₦airaland Forum

2027: Umeadi Emerges Credible Choice For Amuwo Odofin House of Rep.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections begin to shape political discussions across Lagos, Hon. Engr. Azubuike Emmanuel Umeadi has emerged as a credible choice among many stakeholders for the Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
Political stakeholders, community leaders, youth groups, women associations, professionals, and progressive blocs within the constituency are said to be rallying support for Umeadi under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing his leadership qualities, business experience, and grassroots connection.
Supporters note that Umeadi is not new to the political development of Amuwo Odofin, recalling that his earlier interest in the 2023 elections generated excitement among residents who believed he possessed the capacity to deliver quality representation.
They argue that while circumstances prevented his emergence at the time, the 2027 elections present another opportunity for the constituency to elect a candidate with a clear vision for growth and development.
A successful entrepreneur, Umeadi has built investments across sectors such as oil and gas, hospitality, finance, furniture production, and construction. Backers say his private sector success reflects strong managerial ability and an understanding of job creation, economic expansion, and sustainable development.
They also maintain that his focus on infrastructure, youth empowerment, and social welfare makes him well suited to provide purposeful and effective representation at the National Assembly.
Many supporters believe his emergence would help bridge the gap between the expectations of constituents and the delivery of meaningful democratic dividends.
The endorsement was contained in a statement signed by Adesiyan Adebola, Convener of Concerned Stakeholders for Good Governance and Progressive Representation, Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency.

Lauds Prominent Lawyers, Raji, Joe Agi SANs' Role



A Civil Society Organization, Africa Centre for Good Governance and Corruption Free Communities, has commended the reconciliation efforts among parties over a disputed property in Maitama District of Abuja.

Two flats in the property located at No 1, Mekong Close, has been a subject of litigation over the the last five years.

The group, through its Convener,Comrade Temitope Olubunmi Joseph, appealed to parties to sheathe their sword and give room for negotiation.

According to him, going into full litigation will not benefit anybody as it will further waste time and resources of all parties.

A lawyer, Victor Giwa alongside his client, Cecil Osakwe and an official of the Nigerians Police, Edith Erhunmuuse, we're accused of. Illegal ejection of the occupant of the flats.

The group commended Justice Samira Bature, of the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory, who vacated the warrant of arrest issued on Giwa.

According to the group, the decision of the court will further deepen the recociliation efforts by parties.

Comrade Joseph said, "We have watched with keen interest, proceedings in this matter in the past few years, we commend the efforts of parties to reconcile and have this matter put behind them once and for all.

"If there are other ways to have issues sorted out, there is no need to waste hard earnedoney in using governor resources on this matter.

" We commend the Learned Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, Dr Ahmed Raji, and Mr Joe Agi, for their interventions in this matter which has lingered for many years and spread like "wildfire fire" in the courts.

"We appreciate you Sirs and we do not take your interventions for granted", he said.

Justice Samira Bature of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Maitama, last week issued an arrest warrant against Giwa and a police official, Edith Erhunmuuse.

They were to be arraigned with another defendant, Cecil Osakwe, on a nine-count charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/222/2023, brought against them by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

They are in charge and accused of engaging in criminal conduct, involving the forceful eviction of occupants and property damage estimated at N300 million.

A Civil Society Organization, Africa Center for Good Governance and Corruption Free Communities, has asked the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Director of Public Prosecution in the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, to review the criminal case against a lawyer, Barrister Victor Giwa, and two others.

According to the group, the case began as a civil matter and was turned into a criminal matter by the former AGF, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

Convener of the group, Temitope Olubunmi Joseph, called for a thorough review of the matter to unravel the truth.

The group described the charge filed against Victor Giwa and others as a witch hunt.

The group said, "This is supposed to be a civil matter; the question we should ask is, at what point did it turn into a criminal matter.

"We know the Honorable AGF Fagbemi and the newly hardworking DPP, Oyedepo, are yet to turn their minds to looking at the matter critically.

"We are using this medium to call on them to revisit this matter and call for a fresh investigation.

"The last administration in the ministry led by Malami used his office to intimidate and harass Giwa and his client, Cecil Osakwe, over a property owned y Osakwe, located at No. 1, Me Long Close, Maitama, Abuja.

"We plead with the AGF to once again look into the matter and order a fresh investigation, so as not to punish an innocent person".

Justice Samira Bature of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Maitama, issued an arrest warrant against Giwa and a police official, Edith Erhunmuuse.

They were to be arraigned with another defendant, Cecil Osakwe, on a nine-count charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/222/2023, brought against them by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

They are in charge and accused of engaging in criminal conduct, involving the forceful eviction of occupants and property damage estimated at N300 million.

The convener said the eviction being complained of for which they were charged was ordered by a court.

"Without the order of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, the eviction could not have been carried out", he said.

When Enterprise Becomes a Target: The Quiet Persecution of Entrepreneurs in Nigeria - Osakwe

Prominent property developer Cecil Osakwe has lamented the growing challenges facing entrepreneurs in Nigeria, where business success in high-value sectors like real estate often attracts prolonged legal battles, repeated court adjournments and what he describes as a hostile environment that punishes rather than protects enterprise.

Osakwe, a lawyer and managing director of Alkire Partners Nig Ltd, who has faced multiple high-profile disputes including an ongoing ₦300 million alleged illegal eviction and property damage case in the Federal Capital Territory High Court, said the pattern is worrying.

“Land acquisition continues to be one of the most sensitive aspects of property development in Nigeria,” Osakwe stated.

“Developers must navigate complex ownership structures, verify land titles, and comply with regulatory requirements. Failure to conduct proper due diligence often leads to disputes, delays, and financial losses.”

In the case marked FCT/HC/CR/222/2023, Osakwe and co-defendants, including lawyer Victor Giwa, face a nine-count charge bordering on criminal intimidation, threat to life, forceful eviction and destruction of property estimated at ₦300 million.

Court proceedings have been repeatedly stalled, with arraignment adjourned multiple times as the Director of Public Prosecution reviews the charges. At recent hearings, not all defendants were present, prompting further delays.

While the merits of individual cases rest with the courts, Osakwe’s experience mirrors a broader trend affecting entrepreneurs across real estate, manufacturing, fintech and infrastructure.

Business disagreements that should be resolved through civil processes are frequently escalated into criminal allegations, triggering investigations and long-drawn court appearances.

One entrepreneur, speaking on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisal, said: “When you succeed in high-value sectors, you suddenly become a target. What starts as a civil land dispute quickly turns into a criminal case. The process itself becomes the punishment.”

He noted: "Nigeria often celebrates entrepreneurship in policy speeches and investment summits, hailing the private sector as the engine of growth.

"In reality, many business owners face reputational damage long before any verdict, operational disruptions from endless court dates, mounting legal fees and stalled projects that deter investors."

Osakwe highlighted additional structural issues in the real estate sector. “Despite this demand, many projects struggle due to gaps in planning, financing, and execution,” he noted.

“With my experience, the issue is not a lack of opportunity. It is the need for stronger project structuring, disciplined execution, and long-term thinking.”

The overburdened Nigerian judicial system, plagued by backlogs, turns delays into an effective form of pressure. For entrepreneurs, time is capital. Prolonged cases can lead to lost financing opportunities, expired contracts, abandoned developments and workforce instability. Even when cleared, the damage to business momentum is often irreversible.

Concerns are rising in the business community over the perceived selective use of law enforcement agencies in what are essentially commercial disputes.

This has led many entrepreneurs to operate defensively, diverting energy from innovation and expansion to legal protection and risk avoidance.

The ripple effects hurt the national economy. Nigeria competes globally for capital, but investors prioritise predictability and institutional fairness.

When successful entrepreneurs appear vulnerable to legal uncertainty, capital flows elsewhere, local businesses scale cautiously, and informal models thrive over formal, job-creating enterprises.

Accountability is essential, Osakwe and others agree. Genuine wrongdoing must be investigated and prosecuted fairly.

Police Seek Court's Nod To Allow US-Based Engineer Testify In Fraud Cases Against Olukayode Olusamya


*Court fixes May 12 for ruling


The Nigeria Police has told a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to permit a Nigerian-American Engineer, Mr. Anthony Ugbebor, to testify virtually from the United States before the court in the ongoing N152 million fraud trial involving property developer, Olukayode Olusanya.

Prosecuting Counsel, CSP Monday Omo-Osagie, who made the request before Justice Musa Kakaki through a motion on notice dated November 3, 2025, informed the court that all parties had been duly served and had filed their respective responses.

According to him, the application is supported by a 13-paragraph affidavit and a written address.

While making his submission, Omo-Osagie urged the court to grant the application, arguing the affidavit evidence before the court had not been materially controverted and should be deemed admitted.

He also asked the court to discountenance the counter-affidavit filed by the first defendant and to hold that the second defendant failed to properly oppose the application, having filed only a reply on points of law.

The prosecutor further submitted that the rules of the court expressly permit the taking of evidence by electronic means in appropriate circumstances, particularly where a witness is outside the jurisdiction and unable to attend physically.

He argued that refusing the application would occasion unnecessary delay in the proceedings and hinder the expeditious determination of the case, especially as the witness is central to the prosecution’s case.

Omo-Osagie maintained that adequate safeguards exist within the court’s procedures to ensure that virtual testimony does not prejudice the defendants, noting the defence would still have full opportunity to cross-examine the witness in real time.

In opposition, counsel to the first defendant, Agboola Adeleke (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the application, relying on Section 351 of the relevant law, which he said requires the physical presence of witnesses for examination and cross-examination.

He argued that allowing virtual testimony would undermine the defendants’ right to fair hearing, particularly their ability to observe the witness’s demeanour.

Adeleke further contended the reasons given for the witness’s absence—his residence abroad and alleged health challenges—were not supported by credible evidence.

Also, Jude Ehiedu, counsel to the 2nd defendant opposed the application, urging the court to carefully consider the arguments raised in their filings and to uphold established procedural requirements.

After hearing arguments from counsel, Justice Kakaki adjourned the matter to May 12, 2026, for ruling on the application.

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

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

The prosecution alleged that between November 8, 2017, and August 4, 2020, Olusanya and the company’s former Head of Sales and Marketing, Ms. Lynda Umeh (now at large), defrauded Ugbebor of N152 million.

According to the charge, the money was allegedly obtained under the pretext of selling two three-bedroom apartments at Oak Residence, Victoria Island, Lagos, with a promised delivery date of February 28, 2019, which was not met.

NRM; Court Strikes out suit seeking to commit INEC Chairman, Prof Amupitan to prison.


The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a contempt charge seeking to commit the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan SAN to prison for alleged flagrant disobedience to order of Court.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik struck out the suit on Tuesday following the failure of the applicant, Edozie Njoku and his team to diligently prosecute the charge as required by law.

One Chief Edozie Njoku who claimed to be National Chairman of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), a political party in the country filed form 48 against the INEC boss praying the court to commit him to Kuje prison for alleged refusal to monitor the Convention of the party.

However, following the persistent failure of Njoku to serve the Commital proceeding papers on Amupitan's person, Justice Abdulmalik invoke the provisions of the law to throw away the request.

Justice Abdulmalik said it was not the duty of the court to help any litigant in serving court process on any defendant but the entire duty of the applicant in such a matter.

The judge held that since contempt charge is semi criminal in nature, the form 48 must be served on the alleged contemnor in person adding that where the applicant failed to do the needful to help its own case, the charge would be liable to be struck as the only option for the court.

She subsequent struck out the bid by Njoku against the INEC chairman.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu also of the Federal High Court in Abuja was said to have issued order to INEC to monitor the party's convention but which could not be carried out because similar convention of the same party had just been conducted.

Reacting to the court decision, the National Chairman of the party, Dr Chinedu Obi commended the decision of court in striking out the contempt charge against Amupitan.

Obi who spoke newsmen in company of the National Secretary, Alhaji Hassan Aminu Ibrahim and the National Legal Adviser, Barrister Musa Isiaka maintained that Njoku was never a member of the party but acted like a forum shopper to hijack the party from the original owners.

"Go to INEC website, you will never seen Njoku's name there but that of the 14- member National Executive Committee under our leadership and the state chairmen of the party in the country".

He charged members of the party across the country to be resolute and committed to the course of the party.

Obi said that with the striking out of Njoku's contempt charge against INEC chairman, the coast has become clear for effective participation in the 2027 general elections.

Court Dismisses Suit Against Retired Supreme Court Justice, Others, Over School Ownership

Justice A.|. Ityonyiman of rhe High Court of Justice of Benue has dismissed a suit brought by Isaac Ochenjele and three others, claiming the ownership of a school, Livingstone Academy, Anmoda Road, Oglweu in Ohinmi Local government Area of Benue state.

The court dismissed the suit in the ground that sufficient argument amd credible evidence were not made to substantiate their claims as the owners of the school.

Apart from Ochenjele, also joined as co-plaintiffs are Mrs. Deborah Durojaiye, Mercy Ochejele and Livingstone Academy Anmoda Oglewu Limited.

Defendant in the suit are Justice James Ogebe (Rtd), Abu Isah Noah, Alex Edeoja, Ejelekwu Ochinta and Ogah Idoga.

The plaintifs had prayed the court for the following reliefs: A declaration that the Plaintiffs are the beneficial owners of the Livingstone Academy, Anmoda Road, Oglewu.

A declaration that the action of the Defendants in breaking into the Plaintiffs’ school premises on September 9, 2024 and forcefully taking over the operations of the school, changing the locks to the offices, collecting, students school fees, and dissipating the resources of the school is unlawful and amounts to trespass.

An order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendants, whether by . themselves, their privies, agents or any other person claiming through them or acting on their behalf or prompting or purporting to so act or howsoever, ) from interfering with, breaking into or otherwise disturbing, obstructing or forcefully taking over the Plaintiffs/Applicants’ ownership, possession and management of the school known as Livingstone Academy located at Anmoda Road, Oglweu in Ohinmi Local government Area.

An order for the Defendants to pay to the 4th Plaintiff (Livingstone Academy) the sum of N5,035,000.00 (Five Million and Thirty-Five Naira only) and also account for all other monies they collected as school fees and for any other reason from the students of the 4th Plaintiff from September 9, 2024, when they forcefully took over the administration of the school to September 19, 2024, when the Police dislodged them from the school and the sum of N100,000,00.00 (One Hundred Million Naira only) being damages for the Defendants’ trespass on the school premises from

The Plaintiffs had argued that Late Pastor Samuel Ochenjele at his lifetime, established the Livingstone Academy Anmoda, Oglewu in Ohinmi Local Government Area at its present location.

They told the court that the late pastor acquired the land on which it is located, built the school premises, and started the school as a co-educational institution.

"That he sought and was granted Phases 1, Il and III approval by the Benue State Ministry of Education to operate as a fully registered secondary school. That he appointed James Durojaiye as the Assistant School Administrator who later became the Administrator, and also appointed the him as the Principal, and the 3rd Plaintiff (Mercy Ochejele)
as the Bursar. That they have been running the school smoothly and peaceably until September 9, 2024 when the 2nd to 5th Defendants rudely interrupted the peace and tranquility of the school by forcefully breaking into the school during the absence of the school Administrator and the Principal.

"That they seized money, receipts and other documents of the school from the 3rd Plaintiff and evicted her out of the schoo! premises, changed the locks to all the offices, and began to dissipate the resources of the school and also extorted school fees in cash from the students to the tune of Five million, Thirty Five Thousand Naira only", the Plaintiffs argued.

The defendants led by a retired Supreme Court Justice, James Ogebe, disproved the arguments of the, plaintiffs.

They also argued that allegation of forcefully taking over the school, thereby destroying property worth millions of naira was false.

After listening to Counsel that represented parties in the suit, the court dismissed the case of the plaintiffs, saying that they have failed to prove their claims before the court.

The court held, "I have carefully considered the arguments proffered by the parties. The Learned Senior Counsel is making a case of the locus standi of the 4th Plaintiff to present this suit. His contention is that 4th Plaintiff is not Livingstone Academy established in 2001, 21 years before the 4th Defendant was incorporated. That the 4th Plaintiff did not exist during the lifetime of late Pastor Samuel Ochenjele and remains totally unknown to the deceased. That only a party with a substantiated legal right has legal authority to seek a remedy for the breach or injury to that legal right vide Thomas v. Olufosoye [1986] 1 NWLR (pt. 18) 669 @ 689-690 paras H-F.

"That the 4th Plaintiff failed to reflect in its pleading and evidence its legal right to seek declarations, injunctions and damages in this suit against the Defendants and therefore lacks the focus standi to institute and maintain this suit".

The court further held, "To begin with, late Pastor Samuel Ochenjele from whom the Plaintiffs draw their breath and strength, died in the year 2020.The 4th Plaintiff was incorporated in the year 2022 - see Exhibit P12. The supposed ‘alter ego’ of 4th Plaintiff died two years before the birth of the 4th Plaintiff. The 1st -3rd Plaintiffs are not shown to be either directors or shareholders. How then can they draw from the fountain of the preincorporation contract? | have my doubts whether that claim can avail the Plaintiffs.

"Additionally, paragraph one of the amended claim, introduced the 4th Plaintiff as a company with RC No. 1921788 carrying on the business of rendering educational services including the Livingstone Academy Anmoda, Oglewu. The school being one of the services rendered by the 4th Plaintiff cannot be fused together with the 4th Plaintiff. In effect, it cannot stand on equal footing with the person or body rendering the said service and | so hold.

"The thrust of the arguments of the defence on the issue is whether the 4" Plaintiff with her status as in Exhibit P12, has the legal right or authority to seek a remedy for the breach or injury to that legal right. That only a party with a substantiated legal right has the legal authority to seek a remedy for the breach or injury fo that legal right.

"The law is that for a person to have focus standi to institute an action, he has to show that he has special interest, that the interest is not vague, or intangible, supposed or speculative, or that it is not an interest which he shares with other members of the society. He also has to show that such interest has been adversely affected by the act or omission which he seeks to challenge -

‘It is also trite law that the standing will only be accorded a party who shows that his civil rights and obligation have been or, are in danger of being violated, or adversely affected by the act complained of.

"By paragraph 10 of the amended claim, the 4th Plaintiff is not shown to be one of the family members of late Pastor Samuel Ochenjele. It is a company whose interest is being agitated in this suit. The interest of the 1st - 3rd Plaintiffs as family members of late Pastor Samuel Ochenjele, is alien to that of the company. | have my doubts whether the 4th Plaintiff can make a case of interference in the interest and rights of the late Pastor Samuel Ochenjele family as a total stranger. The upshot of my reasoning is that the 4th Plaintiff does not have the locus to institute this suit. In consequence, the name of the 4th Plaintiff is hereby struck out".

The court said the Plaintiffs have not pleaded and led evidence on all material issues which they have to prove, and where they have led evidence, such evidence is manifestly unsatisfactory, and have therefore not made out a prima facie case.

Justice Ityonyiman concluded, "It therefore follows that with the variation in the evidence with pleadings, and failure to back up the pleadings with credible evidence on the invasion of the school, the case of the Plaintiffs is on a sticky wicket. The effect is that the Plaintiffs have no case, and indeed have not made out any, against any of the Defendants to warrant any confrontation or defence thereto. in Progressive Action Alliance v. INEC [2009] All FWLR (pt. 478) 260 @ 317 paras G-H, it was decided: “A defendant need not prove anything, if the plaintiff has not succeeded in establishing his case prima facie in order that the necessity to confront the case may so arise. Aromire v. Awoyeni [1972] 2 SC 7, Adeleke v. Inyanda [2001] 13 NWLR (pt. 729)..

"The suit is therefore a cul-de sac. In other words, Plaintiffs have not proved their claim on the preponderance of evidence. The claim must therefore fail. It fails and it is hereby dismissed."

US Based Rights Lawyer Attacks Kano Commissioner, Accuses Her Of Complicit In Death of 13-year-old Orphan

*American Cleric calls for immediate release


For the second time, the handover of the children illegally taken by Kano state government from an orphanage in the state was sabotaged, Barrister Emmanuel Ogebe, International human rights lawyer. rights lawyer, has said.

Ogebe, a United States based activist, in company of a renowned american cleric and human rights advocate, Dr. William Delvin, said one of the children David Tara, died in custody of the state government due to the negligence.

Dr Delvin condemned the refusal of the. Kano government to release the children despite a court order to that effect.

He called on the state government t to act immediately amd release the children.

Ogebe in his part said in 2019, the children were illegally taken out an Orphanage in the state, Du Merci and have been in the custody of the state government till date.

The case was taken to court and there was a consent judgement of the court that the children should be released to the orphanage.

The court in the consent judgement in March 2025, ordered that those who were of age among the chidden should be allowed to decide, if they want to return to the orphanage or not while the minors among them should be taken back to the orphanage.

According to him, since the judgement was delivered last year, the state government has failed to comply with the judgement.

At a news conference in Abuja, Thursday, he accused the commissioner for Women Affairs in the state, Amb. Hajiya Amina Sani Abdullahi, of complicity in the death of Tarfa.

He commended the Attorney-General of Kano state, for the efforts he has made to ensure the release of the children.

Ogebe said, "I have four questions to ask, one of them is simply this: the commissioner for women affairs is currently a suspect in the death of David Tarfa, a thirteen year old boy, whose death is currently being investigated.

"He was among the Christian orphans who was taken and who died on January 28th of this year, she is a suspect in the death of the boy and now she's insisting on keeping the remaining seven of them.

"They are not only insisting on keeping the remaining seven children, they have refused to release the body of the boy who died for which an autopsy has been ordered.

"The court ordered that she should release 18 children last year and what she had done was to release some of them and instead of releasing the rest, she kept them until one died and then has not released his body.

"My second question is this - and this was question raised by Council for the children, If they were truly coming for a handover, how come they did not come with the belongings of the children, so it was completely a fraud that she perpetrated not only on the children but also on the Attorney General, who in good faith believed that the handover in compliance with the court order was going to happen. The third question I want to ask them is, if the commissioner is claiming that the children were asked if they wanted to go back and they said No and started crying and on the basis of that she decided to keep the children. Where is it in our law in Nigeria that a party will cry and on the basis of the crying of that party, the judgment of the court will be anulled? This is why I say this woman is nothing less than an educated Illiterate, people who have resemblance as if they are educated but they have no concept of democracy, rule of law or human rights. I again, repeat that we are awaiting the judgment of the court, investigating the death of the boy and on that basis, this woman should have nothing to do with these children until the determination of how that boy died in their custody. The report we have was some kind of illness and they said they had no money to take him to the hospital and that was how he died, one week after complaining of the illness.

"Our fourth question is this, where in Nigeria is a government more competent to take care of orphans than a well established NGO, an NGO that has existed for over 32 years in Kano and they have never had such an incident and the ministry of women's affair could not take care of these children without one of them being burnt in his body or being abandoned in the hospital and then one finally dieing in there hands. This is incompetence in its highest order and I want to reinterate that the government of kano should comply with this order immediately."

Insubordination: Officer At Zone 7 Cybercrime Unit Allegedly Defies IGP Disu, PSC Orders, Sticks To Extortion


Bail Is Free” Stakeholders Urge IGP Disu, PSC to Sanction Officers Over Alleged Extortion at Zone 7 Cybercrime Unit

As the Inspector General of Police, IGP Rilwan Olatunji Disu, and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) push far-reaching reforms to reposition the Nigeria Police Force, fresh allegations of extortion by personnel within a cybercrime unit in Abuja threaten to erode public trust and roll back gains.

Multiple sources alleged that an officer named Bassey ( Fair in complexion)
attached to the Cybercrime Department of Zone 7 Police Headquarters, Wuse, Abuja, under AIG Victor Olaiya, has been demanding huge sums of money and property from suspects as a precondition for bail, without the knowledge of the AIG incharge of the Zone and IGP respectively.

The practice contravenes Section 35 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 and the subsisting IGP directive that bail is free.

Pattern of Allegations
In one alleged incident, two young men named Ojo Mathew and Blaise Ali Mohamed were reportedly arrested in Abuja without a search warrant bearing the owner of the apartment, alongside a Mercedes Benz GLK. After allegedly finding no incriminating evidence, the officer is said to have released one suspect but instructed him to go bring a buyer and sell the vehicle which is the custody of the said officer and return with ₦5 million to secure his friend’s release which he claimed of finding some incriminating items in his phone.

Non-compliance, he allegedly warned, would result in court remand. The young man Ojo Mathew has been under his custody since last week while waiting for the money to be raised, all efforts by both the lawyer and some other persons to secure his bail seems to be plummeted.

Sources claim similar patterns were recorded in 2024, when another victim allegedly parted with ₦1.8 million as a bail condition.

such corrupt officers that are eroding the good work of the IGP is should be fished out and disciplined for Nigerians to begin to enjoy the ongoing police reofrms under IGP Rilwan Olatunji Disu.

Civil society monitors alleged that people with luxury vehicles are often targeted, regardless of proof of ownership or source of income.

Why It Undermines Reform
Security experts note that IGP Disu has repeatedly warned against unprofessional conduct, launching internal accountability measures and strengthening the IGP Monitoring Unit to track complaints. The PSC, on its part, has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption and pledged to dismiss officers found culpable after due process.

“These alleged acts directly sabotage the IGP’s reform agenda,” said Dr. Ibrahim Musa, a security analyst with the Centre for Police Accountability. “If bail extortion persists, citizens will lose faith in the justice system. The only deterrent is swift investigation and public sanction of any officer found guilty.”

Legal and Policy Position
Section 35(2) of the Police Act 2020 states that a suspect shall be released on bail free of charge. The Force Headquarters has also issued several circulars reinforcing this. The Police Service Commission’s Disciplinary Committee is empowered to recommend dismissal, reduction in rank, or prosecution for officers who violate these provisions.

Calls for Action
Stakeholders are urging the Inspector General Of Police IGP Rilwan Olatunji Disu, to act swiftly on such officers if found wanting in order to serve as a deterrent to any one who decides to toe such heinous corrupt part.

AIG Victor Olaiya is also urged urged to audit all bail records for Cybercrime Department within the last 18 and if possible demand for the possible appearance of the suspects involved so far and hear some scaring testimonies.

Stakeholders also want the PSC to activate its complaints tracking system to ensure petitions do not stall.

“IGP Disu has shown capacity and will. What’s needed now is to make an example of anyone found culpable,” said Barr. Nkechi Eze of the Access to Justice Coalition. “Publish the findings. Dismiss and prosecute where necessary. That’s how you rebuild trust.”

What Citizens Should Do

The Police Public Relations Office continues to remind Nigerians that bail is free. Victims or witnesses of extortion are advised to:
1. Document everything: Record calls, save chats, keep bank receipts.
2. Report immediately to the Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit [PCRRU]: 0805 700 0001, 0805 700 0002, WhatsApp 0805 700 0003, X: @PoliceNG_PCRRU.
3. Petition the PSC: info@psc.gov.ng with evidence attached.
4. Copy the IGP

Efforts to obtain comments from Zone 7 Headquarters were unsuccessful as of press time. The Force PRO’s office restated that “any officer caught collecting money for bail will face disciplinary action.”

ADC Ward B Expels Rep. George Adegeye Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities In Amuwo-Odofin.

Felicia Asuquo

A leadership crisis has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Amuwo‑Odofin Local Government Area following the expulsion of the member representing Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives (Nigeria), Hon. George Olawande Adegeye.

The expulsion was announced after an Emergency General Meeting of Ward B members held in Festac Town on April 8, 2026.

Party leaders accused Adegeye of engaging in anti-party activities and failing to comply with internal party procedures.

In a letter addressed to the ADC Chairman in Amuwo-Odofin LGA, Hon. Clifford Agugoesi, Ward B members stated that Adegeye had not formally joined the party and had allegedly undermined the party’s leadership structure at both ward and local government levels.

According to the statement, members also alleged that the lawmaker submitted his membership form in March 2026, which they argued did not meet the eligibility requirements under the 2026 Electoral Act for participation in party activities.

The ward leadership further accused Adegeye of organizing a party event on April 4, 2026, without consulting recognized party leaders.

The meeting, they claimed, created tension within the party and raised questions about his political loyalty, alleging that many attendees were sympathisers of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ward B members also alleged that Adegeye interfered with the work of the Lagos State Harmonization Committee by allegedly determining names that appeared on a harmonised list without proper authorization, prompting recognized party representatives to distance themselves from the document.

The statement further accused the lawmaker of attempting to replace duly constituted leadership at ward and local government levels, describing the actions as violations of Article 22 of the ADC Constitution.

Following deliberations, Ward B members conducted a voice vote and unanimously endorsed Adegeye’s expulsion from the party.

The resolution was signed by Ward Chairman Hon. Ola Olajide, Ward Secretary Hon. Faith Kelechi Oluoma, Women Leader Hon. Wisdom Ajogu.

Others are Hon. Chibuzor N. Chibuzor, Hon. John Otu, Hon. Clara Ogbedi, Hon. Juliana Abogo, Hon. Patience Abanum, Hon. Mezue Uche, Hon. Adaeze Jombo, and Hon. Felix Bello.

Copies of the expulsion notice were forwarded to the State Organising Secretary, State Chairman, National Organising Secretary, and National Chairman of the party.

The development signals growing tensions within the ADC in Amuwo-Odofin ahead of upcoming political activities in Lagos State.

By Cecil Ezem Osakwe


In today’s interconnected world, property development is no longer a purely local exercise.
Capital moves across borders, construction methods are shared globally, and international standards increasingly shape investor expectations. In this environment, a global perspective is not a luxury for developers — it is a strategic necessity.
However, adopting a global perspective does not mean copying what works elsewhere without adaptation. The most effective developers are those who understand how to translate the best global practices into local realities. This requires both technical knowledge and cultural awareness, as well as the discipline to balance ambition with
practicality.

Learning from Structured Markets
One of the most important advantages of international exposure is the opportunity to observe how mature real estate markets function. In cities like Houston, for example, residential development is often driven by structured planning, predictable regulatory processes, and access to long-term financing.

Developers in these environments benefit from:
Clear zoning regulations
* Established mortgage systems
* Reliable infrastructure networks
These elements reduce uncertainty and allow projects to be executed with greater efficiency. They also create a framework within which risk can be more accurately assessed
and managed.

Translating Structure into Emerging Markets

The challenge arises when developers operate in markets where these systems are still
evolving. In Nigeria, for instance, rapid urbanization has created strong demand for housing, but infrastructure and regulatory processes have not always kept pace.

A key lesson from global experience is the importance of building structure internally, even when external systems are less predictable. This means:
* Conducting rigorous feasibility studies
* Phasing developments to manage risk
* Investing in supporting infrastructure where necessary
In Abuja, emerging residential corridors illustrate how this approach can create value.

Developments that anticipate infrastructure growth — rather than waiting for it — often benefit from early positioning, leading to long-term appreciation.

The Role of Phased Development
In more structured markets, phased development is a common strategy for aligning supply with demand. This approach is equally valuable in emerging markets, where demand can
be strong but uneven.

By developing projects in phases, developers can:
* Reduce capital exposure
* Adjust to market feedback
* Maintain pricing stability
This model has proven effective in both the United States and Nigeria, demonstrating that certain principles of real estate development are transferable across borders when applied
thoughtfully

Infrastructure as a Value Multiplier
Another critical lesson from global markets is the central role of infrastructure. Roads, drainage systems, utilities, and connectivity are not optional features — they are fundamental to the success of any development.

In many emerging markets, developers must take a more active role in delivering or facilitating infrastructure. While this increases upfront costs, it also enhances long-term value. Projects that integrate infrastructure effectively tend to outperform those that rely
solely on external provision.

Case Study: Community-Centered Development

In both developed and emerging markets, there is a growing recognition that real estate must be designed with end users in mind. Developments that prioritize livability — through
functional layouts, accessibility, and community planning — tend to achieve stronger occupancy rates and long-term stability.

For example, residential communities that incorporate:
* Green spaces
* Reliable utilities
* Proximity to essential services
They are more likely to retain value over time. This principle holds regardless of geography, reinforcing the idea that successful real estate development is fundamentally about
people.

The Diaspora Advantage
A global perspective is particularly relevant for diaspora investors and developers. With exposure to international standards and a deep understanding of local markets, they are
uniquely positioned to bridge gaps in expertise and execution.
This dual perspective enables:
* Better investment decisions
* Improved project governance
* Enhanced credibility with stakeholders
As more diaspora capital flows into African real estate, this influence is likely to grow, raising standards across the sector.

Managing Cross-Border Challenges

Despite its advantages, cross-border development comes with its own set of challenges.
Currency volatility, regulatory differences, and legal complexities can all impact project outcomes.
Addressing these challenges requires:
* Strong local partnerships
* Flexible financing strategies
* A long-term investment horizon
Developers who approach these issues with patience and discipline are better positioned to navigate uncertainty and deliver successful projects.

Looking Ahead

As urbanization accelerates across Africa, the demand for well-planned real estate will continue to rise. Cities are expanding, populations are growing, and the need for housing
and infrastructure is becoming more urgent. In this context, a global perspective offers a powerful advantage. It provides a framework
for:
* Applying proven development principles
* Managing risk effectively
* Delivering projects that meet evolving market needs
Ultimately, property development is about more than constructing buildings. It is about shaping cities, supporting economic growth, and improving the quality of life. By combining
global experience with local insight, developers can create projects that are not only financially viable but also sustainable and impactful.

By Cecil Ezem Osakwe


Nigeria’s real estate sector is entering a pivotal phase, driven by rapid urbanization, rising housing demand, and expanding economic activity. However, structural challenges continue to shape how quickly the sector can reach its full potential.

As a real estate developer with experience across international and Nigerian markets, I have seen firsthand how opportunity and complexity coexist in the country’s property
landscape.

Rising Demand Meets Structural Gaps:
Urban centers such as Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt are experiencing sustained population growth. This shift is fueling demand for residential housing, commercial developments, and integrated urban communities.

Despite this demand, many projects struggle due to gaps in planning, financing, and execution.

With my experience, the issue is not a lack of opportunity. It is the need for stronger project structuring, disciplined execution, and long-term thinking.

Due Diligence Remains a Critical Risk Factor: Land acquisition continues to be one of the most sensitive aspects of property development in Nigeria.

Developers must navigate complex ownership structures, verify land titles, and comply with regulatory requirements. Failure to conduct proper due diligence often leads to
disputes, delays, and financial losses.

Feasibility studies are equally important: Understanding construction costs, pricing dynamics, and market demand is essential for delivering viable projects.

Infrastructure Drives Value:
Infrastructure remains one of the most significant determinants of real estate value in Nigeria.


In many cases, developers must provide roads, drainage, water systems, and power solutions as part of their projects. While this increases upfront costs, it also enhances long-term asset value. Areas with improved infrastructure tend to attract stronger demand and experience faster growth.

Regulatory Efficiency Could Unlock Growth: The sector also faces challenges related to regulatory processes. Multiple approvals, inconsistent enforcement of standards, and delays in permitting can
slow down development timelines. These inefficiencies increase costs and reduce investor confidence.

A more streamlined and transparent regulatory framework would improve project delivery and attract both local and international investment. Financing Constraints Remain a Barrier
Access to affordable, long-term financing continues to limit the pace of development.

High interest rates and limited funding options make it difficult for developers to execute large-scale projects. Innovative financing models, including structured partnerships and investment vehicles, could help address this gap.

Long-Term Strategy Is Key
Sustainable growth in Nigeria’s real estate sector will depend on a shift toward long-term planning.

Developers must focus on:
• Integrated community development
• Strong construction standards
• Infrastructure-led planning
• Alignment with evolving urban needs
Real estate development is not a short-term endeavor. Projects that are thoughtfully
designed and properly executed tend to deliver the most lasting value.

PRESS STATEMENT.

UNVEILING THE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE DLA: THE ONLY CORE IDEOLOGICAL PARTY IN NIGERIA.[url][/url]

A CALL TO NATIONAL RENEWAL: SECURING NIGERIA’S FUTURE THROUGH IDEOLOGY, INNOVATION AND COURAGE

Fellow Nigerians,

On behalf of the Democratic Leadership Alliance, I address you at a defining moment in our nation’s history.

The Democratic Leadership Alliance was founded not as just another political party, but as a movement of purpose, built on a clear ideological foundation—anchored in Pan-Africanism, ethical leadership, scientific advancement, and people-centered governance. Our emergence is a response to the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from systemic failure, economic stagnation, and insecurity.

Nigeria must rise again, and it will.

OUR VISION FOR NIGERIA.

We envision a Nigeria driven by science, technology, and industrialization, a nation where innovation fuels economic growth, where institutions work, and where leadership is accountable to the people.

Our economic policy is clear:

* Transition from a consumption-based economy to a production and innovation-driven economy
* Promote industrialization and local manufacturing
* Invest heavily in technology, research, and youth-driven enterprise.
* Build a sustainable system that empowers Nigerians to create wealth and opportunity

PROTECTING FARMERS, SECURING THE NATION.

The security of lives and property remains non-negotiable. The continuous destruction of farmlands and displacement of farming communities across the country is unacceptable.

The Democratic Leadership Alliance therefore takes a firm and unapologetic position:

* There must be an immediate legislative and policy framework to end the destruction of farmlands.
* There must be effective regulation of movement of cattle across Nigeria.
* Cattle owners must operate within designated and regulated ranching systems, taking full responsibility for their business operations.

This is not just about security, it is about food sovereignty, economic stability, and national survival.

We must protect our farmers, secure our communities, and restore confidence in agriculture as a viable and profitable venture. Young Nigerians must be encouraged and empowered to embrace agricultural entrepreneurship, supported by modern technology and structured systems.

A MOVEMENT FOR ALL NIGERIANS.

We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to rise and be part of this historic movement. The Democratic Leadership Alliance stands today as the first and only ideologically grounded political party in Nigeria, committed to long-term transformation, not short-term political gains.

Nigeria is not a captured state, and it will never be.

No matter the challenges, no matter the resistance, we remain resolute. History teaches us that no night is so dark that it can stop the coming of the day.

OUR COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY.

The responsibility to rebuild Nigeria does not lie with a few—it lies with all of us.

The Democratic Leadership Alliance DLA is open to all well-meaning Nigerians seeking an ideological platform on which to pursue their vision and political aspiration. As a Political Party we welcome as members Statesmen and Patriots whose faith in the Green White Green is unalterable. We urge you to Register and Join us in the great drive to berth a New Day, a New Dawn and a New Republic for the masses of our people.

As a Political Party, and a clear-headed ideological platform, we urge Nigerians to come along with us as we ORGANIZE rather AGONIZE, and make no mistakes WE ARE COMMITTED TO BIRTHING A NATION THAT WORKS FOR ALL.

To those desirous to travel this path of National Redemption with us as a Party Member, a Party Executive, or an Aspirant/Candidate we urge that you acquaint yourself with the Vision, the Policy Drive and the Ideology of our Great Party by following and studying the trust of DLA as expressed on our highly interactive website www.dlanigeria.org. You are also advised to Register online with DLA the Party with the solution to Nigeria's leadership deficit.

We must reject:

* Corruption
* Political opportunism
* Ethnic and religious division

And embrace:

* Unity
* Discipline
* Innovation
* Purpose-driven leadership

CONCLUSION.

The time has come to rewrite the story of our nation.
The time has come to build a Nigeria that works—for everyone.

Together, through courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment, we can secure our future.

Join us.
Stand with us.
Build with us.

Nigeria will rise again.

Signed

Barr. Samuel M. Memeh
National Chairman
Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA)

Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr.
National Publicity Secretary
Democratic Leadership Alliance DLA.

Army Ask Court To Dismiss Suit Against Disputed Abuja Property


The Nigeria Army has described as an abuse of court process, a suit filed by a professor, John Ntui Ntuiabane, to challenge a disputed property in Apo District of Abuja.

In a suit marked FHC/ABJ/C'S/2635/2025, the professor is seeking an interpretation of the right of citizens to own properties in Nigeria among other.

According to the Court process the suit also seeks to preserve the right of a retired deceased Major, who was originally allocated the disputed property in Apo, which is now occupied by the retired Naval chief.

The property has been a subject of controversy where Lt. Ahmed Yerima, a young Naval officer had an altercation with the minister of FCT, Barrister Nysesom Wike.

In the preliminary objection against the suit dated March 24, 2026, filed by Human Rights Lawyer, Victor Giwa, the Army prayed the court to dismiss the suit.

The Army also prayed the court to dismiss the suit on the ground that the suit is incompetent.

The lawyer also challenged the jurisdiction if the court to hear the suit.

"The Suit is grossly incompetent, having been filed via Originating Process, highly speculative and hypothetical and academic in nature", Giwa stated in the, objection.

Giwa also argued that the Claimant is struggling to seek a judicial decision on an academic question urging the Federal High Court to strike out the suit and assign it as a class room ‘s handbook.

Listed as defendants in the suit by the plaintiff are: Minister of Defence, Minister of State for f Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Naval Staff.

Others are Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo, Lt Ahmed Yerima and the Attoney-General of the Federation.

Non Service of court process Stalls Hearing in N152million Lagos Property Dispute


A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikoyi, has fixed April 22,2026, to continue proceedings in a N152 million property dispute involving two luxury apartments in Victoria Island, between a Lagos businessman Olukayode Olusanya and Nigeria America based Engineer, Anthony Ugbebor.

The case could go on, Tuesday, after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to serve its final written address on the parties as ordered by the court.

The suit, filed by property developer, Olukayode Olusanya and his firm, Oak Homes Limited, against Ugbebor, centres on alleged trespass on two second-floor apartments located at No. 14A Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island.

At the resumed hearing before Justice Akingbola George of the court, Counsel to the claimant, Benson Nwosu, informed the court that the matter was slated for the adoption of final written addresses.

He, however, noted that while the claimant had received the first defendant’s processes and filed a reply, the EFCC had yet to serve its address on the parties.

Nwosu further told the court that efforts to serve the Commission at its Awolowo Road, Ikoyi office were unsuccessful, as officials at the gate allegedly declined to accept the documents.

In response, EFCC counsel, E.S. Okongbu, confirmed that the Commission filed its final written address dated March 4, 2026, but apologised for failing to effect service in line with the court’s directive.

Consequently, The presiding Judge, Justice George directed the EFCC to immediately serve its processes on all parties and adjourned the matter to April 22, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses.

The delay comes amid earlier testimony by an EFCC operative, Emmanuel Adide, who told the court that the Commission was never instructed by Ugbebor to recover funds from the claimant, emphasising that the agency “is not a debt recovery Agency.”

Adide explained that the petition before the EFCC alleged criminal breach of trust and obtaining by false pretence, prompting an investigation.

However, he said the Commission later found out the dispute to be civil in nature and advised the claimant to retrieve previously submitted bank drafts.
He further testified that although discussions were held regarding a refund, there was no agreement to sell the disputed apartments to facilitate repayment, noting that compelling such a sale would be improper.

The witness also confirmed that Olusanya was initially detained when he visited the EFCC office in Abuja but was later granted bail, adding that the refund arrangement was not reached while he was in custody.

According to him, the claimant paid a total of N102 million in instalments through bank drafts, although he could not recall the exact number of tranches.
Under cross-examination, Adide maintained that there was no written request from Ugbebor asking the EFCC to recover the funds, reinforcing the Commission’s position that its role was limited to investigating allegations of fraud.

The matter is now set for final addresses, the last stage before judgment, subject to compliance with the court’s directive of service.

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.