government officials who were on their lawful assignment in the area was unacceptable and barbaric, saying such indecent act would be addressed in line with the extant law of the land. 

He averred that the behaviour of the Hip-hop artiste is becoming disgraceful and unbearable to the people of the area and the Government, considering the degree of pandemonium and panic he causes any time he carried out such unpleasant acts in the area.

Akinmade therefore, reiterated the stance of Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration to sanitize the state against every unlawful act and entrench decency in all strata, saying the government is serious about the distinct values of Omoluabi ethos at all times.

He said ", We are profoundly taken aback by the unpleasant and uncivil act of the Hip-hop artiste, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly as Portable on Wednesday, in Iyana- Ilogbo area of the State where is bar is located. 

"The way in which Portable and some set of miscreants he employed in the dastardly act attacked the officials of the OGPDPA is not only bizarre but a confirmation of erosion of Omoluabi ethos in those individuals and indeed a great disgrace t9 the state. 

"Governor Dapo Abiodun totally condemned this primitive and indecent act and reiterated his avowed commitment to just and egalitarian society as he is ready to make any individual flouting the extant law of the land yo dace the full wrath of the law irrespective of social status and influence ".

PUNCH Online reports that the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee proposed the creation of 31 new states in the country.

The proposal was contained in a letter to the House of Representatives read during Thursday’s plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session in the absence of the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.

Reacting to the development in a post via his X page on Friday, Sani described the proposal as ironic and comical, saying that politicians just want to carve out mini colonies for themselves.

The former lawmaker stated that the country doesn’t need new states because many states depend on federal allocation for survival.

He wrote, “While many states are dependent on federal allocation for their survival, the House of Representatives proposal for 31 states is ironic and comical. Politicians just want to carve out mini colonies for themselves.”

The committee, chaired by Kalu, proposed an additional six new states in the North-Central, four in the North-East, five in the North-West, five in the South-South, and seven in the South-West.

The states being considered include Okun, Okura and Confluence from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa from Benue; FCT State; Amana from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi; Savannah from Borno; Muri from Taraba; New Kaduna and Gujarat from Kaduna State; Tiga and Ari from Kano; Kainji from Kebbi; Etiti and Orashi as the sixth states in the South-East; Adada from Enugu; and Orlu and Aba.

Others are Ogoja from Cross River, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers, Torumbe from Ondo, Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, and Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun, and Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun States.

In a statement released on its X platform on Thursday and signed by the House Spokesman, Rep Akin Rotimi Jr, Reps dismissed media reports suggesting it was advocating for the creation of new states, emphasising that such claims misrepresent the legislative process.

It wrote, “The House of Representatives wishes to clarify recent media reports suggesting that it is proposing the creation of 31 new states. This information is inaccurate and misrepresents the legislative process.

“During plenary on Thursday, February 6, 2025, the Deputy Speaker, who also serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review (HCCR), announced that the Committee had received 31 proposals for the creation of new states.

“These proposals, submitted as private member bills, do not represent the official position of the House.”

The House, however, stated that the Deputy Speaker read out the constitutional requirements for such bills to progress to the next stage.

“The mandatory constitutional requirements for such bills to progress to the next stage of legislative scrutiny were read out by the Deputy Speaker for the notice of Members and onward action.

"The Committee has reviewed the proposals for the creation of new states in accordance with Section 8(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (As Amended),” the statement partly reads.

The further added that these proposals will undergo thorough legislative scrutiny, including public hearings among others before constitutional changes can be effected.

“For the avoidance of doubt, as with all constitutional amendment proposals, these submissions will undergo thorough legislative scrutiny, including public hearings, stakeholder engagements, and multiple levels of approval before any constitutional changes can be effected.

“It must be noted that the Deputy Speaker, in his capacity as Presiding Officer at today’s plenary, read the announcement as a communication from the Clerk of the Constitution Review Committee, which he chairs.

“The C’ttee will align with constitutional provisions and will only consider proposals that comply with the stipulated guidelines. Additionally, the House remains committed to a transparent and inclusive constitutional review process that reflects the will of the Nigerian people,” the statement added.

The committee contained this in a letter to the House of Representatives, which was read during plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary session in Abuja.

According to the committee, it is proposing an additional six new states in the North Central, four in the North East, five in the North West, five in the South-South, and seven in the South West.

The states being considered include Okun State, Okura State, and Confluence State from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa States from Benue; FCT State; Amana State from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi State; Savannah State from Borno; and Muri State from Taraba.

The states also include New Kaduna State and Gujarat State from Kaduna State; Tiga and Ari from Kano; Kainji from Kebbi State; Etiti and Orashi as the 6th state in the Southeast; Adada from Enugu; and Orlu and Aba from the Southeast.

Others are Ogoja from Cross River, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers, Torumbe from Ondo, Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, and Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun, and Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun states.

The letter reads, “As amended, this section outlines specific requirements that must be fulfilled to initiate the process of state creation, which include the following:. New state and boundaries. 1. An act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new state shall only be passed if it requires support by at least the third majority of members.

“The House of Representatives, the House of Assembly in respect of the area, and the Local Government Council in respect of the area is received by the National Assembly. Local government advocates for the creation of additional local government areas are only reminded that Section 8 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, applies to this process.

"Specifically, in accordance with Section 8.3 of the Constitution, the outcome of the votes of the State Houses of Assembly in the referendum must be forwarded to the National Assembly for fulfilment of state demands.

“Proposals shall be resubmitted in strict adherence to the stipulations. Submit three hard copies of the full proposal of the memoranda to the Secretariat of the Committee in Room H331, House of Representatives, White House, National Assembly Complex, and Abuja. Sub-copies must also be sent electronically to the Committee’s email address at info.hccr.gov.nj.

“The committee remains committed to supporting the implementing efforts that align with the constitutional provisions and would only consider proposals that comply with the stipulated guidelines.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to temper justice with mercy and release the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from detention.

Kalu appealed while addressing the press after the inaugural meeting of the House of Representatives committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC) at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

The Deputy Speaker commended Mr President for his continuous and tremendous support and commitment towards peace, development, and stability in the South-East region.

He noted that the president, since assuming office, has in various ways proven his love for the South-Easterners through his speedy assent to the South East Development Commission Bill, which failed in previous assemblies.

He said, “We are begging; you can’t coerce the President; he’s the Commander in Chief. All we are saying is use a political approach, not the legal approach. We are appealing to him to temper justice with mercy and release Nnamdi Kanu to Southeast people. It will ensure more security for our people and spring up development that this SEDC is going to bring.”

Suggesting the adoption of a political approach rather than a legal one for the release of Kanu, the Deputy Speaker said that the people of the region will be eternally grateful to the President if that becomes a reality.

Expressing optimism that the president will heed their appeal, the deputy speaker noted that when Kanu is released, insecurity in the region will be reduced and as well spring up development that this SEDC is going to bring.

He said, “Only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was able to put his feet down to say that the South East remains parts and parcel of Nigeria. It failed in previous assemblies but when it got to him, he assented to it. We are very happy because we know that certain areas of our problems in the region will be prioritised such as agriculture, energy, power, infrastructure, technology we are very innovative people.

"All we need is the support of government to project the innovative mindedness of the young folks in that region to benefit the entire federation. The next one is the creative industry, how do we look at that, sports, entertainment, to take it from where it is to where it ought to be. In agriculture the whole nine yards, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda on Food Security, that’s what we are looking at. What’s happening with these talents, can’t we have something like silicon valley in the east? We can call it eastern valley, a hub where you creative minds will come together.

"These are areas we are looking at, with a lot of technology in place, development will spring up. We are thankful to Mr President for doing this for the South-East; you know insecurity is a major concern in the area. You can’t have development in midst of insecurity. That’s why we started what we call peace in South-East project supported by the parliament. But in doing so we noticed that the insecurity there will be reduced if Nnamdi Kanu is released. We want Nnamdi Kanu to be released because we know it will give our people more security.

“Those who are using him as an excuse to perpetrate all these criminal actions around our area will have no other reason to be on the street. Then the police and security agencies will catch anyone who claims Nnamdi Kanu is the reason for causing harm to the people of South-East.

The borehole aims to alleviate the suffering of villagers who have lacked access to clean water for decades.

The communities, Yar Lami Santar Riga and Yar Lami Santar Lema, are located just a few kilometres from the hometowns of former President Muhammadu Buhari and Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika. The villages are approximately 52 kilometres from Daura, Buhari’s birthplace, and 23 kilometres from Shargalle, Sirika’s hometown.

Before Dan Bello’s intervention, the residents of these villages had to walk over an hour to collect dirty, murky water from a stagnant pond, which they used for drinking and other domestic purposes.

The severe lack of clean water meant that children in the villages could not attend school, as there were no healthcare centres, access roads, or basic amenities. The villagers had to travel to a nearby community, Dan Doma, to receive medical care, which serves 16 other neighbouring communities.

Despite the difficulties, Dan Bello remained determined to bring water to the villages. Initial attempts to drill for water faced setbacks when the drilling machine failed to penetrate the groundwater after reaching a depth of 65 meters.

The villagers, accustomed to empty promises from political leaders, were disheartened by the development. They had grown sceptical of leaders who had, in the past, deceived them with hopeful words that ultimately amounted to nothing.

However, Dan Bello refused to give up on his promise to the villagers. “We won’t abandon these people the way their leaders have,” he said.

“We won’t give them hollow promises or play with their emotions. We won’t let them dream of something they’ve wanted all their lives, only to later tell them that we’ve tried and that’s the best we can do.”

Determined to find a solution, Dan Bello brought in a new surveyor to help locate the groundwater. Though the results were not as promising as the first attempt, the drilling company was reluctant to return, offering excuses for their delays.

Despite these setbacks, Bello and his team, including assistants Ibrahim and Mukhtar, persisted, staying overnight to ensure the company would resume work.

“Finally, the truck drilled again, and as we waited with hope, something magical happened,” Dan Bello recalled.

On February 1st, Dan Bello commissioned the borehole, which now provides the villagers with pure and clean drinking water. The success of the project has been met with immense joy from the residents, who had long been deprived of such a vital resource.

Dan Bello explained that the funds for the project came from the proceeds of monetising his social media skits, a source of income that he used to execute the project.

He expressed gratitude to his social media fans for their support, saying, “This project would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of my fans.”

Dan Bello emphasised the importance of showing true leadership. “We promised ourselves to finish every single naira we have to get these people water. If we run out of resources, we’ll save and return to try again. Unlike the typical Nigerian leaders, these villagers are human beings like us,” he said.

Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, freed the former minister on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, while delivering a ruling on the no-case submission filed by his counsel, Norrison Quakers (SAN).

Justice Abike-Fadipe held that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against the ex-minister.

The judge said Fani-Kayode had no case to answer because the prosecution failed to link him to the offence.

The judge said, “The extrajudicial statements which remain, and are intended as evidence, cannot be used for any purpose other than to contradict the person who made the statement when he is in the witness box.

“I have carefully studied the evidence of the prosecution witnesses, and I cannot find where the defendant committed the offences being alleged.

“The prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case which would require the defendant to open his defence.”

As a result, the judge acquitted and discharged the defendant on the alleged offences.

Speaking to journalists after his discharge, Fani-Kayode said he’s overjoyed that he’s finally free because he has been in and out of court for 18 years.

The EFCC had slammed a 12-count charge against the ex-minister following his alleged use of forged medical report(s), which he tendered before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The anti-graft agency was prosecuting him for an alleged N4.9 billion fraud.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Femi Fani-Kayode, on or about the 11th day of October 2021 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by fraudulently used a false document titled: Medical Report on Olufemi Fani-Kayode 60 Years/Male/Hosp. №00345 DATED 11/10/2021 before the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division in charge No. FHC/L/251C/2016 which document you purported to have been issued by Kubwa General Hospital.”

According to the EFCC, procuring and executing documents by false pretense contradicts section 369 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

Meanwhile, during the trial, the management of Kubwa General Hospital, Abuja, denied admitting Fani-Kayode as one of its patients.

The hospital’s head of medical records, Bassey Amah, also testified before the court that the hospital did not issue the medical report the ex-minister presented.

A member of the apex advisory body in the state, who spoke in confidence with the Nigerian Tribune, also dismissed the narration that President Bola Tinubu has ordered the reinstatement of the erstwhile speaker.

The state assembly has been embroiled in controversy crisis since the removal of Honourable Mudashiru Obasa as speaker by lawmakers on January 13.

He was subsequently replaced by his deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, as speaker of the 10th assembly.

However, Obasa’s removal has polarised the leadership of the party following media reports and narrations from different camps clamouring for his reinstatement as speaker of the Assembly.

A top-ranking member of the GAC ruled out the possibility of Obasa returning as speaker.

He also dismissed media reports that President Tinubu has ordered his reinstatement, alleging that the media of overhyping the political status of the Agege Constituency 1 lawmaker.

The source said: “We are meeting tomorrow, Monday to discuss the Lagos State House of Assembly and not Obasa. If you observed, the GAC sent a delegation comprising members of the Council and the leadership of the Lagos Assembly to meet with President Bola Tinubu. At the meeting, the issue was discussed and solutions were proffered.

“So, all what the people are saying about the return of Obasa is a fallacy. They are orchestrated by his loyalists. Such order was not from the president. I want you to know that he cannot be reinstated because he was the first speaker to be removed by members of the House.

“We all know the president as a thoroughbred democrat and do you think he would want to be given a bad name?

“Since the episode of his removal, if you see any chieftain of the party, politician or members of the GAC clamouring for the return of Obasa, such person is not being sincere.”

The tussle over speakership seat at the assembly has also caused disaffection and divergent views among members of the GAC, as those belonging to the Justice Forum (JF) and members of the Mandate Movement (MM) are not on the same page.

Obasa, a member of the Mandate Movement, has the support and backing of members of the Movement at the GAC, while members of the Justice Forum are opposed to his return.

Speaking to this, the source said people should discountenance such narrative because there is no disagreement among members of the GAC over Obasa’s removal or reinstatement as speaker.

The source added; “The leadership tussle at the Assembly has nothing to do with the Mandate Movement and the Justice Forum. It is entirely an Assembly affairs. There is no original leader of the party that has been steadfast with Tinubu since 1999 that will be pushing for such narratives.

“Those members of the GAC that are clamouring for the return of Obasa are not sincere. They are those that have jumped from one party to another and thereafter, return to the progressives fold. Go and check their antecedents.  This is not about MM or JF.

‘We have a political structure that is strong enough in Lagos state. We are gifted to have a political father that is like Tinubu. Are we saying because the President is enmeshed in solving the problems of the country, he is no longer the leader of Lagos politics?

“He cannot allow the political space of the state to be toxic and shaky. We are meeting on Monday at the level of the GAC to discuss happenings at the Assembly and not Obasa.

“People should stop exaggerating him. The first speaker of the Lagos Assembly, Barrister Osinowo during the Jakande era was removed, so what’s the fuse about Honourable Mudashiru Obasa being removed as speaker?”

“Some are even saying Tinubu is reinstating him because he knows too much and that he has enough information to nail the president’s reason he ordered his return. What does he know about the president?

“What does he know that former governors and speakers in the state didn’t know? What is new about Tinubu that only Obasa knows? Like I keep saying Obasa is overhyped and that’s responsible for all the falsehood in the media space.”

The direct revenue remittance, initially scheduled to begin in January, was postponed after many of the 774 local councils failed to provide the required account details. As a result, their N361.754 billion share from the total N1.424 trillion distributable revenue for the month was routed through the state governments.

The CBN has begun the process of opening accounts for local governments to facilitate direct payments, in line with the financial autonomy secured through a Supreme Court ruling in July 2024.

However, with the next allocation due in a few weeks, concerns are growing over the ability of councils to submit the mandated audit reports before the February meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

Sources at the CBN confirmed that the bank would not proceed with account openings without a clear understanding of each local government’s financial position.

“We cannot just open fresh accounts for the LGAs when many of them have not operated as an independent government entity,” The Nation quoted a CBN source.

Meanwhile, an Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by George Akume, the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), is working on a framework to enforce the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.

A member of the committee disclosed that a template is being developed to empower the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) to directly allocate funds for essential services, such as primary education and healthcare, and transfer them to the relevant agencies.

These damning revelations are documented in the 2021 audited report published on Wednesday 13 November 2024 by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

SERAP said, “Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any missing public funds should be fully recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

SERAP urged him to “use any recovered stolen funds to fund the deficit in the 2025 budget and to ease Nigeria’s crippling debt crisis.” 

In the letter dated 1 February 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for these grave allegations. Tackling corruption in the oil sector would go a long way in addressing the budget deficit and debt problems.”

According to SERAP, “The allegations suggest a grave violation of the public trust, the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the country’s anticorruption legislation and international anticorruption obligations.”

The letter, read in part: “Poor Nigerians have continued to pay the price for the widespread and grand corruption in the oil sector.”

“Despite the country’s enormous oil wealth, ordinary Nigerians have derived very little benefit from oil money primarily because of widespread grand corruption, and the entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators.”

“According to the 2021 annual audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) in 2021 reportedly paid over N25 billion [N25,607,890,403.11] for ‘contracts without any supporting documents.’”

“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

“The PTDF also reportedly failed to account for over N326 million [N326,065,638.00] deposited in two banks. The Auditor-General fears the money may be missing and wants it recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

"The PTDF reportedly failed to account for over N107 million [N107,691,733.93] being money for ‘the supply, installation, and commissioning of Library automation system and RFID at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI).’”

“The contract for the library ‘was awarded without the prior approval from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

“The PTDF reportedly paid over N46 million [N46,974,216.43] to ‘three companies for services without evidence of execution.’  ‘One of the contractors was engaged on 13th April 2021 but was paid for services rendered in March 2021. All the three contractors were paid for periods they had not rendered the services to the PTDF.’”

“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

"The PTDF also reportedly failed to remit over N60 million [N60,355,670.03] of ‘stamp duty from the capital expenditure contracts awarded in 2019 and 2020.’ The PTDF ‘provided no reason why the money was not remitted.’”

“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

“The PTDF also reportedly failed to account for over N64 million [N64,088,158.44] ‘being payment for store items not supplied.” The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

“The PTDF also reportedly paid over N41 million [N41,367,493.50] ‘for services not yet performed or goods not yet supplied.’ The payments were made ‘without relevant supporting documents such as invoices, receipts.’”

“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

"The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources reportedly spent over N137 million [N137,751,789.85] ‘from the Capital Vote for expenditures which were recurrent in nature without any approval by the National Assembly and the Minister of Finance.’”

“The Auditor-General fears the money may be missing. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. He also wants sanctions applied ‘for gross misconduct specified in paragraph 3129 of the Financial Regulations 2009.’”

“The Ministry reportedly failed to account for over N232 million [N232,509,238.21] ‘being payments to seven companies for consultancy services for stakeholders’ engagement in the Niger Delta in January 2021.’”

“According to the Auditor-General, ‘the type of engagements and the reasons for contracting the seven companies were not stated. The venue of the engagement remains unknown. This spending of public funds appeared fictitious.’”

“The Auditor-General fears “the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

"The Ministry also reportedly failed to remit over N25 million [N25,516,938.00] of ‘taxes collected from payments of N137,929,394.58] made to contractors.’ The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

“The Ministry also reportedly failed to account for over N43 million [N43,533,036.65] ‘being irregular payments for the replacement of broken ceiling.’ The Auditor-General fears “the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

“The Ministry failed to account for over N74 million [N74,721,625.03] ‘being payments made as cash advances granted to officers between March and December 2021 without retirement.’ The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted’, and wants it recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

“The country’s wealth ought to be used solely for the benefit of the Nigerian people, and for the sake of the present and future generations.”

"These allegations can promptly be investigated and fairly prosecuted. Taking these steps would advance the right of Nigerians to restitution, compensation and guarantee of non-repetition.”

 “Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on your government to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.”

“Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on your government to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”

“Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, your government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.’

“Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good".

"The UN Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party obligate your government to effectively prevent and investigate the plundering of the country’s wealth and hold public officials to account for any violations.”

“Specifically, article 26 of the UN convention requires your government to ensure ‘effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions’ including criminal and non-criminal sanctions, in cases of grand corruption.”

“Article 26 complements the more general requirement of article 30, paragraph 1, that sa

nctions must take into account the gravity of the corruption allegations.”

Their concerns are borne out of the fact that the police, having arrested and charged Farotimi with 12-count of cybercrime offences and 16-count of criminal defamation based on Babalola’s petition, there are other lawyers who instituted legal actions against the activist, claiming over N1 billion in damages.

On December 6, 2024, a SAN, Mr Kehinde Ogunwumiju, sued Farotimi for alleged defamatory statements in his book: ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.’

The Managing Partner at Afe Babalola & Co asked for N500 million in damages, while further appealing to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court in Abuja to halt the book’s publication and sale in physical and online bookstores.

Ogunwumiju, who pleaded with the court for an order for the seizure of the copies of the book wherever they might be found, stressed that Farotimi must apologise to him in two national newspapers.

Less than five days after Ogunwumiju’s suit, specifically on December 11, 2024, another lawyer from Babalola’s law firm, Mr Ola Faro, petitioned the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, alleging that the rights activist also defamed him in the aforesaid book.

Validating his claim, Faro identified specific statements in the book which allege that he, Babalola and his law firm, Afe Babalola & Co, compromised the integrity of the Supreme Court. According to Faro, the statements are not factual and are deliberately written to tarnish his reputation.

While Faro also sought N500 million in damages against Farotimi for unlawful defamation, he requested N100 million in damages for distributing the book.

Meanwhile, following the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and some other traditional rulers in the feud between Babalola and Farotimi, the police prosecutor, Samson Osobu, last Wednesday, applied for the withdrawal of the cybercrime charges at the resumed hearing of the case at the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

For the other criminal charge filed by the police against Farotimi before a chief magistrate’s court in Ado-Ekiti, Sunday Vanguard gathered that the case scheduled for February 13 has not been withdrawn as of the time of filing this report.

On December 3, 2024, reports emerged that Farotimi had been arrested in Lagos by the police.

Confirming his arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ekiti State Police Command, DSP Abutu Sunday, said: “The command wishes to inform members of the public that one Mr Dele Farotimi is currently undergoing investigation following a petition written against him to the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, for an allegation of defamation of character and cyberbullying. He was arrested today in Lagos with a warrant after all means deployed by the command to bring him for interrogation proved abortive.”

According to reports, no fewer than 5,144 Nigerians may be affected in the initial stage of the ongoing deportation exercises from the US as President Donald Trump’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants continues.

The figure includes non-US citizens of Nigerian origin in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, and Enforcement and Removal Operations, ERO, non-detained docket with final orders of removal from the US and those already in ICE detention.

According to the data, 772 of the 1,454 Nigerians in ICE custody were arrested and detained for criminal convictions or pending criminal charges, while the rest were arrested for other immigration violations, such as visa overstays.

It further showed that 417 were arrested and removed as of November 2024, while 884 were removed between 2019 and 2024.

The disclosure by ICE comes at a time when the newly inaugurated administration of President Trump is implementing an immigration policy aimed at ridding the United States of illegal immigrants.

There have been issues surrounding the deportations with at least three countries, Mexico, Columbia and Brazil, alleging that their nationals were returned home in a degrading manner and there are fears the treatment could be extended to Nigerian deportees.

Columbia specifically said the deportees to the country were airlifted in military planes, handcuffed and treated like criminals.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the military deportation flights and said he would never carry out a raid to return handcuffed Americans to the U.S.

“We are the opposite of the Nazis,” he wrote in a post on social media platform X.

He also said however that Colombia would welcome home deported migrants on civilian planes, and offered his presidential plane to facilitate their “dignified return”.

Trump had threatened tariffs and sanctions on Colombia to punish it for earlier refusing to accept military flights carrying the deportees as part of his sweeping immigration crackdown.

But in a statement, the White House said Colombia had agreed to accept the migrants after all and Washington would not impose its threatened penalties.

The use of U.S. military aircraft to carry out deportation flights is unusual.

U.S. military aircraft carried out two flights, each with about 80 migrants, to Guatemala penultimate Friday.

Mexico also refused a request to let a U.S. military aircraft land with migrants.

Trump has said he is thinking about imposing 25% duties on imports from Canada and Mexico on Feb. 1 to force further action against illegal immigrants and fentanyl flowing into the US.

Brazil’s foreign ministry, on its part, condemned “degrading treatment” of Brazilians after migrants were handcuffed on a commercial deportation flight.

Upon arrival, some passengers also reported mistreatment during the flight, according to reports.

The plane, which was carrying 88 Brazilian passengers, 16 U.S. security agents, and eight crew members, had been originally scheduled to arrive in Belo Horizonte in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais.

However, at an unscheduled stop due to technical problems in Manaus, capital of Amazonas, Brazilian officials ordered removal of the handcuffs, and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva designated a Brazilian Air Force (FAB) flight to complete their journey, the government said in a statement.

The commercial charter flight was the second this year from the U.S. carrying undocumented migrants deported back to Brazil and the first since Trump’s inauguration, according to Brazil’s federal police.

Speaking to Sunday Vanguard, Chairman/CEO NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri, restated to Sunday Vanguard the position of the Director of Media and Corporate Affairs of the commission, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, who spoke earlier to Vanguard on Wednesday.

She said, “Except you want to interview the Minister of Foreign Affairs for his own perspective. NiDCOM Director of Media and Corporate Affairs, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, already told Vanguard that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was in charge of such development and that the Federal Government had already set up an inter-agency committee to handle the matter should Nigerians be deported from the US.

“The Federal Government has set up an inter-agency committee, comprising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, should there be mass deportation of Nigerians from the US”, she said.

Also reacting to the development, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the US, Ambassador Joe Keshi, insisted that if the President Tinubu-led government decides to improve the economy, the Japa syndrome would reduce drastically and people would decide to stay back in their country.

He said, “There’s no way it can affect our economy. If the Federal Government improves the economy, people will stay; it’s just the family they have been sending money to that would suffer because they won’t have money as they used to have before. Unless they find another means of survival.”