Home Blog Page 135

Why House of Reps. Member, Amobi Ogar, Was Remanded In Custody On Execution Of Warrant Of Arrest Order …Case Adjourned To July 6

By
The Source
-
0
Amobi Godwin Ogar

By Gideon Njoku

 

The House of Representatives Member, representing Isikwuato Federal Constituency, Honourable Amobi Godwin Ogar, was, on the orders of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, arrested and committed to the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

 

The  committal order was issued by Justice Yusuf Halilu  shortly after Ogar, was arrested and brought before the court.

 

Dated June 24, 2026, a Thursday, the committal  order is to the effect that the Federal Lawmaker, should remain in the custody of the Kuje Correctional Centre until July 6, the day the case was adjourned to.

 

Unconfirmed reports,  because no contrary Court order has been made public, however, say he is already out of custody pending the July 6 date for the resumption of the case.

 

His problem stemmed from alleged criminal defamation and false declaration.

 

Titled *Warrant of Commitment to Prison,* the Court order  indicate that Ogar is standing trial in Charge No. CR/650/2024,  and  reads in part:

 

“The Officer in Charge of the prison at Kuje, whereas the above-named person has been arrested and brought before me, accused of the offences of   criminal defamation and false declaration, you are hereby authorised and required to receive him and detain him in custody until further order; provided that, if no further order has been  as to his disposal before July 6, 2026, you shall deliver him to a police officer to bring him before me with this warrant for an order as to his disposal.”

 

The Lawmakers problem began when the Federal Government, on July 31, 2024, filed a five-count criminal charge against him. The charges  border on alleged criminal defamation and false declaration.

 

The Lawmaker in count one, was alleged to have, in May 2023, sworn to a false affidavit at the registry of the FCT High Court, Abuja, dated May 18, 2023, against Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, then Minister of State for Labour and Employment, in which he claimed, allegedly, that, during a meeting with her (former Minister’s) supporters at her  residence, she told them that  she had “bought over” the Tribunal Judges, particularly Hon. Justice Halima Saleeman.

 

The charge said Ogar  knew the allegation was false, and so,  committed an offence contrary to Section 164 of the Penal Code, Cap. 89, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1963, punishable under Section 158(2) of the same Act.

 

In count two, Ogar was accused of making a second false and defamatory declaration in the same affidavit dated May 18, 2023, in which he  alleged that the former Minister influenced the removal of the former chairman of the panel, Hon. Justice Halilu, to pave the way for Hon. Justice Halima Saleeman, whom she allegedly knew personally and who would deliver judgment in her favour.

 

The prosecution insist that the statement was not only  false but constitute an offence contrary to Section 391 of the Penal Code, Cap. 89, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1963, punishable under Section 392 of the same Act.

 

Count five reads: “That you, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, male, 44 years, a member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, sometime in May 2023, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court in the FCT, Abuja, committed an offence by making a false declaration against Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Federal Republic of Nigeria, with intent to destroy her reputation, as a result of which she suffered harm to her reputation, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 393 of the Penal Code, Cap. 89, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1963, and punishable under the same section of the Act.”

 

 There is no love lost, politically, between former Minister Onyejeocha and Honourable Ogar. The two battled, in 2023, for the Isikwuato/Umunneoche Federal Constituency. Even though the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared Onyejeocha, then the incumbent Federal Lawmaker winner, she was sacked by the Court and Ogar declared the duly elected Member of the House of Representatives seat.

 

Onyejeocha was, thereafter,  appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the Minister of State, Labour. A couple of months ago, she resigned her Ministerial appointment in obedience to the President’s order that any Government appointee, interested in elective does so.

 

A former Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, she has secured the nod of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, to run again for the Federal seat.

Bandits Invade Borno School, Kill Teacher, Abduct Unspecified Number Of Students

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Gunmen

By Ayodele Oni

 

A fresh attack on Monday, April 29, by suspected bandits on a secondary school in Borno State, has left a teacher dead, and abducted a yet-to-be confirmed number of students.

 

The incident happened at Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, a border community with Adamawa State.

 

The Special Adviser to Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, on Media and Strategy, Mr Solomon Kwamagar, a resident of Lassa, confirmed the incident.

 

He disclosed that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and invaded the school.

 

“Today is Lassa market day. I was informed that they came through the market on motorcycles and went to Government Day Secondary School, Lassa.

 

“They shot and killed one teacher and took away all the students who were in their classrooms.

 

“Lassa in Borno State is predominantly inhabited by my people, the Margi. We are in both Adamawa and Borno states. I am from Lassa, but I chose to reside in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

 

“I’m still making contacts to ascertain the total number of students and teachers who were kidnapped from the school.”

Kwara Gov. AbdulRazaq Sacks Appointees

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State

By Ayodele Oni

 

Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle as part of moves to rejig governance in the state.

 

In the exercise, several political appointees were relieved of their positions, as the administration moved forward towards its end.

 

The decision was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood AbdulRafiu Agboola, saying it’s part of efforts to broaden participation in governance and strengthen service delivery.

 

The affected officials include all Special Advisers, Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants, as well as the Deputy Chief of Staff and the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor.

 

According to the statement, the exercise is intended to create opportunities for more members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contribute to governance while injecting fresh energy into the administration.

 

Governor AbdulRazaq commended the affected appointees for their commitment and invaluable contributions to the development of Kwara State during their tenure.

 

“His Excellency expresses his gratitude to all the appointees for their priceless service to the state. He wishes them the best in their future endeavours,” the statement said.

 

The Governor also directed all affected appointees to hand over all government property in their possession to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government without delay.

 

The reshuffle marks another phase in the administration’s ongoing efforts to reposition government institutions for greater efficiency and improved service delivery as it advances its development agenda across the State.

Gunmen Kill Seven Vigilante Members In Katsina

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Seven members of local vigilante group and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) list their life as suspected bandits invaded Ketare town in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

 

The gunmen suspected to be bandits launched an attack on Ketare town in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, Sunday evening, killing at least seven local defenders, including two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

 

It was gathered that the heavily armed assailants stormed the community, but met fierce resistance from vigilante groups and CJTF personnel, forcing them to retreat after an intense exchange of gunfire.

 

However, the victory came at a heavy cost as seven local defenders reportedly lost their lives while protecting the community from the attackers.

 

Security analyst, Bakatsine disclosed on Monday that the bandits failed to overrun the town but inflicted significant casualties on those defending it.

 

Bakatsine lamented the human cost of the recurring attacks, noting that each casualty represented a grieving family and a community forced to live under the constant threat of violence.

 

“Last night, bandits attempted to attack Ketare town in Malumfashi LGA of Katsina State, but were repelled after a prolonged gun battle with vigilantes and CJTF personnel.

 

“The town may have survived the attack, but the pain remains. At least seven defenders, including two CJTF personnel, were reportedly killed.

 

“Behind every casualty is a family that won’t be the same again, children who have lost fathers, and a community forced to grieve while living under the constant shadow of violence. 

 

“No community should have to endure this cycle of fear and loss,” Bakatsine added.

NDC Deregistration: Atiku Raises Alarm Over Fresh Plan To Bar ADC From 2027 Polls

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Just back from a trip abroad, the Presidential candidate of  the African Democratic Congress ADC,

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has alerted on a fresh plot to frustrate and keep the party out of the ballot box in 2027.

 

His alarm  comes amidst spirited efforts by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, to extricate itself from a judicial ambush that threatens to deregister, and prevent it from participating in the elections.

 

In statement issued on Monday, June 29, 2026, by Phrank Shuaibu, his spokesperson, Abubakar raised concerns over what he described as a new but coordinated attempt by desperate political schemers within the establishment to manipulate and compromise the democratic arrangement with a view to denying Nigerians their constitutionally guaranteed rights to freely choose their leaders.

 

The ADC presidential hopeful, disclosed that he has been availed of credible intelligence indicating well orchestrated efforts by the powers-that-be to deploy conceivable political and legal machinations at its disposal to prevent ADC from participating in the 2026 general elections.

 

Abubakar accused the ruling APC of being so obsessed with the task of suppressing opposition parties that it has completely abandoned governance, even as Nigerians continue to battle hunger, inflation, unemployment, insecurity and collapsing purchasing power.

 

The former Vice President wondered why the ruling party is so terrified and jittery, even with all its claims of achievements.

 

” We are fully aware of their plots. While they seek to sow confusion within the opposition, we know their real target is the ADC because it represents the most credible alternative.

 

“We, therefore, call on all Nigerians not just ADC members and supporters to rise in defence of democracy, and reject any attempt by the ruling party to cherry-pick which opposition parties are permitted to participate in the next general elections.

 

“Our message to the APC and the hooded men plotting in dark chambers is simple: you may conspire, but you will not succeed.

 

“If the APC is truly confident about its popularity, why is it so terrified of the ADC?

 

“The pattern has become all too familiar. First, institutions that ought to be neutral are drawn into partisan contests. Then, frivolous litigations suddenly gain unusual momentum. Administrative powers are selectively deployed. Political pressure is mounted behind closed doors. Before long democracy itself becomes the casualty.

 

“The obsession with silencing the opposition has become so consuming that governance itself has taken a back seat.

 

“At a time when Nigerians are battling hunger, inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and collapsing purchasing power, those entrusted with public office appear preoccupied with political survival rather than national survival ” the ADC presidential candidate stated.

 

This is as he warned that no Government any where in the world has the authority to determine the political preferences of the citizens.

 

Abubakar maintained that any attempt to prevent the ADC from participating in the 2027 elections would stand as one of the gravest assaults on Nigeria’s constitutional democracy,since the advent of the fourth republic.

 

“No administration has the constitutional authority to determine which political party Nigerians are permitted to vote for.

 

“Sovereignty belongs to the people, not to those who temporarily wield power. The ballot is sacred, and every attempt to tamper with it is an attack on the Republic itself”. Abubakar warned

 

The ADC presidential candidate similarly called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies, civil society groups, the diplomatic community and all stakeholders in democratic principles to remain vigilant against any action capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.

Osun: Gov. Adeleke Lauds IGP Over Intervention In Political Crisis

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Governor Ademola Adeleke
Governor Ademola Adeleke

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has welcomed the intervention of the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Tunji Disu,  in the violence trailing the August election in the state.

 

The governor lauded the IGP intervention, which led to the reported arrest of an alleged political thug, Saheed Tanfeani.

 

‎Tanfeani is alleged to have been involved in the gruesome killing of teenager, Ezekiel Olapade, around the premises of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat last Sunday.

 

‎In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, Adeleke described the arrest as a positive development and urged the police to intensify efforts to apprehend other wanted suspects.

 

‎The governor called for the arrest of Asiri Eniba, Delaw, Ojuyobo, Aleba, Lucifer, Lasisi and others alleged to be terrorising parts of the state.

IGP Tunji Disu
IGP Tunji Disu

‎Governor Adeleke also urged the police to ensure a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution of the suspect.

 

‎The Governor who emphasized a change in the leadership of the state’s Anti-Cultism Unit, expressed concern over the continued leadership of the unit by an officer identified as Eluku, whom he alleged has links with some of the wanted suspects.

 

‎According to him, the arrest of Tanfeani and Akilapa was a welcome development, adding that the government would continue to monitor the police’s commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring the safety of residents.

ISWAP Commanders Surrender In North East- Military

By
James Orji
-
0
Boko Haram and ISWAP

Dozens of Islamic State of West Africa, ISWAP and Boko Haram  commanders and other terrorists have surrendered to the Nigerian Armed forces fighting insurgents in the North East, under the Operation Hadin kai  operation, according to the military.

“Within the last week alone, a total of 76 terrorist foot soldiers with some families surrendered to troops” the military said in a statement yesterday. .

Among those who surrendered to the Armed forces are the families and relatives of the terrorists, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the acting spokesperson of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Capt Muhammad Goni.

Capt Goni said in the statement that the ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists were forced to surrender because they could no loner ensure the fire power of the armed forces which have intensified the heat on the terrorists in their hideouts.

He said the military onslaught against the terrorists will continue unabated until the terrorists “ are completely neutralised or forced to surrender”.

Part of the statement reads “The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has continued to record significant operational successes in the ongoing counter terrorism campaign against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists through sustained operations backed by credible, timely and actionable intelligence.

“In another major breakthrough, a fresh group of top ISWAP terrorist leaders have abandoned their enclaves and surrendered to troops within the North-East theatre of operations.

“They are currently in a secure location undergoing profiling, debriefing and other established procedures in accordance with extant operational protocols,” he said.

Ondo APC Faults NWC’s Approved Candidates For Nat. Assembly Election

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
APC

By Ayodele Oni

 

Protest and anger have trailed the alleged alteration of lists of candidates for the national Assembly election in Ondo State due for next year.

 

Report revealed that true to its position, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) carried out sweeping changes to its list of National Assembly candidates for Ondo State, replacing eight aspirants who initially emerged from the party’s primary elections.

 

The decision, it was gathered, followed the consideration of petitions submitted against the conduct of the primaries by the party’s Primary Election Appeal Committees.

 

The revised list was contained in a letter dated June 29, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

The document, signed by APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, conveyed the party’s final list of senatorial and House of Representatives candidates.

 

According to the APC, the updated list reflects the resolutions reached by the National Working Committee after reviewing the appeal committees’ reports in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.

 

The review led to major changes in Ondo State, with two of the three senatorial candidates replaced, alongside six candidates for the House of Representatives.

 

Candidates Who Retained Their Tickets

 

The following four aspirants remained on the APC’s final list:

 

Isaacs Kekemeke – Ondo South Senatorial District.

 

Ifeoluwa Ehindero – Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency.

 

Adegboyega Adefarati – Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency.

 

Omowunmi Olatunji – Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency (the only female candidate on the list).

 

With eight substitutions, Ondo State recorded one of the highest numbers of changes arising from the APC’s post-primary appeal process, effectively overturning the outcomes of several constituency primaries.

 

Meanwhile, a former Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor and House of Representatives Aspirant in Akoko area, Engr Austin Pelemo, has faulted the political treatment given to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa over the National Assembly tickets of the ruling APC.

 

Pelemo, while reacting to the last minutes changes stated that “those playing this immature brand of politics at the national level should remember the Yoruba proverb: “Ilé ni àpótí ń jókòó sí dé ìdí”—every structure stands on its foundation.

 

“In Ondo State of today, it will be difficult for any senatorial or House of Representatives candidate to win without the support and influence of the governor, who, within the next week, will have close to 3,000 political appointees spread across every part of the state.

 

“That grassroots network is a formidable electoral asset that cannot be ignored.”

 

Pelemo rejected the situation, saying “Politics 406: Undermining the grassroots influence of a sitting state governor is tantamount to courting electoral failure.

Zenith Bank Reaffirms Support For Canada/Africa Trade

By
James Orji
-
0
Zenith Canada

Zenith Bank Plc reaffirmed its commitment to advancing trade, investment and economic cooperation between Canada and Africa as the Headline Conference Sponsor of the 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference, held recently in Lagos.

Organised by the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, the conference brought together a high-level Canadian business delegation representing 31 companies, alongside senior government officials, business leaders, investors, policymakers, diplomats and development partners. The gathering set out to strengthen commercial relations between Canada and Africa and to position Nigeria as a strategic gateway for Canadian businesses seeking opportunities across the continent.

The Canadian delegation comprised companies and institutions operating across financial services, security, mining and critical minerals, legal and professional services, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, education and clean energy. Among those present were GardaWorld, Dentons, Baywood Group, Element, Trilliant and other leading Canadian enterprises exploring commercial opportunities and strategic partnerships in Nigeria.

The Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc . Akin Ogunranti, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, described the conference as a timely platform for deepening commercial partnerships between Canada and Africa amid shifting global economic realities. He underscored Africa’s readiness to lead the next phase of global economic growth, stressing that the continent now possesses the institutions, policy frameworks and partnerships required to turn its immense potential into shared prosperity.

“The question is not whether Africa is rich in potential. It is whether we can turn that potential into prosperity our people can feel. For the first time, the answer is yes, because of the machinery we are now building,” he said.

Representing the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mr. Babatunde Onigbanjo, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for investment and international partnerships, and highlighted Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s commercial hub and gateway to African markets.

“Canada brings to the table considerable expertise, capital, innovation, and a strong tradition of institution building. Africa, and indeed Lagos, offer scale. We offer talent, creativity, market opportunities and an increasingly sophisticated business environment. Together, these strengths create a compelling foundation for transformative partnership,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mr. Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, noted that the conference reflects the growing momentum in bilateral commercial collaboration between both countries. He said: “The relationship between Canada and Nigeria is not new. It is rooted in diplomacy, trade, education, culture, migration, and shared democratic values. But today, I believe we are entering a new chapter: one that is more ambitious, more practical, and more human.”

The Chair of the Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, Paula Caldwell St-Onge, highlighted Nigeria’s growing economic significance, saying: “Nigeria’s growth is not theoretical. It is already being built by Nigerian entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, innovators and companies whose ambition reaches across Africa and around the world.”

She also acknowledged Zenith Bank’s role in advancing the conference’s objectives, stating: “Zenith Bank is not only one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, it is the capital behind what you see here today, and it represents the skill, ambition, discipline, innovation and excellence that this conference seeks to showcase.”

The conference featured high-level panel discussions on Canada-Africa commercial relations, investment opportunities across priority sectors, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The sessions brought together policymakers, business executives and industry experts to identify practical pathways for strengthening commercial partnerships and accelerating sustainable economic development.

The conference is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for Canadian investment, while opening new opportunities for technology transfer, private sector collaboration, job creation and long-term economic growth. It also reinforces Nigeria’s position as a strategic hub for businesses seeking to access opportunities across Africa under the AfCFTA, supporting the country’s ambition to expand its role in regional and global trade.

 

NIMASA Set Up Discharge Porter For Seafarers

By
James Orji
-
0
Dayo Mobereola - NIMASA DG

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA has launched the Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal, a digital platform designed to streamline the application, verification, processing and issuance of Seafarers’ Discharge Books.

The portal was unveiled as part of activities marking the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, themed “Carrying the World Trade. Carrying the Risk,” underscoring the Agency’s commitment to improving service delivery, enhancing maritime safety standards and strengthening the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers through digital innovation.

Speaking at the launch, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the platform as a significant milestone in the Agency’s digital transformation agenda.

According to him, “As we celebrate the men and women who keep global trade moving, it is imperative that we also provide them with efficient and secure systems that support their professional development. The Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal eliminates unnecessary bottlenecks, strengthens the integrity of our certification process and reinforces NIMASA’s commitment to the welfare and global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers.”

Mobereola explained that the portal delivers a seamless end-to-end digital process, beginning with the verification of an applicant’s National Identification Number (NIN) through integration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). Following successful authentication, applicants complete account registration, verify their email through a One-Time Password (OTP), and undergo live facial capture to confirm their identity.

Applicants are then able to upload mandatory documents, including the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Certificate and other required credentials. Each submission is digitally reviewed by the Agency’s Shipping Master, who approves compliant documents or returns rejected applications with reasons for correction, ensuring transparency throughout the process.

Once all required documents have been approved, applicants select the appropriate application category, whether for a new, replacement or temporary Discharge Book—and complete payment through the integrated online platform. The system generates a payment invoice and, upon successful completion of all requirements, automatically assigns a unique Seafarer Discharge Book Serial Number, completing the issuance process.

The Director General noted that the fully automated platform significantly reduces processing time, minimizes manual intervention and enhances the security, traceability and authenticity of seafarers’ documentation.

“Technology remains central to our vision of building a modern maritime administration that meets international standards. This platform is another demonstration of our resolve to deploy innovative solutions that improve regulatory efficiency while delivering better services to Nigerian seafarers and the maritime industry,“ Mobereola stated.

 

 

1...134135136...3,101Page 135 of 3,101