₦airaland Forum

Lagos High Court Grants Engineer Leave to Amend Defence In N152million Property Dispute

The suit, filed by property developer Olukayode Olusanya and his company, Oak Homes Limited, against Ugbebor and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeks various reliefs, including a declaration of trespass.

The Lagos State High Court has granted an engineer, Anthony Ugbebor, leave to amend his statement of defence and counterclaim in a N152million property dispute.

The suit, filed by property developer Olukayode Olusanya and his company, Oak Homes Limited, against Ugbebor and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeks various reliefs, including a declaration of trespass.

SaharaReporters reported on May 1, that the Court sitting in Tafawa Balewa Square, presided over by Justice Akingbola George had adjourned ruling on an application seeking to amend a statement of defence and counterclaim in a property dispute case involving Oak Homes Multinational Services Ltd and Anthony Ugbebor to May 26.

In its ruling on Monday, the court held that it has the power to grant leave to amend pleadings at any stage of proceedings, particularly where such amendment is necessary to correct errors or introduce additional facts material to the just determination of the suit.

Ugbebor's counsel, Mr. N. A. Salau, had argued that the proposed amendments would not prejudice the claimants or overreach them.

Ugbebor, a first defendant in the suit, had filed a motion seeking leave to amend his statement of defence and counterclaim in Suit No: LD/4471LM/2023.

The motion dated March 31, 2025, was supported by a 13-paragraph affidavit and a written address dated April 9, 2025. The first defendant, in the suit had prayed the court for an order granting leave to amend his initial statement of defence and counterclaim, an order to call additional witnesses, an order deeming the amended processes as properly filed, and such further orders as the court may deem fit.

In his submissions, Salau raised a sole issue for determination whether the court had the power to grant the defendant leave to amend his defence.

He relied on all averments contained in the affidavit and highlighted the relevance of introducing more information to support his client’s case.

Citing legal authorities, he noted that the court could grant such an application at any stage of proceedings.

In opposition, the claimants did not file a formal counter-affidavit but through their counsel, Mr. A. O. Erue, expressed the need for the claimants to file consequential amended processes following the court’s ruling, and objected to the immediate commencement of trial.

Ruling on the motion on Monday, the court held that it is trite law that amendment of pleadings may be granted at any stage of proceedings, particularly where such amendment is necessary to correct errors or introduce additional facts material to the just determination of the suit.

“A court will not refuse an amendment merely because it introduces a new fact. What is important is that the amendment is necessary for the just and proper determination of the issues before the court,” Justice George held.

The court further held that the applicant had complied with the provisions of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules, of order 30 rule 10,and accordingly granted the following orders:

"An order granting leave to the first defendant/applicant to amend his statement of defence and counterclaim;

"An order deeming the amended processes as properly filed and served;

"An order granting leave to call additional witnesses, namely Mr. Oluwaseyi Omodele and Mr. Sheu Hassan, amongst others."

However, the court declined to award costs in favour of either party, stating that each party shall bear its own costs.

The matter was adjourned to June 20, 2025, for hearing, after the claimants were granted leave to file and serve their consequential amended statement of claim within 14 days.

The claimants are seeking N102million from the EFCC, N50 million in damages for alleged trespass, and an order of perpetual injunction restraining Ugbebor from accessing the site, as well as N5 million in professional legal fees.

SaharaReporters had reported, in a separate case involving the same property, that the Nigeria Police Force was prosecuting Olukayode Olusanya, CEO of Oak Homes Limited, at the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding a Nigerian-American engineer, Anthony Ugbebor, of N152million.Travel guides

Olusanya and his company face four charges of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretences, fraud, and theft. They pleaded not guilty when arraigned on November 26, 2024.

According to the prosecution, Olusanya allegedly conspired with Lynda Umeh, Head of Sales and Marketing at Oak Homes, to defraud Ugbebor, after convinced to pay N152 million for two apartments at Oak Residence in Victoria Island, promising delivery by February 28, 2019, but failed to hand over the property.

Dzzzz:
To those asking “why Nigeria is not among”,Do we look like a country with educated people?

iwaeda:
Who are the evil men?

Nollywood's Gentle Jack just made a movie about VDM

The World's Most Educated Countries


This infographic shows countries with the highest share and number of people aged 25–64 who have a bachelor's degree or higher, highlighting the most educated populations.

The data comes from a report by CBRE Research.

Key Takeaways
Ireland ranks highest by education rate, with 52.4% of its working-age population holding a bachelor's degree or higher.

Switzerland, Singapore, and Belgium follow closely, all exceeding 44% in education rates.
India has the highest absolute number of educated individuals at 139.4 million, despite a low share of 14.2%.

The U.S. is one of the most educated countries in both percentage and absolute number terms.

China has the second-highest number of educated adults at 88.1 million, but the lowest percentage in the dataset (6.9%).
Europe dominates the list in terms of education rate, with more than half of the top 20 countries located in the region.

Dataset
Country Population Age 25–64 with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Share of Population with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Region
Ireland 🇮🇪 1.8M 52.4% Europe
Switzerland 🇨🇭2.7M 46.0% Europe
Singapore 🇸🇬1.9M 45.0% Asia
Belgium 🇧🇪 3.3M 44.1% Europe
United Kingdom 🇬🇧 19.1M 43.6% Europe
Netherlands 🇳🇱 4.8M 42.0% Europe
United States 🇺🇸 78.2M 40.3% North America
Australia 🇦🇺 6.9M 39.8% Oceania
Israel 🇮🇱 2.2M 39.7% Middle East
Sweden 🇸🇪 2.6M 39.6% Europe
South Korea 14.4M 39.4% Asia
Taiwan 🇹🇼 2.0M 38.9% Asia
Poland 🇵🇱 9.0M 37.9% Europe
Denmark 🇩🇰 1.4M 37.7% Europe
Canada 🇨🇦 14.8M 36.9% North America
Norway 🇳🇴 1.3M 36.9% Europe
Finland 🇫🇮 1.2M 35.6% Europe
Japan 🇯🇵 25.4M 34.8% Asia
Hong Kong 🇭🇰1.3M 34.8% Asia
Germany 🇩🇪 17.7M 32.9% Europe
Philippines 🇵🇭22.4M 29.5% Asia
Portugal 🇵🇹 2.0M 29.4% Europe
Spain 🇪🇸 9.2M 28.8% Europe
Hungary 🇭🇺 1.8M 28.5% Europe
France 🇫🇷 11.8M 28.1% Europe
Czechia 🇨🇿 1.9M 26.9% Europe
Argentina 🇦🇷 7.1M 23.7% South America
Chile 🇨🇱 3.1M 22.9% South America
Brazil 🇧🇷 31.6M 21.5% South America
Italy 🇮🇹 8.0M 21.5% Europe
Mexico 🇲🇽 17.8M 20.4% North America
Colombia 🇨🇴 6.9M 18.9% South America
Costa Rica 🇨🇷0.7M 18.9% North America
Romania 🇷🇴 2.3M 18.6% Europe
India 🇮🇳 139.4M 14.2% Asia
Mainland China 🇨🇳 88.1M 6.9% Asia

Data sources
https://elements.visualcapitalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1746449266997.pdf

EponObi:
That house na the real last man standing.

BTW, they did a shoddy job. They only sand filled. For an area literally consumed by erosion, you would expect better drainage system. The so called drainage they implemented is not wide enough and walls are way too thin. I can see they used red mud for the sand filling self. Bad job, but trust them to hype nonsense. They just fed the erosion new materials to chow.

Upon further examination, I can see the drainage is not even deep. Lmaooo.

Korra Obidi was nearly kicked out of an airport by an officer unless she covers up.

Geologist who accidentally discovered humans have an 'internal clock' by spending 63 days underground

Michel Siffre from the Sorbonne spent 63 days in a dark and icy cave, cut off from clocks, sunlight, and conversation. When he emerged in a disoriented fog, he realized that his perception of time had unraveled way more than he had expected.

The curious results from his subterranean stay turned into a whole new chapter in the study of chronobiology, which examines how living creatures keep time within their bodies.

Michel found himself at the center of a movement that would later connect to everything from jet lag to space travel.

A surprising pursuit
In 1963, Siffre planned to stay underground for 15 days to study a glacier.

He soon realized that this time would not be enough, so he decided to push past normal limits and live beneath the surface for more than two months, relying on basic supplies and no timekeeping devices.

“You have to understand, I was a geologist by training,” said Siffre. He stripped away external markers of day and night, and was content to note his daily activities while losing track of how the outside world ticked along.

Unlocking an internal clock
His most astonishing takeaway was that people have a personal timer that keeps ticking.

Separated from sunrise, standard schedules, and everyday routines, he uncovered an internal clock that slowly drifted beyond the standard 24-hour day.

“Without knowing it, I […] created the field of human chronobiology,” explained Siffre. Free from external prompts, his circadian rhythm slid into a longer pattern, suggesting that our bodies don’t always stick to the planet’s day-night spin.

The body’s clock works differently in isolation
Other people who followed Siffre’s method – and sometimes worked alongside him – saw similar results. Their sleep-wake cycles bent and stretched, sometimes reaching absurd lengths, including instances of 33 hours of sleep and 72 hours of wakefulness.

One subject even wore a microphone, prompting panic when he didn’t stir for more than a day. Researchers initially feared he had died.

These unpredictable shifts proved that the body’s timing system operates independently and erratically when left to its own devices.

Unexpected interest in internal clock findings
The Cold War era was in full swing, and NASA wanted to understand how astronauts might cope with time shifts away from Earth’s regular day.

Military programs also became curious about best practices for submariners, who spent lengthy intervals away from natural light.

Research teams observed that these extended hours of wakefulness and rest could pose unique challenges, and support arrived swiftly to probe deeper into what happens when people are removed from typical time cues. NASA’s backing highlighted the immediate value of Siffre’s discoveries.

Relevance in modern science
Today, scientists continue exploring how disrupted sleep patterns can throw off hormone levels, mood, and even immune function.

Shift workers benefit from an understanding of these natural cycles, and knowledge gleaned from cave experiments helps guide strategies to minimize fatigue.

Some experts also link out-of-sync body clocks with heightened health risks.

The 2017 Nobel Prize recognized further breakthroughs on the genetics behind internal clocks, also known as circadian cycles. This gave a nod to the foundations laid by bold adventurers like Siffre.

Criticism and caution
From day one, his work stirred a lot of chatter. Some observers argued that his approach seemed reckless or theatrical, while others worried that placing people in such extreme isolation might bring undue stress.

Questions were also raised about the potential effect of human presence on delicate underground life.

Still, the push to clarify how biology maintains time overshadowed those doubts, and Siffre’s name became associated with gritty persistence and unexpected scientific impact.

Siffre’s legacy of timing
His method won supporters who saw its practical side. There was particular excitement over data on how the body adapts when divorced from external time prompts.

This offered a window into biological machinery that touches nearly every corner of health and performance.

He showed that patterns of rest and activity can stray far from the familiar 24-hour day.

More importantly, he demonstrated how resilient people can be when conventional signals are stripped away, sparking conversations among physiologists, psychologists, and government agencies alike.

Reflections on exploration
Siffre’s work revealed that stepping away from clocks goes beyond missing a few appointments. It underscored how powerfully our inner timer enforces its own schedule, even when we don’t realize what’s happening.

These revelations opened the door to studies on how rhythms shift during space missions or across hectic flight schedules.

They offered practical solutions to reduce the strain of unusual work shifts, prevent mental fog, and potentially lower disease risks.

He never expected a geological side-trip to ignite a deeper understanding of how the human system handles time.

But the power of curiosity – and a willingness to live alone in absolute darkness – proved that we can learn much by trading daylight for the faint glow of a single lamp.

The X post from Instablog9ja that caught your attention references a fascinating and unusual legal case involving Benjamin Schreiber, a prisoner in Iowa, USA. Let’s dive into the details of this incident, drawing from the web results provided and adding context where necessary.

Overview of the Incident
Benjamin Edward Schreiber was an American convicted of first-degree murder in 1997 for the 1996 killing of John Dale Terry near Agency, Iowa. Schreiber, born in 1952 or 1953, bludgeoned Terry to death with an axe handle at an abandoned trailer, in the presence of Terry’s girlfriend, Evelyn Tangie. Schreiber was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison, Iowa.
Fast forward to March 2015: while serving his sentence, Schreiber, then in his early 60s, suffered a medical emergency. He developed septic poisoning due to large kidney stones, a life-threatening condition that led to him being rushed from the Iowa State Penitentiary to a hospital. During this medical emergency, Schreiber’s heart stopped, and he was clinically dead for a brief period. Medical staff resuscitated him, restarting his heart five times, ultimately bringing him back to life.
Schreiber’s Legal Argument

After recovering, Schreiber, in April 2018, filed for post-conviction relief with a novel legal argument: he claimed that because he had "died" during the medical emergency, his life sentence had technically been fulfilled. His reasoning was that a life sentence means imprisonment until death, and since he had momentarily died, he had served his sentence and should be released immediately.

Schreiber argued that he had overstayed his sentence by the time he brought this claim, as he had been alive (and in prison) for several years following his brief "death."
Court Response

Schreiber’s argument, while creative, didn’t hold up in court. The Iowa district court rejected his claim, with the judge stating that his argument was "unpersuasive and without merit." The judge pointed out the obvious: Schreiber was clearly alive, as evidenced by the fact that he was able to file the legal motion in the first place.

Schreiber then appealed to the Iowa Court of Appeals. In November 2019, the appeals court upheld the lower court’s decision. Judge Amanda Potterfield, in the court’s opinion, wrote: "Schreiber is either still alive, in which case he must remain in prison, or he is actually dead, in which case this appeal is moot." The court emphasized that a life sentence doesn’t end with a temporary cessation of vital signs—it requires a medical examiner to declare the individual deceased for good. The court also noted that there was no case law supporting Schreiber’s position, and he couldn’t have it both ways: claiming to be dead for the purposes of his sentence while continuing to live and engage with the legal system.

Additional Context on the Case
The Murder Details: Schreiber committed the murder on July 27, 1996, when he was 43 years old. The crime took place in an abandoned trailer south of Agency, Iowa. Schreiber, along with Evelyn Tangie, Terry’s girlfriend, was involved in the incident. Tangie was initially convicted of second-degree murder, but her conviction was overturned in 2000 by the Iowa Court of Appeals due to a violation of the Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment (related to hearsay evidence involving Schreiber’s statements relayed by a third party).

Medical Details: Schreiber’s medical emergency in 2015 stemmed from severe kidney stones that caused sepsis, a dangerous infection response that can lead to organ failure and death. During his hospitalization, his heart stopped multiple times, and he was resuscitated each time. According to court records, the decision to resuscitate him involved consultation with Schreiber’s brother, who consented only to pain relief measures, but hospital staff proceeded with resuscitation.

Legal Precedent: Schreiber’s case wasn’t the first of its kind. The web results mention a similar case involving Jerry Rosenberg, a New York City murderer who argued that his life sentence ended when his heart stopped during surgery. Like Schreiber, Rosenberg’s claim was rejected. These cases highlight the legal system’s stance that a life sentence persists as long as the individual remains alive, regardless of temporary clinical death.

Schreiber’s Death: According to the Wikipedia entry, Benjamin Schreiber passed away on April 7, 2023, at the age of 70 or 71. His legal argument, while unsuccessful, gained significant attention for its audacity and philosophical implications about the meaning of a "life sentence."

compared the situation to a "Game of Thrones" plotline where a character, after being resurrected, claimed their duty had ended because they had died, suggesting Schreiber could take his case to the Supreme Court.

Broader Implications
Schreiber’s case raises interesting questions about the legal definition of a life sentence and the intersection of medical technology with the justice system. Advances in medicine mean that people can be revived after clinical death, as Schreiber was, but the law hasn’t evolved to address such scenarios in the context of sentencing. The court’s ruling reflects a pragmatic approach: a life sentence means imprisonment until a person is definitively deceased, not just momentarily dead.

This incident also underscores how legal systems prioritize consistency over technicalities. Schreiber’s argument, while logically intriguing, was seen as an attempt to exploit a loophole, and the courts weren’t willing to entertain it. However, the case has sparked public fascination, as seen in the X post and its comments, because it touches on existential questions about life, death, and second chances.
Conclusion

The incident involving Benjamin Schreiber is a blend of tragedy, legal creativity, and dark humor. Convicted of a brutal murder in 1996, Schreiber’s 2015 medical emergency led to an unprecedented legal claim in 2018—that his brief death fulfilled his life sentence. The Iowa courts rejected this argument in 2019, and Schreiber remained in prison until his actual death in 2023.

NFF Congratulates Philip Shaibu on Appointment as NIS Director General
AFRICA

The NFF has congratulated Philip Shaibu on his new role as NIS DG, hailing his passion and intellect

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has congratulated former Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, on his appointment as Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), even as finalists emerged for this year’s President Federation Cup in both the men’s and women’s categories.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Shaibu to head the country’s foremost citadel for sports training and research, succeeding Professor Olawale Moronkola.

In a statement issued by its Communications Department, the NFF described Shaibu as a dynamic leader with a proven passion for sports development.

“The NFF heartily congratulates His Excellency Philip Shaibu on this appointment and we have no doubt that he has the intellectual capacity, passion, knowledge of sports science and the energy and temperament to turn things around at the NIS, ” NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) said.A former student union leader, Shaibu has been lauded for his commitment to grassroots sports initiatives during his time as Edo State’s number two man.

His innovative policies and interventions in the sports sector are said to have left a lasting impact in the state.

Established in 1974, the National Institute for Sports was created to produce elite coaches, sports scientists, and managers while fostering research to enhance Nigeria’s performance on the global stage.

Lagos Judge Urges Influencer ‘Ijele Speaks’ To Apply For Release After Year-Long Detention Ordered By Prophet Ebuka Without Trial


SaharaReporters learnt on Friday that Justice Osiagor expressed concern over the continued detention of Mr. Ofoegbu, who has been held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre for over a year despite meeting his initial bail conditions.

AFederal High Court judge in Lagos, Justice Daniel Osiagor, has urged the legal team of social media influencer Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, popularly known as Ijele Speaks II, to apply for his release from prison custody after federal prosecutors failed to appear in court for his arraignment.

SaharaReporters learnt on Friday that Justice Osiagor expressed concern over the continued detention of Mr. Ofoegbu, who has been held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre for over a year despite meeting his initial bail conditions.

Sources explained that the judge, who frowned on the absence of the federal prosecution, expressed surprise that Mr. Ofoegbu had remained in prison for over a year despite fulfilling his earlier bail conditions.

However, the judge stated that he could not decide on the bail application in the absence of the prosecution.

However, the judge urged the defence lawyer to write to the Ikoyi Prison authorities requesting Mr. Ofoegbu's release, as no court order has been issued to sustain his detention.

"A federal judge sitting in Lagos has requested the attorneys for Harrison Ofoegbu, also known as Ijele Speaks, to seek his release from custody pending a proper arraignment,” one of the sources close to the case said.

"The judge who frowned on the absence of the federal prosecution wondered how Mr. Ijele had remained in prison for more than a year after fulfilling his earlier bail conditions.”

"However, the judge said he could not make a decision on bail because the prosecution was absent in court but urged the lawyer to send a letter to Ikoyi prison seeking his release since there was no court order sustaining his detention any longer," the source added.

On May 8, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, had adjourned the cyberstalking case against Ijele Speaks II to May 23, 2025.

Despite the presence of Ofoegbu and his lawyer, Yakubu Galadima, in court, the matter was postponed.

Following the brief court appearance, Ofoegbu was returned to Ikoyi Custodial Centre. Notably, the production warrant that brought him to Lagos for trial from the Federal High Court in Awka expired on the same day.

Meanwhile, SaharaReporters previously reported that Ofoegbu was scheduled to appear in the Lagos court as part of his long-delayed trial. This followed over a year of what activists have described as unjust detention. His case was recently transferred from Anambra to Lagos State.

Ofoegbu also faces another court appearance on June 16 before Justice Akintayo Aluko at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi.

The transfer of Ofoegbu’s case to Lagos followed a legal victory: a court nullified an arrest warrant to move him to Anambra State.

Ijele Speaks II has spent over a year in detention following his arrest over allegations against popular preacher Evangelist Ebuka Obi.

He was taken into custody by the Nigeria Police Force in March 2024 after he publicly accused Obi, founder of the Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, of orchestrating fake miracles.

In a viral post, Ijele described the pastor as a fraud and dismissed his televised miracles as staged performances. He also called for Obi’s arrest, alleging that he had commercialised his religious platform.

In response, police authorities in Abuja summoned Ofoegbu over allegations of criminal intimidation, threat to life, cyberstalking, and cyberbullying. However, after honouring the police invitation, he was detained and later transferred to the Keffi Correctional Centre in Nasarawa State.

Ofoegbu’s prolonged detention has drawn criticism from civil rights groups and activists, who view the case as a troubling attack on free speech and have continued to demand his immediate release.

He wrote 3-page exam before he was allowed to marry her

Deepspirituals:
Are you a Lawyer, Bros U are Super Intelligent, How I wish Her lawyer can do this , Sue her x 2

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has struck out a suit seeking to declare the seats of the 25 lawmakers of the State House of Assembly, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following a misunderstanding between Governor Siminalayi Fubara of the state and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The suit registered with number PHC/61/CS/2024 before Justice Chinwendu Nwogu and filed by 10 members of Rivers Elders Forum, also asked the court to interpret if the eight point agenda of President Bola Tinubu on the Rivers political saga in December 18, 2023 was constitutional.

Also that “whether the decision or directives or resolution at the purported meeting of the defendants at Aso Rock, Abuja,on December 18, 2023, that the members of the Rivers State Executive Council, who voluntarily resigned from their portfolios as commissioners should be resubmitted to the House of Assembly for approval, is constitutional and valid.

‘Traces of Time’ As Otu Blends History, Vision at Carnival Calabar Theme Unveiling
Linus Obogo The venue was the plush five-star Transcorp Hilton Hotels, Abuja. In a spectacle…

“Whether the decision/resolution under the directives of the 1st defendant aforesaid that the 2nd defendant should represent the budget of the Rivers State already presented to the 4th defendant and duly debated and properly assented to as a law can be lawfully and constitutionally represented for the purpose of being debated and repassed.”

Parties in the matter included Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, Dr. Kalada Iruenabere, Chief Marcus Atata, Chief Nwankwo Sunday, Cletus Zorbo-Or Nadukoro, Asigbor Lede, Michael Aloega, D Allen Abbi, Johnson Ogbodu and Mina A.K. Hart, for claimants.

While the defendants were President Bola Tinubu, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Hon. Martins Amaewhule (for himself and other 24 state lawmakers), Rivers State House of Assembly and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, was one of the litigants in the matter.

Ruling on the Exparte application, yesterday, Justice Nwogu said his court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter, and mentioned that similar matter was given judgement at a federal high court presided by Justice James Omotosho in Abuja.

Justice Nwogu also ruled that since President Tinubu was a party in the matter, the case should be transmitted to a higher court with jurisdiction to entertain it. He, therefore, struck out the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

In a dramatic turn of events in the ongoing fraud trial involving Nigerian music star Peter Okoye of P-Square and their former manager Jude Okoye, the defence counsel, Clement Onwuenwunor, SAN, on Friday accused Peter of deliberately misleading the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, with false and contradictory claims.

The EFCC had arraigned the defendant alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd on a four-count charge.

In one of the counts, Jude and his Northside Music Limited allegedly dishonestly converted the sum of $767,544.15 to his use.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In his evidence in chief on May 16, Peter had narrated how he was allegedly defrauded by his brother Jude and Northside Entertainment.

However during cross examination, on Friday, defence lawyer, Onwuenwunor pointedly told the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, presided over by Justice Rahman Oshodi that Peter’s testimony was riddled with inconsistencies and outright fabrications intended to mislead the EFCC and tarnish the reputation of the defendant, Jude Okoye.

During a heated cross-examination, the defence discredited Peter’s earlier statement to the EFCC in which he described himself as a graduate of the University of Abuja.

Contrary to that claim, Onwuenwunor revealed that Peter had, in fact, dropped out of the institution.

When confronted with the discrepancy between his oral claims and written EFCC testimony, Peter attempted to backtrack, stating that he had only said he “attended” the university.

However, the defence tendered the EFCC’s documented records in which Peter specifically described himself as a “graduate,” prompting him to admit in open court that he had not completed his studies.

Jude Okoye, Psquare’s elder brother, released from Ikoyi prison after N1.3bn fraud charge
‘Family that breaks you isn’t worth it,’ Peter Okoye writes after testifying against brother Jude

Onwuenwunor further presented documentary evidence proving that Peter and his twin brother Paul were not only aware of but also had signatory access to Northside Entertainment Limited accounts.

Contrary to Peter’s earlier claim that Jude Okoye was the sole signatory and that he had no access to financial dealings, the defence produced a bank mandate clearly stating that Jude was a Category A signatory, while Peter and Paul were Category B signatories.

The defence counsel also submitted bank statements that showed Peter personally withdrew large sums in both naira and dollars from the company’s account.

There were also multiple direct transfers made to him by Jude Okoye. These records stood in direct contradiction to Peter’s sworn statement that he never benefited financially from the company or from any deals executed under Jude’s management.


Onwuenwunor also questioned Peter over his claim regarding royalty payments from Mad Solutions, the company handling the P-Square music catalogue.

Peter had previously testified that he was unaware of the contract with Mad Solutions and had only received $25,000 and $20,000 in royalty payments, implying that Jude had siphoned the larger share.

But the defence countered the narrative by presenting documents to the court confirming that the agreement with Mad Solutions was signed by all three parties—Jude, Peter, and Paul—and that each had equal entitlement to royalty payments.

The document contrary to Peter’s assertion, according to the defence, revealed that he actually received $4,330.47 and $5,837.35 as his first and second payments, respectively—figures far lower than the $25,000 and $20,000 he claimed under oath.

“Peter’s testimony before the EFCC is riddled with lies and misrepresentations. He has made multiple assertions that have now been shown to be false under cross-examination. This is not just a matter of forgetfulness. This is an intentional effort to mislead investigators and this honourable court,”Onwuenwunor told the court.

Justice Oshodi, while admitting several of the bank documents and EFCC statements into evidence, advised the defence to ensure all documents are made available to the prosecution ahead of further proceedings.

“If you intend to use a document, make it available to them to make the trial faster,” the judge said.

The trial was adjourned to October 10 and 17, 2025, for continuation of trial.

FG directs AMCON to begin shutdown process

The Federal Government has inaugurated a new Board of Directors for the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, with a directive to strengthen asset recovery and commence a credible, time-bound wind-down of the Corporation.

According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr Mohammed Manga, on Thursday, the inauguration, which took place on Tuesday in Abuja, was conducted by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, who stated that the new leadership of AMCON must reposition the institution in line with global best practices and support ongoing macroeconomic reforms.

“AMCON must evolve from a stabiliser of last resort to a disciplined vehicle for value creation and responsible exit,” the minister said. “A credible wind-down will not only free up resources but also reinforce our broader goal of a transparent, investment-friendly financial system.”

Edun also stressed the importance of efficient asset recovery and institutional accountability in a fiscally constrained environment, noting that these are essential for Nigeria to remain a competitive destination for investment and enterprise.

The newly appointed board is chaired by Dr Bala Bello. Other members include Mr Gbenga Alade as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer; Mr Adeshola Lamidi, Mr Lucky Adaghe and Mr Aminu Mukthar Dan’Amu as Executive Directors; and Mr Yusuf Tegina (North Central), Mr Adeyemo Adeoye (South-West), Mr Charles Odion Iyiore (South-South), Mr Yahaya Ibrahim (North-West) and Ms Emily Chidinma Osuji (South-East) as Non-Executive Directors.

In his remarks, the AMCON Managing Director, Mr Gbenga Alade, assured the government of the board’s full commitment to the Corporation’s mandate, stating that AMCON was never intended to exist indefinitely.

“We are here to conclude, not to continue indefinitely,” he said. “We will benchmark our exit plan against global models and deliver a process that serves the national interest.”

The Federal Government described the reconstitution of the AMCON board as a strategic move to unlock balance sheet space for banks, support financial sector reform, and strengthen private sector participation in the economy.

AMCON was set up in 2010 to help fix the banking crisis caused by the 2008 global financial meltdown.

Its job was to buy bad loans from troubled banks and stabilise the financial system.

However, AMCON has been criticised for lagging in transparency and lacking a clear plan to shut down, among other issues.

Nigerian Musicians Ruggedman And Sunny Neji Detained Over Alleged £130,000 Theft From PMAN Secretariat


Nigerian rapper Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, and veteran musician Sunny Neji have been detained at Panti Police Station in Lagos following allegations of stealing $130,000 (£100,000) from the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) national secretariat in Lekki. The arrests, which also involve other individuals, have sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

According to reports, Ruggedman, alongside three others—Fruitful Mekwunye, Boniface Itodo, and Faga Bem-Paul—was arraigned at Yaba Magistrate Court 1 on Friday, facing charges of burglary, conspiracy, and theft. The group is accused of forcibly entering the PMAN secretariat at 4B Hameed Kasumu Street, Chevy View Estate, Lekki, and making off with $130,000 in cash, as well as two Apple MacBook Pro laptops. Another musician, Zakky Azzay, is reportedly still at large.

The allegations stem from a petition filed on 12 May 2025 by PMAN’s legal representatives on behalf of the association’s National President, Pretty Okafor. The petition claims that the accused, described as either suspended or dismissed members of PMAN’s National Working Committee (NWC), exploited Okafor’s absence to declare him suspended without adhering to proper procedures. The group is further accused of convening an unauthorised National Delegates Conference, during which they installed a parallel leadership, backed by a controversial consent judgment secured at the National Industrial Court using an unrecognised PMAN address.

Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu confirmed Ruggedman’s detention on Thursday via an Instagram post, noting that the rapper was being held over an alleged dispute with PMAN. The police investigation has reportedly concluded, with the case now being prepared for prosecution. PMAN has urged the public and media to disregard claims of unlawful detention, asserting that the arrests are legally justified and part of efforts to uphold the rule of law within the entertainment industry.

As of now, neither Ruggedman, Sunny Neji, nor the other detained individuals have issued public statements regarding the allegations. The case has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with fans and industry stakeholders expressing a mix of shock and concern over the developments.

The incident raises questions about internal governance within PMAN and the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s music industry. Authorities have yet to disclose further details about the ongoing investigation or the status of Zakky Azzay, who remains at large. The case is expected to draw significant attention as it progresses through the courts.

"My daughter is a virgin. It's rare at her age to be a virgin" — Bride's father says.

"My daughter is a v!rg1n. It's rare at her age to be a v!rg1n" — Bride's father says.
pic.twitter.com/jU2JqRfxvr

— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) May 23, 2025

Jennifer Lopez has been sued $300,000 for sharing her own pictures without permission.

Jennifer Lopez is being sued for $300,000 by photographer Edwin Blanco and Backgrid USA for posting two copyrighted photos of herself on Instagram and X without permission. The photos, from a pre-Golden Globes event in January 2025, were allegedly used to promote her outfit and brand affiliations. U.S. copyright law supports the plaintiffs, as photographers own image rights, and Lopez's commercial use weakens fair use defenses. The case is ongoing, with a response due by mid-June 2025.

Oby Ezekwesili has been appointed advisor to Club de Madrid.

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has been appointed Advisor to a forum of democratic former Presidents and Prime Ministers, Club de Madrid.

The Club de Madrid is an independent, non-profit organization composed of former democratic presidents and prime ministers from around the world. It was established in 2001 with the aim of promoting democratic leadership and good governance globally.

It is composed of 127 regular members from 74 countries, including 5 Nobel Peace Prize laureates and 23 first female heads of state or government.

Court Issues Bench Warrant Against Reaprite’s Ayodele Toyosi in N600m, $50,000 Fraud Case


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has obtained a bench warrant against Ayodele Toyosi, the founder of Reaprite Global Limited and Agrorite Limited.

This update came through the EFCC on Wednesday evening. Toyosi and these companies, which promised investors exponentially high returns, have been on trial since August 19.

Reaprite was a digital money-saving platform while Agrorite was into export-oriented agribusiness. They were floated by Toyosi and hundreds of people poured their money into the schemes.

FIJ had earlier exposed how Reaprite abruptly shut down and became unreachable without releasing N1.4 million to Mary Chiamaka, a Lagos-based customer, several months after the payment was due.

Chiamaka desperately needed the money for her mother’s surgical procedure but she did not get it. Hundreds of others who saved their money on the Reaprite platform shared Chiamaka’s fate. They then reported to the EFCC.

According to the EFCC, Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, issued a warrant for the arrest against Toyosi for being elusive from the court.

“Toyosi, alongside his two companies, is standing trial on an 11-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N600,000,000 ( Six Hundred Million Naira) and $50,000 (Fifty Thousand United States of America Dollars),” the EFCC stated on X.

“Investigation revealed that the defendant allegedly defrauded a number of persons on the pretence that he had an interest-yielding investment in agricultural export.”

Two count charges were levelled against Toyosi and both companies.

“That you, Ayodele Toyosi, Reaprite Global Limited and Agrorite Limited, sometime in June 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly converted to your own use the aggregate sum of N200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira only) belonging to one K. C. Akoson Investment Limited and Kenneth C. Maduakor by dishonestly representing to them that you will help them transfer the said money to their importers in China whereas you expended the money for your personal use and committed an offence contrary to Sections 278(1) (b) (f) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011,” the first count read.

“That you, Ayodele Toyosi, Reaprite Global Limited and Agrorite Limited, sometime in June 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, obtained the aggregate sum of N300,000,000 (Three Hundred Million Naira only), belonging to one K. C. Akoson Investment Limited and Kenneth C. Maduakor by dishonestly representing to them that you will help them transfer the said money to their importers in China, whereas you used the money to purchase a property known as Plot 17 Pinnock Beach Estate, Anyiran Town, Eti Osa Local Government Area, Lagos and committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.”

Toyosi had pleaded not guilty. Giving more details about what transpired in the court on Wednesday, the EFCC wrote:

The judge had, during the arraignment of the defendants on August 19, 2024, adjourned till May 20, 21 and 22, 2025 for continuation of trial, due to the absence of the defence counsel.

At the resumed sitting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 , the prosecution presented its first witness, PW1, James Emadoye, a chartered accountant and IT expert, who narrated to the court how he found out he and his family had been defrauded in the agribusiness investment scheme.

Emadoye, led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Deborah Ademu-Eteh, told the court that the defendant approached him and his wife with an offer to invest in agronomy.

He said: “ We committed a total of N40m and $50,000 across three investments. However, issues arose when we needed to pay the school fees of our daughter who is studying abroad,” he said.

In his further evidence, the PW1 said the defendant allegedly issued only two cheques when he contacted him to liquidate part of the investment. He, however, said that the cheques were dishonoured due to insufficient funds when he presented them at the bank.

He also said that all efforts to reach the defendants were unsuccessful, a development that prompted him to write a letter of complaint to the EFCC. The prosecution counsel, thereafter, sought to tender the bounced cheques, and certificates of investment, which were all admitted in evidence by the court.

Under cross-examination by the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, Emadoye confirmed he understood the nature and risks of investment and that the terms were clearly outlined in the certificates. Though Emadoye acknowledged that such disputes “are generally handled in civil courts, he said he considered it as “criminal” owing to “Toyosi’s evasiveness and the dishonoured cheques.”

According to him, the defendant, in spite of the efforts made to resolve the matter out of court, failed to honour the agreed terms.

The defence counsel, thereafter, applied for an adjournment to enable him conclude his cross-examination of the witness.

Consequently, the case was adjourned till Wednesday, May 21, 2025 for continuation of trial.

The case, however, was stalled again on Wednesday due to the absence of the defendant and his lawyers on the grounds of medical emergency. Justice Abike-Fadipe, consequently, ordered the arrest of the defendant, and also ordered that he should show cause why his bail should not be revoked at the next adjourned date.

The EFCC was also ordered to investigate the alleged medical report tendered in the absence of the defendant.

The case was adjourned till July 8, 2025, for the continuation of trial.

LASPPPA decries low building approval rate in Lagos.

The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority has expressed concern over the alarmingly low rate of building approvals, despite the existence of over five million structures across the state.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this while speaking at the Ministerial Press Briefing organised by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development through the Office of Physical Planning recently in Lagos.

He said, “On the number of buildings approved in Lagos state, I will not say that, but on record, we have over five million buildings/structures/properties in the state. However, the percentage of those with approval is very low.

“As part of its statutory responsibilities, the Office of Physical Planning received a total of 77 applications, granted 35 Provisional Layout Plan Approvals and six Final Layout Plan Approvals between 2024 and April 2025.

“During the period under review, a total of 36 estates were monitored for compliance by the Office of Physical Planning, through its routine monitoring of estate developments.

The monitoring exercise aims to ensure compliance with the layout plans approval granted by the office and achieve a sustainable environment in line with the state government development blueprint.

“The outcome of the exercise has been an increase in the level of compliance with approvals granted for estate developments and an increase in the number of applications for layout plan approval.”

Speaking on the treatment of complaints/petitions and provision of technical support services, Olumide noted that the Office of Physical Planning, through its Technical Service Department, provided technical support services to other MDAs in areas of physical planning and development issues.

He added, “In the same vein, the office received and investigated petitions submitted by aggrieved members of the public and whistleblowers, relating to land use and development disputes as well as perceived physical planning infractions. A significant 70.24 per cent of cases were resolved through mediation to prevent costly litigation and minimise the burden on the courts. A mediation resolution rate of 70.24 per cent demonstrates the office’s effectiveness in resolving the majority of petitions amicably, minimising the need for enforcement actions and reducing the burden of enforcement and litigation.

“However, in instances where violations were severe, not condonable, or mediation proved unsuccessful, the office enforced compliance through regulatory actions, including service of statutory notices, sealing of contravening properties and/or removal of illegal developments (where necessary). It is noteworthy that 1.98 per cent of cases required total removal, while 0.4 per cent required sealing, indicating the office’s firm but balanced approach.

“The Physical Planning and Building Control Appeals Committee received 95 petitions against government agencies, individuals, and public officials. The committee conducted hearings on all 95 petitions and delivered decisions on 35 of them, while 28 petitions are still ongoing. The appeals committee struck out 32 petitions due to petitioners failing to respond or returning to court.”

Fela Was Admitted Into Music School Out Of Pity - Yeni Kuti

Yeni Kuti, media personality and daughter of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, recently shared a surprising story about her father’s entry into Trinity College of Music in London.

In a video, Yeni revealed that Fela’s admission in 1958 was not based on academic merit but rather compassion.

She explained that Fela’s parents were initially reluctant to send him abroad due to his average school grades, especially compared to his younger brother, who was a top student.

However, Fela’s older siblings living in London misled their parents into believing that he had gained admission to study medicine.

When Fela arrived in London, he nearly faced rejection from Trinity College of Music because his qualifications did not meet their standards.

Speaking in a recent episode of the TVC programme, Your View, Kuti said, “I want to share a story about my father [Fela].

“When he was in secondary school, you know his parents were academics, so they were pressuring him to study hard. His older brother and sister had gone to university overseas.

“It was him and his younger brother who were with their parents at that time. His younger brother had excellent grades, but Fela was very average. So, his parents didn’t want him to go abroad for studies.

“But his brother wanted him to stay with him in London, so they lied to their parents that Fela was going to a medical school. That was how he got to England.

“They enrolled him in musical school because by time Fela was playing the piano. When he got to the music school, the admission officer said, ‘It’s only because you’ve come a long distance that I’m going to allow you into this school with these results.’ That was how Fela even got the music school out of pity. But look at it today, he is a legend.”

Source: YouTube | TVC

This is African court and justice, no need to have lawyers and witnesses😂This act is done to catch the thief 😁😁

This is African court and justice, no need to have lawyers and witnesses😂This act is done to catch the thief 😁😁 pic.twitter.com/hcp2fkn4in

— Jasper Ziggle 🥷🇬🇭 🇺🇸 (@JasperZiggle) May 17, 2025