₦airaland Forum

Problems and solutions to Nigeria's 2027 --- Cardinal Onaiyekan


OpenLife News reports that the growing trend where elections are decided in courtrooms instead of at polling units is one of the biggest problems facing Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This was the central message of the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, at the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference, ANEC, in Enugu on Thursday, where the judiciary's role in Nigeria's democracy came under intense scrutiny.

Speaking on the theme, “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive,” Onaiyekan said democracy is weakened when the courts become the final arena where electoral victories are determined.

The Problem: Courts deciding electionsAccording to the Cardinal, the judiciary was originally designed to adjudicate disputes arising from elections, not to determine who wins.“The judiciary is supposed to be the last stage in the electoral process. It should be stressed that the judiciary is not to determine elections about who wins, but rather to adjudicate disputes when they arise,” he said.

He lamented that if elections were properly conducted, there should be little need for prolonged litigation.“If elections were well conducted, there ought not to be any need for judicial cases. The tribunals were supposed to be there just in case.”But Nigeria's recent experience, he noted, has been the opposite.“Our experience in the recent past has almost become that we have been witnessing a situation where our elections are being determined not at the polls, but in the courts by the tribunals,” Onaiyekan said.

He said this development has created a field day for highly paid lawyers who manipulate technicalities, and fuelled allegations of unjust judgments that have dented the image of the judiciary.“There are allegations that are difficult to deny of unjust judgments by some judges in election tribunals,” he warned.The concern was echoed by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, who noted that Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of election petitions in the world, leading to what a judge once described as the “judicialisation of the electoral process.”President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, summed it up: “The credibility of the ballot must be protected so that the courts do not have to replace the citizenry in determining who should represent the people.”

The Solutions: Onaiyekan's 7-point reform

To fix the problems ahead of 2027, Cardinal Onaiyekan proposed a comprehensive reform agenda:
1. Dispose of cases before swearing-in: All election tribunal cases must be concluded before any candidate is sworn in. He described as unjust a system where a declared winner uses state resources to defend his victory in court.
2. Special Election Tribunal: Create a dedicated tribunal for electoral cases with a defined timeline to dispense with petitions quickly.
3. Voters must have locus: The current system gives only candidates the right to challenge results. Onaiyekan argued that voters whose votes are at stake should also have room to complain. “We who cast the votes and whose votes are at stake have no room to complain. This must change.”
4. Independent INEC: Review the appointment process of INEC leadership to guarantee genuine independence from the executive, which may itself be a contestant in elections.
5. 50% winning threshold: A candidate must score at least 50 per cent of votes cast to be declared winner of a presidential election to ensure true legitimacy.
6. Restore judicial integrity: Urgent steps must be taken to restore public trust in the courts and address perceptions of corruption and technical manipulation.
7. Character and value-based leadership: Nigeria must insist on leaders with minimum social values – honesty, concern for common good and absolute respect for rule of law.

The Cardinal also charged the media to protect democracy by verifying information, especially with the new threat of AI-generated misinformation, and ensuring truth is not replaced by illusion.“The ultimate objective is to install a government that is freely chosen by the people and that works for the common good of the people,” he said.

Other speakers including Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, Obi of Onitsha Igwe Alfred Achebe, Enugu Governor Peter Mbah and political economist Prof. Patrick Utomi, also warned that if 2027 elections lack credibility, the cost would be institutional collapse and loss of public faith in democracy itself.

OpenLife reports that 30 years after guiding Nigeria to its first and only Olympic football gold medal, former Dream Team coach Johannes “Bonfrère” Jo has expressed disappointment that the Nigerian government is yet to recognise or reward his role in one of the nation’s greatest sporting achievements.

Bonfrère led a talented generation featuring Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Taribo West, Celestine Babayaro, Garba Lawal and Emmanuel Amuneke to one of football’s greatest Olympic stories.
Nigeria defeated Brazil 4-3 after extra time in a memorable semi-final before coming from behind to beat Argentina 3-2 in the final at the Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, becoming the first African nation to win Olympic football gold.
While many members of the victorious squad received national honours, cash rewards and houses in the years that followed, Bonfrère believes his role has largely been forgotten.
The 80-year-old Dutchman also revealed that the Olympic gold medal he received after Nigeria’s historic triumph in Atlanta was stolen, alleging that it disappeared while in the custody of a team official. Bonfrère said the incident remained one of the most painful memories of his association with Nigerian football, lamenting that despite leading the Dream Team to Africa’s first-ever Olympic football gold, he not only missed out on government recognition but also lost the medal that symbolised the greatest achievement of his coaching career.
“They were claiming that everyone has received their rewards, but I have not received anything; they have never given me the reward for winning the gold medal,” he told journalists.
“Even my gold medal was stolen from me, and I still didn’t get a reward from the government, which all the players have received, including players who were not on the list.”


The Dutch tactician, who masterminded Nigeria’s dramatic triumph at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, recounted how his gold medal was stolen from him.
“I don’t know how the medal was collected from me; I only know that when the players went upstairs, an official stopped me from going with them and the medal was gone.”
Bonfrère said his repeated efforts to seek recognition from the relevant authorities have yielded no results, revealing that he had reached out on several occasions but received little or no response.
The retired coach admitted he had not given up hope, saying he would be grateful if the government or the appropriate authorities finally acknowledged his contribution to Nigeria’s greatest Olympic football achievement.
“I will be happy if something can be done because I have made several calls and sent messages but nobody was interested in helping me.”
Three decades on, memories of the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games remain vivid for Nigeria’s sporting community, with the historic outing still standing as Team Nigeria’s greatest-ever performance since the country made its Olympic debut in 1952. For the former Dream Team coach, however, the milestone evokes mixed emotions, serving as a painful reminder of what he says has been three decades without the recognition or reward he believes he deserves.
As celebrations continue to honour the players and officials who made history in Atlanta, Bonfrère hopes the milestone will also prompt a reflection on those whose contributions have gone unnoticed.

OpenLife New reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed the State House’s defence of President Bola Tinubu’s economic record as “propaganda instead of performance,” saying no amount of statistical manipulation can hide the suffering of millions of Nigerians.In a statement issued by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate said the Presidency devoted thousands of words to attacking the opposition but failed to answer one question: “If the economy is doing so well, why are Nigerians getting poorer?”Atiku described it as ridiculous that the same administration implementing the 2024, 2025 and 2026 budgets simultaneously was asking Nigerians to forget the consequences of earlier policies.“As the Yoruba rightly say, the one who defecated yesterday may quickly forget, but the person who cleaned up the mess never does,” he said. “Those wounds remain fresh, and no amount of revisionism or government propaganda can erase them.”He accused the government of celebrating macroeconomic indicators while citizens grapple with microeconomic realities.
“It speaks glowingly about GDP growth while families skip meals. It boasts of debt ratios while businesses shut their doors. It trumpets reforms while millions slide deeper into poverty,” Atiku said.Citing the IMF’s latest Article IV Consultation, he noted that 63% of Nigerians now live below the national poverty line and about 27 million faced food insecurity in late 2025.
“Those are not opposition figures. They are findings of the same institution the government quotes,” he added.On 2024 Policies
Atiku said the administration cannot claim 2024 figures are irrelevant when it is still implementing budgets from that year.
“Economic policy is not a light switch. The consequences of reckless decisions linger long after the announcements have faded,” he said.On Debt and Borrowing
He asked what Nigerians had gotten in return for record borrowing, despite improved revenues and subsidy removal.
“If revenue has improved, why does borrowing continue at record levels? Nigerians deserve answers, not applause lines,” he said.On Subsidy Removal
Atiku said Nigerians never opposed subsidy removal, but asked “where are the dividends?”
“Instead of relief, they have experienced the highest fuel prices in history, soaring food inflation and collapsing purchasing power,” he stated. He also faulted the claim that oil revenues are still tied to subsidy-related financing.On Manufacturing and Jobs
Citing the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Atiku said 767 companies have shut down and 335 are distressed, with ₦2.14 trillion in unsold goods.
“Factories do not shut down because the opposition writes press statements. They leave because the environment has become hostile to production,” he said.On Blame-Shifting
He criticized the government for blaming the Obasanjo administration 19 years after it left office.
“Great administrations solve problems; they do not weaponise them as permanent alibis,” he said, recalling the $18 billion Paris Club debt relief under Obasanjo.Atiku concluded that governments are judged not by press statements but by whether families can afford food, businesses can survive, and young people can find jobs.
“No statistical gymnastics can erase hunger. The true report card is being written by the Nigerian people. And its verdict is becoming clearer,” he said.

OpenLife News reports that operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted consignments of cocaine concealed in local mortar and false bottom of a backpack packaged for shipment to China and Italy respectively through a logistics company in Lagos.
The seizures made by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigations (DOGI) on Thursday 30th July 2026 include 250grams of cocaine factory fitted into the base of a local mortar packed in a carton for export to China, and 500grams of the same class A drug hidden in the false bottom of a backpack being shipped to Italy.
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives in Rivers state have arrested a 38-year-old notorious drug dealer, Ugo Gift Okonkwo, at Eagle Island Port Harcourt, following credible intelligence.
The suspect was nabbed with various quantities of cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, swinol, tramadol and codeine syrup at the time of his arrest on Sunday 26th July.
NDLEA officers on a stop and search operation at DMGS roundabout, Onitsha, Anambra state on Monday 27th July intercepted a truck marked XK 131 BDG loaded with 26,000 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 3,960kg while the truck driver Chinedu Nwanze, 40, was arrested.
While 331.84 kilograms of skunk were recovered from a Toyota Sienna bus with registration number KUJ 26 DV along Kwale/Ughelli expressway, Delta state on Sunday 26th July, NDLEA officers in Nasarawa state on Tuesday 28th July arrested a 64-year-old man Joseph Nwaeke with 68kg skunk and 29grams of methamphetamine at Asso Angwan Muazu, Karu area of the state.
In Zamfara, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Zaria- Gusau highway on Monday 27th July intercepted a suspect, Sani Umar, 27, conveying 7,400 pills of tramadol 225mg suspected to be supplies for criminal elements.
With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Hausawa Special Primary School, Kano; Royal Crown School, Oluyole, Ibadan; Government Secondary School, Ibi, Taraba; and drivers at Challenge Bus Terminal Park, Ibadan, Oyo state, among others.
While commending the officers and men of DOGI, Rivers, Anambra, Delta, Nasarawa, and Zamfara Commands for the various successful operations, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.

OpenLife News reports that Police Zone 5 Headquarters in Benin City has announced that a new Assistant Inspector-General of Police has been deployed to the Zone which comprises Edo and Delta State Police Commands.
The new AIG is Monday Agbonika, who, until last month, was the Commissioner of Police in charge of Edo State Command until his promotion to the prestigious rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police on 18th May, 2026 and redeployed as the AIG Zone 5 Benin.

In a statement signed by SP Tijani A. Momoh, Zone 5
Police Public Relations Officer, Agbonika assumed duty on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, succeding AIG Salman-Dogo Garba who recently retired from the Force.

AIG Agbonika hails from Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State.

His illustrious career in the Force commenced on 18th May, 1992, when he got enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police and trained at the Nigeria Police Academy Annex in Kaduna State.

The AIG holds a BSc (Hons) and MSc in Psychology and Organizational Psychology respectively
from the University of Jos including another Masters Degree in Security and Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan with a Ph.D in Peace and Conflict Studies (In View) in the University of Ibadan.

He has attended all mandatory Police courses,(psc) at the Police Staff College in Jos, a Fellow, Society for Peace Studies and Practice, (fspsp), and a Fellow of the National Defence College Nigeria, (fdc).


He brings over three decades of Nigeria Police Force experience spanning Criminal investigations, Administration, Public information, Divisional and Area Commands, State Command, and now Zonal Command. He has also served as the Commissioner of Police, Mounted Troop, Department of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
His investigative grounding includes the officer in charge of the Anti-Robbery Squad in Plateau State.
He led the Anti-Fraud Section of the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department, Zone 2 Lagos State, where he directed sensitive, high-profile cases to significant breakthroughs.

AIG Agbonika was also once the Divisional Police Officer across multiple Lagos State Police Divisions, including Festac, Surulere, Oke-Odo, Isokoko and the Central Police Station Adeniji Adele on Lagos Island, before his promotion and appointment as Area Commander in Ekiti, Lagos and Ogun States respectively.
His Community Policing credentials are longstanding and internationally recognized.
He once served as Public Information Officer for the UN Police Mission in Liberia, working alongside officers from over 39 countries and helping draft the Liberian National Police Media Policy.

In 2015, the AIG attended a United States Institute of Peace workshop in Washington DC on Community Policing approaches to countering violent extremism.

This combination of frontline command experience, investigative expertise, international justice reform practice and a sustained personal commitment to community policing positions him for best practice democratic policing.

Awards

The brilliant, hardworking and versatile officer has earned several international and Nigeria Police commendations and awards for excellence and courage. Notable are
- Commissioner of Police Commendation and award for Courage in Jos, Plateau State.
- ⁠The most people friendly Police Station award in an award ceremony held in South Africa.
- ⁠in 2015, finalist for the “Spirit of Lagos” award in the exemplary conduct category.

In addition, AIG Agbonika is an alumnus of the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) on the Role of State Police in the Criminal Justice System of the USA.
He is happily married with children.
He loves reading and traveling.

OpenLife News reports that
BTS, the South Korean supergroup RM, has pulled out of the 2027 Grammy Awards.

Made up of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, BTS has a history with the Grammy Awards featuring five nominations.

Information has it that BTS's boycott of the upcoming 2027 ceremony is not unconnected with "regional categorization concerns."

Announcing the boycott, BTS said in July 2026 that they will not submit any music (including their smash comeback album Arirang) for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards.

In the past, records have it that BTS earned five total Grammy nominations as the first K-pop act recognized by the Recording Academy.

Nominated tracks and collaborations include "Dynamite" (Best Pop Duo/Group Performance), "Butter" (Best Pop Duo/Group Performance), "My Universe" with Coldplay, and "Yet To Come" (Best Music Video).

Performed live at the Grammy Awards ceremony three separate times but never won a competitive Grammy Award.





Reacting, Harvey Mason Jr, Grammy Chief Executive Officer, expressed shock about the decision of BTS to nurture such action.
His reaction is reproduced below


I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year, but as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision.

I do want to clarify something that seems to be getting lost in the conversation. The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia. The spirit of this new category is to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists. More categories mean more artists' work is recognized. It's never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters.

I also want to be very clear: submitting music in a genre category such as Asian Pop, or Jazz or Country does not exclude an artist from also submitting and being considered in the General Field categories, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
Those categories remain open to any eligible recording, regardless of genre. Recognition in a genre category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive. An artist can absolutely pursue both.

The Grammy organization is here to serve music and all the people who make it. As we continue to expand the reach, our membership and our awards, regardless of geography or language, I want to emphasize that we will continue to listen to the global music community and work to honor and celebrate all the artists whose music moves the world.

Harvey Mason jr.

Grammys CEO

OpenLife News reports that as the August 15 governorship election in Osun State draws near, titans and critical stakeholders are moving closer to the trenches for a deadly final battle.
At the centre of the political war is the State ruling party, Accord, with an incumbent governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke and the national ruling All Progressives Congress, APC with presidential support and candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
Only recently, the Osun State government suspended National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
operations across the state.
The governor cited security considerations and directed the police to halt levy collections by the union at all parks. He also ordered security agencies to arrest any individuals posing as union officials.
Irked by the directive, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo who is an APC stalwart and national president of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, expressed reservations, saying a governor has no right to stop the activities of the union.
MC Oluomo further argued that Adeleke lacks the constitutional authority to suspend the union’s operations in the state.
Sensing the outright challenge of the governor’s authority, Davido, a globally renowned musical artist and billionaire in all currencies with overwhelming influence over the youths took a swipe at MC Oluomo.

In a post shared on his Instagram Story, Davido questioned the union leader’s intentions, writing: “@kingmcoluomo dem say u Dey game… I doubt lol look ur mirror”.

Davido has actively supported his uncle’s campaign, having been appointed head of youth mobilisation for the party’s campaign council in April.
He also inaugurated the Imole Youth Mobilisation Campaign Council.
In June, the singer vowed to resist any attempt to manipulate the election.
More recently, he accused former governor Gboyega Oyetola of political desperation and plotting to cause unrest in the state.

OpenLife News reports that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin City, *AIG Salman-Dogo Garba, psc, mnips,* formally retired from the Nigeria Police Force on 21st July, 2026 after a remarkable and distinguished career spanning several decades of dedicated, selfless, and exemplary service to the nation.

According to SP Tijani Momoh, Zone 5 spokesman, the retirement was marked with a colourful Pulling-Out Parade and Send-Forth Ceremony, attended by senior serving and retired police officers, government officials, traditional rulers, heads of sister security agencies, business communities, captains of industries, family members, friends, and well-wishers, who gathered to celebrate a career defined by professionalism, discipline, courage, integrity, and exceptional leadership.

In his farewell address, AIG Salman-Dogo Garba expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to strengthening the Nigeria Police Force and enhancing national security.

The retired AIG also conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, *IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu and the members of the Force Management Team for the confidence reposed in him and the invaluable support and guidance received throughout his career.

He further appreciated the Chairman and Members of the Police Service Commission for their steadfast commitment to professionalism, accountability, and institutional development within the Nigeria Police Force.

AIG Garba extended special appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori and His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for their outstanding cooperation, unwavering support, and cordial working relationship with the Zonal Headquarters throughout his tenure. According to him, the strong partnership between the state governments and the Police significantly contributed to improved security, public safety, and effective policing across the two states.

The retired senior police officer equally thanked the Commissioners of Police, Tactical Commanders, Officers, and Men of the Delta and Edo State Police Commands, as well as all officers and personnel of Zone 5 Headquarters, for their loyalty, dedication, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

Reflecting on his years in service, the retired AIG noted that it had been a rare privilege to serve the nation in different capacities. He described his career as fulfilling and rewarding, adding that every achievement recorded was made possible through teamwork, dedication, and the collective support of colleagues and stakeholders.

He urged officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to remain steadfast in their commitment to discipline, professionalism, respect for the rule of law, and protection of the rights of all citizens. He also encouraged them to continue embracing community policing, intelligence-led operations, and ethical leadership in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

While thanking the good people of Edo and Delta States for their cooperation with the Police over the years, AIG Garba called on members of the public to sustain their support for the Nigeria Police Force by providing credible and timely information that will aid crime prevention and ensure safer communities.

As he takes a final bow from active service, AIG Salman-Dogo Garba reaffirmed his unwavering faith in the Nigeria Police Force and expressed confidence that the institution will continue to evolve into a more professional, people-oriented, and globally respected organisation under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police.

Zone 5 Headquarters wishes the retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police a peaceful, healthy, and fulfilling retirement, while acknowledging his immense contributions to the growth of the Nigeria Police Force and the security of the nation.

OpenLife News reports that the Nigerian Senate has commenced its annual legislative two-month recess.
The Senate under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio adjourned plenary sessions today, Friday, July 24.
The Senate is expected to reconvene on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

The lawmakers are scheduled to use the period of the annual recess to carry out constituency work and committee oversights.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during plenary on Thursday, July 23.
He directed ad hoc and standing committees to continue their work during the break and encouraged senators to use the period to finalise pending reports and carry out oversight duties.

The annual recess is a mandatory legislative calendar, officially observed in order to commence the full fledged legislative year.
This annual recess serves as the last calendar year of the 10th National Assembly.

OpenLife News reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions—a landmark move to enhance the country’s security architecture and improve the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.

This approval underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges effectively and to strengthen national defence capabilities further.

The expansion builds on the Administration’s sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improvements in troop welfare, and ongoing support for operational readiness and force modernisation.

Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate twelve divisions, strategically positioned across the country as follows:

1. 1 Division Headquarters – Kaduna (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States)
2. 2 Division Headquarters – Ibadan (Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States)
3. 3 Division Headquarters – Jos (Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States)
4. 5 Division Headquarters – Makurdi (Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States)
5. 6 Division Headquarters – Port Harcourt (Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States)
6. 7 Division Headquarters – Maiduguri (Borno and Yobe States)
7. 8 Division Headquarters – Sokoto (Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States)
8. 9 Division Headquarters – Ilorin (Kwara and Niger States)
9. 10 Division Headquarters – Jalingo (Taraba and Adamawa States)
10. 81 Division Headquarters – Lagos (Lagos and Ogun States)
11. 82 Division Headquarters – Enugu (Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States)
12. 83 Division Headquarters – Benin City (Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States).

The establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.

Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.

President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The President reaffirmed his Administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.

OpenLife News reports that the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal affirmed the final forfeiture of over N293.97 million, landed properties, and investment assets linked to retired Major General Emmanuel Jebe Atewe to the Federal Government. The unanimous judgment, delivered virtually on July 22, 2026, dismissed Atewe's appeal against an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court.
General Emmanuel Jebe Atewe served in the Niger Delta as the Commander of the military Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, from 2014 to 2015.


General Atewe had appealed May 5, 2023 judgment of Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of a Federal High Court, Lagos, which granted the EFCC’s application for the final forfeiture of several properties, cash and investment assets for being proceeds of unlawful activities.

In its judgment, the Court of Appeal held that Section 123 of the Armed Forces Act (AFA) and the decision in General Jafaru Muhammed v. EFCC, relied upon by Atewe, were inapplicable to his case.

The court held that while General Jafaru was a serving military officer, Atewe is a retired military officer who had admitted that fact in his affidavit to show cause before the trial court.

The appellate court further held that Section 123 of the Armed Forces Act applies only to serving military personnel and therefore could not avail the appellant.

The court also held that the forfeiture proceedings before the Federal High Court were sui generis, being proceedings directed solely against assets and not against the person of the appellant.

It found that Atewe failed to sufficiently show how he genuinely acquired the assets sought to be forfeited, noting that his explanation merely referred to unspecified honoraria without providing adequate particulars or evidence linking those payments to the acquisition of the properties.

The appellate court further rejected Atewe’s argument that the institution of civil forfeiture proceedings while criminal charges involving substantially the same transactions were pending amounted to an abuse of judicial process.

It held that the pendency of a criminal prosecution does not preclude the EFCC from pursuing civil forfeiture proceedings under the law.

Consequently, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and affirmed the judgment of Justice Aneke forfeiting the assets to the Federal Government.

Justice Aneke had held that Atewe failed to satisfactorily explain the lawful source of the assets after the EFCC established reasonable grounds to suspect that they were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

The trial court also rejected Atewe’s contention that the forfeiture proceedings constituted an abuse of court process because he was already standing trial in a separate criminal case involving substantially the same transactions.

In reaching that decision, the Justice Aneke relied on the Court of Appeal’s earlier decision in Air Vice Marshal Jacob Adigun v. EFCC, which established that civil forfeiture proceedings under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act are independent of criminal proceedings and may continue even where a criminal prosecution involving the same assets is pending.

The assets forfeited include N3.97 million, Plot MF62 at the Outer Northern Expressway, Abuja, Plot No. 1228, Jahi, Abuja, Plots CP6386 and CP6387 at Sabon Lugbe East Extension Layout, Airport Road, Abuja, one-hectare parcels of land in Kuje District, a 50-hectare farmland at Gaube Farmland Extension II Layout, Kuje, a parcel of land at Commercial Layout, Yenagoa Gardens, Bayelsa State, 30,000 MTN Shares held by Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, and Plot No. CP10, Sector Centre B Layout, Kuje, Abuja.

The EFCC had told the trial court that investigations into the alleged diversion of over N8.5 billion belonging to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) through the Joint Task Force (Operation Pulo Shield) revealed that funds were routed through several companies and proxies before being used to acquire the assets.

The EFCC maintained that the properties were reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities and were therefore liable to forfeiture under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.

OpenLife News reports that a trending video has revealed how the driver of governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State allegedly impregnated a lady and abandoned her, leading to a frustrating mode that prompted the lady to the option of selling to a baby factory syndicate in Abuja.

Disclosing her boyfriend’s name as Lucky Umuogwu who “is based in government house,” the lady further disclosed that she sold her newly born baby boy for N2 million.
Regretting her action, she sought the assistance of VeryDarkMan, a social media influencer, to recollect her baby as well as refund.
Video in:
https://openlife.ng/governor-oborevworis-drivers-girlfriend-allegedly-sells-a-day-old-baby-boy-videos/

OpenLife News reports that Judiciary Editors Forum, JEF, a body of experienced journalists in judiciary reportage, has congratulated Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her election as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.

In a congratulatory letter co signed by Mr. Sam Popoola and Mrs. Sandra Umeh, Chairman and Secretary respectively, JEF noted the admirable legal journey of Okusanya and urged her to reunite the body for effective service delivery to the country.
The letter of congratulations titled : Congratulatory Message To The President-Elect Of The Nigerian Bar Association, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya is reproduced below unedited


Dear President-Elect,

On behalf of the Executive Committee and the entire membership of the Judiciary Editors Forum (JEF), we extend our warmest congratulations on your well-deserved election as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Your emergence is a resounding affirmation of the confidence reposed in your leadership, competence, and vision by members of the Bar across the country. We are confident that your tenure will usher in a new era of purposeful leadership, strengthened advocacy, and renewed commitment to the ideals of justice, the rule of law, and professional excellence.

As you prepare to assume office, we acknowledge the enormous responsibility that lies ahead. At this critical period in the history of the legal profession, expectations are understandably high. We encourage you to deploy your wealth of experience to foster unity within the Bar, heal divisions where they exist, and build a more inclusive NBA that gives every member a sense of belonging, irrespective of region, ideology, or area of practice.

We also urge you to continue strengthening the cordial relationship between the Bar and the Bench. While preserving the cherished independence of both institutions, constructive engagement and mutual respect remain indispensable to enhancing public confidence in the administration of justice.

We equally encourage the Bench to continue upholding the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, diligence, and the timely delivery of justice, recognising that Nigerians' confidence in the judiciary is fundamental to the nation's democratic stability.

As Judiciary Editors and court reporters, we look forward to a robust partnership with your administration. The media remains an indispensable stakeholder in the justice sector, serving as the bridge between the judiciary, the legal profession, and the public.

We therefore appeal that Judiciary Editors and court reporters be carried along in the implementation of your administration's programmes, particularly initiatives aimed at judicial reform, legal education, public enlightenment, access to justice, and institutional transparency.

We are optimistic that your administration will deepen collaboration with the legal correspondents' community, ensuring that accurate, balanced, and timely information on developments within the justice sector reaches the public. Such engagement will further promote accountability, strengthen public trust, and enrich informed discourse on legal and judicial issues.

Please accept our heartfelt congratulations once again. We wish you divine wisdom, sound health, courage, and outstanding success as you embark on this historic assignment. Be assured of the goodwill and cooperation of the Judiciary Editors Forum (JEF) as a partner in promoting a transparent, efficient, and credible justice system in Nigeria.

Congratulations once again, and may your tenure be impactful, successful, and memorable.

Yours sincerely,

Sam Popoola
Chairman

Sandra Umeh
Secretary
Judiciary Editors Forum (JEF)

OpenLife News reports that the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has kicked against the issuing of licences to some companies for the purpose of importing petroleum products into the country.

In a voice note released to journalists in Abuja today (Sunday), IPMAN National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, said the move is worsening price volatility of petroleum products in the country, as well as putting unnecessary pressure on the naira.

Ukadike who spoke with regard to recent developments in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry, said independent marketers had studied the developments closely, especially price volatility, the import licencing regime, and the sale of petroleum products in dollar, and came to the conclusion that the recent issuing of licences to some companies for the importation of petroleum products is not in the best interest of Nigerians.

He therefore called on the Federal Government to look into the matter transparently through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), with a view to reviewing the move.

He said that the issuing of licences for the importation of petroleum products which is meant to serve as a check on the prices of domestically refined petroleum products, is not achieving the results expected by independent marketers. He explained that landing price of petrol is N1,350 or about 20 per cent higher than the price being sold by Dangote Refinery, which he argued makes the importation of the product counterproductive. He argued that importing petroleum products at a higher cost than locally available products does not make economic sense.

Ukadike linked the granting of licences for the importation of petroleum products to recent pressure on the naira which has led to the depreciation in the exchange rate of the currency to N1,400 to the dollar, which he said, in turn, was affecting the pump price of petroleum products across the country.

He noted that the one major gain Nigeria has recorded from local refining is a continuous, uninterrupted supply of petroleum products, something the country struggled with in the past when it depended heavily on imports.

“If we have a continuous, uninterrupted supply, our problem is pricing. Is it not better to sit down and see how this issue can be controlled than to sign unnecessary import licences that will further inflate the price of petroleum products in our country?” he asked.

Ukadike called for stronger support for local refining capacity, including government-owned refineries alongside Dangote Refinery, describing this as necessary for the country’s energy security. He said Nigeria should prioritise its own refining capacity rather than depend on imports.

He said that since the Dangote Refinery came on stream, scarcity of petroleum products which was a perennial problem has become a thing of the past.

He therefore urged the Federal Government to look inward and support the domestic refining of petroleum products to guarantee energy security, ensure sufficient local supply, and generate additional foreign exchange for the country through exports.

OpenLife News reports that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has clarified the reasons Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila who serves as the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu came to the office Monday afternoon.

CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE PRESIDENT FEMI GBAJABIAMILA AT ICPC, TO GIVE STATEMENT IN ONGOING PFIPC INVESTIGATION

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirms that the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, was at the Commission's headquarters in Abuja on Monday, 20th June, 2026, to give a statement in connection with the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR had directed the Commission to investigate how the PFIPC, an entity the Presidency has disowned as fraudulent, came to operate from within the Federal Secretariat, Abuja, for a reported period of about two years, under one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who is alleged to have paraded himself as the Director-General of the said Council.

Mr Gbajabiamila arrived at the Commission in the afternoon and spent some time attending to enquiries from investigators, after which he departed the premises.

The Commission confirms that the Chief of Staff's visit was on the invitation of its investigators and consistent with its ongoing efforts to gather all relevant facts in the matter. He was not arrested; he simply willingly honoured an invitation.

Investigations continue, and further updates will be communicated as appropriate.

OpenLife News reports that the fate of George Akume, Secretary to the government of the federation, may be hanging in the balance as fresh revelation implies that part of his office was used by Prince Adeniyi Matthew to operate alleged illegal agency called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC at the federal secretariat in Abuja.

According to fresh information, Esther Walson-Jack, head of the civil service of the federation (HoS), says the office space used by the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) at the federal secretariat in Abuja was allocated to the office of the secretary to the government of the federation (OSGF).

Walson-Jack spoke on Monday when she appeared before the house of representatives ad hoc committee investigating the PFIPC controversy and the N1.3 billion allocated to the council in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
George Akume was the governor of Benue State between 1999 and 2007.
According to analysts, there may be punitive for Akume and others it is eventually established that his actions may have helped Adeniyi Matthew to operate the alleged fake agency which is causing president Bola Tinubu huge embarrassment at the local and international space

ICPC Grills Gbajabiamila Over PFIPC scandal

More so, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has interrogated Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu, over his role in the emergence of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

According to Jiti Ogunye, Gbajabiamila’s counsel, the president’s chief of staff appeared at the ICPC headquarters on Monday, where he was questioned over the PFIPC controversy.

OpenLife News reports that Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu and Deputy Secretary General to the United Nations, Mrs Amina Mohammed are eyeing United Nations General Secretary job on account of the coming to an end the tenure of the current occupier of the office, Antionio Gueteres.
It would be recalled that at the height of the intrigues, orchestrated by the West who felt Africa was not intelligently ripe enough to lead the world into 21st Century, Pérez de Cuéllar, the Peruvian diplomat and sitting Secretary General of the United Nations was slow at clearing his desk as of October 1991 even when he had few months to stay in office.

At the home front, the likes of Professor Wole Soyinka and others in the club of those who do not want good thing for Nigeria, till date, went haywire, denigrating Obasanjo's aspiration for the global number one job.
The home front conspiracy notwithstanding, IBB, the armoured general was co ordinating at the Africa continental level while Ibrahim Gambari, then permanent representative at the UN was wearing his boxing gloves for a deadly fight on the floor of the UN General Assembly in the event that the West furthered their attempts to stop Africa, specifically, Nigeria.
In like manner, Ike Nwachuku, then minister of external affairs obeyed Dodan Barracks' marching order to navigate the diplomatic corridors of Asia and Europe to ensure that the votes from that end could swing victory on Obasanjo's way.
Eventually, Boutrous Ghali of Egypt was elected as the first African to occupy the position.
Years, after, Kofi Anan from Ghana was elected.
This development has generated curiosity in the public space with analysts reviewing Nigeria's chances.

OpenLife News reports that Lagos State governor, Babajide Saneo-Olu has fulfilled his N3. 1 billion promise to property owners across different areas in the State.

Today, I presented ₦3.1 billion in compensation to 331 property owners whose land and buildings were acquired for key infrastructure projects across Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu, Igbogbo and Ogba.

As we build the roads and public infrastructure Lagos needs, we must also do right by the people whose lives are directly affected.

Every claim was carefully verified through due process to ensure the rightful owners received what they were entitled to.

Behind every property is a family, a home or a business. While these projects will benefit millions of Lagosians, I do not take the sacrifice of those who made them possible for granted.

We made a promise to govern with fairness and accountability. Today was another opportunity to keep that promise.

OpenLife News reports that all the Nigerian women who have served as Vice Presidents at the World Bank Group share a common heritage as Igbo women.

This is a historic milestone in international diplomacy and global finance. The World Bank is the premier global financial institution responsible for funding development projects across developing nations, meaning these four women managed billions of dollars in global assets, directed international policies, and led massive legal and economic teams worldwide.

To date, they remain the only four individuals from Nigeria to ever reach the vice presidency level in the history of the institution.

Here is the story of these extraordinary leaders and their journeys:

1. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Delta)

Born in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State, her journey with the World Bank spans over 25 years. After earning her bachelor's degree from Harvard and a PhD in regional economics and development from MIT, she joined the World Bank as a development economist.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala steadily rose through the ranks to become the Vice President and Corporate Secretary, and ultimately served as Managing Director from 2007 to 2011, where she had oversight over the bank's $81 billion operational portfolio in Africa, South Asia, Europe, and Central Asia.

In Nigeria, she served as a two-time Minister of Finance and a Minister of Foreign Affairs, famously negotiating the wipeout of $30 billion of Nigeria’s debt. She currently serves as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

2. Dr. Oby Ezekwesili (Anambra State)

Born in Anambra State, she was appointed the World Bank Vice President for the Africa Region in May 2007, serving until 2012. In this elite position, she was responsible for the bank's operations across 48 Sub-Saharan African countries, managing a portfolio of over $40 billion in projects.

Before her international deployment, she held a master's degree in Public Policy from Harvard University. She was a foundational architect of Nigeria's economic reforms in the early 2000s, leading the Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Unit, and serving consecutively as the Minister of Solid Minerals and Minister of Education.

Globally, she is also celebrated as a co-founder of Transparency International, the world's leading anti-corruption watchdog.

3. Arunma Oteh OON (Abia State)

Originally from Abia State, she graduated with a first-class honors degree in Computer Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, before earning her MBA from Harvard Business School.

In 2015, she was appointed the Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank. In this high-stakes corporate role, she led the team responsible for managing the bank’s $200 billion debt portfolio, oversaw its multi-billion dollar financial market operations, and handled liquid assets for the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

Prior to this, she served as the Director-General of Nigeria's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where she successfully reformed the country's capital markets after the 2008 global financial crash.

4. Sandie Okoro OBE (Imo State)

Born in London to a Nigerian father from Imo State, she represents the global diaspora of Igbo excellence. She studied Law and Politics at the University of Birmingham before establishing herself as one of the top financial lawyers in the United Kingdom.

In 2017, she was appointed Senior Vice President and Group General Counsel for the World Bank Group, serving until 2022. As the principal legal advisor for the entire global institution, she managed a massive international department of lawyers based across global offices and headed the bank's legal policies.

For her contributions to international law and diversity, she was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) by the British Royal Family, she recently served as Group General Counsel for Standard Chartered, and currently functions as the Chancellor of the University of Birmingham.

Share this post to honor this incredible legacy of excellence and inspire future generations of leaders.

OpenLife News reports that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, a Nigeria's primary federal law enforcement agency responsible for eliminating the production, trafficking, and sale of illegal hard drugs, has arrested a truck from Togo used to conceal hard drugs.
Making the disclosure Sunday morning, the agency spokesman, Femi Babafemi wrote:

In yet another deadly blow to the backbone of tramadol cartels in Nigeria coming barely a week after @ndlea_nigeria officers in Lagos intercepted a truck loaded with 558,900 pills of tramadol 250mg buried in false bottom compartment constructed with thick iron sheets on the belly of the truck that came from Togo through Benin Republic into Lagos, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence have again intercepted two more of such trucks with the same mode of concealment coming through same route but this time with three times the number of pills seized from the first truck, that’s over 1.5 million pills meant for delivery to the North. That’s massive supplies to bandits and other criminal gangs blocked midway. Now that their channels through the ports have been blocked, they are again meeting their Waterloo at their escape land border routes. This is no doubt a massive win for our youths being targeted, public health, security and Nigeria as a whole

OpenLife Nigeria reports that Nollywood finds itself in the spotlight once again, this time over the shifting landscape of film marketing.

A growing divide has emerged between traditionalists who favor classic promotion methods and those embracing lively, digital-first approaches like dance challenges and humorous skits to capture audience attention.

The conversation intensified after filmmaker Kunle Afolayan openly criticized the mounting pressure on creators to perform online stunts and maintain relentless social media presence, calling it draining and unsustainable.

Actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde added her voice, explaining she supports fun promotions but draws the line at anything that feels obligatory or inauthentic.Veteran actress Iyabo Ojo stepped into the fray on Friday with a sharp, indirect response shared on Instagram. She posted a striking billboard image that boldly stated:

"JEALOUSY IS THE LAST CLASS TO ATTEND BEFORE BECOMING A WITCH"Her caption carried equal bite and clarity:"

'Who made the rules? Nobody you gotta answer to.
2026 ain’t for talkers it’s for doers.
Do what works for YOU.
Let others win their way.

You win yours. Period. 100".

Without calling out any names, Ojo's words appear to champion individuality, resilience, and practical results in an industry where audience reach increasingly depends on creativity and adaptability.

Her post has fueled fresh debate about whether bold marketing is essential evolution or unnecessary spectacle.

OpenLife Nigeria reports that the Kebbi State Police Command, in furtherance of its commitment to combating violent crimes across the State, has recorded an operational success.
On 4th February, 2026 at about 2100hrs, operatives of the Police Special Tactical Squad deployed in Bagudo Local Government Area intercepted an unregistered Boxer motorcycle conveying two suspected armed bandits during a routine patrol.

Upon interception and during a security check, the suspects opened fire on the operatives. The police team responded in self-defence, leading to the neutralization of one of the suspects, while the second suspect escaped the scene with gunshot injuries. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

Items recovered from the operation include five hundred and eighty-six (586) rounds of AK-47 live ammunition, three AK-47 magazines, one camouflage uniform, one military-style bag, two mobile phones, a cash sum of Four Hundred and Four Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (₦404,500), and the unregistered motorcycle used by the suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar Mohammed Hadeija, psc, MNIM, reassures members of the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges citizens to continue to provide timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations.

OpenLife Nigeria reports that former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has attacked Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, describing the 54 years old governor as betrayal.
Governor Uba Sani who had formerly served Kaduna State as a Senator representing Kaduna Central succeeded Nasir El-Rufai as governor on May 29, 2023.
Since then, the two politician have torn themselves in the public space with accusations and counter accusations.
Only recently, Governor Uba Sani, in a television conversation, described El-Rufai’s involvement in opposing Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 aspiration as selfish and greed.
Specifically, governor Sani opined that the opposition in which Rufai is involved in has nothing meaning to offer Nigerians.
Reacting, in what he titled “Kaduna Update,” on his Facebook wall, Nasir El-Rufai began with a quote from Sherlock Holmes
“When you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, is the truth.”
The former governor thereafter stated that :
Every day I see this governor embarrassingly and sycophantically rambling, I used to wonder why? However, confirming that Federal Government ‘reimbursements, interventions and grants’ in excess of N150bn have been given selectively to Kaduna by Tinubu, in the last 18 months, now explains everything.
By all means, defend Asiwaju for the conditional cash transfer. Asiwaju has earned it, coming from you. The people of Kaduna State will judge at the right time and place. Have a nice day,” he said.

OpenLife Nigeria reports that the fund raising exercise organised by some concerned citizens including media and corporate affairs practitioners to raise $35,000 (USD) about N57 million for Kolawole Kuforiji, a Nigerian journalist to undergo a Deep Brain Stimulation surgery in Turkey has reached the first milestone of over N1 million donation.
The total contribution so far coming from small donors with the smallest of N1,000 and the highest single donation of N200,000 is now N1,178,292.00, while the promoters are still waiting for the interventions of major foundations who have received letters requesting for assistance.
The fund raisers said that so far MTN Foundation and Shell Nigeria had declined that they would not be able to support, while a source close to BUA Group has requested for letter to seek for support which has been sent.
However, other such as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dangote Foundation, All Nigerian Banks through the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), NNPC Foundation, Chevron Nigeria Foundation, Guinness Nigeria Foundation, Nigerian Breweries Foundation, Total E&P Nigeria Foundation and Babcock University are yet to respond.
Kola's media colleagues have issued a couple of press releases along with TV/Radio giggles since last year to sensitize the public on the urgent need to help the Nigerian journalist with the conviction that citizens from other sphere of life are quick to run to the media whenever they need help, and it’s imperative that the media should rise up to demand that the society should help one or any other their own that are in need of help.
One of Kola’s colleagues recently shared a video of a Nigerian who had similar challenge and went though a successful Deep Brain Stimulation surgery in the same Turkish hospital to convince those that are sceptical about supporting the fund raising exercise due to their wrong conviction that there is no medical cure.
According to him, Parkinson's disease is not a death sentence, as advancement in technology in recent years has given many people new lease of life.
While awaiting the institutional supports to save the life of Kola Kuforiji, the group of friends that opened an bank account with Polaris Bank (Name of Account: SOS FOR JOURNALIST KOLA KUFORIJI/ Account Number: 1790322317) have continued to make individual donations.
The life of Kola, a 54-year-old husband and father of two, who had worked for about two decades with Rhythm FM (Sliverbird Group) reporting business was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with a drug-resistant, Parkinson's disease with pronounced difficulty in walking and tremor has been very ill for more than two years and the severity and debilitating nature of his illness has depleted the finances of his family.
He was initially treated at Ikorodu General Hospital, Lagos, where a presumptive diagnosis of his medical condition was made.
He was over a year ago referred to LASUTH, but there has been little improvement in his health.
Medical treatment abroad now offers the best option for his recovery with a recommendation from Atasehir Medicana International Hospital – Atasehir / Istanbul, Turkey confirming that he will need a Deep Brain Stimulation surgery.
Over the years Kola has explored his media platform as a strong tool to drive financial inclusion and expanding frontier of knowledge of Nigerians on the activities and stride of the energy, banking and finance sectors at large to national development.
Despite his illness, Kola remains hopeful and determined to overcome.
BANK ACCOUNT FOR DONATION TO SAVE THE LIFE OF KOLA KUFORIJI
Name of Account: SOS FOR JOURNALIST KOLA KUFORIJI
Account Number: 1790322317
Bank: Polaris Bank

OpenLife Nigeria reports that a faction of the Oyomesi (kingmakers) has rejected the appointment of Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo.
It would be recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Friday, December 10, 2024, approved the appointment of Owoade as the next Alaafin.
However, five of the seven members of the Oyomesi have described Owoade’s appointment as illegal.
The kingmakers in this faction are Yusuf Akinade (Basorun), Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna), Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku), Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief standing in for the (Asipa), and Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief standing in for (Alapinni).
The kingmakers, in a letter by Adekunle Sobaloju, their legal counsel, told the governor that they recommended Luqman Gbadegesin, not Owoade, as Alaafin.
The letter
The rejection letter read: “You will recall that on 30th September 2022, at the meeting of the Kingmakers in accordance with the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration, 1961, the Kingmakers appointed Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alaafin of Oyo by a majority of the lawful votes of the Kingmakers,” the letter reads.
“Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin, having obtained the majority of votes of the Kingmakers present and voting, was deemed appointed, and his name was forwarded to your Excellency as the candidate appointed by the Kingmakers as Alaafin of Oyo for your approval, which you refused to approve for no disclosed reason at all.
“The Kingmakers thereafter filed an action to stop your excellency from truncating the process, culminating in the present appeal at the court of appeal.
“We must emphatically state that the Alaafin is not chosen by consultation or divination but in strict compliance with the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which codifies the native law and custom governing the selection process for the vacant stool of the Alaafin.
“Under the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, it is only the Bashorun of Oyo, the head of the Oyomesi and Kingmakers, that can summon a meeting of the Kingmakers for the purpose of selecting a candidate to fill the vacant stool of the Alaafin of Oyo.
“In this instance, the Bashorun did not summon any such meeting, nor was there any meeting convened in the Alaafin’s palace, as custom demands, where the said Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade was selected or appointed as the new Alaafin.
“Any meeting of few kingmakers and emergency warrant chiefs held at the Governor’s office on the 9th of January, 2025, or elsewhere at the instance of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to select the preferred candidate of the Governor as the new Alaafin is not only contrary to the native law and custom and Chieftaincy Declaration of Alafin of Oyo Chieftaincy but unlawful, illegal, invalid, null, and void.
“It is not the duty of the governor to convene the meeting of a few kingmakers and emergency warrant chiefs to select or appoint a new Alaafin on the 9th of January, 2025, and hurriedly approve the appointment on the 10th of January, 2025.
“Your Excellency’s unilateral decision to appoint and/or approve the appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, without due regard for the provisions of the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967 and pending application for injunction pending appeal, may go down in history as the worst executive recklessness and disregard for the integrity of the court ever exhibited by a sitting Governor,” the letter reads further.
“Sir, your excellency cannot sit in your office and handpick the Alaafin, disregarding the established customs and traditions of the Oyo Kingdom.
“We have our client’s instruction to inform your excellency that they have appealed to sons and daughters of the Oyo Kingdom to remain calm in the face of the unjustified attack and desecration of the custom of the community, which had from time immemorial saddled the Oyomesi/Kingmakers with the responsibility to select a candidate from the next ruling house entitled to produce a candidate to fill the vacant stool of the Alaafin of Oyo.
“Our clients hereby assure your Excellency and all Oyo sons and daughters that this unlawful action shall be challenged in court, as we are confident that it will not withstand judicial scrutiny.
“We respectfully advise Your Excellency to retrace your steps and allow the Kingmakers to discharge their duties without interference. Any act contrary to the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration is void ab initio and an affront to the traditions of the Oyo Kingdom.”

As the quest to fill the vacant senatorial seat of Edo Central gains momentum, a power shift to the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Esan land is crucial to ensuring qualitative representation, preventing political monopolies, and fostering prosperity.

Idumonza Isidahomhen, with his experience and deep ties to the Senatorial District, offers a compelling alternative to check APC's unacceptable dominance and mis governance.

Clearly, it's important to draw from historical precedent, political responsibility, and the capabilities of the aspirant.

Political Shift

The following points outline why such a shift would be both strategic and beneficial to the Senatorial District:

Preventing Dangerous Monopoly

Esan land, like much of Edo state, has witnessed the tumultuous effects of the People's Democratic Party, PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC’s governance in the past years.

Granting the APC the Senate seat, while they already occupy the governorship seat, would create an unhealthy concentration of power in a party that has been woeful in performance.

Such a monopoly could embolden the APC to further perpetuate lawlessness and abuse of power which have been their hallmarks.

Without doubt, APC has often failed to capitalize on the goodwill of voters by neglecting the real developmental needs of the people.

By electing Idumonza Isidahomhen of the SDP as the 5th Senator, voters would enthrone competitive and qualitative representation which would serve as a counterweight to the ruling party to the benefits of the people.

No doubt, the SDP’s involvement would introduce accountability, preventing the APC from overstepping boundaries in governance, a situation that would likely arise if they are left unchecked.

SDP's Historical Ties and Proven Vision

The SDP is not just another political party seeking power in Edo; it has deep-rooted connections to the state’s political evolution.

In the early 1990s, the SDP nurtured Edo during its formative years, providing the first democratically elected government in the state. The party’s legacy is interwoven with the foundation of modern Edo, and its understanding of the state’s socio-economic needs is unparalleled.

The SDP, having once been the architect of the state’s democratic growth, still holds a strong bond with the people, likened to a parent’s love for their child.
This relationship, forged decades ago, can once again manifest in prosperity for Esan land and the entire state if the Senate seat is entrusted to the SDP.
The party’s track record of responsible governance sets it apart from others who have consistently underdelivered on their promises and mandates.

Idumonza Isidahomhen's Capabilities



Idumonza Isidahomhen is not only a strong advocate for the people of Esan land but he also brings an impressive background to the table.

As a seasoned journalist, Idumonza Isidahomhen has honed the skills necessary for effective communication, sharp analytical thinking and ability to persuasively negotiate legacy federal projects to Esan land in the upper legislative chamber.


His journalistic career has equipped him with a deep understanding of public policy and governance issues, enabling him to push for federal allocations and opportunities that can benefit Esan land directly.
His presence in the Senate would ensure that the interests of Esan people are intelligently represented, making him the right person to pursue federal projects and defend the region’s interests on a national platform.

Esan’s Need for Diversified Representation

Esan land, with its rich history and culture, deserves a representative that truly understands the region’s unique needs.
Over-reliance on the APC and PDP, with their opaque and selfish style of governance, risks marginalizing local voices.
SDP, a party known for its grassroots connection, can foster development through a more inclusive approach. Esan land stands to benefit from the SDP’s progressive policies and focus on local empowerment, which aligns with the community-driven spirit of the region.
Idumonza Isidahomhen is well-positioned to advocate for Esan people not only as a skilled orator but also as a leader who understands the yearnings of his people.
With primary, secondly and university education all in Esan land, his understanding of the desires of the people is unequalled.
His media exposure is an added advantage on how to reshape Esan land to national and international embrace through legislative instruments.



Restoring Political Balance and Responsibility

In a time when national politics has seen growing cynicism, electing a candidate from the SDP would restore faith in Esan land's political leadership.
APC and PDP's track records of abuse of mandates have only led to disillusionment and stagnation.
Esan land needs a fresh perspective, essentially from SDP with legacy of commitment to democratic principles and ideology.
Therefore, allowing APC to control both the state executive and legislative arms would be a betrayal of Esan community’s need for accountability and responsible governance.

In conclusion, the Senate power shift to SDP, with Idumonza Isidahomhen as its representative in the Senate, will not only translate to a wise strategic choice but one that ensures a brighter, more prosperous future for Esan land reminiscent of Anthony Enaholo's era in the federal parliament who was also a journalist.

Idumonza's intelligence, deep local connections, and SDP’s historical role in the development of Edo make this the most compelling path forward for all stakeholders.

OpenLife Nigeria reports that a Brazilian professional footballer, Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior, known as Marcelo, has revealed the strangest thing about one of the most admired footballers on earth, Lionel Messi.

Marcelo, a left-back for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Fluminense, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs of all time as a result of his attacking capabilities, stated this in an interview in which he extolled the professional skills of Messi.
Said Marcelo : "Messi is a player you have to play against but don't provoke him. We used to find it difficult to stop him when he was in a normal state, but when he got angry it was as if he turned into Super Messi. He becomes another person who wants revenge, but his way of taking revenge is through goals, and this is not in our favor. The new defenders will not suffer as we did. Their mission is somewhat easy. The best striker now will not make you sleepless nights before facing him, but Messi did that. The strangest thing is that every time we faced him, we did not find a solution for him. He is a player who is difficult to understand and has an extraordinary talent. Is he the best? I think the Ballon d'Or are enough to say who is the best in football "
Born on June 24, 1987, Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for and captains both Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and the Argentina national team.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi set numerous records for individual accolades won throughout his professional footballing career such as eight Ballon d'Or awards and eight times being named the world's best player by FIFA.
He is the most decorated player in the history of professional football having won 45 team trophies, including twelve Big Five league titles, four UEFA Champions Leagues, two Copa Américas, and one FIFA World Cup.
Messi holds the records for most European Golden Shoes (6), most goals for a single club (672, with Barcelona), most goals (474), hat-tricks (36) and assists (192) in La Liga, most matches played (39), assists (18) and goal contributions (34) in the Copa América, most matches played (26) and goal contributions (21) in the World Cup, most international appearances (191) and international goals (112) by a South American male, and the second-most in the latter category outright.
A prolific goalscorer and creative playmaker, Messi has scored over 850 senior career goals for club and country.

OpenLife Nigeria has gathered that the world's largest gold deposit has been discovered in China's central Hunan province.
Geologists believe it could hold 1,000 tonnes of the precious metal.
At current prices this 'supergiant gold deposit' could be worth more than $80 billion (£63bn), making it the richest source of gold on the planet.
Scientists from the Geological Bureau of Hunan Province (GBHP) say they have discovered more than 40 veins beneath the Wangu gold field in Pingjiang County.

Drilling shows there are already more than 300 tonnes of gold just in the veins less than 2,000m (6,500ft) deep.
However, further 3D modelling suggests there are veins holding an additional 700 tonnes extending down to a depth of 3,000m (9,800ft).
Rock samples taken at the site show that every tonne of ore could contain as much as 138 grams of pure gold.
This would be a truly astonishing level of richness considering that ore is considered high quality if it contains just eight grams per tonne.
Chen Rulin, an ore-prospecting expert at GBHP, told state media: 'Many drilled rock cores showed visible gold.'






The discovery surpasses even the 900 tonnes buried within the 3,000m-deep (6,500ft) South Deep mine in South Africa which was previously the world's largest reserve.
Chinese officials have not yet announced plans to develop the site but it is likely that the Wangu gold field will soon become one of the country's biggest mining projects.
Currently, the country's biggest gold mine is the Xiling gold mine in Shandong Province, a coastal region in the East of China.
But even that mine, with its massive deposit of 580 tonnes, would only be almost half the size of any mine built over the Wangu gold field.
Gold prices lept at the news of the discovery, rising to near-historic highs in the days following.
Amid rising geopolitical tensions and mounting uncertainties, the price of gold has already been climbing over the course of 2024.
But as the news of the Wangu gold field broke the price of gold briefly jumped to £2,171 ($2,759) last weekend.
China is already one of the world's largest producers of gold, accounting for 10 per cent of the global output.
Earlier this year, estimates already put the country's total gold reserves at over 2,000 tonnes.
However, China is also a huge market for gold and currently consumes more of the precious metal than it can produce.
Years of rapid economic development and a fast-growing middle class have fueled demand for gold as a form of investment for many Chinese citizens.

OpenLife Nigeria reports that one of the longest-detained journalists in the world, Dawit Isaak, has been announced as the winner of the Edelstam Prize, a Sweden-based international monetary award.
The award is for Dawit Isaak’s outstanding contributions and exceptional courage in standing up for one’s beliefs in the Defence of Human Rights.
Dawit Isaak has been detained for more than two decades.

The announcement was contained in a press release by the organisers of the award, disclosing that Mr. Isaak, who has been held incommunicado by the Eritrean authority since 2001 as a prisoner of conscience who stood up for freedom of expression, would be awarded on November 19, 2024, and the award would be received by his daughter, Bethlehem Isaak, on his behalf.
On September 23, 2001, Mr. Dawit Isaak, an Eritrean-Swedish journalist and advocate for human rights, co-founded Setit, Eritrea’s first independent newspaper, and some other journalists were arrested by Eritrean authorities as part of its clampdown on freedom of speech and human rights.
The journalists were subsequently detained without trial, charge, or access to legal counsel or trial for more than 23 years.
23 years after their arrests, various international campaigns such as Amnesty International and the United Nations have sprung up, putting pressure on the Eritrean governments to release Mr. Dawit Isaak, who turned 60 in October this year, and his colleagues, who have not spoken to their families since their unlawful arrest over 20 years ago.
Speaking to Mr Dawit Isaak’s role in defending human rights and democratic principles, Caroline Edelstam, Chair of the Edelstam Prize Jury and co-founder of the Edelstam Foundation said his courage to criticize the Eritrean authority is clear evidence of his commitment to freedom of expression which led to his unlawful punishment.
Ms Edelstam insisted that the Eritrean government be held accountable for releasing Mr Isaak and other prisoners of conscience, including journalists and reformist politicians. On behalf of the Harald Edelstam Foundation, she also urged the Eritrean government to respect Dawit Isaak’s legal rights, such as the right to legal counsel and consular assistance, and to promptly reveal his whereabouts.
“Mr. Dawit Isaak has through his outstanding courage continued to write and criticize the Eritrean government and showed great commitment to freedom of expression and information, despite the government harassing and threatening him with continued interrogations. Mr. Dawit Isaak continued his advocacy, beyond his interest for the principles of human rights and democracy. His punishment, his perpetual unlawful detention, never charged with a crime, defenseless and deprived of his basic rights without a trial, his de facto status of civil death, is untenable,” says
“Where the press is free and every man able to read, all is safe. Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” Thomas Jefferson, 1816.
“Mr. Dawit Isaak is the longest-detained journalist in the world. We are very concerned about his health and his whereabouts are unknown, he is not charged with a crime, and he has been denied access to his family, consular assistance, and the right to legal counsel – effectively, it is an enforced disappearance. Eritrea systematically curtails a wide range of fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, association, assembly, and information, which is handled with censorship, arbitrary arrests, detentions without trial, and systematic and pervasive torture. Mass roundups and arbitrary arrests as well as the detention of journalists and human rights defenders without trial are unexceptional,” says Caroline Edelstam, Chair of the Edelstam Prize Jury.
“It is important to find ways to enforce national and international law and to promote accountability for serious abuses of human rights. Where violations have occurred, states must be held accountable. The international community also has a responsibility for establishing justice, ensuring the protection of victims, and upholding the principle that nobody is above the law. Democratic countries should put pressure on the perpetrator, in this case, Eritrea, which is essential and could have a noticeable effect. Enforced disappearances and persecution of journalists are grave human rights violations. As James Joyce taught us, we must insist on praying: Give us this day our daily press. These abuses are criminal acts, without exception and regardless of circumstance, including state of war, emergency, or national security. According to international law, family members of the disappeared are recognised as victims of enforced disappearance as well,” said Caroline Edelstam.
About the Edelstam Prize
The Edelstam Prize is a Sweden-based international monetary award, administered by the Harald Edelstam Foundation. The Edelstam Prize is awarded for outstanding contributions and exceptional courage in standing up for one’s beliefs in the Defence of Human Rights.
The Edelstam Prize is named after, and awarded in memory of, the Swedish diplomat and Ambassador, Harald Edelstam (1913-1989). Harald Edelstam distinguished himself as a diplomat by his professional competence, his bravery, and his civic courage in the fight for Human Rights. His memorable acts contributed to saving more than a thousand lives.
The winner of the Edelstam Prize can be a private person or a person who serves in Government, international, or national organizations. The winner shall be an individual who has acted in Ambassador Harald Edelstam’s spirit in a country/countries where Human Rights, according to international law, have been violated. The laureate must have shown outstanding capabilities in analysing and handling complex situations and in finding ways, even unconventional and creative ones, to defend Human Rights. The candidate has, presumably in a complex situation, been able to take a decisive role in helping threatened people or directly saving human lives. Civic courage is a central parameter in the selection of a successful candidate.

OpenLife Nigeria reports that Music star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has shared more details about his current predicament with baby mama Sophia Momodu as they continue to battle over the custody of their daughter, Imade.

The music star shared all the text and supporting images on his Instagram page Monday morning and deleted everything an hour later.

In the piece, he explained why he has acted in certain ways and also sheds more light on details about Sophia Momodu.

Read the lengthy (and detailed) piece below as obtained from Egwu Julius’s Facebook wall.

Birth of Imade Adeleke

When the second trimester of Sophia’s pregnancy was closing, she tortuously announced to me that she was in the family way.

My mind was bemused, and so was my soul confused. But I quickly realized that nothing more could be done to alter my status as a father-to-be. I knew that i was not ready to be a dad. Still, I adjusted myself to the realities of my new situation and the consequences of my past personal indiscretions.

I made the determination that I was going to be a good dad. I also reasoned that my blunder is not enough pretext to make me a husband. I was just 21. And so I decided to be a responsible dad without being husband to the mother of my baby. I never was in love with Sophia neither was marriage ever in the offing.

Without knowing for sure that I was the real dad of the baby, I entrusted Sophia to the services of a private hospital for both pre-natal and post-natal medical cares. An apartment at Lekki was leased for 2 years, and paid for by me. The burden of medical bills, feeding, transportation and sundry costs rested on my person. No family member of Sophia including Uncle Dele Momodu rose to help nor guide Sophia.

I own my property at Lekki and had allowed Sophia to stay in the house because she claimed that she knew nobody in Lagos and that her father was deceased whilst her mother was resident in Abuja. For real, Sophia was a drifter without a dime, education nor career. My compassion, ignorance, naivety and poor judgment had combined to make me a victim to a much older lady with super cunning sense that was mixed with a vicious and diabolical nature. I stand accused but calmly accepted my responsibility for the sad misadventure that caused me to be a seat-mate with Sophia on a plane that was flying nowhere.

All along, I have only been generous with Sophia without knowing for sure I was the father to the baby she was carrying. On May 14, 2015, Sophia delivered her baby named Imade. It was after Sophia had delivered the baby that DNA testing medically confirmed that I was indeed the biological father of our child named Imade.

Once this status was obtained, Sophia started to apply maximum financial demands on me. I bought all the baby things and fully furnished her apartment. Sophia knew well how to spend money and yet contributed zero to the vast expenses that I incurred. None in her family contributed even a fake coin to the cost of having Imade.

Uncle Dele Momodu, now the pompous moralist, never visited Sophia nor even delivered an ordinary greeting card to Imade nor to her mum. Throughout the many months that Sophia stayed at my house when she claimed she has no family in Lagos, Uncle Dele Momodu and his bossy wife never showed up at my house to say hello to either of us.

When the going was good, Sophia had told me plenty things about her uncle Dele Momodu that I need not repeat here. And she never invited me to go with her to visit him and I don’t have the knowledge that she ever visited him throughout the time she stayed in my house. She always explained that a visit to Uncle Dele was needless and unnecessary. Uncle Dele Momodu never liked, and still does not like Sophia. He is now just grandstanding because Sophia had a baby for a fairly prominent family and famous Davido.

The case of Mrs Momodu baffles me even more. Why did she not think it necessary to move to Sophia’s apartment to help her out and show her the tricks of motherhood when Imade was newly born. Not once did she visit Sophia and her baby until December 2015. She gave neither care, love nor financial support to Sophia. Now, at 7 months old, and a child with special medical needs, Mrs Momodu rushed to the Lagos Airport to make an awful botch of her standing as a mother: Mrs Momodu certainly not a good person. She put time and energy to prevent my daughter and I, the real father of Imade, from travelling aboard to keep an appointment with the American Hospital, Dubai. At the point of dying in November, 2015 Imade had been rushed to this medical facility in Dubai, where she received helpful and adequate treatment, and was duly returned to Nigeria, without any side excursions.

What then suddenly propels the fear or dangerous love of Mr & Mrs Momodu for Sophia? I deeply sense this couple never loved Sophia nor her late father. They also resent her mum, and probably are jealous that Sophia ever became a mum herself, and thus, wish that Sophia’s daughter who is also my daughter, must needlessly perish.

Where is the inherent value in a callous human ploy that directly intends to prevent a child from receiving necessary medical care aboard once the biological father, David Adeleke, the child’s grandfather and all my siblings who are uncles and aunties to Imade are booked to fly on this essential medical trip to which we have attached a restful family vacation? Sophia ain’t a member of our family, period.

Surely, Sophia was not with Imade when she first visited Dubai, and yet Imade was promptly returned to Nigeria. And no one said Sophia cannot come to Dubai except that I declared that I don’t want the trip to seem like a spousal get-away. Sophia ain’t my wife and I refuse to let any action conspire to make us look like a couple. She seemed unable or unwilling to pay her way to Dubai. Also, her boastful Uncle, alas, refused to volunteer to pay her way to Dubai. I never suggested to an elder what he should take up as his personal responsibility if indeed he cared at all for Sophia as his robust involvement in our odd relationship wishes to establish. Mr Momodu never bought the ticket but wanted to enforce his cosine to join my family on this Dubai trip.

Dangerous lights are furiously blinking red around my daughter, Sophia and my person. Uncle Dele Momodu and his wife are providers of the energy espousing the idea of a needless death to my daughter. I now say it loud and clear, should my daughter die, this strange couple are mainly responsible. Mr Dele Momodu should just leave me and my family alone! His daughter is not who had a baby for me, and he has been too much of an absentee uncle to Sophia to have any traction on the moral authority that commands the soul and heart of this matter. Sophia Never formally introduced him nor his wife to me, at any time. Why are they now crowding my space and that of my daughter?

Custody, Lifestyle and Imade’s Loss of Wellness

In May, the same month Imade was born, Sophia settled in her fancy apartment for which I paid a hefty bill for a 2 year lease. Her baby was healthy. And she seemed happy. I would take care of all the financial needs of Imade and still pay Sophia a living allowance of 300,000 Naira plus utility bills.

Within a matter of weeks, Sophia was missing and lusting for the streets of Lagos, especially the glitzy night life. She often left Imade home for clubbing, binge drinking and a life of debauchery and deviant living. She would sleep all day and party all night. When awake, she was addicted to the telephone and cannabis. She paid the baby no attention at all and seemed to despise motherhood and parenting.

Imade was in her custody for 2 straight months, unchallenged and uninterrupted, until the baby took badly and severely ill in July. Imade cried, ceaselessly, for 48 hours. She was rushed to the hospital where her condition confounded medical experts. Several tests were conducted on her and later on the mother. Medical reports, herein attached (exhibit 1), proved that Sophia’s blood was polluted to the maximum level with cannabis and she had by the process of breast feeding infected her child with complicated medical conditions associated with the use of alcohol and especially cannabis. The trouble spot for Imade was her lungs. She had difficulty breathing largely because of the contaminated breast milk and the severity of the “Second Smoke” of marijuana inhaled by the poor child.

OpenLife Nigeria has reliably gathered that the Supreme Court of Nigeria Friday, June 28, 2024, affirmed the conviction of the former Managing Director of Bank PHB Plc, Mr Francis Atuche, for N25.7 billion fraud.
The apex court, in a unanimous decision, held that Atuche, the Appellant, failed to dislodge the finding of the trial court which convicted him and the Court of Appeal which affirmed the conviction.
The judgment brings the criminal charge to finality after over 13 years.
In the lead judgment read by Justice M.A.A. Adumein, the Supreme Court relied on its previous decisions that where the judgment of a trial court on the demeanour of a party or witness is supported by the documentary evidence tendered, an Appellate Court has no business in tampering with the decision of the Court.
In conclusion, the Court held that the Appellant did not give it any reason to tamper with the concurrent finding of the two lower courts.
Atuche, his wife, Elizabeth, and the bank’s former chief financial officer Ugo Anyanwu were in 2011 arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Lateefat Okunnu of the High Court of Lagos State
They were prosecuted by an EFCC prosecutor, Dr Kemi Pinheiro SAN on a 27-count amended information for their involvement in a N25.7 billion fraud.
The Trial Court after taking evidence of parties in its judgment delivered for almost 12 hours convicted and sentenced Atuche and Anyanwu on the 16th of June 2021 while also discharging and acquitting his wife.
Justice Okunnu noted that both convicts defrauded the bank using well-recognised stockbrokers to transfer money under the guise of loans and shares.
“It was a well-planned, well-executed scheme but the bubble burst when the Central Bank of Nigeria intervened,” she had said.
Not satisfied with the high court judgment, Atuche filed an appeal.
On the 23rd of June 2022 after hearing the appeal, the Court of Appeal affirmed the conviction of both Atuche and Ugo Anyanwu while reducing his sentence to a jail term of 12 years.
The Supreme Court had earlier this year heard Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, leading Chief Anthony Idigbe SAN and Prof. Fidelis Oditah SAN in the appeal which was initiated by Atuche against his conviction, while a team of lawyers including Pinheiro and Sebastian Hon SAN held the fiat of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation.

OpenLife Nigeria reports that emerging results from the South Africa's national elections show unprecedented dramatic shift since the end of apartheid.
According to reports obtained from Reuters, the African National Congress, ANC, appeared on course to lose the parliamentary majority it has held for 30 years.
Partial results from South Africa's national election showed, in what would be the most dramatic political shift since the end of apartheid.
If the final results confirm the loss of its majority, the ANC will be forced to make a deal with one or more other parties to govern - a situation that could lead to unprecedented political volatility in the coming weeks or months.
"There will be checks and balances on the ANC power, but the ultimate risk is that the infighting could make governance ineffective," said Simon Harvey, head of foreign exchange analysis at Monex Europe.
With results in from 16.7% of polling stations, the ANC's share of the vote in Wednesday's election stood at 42.5%, with the pro-business Democratic Alliance (DA) on 25.8%, data from the electoral commission showed on Thursday.
The Marxist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party was on 8.5%, while uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), a new party led by former president Jacob Zuma, was snapping at its heels on 8%.
"I don't think it's likely for the ANC to reach a majority," said pollster Reza Omar of Citizen Surveys, noting that while the picture would evolve, it was unlikely to change to that extent.
South African broadcaster eNCA projected that the ANC's final score would land on the 45% mark while the DA would remain the largest opposition party on 21%.
"The ANC looks forward to a clear mandate from voters to continue the work of transforming South Africa and building a better life for all," the party said in a statement.
Tessa Dooms, director of the Rivonia Circle think-tank in Johannesburg, said the early results were skewed towards rural areas where she would have expected the ANC to be performing more strongly than it was.
"The rural vote comes in early and it's always much smaller. The urban vote comes in quite late. I think this election will be a lot more contested in the urban areas," she told Reuters at the results centre in Midrand, north of Johannesburg.
Under South Africa's constitution, the newly elected National Assembly will elect the next president. With the ANC still on course to be the largest party, that is likely to be its leader Cyril Ramaphosa, the incumbent.
However, a poor showing could make him vulnerable to a leadership challenge from within party ranks, whether in the immediate future or at some point during his term.
With South Africa entering uncharted political territory, Harvey said the speed at which a coalition could be formed would be an indication of what was to come.
"If it is protracted, you may start to worry about a political gridlock going forward," he said.
The uncertainty weighed on South African markets.
The rand slipped more than 1% against the U.S. dollar to hit its weakest level in four weeks while the wider equity index (.JTOPI), opens new tab dropped more than 2% in its worst day in six weeks. The country's international bonds lost as much as 1 cent in the dollar.
THE ZUMA FACTOR
The ANC has won national elections held every five years since the landmark 1994 election, which marked the end of apartheid and the ascent of Nelson Mandela as president.
But since those heady days the ANC's support has declined because of disillusionment over issues such as high unemployment and crime, frequent power blackouts and corruption.
In the previous election in 2019, the ANC won 57.5% of the vote, with 20.8% for the DA and 10.8% for the EFF, on a turnout of 66% of registered voters, which the commission has already said is likely to be higher this time.
At provincial level, the early results showed the ANC on 35.7%, the DA on 29.6%% and the EFF on 10.8% in the key province of Gauteng, which includes the country's business capital Johannesburg and the sprawling townships of Soweto and Alexandra.
In KwaZulu-Natal, a populous eastern province where the major city of Durban is located, Zuma's MK was performing strongly, with 43.2% of the vote versus 21.7% for the ANC. KwaZulu-Natal is his home province and he is popular there.
Zuma was forced to quit as president in 2018 after a string of scandals and has since fallen out with the ANC leadership, leading him to throw his weight behind MK. The party, named after the ANC's armed wing from the apartheid era, appeared to be costing both the ANC and the EFF votes.
"MK is going to be a real player. That it tracks close to the EFF is significant because they are going after the same voters," said Dooms.
By law, the electoral commission has seven days to declare full results, but in practice it is usually faster than that. In the last election, in 2019, voting took place on a Wednesday like this year and final results came on the Saturday.
The new parliament must convene within 14 days of final results being declared and its first act must be to elect the nation's president.
This means that if the ANC is confirmed to have lost its majority there could be two weeks of intense and complex negotiations to agree on how to form a new government.
The African National Congress , a leading political party in South Africa, originated as a liberation movement known for its opposition to apartheid and has governed the country since 1994, when the first post-apartheid election resulted in Nelson Mandela being elected as President of South Africa.

Founded by John Langalibalele Dube, Sol Plaatje, Pixley ka Isaka Seme, Josiah Tshangana Gumede on 8 January 1912, current President Cyril Ramaphosa emerged under ANC