Justice Lilian Abai, in her ruling on Friday, February 28, 2025, ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports with the court registrar as part of the bail conditions.
The Federal High Court in Umuahia, Abia State, has granted bail to former Abia State Governor, Theodore Ahamefule Orji, and four others in the sum of N50 million each.
Justice Lilian Abai, in her ruling on Friday, February 28, 2025, ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports with the court registrar as part of the bail conditions.
Additionally, the court in a statement directed each defendant to provide one surety with a landed property in Umuahia, supported by a Certificate of Occupancy.
The court said the sureties must also depose an affidavit of means and submit two recent passport photographs to the court.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Orji alongside Engr. Chinedum Orji, Dr. Philip Nto, Onwumene King Obioma, and Romanus K. Madu on a sixteen-count charge of conspiracy, official corruption, stealing, and diversion of public funds totalling more than N34billion.
One of the charges reads: “That you Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji, ENGR. Chinedum Orji, Dr. Phillip Nto, Onwumene King Obioma and Romanus K. Madu, sometime between 2011 and 2015 in Umuahia, Abia State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court stole and converted a sum of N22,500,000,000.00 (Twenty-Two Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira Only) being the allocation to the Abia State Government as security votes and thereby committed an offence contrary to the provision of Section 390 (5) of the Criminal Code Law of Abia State.”
Another count states: “That you Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji, ENGR. Chinedum Orji, Dr. Phillip Nto, Onwumene King Obioma and Romanus K. Madu, sometime between 2010 and 2011 in Umuahia, Abia State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired among yourselves to commit unlawful acts to wit, stealing and conversion of the sum of N12,000,000,000.00 (Twelve Billion Naira Only) being the funds due to Abia State from the Paris Club Refund and thereby committed an offence contrary to the provisions of Sections 516 and 516(a) of the Criminal Code Law of Abia State.”
The defendants pleaded “not guilty” to all charges. Prosecution counsel, Dr. Pinheiro SAN, requested the court to fix a date for trial.
Defence counsels, led by Bode Olanipekun SAN, Chika Osolu Ojukwu SAN, K.I. Odeh, Oke Amaechi SAN, and Isaac Anya, all sought bail for their clients.
After reviewing their applications, Justice Abai granted bail under the specified conditions and adjourned the case to June 18 and 19, 2025, for trial.
helinues: Kogi constituency where Natasha is representing. I hail una
At least una senator is known for being controversial even though nothing like development based news whenever we read about her.
That one too na achievements.
Natasha, tell us how many Kogi women you have empowered sincerely.. She's not even making any different from the men in politics
Don't always be one sided ......always full of bias. If you want to speak on the matter, speak about both. I don't support anyone but another woman openly said she slapped Akpabio over sexual harassment, both Akpabio and wife never said kpim......till this day.
Paul Okoye and Jude Okoye at FHC Lagos Photo: TheCable
Singer Paul Okoye aka RudeBoy has accused his twin brother Peter of being responsible for the case of fraud instituted against their elder brother Jude.
On Wednesday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Jude, the former manager of Paul and Peter who made up the defunct group P-Square, on charges of laundering ₦ 1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59.
Jude was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on a seven-count charge. He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
Justice Owoeye remanded Jude in the Ikoyi correctional facility pending hearing for his bail application after the prosecuting lawyer Larry Aso countered Jude’s lawyer Inibehe Effiong who wanted his client remanded in the EFCC’s custody.
In a trending video recorded at the court’s premises on Friday, Paul promised to secure his release.
He told journalists that he and Peter were guilty of what Jude was being accused of.
“I’m supporting him because I know the truth,” said Paul.
“The truth is Peter is the one putting Jude through these things. It’s Peter who is doing these. He is putting him in prison and I’m here to bring him out.
“I’m only standing for the truth because the same crime that they accused him of doing, then Peter is guilty, Paul is also guilty too.”
The Rise of Agbero (From Bus Conductors to a Cartel)
There was a time when being Yoruba meant something. It meant intellect, industry, and innovation. It meant producing great minds in all aspects of life. But today, we witness a slow, deliberate erosion of that legacy
The Yoruba political elite have discovered a dangerous truth: an educated population is harder to manipulate. So, what did they do? They crippled education, and turned knowledge into a privilege instead of a right.
Instead of raising critical thinkers, they are raising political foot soldiers, àgbèrò, whose only job is to protect their masters’ interests.
Originally, Agbero simply meant a bus conductor, a young man who helped fill up public transport vehicles in motor parks. It was a humble, informal job for survival. But when politics got involved, it became something else.
In the 1980s, during the military era, politicians began using Agbero as political thugs. They needed enforcers to intimidate opponents, rig elections, and control street politics. By the 1990s, Agbero had formed a cartel. They were no longer just thugs; they had become a political force, wielding influence that surpassed traditional rulers in some areas. And when democracy returned in 1999, they fully infiltrated the system.
They collect illegal levies in broad daylight. They intimidate traders. They disrupt elections. They enforce the will of their political sponsors. And yet, they walk freely.
The worst part? They are now entering politics themselves. Some of these àgbèrò lords are winning elections. Many have become LG Chairmen, Councillors, and even lawmakers. They have climbed from bus stops to political seats. They have also entered key government institutions. They are in the police, CBN, port authorities, and more. Their children are in top universities abroad, preparing to take over leadership positions
Like in the film The Departed, they have completely infiltrated the system. You think you are dealing with a politician? You are dealing with an Agbero in disguise.
Some people still believe that Agbero will one day be banned. That is a foolish dream. You cannot ban what feeds the system. Agbero generates billions for the political elite. Even local governments depend on them for revenue. Any governor that tries to remove them is removed. Ambode attempted to reform the system. He was kicked out before he could run for a second term.
Politicians empower these men with money and weapons, turning them into war machines for elections. And after the elections?
They are left to roam the streets, collecting ‘taxes’ from innocent citizens and terrorizing communities.
And what happens when a society rewards thuggery?
The educated elite, the real thinkers, start leaving. Brain drain increases. The best Yoruba minds are now in Canada, the UK, and the US, while àgbèrò run things back home.
The Rise of Agbero Yoruba Dialect
There was a time when speaking Yoruba carried a certain elegance, a rich sophistication that reflected the depth of our culture.
The aristocratic Yoruba spoken in Ibadan, Ijebu, and Lagos high society was refined, poetic, and full of wit. It was the language of the educated elite, traders, and philosophers.
Today, that Yoruba is fading, replaced by the coarse, vulgar, and aggressive Agbero dialect.
Go to any Lagos motor park, and you will hear it, loud, fast, and filled with unnecessary slang, curses, and distorted words. Unfortunately, this Agbero Yoruba is what the younger generation is adopting. Even in entertainment, Nollywood and Afrobeats are now exporting it as the mainstream Yoruba.
Èdè la fi dá ilé, èdè la fi ń bá ilé je." (Language builds a home; language also destroys it.)
When a language loses its refinement, a culture loses its dignity. The Yoruba identity is being dragged down by this street-infused dialect.
It is almost as if speaking proper Yoruba is now considered "too posh" or "too bookish."
But language is power. The moment we start speaking like Agbero, we start thinking like Agbero. And when we think like Agbero, we become Agbero.
This is how the culture spreads, through the mind first, before it takes over every other part of society.
A Final Warning
If we continue on this path, Yoruba children of the future will grow up thinking àgbèrò culture is Yoruba culture. They will believe that loudness is wisdom, that force is leadership, and that education is unnecessary. We must not let that happen.
We must return to omolúàbí values. We cannot let àgbèrò redefine what it means to be Yoruba. Our culture must be about intelligence, innovation, and respect, not street violence, political servitude, and other 'ronu' antics.
Olufemi Aduwo is the Permanent Representative of the Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity to the United Nations
In this era of historical conventions and national retrospection, it has become evident that the Nigerian state must confront its past with unflinching honesty. Recent remarks by General Ibrahim Babangida, in which he attempted to provide his perspective on Nigeria’s history, have set a precedent. It is now incumbent upon General Yakubu Gowon to exhibit a similar level of candour and address, with absolute sincerity, the lingering questions surrounding the Aburi Accord. The Nigerian people deserve clarity on what precisely was agreed upon between him and Colonel Chukwuemeka Ojukwu during that fateful meeting at Aburi.
The Aburi Accord, reached in January 1967, was meant to provide a framework for resolving the deepening political crisis that threatened Nigeria’s unity. However, what transpired following that agreement remains a matter of intense debate. History, however inconvenient, cannot be rewritten to suit the interests of any individual or institution. There has been a persistent claim that the Federal Government, under General Gowon’s leadership, reneged on the agreements reached in Aburi, thereby exacerbating tensions and ultimately leading to the Nigerian Civil War. If there was indeed a deviation from the original commitments made at Aburi, then it is only fitting that it be acknowledged, not with defensiveness or obfuscation, but with the dignity befitting a statesman.
It is also crucial to recognise the stark contrast in intellectual and academic exposure between the principal actors at Aburi. Ojukwu, a man of formidable intellect, obtained a master’s degree in history from the esteemed University of Oxford before he enlisted in the Nigerian Army. His understanding of historical precedent, governance structures, and negotiation principles was thus firmly rooted in rigorous academic training. In contrast, General Yakubu Gowon transitioned directly from Barewa College into military service, rising through the ranks with little exposure to structured political discourse or historical analysis. This disparity in scholarly grounding must be considered when evaluating the breakdown of the Aburi Agreement. Did General Gowon fully comprehend the weight of his commitments at Aburi? Or was there a fundamental failure in interpretation, possibly exacerbated by external influences, particularly from the British government and other vested international interests?
The Nigerian people demand the truth—unsullied by revisionist attempts or political expediencies. The events that followed Aburi shaped the course of Nigerian history in ways that continue to be felt today, particularly in matters of governance, federalism, and ethnic relations. There can be no national reconciliation without a thorough, unbiased examination of our historical missteps. If General Gowon remains steadfast in his belief that the collapse of the Aburi Accord was justified, then let him articulate his position clearly and provide the Nigerian people with an unambiguous account of his actions. However, if there were errors—whether in judgment, implementation, or external manipulation—then history would demand nothing less than an admission of responsibility.
The time has come for General Gowon to reaffirm his integrity or accept accountability before posterity renders its judgment. History is an impartial judge, and its verdict, though sometimes delayed, is inexorable. A nation that fails to confront its past with honesty is doomed to repeat its mistakes. The Nigerian people, having endured the consequences of this unresolved chapter, deserve no less than the unvarnished truth. Legacy is not one of greatness but of squandered potential and irredeemable perfidy.
King invites Trump for 'unprecedented' second state visit
US President Donald Trump has been invited to the UK for a second state visit by the King.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer used his trip to the White House to present Trump with the invitation letter from King Charles.
Sir Keir said the president's last state visit in 2019 had been a "tremendous success" and that the invite for a second visit was "truly historic" and "unprecedented".
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office after reading the letter, Trump said he accepted the invite and that it would be an "honour" to visit the "fantastic" country.
He added that King Charles was a "beautiful man, a wonderful man".
Will Starmer's defence hike win over Trump? Traditionally second-term US presidents are not offered a state visit and have instead been invited for tea or lunch with the monarch at Windsor Castle.
King Charles' letter proposed a meeting to discuss details of the state visit at either Dumfries House or Balmoral, both in Scotland, a country to which Trump has connections.
His mother was born and brought up on the Hebridean island of Lewis. This year he is planning to open a new golf course in Aberdeenshire, to be named after his mother.
The letter, which Trump showed to the cameras, read: "Quite apart from this presenting an opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, it would also offer a valuable chance to plan a historic second state visit to the United Kingdom.
"As you will know this is unprecedented by a US president. That is why I would find it helpful for us to be able to discuss, together, a range of options for location and programme content.
"In so doing, working together, I know we will further enhance the special relationship between our two countries of which we are both so proud."
Trump joked that he would have to check if the signature was real.
PA Media Donald Trump laughing with Queen Elizabeth II at a state banquet. PA Media Donald Trump was hosted by the late Queen during his three-day state visit in 2019 At a joint news conference later, Trump said a trade deal between the US and UK could happen "very quickly" and could see the UK avoiding the kind of tariffs the president has been threatening on other countries.
Sir Keir said the two countries would begin work on a new economic deal which would be centred on the potential of artificial intelligence.
During his visit Sir Keir also hopes to influence Trump as he seeks to reach a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.
Speaking on the plane to the US, Sir Keir told reporters that a deal would not stop Vladimir Putin from invading Ukraine again, unless the US were able to provide security guarantees.
Asked if the US could offer such support, Trump said a proposed deal with Ukraine over access to critical minerals would provide "a backstop".
"We are a backstop because we will be over there, we will be working in the country," he said.
Since becoming prime minister, Sir Keir, who had previously been critical of the president, has sought to build a close relationship with Trump.
However, he did feel compelled to contradict the US president when he accused Volodymyr Zelensky of being a dictator.
Asked about his dictator comments, Trump said: "Did I say that? I can't believe I said that. Next question."
Pressed over whether he would approve the UK's potential deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, Trump said: "We're going to have some discussions about that very soon, and I have a feeling it's going to work out very well.
"I think we'll be inclined to go along with your country,"
In an interview after arriving in the US on Wednesday, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the controversial deal would not go ahead unless the US supported it.
Under the proposal, the UK would cede sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius but would still be able to use one of the islands, Diego Garcia, which includes a UK-US military airbase.
The Federal Government said there are plans to boost power generation and phase out the use of power generators in individual homes and offices.
This is as the government concluded plans to unveil the Integrated Resource Plan for the power sector.
The Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, told our correspondent that the resource plan is to ensure Nigerians “stop using generators.”
According to him, the Integrated Resource Plan will be unveiled on Thursday (today) in Abuja with the support of the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and the UK Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility.
The event, which he said will highlight critical milestones in Nigeria’s electricity reform and transformation journey, will include the presentation of a comprehensive policy designed to guide Nigeria’s power sector towards universal electrification, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Tunji stated the IRP is a strategic roadmap to ensure least-cost electrification and alignment with Nigeria’s energy transition goals, saying it will also “phase out self-generation practices.”
He added that the unveiling will also witness a stakeholder engagement session with the private sector to explore investment opportunities and foster collaborations for private sector participation in the National Integrated Electricity Policy/Strategic Implementation Plan and IRP implementation process.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, will deliver the keynote address on Strategic Vision for Nigeria’s Energy Future at the event, which will be attended by members of the inter-ministerial working group.
The PUNCH reports that Nigeria is still battling low power supply as the country’s 200 million population still struggles with a paltry 5.5 megawatts of electricity.
Amid incessant grid collapses, over 250 companies and institutions have abandoned the national grid to generate their own electricity.
Efforts made in 2024 to ramp up power generation to 6,000 MW failed as vandals attacked critical power infrastructure across the nation.
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has announced that the first Made-in-Nigeria helicopter is nearing completion and will soon take its maiden flight.
Speaking at a Focus Group Engagement in Kaduna, Engr. Kareem Aduagba, Project Manager at NASENI’s Aeronautics and Air Vehicle Development Institute, confirmed that significant progress had been made on the indigenous helicopter, which would soon be officially recognized as the “Nigerian Chopper.”
The engagement session, organized by NASENI, brought together inventors, manufacturers, government officials, industry leaders, and academics to promote local innovation and discuss policies that will drive Nigeria’s industrial and technological advancement.
“What we are doing now is not reinventing the wheel. We have one of our projects that started from the ground up, including the Made-in-Nigeria helicopter and some Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs),” Aduagba explained.
“Additionally, we have acquired some aircraft components from developed countries in Semi Knock Down (SKD) and Complete Knock Down (CKD) forms. Using scientific and engineering expertise, we are working on assembling and modifying them.
“Very soon, we will conduct the first test flight of the Made-in-Nigeria helicopter as we approach the final stages of development,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Engr. Abdulfatai Ambali, Head of the Manufacturing Services Department at NASENI’s Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute, Kano, emphasized the agency’s renewed commitment to commercialization, collaboration, and innovation under its current leadership.
“Many Nigerians are unaware of NASENI’s contributions, but with the leadership of the Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleman Halilu, we are prioritizing awareness, stakeholder engagement, and community impact.
“Our goal is to develop homegrown technology that reduces Nigeria’s reliance on foreign products. Many of our innovations are already being deployed across various sectors,” Ambali stated.
Facilitator of the program, Saleh Kwaru, urged Nigerians to support local industries, stressing that national development depends on patronizing homegrown products.
“We must look inward and leverage our resources. Constant reliance on foreign products weakens our economy,” he noted.
Similarly, Yusuf Suleman, Acting Zonal Coordinator for the North West Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), commended the event for tackling challenges affecting locally made products, such as quality and finishing.
“Innovation and modern technology are key to improving the acceptance of Nigerian products. This kind of engagement will help solve production challenges and create more job opportunities.
“SMEDAN and NASENI share common goals, including marketing, technological advancement, and job creation, ensuring sustainable industrial growth,” Suleman added.
BREAKING: Sacked Lagos Assembly Clerk Onafeko Threatens Contempt Action Against Speaker Meranda For Defying Court Order
The warning follows a ruling by the National Industrial Court ordering Onafeko's reinstatement after he was removed amid a leadership crisis in the Lagos State legislature.
Lawyers for Olalekan Onafeko, the Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, have threatened to take legal action against Speaker Mojisola Meranda for contempt of court.
The warning follows a ruling by the National Industrial Court ordering Onafeko's reinstatement after he was removed amid a leadership crisis in the Lagos State legislature.
Onafeko was removed from office on January 13, 2025, following the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The court instructed Babatunde Ottun, who was appointed as his replacement, to stop parading himself as the Clerk until the substantive case is resolved.
Justice M. N. Esowe delivered the ruling, granting Onafeko's ex parte application and directing that the status quo ante bellum—the state of affairs before the crisis—be maintained.
However, Speaker Meranda's alleged non-compliance with the court's order has prompted Onafeko's lawyers to consider pursuing contempt proceedings against her.
SaharaReporters learnt that Olalekan Onafeko and his legal team visited the Lagos State House of Assembly to enforce the Industrial High Court's order.
However, they were unable to access his office as it had been padlocked.
Speaking to journalists at the complex, one of Onafeko's lawyers argued that Speaker Mojisola Meranda's actions amounted to contempt of court, and the legal team is determined to hold her accountable.
The lawyer warned that if they return and the office remains padlocked, they would have no choice but to file Form 48 for contempt proceedings against "whoever is there as speaker".
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, one of the lawyers is seen addressing the situation and emphasizing their commitment to upholding the court's order.
He said: "We are here this morning to give effect to the order of court made on the 19th of February 2025. The court by Honourable Justice Maureen Nkechinyereuho Esowe of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), sitting in Lagos, has ordered that Olalekan Onafeko, resume his office as the Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“That order was made and we have served the order on the House of Assembly duly acknowledged by the House of Assembly.
"We are here today to give effect to the order of the court. We got here this morning we were not welcomed but the office is not open. As law-abiding citizens, we have to leave and look for another day to come back because we need to effect that order of court.
“He is a civil servant of up to 30 years in service and he has served the Lagos State government meritoriously with several letters of recommendations and promotions till he was appointed the Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
"So you can't just by a motion of one honourable who has not even put five years, 10 years into the service of Lagos State government, just wake up and say you are suspending someone for financial misappropriation without any letter stating what he has done at any point in time.
“Today makes it about 40-something days no letter has been served on him of any infractions he has committed in service of Lagos State government.
"We don't know why this is going on and that's why we are here this morning to give effect to the order of court. He is a civil servant and there are rules and procedures under the Lagos State Public Service 2015, where someone who is on level 13 should be suspended or be dealt with. None of these things have been abided by."
However, he cautioned that the next course of action would be to cite the current Speaker for contempt for disobeying a lawfully issued court order.
“They have joined issues with us in court, they have filed their processes, they have engaged lawyers including a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), they should interpret the law for them and its consequences," the lawyer said.
This development highlights the ongoing power struggle within the Lagos State House of Assembly, which has been plagued by controversy and leadership changes in recent months.
The National Industrial Court in Lagos had ordered the reinstatement of Onafeko, who was removed as Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The ruling followed an ex parte application filed by Onafeko through his lawyer, Yusuf Nurudeen, in a lawsuit against the Lagos State Government, Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Attorney-General of Lagos State, and Mr. Ottun Babatunde.
Onafeko was serving as Clerk of the House until January 13, when Obasa was removed as Speaker, and Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, the then Deputy Speaker, was elected as the new Speaker.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has commended the Igbos for their contribution to the Oyo State economy and reiterated his commitment to peaceful co-existence amongst the various ethnic groups in the ancient city.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday, Oba Olakulehin gave the commendation while playing host to the state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on Tuesday in his palace.
Olubadan, who spoke through the Agba Akin Balogun of Ibadanland, Senior Chief Rafiu Onideure, said Ibadan would continue to appreciate the economic contributions of the Igbo not just in Ibadanland but in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
“I implore you to continue with your business, social and religious activities peacefully and lawfully at all times as you have done in the past for the progress of Ibadanland.
“The contributions of the Igbos to commerce, trade and business in Ibadanland is worthy of commendation and well appreciated by all and sundry as it is a significant contributor to the Oyo State economy and by extension our nation
“I want to enjoin other non-indigenes in Ibadan to emulate the good gesture of members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in extending the hand of friendship and fellowship to Ibadan indigenes.”
Earlier, the Coordinator of the group, Tallest Innocent, who doubles as the Special Assistant, Community Relations to Governor Seyi Makinde, expressed his gratitude to the Olubadan and the Oba-In Council for the warm reception accorded them during the visit.
“Apart from paying this visit, they were at the palace to introduce the newly elected executives of the state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to His Imperial Majesty.”
He appreciated the monarch’s support before, during and after the peaceful process plus the inclusive governance approach of the traditional stool
malali: LOL....She is a billionaire She has already seen the best eye doctors in the world. Trust me. Unfortunately there is no eye transplant.
Tell them to meet Elon Musk, to install visual micro chips in her brain and replace her optics with camera just like Terminator T1000... Abi they say money can buy heavens.
EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Billionaire Folorunso Alakija, Former Protégé Of Babangida, Loses Sight ‘Completely’
Nigerian billionaire Folorunso Alakija has lost her sight, according to medical sources involved in her care.
Sources revealed to SaharaReporters that the 73-year-old founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil [b]began experiencing health issues after a near air mishap. She was travelling with her husband, Modupe Alakija, Chairman of Famfa Oil, when the incident caused a spike in her blood pressure.
The distressing event is said to have affected her vision.
Following the incident, Alakija reportedly ordered a new jet to avoid travelling on the same flight as her husband. However, her vision continued to deteriorate until she ultimately lost her sight completely.
“She had a near air mishap with her husband on board and her blood pressure reportedly shot up affecting her eyes,” one of the sources said.
“She has been having eyesight issues but instead of treating the illness, she chose to start a church to help her.
“Now she can’t see.”
Folorunso Alakija is a Nigerian billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist who began hosting a small fellowship in her home around 2004, which eventually grew into the Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International. On her 69th birthday, she was ordained as an Apostle.
She is the founder of Famfa Oil, a Nigerian company with a significant stake in OML 127, a highly profitable oil block located on the Agbami deep water oilfield in Nigeria.
According to Forbes, her net worth was estimated at $1 billion as of 2020. In 2015, she was ranked as the 87th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes and was one of only two African women on Forbes' list of the richest people in Africa.
Alakija pursued secretarial studies at Pitman Central College in London in the 1970s. She began her career as an executive secretary at Sijuade Enterprises in Lagos in 1974.
Her wealth is reflected not only in her business ventures but also in her taste for luxury.
One of the aircraft linked to her is a Bombardier Global Express XRS (model BD-700-1A10) with serial number 9416, registered to Wings of Grace Limited on November 25, 2011. This jet has the tail number VP-CEO.
Flight records show that it departed from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on February 26 for an undisclosed location.
She also owns a Bombardier Global Express 6000 private jet known for its long-range capabilities and luxurious amenities. It offers a range of up to 6,000 nautical miles with a cruising speed of Mach 0.89.
The jet's cabin is designed for maximum comfort, featuring advanced entertainment systems, fully equipped workspaces, and premium seating. This aircraft is registered under the tail number VP-CTO.
Records obtained by SaharaReporters show that it departed Lagos at 11:34 WAT on February 24 and arrived in London, UK at 4:18 GMT on February 25.
Folorunso Alakija is involved in several companies, including Famfa Oil Limited, Rose of Sharon Group and Dayspring Property Development Company Limited.
Connection To Babangida
Alakija's first company was a fashion label whose customers included the wife of former dictator Ibrahim Babangida.
The Nigerian government awarded Alakija's company an oil prospecting licence in 1993, which was later converted to an oil mining lease.
The Agbami field has been operating since 2008.
Folorunso Alakija's journey to acquiring an oil block is closely linked to her connection with Maryam Babangida, the late wife of the former dictator.
In the late 1980s, Folorunso Alakija was a successful fashion designer, running a high-end fashion label, Supreme Stitches, which catered to Nigeria's elite, including Maryam Babangida.
Through her fashion business, Alakija developed a close relationship with Maryam, who was influential as Nigeria's First Lady at the time.
In 1993, Folorunso Alakija applied for an oil prospecting licence. At that time, Nigeria's military government was granting oil blocks to indigenous companies to encourage local participation in the petroleum industry.
She was awarded an Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) by General Babangida's regime.
It is widely believed that her close relationship with Maryam Babangida played a significant role in securing the license.
Initially, the oil block was considered high-risk and of low value. However, after partnering with Texaco (now Chevron) for exploration, it was discovered to contain significant reserves, transforming it into one of Nigeria's most lucrative oil blocks.
This discovery drastically increased her wealth, making her one of the richest women in Africa.
The Nigerian government attempted to reclaim the oil block in 2000, but Alakija fought a legal battle to retain her stake. In 2008, the Nigerian Supreme Court ruled in her favour, restoring her 60% share in the block.
So her connection with the Babangida family played a pivotal role in her journey from a fashion entrepreneur to a billionaire oil magnate.
IBB Book Launch
On February 20, 2025, Alakija attended the launch of Babangida's book, A Journey in Service, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. The event also served as a fundraiser for the IBB Presidential Library. While Alakija made a donation, she chose not to publicly disclose the amount.
The event was graced by numerous dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, former Nigerian leaders Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Yemi Osinbajo. Notable business figures such as Aliko Dangote and Abdulsamad Rabiu also attended, with Dangote pledging N8 billion, which could rise by a further N2 billion annually if the project extended beyond four years and Rabiu donating N5 billion towards the library project.
Meanwhile, there have been reports suggesting that Alakija and her husband, Modupe Alakija, have separated after over 30 years of marriage. These reports, which emerged around March 2024, indicate that the couple has been living apart due to personal differences.
However, there has been no official confirmation from the Alakija family regarding their marital status.
kedeojo: Only the igbos are praising the book. You can read all lies by the maradonna. He knows Abacha is not alive to defend himself about the annulment of the best election conducted so far. How can Abacha is subordinate will decide for him the head of state. A coup that was carried by the major actor left his tribe and killed other military personnel from other zone, the old cargo now say it wasn't an igbo coup. Other Nigerians know truth. That coup remains Igbo coup.
A Lagos Yoruba woman exposing the madness of Ronu bandits
floss: Truly this man is the biggest asslicker I’ve seen…
Hmmm
Please be kind to add dounce....olodo rabrata.....A saving Senate didn't know that Abiola wasn't sworn it. Winning elected position is one thing, swearing in is another.
FULL LIST: US excludes UK, others from visa-free entry for 2025
The United States, on Monday, released the list of eligible countries for its 2025 Visa Waiver Programme.
The United Kingdom was excluded from the programme but remains eligible under specific conditions.
The list also does not include any African countries, such as Nigeria, Ghana, or South Africa.
While most of the VWP list remains unchanged, the addition of Romania marks a significant update. The US has also focused on enhancing security checks and prioritising countries with strong diplomatic ties and border security standards.
According to the US Bureau of Consular Affairs website, the Visa Waiver Programme allows most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.
The agency stated, “Travellers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor visa.”
The new Visa Waiver Programme for 2025 introduces policy updates on permit eligibility and revisions to the list of participating countries, as well as new travel policies.
This update simplifies visa-free entry into the United States for millions worldwide, making business, tourism, and transit travel more accessible.
The 2025 Visa Waiver Programme includes 40 countries whose citizens can now travel to the United States without a visa.
UK-Based Nigerian Woman Accuses Ogun Monarch Of Marriage Scam Involving N65Million, N120Million In Gold, Other Valuables
She told SaharaReporters that the monarch later went ahead to help her obtain a forged divorce certificate to leave her former husband so that the monarch could marry her.
A UK-based Nigerian woman has accused a traditional ruler, Oba Adekeye Adeyemi Olanrewaju, the Abepa of Joga Orile, Yewa North, Ogun State, of using marriage as a ploy to defraud her.
The woman, identified as Christy Oluwabunmi, claims that the monarch exploited her trust, leading to financial and material losses amounting to hundreds of millions of naira.
She told SaharaReporters that the monarch later went ahead to help her obtain a forged divorce certificate to leave her former husband so that the monarch could marry her.
“Kabiyesi went to forge a divorce certificate for me to leave my husband and also took me to the court registry to formalise my marriage with him.
“It was later I realised this is his usual way of deceiving women. In fact, it was later I knew no fewer than five women were once his victims. He always preyed on wealthy ones like me,” the woman told SaharaReporters in a telephone conversation.
In petitions submitted to the Osun State Governor; Ondo State Governor; Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Inspector General of Police, and Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), otherwise known as Department of State Services (DSS), and the Chairman of Ogun Council of Obas, Ms. Oyewole narrated how Adekeye Adeyemi approached her on June 30, 2022, with romantic advances, promising marriage and financial stability.
“He pretended to be in love with me, vowing to marry me and support my business. Eventually, I was manipulated into transferring over N53 million via electronic transactions, N12 million in cash, mobile phones worth N10.8 million, and gold valued at N120 million,” she wrote in the petition, attaching receipts as evidence.
The victim further alleged that after extorting her, the traditional ruler attempted to lure her into a dubious ritual in Ekiti State, where she was told she would need to sacrifice an eye or a leg to attain financial prosperity.
Realising she was being deceived, she resisted, only to find herself financially ruined and abandoned.
In a shocking revelation, she claimed the monarch had forged a divorce judgment and had used the same fraudulent scheme on at least three other women.
When she demanded a refund of her money and valuables, he allegedly threatened her life, boasting about his influence and ties to cultists and thugs.
“He has converted my hard-earned money, gold, phones, and valuables to his personal use unlawfully. All efforts to retrieve them have proved abortive. Instead, he threatens to kill me, claiming nothing will happen because he is a king,” she alleged.
In her petitions, she wrote, “That one Adekeye Adeyemi Olanrewaju approached me on 30th day of June, 2022 with a confidence trick, pretended to be romantically interested in me when he claimed and vowed that he would marry me being a single mother struggling alone to cater for myself and children without husband.
“It was thereafter revealed to me that the suspect has been using same style to defraud single women who are blessed with wealth. The suspect had used the similar criminal style to defraud three different ladies who were later threatened to be killed if the matters were reported to the law enforcement agencies.”
She said she was hypnotised to an extent of being defrauded of more than N53 million via electronic transfer, cash of N12 million, mobile phones worth N10.8 million, gold worth N120 million “under the false pretences to help me boost, develop my business and rebrand my financial status and repertoire”.
As of the time of filing this report, Oba Adekeye Adeyemi has not responded to the allegations.
He did not answer multiple phone calls and has yet to react to a follow-up message.
Crime › Alleged N34billion Fraud: Court Grants N50million Bail To Abia Ex-governor by Morbeta11(op): 5:03pm On Mar 01, 2025
Abi they say money can buy heavens.
