₦airaland Forum

BY SIMON ABIODUN
With foresight reminiscent of Nostradamus, Ajayi has become the man who saw
tomorrow. Guided by clarity of purpose, he has transformed vision into reality
since assuming office as the DGSS, a year ago. What began on 26th August, 2024
has remained action packed, a fulfilment of promises and continuous progress
marked with milestones that speak to leadership, dedication and diligence. In just
twelve months, Ajayi’ s ability to anticipate challenges and seize opportunities has
shown him as one who came prepared.
Since assuming duty, he has infused every action with the imprint of great dreams
and far-reaching vision. His leadership reflects not only a commitment to the
present but also a bold imagination for what the future of the DSS can become. One
would say, that a defining hallmark of Ajayi’ s first year has been the daring
repositioning of the DSS, transforming it from a conventional structure into a
dynamic institution better equipped to address contemporary security challenges.
Central to this transformation has been his deliberate refocus on the principle of
covertness, a major move that has sharpened his staff ability to be futuristic, act
discreetly, anticipate and neutralise threats. It is therefore not surprising that under
his leadership, the Service has become more responsive, with improved intelligence
gathering initiative. The information sharing systems with both domestic and
international stakeholders are topnotch. Indeed, this renewed focus has sharpened
the capacity to counter challenges such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping,
cybercrime, transnational organised crime including online threats thus firmly
establishing the Service as a trusted pillar in safeguarding national security.
To sustain this capacity, Ajayi prioritises training and capacity building as a
cornerstone of the agency’ s transformation. His emphasis on advanced skills in
intelligence gathering, analysis and modern technologies has ensured that the
Service’ s human capital is fully aligned with its renewed mandate. His leadership
is exemplary. His dictum is Do As I Do. As a practical man, he leads from the
front. When he first got to office, he told staff he came prepared to accomplish. He
assured he would challenge the status quo and not be a That’ s How We Do It
DG. He called on personnel to join him in what has become a beautiful sprint.
Whether on early arrival at work, meetings or schedules, exhibiting discipline and
diligence, responsibility and team spirit on assigned roles, his commitment has
remained the same. For him, DSS must serve Nigeria with pride, honesty and
patriotism. He is goal-oriented.
Beyond institutional reforms, the DGSS has placed a premium on staff welfare.
This is in recognition that motivated personnel are the backbone of any successful
organization. He has improved the conditions of service by ensuring fairer
remuneration, timely promotions and clearer career progression. He also introduced
stronger support systems, including healthcare and housing packages, designed to
give officers and their families a greater sense of security. In addition, new policies
were put in place to prioritize overall well-being of all. He recognizes excellence
and provides safeguards for those in high-risk assignments. Equally significant has
been his decisive move to realign ranks and restore discipline, a reform that
injected fairness, merit, accountability, predictability and self appraisal into the
agency’ s structure.
Remarkably, retirees are not left behind under him. Not only harmonised their
benefits, he gives them all they ever asked for. It has become honourable to work
and retire from the DSS. There could not have been a prouder time. Anticipating
the long-term impact of these steps, he understood that internal order and morale
would translate into sharper efficiency and stronger credibility externally. Today,
the DSS reflects a culture of professionalism, thus showcasing attributes that are
vital for meeting the demands of a complex security environment. Any time I come
across DSS personnel, all I hear are praises of their new DG who has brought
positive change to their prestigious Agency. I feel jealous I wished I could be a
member.
Meanwhile, Ajayi’ s insightful contributions to policy through timely intelligence,
strategic analysis and clear recommendations to consumers have fortified political
stability and strengthened democratic institutions. These inputs have also nurtured
an atmosphere of trust in governance, thereby ensuring that national decisions are
grounded in foresight and security consciousness. Likewise, his contributions to
securing critical infrastructure has created an environment of safety, thus
supporting economic growth and giving businesses and investors the confidence to
thrive. In weaving security into the fabric of economic progress and political
stability, Ayayi has shown that intelligence leadership, when guided by vision and
purpose, is not just about protection but about driving the nation’ s journey toward
peace and prosperity. This scenario is epitomised by the recent apprehension of
Ansaru terrorist leaders. Who else could have done that except the one who takes
the bull by the horn and walks on paths feared by others.
One year on, Ajayi’ s leadership has already left an indelible mark. His
transformative actions within the agency, commitment to staff welfare, discipline
and strategic influence on national policy have set a high standard. It has been a
first year of bold moves, measurable impact and a promise of even greater
achievements ahead for DSS staff, the nation and its citizens. Congratulations,
TOSIN and 12 hearty cheers to many more years of visionary leadership and
outstanding service. Your imagination will never decline. Set your eyes on the ball,
able Golfer.
Abiodun is a Public Affairs Analyst based in Lagos.

Bayo Ojulari.
Contrary to the sensational and wildly inaccurate report by Peoples Gazette alleging that the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, was "abducted and forced to resign" by security officials, we categorically state that the story is nothing more than a poorly scripted work of fiction, better suited for a Nollywood thriller than credible journalism.

Unlike the Gazette’s dramatic tale of midnight kidnappings and shadowy coups, Mr. Ojulari voluntarily tendered his resignation after due consultations with higher authorities in Abuja. His decision followed the recent official trip to Kigali for an oil and gas conference—a legitimate business engagement aimed at advancing Nigeria’s energy sector interests.

"I was neither arrested nor strong-armed into resigning," Mr. Ojulari clarified with amusement. "In fact, the only 'pressure' I faced was from my own conscience and commitment to accountability after the unnecessary controversy stirred around the Kigali trip. My resignation was a personal decision, submitted through the appropriate channels—not at gunpoint in some spy movie scenario."

The report’s claim that EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi orchestrated an illegal "coup" to remove him is not only baseless but laughable. "If I were to be ‘forced out,’ it certainly wouldn’t be in silence—I’d have at least negotiated for a better headline!" Ojulari joked.

As for the bizarre insinuations about British-Nigerian businesswoman Olatimbo Ayinde, Mr. Ojulari maintains that he has no personal or professional dealings with her and finds it curious that her name keeps appearing in unrelated matters. "I’ve spent decades in the oil and gas industry, building a reputation on transparency and expertise—not gossip columns," he stated firmly.

While Peoples Gazette may thrive on conspiracy theories and clickbait, the truth remains simple: Mr. Ojulari resigned honorably, the NNPCL continues its operations uninterrupted, and Nigeria’s energy sector remains focused on progress—not palace intrigue.

We urge the public to disregard this fictional account and instead rely on verified statements from official channels. After all, in the words of Mr. Ojulari: "If I were going to stage a dramatic exit, I’d at least make sure it came with a soundtrack and better lighting."

Joshua Balogun Of UK Charterhouse School Visits Ophanage That Rescues Killing Of Twins, Donates Items





A United Kingdom based Charterhouse School student, Mr Joshua Oluwadamilola Balogun, has visited Vine Heritage Home, Kuje, Abuja, where he donated relief items and share experiences with them.

Balogun, a twin, said he sees his coming to the orphanage as a duty to associate with the children and also feel their pains.

Vine Heritage Home is a private charity home, established in 2004 and is dedicated to bringing succour to not just twins, but other children set to be killed or abandoned before its intervention.

Others were willingly brought to the centre by their parents or relatives, who could not provide for them for reasons of poverty, death and outright lack of interest in parental care.

As at November 2022, the Vine Heritage Centre has 175 children, among whom are 22 sets of twins.

Balogun, during his visit played football, basketball and table tennis with the children.

He said as a twin, he could have ended up like one of the children in the orphanage home but was lucky and therefore, saw the need to identify with them

He said, "I know I am very lucky to have the things I have, I am also a twin like alot of these children here, so, I know that I could have ended up just like them, and honestly, even, at first I didn't believe it but unfortuntely, it's the sad truth.

"I just wanted to do my own part to help as well because I know that this children were just like me, they could have been in my position. I feel obligated to help, i feel it's my duty, my responsibility as I have the ability to help.

This visit is to help the children play basketball. I also feel if you have the ability to help you should help and thanks to God, he gave me the ability to do the things I can, and I feel like he wants me to help the children, so, I just want to do that in the best way I can.

"So, I wil try my best to reach out to as many orphanages that I can and I will try my best to help as many that I can. I just think the more I try, the better the outcome will be and I want to do my best to make a positive impact in this world".

Founder of Vine Heritage Home, Pastor Steven Olusola, said it's been so far, so good since the home was established.

According to him, "men and women of goodwill, just as Mr Balogun is doing today have been supporting us".

He described the visit as a memorable one which the children will remember for a long time.

Pastor Olusola said, "Well, it's a memorable one in the sense that we have people from within and outside Nigeria coming to visit the ophanage home to support what we are doing. It goes a long way to strengthen our hearts to do much more for the children God has given us to care for.


"In the last 10 years, we have seen people coming to know what we are doing. With the help of good people within and outside Nigeria, it has lightened our burden because it would have been a bigger burden, if we are to rescue, nurture and do everything all alone without any body supporting us, no matter how rich and powerful you are, I don't think you would have done this alone.

Well, for me, it's not just a motivation, it's a calling. It's a calling of God because it was God that pointed to me what was happening in the rural community and gave us an instruction to go and save them, and for me it has been a world wide venture, because when you see someone like Wonder boy that you picked 4 hours after birth, Wonder boy is now 21 years old. You were there when he was a baby, toddler, go through primary and secondary school. now, if I am not here, he is doing exactly what I am doing today, he speaks on behalf of the home, when I am not here, he can attend to people, he can lead people to the community and say this is what my dad is doing, so for me, whenever I look at this children it gives me joy.


"These are children that would have been killed and forgotten but you can see them lively. Some of them are in higher institution, some are in secondary school, so, if we have not been doing what God called us to do, they would have been forgotten.

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarwa state, has written to the Vice Chancellor of University of Mkar, Gboko, Benue state, Professor Zacharys Anger Gundu, over false allegation of fuelling insecurity made against him.

The governor, in the letter dated July 22, 2025, is demanding a retraction of the statement made by Prof Gundu, on a national television, News Central Television Town Hall Programme.

In the letter written by a prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Dr Ahmed Raji, on behalf of the governor, he said the damage caused by the statement of the VC is unquantifiable.

Professor Gundu had said on a national television, "The issue of Nasarawa State has come up and we know that even during Al-Makura’s time, Fulanis were coming there and attacking Benue State, and Al-Makura would call them international hunters. He would call them international hunters, inspite of the fact that Nasarawa State does not have an international hunting, grounds, he would call them because he wanted to mask that. And even today, the governor of Nasarawa State, Sule, is also masking the problem.

"Now no other person in his right senses will ever say that the Fulanis who are killing and attacking us are coming from outside the country

“‘It is people like Sule the governor of Nasarawa State who is giving them haven, who is giving them refuge, who is getting the lands of his own citizens and giving it to these people."

The governor in the letter challenged the VC to provide evidence, retract his statements within seven day with an apology, if he can't or face court action.

According to him, the statements has injured his reputation in the eyes and minds of right thinking person in the society.

Dr Raji said in the letter to Prof. Gundu,
"In the foregoing premise, our client hereby challenges you to provide evidence of your allegations therein against him, which has seriously injured his reputation in the eyes of right-thinking members of the society. Given the far-reaching ramification of your publication, our client will not sit back and watch his hard-earned reputation and goodwill destroyed by your malicious decision to not only lay false allegations against him, but also, to cause the same to be published for the world’s attention.

"Surely, the damage occasioned to our client by your deliberate but ill-advised action is unquantifiable. However, our client will be assuaged, if you retract the said publication and tender an unreserved public apology to him in at least 5 [five] nationa! daily newspapers within 7 [seven] days of receipt of this letter. If not, we have our client’s further instructions to seek redress against you in a court of law where exemplary damages will be claimed against you. Kindly be advised."

PRESS UNIT OF THE OFFICE OF FORMER GOVERNOR OF ZAMFARA STATE HON DR BELLO MOHAMMAD MATAWALLEN MARADUN, MON, SHATIMAN SOKOTO AND BARDEN KASAR HAUSA.

PRESS RELEASE

AN ASSESSMENT OF GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL’S MID-TERM ADMINISTRATION: A CASE OF FALSE CLAIMS AND MISPLACED PRIORITIES - BEING A RESPONSE BY THE OFFICE OF THE FORMER EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF ZAMFARA STATE HON DR. BELLO MOHAMMAD MATAWALLEN MARADUN, MON, SHATIMAN SOKOTO AND BARDEN KASAR HAUSA.

Government, according to political science scholars, " refers to the system or group of people with the authority to govern and make decisions for a country, state, or community. It involves the exercise of power and control over a territory and its citizens, with the primary goal of maintaining order, stability, and security, and it is a continuous process."

Successive administrations inevitably inherit both assets and liabilities from their predecessors. Wise and experienced leaders understand the importance of continuity in governance. Rather than abandoning or falsely claiming projects initiated by others, they focus on building upon previous achievements for the collective good. Unfortunately, what is unfolding in Zamfara State under Governor Dauda Lawal’s leadership suggests a sharp departure from this ideal. Unfortunately again, Governor Dauda appears to be facing two fundamental governance challenges.
Firstly, his background in corporate management has not translated effectively into public sector leadership. Secondly, he has chosen to surround himself with a narrow circle of so-called technocrats, many of whom are non-indigenes without an iota of knowledge of the state, at the expense of local experts with political experience and deep-rooted understanding of the state’s sociocultural fabric.This is evident in the administration’s repeated attempts to claim credit for projects it neither initiated nor substantially executed. Very important personalities were deceitfully invited including the former President Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo GCFR to recommission the already commissioned projects portrayed as the current administration’s achievements. Yet, none of these developments, including the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau Township roads, and the Gusau Airport, to mention just a few, was originated under Governor Dauda’s watch. The projects were conceptualized and significantly executed by the successive administrations.

The Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, for instance, was constructed at a cost of ₦799 million under previous administrations. Governor Dauda's government claimed to have spent ₦9 billion on the renovation and construction of doctors’ quarters. This staggering figure raises serious concerns. Equipment and installations removed in the process of the so-called renovation worth millions were reportedly missing, which could have been sufficient to cover any legitimate renovation costs.
The Governor also publicly alleged that he inherited a hospital without a single functional ultrasound machine. Yet, records show that at least seven functional ultrasound machines were in place.

It is highly disheartening for a state chief executive to make such claims without verification. The truth is that the hospital was initiated by former governor Mamuda Aliyu Shinkafi and completed by former governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar. The hospital was commissioned by the then-Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako and was fully functional before Dauda took office.The so-called new doctors’ quarters were merely completed and painted.
Matawalle, took deliberate steps to improve the health sector, revamping General Hospitals across all the 14 local government areas of the state, and constructing health facilities in each of the 147 wards.
Similarly, the former governor Dr Bello Matawalle, constructed and equipped women and children hospitals in each of the 14 local government areas, and 17 ambulances were purchased and distributed to all general hospitals in the state. On the other hand, the general public may remember that Dauda once claimed that during his electioneering campaign that he purchased medical equipment for Zamfara state but was denied delivery by the then Governor Matawalle. Now, two years on, Gov Dauda Lawal has never delivered these equipment. Was that claim a scam?

The ₦80 billion contract for the reconstruction of the 105km Gusau–Dan Sadau road was awarded 7–8 months ago, yet, work has completely stopped and no explanation has been provided to the public. Is the funding insufficient, or was the project announcement simply another tactic to mislead the public?
In reality, the administration of Matawalle, unlike that of Dauda which concentrated all roads rehabilitation within Gusau metropolis, has succeeded in expanding roads construction beyond the state capital during his first two years. These roads include: Danmarke – Kanoma - Ruwan Doruwa - Kanoma; Kwanar Magarya – Magarya – Yanbuki – Jibya Road; Yandoton Daji – Cediya – Doka – Yan waren Daji – Hayin Alhaji – Bedi – Unguwar Joji – Yankuzo Road; Mada – Wonaka – Ruwan Bore road; Maradun – Magami – Faru road; Obasanjo Drive; Kasuwar Danjumma – Garejin Mai Laina raod; Gusau Central Market’s roads and Nasarawa Cemetery road.

The road works in Gusau are clouded in secrecy. There is no evidence of compliance with due process. There seems to be neither executive involvement nor legislative oversight, as Executive Council was not constituted and the legislature was not inaugurated as at the time of the award. Contracts were awarded beyond the Governor’s legal threshold, in clear violation of procurement guidelines. There is clear evidence that most of the roads recommissioned were executed by Matawalle which include but not limited to Canteen Daji dual carriage road; College of Islamic Science Road; Nasarawa Area Road, behind Gusau Hotel;  A new road linking Cediya Ukku, Gidan Mayana, Tullukawa and Anka Road; Inno Mai Doya Road; Sardauna Biredi Road; Hira da Kwaddi and Kanwuri Road.

The Gusau Airport Project was originally initiated under former Governor Mamuda Aliyu Shinkafi’s administration. Yari’s administration equally played key role in the preparation of the airport designs, social and environmental safeguards processes among others. The airport project gained more attention under Dr. Matawalle, who secured approvals and awarded the contract at a cost of ₦11.5 billion. However, Governor Dauda re-awarded the same project that had reached an appreciable level at the woofing cost of ₦69 billion, and yet, there is no tangible progress to date.

The Governor declared a state of emergency on education and health sectors. However, such declarations require full prioritization of the affected sectors over all others, something that has not been seen. Any declaration of state of emergency is expected to be followed by important development indicators that include teacher motivation and welfare, availability of instructional materials and facilities, teacher-pupil ratio increase which have all not been addressed by the current administration, instead, what is witnessed include overcrowded classes, inadequate teaching materials, dilapidated classes, mass failure in both internal and external examinations. Therefore, the declaration is far below the requirement to bring education to the required standard.

Similarly, in the health sector, the hospitals are grossly underfunded, seriously understaffed with mass exodus of doctors from the state, making healthcare delivery in Zamfara state the worse in Nigeria.
The claim of renovating 450 schools and recruiting 500 teachers is illogical. How can 500 teachers be equitably distributed across 450 schools? More than half of the school-aged children remain out of school, and many schools still lack basic instructional materials. Declaring emergencies without corresponding action plans only serves as a distraction from deeper failures.
The administration of Dauda Lawal claims to generate ₦2 billion monthly as internally generated revenue (IGR). This is far from reality, as actual independent IGR is estimated at around ₦300 million. Inflated figures include non-IGR components like Hajj funds and statutory allocations. It is disappointing that a Governor who claims to be a financial expert would mislead the public to this extent.
Governor Dauda frequently and repeatedly claims he inherited only ₦4 million from Matawalle’s administration. Yet, he has refused to acknowledge the ₦14 billion bond proceeds, ₦6.3 billion UBE BESDA reward, ₦2.7b NGCares World Bank Funds Investment, which yielded ₦49billion to his administration as a return from the investment of Matawale’s administration. In addition, Matawalle’s administration left $1.9 million (USD) balance in the World Bank ACReSAL account. There are other capital investments such as the Best Prime Hotel in Abuja.
On foreign students' scholarships, as of March 10, 2023, only negligible outstanding fees remained to be settled in respect of foreign scholarship students. Claims of billions in unpaid obligations are misleading. These debts accumulated under Dauda’s watch due to his administration’s failure to continue the payments for ongoing students in India, Sudan, and Cyprus. As for Matawalle's administration, substantial payments had already been made, prior to the handover.
Regarding the settlement of KAEDCO debts, a reconciliation meeting was held with KAEDCO in which the indebtedness of Government was agreed as ₦954,474,105.17 million, which was inherited right from the former Sokoto state. The state government under Matawalle paid ₦771,929,290.63 million for electricity to KAEDCO, leaving the outstanding balance at ₦182,544,814.54 million. It is unclear how Gov Dauda arrived at the ₦2 billion electricity debt claims.

The post subsidy intervention by the Federal Government to states Governments was basically to aid every state government to services debts owed by previous state governments, prevent them from takingp foreign debts, provide more devidents of democracy to their people, and Gov Dauda Lawal has to date received 160 billion naira from the post subsidy intervention funds.
The federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu provided substantial post-subsidy intervention allocations of N20 billion monthly to state governments for these purposes. It is also a clear Presidential directives that no state government should borrow money from anywhere, and this is the reason why states governments did not take any loan, since the assumption of the Tinubu administration. It is against this background that it becomes incumbent upon Gov Dauda Lawal to settle all outstanding debts including, pension arrears and gratuities, and address water, transportation, and agriculture as contained in the condition for the removal of the oil subsidy and the post-subsidy allocations to state governments.
States like Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kebbi have used these funds to settle pension arrears and gratuities without making political noise. Credit for these funds goes to the APC-led federal administration and not to Governor Dauda. With this, we commend the Tinubu led federal government on this initiative to alleviate the sufferings of the masses through their various state governments. FAAC allocation of May 2023 has answered Dauda’s daily noise making of not inheriting anything from the coffers of the the government he took over, as it is a tradition of all Banks not to allow any government rounds its tenure with debts.

Governor Dauda’s electioneering campaign was anchored on restoring security within two weeks. Two years on, insecurity has rather worsened under Lawal’s administration which receives large amounts of money to deal with the state challenges. The situation has deteriorated to the extent that many villages have been attacked and villagers killed, kidnapped or displaced.
Agriculture is adversely suffering as bandits have taken the periphery. This is responsible for the pervasive poverty across the state. Even Gusau, the state capital, is no longer safe. By 6:00 PM, motorists are restricted from using the highways across Zamfara state.
Under Matawalle, no local government headquarters was ever overrun by bandits. Dauda Lawal has been given excuses at various fora of his inability to curtail insecurity in the state and attributed it to his lack of control over security agencies. The question here is, which state governor has control over security agencies? But despite the fact that Matawalle was then in the opposition, he was able to manage the security situation in the state to the extent that for the period of almost a year there was no record of banditry in the state. It seems Dauda has no understanding about security complexity and how to manage it. In fact, even the much-publicized Community Protection Guards (CPG) Dauda is claiming credit, they were initiated and legislated by Matawalle’s government. Dauda merely signed into law what had already been established.

Zamfara state Government under the watch of Gov Dauda Lawal has failed woefully in its responsibility to provide social services to its citizenry. There seems to be no immediate solution to the acute water shortage in the state and particularly in the state capital. Under Dauda’s leadership, potable water has become a luxury in Gusau, the state capital. A jerrycan that previously sold for ₦50 now costs over ₦500. Women and children spend hours searching for water, often the children skipping schools. The administration of Gov Dauda Lawal is insensitive to the ongoing suffering of the people, and there is no visible efforts being made to address and or alleviate the suffering of Gusau and other communities.
Earlier in this briefing it has been mentioned that Federal Government under president Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has been releasing subsidy special funds of N20 billion monthly to state governments to address among others, the prevailing humanitarian crisis in the country. In Zamfara State under Gov Dauda Lawal’s administration, even the Humanitarian Ministry that was created by the Administration of the former governor Matawalle, and was a vital source of support to the people all over the state during the Matawalle's administration, now remained ineffective under Lawal’s watch.
Under Dauda Lawal’s administration, there was no any attention given to victims of human and natural disaster in the state. There was no any organized attempt to accommodate victims of banditry that have been displaced from their communities, they are scattered all over and are begging to survive and the government has remained insensitive to their plight. Conversely, the time of the immediate past administration of Matawalle, with a full-pledged ministry of humanitarian affairs was providing succor to the victims of disasters.
It is on record that there has never been any disaster during Matawalle that has not been accorded with the necessary financial support, food and clothing, including building materials.

In summary, Governor Dauda Lawal has demonstrated his lack of good knowledge and understanding of public sector governance. This has adversely affected the running of the state as governance in itself is outsourced to non-indigenes who themselves come from the corporate sector like the Governor, with little or no knowledge of the socioeconomic fabric of the state. His much-hyped seven-point agenda has yielded no measurable results. Education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security have all deteriorated. His administration thrives on media propaganda, inflated claims, and misrepresentation of facts, while on the ground there is nothing to show for it. Healthcare continuous to deteriorate, education with increasing out of school children by the day, and apparent rural infrastructural decay, total negligence of welfare, security of lives and property of the people.

Signed
Hon Ibrahim Dosara
Former Commissioner of information
Zamfara State
10/07/2025

The Chief Executive Officer of Oak Homes Limited, a property firm, Olukayode Olusanya, had denied ever receiving a letter from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission dated September 13, 2023, inviting him to collect a bank draft of N102m from the commission.

Olusanya, while being cross-examined by the EFCC counsel, Mr. E.S. Okondu, before Justice Akingbola George of the Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, said he did not receive any letter .

Olusanya and his company, Oak Homes Limited, are the claimants in the suit marked LD/4471LM/2023, filed against a Nigerian-American engineer, Mr. Anthony Ugbebor, (first defendant), and the EFCC (second defendant), over an alleged dispute regarding the ownership of a property worth N152m.

He told the court, “I did not receive any letter or call from the EFCC asking me to come and collect the bank draft".

Under cross-examination, he admitted making a statement at the EFCC but claimed it was not voluntary.

“I only went to the EFCC with a payment plan because that was the condition they gave me for my release after I was detained for three days, but “there was a demand on me to make a refund that was the condition for my release,” he said.

He also confirmed attending a meeting on August 28, 2023, with the EFCC and other parties involved in the dispute. According to him, the EFCC had acknowledged during the meeting that the matter was civil and advised both parties to settle out of court.

When asked whether he brought a bank draft of N102m to the EFCC, Olusanya responded in the affirmative.

“I did bring a draft of N102m to the EFCC’s office, but that money is no longer mine to take,” he said.

The EFCC’s counsel, Okondu, stated that pursuant to the August 28 meeting, the commission wrote a letter dated September 13, 2023, asking Olusanya to collect the draft. But the witness maintained he never received it.

When shown the letter in court, Olusanya said, “I am not aware of any such letter. I did not receive it.”

He also confirmed that the bank draft was still with the EFCC.

Following the cross-examination, Justice George adjourned the matter to October 20, 2025, for the trial continuation and for the defence to open its case.

Meanwhile, in a related criminal case before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on Tuesday, the second prosecution witness, Mr. Shehu Yakubu, a stockbroker, testified about financial transactions involving Olusanya and Oak Homes Limited.

Yakubu said he first met Olusanya in 2017 through his friend, Anthony Ugbebor, an engineer, the nominal complainant.

“Ugbebor brought Olusanya to my office and introduced him as the CEO of Oak Homes,” Yakubu told the court. “He said Olusanya offered him two flats at Musa Yar’Adua, Victoria Island, Lagos.”

Led in evidence by a Chief Superintendent of Police, Monday Omo-Osagie, Yakubu said he made payments on behalf of Ugbebor to Oak Homes.

“The first payment of N85m was made on November 21, 2017, to a Zenith Bank account on Bourdillon belonging to Oak Homes. A second payment of N49.5m was made on August 4, 2020, to the same Oak Homes account,” he said.

According to him, the receipts for both payments were acknowledged and emailed to him by Ugbebor. Yakubu said he made a statement to the police along with a letter from his office detailing the transactions.

The court admitted the statement and the letter as Exhibits 2 and 3 respectively, following no objection from the defence counsel, Adeleke Agboola (SAN).

However, when the prosecution sought to tender photocopies of the payment receipts, Agboola objected, citing non-compliance with Section 84 of the Evidence Act.


“This is a criminal trial, and everything must be done strictly in accordance with the law,” Agboola said. “No foundation was laid, and no certificate accompanying the documents was filed. We urge the court to reject them.”

In response, the prosecution argued that the foundation had been laid and that the documents were relevant.

But in a short ruling, Justice Kakaki dismissed the document sought to be tendered.

He ruled: “I find that the document sought to be tendered did not meet the compliance of Section 84 of the Evidence Act, and is therefore not admitted.”

Under cross-examination by Agboola, the witness confirmed that the payments were made from his company’s account and that Oak Homes.

During further cross-examination by Oak Homes’ counsel, Mr. Jude Ehiadu, Yakubu said he did not play any other role in the transaction beyond making the payments.

“I didn’t play any other role after the payment and I don’t know what happened after the disbursement,” he said.

Justice Kakaki then adjourned the criminal trial to July 9, 2025, for continuation of the hearing.

Protesters stormed the federal high court, Wednesday, to call for the investigation of a legal practitioner, Mr Joe Agi, SAN.

Shortly after the protesters gathered at about 9am, the combined forces of police and operatives of the Directorate of State Services, DSS, approached them, asked some questions and dispersed them with teargas.

The protesters, armed with banners with different inscriptions, called on the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, to probe the kind of legal practice the SAN is involved in.

According to them, in the past, he was said to have given a BMW car gift to the son of a retired judicial officer.

Among the cases, Mr Agi is currently handling, is the case involving University of Calabar Lecturer, accused of assaulting a student of the institution.

The case is currently before Justice James Omotosho of the federal high court.

Some of the inscriptions on the banner read: "Justice Omotosho, we trust
In your ability to do justice, we know you won't fail in that regard. Victim of sexual assault demands justice, Mr Joe Agi, SAN, don't obstruct the Course of Justice

"Joe Agi, SAN, we can't fold our arms while the Course of Justice in this matter is tampered with. We seek probe of representation of Joe Agi, SAN, in this matter by Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.

"Victims of "randy" UNICAL Lecturer are still crying, they must get justice, Mr Joe Agi, SAN, we demand justice. Mr Joe Agi, SAN, we are yet to forget the allegation against you with a retired judicial officer

"Joe Agi, SAN, we are yet to forget your N8. 5m BMW car gift to the son of a retired judicial officer. NBA, please investigate all cases Joe Agi is involved in. We demand probe of Joe Agi"

In 2017, according to PREMIUM TIMES, a Criminal charges was filed against the SAN, a retired judge and his wife for corruption at the federal high court in Abuja.

As stated in parts of the charge against the retired judge and his wife, they were indicted for allegedly conspiring to collect N30 million gratification from a company belonging to Mr. Agi, Joe Agi and Associates, in March 2015.

The offence is contrary to Section 8 (i) (a) of the corrupt practices and other related offences act and punishable under Section 8(ii) of the same section.

In the amended charge, now 16 in all, Mr. Agi is accused of paying N30 million in three tranches to the first defendant, in March 2015.

He is also accused of giving a BMW vehicle, worth N8.5 million to the judge, to influence his decision in court.

Among exhibits FG tendered before the Court were invoice and receipt of a BMW Saloon 320i valued at N8.5 Million, which Agi, SAN, purchased from Coscharis Motors Limited on January 5, 2015 and handed over to the judge through his son.

The court admitted the documents as evidence and marked them as Exhibit A.

FG alleged that the Judge had in the discharge of his duties, received bribe from Agi to the tune of N38.5million and perverted the course of Justice.

The retired was alleged to have received the bribe money from the SAN through a Guarantee Trust Bank, GTB, account number 201/110160/1/1/0, operated by his wife.

FG said its investigations revealed that the illicit deal occurred between March 11 and 26, 2015, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the FCT High Court.

As Nigerians await the outcome of the orderly room trial of four police inspectors accused of extorting N151 million from the family of a foreign based Nigerian after whisking him from Lagos to Abuja, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has been asked to ensure Justice is served

Already, the police have started an orderly room trial of the following personnel and their service numbers:
AP Mohammed Yusuf (No. 229655), AP Ojochenemi Jubrin (No. 227141), AP Rizama Reuben (No. 318195), and AP Isokpuwu John (No. 318172) of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Area 10, Abuja.

They are currently undergoing orderly room trial for allegedly extorting a N151.5million from a diasporan Nigerian, Segun Okubajo.

Following the conclusion of evidence on June 16, 2025, Nigerians await what the decision of the Police hierarchy will be or whether this will be another case that will be swept under the carpet.

It will be recalled that following a petition by the victim’s family, the Inspector General of Police swiftly directed that the case be investigated and the police officers made to face orderly room trial, if a prima facie case is established against them.

Following the commencement of the orderly room trial and the close of evidence on June 16, 2025, the stage is set for the police hierarchy to give its decision.

The petition alleged that the four police officers arrested Mr. Segun Okubajo in Lagos, took him to Abuja and held him incommunicado, while the policemen forced his family to cough out the enormous sum allegedly under threats and duress.

The petition further revealed that the illegal arrest was allegedly engineered by one Oladipo Ibrahim, of Eko Imperial Autos.

Following the arrest, the officers allegedly demanded N1billion but eventually settled for a “negotiated” amount of N151.5 million, which the family was forced to raise through loans and contributions from friends and cooperative societies, and paid same to the police officers, after converting same to dollars.

Despite the effort of the Inspector General of Police and the police hierarchy to rid the force of bad eggs, some unscrupulous officers, usually of the rank and file, continue to engage in the unwholesome practice of extorting Nigerian citizens. It is hoped that the police hierarchy will use this case to send a message to the entire police force, once again, that it will not tolerate any form of extortion

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The world of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is evolving at an unprecedented rate, with innovations and discussions spanning a wide array of fields. April 12, 2025, marks a significant day for the global ICT community with various events showcasing cutting-edge advancements, groundbreaking competitions, and initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration and diversity in technology. At Multiplatforms, we believe it is crucial to stay up-to-date with these happenings, as they hold immense potential for growth and transformation in the ICT sector. Below is an overview of some key events happening today within the ICT landscape
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An international group, Nigerians in Diaspora Movement for Democracy, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to allow democracy to thrive in Nigeria, citing the recent developments in Rivers State as a concerning example of democratic erosion.

The group expressed alarm over the suspension of the elected State Governor, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly for six months, calling it a distortion of democracy.

In an open letter to President Tinubu co-signed Dr. Samson Idoko and Patriot John Andrew Onuh, its President and Secretary General, the group urged President Tinubu to revisit the decision to declare emergency rule in Rivers State and instead use legislative processes to stabilize the situation.

They proposed measures such as compelling all parties concerned to implement strong deterrent elements and sanctions, including a ban on participating in political activities and/or holding public offices for at least ten years.

The group emphasised that if the current situation is not addressed, it could damage President Tinubu's efforts and legacy, both past and future.

The statement added: "We wish to passionately plead that democracy should be allowed to thrive and seen obviously to be thriving. We do not make this assertion lightly or base it on an assumption but on factual grounds.

"There is clear derailment from what your Excellency stood and fought for from what is happening today. Your Excellency, with what has happened in Rivers State, it is potentially clear that democracy under your presidency is no longer thriving.

"A practice where an elected State Governor, his deputy and members of the State House of Assembly are suspended for six months does not represent what His Excellency stood for and fought so much for.

"Your Excellency, the unequal disproportionate and excessive pressure placed on Rivers State at its jugular is affecting the entire democratic system in the whole country, democracy is in a state of asphyxia, losing air and if nothing is done in some few minutes, it will be suffocated to death.

"If that happens, then the entire efforts of Mr. President both past and future would be dented in an ugly history, a crude democratic tragedy. Your Excellency cannot allow this to happen.

"We, therefore, wish to call on Mr President to take a serious and urgent look at the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State to revise the decision and instead utilize legislative processes to stabilize the situation as well as ensure that there is no reversal of the ugly drift in Rivers State.

"These legislative measures could be compelling for all parties concerned with strong deterrent elements and sanctions which will include a ban on participating in political activities and/or holding public offices for not less than ten years.

"We are convinced that Your Excellency will heed this call and act expeditiously. Have the confidence of our unending patriotism Sir."

The North-Central Development Agenda has expressed its heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. SGF, Chief George Akume on the appointment of Bashir Ojulari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The group described the appointment as a source of pride and a sense of belonging to the people of the North-Central region.

They hailed the SGFfor lobbying to ensure that the appointment comes to the North Central

In a press conference by Comrade Adadu Adadu, the group commended President Tinubu for his leadership and vision, particularly in this recent appointment

The North-Central Development Agenda acknowledged that this move demonstrates the President's commitment to addressing regional needs and promoting development across the country.

The group also passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume.

They recognised their contributions to democracy and development in Nigeria, highlighting their roles as defenders of democracy during the Third Term agenda.

The North-Central Development Agenda praised the working partnership between President Tinubu and SGF Akume, noting that their collaboration has brought significant benefits to the region.

The group expressed its faith in the President's economic reforms, acknowledging that although the measures may be painful in the short term, they will ultimately yield positive results for the nation.

On the establishment of the North-Central Development Commission, the group described it as a significant milestone for the region. The commission will oversee the region's developmental needs, addressing imbalances in wealth creation opportunities and improving the quality of life for the region's inhabitants," the statement said.

"The commission's establishment attests to the President's commitment to regional development. We use his opportunity to again extend our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to President Tinubu, for graciously appointing our Leader, Senator Akume to the exalted position of the Number 3 official in the Executive Arm of the Federal Government of the country.

"Our faith in the working partnership between President Tinubu and our Leader Senator Akume is strengthened by the known fact that they were not just brother governors from 1999 to 2007, President Tinubu in Lagos and SGF Akume in Benue, but they were closely allied even then as defenders of democracy and upholders of the tenets which nourish and sustain it worldwide.

"In conclusion, the North-Central Development Agenda reiterated its appreciation to President Tinubu for establishing the North-Central Development Commission. We are optimistic that this move will bring about significant positive change to the region and wishes all Nigerians a happy and peaceful Sallah celebration."

Renowned American Cleric and Human Rights Advocate, Dr. William Delvin, has called on the Nigerian government to take his life in place of one Mr Sunday Jackson, who was sentenced to death by the Supreme Court last week for killing a Fulani Herdsman.

Jackson had been on death row for about ten year but last week, the Supreme Court sealed his fate by dismissing his appeal, which ordered that he should be sentenced to death.

The Supreme Court had the opportunity to declare Sunday Jackson innocent but didn’t. He has become an international case for human rights, and we will continue to advocate for him.
He said, "I am 70years old amd I'm ready to lay down my life for Sunday Jackson. The government of Nigeria should take my like instead of that of Sunday Jackson. He is a young man if about 30years and while I am about 70 years old"

He also said the case has assumed international dimension.

"The case of Sunday Jackson has become an international case because there is obviously a miscarriage of justice against Sunday Jackson, who was on death row for ten years but has finally been affirmed by the Supreme Court.

"The case of Sunday Jackson has become a major embarrassment to the Nigerian government. He was attacked by Fulani Islamist, he is innocent and we are here to appeal to the governor of Adamawa state to grant him pardon so that he can take care of his two young daughters.

"This is a major abuse of human rights in Nigeria and as I travel back to the United States, we will continue with the advocacy and even take it to Canada as well as the continent of Africa. We are going to make it an international case in Western Europe. We are here to advocate for the release of Sunday Jackson", Delvin said

Also, a US based lawyer and founder of US Law Group, Barrister Emmanuel Ogebe, described the justigement as injustice against Jackson, who was just 20 years old student in 2015 as at the time of his arrest.

He said he had been involved I the case since 2015 adding that the apex court did not avert it's mind to certain facts of the case.

"I've been involved! In this case since 2021 since he was sentenced to death. The Supreme Court did not avert it's mind, as far as we can tell since the cericiend true opy has not been released.

"The judge delivered the judgement 167 days after the adoption of final addresses by parties when the 1999 Constitution says it should be 90 days.

"There is a reason why the Constitution said it must be 90days so that you don't forget some of the material elements of the case. She gave judgment unrelated with the evidence before thethe court.

"For example, in the judgement, the ourt agreed that he was attacked in the leg but that he should have rum away. How is somebody who is injured in the leg able to run. In his evidence, he said he actually ran but the man caught up with him amd stabbed him in the head.

"So, he attempted to run, how can you now sentenced ce him to death because you feel he should have ran away."

Former State Chairman of the Peopke Democratic Party, PDP, in Ebonyi State and 2024 Senatorial Candidate, Silas Joseph Onu, has welcome the expulsion of the party's National Vice Chairman, South East Zone, Mr. Ali Odefa.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Tuesday affirmed the expulsion of the embattled Odefa

The judgment affirmed the decision of his Ward Executive Committee decision to expel him for anti-party activities after he was earlier suspended.

According to Oni, Odefa, is believed to be working for the Oyo state governor, covering the interest of the Oyo governor in the South East ahead of the 2027 Presidential bid of the governor.

Silas Onu, a lawyer said, "His expulsion has been long overdue and having it affirmed today is a great news for the PDP. We await to see how the Oyo Governor will now overrule the Federal High Court decision, seeing that he had encouraged the disobedience of other" judgments in the past."

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network (RHAN) has commended the exemplary leadership of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and its Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.

The group, consisting of loyalists of President Bola Tinubu, praised Komolafe's tireless efforts in driving reforms in the petroleum industry, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

According to RHAN's assessment report, the NUPRC has made significant strides in implementing the PIA, which has led to improved operational effectiveness, reduced misconduct, and increased revenue generation for the government.

The report highlighted the commission's efforts in streamlining regulatory processes, enhancing transparency, and promoting a more investment-friendly environment.

Speaking at a press conference, the national secretary of the group, Dr. Opialu Fabian specifically praised Engr. Komolafe's leadership style, which he says,has brought about a strong commitment to regulatory excellence, innovation, and transparency.

He noted that Komolafe's initiatives, such as technology-driven regulation, review of crude oil handling agreements, and commitment to local content development, have helped to curb oil theft, promote gas utilization, and attract investment in deepwater exploration.

RHAN also commended Komolafe's commitment to local content development, which has strengthened engagement with host communities.

According to Fabian, this has ensured that the benefits of oil production reach local populations, promoting socio-economic development and reducing conflicts.

Furthermore, the report acknowledged the challenges still facing the NUPRC, including oil theft, regulatory bottlenecks, and security threats.

However, RHAN expressed confidence that with consistent implementation of reforms and a commitment to global best practices, the PIA and the efforts of the NUPRC will continue to shape Nigeria's oil and gas industry.

Fabian added: "Undoubtedly, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has undergone a dramatic transformation since the petroleum Industrial Act (PIA) was passed. It has contributed to the establishment of a well-organized regulatory environment with the goal of improving investment opportunities, efficiency, and transparency.

"In addition to ensuring that regulatory oversight is reinforced to support sustainable growth in the upstream petroleum sector, the establishment of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has been crucial in advancing these reforms.

"However, with Engineer Gbenga Komolafe strategic foresight in increasing operational efficiency in NUPRC, it can be conclusively said that,  better than before, an atmosphere that is favorable to investment and economic expansion now exist.

"Despite putting policies like security enhancement, digitization, stakeholder engagement, and revenue optimization in place, challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, host community concerns, and oil theft, though now at minimal, still remain issues that require continuous attention and strategic interventions.

"We are convinced that with consistent implementation of reforms and a commitment to global best practices, the PIA and the efforts of the NUPRC will continue to shape Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, ensuring it remains a vital contributor to national economic development."

The Department of State Services DSS, has threatened two prominent broadcast stations with lawsuit over what they described as false and malicious report against them by the organisations.

According to the security Agency, Africa Independent Television, AIT amd Channels Television both aired false report against it on the crisis that rocked the Lagos State House, of Assembly, on Monday.

The broadcast stations had reported that the DSS "stormed/invaded' the Assembly on Monday during the crisis.

But the security agency, through its lawyer, Chief Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, said the agency was invited to beef up security and did not invade the Assembly ground.

The two separate letters to the two broadcast stations dated February 17, 2025 read, "First, it must be stated that our client, in carrying out its core statutory mandate of collection of intelligence for good governance and national safety and upholding and enforcing criminal: laws of Nigeria, was invited to the Lagos State House of Assembly, vide a letter dated 14th February, 2025, written to it by the Acting Clerk of the said State House of Assembly. A copy of the letter is herewith attached.

"Our client was invited by the acting Clerk to come and support the Security Operatives attached to the Lagos State House of Assembly, from Sunday, 16th of February, 2025, in order to forestall an imminent break down of law and order, following the information that the former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Obasa planned to resume office on the 18 of February, 2025, a plan which he (the acting clerk) believed poses a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.

"However, without any verification of the reason for the presence of our client's officials at the Lagos State House of Assembly on the 17th of February, 2025, your organization maliciously and falsely broadcast, both on your news bulletin and print media, that our client had invaded/stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly with a view to preventing the members and speaker from entering the chamber for plenary.

"By this publication, our client which is a highly responsible and respected organization, was portrayed as an irresponsible and reckless organization, who in a Gestapo manner invaded/stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly, to support one of the feuding parties and to desecrate the hallowed chambers.

"Your publication and/or broadcast has greatly injured the character of our’client and tarnished and lowered its esteemed image in the eyes of the public.

"Having regard to the fact that your broadcast was false and coupled with the fact that, you did not ensure balancing in your report, as enjoined by the ethics of journalism, our client has instructed us to demand the following:
An immediate retraction of your defamatory publication and/or broadcast on all your news platforms.
The retraction shall be accompanied by an apology which must be published for at least five (5) times daily for three consecutive days on all your new channels and platforms, including all the social media handles to which your media House has its presence. .

"Please note that, should you fail, ‘to comply with the above demands within a period of seven (7) days after the delivery of this letter to you, we shall, on behalf of our client, seek redress by pursuing both civil and criminal actions against your organization as your conduct also runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act of 2015, as amended in 2024, without further reference to you."

***Warn Against Influence of Desperate Power Mongers

Over 1,000 groups within the People's Democratic Party (PDP) have rallied behind Senator Samuel Anyanwu, reaffirming their support for him as the National Secretary of the party. This move comes amidst the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP.

The PDP Youth Frontiers Network, representing progressive-minded youth groups within the party, made this known at a press briefing in Abuja to address the crisis.

They emphasised that Senator Anyanwu remains the legitimate National Secretary, and any attempt to remove him and replace him with Sunday Udeh-Okoye, Deputy National Secretary, is unacceptable.

In his address, national coordinator Hon. Henry Owolabi said PDP Governors' Forum and the Board of Trustees (BoT) have overstepped their bounds by advising the National Working Committee (NWC) to swear in Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary.

This decision, Owolabi argue, is at variance with the party's constitution and ignores the fact that Senator Anyanwu was elected at a convention.

The group also pointed out that Senator Anyanwu has appealed the judgment at the Supreme Court, and therefore, the status quo should be maintained pending the determination of the substantive application.

They warned against the influence of desperate power mongers, stating that the actions of the Governors' Forum and the BoT are "illegal, deliberately mischievous, and uncomplimentary" to the party.

The group also threatened to mobilize their members and supporters to block judicial premises and take civil actions if the warning is ignored.

Owolabi added: "We consider it an imperative and dire need of the hour that, as a Party we must begin by building consensus and form once more a united, formidable and strong Party, striving to preserve the PDP as a veritable platform for good governance in Nigeria and not continue in the path of self-interest, self-distraught, myopic divisiveness and pristine bickering which has not helped us but has become viable and fertile ground for the opposition to hatch inroads and poach into us destroying our very fabrics.

"We, therefore, join our voices and affirm unequivocal, unflinching and unwavering support and loyalty of our organization and that of all party supporters to the ideals of the party and by extension to the office of the National Secretary.

"That Senator Anyanwu remains the National Secretary and the attempt to remove him and replace him with a judiciary-imposed secretary, without any Congress or legitimate procedural ratification of any organ of the party is hereby totally rejected.

"We warn all detractors and perpetrators and indeed the Judiciary to steer clear of the internal workings of our great party and henceforth refrain from issuing illegal, baseless, porous, judgments that lack legal foundation and are immoral.

"We are poised to mobilize all our members and teeming supporters to block all judicial premises and ensure civil actions that will lead to compliance with this warning if it is flaunted."

***Warn Against Influence of Desperate Power Mongers

Over 1,000 groups within the People's Democratic Party (PDP) have rallied behind Senator Samuel Anyanwu, reaffirming their support for him as the National Secretary of the party. This move comes amidst the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP.

The PDP Youth Frontiers Network, representing progressive-minded youth groups within the party, made this known at a press briefing in Abuja to address the crisis.

They emphasised that Senator Anyanwu remains the legitimate National Secretary, and any attempt to remove him and replace him with Sunday Udeh-Okoye, Deputy National Secretary, is unacceptable.

In his address, national coordinator Hon. Henry Owolabi said PDP Governors' Forum and the Board of Trustees (BoT) have overstepped their bounds by advising the National Working Committee (NWC) to swear in Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary.

This decision, Owolabi argue, is at variance with the party's constitution and ignores the fact that Senator Anyanwu was elected at a convention.

The group also pointed out that Senator Anyanwu has appealed the judgment at the Supreme Court, and therefore, the status quo should be maintained pending the determination of the substantive application.

They warned against the influence of desperate power mongers, stating that the actions of the Governors' Forum and the BoT are "illegal, deliberately mischievous, and uncomplimentary" to the party.

The group also threatened to mobilize their members and supporters to block judicial premises and take civil actions if the warning is ignored.

Owolabi added: "We consider it an imperative and dire need of the hour that, as a Party we must begin by building consensus and form once more a united, formidable and strong Party, striving to preserve the PDP as a veritable platform for good governance in Nigeria and not continue in the path of self-interest, self-distraught, myopic divisiveness and pristine bickering which has not helped us but has become viable and fertile ground for the opposition to hatch inroads and poach into us destroying our very fabrics.

"We, therefore, join our voices and affirm unequivocal, unflinching and unwavering support and loyalty of our organization and that of all party supporters to the ideals of the party and by extension to the office of the National Secretary.

"That Senator Anyanwu remains the National Secretary and the attempt to remove him and replace him with a judiciary-imposed secretary, without any Congress or legitimate procedural ratification of any organ of the party is hereby totally rejected.

"We warn all detractors and perpetrators and indeed the Judiciary to steer clear of the internal workings of our great party and henceforth refrain from issuing illegal, baseless, porous, judgments that lack legal foundation and are immoral.

"We are poised to mobilize all our members and teeming supporters to block all judicial premises and ensure civil actions that will lead to compliance with this warning if it is flaunted."

SAN Writes Tinubu Over PSC Chairman’s Conduct As Lawyer Confirms Payment Of N700, 000 Into Court Staff's Account

President Bola Tinubu has been asked to call the Chairman of Police Service Commission, PSC, Hashimu Salihu Argungu, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, to order over attempt to review a lawful judgement of court.

In a letter dated January 29, signed by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Terkaa Aondo, SAN, the president was asked to call him to order for allegedly meddling unlawfully into enforcement of judgement of court of competent jurisdiction.

In suit number FCT/HC/CV/330/2018, Alhaji Usman Sarahi, challenged the unlawful and illegal revocation of Plot 1798 Cadastral Zone A2, Wuse District, Abuja, covered by a Certificate of Occupancy, without service of Revocation notice in line with the Land Use Act.

Upon determination of the case, the court delivered its judgment in favour of Alhaji Saraki and nullified the purported revocation
and subsequent reallocation. The court held that the purported Revocation of the claimant’s right of occupancy without service of revocation notice is illegal, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

The judgment was enforced on 19/12/2024 by evicting all the occupants and on 25/12/24, one Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar and his thugs, broke back into the property against the Order of the FCT High Court.

The SAN said, in the petition to the President, "It is pertinent to note that, on the 25/12/2024, one Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya, the brother in-law to a top high ranked official of the Police Service Commission, aided by weapon-wielding thugs, criminally and forcefully broke In and entered into the property in total disrespect to the Order of Court that had evicted them. Following complaint to the Court and the Police, on 14/1/2025, the illegal occupants were evicted from the property, and our client put back in possession."

Alhaji Yahaya allegedly paid the sum of N700,000.00 to a staff of the Execution unit of the FCT High Court to prevent the Court staff from going back to the property to further evict him and his illegal occupants and thugs.

But Alhaji Yahaya, through his Counsel, Barrister Sani Abass, said the money was paid to the Court staff in error. He said, "That issue has been resolved, the money was sent in error and it has been reversed".

Alhaji Yahaya approached the court in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/5699/2024, over the enforcement of judgment and secured an injunction to stop further construction work on the property and also petitioned the PSC, following which a panel, chaired by the Chairman of the
Commission, DIG Argungu (rtd) is said to be conducting an investigation into the enforcement of Judgment of a Court of competent jurisdiction over a civil matter.

The senior advocate said in the petition that despite the pendency of the matter before FCT High Court, his client was invited by a letter personally signed by the chairman of the PSC to appear before a panel set up by the PSC chairman over issues relating to the Court judgment and its enforcement which are subject of Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/5699/2024 pending before FCT High Court No. 5, Maitama, presided over by Hon. Justice Mairo Nasir.

According to the senior counsel, when the Panel sat on 27/1/2025, most of the issues raised by the Panel relate to the where-about of the judgment creditor; how the plot was allocated and how the
Judgment was obtained and enforced, which are all matters that have been
decided on merit by a Court of competent jurisdiction in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/330/2018, and which also form the basis of the pending litigation in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/5699/2024.

"All efforts by counsel to make the Chairman appreciate the fact that the investigation over the Plot of land upon which a judgment of court subsists, Is outside the mandate of the Commission, proved abortive. In the course of the sitting on 27/1/2025, in a rather shocking and bizarre twist, the Chairman directed the Panel to pay a visit to the locus in quo for a first hand assessment of the property, and deployed several Police Vehicles and Armoured vehicle, for this purpose."

A senior official of the PSC, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, said he is not aware of the panel. According to him, " To the best of my knowledge, I'm not aware of such panel.”

The SAN states that his client feels intimidated by the posture and threats by the Chairman of the PSC, but he is nonetheless, uninterested in any resolution of the matter outside the Court. The SAN concludes that: "It is important to note Sir, that It against the hallowed principle of rule of law, which your administration Is poised to protect, for an appointee of an exalted public office to deliberately interfere in the judicial process and the cause of justice. We pray your Excellency Sir, to use your good offices to call the Chairman of the Police Service Commission to order and to cause him to align himself with the mandate for which the Commission was established."

The Northern Congress for Change (NCC) has commended Senator Abdulaziz Yari, representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, for his outstanding contributions to governance, youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and philanthropy in Zamfara and the entire north.

According to the NCC, Senator Yari's selfless service to the people of Zamfara State and Nigeria is a shining example of true leadership, rooted in compassion, community development, and a desire to create lasting change.

In a statement signed by its President, Ibrahim Tukur Ali, the group said that Yari's humanitarian efforts have brought hope and relief to countless lives, demonstrating his commitment to the betterment of society.

"In the healthcare sector, Senator Yari has made significant strides, launching a groundbreaking health initiative in November 2023, which provided free eye treatments and surgeries to over 1,000 patients in Zamfara West Senatorial District," Ali noted.

"This life-changing intervention has not only improved the health and wellbeing of the beneficiaries but has also restored their vision and dignity. In his quest to empower the youth, Senator Yari introduced the Yari scholarship initiative in June 2024, which has provided scholarships to 1,700 students from underprivileged backgrounds, enabling them to pursue higher education in various Nigerian universities.

"This visionary program has opened doors of opportunity for these young minds, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive positive change in their communities.

"Senator Yari's commitment to infrastructure development is evident in his construction of over 7,000 primary schools across Zamfara State, ensuring that children from low-income families receive proper education.

"He has also constructed roads, including a 12-kilometer road in Nasarawa, Bukyum LGA, and bridges at Bardoki in Gumi LGA, facilitating easy movement of people and goods and stimulating economic growth.

"In the agricultural sector, Senator Yari has championed initiatives to support local farmers, providing fertilizers and other essential inputs, boosting agricultural productivity, and ensuring food security in the region.

"Recently, he distributed 145 trailer loads of maize to alleviate food insecurity among his constituents, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people.

"Senator Yari's philanthropic gestures have been a hallmark of his leadership. He donated 310 bags of rice, 16 cows, and N1 million to the Christian faithful in Zamfara State during Christmas celebrations.

"He also provided 358 trailer loads of essential food items, including rice, sugar, millet, maize, and guinea corn, along with 340 cows during Eid-El-Fitr celebrations.

"Furthermore, he donated N23 million to the injured and families of the victims of the recent mistaken airstrike in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, demonstrating his compassion and empathy for those in need.

"Senator Yari's impact extends beyond his immediate community, and his contributions in the Red Chamber have further cemented his reputation as a leader who combines political acumen with a deep understanding of the needs of the people."

The group described Yari as a role model in the north, adding that his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Ali, however, urged the Senator to sustain the tempo in his continued service to Zamfara people and our great nation.

The Reformed Arewa Youth Council of Nigeria (RAYCN) has petitioned the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services, accusing Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation, and Attahiru Bafarawa, former Governor of Sokoto State, of plotting to destabilize Nigeria.

According to the group, Amaechi and Bafarawa are planning a series of mass protests across the northern region, starting from Bafarawa's village and spreading to Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Katsina States.

The petition signed by its national president, Bilal Abdulahi said the protests, disguised as expressions of grievances over hunger and economic hardship, aim to incite chaos and undermine the credibility of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.

The group further claimed that Amaechi is financing Bafarawa, who is in turn funding and mobilizing resources to implement the protests.

The group described this plot as a "treasonous activity" that must not be tolerated in any democratic society.

The petition calls on the Department of State Services to investigate the plot and those behind it, emphasizing that their actions constitute a clear threat to national security.

“Despite Nigeria's economic challenges, which stem from past misgovernance by figures like Amaechi and Bafarawa, President Tinubu has demonstrated a commitment to resolving these issues,” the petition added.

“His support for industrial growth, food security, energy stability, and investment show his dedication to long-term prosperity for all Nigerians. Citizens cannot afford for this to be jeopardised.

“Amaechi and Bafarawa are not interested in national progress. Their goal is to plunge Nigeria into a crisis that will enable them to bargain for relevance.

“They do not care about the millions of Nigerians who will suffer from the economic downturns that may arise from instability.

“They do not care about the investors who will be discouraged, the businesses that will be affected, or the security threats that may emerge from their unreasonable reckless actions.

“Consequently, we urge the security agencies to investigate this plot and those behind it. If their behaviour continues unchecked, it might be disastrous for our nation’s peace and harmony because they are actively gathering resources to carry out their evil schemes, which is no longer just conjecture but verified intelligence.

“Treasonous activities must not be tolerated in any democratic society. Every nation has laws that safeguard its sovereignty, and Nigeria must not be an exception.

“Amaechi and Bafarawa must be held accountable for their attempts to manipulate the populace into causing anarchy. Their actions constitute a clear threat to national security, and the full weight of the law must be brought upon them.“

The group reaffirms its commitment to the unity, progress, and security of Nigeria, urging all well-meaning Nigerians to support President Tinubu's administration and reject the agents of destruction.

The Reformed Arewa Youth Council of Nigeria (RAYCN) has raised concerns over an alleged plot by Rotimi Amaechi, Attahiru Bafarawa, and Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi to destabilise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.

At a press conference on Thursday, the group claimed that the trio is working together with foreign elements and other national and international disgruntled elements to replicate the undemocratic overthrow of democratically elected authorities in parts of the sub-region.

The alleged plot is said to involve the stockpiling of sophisticated firearms, covert actions, and massive protests across the North West, starting from Bafarawa's village and spreading to Sokoto, Zamfara, and other states.

National President, Bilal Abdulahi, also claimed that Amaechi is providing resources for Bafarawa, who is in turn funding and mobilising Shinkafi to run a campaign of calumny against the administration.
He added: "It is clear that their intention and their several meetings is aimed at intimidating the government President Tinubu, and the various organs of government and make the citizens feel that the government and her various organs are not doing sufficient enough to take the people to prosperity.

"This is a matter of utmost state security concern. Its propensity and devastation can be better imagined. The country and indeed national security is under serious threat by the activities of these marauding tripartite, and we cannot fold our arms until we are submerged or over awe by their evil machination and subterfuge. "
The Reformed Arewa Youth Council of Nigeria called on security agencies to investigate the matter immediately and take decisive action against the alleged plotters.

The group also urged youths, religious organisations, and lovers of peace and democracy to stand against the alleged plot and support President Tinubu's administration in its efforts to reform the country.

Abdulahi said: "This is nothing short of an attempt to overawe and possibly topple a Democratic institution, it is a treasonable felony and must be resisted with all necessary state powers.

"It is clear that ever since their shameful and incontrovertible defeat at the polls by President Bola Tinubu, these three elements have not hidden their hate and disdain but for the person and organs of the various governments. 
"It is however unfortunate that this hatred and disdain is pushing them to act against the office of the President and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces and becoming direct threat to our democracy and the rule of law. The must consequently be stopped with all might and not be allowed to go further, as this will serve as deterrence."

Kaduna Group Condemns El-Rufai 's Alleged Plots To Harras, Destabilise Gov Uba Sani Govt

The Kaduna Good Governance Forum (KGGF) has condemned former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai's alleged attempts to rewrite history and assert himself as the owner of the state.

The group accused el-Rufai of harassment and distraction of incumbent Governor Uba Sani while threatening him with the 2027 General Elections.

According to the forum, el-Rufai's actions smack of desperation to rewrite history and suit his narrative.

They argued that his threats towards Governor Sani are a threat to democracy, as only the people of Kaduna state have the right to decide their leader.

In a statement signed by Comrade Richard Amos, the forum praised Governor Sani's efforts in healing the wounds of insecurity and corruption inflicted during el-Rufai's tenure.

They criticized el-Rufai's alleged role in perpetuating insecurity in the northwest and called for authorities to investigate his administration's malfeasance.

The Kaduna Good Governance Forum demanded that el-Rufai stop his alleged revisionism and allow the current administration to continue its work in restoring peace and unity to Kaduna State.

"For a man who, as governor, precipitated the insecurity that now ravages the entire northwest by placing terrorists and bandits on salary, we have concerned that the threat to Governor Uba Sani is not just about politics," the statement added. 

"We have cause to worry that el-Rufai will deploy the state’s funds in his possession to unleash these terrorists on the state consistent with his strategy of seeking to destroy that which he cannot control.

"This potential to undermine the security of the state and the whole of Nigeria is enough reason for the authorities to speed up identifying and prosecuting the aides he used to steal and launder Kaduna state’s money to retrieve these funds from them and keep the state and the country safe. 

"We earnestly hope that the probe of the malfeasance that dominated his administration will be taken beyond his aides, who were mere errand boys, to include el-Rufai himself.

"This malfeasance and his suspected role as a terrorist sponsor must be the core of the security report that ensured he was not confirmed as a minister, even though President Bola Tinubu magnanimously nominated him as one. 

"It is the reason he is now a retired former politician who is traipsing the country, trying to form a collective of those who had failed in public office and are too bitter at being rejected.

"We urge el-Rufai to desist from any further threats and allow the current administration to continue its work in restoring peace and unity to Kaduna State while focusing on how to explain the theft of Kaduna State money stolen under his watch.

"The Kaduna Good Governance Forum demands that el-Rufai immediately stop his attempt at revisionism, as the people are too enlightened to fall for such a cheap trick. "

Ribadu Writes Naja'atu Muhammad, Seeks Public Apology, Retraction Of Malicious Statement In Tiktok Video
The National Security Adviser, NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu has written a politician and leader of Northern Star, Hajia Naja'atu Muhammad, over a malicious statement in a Tiktok video shared across all social media platforms

In the Tiktok video, Hajia Muhammad accused the NSA of serving in President Bola Tinubu's government, whom he castigated when he was the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

In a letter, through his lawyer, Dr Ahmed Raji, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, the NSA said publicly or privately, he has never maintained such viewpoint.

He said the damage that had been done as a result of the Tiktok video was unquantifiable.

In the letter dated February 4,2025 and signed by Dr. Raji, reads, "Clearly, in the text of your recording [reproduced and translated above] you stated that when our client served as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes, [EFCC] he allegedly named President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, alongside Sen. George Akume and Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu [all former Governors, and in that order] as the governors in Nigeria who stole the most from public treasury.

"You also stated that today, our client who once held the above odious view about President Tinubu has turned around to be his staunchest defender; especially, with regard to what you stated to be the government’s agenda to silence voices of dissent to the government, citing the alleged arrest of a certain Prof. Usman Yusuf as an example.

"You also stated that our client’s alleged attitudinal change towards President Tinubu means that he has either become a liar or that he lied when he allegedly described President Tinubu, Sen. Akume, Sen. Kalu and other governors as thieves.

"Privately or publicly, our client has never expressed the above viewpoint about President Tinubu and/or Senators George Akume and Orji Uzor Kalu, which you attributed to him.

"In fact, our client has never held such a viewpoint about the President; hence, it came as a complete surprise to him when his attention was drawn to the aforesaid publication by you against him.

"In the foregoing premise, our client hereby challenges you to provide evidence of your allegations therein against him; which have cast him as double-faced, duplicitous and deceitful in the eyes of right-thinking members of the society.

"Although masked as a clarion call to the North to rise up to your perceived injustice against the North by the government of the day, your publication is also inciteful of violence towards our client. Given this far-reaching ramification of your publication, our client will not sit back and watch his hard-eamed reputation and goodwill destroyed by your malicious decision to not only lay false allegations against him, but also, to cause the same to be published for the world’s attention.

"Your intention to bring our client to public ridicule, opprobrium, scorn and shame etc., is laid bare when it is considered that you deliberately caused same to be published on social media, where it has since gone viral.

"Surely, the damage occasioned to our client by your deliberate but ill-advised action is unquantifiable. However, our client will be assuaged if you retract the said publication and tender an unreserved public apology to him in at least 5 [five] national daily newspapers within 7 [seven] days of receipt of this letter. If not, we have our client’s further instructions to seek redress against you in a court of law where exemplary damages will be claimed against you. Kindly be advised."

A car gift has sparked a row between the minister of state for defence and former governor of Zamfara state, Alhaji Bello Matawalle and his media handler, who also served as Information commissioner in his cabinet in the state, Malam Ibrahim Dosara.

It was gathered that controversy broke out between the minister and Dosara, a highly experienced British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, trained journalist, with a Facebook outrage alleged to have been sponsored by the minister against him.

In the Facebook post, the former information commissioner was terribly castigated by the minister 's facebookers, calling him all sort names, including blackmailing his patent rights.

According to findings, the row began when the minister ordered his aides to give the former commissioner a used car ( Mercedes 230 car 2005 model) which Dosara gifted out to one of his social media managers.

The action angered the minister and his allies which led to media attacks and campaign of columny against Dosara.

All efforts to reach out to either the minister of state defence or Ibrahim Dosara prove abortive.

Dosara has been a strong pillar in defending the minister of state for defense in the series of litigations, petitions, negative media attacks and image making.

*Anti-Corruption Groups Call for EFCC Chairman's Resignation Over Ganduje's Non-Prosecution*

A coalition of 30 anti-corruption civil society organizations have called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyade, to resign due to his failure to prosecute former Kano Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje despite overwhelming corruption allegations.

Under the auspices of the Global Initiative for Corruption Eradication (GICE), the groups said Ganduje, now the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, has evaded prosecution multiple times.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Comrade Anthony Onoja, the CSOs recalled that the Kano High Court scheduled his arraignment on April 17, 2024, but he and his wife failed to appear, showing “blatant disregard for the law”.

He lamented that subsequent adjournments yielded the same result, with the judge eventually ruling that the defendants could be tried in absentia.

GICE criticised the EFCC for what it described as selective prosecution, allowing high-profile individuals like Ganduje to go scot-free while targeting vulnerable political figures.

The groups cite the N50 billion diverted LGA funds, dollar video, and N1 billion naira probe as evidence of the EFCC's inaction.

According to Onoja, the continued silence of the EFCC despite numerous petitions, evidence, and protests from various groups and the Kano state government undermines its credibility.

GICE believes the EFCC has abandoned its original mandate, becoming a tool for the government to eliminate political rivals.

While expressing support for President Tinubu's efforts to combat corruptioly, the group warned against undermining his rule with unpopular actions.

“The EFCC cannot engage in a just fight against corruption, starting from within its ranks, they should stop molesting vulnerable political figures,” the statement said.

“It is high time we saddled people with the real responsibilities of tackling corruption in Nigeria and not executing dangerous political survival strategies for paymasters.

“N50billions diverted LGA funds, dollar video and N1billion naira probe all swept under the carpet. It’s been over 2,200 days since the dollar video scandal broke and yet EFCC is silent.

“The continued silence of the EFCC despite the monumental corruption allegations against Ganduje, despite the many petitions, the avalanche of evidence(s) available and protest from various groups and the Kano state government to probe and bring Ganduje to book is no longer golden.

“It also negates its constant rebuttal of keeping sacred cows. The general perception of Nigerians now is that the EFCC, as it is, has abandoned its original mandate by becoming a political tool in the hands of the government of the day for eliminating political rivals and perceived enemies.

“We invite well meaning Nigerians and relevant international organizations to rise to the occasion and join in calling for the EFCC to stop insulting the sensibilities of Nigerians by calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Ganduje.

“The chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must immediately resign his position if he fails to arrest and prosecute Governor Ganduje in line with our extant laws.

“Finally, our group is of the considered view that perhaps if the EFCC in its current form is disbanded because of its constitutional illegality as pointed out by the states in the current case against the efcc in the Apex Court, it would be able to perform its real functions of stamping out corruption when it's law is properly enacted.”