₦airaland Forum

Giftimoni:
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a court order to remand social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), pending the conclusion of an investigation into alleged cybercrime offences.

VDM was arrested last Friday at a bank branch in the Wuse area of Abuja by a combined team of EFCC operatives, officers of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.

Eyewitnesses said he was accosted shortly after exiting the bank premises.
His arrest sparked widespread outrage on social media, with the hashtag #FreeVDM trending across platforms throughout the weekend.

Critics have accused authorities of using security agencies to silence dissenting voices.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a court order to remand social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), pending the conclusion of an investigation into alleged cybercrime offences.

VDM was arrested last Friday at a bank branch in the Wuse area of Abuja by a combined team of EFCC operatives, officers of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.

Eyewitnesses said he was accosted shortly after exiting the bank premises.
His arrest sparked widespread outrage on social media, with the hashtag #FreeVDM trending across platforms throughout the weekend.

Critics have accused authorities of using security agencies to silence dissenting voices.


Sources close to the investigation confirmed that the EFCC is preparing to file charges under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, which empowers the commission to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes, particularly those involving financial and economic crimes.



“The remand order was granted to allow us to complete our investigation and finalize the charges,” a senior EFCC official said, adding that “he would be arraigned once we conclude that process, and the charges are expected to be substantial,” a source said.

As of Monday morning, VDM remains in the custody of the EFCC. His legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, issued a formal statement last week confirming that they are seeking access to him and reviewing possible legal actions.

The EFCC has not issued an official statement on the arrest or the charges.

crazygod:
So he shouldn't state the obvious because he is a journalist? Nigerians like suffer I swear.
Because e no happen to you and your loved ones today no mean say e no go happen tomorrow. When you see evil, speak up.

ProudlyLagos:
you better brace yourself for another four years…..your Agulu package fraud without any achievement or legacy in tiny Anambala is not an option.

Giftimoni:
Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi says talks about the 2027 polls are distracting, but insisted he will support Peter Obi if the former Anambra State governor contests the presidential election. 

Farotimi has threatened to sue those behind his arrest and detention over the halted defamation case between him and legal luminary Afe Babalola (SAN).

Police authorities had in December arrested Farotimi in Lagos and whisked him to Ekiti, where he was charged with defaming Babalola in his book ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’.

An Ekiti Magistrate court remanded him for 21 days, but Babalola later withdrew the case, ending several weeks of legal tussle.

But those who thought the matter had ended may be in for another run of battle. This is because Farotimi has threatened to sue those behind his arrest and detention.

'Let me continue to reassert that I was always at peace. But when it comes to demanding an account of those who have perverted the powers of the state in pursuit of a private cause, you can be certain of one thing: some people will account for my incarceration, but that is not a matter for banter. That is something for the courts to decide,” he said.

'So even though the criminal suit has been withdrawn, the civil suits are there, and what I would like to do in response to my incarceration is another ball game entirely, but you can take it to the bank: I will certainly be demanding an account from those who sent me to prison,” he said.

When asked who he is suing over his detention, Farotimi said, “My lawyers will decide who is responsible, and they will then proceed to the court.

Whether it’s the police that I have to be sued, whether it’s the magistrate who sent me to prison, whether it’s the persons who wrote the petition, whether it’s whoever, but somebody would explain,” the activist said on the show.

Babalola had withdrawn the case after the intervention of some traditional rulers from the South-West region. He said several prominent Nigerians, including ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, also sent him letters concerning the matter.

According to the senior advocate, he acquiesced to their pleas, which led him to withdraw the case.

However, Farotimi insists he did not ask anyone to intervene in the matter. The human rights lawyer said he was not consulted before the traditional rulers and others’ visit to Babalola.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.channelstv.com/2025/05/04/video-talks-about-2027-polls-distracting-i-will-still-vote-obi-says-farotimi/amp/

Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi says talks about the 2027 polls are distracting, but insisted he will support Peter Obi if the former Anambra State governor contests the presidential election. 

Farotimi has threatened to sue those behind his arrest and detention over the halted defamation case between him and legal luminary Afe Babalola (SAN).

Police authorities had in December arrested Farotimi in Lagos and whisked him to Ekiti, where he was charged with defaming Babalola in his book ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’.

An Ekiti Magistrate court remanded him for 21 days, but Babalola later withdrew the case, ending several weeks of legal tussle.

But those who thought the matter had ended may be in for another run of battle. This is because Farotimi has threatened to sue those behind his arrest and detention.

'Let me continue to reassert that I was always at peace. But when it comes to demanding an account of those who have perverted the powers of the state in pursuit of a private cause, you can be certain of one thing: some people will account for my incarceration, but that is not a matter for banter. That is something for the courts to decide,” he said.

'So even though the criminal suit has been withdrawn, the civil suits are there, and what I would like to do in response to my incarceration is another ball game entirely, but you can take it to the bank: I will certainly be demanding an account from those who sent me to prison,” he said.

When asked who he is suing over his detention, Farotimi said, “My lawyers will decide who is responsible, and they will then proceed to the court.

Whether it’s the police that I have to be sued, whether it’s the magistrate who sent me to prison, whether it’s the persons who wrote the petition, whether it’s whoever, but somebody would explain,” the activist said on the show.

Babalola had withdrawn the case after the intervention of some traditional rulers from the South-West region. He said several prominent Nigerians, including ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, also sent him letters concerning the matter.

According to the senior advocate, he acquiesced to their pleas, which led him to withdraw the case.

However, Farotimi insists he did not ask anyone to intervene in the matter. The human rights lawyer said he was not consulted before the traditional rulers and others’ visit to Babalola.

Giftimoni:
Breaking: Appeal court in Calabar today 30th April upholds the conviction of Professor Peter Ogban for manipulating and announcing fake election results in the 2019 North West Senatorial District election in favour of Senator Godswill Akpabio. The court affirmed the three-years conviction and sentence to prison and frown at his role as university professor in the fraudulent manipulation of election results.

The Court of Appeal in Calabar, on Wednesday, upheld the conviction of Peter Ogban, a professor jailed in 2021 for rigging a senatorial election for Godswill Akpabio, a senator from Akwa Ibom State.

Mr Akpabio, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is the president of the Nigerian Senate. The rigging happened in an election he lost before he contested again in 2023, won the election, and was elected the Senate president.

Mr Ogban, a professor of soil science at the University of Calabar and a returning officer in the 2019 general elections in Akwa Ibom North-West District, was jailed for three years by a State High Court in Uyo for announcing fake election results in two local government areas – Oruk Anam and Etim Ekpo – in Mr Akpabio’s favour.

A lawyer who participated in the case at the appellate court told PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday afternoon that the Court of Appeal, apart from affirming Mr Ogban’s conviction and three-year jail term, frowned at his role as a university professor in the fraudulent manipulation of election results.

The case for hearing was a fundamental human rights enforcement suit she instituted earlier in the month to block EFCC and other law enforcement agencies from arresting her following her being declared wanted last month.

During Wednesday’s hearing, the judge, Inyang Ekwo, ordered EFCC to release Ms Achimugu within 24 hours.

The judge also ordered the agency to report compliance with the order in court on 2 May

Background
Mr Ogban had told the trial court in Uyo how the election results were falsified to give the APC an unfair advantage over its main rival, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

For instance, some 5,000 fake votes were added to the APC’s score in Oruk Anam in the election.

Mr Akpabio was seeking a return to the Senate after he defected from the PDP.

The PDP candidate, Chris Ekpenyong, a former deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, defeated Mr Akpabio in the election, which was gripped by pockets of violence.

INEC prosecuted Mr Agban in the landmark case.

Before his sentencing, the professor pleaded for mercy from the judge, Augustine Odokwo.

Justice Odokwo, who described the case as novel, told the lecturer that there was not much he could do other than let the law take its course.

He said the prosecution was able to prove its case against Mr Ogban, beyond any reasonable doubt.

Another professor, Ignatius Uduk, was recently jailed by a State High Court in Uyo for election fraud.

Mr Uduk, a professor of Human Kinetics in the Department of Physical and Health Education at the University of Uyo, was jailed for three years.

INEC prosecuted him on three charges: announcement of false election results, publication of false results, and perjury during the 2019 general elections in Essien Udim State Constituency, where he served as INEC’s collation and returning officer.

The professor falsified the election results to the advantage of the APC candidate, Nse Ntuen, who was then an ally of Mr Akpabio.

However, Mr Uduk was recently granted bail by a State High Court in Uyo.

Giftimoni:
In a development that could mark a turning point in Rivers State’s political trajectory, efforts are now underway to reconcile the long-standing rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Political analyst Obiarukwe Ndukwe revealed this during an exclusive interview with TVC News, where she shared new details about a significant meeting between the two leaders aimed at easing tensions and restoring unity in the state.

According to Ndukwe, Governor Fubara did not embark on the peace mission alone. He was accompanied by a distinguished delegation of political heavyweights, including the Governor of Ebonyi State, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, and former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba. This notable group reportedly played a central role in brokering the meeting, which took place at Wike’s private residence.

“Fubara did not go alone to meet with Wike,” Ndukwe stated during the broadcast. “He went with the governor of Ebonyi State… the governor of Ogun State Dapo Abiodun was there, former Governor Olusegun Osoba was there. They took him to Wike's house and when he got in there he walked straight to Wike's living room because that is a house that he is used to, he is familiar with. It is a familiar terrain. That is the truth of the matter.”

Ndukwe's account offers a rare glimpse into the high-level diplomatic efforts taking place behind the scenes to resolve a conflict that has significantly impacted political stability in Rivers State. She noted that Governor Fubara's ease in navigating Wike’s residence was a symbolic reminder of the close ties the two leaders once shared, before their relationship became strained over political disagreements.

The timing of the meeting is particularly crucial. On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political tensions that threatened governance and public order. Against this backdrop, the renewed dialogue between Fubara and Wike, under the guidance of respected political elders, represents a possible path forward in stabilizing the region’s leadership.

The involvement of influential figures from other states further emphasizes the significance of the reconciliation effort. Their presence not only lends credibility to the process but also suggests a broader regional interest in preventing further deterioration of relations within Rivers State’s leadership structure.

Fubara’s decision to engage directly with Wike — rather than continuing the conflict through proxy battles or administrative brinkmanship — signals a strategic shift that could reshape the state’s political dynamics. If successful, the peace initiative may pave the way for a more unified front in governance, allowing Rivers State to refocus on development and stability rather than internal discord.

As the process unfolds, political observers and residents alike will be closely watching for signs that this truce will hold. For now, however, the meeting between Fubara and Wike, facilitated by trusted allies, offers a hopeful glimpse into the potential resolution of one of the state’s most contentious political standoffs in recent years.

Giftimoni:
While defending his record in office, including infrastructure achievements, free maternal and child healthcare, and the performance of his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Okowa acknowledged that joining Atiku’s ticket in 2023 came at a significant political cost.

“Even when we were campaigning, I realised our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power.

“But the decision had already been taken at the federal level by the party, and I had been nominated. Still, in retrospect, I now believe I should have gone with the will of my people,” he declared.

He linked the PDP’s failure in Delta during the presidential poll to that sentiment, acknowledging that while he ran out of loyalty to his party, the south was interested in producing President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor.

However, Okowa was quick to point out that the tide turned just three weeks later in the governorship election, where PDP triumphed in 21 out of the 25 local governments.

“That showed the people still believed in us, believed in me. They said you’ve done well, and we will support the governor you have chosen.’ And they did,” he said.

On insinuations that his defection was to have his ‘sins forgiven,’ Okowa maintained that there were no sins to be given as he had not committed any, adding that he was never arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but only honoured an invitation by the commission.

Okowa said: “I did well for the people of the state. Petitions can be written by anybody, but whatever petitions are written, the right of investigation is with the EFCC.

“So, there are no fears concerning that at all. And I have never spoken to Adams Oshiomole; we talked for the first time only yesterday because we are of different political parts and because we are of different political parts we were not friends perse.”Political party merchandise

He defended his defection not as a personal political maneuver but as the result of extensive consultations across Delta State, adding that continued opposition politics had placed the state at a disadvantage in terms of federal access and influence.

Addressing the moral arguments against his defection to the APC, after serving in multiple positions under PDP, Okowa said he owes no one an apology.

“Yes, I was a key player in the PDP from the formative stages, but the PDP of today is not the same party we built in 1998.

“When you find that the values and vision you once believed in are no longer there, then you step away,” he said.

This argument corroborates Okowa's position that defecting to APC was in the interest of Delta people.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRD6Vyf-3hM

Jones4190:
politicians are funny people

Giftimoni:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO3OhtSFP84


Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, says members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta are now loyal to Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of the state.

“We are here today as one unit, the gatekeepers of the party,” he said.

“These are the gatekeepers of the party in Delta state. The three senators… the three are seated here. The only member of the house of representatives, the only single one, is here.

“These are the gatekeepers, like I said, of the APC in Delta. Outside this group, there is no APC in Delta.

“If decisions are to be taken, these are the people that sit down with the state chairman to take a decision regarding the APC. If anybody tells you otherwise, the person must be a comedian.”

Giftimoni:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1viEYwMftnA

''It is an absurdity that people will see a sinking house an run into it...APC is a sinking house.''

Mr Kenneth Okonkwo believes APC will implode with the defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his allies.

Tormentor001:
Mugu! U only speak for yourself and mind you!

You’re not God… Live with that….

press9jatv:
If Damagum doesn’t leave that seat, forget Pdp at the state and national level

seunowa:
Even Bala Mohammed is under the efcc radar and I don't he will defect. Fayose has been under efcc investigation and he is still in pdp. Do you know how many governors and senators in APC who have cases with U.S government for fraud? Does his defection to APC stop U.S government from investigating his fraud case?
What You fail to understand is that greed for power especially between Atiku and Wike is what is killing the foremost oppositional party in Nigeria. No one is prepared to make sacrifices for the progress of the party.

Giftimoni:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o100_i2wsw

Chief Bode George condemned PDP governors decamping to APC, calling their actions “disappointing” and disheartening.

In the same vein, he said PDP Governors' alleged defection is disappointing.

"I'm saddened that some governors, barely two years into their administration, are considering decamping to an unstructured APC despite riding into power on the PDP's goodwill. History will likely judge harshly any governor who attempts such a move."

sulaak:
You are the tribalist!

Sowere has the right to attack whoever he wants; it'si called freedom of expression.

Giftimoni:
According to The Africa Report, the meeting took place in London last week, shortly after Tinubu left Paris.

The meeting, it was learnt, was at the insistence of Governor Fubara, who has been desperate to return to office since the president declared a state of emergency in oil-rich Rivers State.

During the meeting, Fubara promised to make some compromises.

Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline,” said an adviser to the president who wished to remain anonymous because he was not authorised to speak to the press.

Another presidential aide said Fubara is also open to joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to ingratiate himself with the president and then obtain cover.

“If Fubara joins the APC, it means the president’s chances of winning Rivers State are much higher,” he says.

The Africa Report was informed that Fubara’s estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, was not part of the meeting and was uncomfortable with such meetings taking place behind his back.

However, Tinubu is expected to broker a meeting between Fubara, Wike, and the Rivers State lawmakers to find a lasting solution to the crisis in the state.

Giftimoni:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRna-RYlhtc

Some of the officials who were at the airport to welcome Tinubu included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, among others.

Giftimoni:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riMKcZjjgdk


Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effionge, on Monday, said over N10 million has so far been raised to support the 17-year-old minor, Quadri Alabi, who went viral during campaigns for the 2023 general elections when he stood in front of the convoy of a former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

“I can confirm to you that as of this morning, we’ve raised over N10 million in barely four days for Quadri. It re-energises our hope in the Nigerian spirit. Within the first two hours, we had raised over N3 million.

“In 2023, the donation that was given to him wasn’t even close to this, and you saw what they (the area boys) did to him,” he said.