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Insecurity: Yoruba Group Alleges Roles Of Two Northern Groups Suspicious

By
Ayodele Oni
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Arewa

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Oodua Nationalist Coalition, (ONAC), has observed that the roles of two northern groups in insecurity rocking Nigeria are suspicious.

 

The Yoruba Group accused Northern Elders Forum, (NEF) and the Arewa Consultative Forum, (ACF) of promoting violence and terrorism through what looks like their covert and veiled support for mass killings and kidnapping across the country.

 

In a statement on Wednesday, ONAC, warned the two organisations to stop giving the impression that they were behind and providing fund for terrorists in Nigeria, alleging that both NEF and ACF appear to be working in collaboration with anti-democratic forces.

 

ONAC, a coalition of many Pan Yoruba groups was reacting to statements issued by NEF and ACF on Monday accusing Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, (alias Igboho) of profiling Fulani.

 

In the ONAC statement signed by its General Secretary, Mr Adeola Babafemi and Assistant Publicity Secretary  Tajudeen Goriola, stated that it is shameful that the two organisations suddenly found their voices after Igboho  called for the release of a pregnant woman and her child that were kidnapped by suspected Fulani armed men.

 

“Both NEF and ACF were silent, maintaining cold complicity when 160 mostly Yoruba people were killed in Kwara state by suspected Fulani terrorists; they kept quite when four Yoruba traditional rulers were murdered by their children.

 

“They went on sabatical when 16 people were abducted at Eda Oniyo in Ekiti State; 46 people including children were kidnapped in Esiele in Oyo State, not to talk of the sacking of 33 Yoruba towns and villages in Kwara and Kogi States.”

 

ONAC maintained that the statement by NEF and ACF showed clearly that within them are real or potential terrorist funders and sympathisers whose primary aim is to destabilise Nigeria and cause a state of war.

 

“We are shocked that these organisations made up of reactionary forces and beneficiaries of the Nigerian rot can say that the action of Igboho would lead to anarchy.

 

“In reality the two organisations watch with excitement as Fulani unleash terror and anarchy on the rest of Nigerians, killing the young and old, stabbing pregnant women to extract their foetus, raping, invading farms and sacking villages in a savege desperation to impose their political culture on the rest of Nigerians,’ ONAC said.

 

The group claimed that the NEF and ACF are mere Fulani fronts decorated with the myth of Northern interests.

 

It added that the agenda of the groups is to bring down democracy and impose unaccontable, corrupt and dictatorial martial rule in line with Fulani heritage.

 

 ‘More than two million people are in IDP camps in Benue State. More than 50 communities have been sacked in Plateau State by Fulani terrorists.

 

“Instead of condemning these acts of terrorism, the two parochial and self serving organisations would rather keep quite.

 

“Even when a military coup was staged to overthrow democratically elected government in October 2023, the NEF and ACF maintained the conspiracy of cruel silence.”

 

ONAC said the Fulani across West Africa have become the most dangerous specie of humanity that the whole world detests

 

“The real threats to Nigeria is not Igboho but rabidly corrupt, inept, reactionary, self-serving  fundamentalist so called elders who dominate NEF and ACF, two organisations set up for personal profit, primitive accumulation of wealth and for the defense of narrow agenda of Fulani.

 

‘Your history of political brigandage and prodigal philosophy that is bereft of humanitarian philosophy, but defined by loyalty to Fulani Jihad agenda, linked to commercial interests and personal gains were responsible for the tumoil that the Fulani have imposed on Nigerians.

 

“Instead of being bold to caution and stem the tide of terrorism, the NEF and ACF are rather looking for infantile excuses by blaming Igboho.

 

“NEF and ACF are working for the destruction of Nigeria. They are old people using their prime to promote anarchy and blood letting forgeting that whose who sow the wind would reap the whirlwind.”

El-Rufai: “Bail Conditions Should Secure Attendance In Court, Not Guarantee Continued Incarceration” – Atiku Warns

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has expressed serious concern over the politicization of the trial and detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, by the authorities.

 

Abubakar, who is the 2027 Presidential Candidate of  the African Democratic Congress, ADC, described the continued detention of El-Rufai  as well as the refusal of the Court to review the bail conditions granted to him as totally unacceptable.

 

El-Rufai who is facing multiple inter-agency prosecutions over charges bordering on alleged diversion of public funds , inflation of Severance packages ,and breach of national security, has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC since February 18, 2026, when he was granted bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

 

The former Governor of Kaduna State, however, despite being granted bail by multiple courts where he is currently being prosecuted by the ICPC and the Department of State Service, DSS, between April and May, has remained in custody owing to  the tough conditions attached to the bail granted him by an Abuja Federal High Court presided over by Honourable Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik.

 

At the resumed hearing of the case filed by the DSS against El-Rufai over alleged wire-tapping of the telephone number of the National Security Adviser NSA on Tuesday, Justice Abdul-Malik rejected pleas for the variation of the bail conditions granted the former Kaduna State Governor.

 

El-Rufai’s defence team led by Paul Erokoro, SAN, had, in an oral application urged the court to review certain conditions of the bail, particularly  those requiring a Level 17 Civil Servant with properties in Maitama or Asokoro Districts of Abuja as one of the sureties, as well as an attestation letter from the Chairman of the Kaduna State Traditional Rulers Council .

 

According to him, the conditions appear practically untenable ,and impossible in the present circumstances.

 

The former Vice President, while reacting on Wednesday , June 24, 2026, described the stance of the court as deeply troubling ,and a source of serious concern about the State of constitutional liberties,the administration of justice, and the growing tendency to weaponise legal processes against political rivals.

 

According to Atiku, while it is true that courts reserve the discretions to grant bail  and impose  conditions ,he insisted that the exercise of such power must be done judicially ,and judiciously.

 

He emphasized that attaching stringent conditions, which are obviously, and manifestly high-handed, unreasonable, and or practically impossible to fulfill, remains counterproductive ,and certainly defeat the very essence of the bail granted.

 

The ADC presidential candidate also warned that unrealistic and harsh bail conditions are in themselves antithetical to the popular dictum ,to the effect that an  accused person remain innocent until proven guilty.

 

He emphasized that bail exit in legal proceedings as a veritable way of preserving the refrain that accused persons remain innocent until find guilty.

 

“When a court insists on conditions that require a defendant to produce a serving Grade Level 17 Federal Civil Servant who must also own verifiable property in Maitama or Asokoro, and satisfy a maze of additional requirements., Nigerians are entitled to ask a simple question: is the objective to grant bail or to ensure that bail remains unattainable?

 

“This is not merely about one individual . It is about the principles that underpin a democratic society governed by the rule of law.

 

“Today it is El-Rufai . Tomorrow it could be any citizen whose liberty depends not on the law ,but on whether he can satisfy conditions that few Nigerians can ever meet” Abubakar stated.

 

The former Vice president, lamented the increasing tendency of the judicial arm of Government to abdicate its constitutional responsibilities ,and pander to the whims and caprices of those in position of authority.

 

He noted that as a critical institution for the sustenance ,and promotion of democracies all over the world, the judiciary should not only be perceived as a sacred altar of justice, but be able through its conduct inspire public confidence in the administration of justice.

Nasir El-Rufai

Abubakar warned that no democracy can thrive in a situation where citizens are constantly suspicious that the legal processes are being directly and or remotely manipulated ,and deployed for the persecution citizens, especially the opposition voices.

 

“At a time when public trust in institutions is under unprecedented strain ,the Judiciary must be careful not to create the impression that justice is available only in theory but unreachable in practice .

 

“Bail Conditions should secure attendance in court ,not guaranteed continued incarceration” the ADC presidential candidate added.

 

He cautioned against the tendency to misconstrue his intervention to mean  an  obstruction of the cause of justice.

 

According to him, his concern ,just like any other patriotic Nigerian, is whether constitutional safeguards are being faithfully observed in the process of the  administration of justice .

I’m A Nigerian, I Don’t See The Level Of Hunger People Are Talking About – Presidential Spokesman, Onanuga

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Bayo Onanuga
Bayo Onanuga

By Ayodele Oni

 

Bayo Onanuga, the Presidential spokesperson, has said Nigerians are not too hungry as being portrayed by critics.

 

Onanuga,while acknowledging economic challenges, maintained that his personal interactions do not reflect the scale of hardship often portrayed in public discussions.

 

“I’m a Nigerian. I have people working for me privately. I don’t see the level of hunger people are talking about because I see them, and I keep asking them questions: how are things, how are they adjusting, what are the problems?” he said

 

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Onanuga argued that several government initiatives have delivered tangible benefits to citizens, citing infrastructure projects, student loans and credit facilities for workers as examples.

 

The Presidential aide maintained that he does not share the view that the level of hunger often described by critics reflects the reality across Nigeria.

 

Onanuga said many Nigerians are benefiting from policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

 

According to him, recent road projects have significantly improved travel experiences for many Nigerians.

 

Recalling a recent journey from Ibadan to Lagos, Onanuga said he was impressed by a newly constructed concrete road around the Ijebu-Ode axis.

 

“One day I was traveling from Ibadan to Lagos, and Google Maps told me that there’s a go-slow in the approach to Lagos, and I decided to take Ijebu-Ode via Shagamu.

 

“What struck me most was that I just found myself on a paved road, concrete road. I said, ‘Wow, when was this one built?’” he said.

 

He added that the road had changed public perception in the area.

 

“I found that our people, I mean, our Ijebu people, have stopped complaining. I said, ‘Oh, no wonder they now have a brand new road that’s not just an asphalt road, a concrete road,’” he said.

 

Onanuga also pointed to the impact of the coastal highway project, saying it has reduced travel time for residents.

 

“I live in Ajah. Anytime I go to Lagos, and I ask Google Maps to tell me how soon I will get home, Google Maps will tell me one hour, seven minutes.

 

“Before, it was two hours, 30 minutes, and the reason for that is that we now have a coastal road that has shortened my travel time.

 

“Is that not beneficial? What are people talking about really?”, he stated.

 

Onanuga highlighted the Federal Government’s student loan scheme and access to low-interest credit for civil servants as evidence that government policies are making a difference.

 

“If you are a parent and you have four children in university, and they’re able to access federal loan, which is interest free, are they not benefiting?

 

“If you are a civil servant and you can access the credit card, very cheap loan at below interest, it is about seven per cent. Now people can access that loan at single digit. Are they not benefiting as well?”, he said.

 

Onanuga argued that public discourse has become dominated by assumptions that overlook positive developments.

 

“We have been pigeonholed into certain assumptions, certain conclusions,” he said.

 

Referring to a viral incident during the early days of the Tinubu administration, he recalled how a video of the President returning from a mosque in Lagos was accompanied by a voice-over suggesting widespread hunger.

 

“I think the President went to Lagos, he was coming from the Central Mosque, and somebody now did a voice-over saying ‘Ebi n pawa o,’ and that means we are hungry. Since then, people have been saying that,” he added.

In Its Harshest Choice Of Words Ever, Supreme Court Descends On Counsel, Calls His Case Juvenile, Slams N50m Fines On Him

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Honourable Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme

By Adesina Soyooye

 

“Counsel degenerated to a level unprecedented in the history of Application for review in this Court and ended up not only exposing his ignorance and poor knowledge of the law, but making a mockery of himself as a Legal practitioner. He is not worthy to be called a Legal practitioner” – Honourable Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme

 

For a  Nigerian Lawyer, S.M. Danyaro, it was like a bad dream, worse than a nightmare. He would, by now, be cursing the day he decided to take an application for review   before the Supreme case of Nigeria.

 

Not a few people are asking how he “found the legs” to leave the premises of the Supreme Court.

 

In a ruling signed on June 22, 2026, which has now been made public, a Supreme Court Justice, The Honourable Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, PhD, descended on him for ever, even, thinking of bringing such an application for a review before the Supreme Court.

 

Nwosu-Iheme described the application as vexatious and an abusive of application filed after the conclusion of a substantive appeal.

 

As punishment, his application was not only entirely dismissed, he was slammed with a fine of N50 million which he must personally pay with a period of 90 days. He dismissed the Lawyer as “uncultured.”

 

Worse, Nwosu-Iheme, the first female Judge in Nigeria to earn a PhD, known for her compassionate, but no nonsense disposition, directed that the Lawyer be denied right of audience in any Court in Nigeria until “he complies with the Court’s order and files a certificate of compliance before the Court.”

 

Justice Nwosu-Iheme’s ruling followed the lead ruling of Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur, JSC, which Nwosu-Iheme fully agreed with.

 

According to Nwosu-Iheme, Danyaro’s application ranks among the worst ever brought before Nigeria’s highest court.

 

She said: “I agree entirely with the reasoning and abide by the conclusion in the lead Ruling that this Application is one of the most thoughtless and irresponsible Applications ever brought before this Court.”

 

Describing the lawyer’s conduct as professional misconduct she accused him of filing the application merely to vent his grievances over the outcome of an earlier appeal decided by the court on June 4, 2025.

 

Nwosu-Iheme: “It is condemnable as it amounts to professional misconduct on the part of Counsel for the Applicant, S.M. Danyaro.

 

“It will haunt the said Counsel for the rest of his career as a Legal Practitioner for being oblivious of the consequences of his action.”

The Supreme Court justice did not stop there.

“I agree that this Application is thoughtless, Juvenile and Gross abuse of the process of this Court.

 

“It was brought deliberately by this irresponsible Counsel to ventilate his grievances over the outcome of the substantive Appeal.

 

“In the process of bringing this Application under the guise of a review, counsel degenerated to a level unprecedented in the history of application for review in this Court and ended up not only exposing his ignorance and poor knowledge of the law, but making a Mockery of himself as a Legal Practitioner.

 

“He is not worthy to be called a Legal Practitioner.”

 

The Apex Court affirmed that its earlier judgment delivered on June 4, 2025, in Appeal No. SC.266/2017 remains valid, binding and final.

 

“This application and the unbecoming Conduct of Counsel for the Applicant is bereft of Common Sense, it is dismissed in its entirety.

 

“The judgment of this Court delivered on the 4th day of June, 2025 in Appeal No. SC.266/2017 remain subsisting, final and binding on all parties.

 

“Sequel to the vexatious and unprofessional Application of this uncultured Counsel, S.M. Danyaro, intended only for causing annoyance when objectively evaluated, I also order that costs of N50,000,000 be paid personally by this recalcitrant Counsel, S.M. Danyaro personally for filing this trash.

 

“The costs shall be paid within 90 days to the respondents.

 

“A certificate of compliance must be filed in Court in accordance with the Provisions of Order 12 Rules 4(d), 6, and 7 of the Rules of this court.

 

“S.M. Danyaro of Counsel shall cease to have right of audience in any Court in Nigeria until there is evidence of Compliance with the said Rules of this court.”

 

The ruling, which is already being hailed by Nigerians who insist it will curb frivolous filings by some Lawyers,

was signed  off by The Honourable Justice  Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme, Ph.D, Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and marked as a Certified True Copy. It has been issued by the Registrar of the Supreme Court.

Celebrating Graduation On Social Media: Ondo Govt. Withholds Certificates Of 17 Students

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

 

Ondo State Government has sanctioned some graduating secondary school students for flouting directive of no celebration for final year students.

 

In the wake of complaints by parents about high costs of graduation ceremonies for outgoing pupils, government announced a ban directing school authorities to stop collecting money for such events.

 

However, students from Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas Secondary School, and CAC Grammar School, all in Akure, were seen in a viral “sign-out” video that sparked widespread public outrage across social media.

 

The affected students, numbering 17, have been sanctioned. Their testimonials and WASSCE results will be withheld upon release.

 

​In a statement,  “Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has cracked down on a group of secondary school students from Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas Secondary School, and CAC Grammar School following a viral “sign-out” video that sparked widespread public outrage across social media.

 

“The video, which circulated heavily on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, following the completion of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), showed graduating students engaging in chaotic and undisciplined behavior, including tearing uniforms and chanting inappropriate slogans.

 

“In an emergency meeting convened at the Ministry’s headquarters in Akure, government officials and school administrators gathered to address the breach of conduct.

 

​”The Ministry has handed down the following immediate sanctions to serve as a deterrent to other schools across the state:

​

“The official school testimonials and WASSCE results of the 17 students identified in the video will be withheld until further notice, and their names will be entered into the “black book” of their respective schools.

 

“All principals have been directed to open a “black book” for student misconduct, and senior officers at the affected schools have received official queries for failing to adequately  supervise and allowing the celebrations to degenerate into lawlessness.

 

“For those in the video who are not in the terminal class, the Ministry has directed that they be expelled from school immediately.

 

“The Commissioner advised all parents to consistently counsel their children against actions that could mar their futures, stating that the measures taken by the Ministry will serve as a deterrent to other students who might consider engaging in similar acts in the future.”

 

Addressing the press after the disciplinary hearing, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, emphasized that while celebrating academic milestones is natural, the government maintains zero tolerance for activities that damage the moral fabric and reputation of the state’s educational system.

 

He stated, “The growing ‘sign-out’ culture among secondary school students must be guided by decency.

 

“We will not fold our arms and watch the discipline we have painstakingly instilled in our schools be eroded for the sake of social media clout.

 

“We must defend the integrity of our education system in the state. We will not allow those who are not ready to be in school to disturb our institutions.”

 

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Akindele Ige, advised principals to proactively share information with the Zonal Education Office and the Ministry to address unrest before it escalates.

 

He revealed that parents and the graduating students involved have been summoned to the Ministry to receive their official punishment letters.

Ortom Calls Governor Alia Hypocrite, Threatens To Expose Him …Apologises To SGF Akume

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Samuel Ortom and Gov Alia

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Alia on Ortom: “He is a fabricator. From pretentious sobbing in Churches to perpetual deceptive statements. When a governor tells the worst tales that he was running and dodging bullets from assailants who pursued him for over 1km, what else do you want to confirm as a fabricator of all time?”

 

The cold war between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, is still boiling to high heavens. On Tuesday, Ortom took a swipe at his succesor,, called him a hypocrite and threatened to expose him.

 

“You are a hypocrite. I will  expose the rot in your administration”, Ortom fired.

 

Ortom made this statement during an interactive session with journalists at his residence in Makurdi, while reacting to the report of a probe panel which accused his administration of being unable to account for N139.8 billion during his eight-year tenure.

 

Ortom said, “As from today, I am going to be exposing this government (Alia’s administration) for its hypocrisy, outright looting of the state resources and evils committed against the people of the state and the ceding of our land to foreigners.

 

“So many lies have been said against me. After three years, I concluded that if I remain silent it will amount to admittance, so I need to defend myself and let the world know that what Alia is doing is pure persecution.”

 

He challenged his successor to a public debate for both of them to showcase their performances based on resources accrued to each of the administrations.

 

He, also, reflected on his political differences with his former leader, Senator George Akume, and called for unity and collaboration in the interest of Benue State and Nigeria.

 

He apologized to Akume for making an unfounded statement after he won his re-election in 2019 that he had “retired Akume politically”, while openly appealing to Akume that he regretted making that statement.

 

He said: “During my prayers afterwards, I came to realise that the remark was made out of arrogance because I later acknowledged the fact that only God determines people’s destinies.”

 

He further explained that he had since reconciled with Akume, whom he described as his leader, adding that Akume remains politically influential and that he had chosen to work with him through a strategic partnership aimed at advancing the “Benue project”, despite belonging to different political parties.

 

According to him, Nigeria’s current challenges require leaders to rise above partisan politics and prioritize national and state interests over party loyalties.

 

Reacting to Ortom’s threat, Governor Alia stated that his predecessor left behind a heavy debt burden that was questionable.

 

Speaking further through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, Alia said his government was not on a vendetta against his predecessor.

 

He said, “Handover notes are meant to be studied. When you study them and discover lapses and gaps, you are bound to invite a legitimate authority to help you unravel the grey areas.

 

“That is exactly what Governor Alia did. In any case, this is not the first time a Commission of Inquiry will probe the activities of a previous administration. Ortom constituted one that probed his predecessor, Sen. Gabriel Suswam.

 

“Ortom needs to tell Benue and Nigerians why he felt very comfortable probing his predecessor but he is not comfortable that he should be probed.”

 

Alia stated that his administration is still reeling in the rot left by Ortom’s administration.

 

He said, “Today, hardly a day passes without garnishee orders raining in the state. We are faced with garnishees in billions. These are as a result of shoddy handling of issues and blatant disregard for procedure, which was the hallmark of that infamous administration Benue people termed ‘years of the locusts’.”

 

The governor, dismissing Ortom’s outburst, said that throughout the eight years of Ortom’s administration, the government was run basically on propaganda.

 

“From pretentious sobbing in Churches to perpetual deceptive statements. When a governor tells the worst tales that he was running and dodging bullets from assailants who pursued him for over 1km, what else do you want him to confirm as a fabricator of all time?”,Alia asked.

First Bank MD Receives “Deadly’ Parcel

By
James Orji
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0
Olusegun Alebiosu - First Bank MD

The Managing Director of First Bank Nigeria, FBN Olusegun Alebiosu, has lodge a complaint with the Nigerian Police that some people are after his life. The FBN Chief Executive reported the threat to the police after a parcel, containing two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed inside a parcel was delivered to his home.

In his complaint to the Lagos Police command dated May 7, the commercial bank’s Managing Director reported some individuals who he believed may have been instrumental to the delivery of the parcel to his home in Lagos.

According to the details provided by the Police, the parcel containing the dangerous weapons was received by the security personnel guarding his home, who later handed it over to their boss.

The police investigator handling the matter are now trying to unravel whether  the package was meant to threaten the life of the bank top executive or a mere criminal activity.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the state Police Commissioner Tijani Fatai said operatives had swung into action, to investigate the issue as soon as it was reported to the command, describing it as a serious security concern.

He said crack detectives from the command have been ordered to determine, among other things,  the origin of the parcel, those responsible, and establish whether the package was meant to threaten the FBN boss, adding that the police is treating the matter with all the seriousness it deserves.
“The Managing Director reported the matter to the police after discovering two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition in a parcel collected on his behalf. The case remains under investigation, and we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves,” Fatai said.

Alebiosu was appointed as the acting Managing Director/ chief executive of First Bank of Nigeria in April 2024.

Ekiti Gov. Poll: Defeated PDP Candidate, Oluyede Presents Demands To Victorious Oyebanji

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Wole Oluyede during Ekiti Election

By Ayodele Oni

 

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded Ekiti State governorship election, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has made public details of visit of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to his residence, a day after the Saturday poll.

 

The governor who had pleaded for cooperation from other candidates in his first reaction to the election, was accompanied to Oluyede ‘s residence at Ikere, by Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.

 

The PDP candidate revealed that he requested from the flagbearer of All Progressive Congress (APC) and winner of the election, Governor Oyebanji release of his supporters arrested in the wake of preparation for the election.

 

Earlier, Oluyede had rejected the outcome of the election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing a systemic compromise of the electoral process, ranging from technical failures to open financial inducement.

 

The Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Adenike Oladiji declared Oyebanji of All Progressive Congress (APC) winner of Saturday’s governorship poll after he secured 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rival, Dr. Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 40,543 votes, while the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ambassador Dare Bejide, came a distant third with 12,872 votes.

 

Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti on the outcome of the surprise post-election visit by Governor Oyebanji, Oluyede noted that Oyebanji claimed to be unaware of the arrests of his supporters, but gave a firm commitment to look into the actions of the security agencies.

 

He said the release of his members was the only request he made from him, noting that democracy can’t thrive if individuals are not allowed to thread the path of their convictions.

 

His words, “If I lost in a free, fair and credible contest, I would have no difficulty accepting the outcome.

 

“However, if there was widespread negligence, misconduct, intimidation, or disregard for established electoral procedures, then we must confront those realities honestly.

 

“I am not leaving politics. There is no personal conflict between Governor Oyebanji and myself.

 

“Politics should not be viewed as warfare. but I am equally committed to principles, accountability and the continuous improvement of our democracy.

 

“Concerning reports that some of my supporters have been arrested or harassed, I raised the matter directly with Governor Oyebanji during his visit. It was, in fact, the only request I made of him.

 

“He assured me that he was unaware of the incidents and promised to investigate the matter. I have reasons to believe steps are already being taken to address these concerns.

Xenophobic Attacks: Airline Chief, Onyema Urges Economic Sanctions Against South Africa

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Allen Onyema - Airpece MD

By Ayodele Oni 

 

As Nigerians count loses over continued attacks by South Africa’s nationals, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Airline, Allen Onyema, has advised the Federal Government and Nigeria’s business community to take concrete action to protest xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerian nationals.

 

Among suggestions he canvassed is the stoppage of investment by Nigerians in South Africa. He also urges a boycott of the country by Nigerians.

 

Speaking on the recurring violence against Nigerians living in South Africa, Onyema condemned the attacks and said the situation has reached a point where economic action was necessary.

 

 He urged citizens, business leaders, and the Nigerian Government to take a stand by cutting economic ties until South African authorities guarantee the safety of Nigerians.

 

“We cannot continue to watch our people being killed, harassed, and having their businesses destroyed while we keep investing billions in a country that does not protect us.

 

 “If our lives and property are not safe, then our money should not be safe there either.”

 

Onyema, whose airline gained national praise in 2019 for evacuating Nigerians free of charge during a wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa, insisted that economic pressure remains one of the strongest tools Nigerians have. 

 

He called on entrepreneurs to halt expansion plans into South Africa and asked consumers to boycott South African brands operating in Nigeria.

 

“Nigeria is a big market. South African companies make huge profits here. If we withdraw our patronage, they will feel it.

 

“Maybe then their government will take decisive action to protect foreigners, especially Nigerians,” he added.

 

The Air Peace boss also appealed to the Federal Government to engage South African authorities more firmly and to prioritize the protection of Nigerians in the diaspora. 

 

He stressed that while diplomacy is important, it must be backed by concrete action that shows Nigeria will not tolerate the continued killing of its citizens abroad.

 

Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have flared up repeatedly over the years, with Nigerian-owned shops and businesses often looted or burnt. 

 

Several Nigerians have lost their lives, sparking outrage and diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Who Parceled And Delivered Live Ammunition To First Bank GMD/CEO?: Lagos Police Command Investigates For Answers

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
First Bank CEO Alebiosu

By Ayodele Oni

 

Forensic and intelligence-driven investigations have been intensified as the Lagos state police command unravels mystery behind a parcel containing live ammunition delivered to the Managing Director of First Bank, Oluwasegun Alebiosu.

 

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP Fatai Tijani, who disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command headquarters, said detectives had commenced investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the delivery

 

The suspicious parcel containing live ammunition was delivered to the Managing Director of FirstBank, Oluwasegun Alebiosu.

 

The incident, according to the police boss, was reported on May 7, 2026, after the First Bank MD discovered two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed inside a package delivered to him.

 

CP Tijani said the parcel was initially received by the executive’s security guard before it was handed over to him.

 

The Command boss said: “The Managing Director reported the matter to the police after discovering two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition in a parcel collected on his behalf.

 

“The case is still under investigation, and we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.

 

It was gathered that the delivery came shortly after the bank intensified internal reforms aimed at improving efficiency in financial transactions and stepped up efforts to recover outstanding loans from customers who had allegedly defaulted on repayment obligations.

 

Sources within the financial institution alleged that the parcel was delivered to Alebiosu’s residence in the Ikoyi area of Lagos Island through a dispatch rider.

 

The parcel, sources said, was marked confidential and bore only the name and address of the recipient, with no details to assist in identifying the sender.

 

The motive behind the delivery remains unclear, as police investigators are expected to determine whether it was intended as a threat or linked to any criminal activity.

 

The CP disclosed that no arrest had been made in connection with the incident, adding that investigators were pursuing several leads, including information provided by the complainant on persons who might have knowledge of or involvement in the matter.

 

He said forensic and intelligence-driven investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the delivery and bring anyone found culpable to justice.

 

CP Tijani assured residents that updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.

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