₦airaland Forum

Court Orders Firm, Others To Maintain Status Quo On Disputed Wuye Property


The Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwarimpa, has ordered parties to maintain status quo in a dispute over a property located at Plot 859A, Cadastral Zone B03, Wuye District, FCT, Abuja.
The property, measuring approximately 70,000m2 is subject of litigation in two suits (SUIT NO. FCT/HC/GWD//49/2026 and SUIT NO. FCT/HC/CV/216/2026) between a property firm, Goldenbird Investment Limited (Claimant) and Promiseland Building and Construction Limited (1st defendant) and Lawrence Emmanuel and the Federal Capital Territory Administration, who are 2nd and 3rd defendants, respectively.
In SUIT NO. FCT/HC/CV/216/2026, between Promiseland Building and Construction Limited & 2 Ors V. Goldenbird Investment Limited & Anor., the court, presided over by Hon. Justice Lesley N. B. Wike, , ordered parties to maintain status quo after Counsel to the Plaintiff, Dr. Lilian Ojimma, complained to the court that despite the pendency of the matter before the court, that Promiseland Building & Construction, aided by officers and men of the Nigeria Police and other agents and thugs, forcefully took possession of the land, and commenced construction of fence and other building activities on the land as well as marketing the property to subscribers.
In the statement of claim filed by O. C. Ali, Esq., dated January 22, 2026, the Claimant stated that it was granted a lease of 50 years on the land in 2007 by the Federal Capital Territory Administration and for which it has complied with the terms and paid ground rent and all necessary fees imposed by government. In addition, the company paid compensation to the natives/indigenes on the land before it took possession in 2007 and has put the land to the permitted and approved use since then without any incident.
The claimant stated that sometime in 2025, the Ministerial Vetting team of the Federal Capital Development authority (FCDA) commenced a process of Vetting/verification of documents issued to Parks Operators and the Claimant duly complied and submitted all its documents for vetting/verification. The claimant also stated that FCDA had claimed that the essence of the exercise was to sanitize Green Areas in conformity with the Abuja Master Plan and the Parks and Recreation Policy that requires development of not more than 18% of development of the total land area. That while the exercise was still ongoing, the FCT Minister, without due process, sub-divided the plot and granted to Promiseland and its sister companies, who forcefully took possession of part of the land and started development activities thereon, while suits filed by the parties are pending.
In the process of taking over possession of the land for private estate development, Promiseland destroyed properties developed on the land by the claimant with due approval from the Department of Development Control. While the suit by Promiseland lays claim to the land based on the recent allocation by the FCT Minister, the Claimant in its case, prayed the court for an Order directing the eviction of the 1st and 2nd defendants, their workmen, agents and privies or any occupant at their instance on property.
The claimant also prayed the court for an order of perpetual injunction preventing the defendants (including their agents, workmen and privies) or any occupant at their instance from further interfering with the Claimant’s legal, beneficial, equitable interest and peaceful possession of the land. The claimant also prayed for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the 3rd Defendant from perfecting any title to plot 859A, Bo3, Cadestral Zone, Wuye measuring approximately 70.000m2 or any party thereof in favour of the 1st and 2nd Defendant.
The Claimant said as an investment company in Nigeria, it invested into the Federal Capital Territory development in 2007, when the company applied for the Allocation of a recreational land/green area for management and development.
The Claimant further stated that upon approval of its application, the claimant executed a Deed of Sub-Lease of Recreational Facilities /Parks with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Agency, Federal Capital Territory Administration, dated the 10th day of July 2007. The FCDA Administration completely jettisoned the vetting exercise it initiated and the unexpired lease on the land that was designed as Green Area under the Abuja Master Plan and granted the land to private companies for residential purpose.
The company, through its Counsel, stated that: "The Claimant avers that the Deed of Sublease and letter of intent granted to the Claimant title over Plot 859A, Bo3 Cadastral Zone, Wuye District, and FCT Abuja, measuring approximately 70,000m’ for 50 years. "The Claimant avers that the company immediately took over possession of the land and paid full compensation to all the indigenes and natives resident in the land, to be permitted to fall trees and develop the land in compliance with Government directives and that their unexpired term of lease right over Plot 859A, Bo3 Cadastral Zone, Wuye District, and FCT Abuja, measuring approximately 70,000m’ stands at 31 years at the time of instituting this suit.
"The Claimant avers that the entire Plot 859A, Bo3 Cadastral Zone, Wuye District, FCT Abuja measuring approximately 70,000m’ is currently preserved and developed by the claimant as a Green Area and operated under the name Golden Bird Park, the usage features an event center wherein a temporary Marquee has been erected on the land, and gazebos.”
"The Claimant avers that the company successfully applied for building approval to develop the entire park inclusive, (Plot 859A) and same was approved on the 6th August 2015 and 25th August 2016 by the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Development Control department.”
The Claimant avers that their interest and possession of Plot 859A, Bo3 Cadastral Zone, Wuye District, and FCT Abuja, measuring approximately 70,000m2 is valid and that the forceful entry of the 1st and 2nd Defendants and their workmen, agents and privies into Plot 859A, Bo3 Cadastral Zone, Wuye District, FCT Abuja measuring approximately 70,000m’ amounts to trespass to land.
The Claimant prayed the court for the following reliefs; A declaration that by virtue of the Letter of Intent dated the 3rd July, 2007 and 10th September, 2014 and the Deed of Sublease executed between the Claimant and the 3rd Defendant on the 10th day of July 2007, the Claimant possess a 50 years lease right over Plot 859A, Bo3 Cadastral Zone, Wuye District, FCT Abuja, measuring approximately 70,000m2 with an unexpired term of 31 years still valid and subsisting and that “by the virtue of the title documents in their possession issued by the 3rd Defendant and physical occupation of Plot 859A, Bo3 Cadastral Zone, Wuye District, FCT Abuja measuring approximately 70,000m’ since the year 2007, the Claimant has valid title for the possession and development of Plot 859A, Bo3 Cadastral Zone, Wuye District, FCT Abuja”.

Igbo Ministers Commission condemns killing of Ondo traditional ruler, urge Yoruba to unite with Igbos against common enemy


Igbo clerics, under the umbrella of Concerned Igbo Ministers Commission, have condemned the killing of an Ondo State monarch, Oba Kehinde Falodun.

Oba Falodun, the Alagamo of Agamo in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, was shot dead on Wednesday by gunmen who invaded his palace.

Reacting to the development, the Concerned Igbo Ministers Commission, in a statement signed by Rev Tony Uzor Anthony, warned that the 'Jihad' Nnamdi Kanu foretold has spread to Yorubaland in the South-West.

The Igbo monarchs urged the Yoruba to to unite with the Igbos to fight a "common enemy".

The religious leaders expressed regrets that Nnamdi Kanu's warning about spread of Islamic jihad to the South ob Radio Biafra was ignored by the authorities and instead used as evidence to convict of terrorism.

"The concerned Igbo Ministers Commission expresses profound sorrow and outrage over the cold-blooded assassination of His Royal Majesty, Oba Kehinde Falodun, the Alagamo of Agamo Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

"This respected traditional ruler was slaughtered in his own palace on February 18, 2026, by suspected Fulani terrorists (commonly referred to as bandits) who invaded his domain. Eyewitness accounts describe armed men speaking Hausa, operating in the exact pattern of the marauding Fulani jihadist elements that have terrorized communities across Nigeria for years. We extend our deepest condolences to the grieving family, the people of Agamo, the entire Ondo State, and the broader Yoruba nation. No community deserves such barbarity.

"Yet, as Concerned Igbo Ministers who have sworn to defend life, liberty, and justice — we cannot remain silent on the preventable nature of this tragedy. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the Supreme Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has for over a decade issued clear, prophetic warnings about the systematic Fulani jihadist agenda to overrun Nigeria, seize ancestral lands, and impose Fulanization through terror. Those warnings, broadcast on Radio Biafra and played in open court, were not “hate speech” — they were accurate intelligence ignored at Nigeria’s peril.

"The very judge who presided over Mazi Kanu’s case and handed him a life sentence on trumped-up terrorism and treason charges — Justice James Omotosho, an indigene of Ondo State — now watches these same Fulani terrorists strike at the heart of his own community. While IPOB and the global Igbo family mourn this loss, we must state plainly: had Justice Omotosho and Yoruba political leaders prioritized justice by facilitating the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, this monarch would likely still be alive today," the statement said.

According to the clerics, Kanu's voice is the only force the truly terrifies the sponsors of the jihadists in government.

"His continued illegal detention has emboldened these terrorists, allowing the jihad he repeatedly exposed to spread from the Middle Belt into the South-West. The blood of Oba Kehinde Falodun cries out from the ground in Ondo State — a direct consequence of the injustice meted out to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu," the clerics added.

The Concerned Igbo Ministers Commission demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the Sokoto Medium Correctional facility, and an international investigation into the Fulani terrorist network operating with impunity across Nigeria.

The clerics also urged Yoruba leaders, including South-West governors and traditional rulers, to publicly join the call for Kanu’s freedom and end the dangerous narrative that positions Igbo people as their enemy.

They equally called on the United States government and the international community to exert diplomatic pressure on Nigeria to end this cycle of selective justice and state-sponsored insecurity.

"Concerned Igbo Ministers will not stand idly by while our kith and kin in Nigeria are hunted like animals. The time for political games is over. Release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu now — the security and survival of every Nigerian community, Yoruba, Igbo, and beyond, depends on it.

Biafra’s light will continue to expose darkness. Justice delayed is justice denied — but justice for Nnamdi Kanu is peace for Nigeria."

POA goes live in Oyo March 1st as EFCC adopts scheme, promises full cooperation

The Proof of Address (PoA) system will officially go live in Oyo State on March 1, 2026, following a government directive mandating all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to commence full implementation of the address verification framework. The activation, conveyed in Circular Reference No. AD/36/VOL.IV/72 dated February 18, 2026, signals the state’s formal entry into what authorities describe as a nationwide effort to build a credible and standardised residential address database.

Signed by Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde, the circular directs that all official transactions requiring address verification must henceforth comply with the approved PoA framework. It further mandates each MDA to appoint a desk officer, not below Grade Level 09 or 10, to serve as PoA focal person and coordinate reporting within the state’s central implementation structure.

State officials say the rollout represents a major step in Oyo’s public service reform and digital governance agenda. Speaking at an earlier sensitisation programme held at the Western Hall of the Secretariat in Ibadan, government representatives stressed that the initiative would strengthen planning, improve service delivery and enhance internal security. “A reliable address system is foundational to governance. It supports taxation, emergency response, infrastructure planning and accountability,” a senior official at the session said.

At the national level, the PoA initiative has gained momentum with the formal adoption and backing of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which has pledged full cooperation in its implementation. The anti-graft agency is working in partnership with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria to drive grassroots deployment of the system across all 774 local government areas.

The partnership was formalised during a courtesy visit by an ALGON delegation to the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. The delegation was led by Prince Segun Obayendo, Lead Technical Partner for the initiative, alongside Abdulmajeed Abubakar, Deputy Director (Political) at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, which is coordinating the project at the federal level.

Speaking during the meeting, EFCC Secretary Muhammed Hammajoda, who represented the Chairman of the Commission, described the PoA system as critical to strengthening investigations and asset tracing. “Proof of address is essential in establishing ownership. When matters get to court, verifiable address data helps eliminate disputes over property ownership, whether involving tenants, landlords or third parties,” he said. He added that the Commission would give its full institutional support to ensure the integrity and reliability of the database.

Federal officials explained that enrolment into the PoA system requires residents to link their address information with their National Identification Number (NIN), thereby integrating the database with existing identity management infrastructure. According to them, this linkage will enhance traceability, reduce identity-related fraud and improve coordination among security and regulatory agencies.

Beyond law enforcement, the initiative is also attracting institutional backing from the education sector. The National Commission for Colleges of Education has adopted the PoA framework to strengthen documentation processes for students and staff across colleges of education nationwide. Officials say the move will promote data accuracy, transparency and administrative efficiency.

With Oyo State set to begin enforcement on March 1 and the EFCC committing to full cooperation at the national level, stakeholders describe the moment as a convergence of state and federal resolve to address long-standing gaps in Nigeria’s address verification system. Observers note that the success of the PoA rollout will depend on sustained public awareness, effective inter-agency coordination and strict compliance across all tiers of government.

The Oyo State Government has formally adopted the full implementation of the Proof of Address (PoA) initiative, setting March 1 as the official take-off date for its rollout across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and all 33 local government areas of the state.

As part of preparations for the statewide rollout, the government, in collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State chapter, hosted its first statewide sensitisation programme on the PoA initiative for MDAs. The programme held on Friday at the House of Chiefs/Western Hall, Parliament Building, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan.

The sensitisation brought together representatives of state MDAs and local government officials, with a focus on aligning institutions with the operational framework of the PoA initiative ahead of its March 1 commencement. Participants were briefed on the objectives of the programme, implementation procedures and the strategic importance of PoA to governance, security and service delivery.

Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Government of Oyo State, Professor Musibau Babatunde Adetunji, described the Proof of Address initiative as a cornerstone of effective governance and citizen identification. He said a reliable and verifiable address system is essential for planning, security architecture, social services and economic development.

Professor Adetunji noted that the sensitisation programme underscores the seriousness of the Oyo State Government’s commitment to the PoA project, particularly its full integration across MDAs and local governments. He recalled that facilitators were trained in the previous year as part of preparatory efforts, adding that the current engagement was designed to ensure uniform understanding and seamless implementation ahead of the March 1 take-off.

He explained that the PoA system is already improving residency verification, reducing identification ambiguities and promoting transparency in access to government services. According to him, full implementation of the initiative will strengthen data-driven decision-making and deepen trust between citizens and the government.

Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abiodun Muhammed Fadeyi, said the PoA initiative would significantly enhance security by improving the identification of individuals within communities. He commended the state government for deploying a forward-looking administrative tool to address security and governance challenges.

The programme coordinator, Mr. Segun Obayando, highlighted the broad benefits of the PoA initiative, including improved access to financial and government services, enhanced security coordination, and more accurate population and residency data for development planning.

Participants at the sensitisation programme described the initiative as timely and impactful, pledging their support for its successful implementation across their respective MDAs.

Oyo State remains the first state in Nigeria to approve and sign all enabling laws associated with the Proof of Address initiative and to host the maiden statewide sensitisation programme. With the adoption of full implementation and a March 1 take-off date, the state continues to position itself as a national leader in citizen identification reforms aimed at promoting good governance, security and improved quality of life for residents.

Justice Onwuegbuzie Set To Grant Prosecution ‘s "Strange" Motion Jan. 26 To Revoke My Bail, Remand Me In Kuje Prison -, Lawyer Cries Out


An Abuja based lawyer, Barrister Victor Giwa has cried out to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, saying those after him have succeeded in getting Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo Resettlement, to grant prosecution ‘s strange motion on notice to be moved on 26th january, 2026, seeking to revoke his bail and remand him in Kuje Corectional Centre until the end of his trial.

In a letter to the associations president, Mazi Mazi Afam Osigwe, dated January 23, 2026, the human rights lawyer is seeking the intervention of the association.

He said the situation in his trial has degenerated below injustice and has become dirty and somewhat indescribable.

He accused the judge of no longer conducting his trial but on a vengeoance mission.

He said in the letter, ""Mr, President, Recall I write you a letter dated 25th November, 2025 to officially inform you and bring to your attention the situation regarding the judicial proceedings in the FCT High Court, particularly, FCT High Court No. 30, Apo before His Lordship, Hon Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie and the patent compromised by external influences of judicial proceedings and the injustice perpetrated by Asabe Waziri a Management Staff of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) facilitated by some named persons.

"The situation has degenerated below Injustice and has become dirty and somewhat indescribable.

"The event in court shows that Hon Justice Jude is no longer conducting my trial, His Lordship is on a vengeance, to embarrass, humiliate and punish me as planned by Asabe Waziri of NNPCL and her named facilitators. The concluded plan is to send me to Kuje Correctional Centre, from where I should be attending my trial.

"Hon Justice Jude hurriedly struck out my six applications challenging the Court’s jurisdiction filed between May and December, 2025, on 21st January, 2026 in a terse Ruling and on oral application of the Prosecution. This is to clear the way for the grant of prosecutor’s Motion seeking “TO REVOKE MY BAIL AND REMAND ME IN KUJE CORRECTIONAL CENTRE ÜNTIL THE END OF THE TRIAL”
My President, since the beginning of this trial, Hon Justice Jude has granted all the prosecutor’s applications, and has refused all my applications including the application seeking the release of my internation passport to travel and get medication and see my family.

"His Lordship has refused my application for CTC of the rulings that His Lordship delivered on the 26th November, 2026 for a Motion I have not move. His Lordship has refused my request for record of proceedings of the Court till date.

"Each sitting in His Court during my trial has the presence of over eight Policemen inside the court paid my Asabe Waziri, the nominal complainant and sponsor of the trial.
I had publicly and severally notified the Honourable court that I have lost total confidence in the Honourable Court the Court still insisted to continue the case.
Each of the court’s sitting during my trail is characterized by threats and intimidation of “” wielding the big stick””.
Report has it that His Lordship has written in advance, a ruling on the prosecution’s weird application, to me moved on 26th January, 2026 to “revoke my bail and remand me in Kuje Correctional Center till the end of my trial”. Copy of Motion is annexure A.

"Asabe Waziri the nominal complainant and the sponsor of the charge and trial was seen dancing in the court at the striking out of my motions during the hearing on the 21st January, 2026.

"Asabe Waziri has vowed to ruin and damage my carrier and professional reputation with every resources she has using her contacts and connection as an NNPC staff.

"All these are irrespective of my four applications to the Chief Judge of FCT to direct recusal and reassignment of my case. And my Petition against the Honourable Justice Jude to the National Judicial Council (NJC) in December, 2025.

"Conclusion, a Judge that comes in court with an already prepared ruling on a Motion that has not being moved is not holding an even scale, He is holding a dagger.

I therefore, call on the president to urgently intervene to halt the event from taking place on 26th monday, 2026, or in any other day in hon justice jude’s court."

The ongoing criminal case on allegations of marriage-fraud and visa-fraud scheme involving Waliyu Aderibigbe Shitta of Fanzine Education Consultant failed to proceed on Wednesday 11th December, 2025 at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Jabi, Abuja.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), being the complainant filed the charge against Shitta and his firm for allegedly providing false marriage information to the British government, a scheme that has reportedly caused serious immigration consequences for the nominal complainant, Mr. Opeyemi Makinde, a United Kingdom–based Nigerian, involving a purported marriage to Dollapo Afusat Yusuff

Mr. Makinde is currently fighting deportation at the UK Tribunal court, highlighting the urgent nature of the case and the real-life consequences of the alleged fraud.

When the matter was called before Justice A. O. Oyeyipo (Court 56) for hearing, the prosecutor, Vincent Imohedenhe, notified the court that the Investigating Police Officer (IPO)—scheduled to testify—was absent.

The defence counsel, Chukwuka Obika, informed the court that the accused, Waliyu Aderibigbe Shitta, was ill and unable to attend. A medical report was tendered in support of the Defence's claim.

Justice Oyeyipo then inquired about the surety. The defence explained that the surety was also absent, having only learned of the Defendant’s illness within the last 24 hours and being outside the court’s jurisdiction.

With the situation, the court could not proceed, and no motion for leave to enable Mr. Makinde to give evidence virtually was not moved as well.

The case was consequently adjourned to January 28, 2026, for definite hearing.

It was also noted that the IGP had previously filed a motion requesting that the complainant, Mr. Makinde, be allowed to testify virtually, given the international dimension of the alleged marriage-fraud scheme


Aderibigbe and the firm were arraigned on a two count charge. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

They were said to have been engaged in the Visa scam on January 19, 2023.

In the charge dated April 9, 2024, Aderibigbe was said to have given false information to the British Embassy, that one Emmanuel Makinde Opeyemi is married to one Dolapo Afussat Yusuf.

The police further said in the charge that the false information has threatened the deportation of the said Emmanuel Makinde Opeyemi back to Nigeria.

According to the charge sheet, the accused knows that the act is unlawful and thereby

committed an offence punishable under section 140 of the Penal Code Act, CAP 98 Law of Northern Nigeria.

After the charge was read to him, he pleaded not guilty and the presiding judge, Justice Oyeyipo, granted him bail in the sum of N1m.

He was also asked to produce two sureties who must be civil servants and not below level 9 in the civil service.





According to the judge, the sureties must deposit their passport photograph at the Registry of the court and must be a resident of the FCT.







The two count-charge against the accused persons read, “That you Shitta Waliu Aderibigbe ‘m’, Fanzine Educational Consult of No. 12 Evans Street, Idiroko, Along \jede Road, Ikorodu, Lagos state, and Miss Dolapo Afussat Yusuf ‘f’ (at large), sometimes in January, 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspired among yourselves to commit felony to wit: Giving false information to a Public servant, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 97(1) of the Penal Code Act (1990. CAP 532).



“That you Shitta Wallu Aderibigbe ‘m’, Fanzine Educational Consult of No. 12 Evans Street, Idiroko, Along ijede Road, Ikorodu, Lagos state, and Miss Dolapo Afussat Yusuf ‘f’ (at large), sometimes in January, 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did give False Information to the British Embassy, that one Emmanuel Makinde Opeyemi is married to one Dolapo Afussat Yusuf, the information that has threatened the deportation of the said Emmanuel Makinde Opeyemi back to Nigeria, an act you know to be unlawful and thereby



committed an offence punishable under section 140 of the Penal Code Act, CAP 98 Law of Northern NigeriaNigeria

Wrong citation of law by police lawyer, F. G. Gabriel, at a High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory forced Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the court to adjourned the trial of a lawyer, Barrister Victor Giwa and ikola Ibitade, to January 12, 2026.

Gabriel, the prosecutor in the case, while trying to convince the court in his submission why the court should go ahead and hear the case, despite a letter from Giwa's lawyer saying he was indisposed abd could not make it to the court, cited civil procedure rule in a criminal matter.

Barrister Giwa's lawyer, Mr Ibrahim Idris, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, had written to the court, praying for an adjournment on the ground of ill-health.

During the proceedings Wednesday, Counsel to the 2nd defendant (Ibitade) in the matter, Ogbu Aboje, told the court that Giwa's Counsel had written the court to seek an adjournment on the account of ill-health.

But the prosecutor, who also confirmed being served with a copy of the letter told the court to dicountenance the letter and proceed with the trial of the defendants.

In the process of making his submission, he cited civil procedure rules in a criminal matter.

He cited Order 11, Rule 2 (2) of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules 2025 and Rules 29, (2) of Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Professioners 2023.

The citations only apply in a civil suit and not a criminal case before the court.

Order 11 Rule 2 provides: that where a a Defendant appears by a legal practitioner, the legal practitioner shall state in the memorandum of appearance his place of business, an address for service within FCT, his telephone (s) and email address and where any such legal practitioner is only the agent of another legal practitioner, he shall also state the name and place of business of the principal legal practitioner.

Rules 29, (2) of Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Professioners 2023 also provides: that where in litigation, a client changes his lawyer, both the old lawyer and new lawyer shall give notice of the change to the court.

The citations by the prosecutor got the judge confused who said he had stopped writing and reached out for his diary to fix a date for further hearing in the matter.

Before the case was adjourned to January 12, 2026, the court had called on Giwa to move his motion for recusal but Giwa refused and insisted that he has a right to a Counsel of his choice.

He told the court that his right to a Counsel of his choice is a Constitutional right which cannot be taken away from him.

The police had accused Giwa of forging letterhead paper of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Awa Kalu.

But Awa Kalu, in a letter to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode. Egebtolun, put a lie to the allegation of the police against Ibitade and Giwa.

Despite the letter of Prof. Awa Kalu to the Inspector-General of Police, formally distancing himself from the allegation of forgery and impersonation against Giwa and Ibitade, the police have gone ahead to press charge against Giwa.

Chief Kalu, in a letter to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, had said his letterhead was never forged and that he had not at anytime lodged any complaint to the police about forgery of his document.

Professor Kalu, in a letter dated May 30, 2025, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, clarified that he neither filed a complaint nor reported Mr. Giwa for allegedly forging his firm’s letterhead.

Giwa had filed an application urging the judge to recuse himself from the matter.

In the application, Barrister Giwa asked the judge to recuse himself from the matter on the ground of bias and partisanship.

He said that he has no chance of getting justice before the court.

Why the Attacks on Bello Matawalle Miss the Point — And Harm Nigeria’s Security Efforts

By Ibrahim Dosara
(Former Commissioner for Information, Zamfara State)

In recent days, a familiar pattern has resurfaced in our public discourse: the recycling of politically motivated allegations against Dr. Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence. The latest example comes from Farooq Kperogi’s Saturday Tribune column, which attempts to reconstruct a long-discredited narrative using conjecture, partisan opinion, and unverified claims.

Criticism is healthy in a democracy.

Misinformation is not. And when the subject concerns national security, careless commentary turns from mere rhetoric into a threat to public trust and operational morale.

For the sake of balance, reason and national interest, the record must be set straight.

1. Allegations Are Not Facts — and Repeating Them Does Not Make Them True

The allegations hurled at Dr. Matawalle have been part of Zamfara’s political theatre since 2019. They have been investigated, revisited, and subjected to scrutiny without producing a single indictment, charge, or official recommendation of wrongdoing.

If any of the individuals cited—former aides with grievances, political opponents seeking relevance, or clerics influenced by partisan tensions—possessed credible evidence, the law provides clear avenues:

the police,

the intelligence agencies,

the EFCC or ICPC,

or a court of competent jurisdiction.

Yet none has ever taken this path. Instead, the accusations survive only as sound bites, weaponised and recycled whenever political motivations demand it. In a constitutional democracy, due process—not speculation—remains the only acceptable test of integrity.

2. Matawalle’s Tenure in Zamfara Has Been Grossly Distorted

It is easy—convenient, even—to ignore the realities of leading Zamfara during its most volatile period. What critics call “complicity” was, in fact, the burden of confronting an inherited crisis that had grown over a decade.

Under Dr. Matawalle’s leadership:

Military and police deployments expanded across rural corridors.

Local intelligence networks were strengthened and coordinated with federal agencies.

Numerous captives were rescued without the theatrics of media publicity.

Critical roads reopened after years under criminal control.

Most importantly, the so-called “dialogues” now twisted out of context were, at the time, a nationally endorsed strategy recommended by security experts, northern elders, and federal authorities. Nearly every state in the Northwest and North-Central experimented with similar models.

Those who now weaponise history forget that policy evolves. Peace initiatives ceased the moment intelligence agencies deemed them counterproductive. That is what responsible leadership looks like—not the simplistic caricature painted by detractors.

3. The Viral Video Is a Misrepresentation, Not a Revelation

The resurfaced 2021 clip of Dr. Matawalle explaining the socio-economic roots of rural banditry has been grossly manipulated to imply sympathy for criminals.
This is dishonest.

Understanding the complexities of conflict is not endorsement of crime. Governors, military officers, researchers and community leaders have all made similar contextual analyses.
Reducing nuanced security commentary to a scandal is not only unfair—it is irresponsible.

4. On the Question of Political Value: Facts Matter

The claim that Dr. Matawalle “never won an election” is historically false.
He served three consecutive terms in the House of Representatives—clear evidence of political legitimacy conferred by his constituents.

His ascent as governor in 2019 emerged from a legal process triggered by party irregularities, not personal failings. And his 2023 contest was one of the most competitive in Zamfara’s history.

Political value cannot be reduced to a single electoral cycle, especially in a region where political dynamics are fluid, complex, and deeply contested.

5. Civilian Leadership in Defence Is International Best Practice

Kperogi’s criticism of civilian defence ministers reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of modern security governance.
The Ministry of Defence, in Nigeria and globally, is structured to balance:

civilian oversight,

military expertise,

policy coordination,

and strategic diplomacy.

Countries with world-class militaries—from the United States to the United Kingdom—appoint civilian defence ministers.
Dr. Matawalle’s role aligns perfectly with this universally accepted model.

Operational command rests with the military high command; political leadership and coordination rest with the ministerial team.
The fact that critics do not see the behind-the-scenes coordination, engagements, and policy work performed by the Minister of State does not diminish its importance.

6. Presidential Confidence Is Based on Intelligence, Not Newspaper Columns

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria works with:

real-time intelligence,

internal security assessments,

multi-agency reports,

and operational briefings unavailable to the media.

He retains Dr. Matawalle because he knows his value—value that armchair analysts cannot perceive from afar.
It is inconsistent for commentators to praise the President’s restructuring of the defence hierarchy while presuming he lacks judgment in retaining his junior minister.

Consistency demands recognising that national appointments are not guided by newspaper speculation but by strategic considerations.

7. Nigeria’s Security Demands Balance, Not Smear Campaigns

At a time when the government has intensified operations against terrorists, criminals and insurgents, politically charged smear campaigns are distractions Nigeria cannot afford.
They feed public cynicism, undermine trust in institutions, and offer moral oxygen to criminals who benefit from division at the top.

National security requires unity of purpose—not personalised attacks based on unproven allegations.

Conclusion: Sensationalism Cannot Replace Substance

Dr. Bello Matawalle remains Minister of State for Defence because he is part of a coordinated national security architecture that values his experience, commitment and strategic contributions.

To insist otherwise is to substitute partisan sentiment for reality.

Nigeria deserves a security discourse grounded in facts, fairness and responsibility—not a resurrection of long-discarded rumours.
As the country confronts one of the most complex security challenges in its history, we must resist the temptation to allow smear campaigns to overshadow substance.

The stakes are too high.
Our troops deserve clarity, our citizens deserve honesty, and our nation deserves leadership—not division.

Ibrahim Dosara was the commissioner of information, during Bello Matawalle's tenure as governor of Zamfara state.

*Vows to report incident to CJN FCT CJ


Human Rights lawyer, Barrister Victor Giwa has said a judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo, brought in about 20armed policemen to court to intimidated him during his trial.

He vowed to report the incident to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN and the Chief Judge of the FCT high court, through a letter.

He said, "The judge brought 20 armed policemen to the court today because of me. Ten of those policemen were inside the courtroom. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, had to ask the judge, " My Lord, what is happening, why do we have policemen in the court"?

"There were armed men inside the courtroom. When I saw the policemen, I was thinking they came to arrest me, so, I hid inside my car. It was Justice Jude and Asabe Waziri, a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, that made that arrangement.

"The judge is intimidating me in the court, I cannot get justice. I am writing a letter to the CJ and the CJN that I am not even safe in the court of Justice Jude because he has taken the case personal against me."

Giwa while attempting to make submission before the court urged the court to give him audience.

The police had accused Giwa of forging letterhead paper of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Awa Kalu.

But Awa Kalu, in a letter to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode. Egebtolun, put a lie to the allegation of the police against Ibitade and Giwa.

Despite the letter of Prof. Awa Kalu to the Inspector-General of Police, formally distancing himself from the allegation of forgery and impersonation against Giwa and Ibitade, the police have gone ahead to press charge against Giwa.

Chief Kalu, in a letter to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, had said his letterhead was never forged and that he had not at anytime lodged any complaint to the police about forgery of his document.

Professor Kalu, in a letter dated May 30, 2025, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, clarified that he neither filed a complaint nor reported Mr. Giwa for allegedly forging his firm’s letterhead.

During the proceedings, Thursday, Giwa broughta medical report that he was indisposed and would not be able to proceed with the matter.

He also added that he had e gaged a new lawyer who is supposed to argue his case for him before the court.

But the judge insisted that he must go on with the case.

Giwa had filed an application urging the judge to recuse himself from the matter.

The court was ready to begin hearing of the motion when Giwa told the court that he had a medical report from the hospital amd would not be able to proceed on the ground if ill-health.

But the judge insisted that he must proceed and move his application.

He later told the court that he was just served with the amended coubter-motion of the Police and had not had the opportunity to go through it.

It was at that point that the court adjourned the case to December 10, 2025.

In the application, Barrister Giwa asked the judge to recuse himself from the matter on the ground of bias and partisanship.

He said that he has no chance of getting justice before the court.

Justice Othman Musa of the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory has granted an Exparte Order over a property located in Lekki Peninsula Scheme, Lagos.

The court grated the order in a case for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/4636/2025 between Mr. Henry Ugonna Orabuchi and Nigeria Police Force and five others.

In the application for the enforcement of fundamental rights, the applicant, Mr. Orabuchi, claimed that the Respondents have gravely infringed his fundamental rights guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 36, 37, 41, and 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), as well as Articles 9 and 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

The applicant claimed that he purchased 3,000 square meters of reclaimed land at the back of the property described as Plot No A Block 12, Lekki Peninsula Scheme, Lagos State from one Mr. Emecheta Elvis Eze (the 5th Respondent) who is the beneficial owner of the property.

According to court documents, as at the time of the transaction in January, 2023, the land had not been reclaimed and the contract stipulated that the portion of the land (3,000sqm) shall be given to Mr. Henry after the land has been reclaimed.

After reclaiming the land, the 5th Respondent applied for recertification and processing of Certificate of Occupancy to secure the title for the entire reclaimed land measuring about 10,000 square meters from where 3,000 will be apportioned to the Applicant.

While the title is being processed, the Applicant alleged that the 5th Respondent refused to fulfil his own part of the bargain by denying him access to the property and reported the matter to the Nigeria Police in Lagos. Later on, the Applicant took over possession of the entire property including the main property and the entire reclaimed land.

Following the Applicant’s action, the 5th Respondent’ lawyer, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, wrote a Petition against the Applicant to the Nigeria Police Force for criminal trespass, damage to property and threat to life, based on which the Nigeria Police, on 11th November, 2025, issued a letter of invitation to Mr. Henry Ugonna Orabuchi at his residence at No. 6 Morgan Estate, Phase 2, Lagos.

The said letter, titled "Letter of Invitation RE: Case of Criminal Trespass, Breach of Trust, Malicious Damage and Conduct Likely to Cause Breach of Peace", directed the Applicant to report to the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja, on Thursday, 20th November, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., to shed light on allegations made by the 5th Respondent. Without honouring the Police invitation, Mr. Henry Ugonna Orabuchi filed a fundamental Rights Enforcement Proceedings before FCT High Court wherein he challenged the Powers of the Nigerian Police Force to invite him in the process of their investigation into the allegations of criminal trespass and damage to property and threat to life.

The Applicant argued, in his case before the Court that the Police invitation is based on malicious allegation, ‘crafted solely to intimidate and harass him and to compel him into relinquishing his lawful proprietary and contractual rights over the property’.

He accused the Nigerian Police of not exercising their statutory powers lawfully and having acted maliciously and in bad faith, and to have used the coercive powers of the State to advance the private interest of the 5th Respondent in a purely private transaction.

Following the Exparte application filed by the Applicant’s lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, Hon. Justice Othman Musa granted Exparte Order over a property in Lekki, a Lagos property.

He said in the order, “That an Interim Injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st to 4th Respondents, either by themselves or through any of 1st Respondent's commands, formations, units, agents, operatives or officers under its command, control or direction, from inviting, arresting, detaining harassing, intimidating or howsoever dealing adversely with the Applicant in connection with the subject matter of this suit, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit".

“That an Interim Order is hereby made directing the 2nd Respondent, through the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, Lagos State, and the 6th Respondent to seal and secure the entire property known and described as Plot No. A, Block 12, Lekki Peninsula Scheme, Lagos State, including the reclaimed land at the back of the property measuring 3,000 square meters FORTHWITH, and to immediately halt all works, activities, actions, or steps on the said property while ensuring that no person, authority, or entity howsoever described is permitted access to or entry upon the property pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit before this Honourable Court.”

He also ordered, “That an Interim Order is hereby made directing the 6th Respondent to place a caveat on the whole property described as Plot No. A, block 12, Lekki Peninsula Scheme, Lagos State including the reclaimed land at the back of the property measuring 3,000 square meters FORTHWITH pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit before this Honourable Court”.

It is important to point out that the Exparte Orders granted by the FCT High Court were granted based on a case for the enforcement of the fundamental rights of the Applicant (Mr. Henry Ugonna Orabuchi) over a land that is located in Lekki area of Lagos State, which is outside the jurisdiction of the FCT High Court. The Court also joined the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development as 7th Respondent in the suit and adjourned the case to 16th December, 2025 for hearing.

A Proven Legacy In Zamfara, A National Commitment To Securing Nigeria’s Future - Dr Bello Matawalle's Legacy of
Turning Crisis Into Courage, And Courage Into Progress

By Ibrahim Dosara

Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the former Governor of Zamfara State and current Minister of State for Defence, stands out as one of the most consequential actors in Nigeria’s contemporary security landscape. His multidimensional strategy which combines peacebuilding, intelligence-driven engagement, and decisive force, has been cited by local and international observers as a model worthy of study in the broader context of Nigeria’s fight against rural banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.

His tenure represents a rare blend of political will, security innovation, and community-centred peace leadership.

Understanding the Context:

The Roots of the Zamfara and North-West Crisis

Contrary to simplistic narratives, the violence in Nigeria’s North-West is not ideological or religious. A growing body of research identifies the drivers as:

* Rural banditry and cattle rustling

* Chronic poverty and youth unemployment

* Illegal gold mining and competition for natural resources

* Weak law enforcement and porous borders

* Proliferation of small arms across the Sahel

According to the International Crisis Group (2020; 2021), most armed groups operating in the region are economically motivated criminal networks rather than extremist ideological movements. The Amnesty International (2021) report similarly noted that victims cut across ethnic and religious lines, undermining claims of religious persecution.

This was the complex environment in which Governor Matawalle launched a security framework rooted in dialogue, reconciliation, and strategic deterrence, a model consistent with global counter-insurgency best practices.

Matawalle’s Peace and Security Framework: Dialogue with Deterrence

When Dr. Bello Matawalle assumed office in May 2019, Zamfara State had reached a boiling breaking point. Communities were under siege, roads closed, farming halted, and schools abandoned.
In response, he introduced the State Peace and Reconciliation Initiative, developed through extensive consultations with:

* Traditional Rulers,

* Fulani and Hausa community leaders,

* Ulamas and religious councils,

* vigilante (Yan Sakai) leadership,

* State Security Stakeholders.

This effort was not appeasement, but rather strategic dialogue designed to achieve:

1. Confidence-building with non-hardline actors


2. Collection of actionable intelligence


3. Reintegration of repentant offenders


4. Temporary de-escalation to enable state deployment

Documented Early Results (2019–2020)

Independent media organizations, including Daily Trust, Premium Times, BBC Hausa, NTA, Channels TV, TVC, Arise TV and VOA, documented significant improvements under Matawalle's watch as Gov of Zamfara state:

* Major roads reopened;

* Hundreds of abducted victims were released;

* Farming and trading activities resumed;

* Reduced attacks across many LGAs.

* The Defence Headquarters (2020) also acknowledged the improvements, noting enhanced synergy between local intelligence structures and Operation Hadarin Daji.

However, as conflict entrepreneurs, unscrupulous politicians, illegal mining interests, and hardline criminal factions undermined the peace accord, Governor Matawalle shifted toward direct confrontation.

Total Lockdown and the “War Against Banditry” (2021)

Criminal breaches of the peace agreement led to one of the most comprehensive internal-security responses ever implemented by a state government in Nigeria.

1. Shutdown of Telecommunications Networks

In September 2021, Zamfara became the first state in Nigeria to enact a statewide telecommunications blackout.
The objective was to:

* Cripple bandit communication networks;

* Block ransom negotiations;

* Disrupt surveillance on the troop movement;

* Block Sever alliances with urban informants.

The BBC (2021) and Reuters (2021) both reported notable disruption in criminal operations following the shutdown.

2. Closure of Markets, Fuel Stations, and Cattle Routes

A coordinated economic lockdown targeted the bandits’ logistical supply chains. This included:

* Closure of weekly rural markets;

* Restrictions on fuel sales;

* Bans on cattle movement and trade;

* Seizure of vehicles used to transport supplies into forests.

3. Ban on Firewood Trucks and Rural Convoys

This measure was designed to prevent disguised smuggling of food, weapons, and cash into forest hideouts.

4. Removal of Compromised Traditional Rulers

Several traditional leaders implicated in aiding armed groups were dismissed and or punished in various ways to serve as deterrence to others with the intention of involvement in the unpatriotic act.This restored public confidence and sent a strong message against elite complicity.

5. Establishment of the Community Protection Guards (CPG)

Matawalle pioneered the establishment of Community Protection Guards, a legally backed, intelligence-supportive local defence architecture.
The model was later replicated in Katsina State and influenced security reforms in Niger Republic, which awarded Dr. Bello Matawalle a national honour from the government of Niger Republic in recognition of his contributions to fighting armed banditry across the region.

6. Massive Security Investment

The state procured:

* Hundreds of patrol vehicles and distributed to security agencies fighting insecurity in the state,

* Motorcycles for forest mobility,

* Communication gadgets,

* and expanded logistics support to military and police formations.


Impact of the Lockdown

For several months, bandit attacks declined sharply, and displaced persons began returning home. Independent reports by TVC News, Channels TV, Arise TV, international media organisations like the BBC, VOA and local correspondents corroborated these improvements.

The Challenge of Limited Federal Reinforcement

While the lockdown weakened the bandits substantially, the lack of the promised 6,000 additional federal troops limited the possibility of a final clearance operation.
Matawalle’s measures were strategically designed to soften the targets for the armed forces. However, without simultaneous ground offensives to dismantle the forest camps, the gains could not be fully consolidated.

Despite this, the initiative demonstrated unprecedented state-level political will.

Negotiation Was Strategic, Not Appeasement

Peace talks under Matawalle aligned with recognized conflict-resolution theory. As John Paul Lederach (1997) notes, effective peacebuilding requires:

* Inclusive dialogue,

* Separation of reconcilable actors from irreconcilable ones and

* Coercive deterrence.


Matawalle applied this model by engaging actors willing to abandon crime while confronting defiant elements through state power.

Institutional Reforms and Security Governance

Beyond field operations, Bello Matawalle's administration strengthened institutional mechanisms, including:

* Restructuring local security committees;

* Establishing a Security Situation Control Room for real-time intelligence gathering and sharing with security architecture in the state;

* Sanctioning compromised officials;

* Enhancing coordination among DSS, police, and vigilante networks;

* Monitoring border communities vulnerable to infiltration.
These reforms contributed to a more coherent internal-security framework in the state.

Regional and Federal Recognition

Neighboring states of
Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Niger, later adopted elements of Zamfara’s lockdown model.
Similarly, the Defence Headquarters incorporated aspects of the strategy into Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Thunder Strike.

This cross-regional adoption underscores that Dr. Matawalle’s efforts were grounded in strategic necessity, not political theatrics.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Courage, Innovation, and Balanced Leadership

Dr. Bello Matawalle’s security legacy in Zamfara reflects a rare combination of courage, strategic adaptation, and innovative leadership. He offered peace when it was viable, used force when it was necessary, and implemented reforms that addressed both the symptoms and the structural drivers of insecurity.

His approach, "the dialogue backed by deterrence," remains one of the most comprehensive and documented responses to rural banditry in Nigeria’s recent history.

For Nigeria to overcome its multifaceted security challenges, leaders must demonstrate the same level of resolve, contextual understanding, and willingness to innovate.

History will record that Dr. Bello Matawalle chose the harder but wiser path - one that balanced compassion with strength and pragmatism with principle.

Security Leadership, Humanitarian Commitments, and National Service

Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle’s public career is distinguished by a consistent commitment to safeguarding human life, restoring public trust, and confronting insecurity with courage, innovation, and diplomatic skill. His trajectory—from Executive Governor of Zamfara State to Minister of State for Defence, reflects a leader whose defining philosophy is rooted in service, compassion, and decisive action, particularly in moments of national distress. Among his most notable contributions are his efforts in the rescue of abducted schoolchildren, a recurring national challenge that has tested the resilience of communities and the resolve of government institutions.

1. Giant Strides as Executive Governor of Zamfara State

When Dr. Matawalle assumed office in 2019, Zamfara was facing one of the most severe security crises in its history, marked by banditry, mass abductions, displacement, and widespread economic disruption. His administration wasted no time in deploying a multidimensional approach that combined community engagement, kinetic operations, intelligence-driven strategies, and humanitarian diplomacy.

1.1 Rescue of Mass-Abducted Schoolchildren

One of the most defining moments of his governorship was his role in securing the release of hundreds of abducted schoolchildren both in Zamfara and its neighbours, at a time when mass kidnappings had become a devastating tactic employed by armed groups across the North-West.

Dr. Matawalle demonstrated exceptional leadership in:

* Coordinating high-level negotiations involving security agencies, community leaders, and other stakeholders.

* Deploying state-supported intelligence networks that provided actionable information for rescue operations.

* Insisting on the protection of children’s lives as a non-negotiable priority, even in highly volatile situations.

* Ensuring safe reintegration and psychosocial support for rescued children and their families.

* Confiscation and repatriation of illegal arms and weapons from the repentant bandits and handed it over to the appropriate security agencies.

These interventions played a crucial role in the safe return of abducted students in cases that otherwise could have led to prolonged captivity or large-scale tragedy. His approach earned local and national commendation for its blend of firmness and strategic diplomacy.

1.2 Repositioning Zamfara’s Security Architecture

In addition to rescue operations, Dr. Matawalle transformed the security landscape by:

* Strengthening the state’s collaboration with federal security formations, including the military, police, and intelligence services.

* Establishing frameworks that improved community policing and reconciliation in conflict-prone areas.

* Supporting reconstruction and rehabilitation programs that restored livelihoods and built public confidence.

These actions laid the foundation for a more coordinated and responsive security system that continued to evolve beyond his governorship.

2. Giant Strides as Minister of State for Defence

Appointed Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Matawalle brought his on-ground experience, crisis-management expertise, and track record of results into national service. His tenure has been marked by active engagement, both strategically and operationally, in the fight against insecurity across Nigeria.

2.1 Continued Leadership in Rescuing Abducted Students Nationwide

In his new national role, Dr. Matawalle has continued to prioritize the safety of Nigerian children, recognizing that attacks on schools threaten not only individual lives but also the stability of communities and the nation's developmental future.

His efforts include:

* Overseeing strengthened inter-agency coordination between the Armed Forces, DSS, Police, and state governments during rescue operations.

* Implementing intelligence-led interventions that led to the safe recovery of abducted students in various regions.

* Advocating the protection of schools under the Safe Schools Initiative and supporting military deployments in education-sensitive zones.

* Championing rapid-response frameworks that improve the speed and effectiveness of security actions during crises.

* Leading a special operations against bandits in the north west region that led to the elimination of several bandits kingpins like Halilu Sububu and his collaborators, including his foot soldiers.

These contributions have reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that no child is abandoned, and that perpetrators of student abductions face the full weight of the law.

2.2 Strategic National Security Contributions

Beyond emergency responses, Dr. Matawalle’s broader impact as Minister of State for Defence includes:

* Supporting modernization and expansion of the military’s operational capabilities.

* Promoting improved civil-military relations, ensuring communities remain partners in securing the nation.

* Strengthening regional and international security cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism and intelligence sharing.

* His leadership reflects a clear understanding that national security requires not only military strength but also strategic diplomacy, institutional coherence, and public trust.

3. A Legacy of Courage, Compassion, and Service

Across both state and federal responsibilities, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle has distinguished himself as a leader defined by:

* Courage in confronting complex security threats

* Commitment to the lives and dignity of citizens

* Diplomatic intelligence in resolving crises

* A humane approach to leadership and governance

His sustained efforts in rescuing abducted students, whether as Governor of Zamfara State or as Minister of State for Defence, represents a key chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle, commitments, and determination to fight against insecurity and a testament to his personal convictions.

Dr. Matawalle’s giant strides are not merely administrative achievements; they embody a philosophy of governance where the protection of human life stands at the center of national progress.

Ibrahim Dosara, is a former commissioner of information, Zamfara during Bello Matawalle's tenure as Gov of the state.

I Paid Property Developer, Oak Homes, Olukayode Olusanya N152m With Life Savings But Deny Transaction Records - Nigerian-American Engineer Tells Court



Nigerian-American engineer, Mr. Anthony Ugbebor, has told a Lagos State High Court sitting in Tafawa Balewa Square, that he paid N152m for two luxury flats with his “life savings” adding that the developer to later deny having records of the transaction.

Ugbebor, who opened his defence in a protracted N152 million property dispute before the court narrated how the payments were made.

The lawsuit, filed by property developer Mr. Olukayode Olusanya and his company, Oak Homes Limited (Suit No. LD/4471LM/2023), seeks a declaration of trespass and other reliefs against Ugbebor over two second-floor apartments at No. 14A Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

During the hearing of the case, Ugbebor, through his counsel, Mr. Nasiru Salau, adopted his witness statement on oath, leading to the admission of several documents as Exhibits DW1 A–J.

The presiding judge, Justice Akingbola George, allowed Ugbebor to introduce evidence in support of his amended counterclaim, urging the court to dismiss the claimant’s suit for lacking merit and to order the immediate handover of the two flats, which he said he had substantially paid for since 2020.

The engineer testified that he paid N152 million (equivalent to $400,000) out of a total purchase price of N190 million (80% paid) using his “life savings.”

He stated that on October 11, 2022, he sent a representative to inspect the flats, only for Oak Homes Limited to allegedly claim there was “no record” of his transaction despite the payments made.

He denied sending correspondence to the Ghana chapter of Transparency International labeling Olusanya a murderer or thief, stating he only expressed concern over Olusanya receiving an award despite perceived lack of integrity.

Ugbebor confirmed a contract for the two second-floor flats, originally scheduled for delivery by February 28, 2019, a deadline that was not met.

He confirmed that the Lagos State Government had sealed the project site in 2019 and that the COVID-19 pandemic and rising construction costs affected the development, though these factors did not justify non-delivery.

He recounted that the first meeting with all parties occurred on August 28, 2023, at the EFCC’s Abuja office, where Olusanya allegedly informed attendees that the two flats had been sold, despite Ugbebor having paid Oak Homes Limited N152 million out of N190 million between November 2017 and December 2020.

Ugbebor said he was repeatedly notified by estate agents of attempts by the claimant (Olusanya) to sell each of the two flats at inflated prices: N310 million in January 2024, N360 million in February 2024, and N560 million in December 2024.

Responding to claims by Agboola (SAN) that he had agreed to a partial refund, which included N102 million already returned, Ugbebor described the allegation as “absolutely false,” noting he was in New York at the time and had not authorised any refund.

He emphasised that his primary interest was receiving the two flats, not a repayment.

He acknowledged filing a counterclaim but said he could not recall receiving an August 24, 2023 “cease and desist” order from Justice Ogunjobi, directing him not to visit the property.

When asked about his confidence in the judiciary, Ugbebor expressed “absolute trust” in the Nigerian judicial system.

EFCC counsel, Mr. M. A. Sheu, declined to cross-examine Ugbebor.

Justice Akingbola George adjourned proceedings to January 20, 2026, for continuation of the defence.

Lawyer Writes CJ, Seeks Withdrawal Of Case From Judge Over Alleged Partisanship, Manifest Bias

Human Rights lawyer, Victor Giwa, has petitioned the Chief Judge of the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory over allegation partisanship and manifest bias against a judge of the court, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie.

Giwa and one other are standing trial over allegation of forgery.

The police had accused Giwa of forging letterhead paper of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Awa Kalu.

But Awa Kalu, in a letter to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode. Egebtolun, put a lie to the allegation of the police against Bukola Ibitade and Giwa.

Despite the letter of Prof. Awa Kalu to the Inspector-General of Police, formally distancing himself from the allegation of forgery and impersonation against Giwa and Ibitade, the police have gone ahead to press charge against Giwa.

Chief Kalu, in a letter to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, had said his letterhead was never forged and that he had not at anytime lodged any complaint to the police about forgery of his document.

Professor Kalu, in a letter dated May 30, 2025, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, clarified that he neither filed a complaint nor reported Mr. Giwa for allegedly forging his firm’s letterhead.

Giwa, in the letter to the CJ, dated November 12, 2025, said "My Lord, recall that I and the 2nd Defendant in this Charge were charged for the offences of conspiracy, forgery among others as shown on the face of the Charge Sheet attached to this Letter as “Annexure A”.

"On the 15th day of September 2025, the Court proceeded to hear the matter and issued bench warrant against me and the 2nd Defendant for failure to attend the Court's procecdings without assuring itself of personal service of the Charge on me; On the 8th day of Ocober 2025 when my bail application was heard and granted by the Court, the Court amended its Ruling on my bail application to include an order of detention should I ail to meet the stringent conditions of bail granted to me in my abeence and in the absence of ny Counsel. "

He said in the letter to the CJ that the court turther failed to hear his applications challengtig the jurisdiction of court and proceeded to hear the substantive matter on 30th Octaber, 2025.

He also said that on the 12th dav of November 2005, the court suo moto identified Motion No: M/13797/25 that i filed seeking the Court to recuse itself and started delivering its ruling on the sald Motion when the Motion had not yet been moved.

"It took the intervention of the Legal Adviser (LA) of the Court to pause the Ruling when His Lordship was about 2 minutes into the ruling, that was when the Court ordered the Motion to be moved.

"The lawyers in Court and I were shocked and I almost fainted in the Court betore I was called upon by the Court to move the said Motion. Other Lawyers in Court also wondered at what had happened in the course of the proceedings, seeing (he manifest bias and: partisanship exhibited by the Court against me. All the Lawyers tn court are all wilnens to the judicial absurdity and partisanship of His Lordship on the 12 of November , 2025

"My Lond, I do not believe that I can get substantial justice from the Court of Hon. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on the basis of manifest bias and partisanship shown apainst me as justice must not only be done but seen to have been done.

I humbty request for Hon. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie presiding over the case to recuse himself from the case for manifest bias and conducts capable of ridiculing, the judiciary and undermining, the course of justice based on the above-mentioned grounds and others that will be stated in an Affidavit of Facts attached to this Letter."

Serial Fraudster,” IGP Egbetokun Orders Kennedy Iyere’s Probe over Alleged N113.5m Fraud

… Valencia Hotels, more victims petition the police boss

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered an investigation of the convener of the ‘40 Million Ballot Movement’ and founder of ‘Youths Off The Street Initiative’, YOTSI, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, for alleged criminal breach of trust, obtaining by false pretence, cheating, and impersonation.

The IGP’s directive followed a petition by Valencia Hotels and other persons allegedly defrauded by Iyere, where they described him as “a serial fraudster.”

In a November 12th, 2025 petition entitled “Further Petition Against Iyere Kennedy Ebhenya for Criminal Breach of Trust, Obtaining by False Pretence, Cheating, and Impersonation – Additional Victims Discovered,” and filed through their lawyers, Valen Legal Practitioners, the victims accused Iyere of defrauding them of various amounts totalling N113,508,757.

The petition, which was signed by Victor Adebayo Esq., read: “We continue to act as Solicitors to Silver Green Hotel Limited and several other individuals and corporate bodies who have been defrauded by one Iyere Kennedy Ebhenya, hereinafter referred to as ‘the suspect.

“Our earlier petition dated 23rd October 2025, which was assigned to the IGP SIU for further actions and investigation, detailed how the said suspect fraudulently obtained the sum of ₦26,000,000 from our client, Silver Green Hotel Limited, under the false representation that he was a staff of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and that the government would sponsor a purported youth empowerment programme tagged ‘YEIDEP.’

"Following the filing of that petition and further investigations by our clients, several other victims of this same individual have now emerged, revealing that the suspect has carried out a pattern of identical fraudulent schemes against multiple unsuspecting persons and establishments.

"Below are the names of the additional victims and amounts fraudulently obtained from each: Mr. Clement Ignatius (₦6,300,000), Bishop (Dr.) Susan Great (₦1,600,000), Mr. Emeka Owuchelu Iche (₦46,000,000), Mr. Gbenga Okenla (₦1,500,000), Pastor Shadrack (₦18,000,000), Dr. Duru (₦12,000,000), Mr. Obinna Ukor (₦7,500,000), Mr. Aneke Everistus (₦3,015,900), Mr. Obinna Ifeandu (₦17,137,900), and Valencia Hotels (₦454,957).

"These victims, just like our earlier client, were deceived through similar misrepresentations, false promises of government-backed projects, and impersonation of officials of various Ministries and Departments. The suspect has thereby obtained huge sums of money from the public under fraudulent pretences, constituting serious economic and cyber-related crimes.”

The petitioner, therefore, urged the IGP to further investigate and bring Iyere to book.

“We humbly urge your esteemed office to reopen and expand the ongoing investigation into the activities of Comrade Kennedy Iyere (a.k.a. Iyere Kennedy Ebhenya) to cover these new victims and their respective complaints; invite and interrogate the suspect to account for the said funds obtained under false pretences; and ensure prosecution of the suspect upon conclusion of the investigation to serve as a deterrent to others engaged in similar economic sabotage and cyber fraud activities.

“We most humbly undertake that the receipts of payments made by each person to the suspect will be provided to your office upon request.

“We trust in your usual professionalism and diligence in bringing this serial fraudster to justice", the petitioner concluded.

Meanwhile, findings show that another victim, simply identified as Sandra, who was allegedly defrauded by Iyere with a promise to help secure her a government appointment, had since recovered her money through the assistance of the police.

He reportedly pleaded not to be charged to court and promised to refund the money. However, the police allegedly refused to grant him bail until repayment was completed, as he was said to have no known residential address.

A source familiar with the case said: “Yes, he sweet-talked the lady and some others into believing that he had government appointment slots to give. But it later turned out to be false.”

Students in the country have called for the expansion of digital learning initiative in tertiary institutions Ross the country, particularly, in Colleges of Education.

According to them, the EDON Electronic Education Initiative has contributed to the advancement of digital education across tertiary institutions.

Comrade Kur Isaac Ushahemba,
National President, National Association Of Nigeria Colleges Of Education Students (NANCES), said in Abuja that
EDON has empowered Universities, Polytechnics, and much importantly the Colleges of Education with tools that enhance global learning, modern teaching methods, and seamless classroom interactions.

He said, "We specifically appreciate the EDON Electronic Education Initiative for its trailblazing contributions to advancing digital education across tertiary institutions. EDON has empowered Universities, Polytechnics, and much importantly the Colleges of Education with tools that enhance global learning, modern teaching methods, and seamless classroom interaction.

"Our Colleges are witnessing a historic transformation—where technology now shapes not only how lecturers teach, but also how students learn, collaborate, and engage both within and beyond the classroom environment.

"NANCES acknowledges EDON as a strong partner in building a future-ready education system for Nigeria."

In recognition of the visible impact of EDON’s work, NANCES calls on the Federal Ministry of Education,
TETFund, the Committee of Provosts for Colleges of Education and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) to support the expansion, deepening, and institutionalization of the EDON Electronic Education Initiative’s *98inch QR Interactive Board and the EDON 3D Animation Simulation (Software) in all Colleges of Education across Nigeria.

According to the students, this expansion will improve digital literacy among teachers-in-training, upgrade ICT-enabled teaching and learning platforms, advance classroom technology adoption, enhance students' global competitiveness and strengthen Nigeria’s teacher education system

He said, "NANCES remains committed to constructive advocacy that strengthens teachers education and elevates the standard of learning in Nigeria. We believe that with the continued support of the President, TETFund, NCCE, the Committee of Provosts, and strategic partners like EDON, the future of teacher education in Nigeria is bright and secured."

They commemeded President Bola Tinubu, under whos leadership, teacher training institutions have experienced renewed attention, improved policy direction, and increased support toward digital innovation, curriculum enhancement, and educational development.

They commended the Executive Secretary and Management team of TETFund, headed by Arch Sonny Ochono, as well as the founder of Electronic Education Initiative, Dr. IDonuagbe Akogun, for their hardwork and commitment to education enhancement across the tertiary education system engaging and enhancing EDTech in our schools through I his interactive boards and development of 3D animation software

They also lauded the Executive Secretary of NCCE Prof. Paulinus Chijioke and his Management team and the Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Education for their tireless efforts in ensuring that Colleges of Education receive the needed attention for academic and infrastructural development and their collaboration and advocacy which continue to sustain the momentum for growth within the sector.

Court Grants Prosecution's Request To Regularise Motion For Additional Witness In N152m Property Fraud By Olukayode Olusanya


Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has granted the prosecution’s request to regularise its application for an additional witness in the ongoing trial of property developer, Olukayode Olusanya.

Olusanya is facing allegations of N152m property fraud.

Prosecution Counsel, CSP Monday Omo-Osagie, had filed the application dated October 23, 2025, praying the court to add another witness to the case.

In his ruling, Justice Kakaki granted the application as prayed and also directed the prosecution to serve the defence with the amended application for a virtual hearing within 14 days, while the defence must respond before the next adjourned date.

“The application is granted as prayed. The prosecution is to serve the amended application to the defence within 14 days, and the defence to respond before the next adjourned date,” the judge ruled.

Olusanya, the Chief Executive Officer of Oak Homes Limited, is standing trial alongside his company, on a four-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, fraud, and stealing, brought by the Nigeria Police Force.

The defendants were arraigned on November 26, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

According to the police, between November 8, 2017, and August 4, 2020, Olusanya and one Ms. Lynda Umeh, the company’s Head of Sales and Marketing (now at large), allegedly defrauded a Nigerian-American engineer, Mr. Anthony Ugbebor, of N152m.

The duo, the police claimed, purportedly collected the funds under the pretext of selling two three-bedroom apartments at Oak Residence, Victoria Island, Lagos, promising delivery by February 28, 2019, but never handed over the property.

Earlier, at the resumed hearing of the case on Tuesday, Omo-Osagie told the court that the matter was for continuation of trial by virtual hearing, as earlier requested in an application filed on July 25, 2025.

However, defence counsel Agboola Adeleke (SAN) objected, arguing that the prosecution had not served the application for a virtual hearing on the defence.

“I am completely opposed to the virtual trial.

"This is a criminal trial; the parties should be present physically. In any case, we have not been served. If the prosecution is not ready, they should close their case,” Adeleke said.

Responding, Omo-Osagie told the court that the application was duly filed through the court registrar and that he was informed a copy had been lodged with the court’s registry.

“I made inquiries from the registrar and did the needful. That is why this virtual set-up was arranged. However, since the court has said it was not properly processed, we are asking for time to regularise the application,” he said.

The case has been filurther fixed for February 9, 2026.

De Ambassadors Global Network, an emerging powerhouse in African creative media, has announced its mission to reshape global narratives by telling Africa’s authentic story to the world.

Founder and Project Director, Jennifer Chi Ikeaba Obiasor, described the network as a trailblazing African media and storytelling platform dedicated to projecting the continent’s true image — powerfully, proudly, and unapologetically.

According to Obiasor, De Ambassadors represents a new generation of storytellers and changemakers committed to celebrating Africa’s brilliance, its people, heritage, innovation, and unbreakable spirit—both on the continent and across the globe.

She said, “De Ambassadors Global Network is redefining what it means to be Africa’s pride. Through bold storytelling and transformative initiatives, we highlight the continent’s achievements in entertainment, culture, sports, innovation, and leadership, inspiring a renewed global appreciation for the African experience.”

Obiasor outlined several flagship projects of the organization, including:

The Compendium of Top African Performers — a landmark publication celebrating exceptional Africans shaping global change and inspiring future generations.

Top Nigerian Performers Across the Globe (Nigeria @66 Edition) — a major national and diaspora project recognizing Nigerians breaking boundaries worldwide, featuring profiles, awards, and international showcases in celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Television Documentaries and Cultural Series — immersive productions showcasing Africa’s traditions, lifestyles, and untold stories to audiences around the world.

De Ambassadors Global Network TV Sports Series — a dynamic program spotlighting African athletes and their inspiring journeys on the global stage.

Fashion, Music, and Talent Events — colorful celebrations of creativity, youth expression, and African excellence.

Investment and Economic Development Forums — high-impact gatherings connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to drive Africa’s economic transformation narrative.

African Traditional Food Concept and Guinness World Record Project — a visionary initiative celebrating Africa’s diverse culinary heritage through a large cultural carnival and a Guinness World Record attempt. The project aims to showcase traditional African cuisines, promote unity, tourism, and cultural pride, and highlight the artistry and global appeal of African gastronomy.


Obiasor emphasized that the network’s vision is “to become the global beacon of African storytelling — a platform where Africa speaks for itself, to itself, and to the world with confidence, pride, and purpose.”

Academy Gets NBTE Accreditation For Leathercraft, Footwear Training



School Hunters Academy for Leathercraft and Footwear Innovation, Abuja, has been accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

Also, the institution received a further boost with its certification by
the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) as a recognized skills training centre authorized to deliver Technical and Vocational Education and Training
(TVET) Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government.

According to Dr Oluwashola Okpodu, Group Managing Director of School Hunters, the accreditation empowers the Academy to train and certify Nigerian youths in Leathercraft, Footwear Production, and Allied Skills and also equipping them with the National Skills Qualification (NSQ), a nationally and internationally recognized benchmark for technical competence.

Dr Okpodu said, "As part of this milestone, School Hunters Academy has also partnered with the African
University of Science and Technology (AUST) Inspire, a leading innovation and
entrepreneurship hub. This collaboration bridges academic research and practical skill application, offering learners a unique blend of technical craftsmanship, design innovation, and entrepreneurial
training needed to compete globally."

She describes it as “a defining moment for vocational education in Nigeria,”
reaffirming the Academy’s commitment to bridging the gap between unemployment and technical
empowerment. She emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to eradicate poverty, promote self-reliance, and reduce unemployment through skill
acquisition and enterprise development.

"The Academy, operating from Kabuka Studio 9, AfDB Building, AUST Campus, Abuja, will serve as a hub for creativity, innovation, and industry-standard technical learning. Learners will
receive hands-on training in bag making, footwear production, shoe repairs, and leather accessories, culminating in NABTEB-issued certifications recognized both nationally and
internationally.

"This ensures that graduates can either build thriving enterprises locally or access global opportunities within the creative and manufacturing sectors.
Through this accreditation, School Hunters Academy contributes meaningfully to nationbuilding and human capital development, offering renewed hope for the Nigerian youth.

"The initiative stands as a testament to Nigeria’s growing commitment to empowering its young population with employable skills, fostering innovation, and unlocking pathways to sustainable
livelihoods in alignment with global standards", she said.

The absence of a technical crew needed to facilitate the virtual appearance of a Nigerian-American engineer, Mr Anthony Ugbebor, in a property dispute, stalled the case before a Lagos State High Court, sitting in Tafawa Balewa Square, has

A property developer, Mr Olukayode Olusanya and his company, Oak Homes Limited, sued Ugbebor, the Nigerian Police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, over a property located in Victoria Island area of Lagos State.

At the resumed proceedings before Justice Akingbola George, the court was told that the team responsible for setting up the Zoom connection was not available.

Counsel to the first defendant, Mr Nasiru Salau, reminded the court that it had earlier granted leave for his client to join the proceedings virtually.

He said all necessary payments for the virtual link had been made, and the Zoom details were received and forwarded to the defendant last Fr

Salau explained that he contacted the court’s technical unit before the court began sitting and was informed that the technical team were on their way, adding that the same team was also scheduled to handle another virtual proceeding later that morning, between 10 am and 10:30 am, before the court.

He, therefore, requested a brief stand-down to allow time for the technical setup.

However, counsel to the claimants, Mr Adeleke Agboola (SAN), opposed the request, arguing that there was no certainty about when the technical team would arrive.

I am objecting to the stand down. The first defendant has been attending proceedings virtually, and this court usually sits at 9 a.m., even when there is no power supply. If they are not ready today, I will be asking for costs,” Agboola said.

In response, Salau dismissed the objection, stating, “The objection of the SAN is a misconception.

“It is not our duty to set up the Zoom link; the court has always handled that. We made the payment last week, and the link was sent. I will not concede any cost”.

Justice George subsequently adjourned the case to November 25, 2025, for the defence to open its case.

The claimants, Olusanya and Oak Homes Limited, in suit number LD/4471LM/2023, are suing Ugbebor (first defendant) and the EFCC (second defendant) over an alleged ownership dispute of a property valued at N152m.

the last hearing, Olusanya, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Oak Homes Limited, denied receiving a letter purportedly sent by the EFCC on September 13, 2023, inviting him to collect a bank draft of N102m from the Commission.

During cross-examination by EFCC counsel Mr E.S. Okongwu, Olusanya testified that he never received any letter or call from the EFCC regarding the draft.

He confirmed that the bank draft remains in the EFCC’s custody.

The matter, which had been scheduled for the defence to open its case on October 20, 2025, was adjourned due to the technical hitch that disrupted Monday’s proceedings.