Home Blog Page 159

Onitsha Market Shutdown: Ogene Urges Soludo to Reconsider, Engage Stakeholders

January 28, 2026

The Honorable Member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State, in the House of Representatives, Rep. Afam Victor Ogene has urged Prof. Charles Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, to reconsider his decision to close the Onitsha Main Market. The closure was in response to the trader’s refusal to open on Monday, following the state government’s ban on Monday sit-at-home exercises in solidarity with IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Rep. Ogene expressed concern that the one-week closure would inadvertently cause further hardship and economic losses to thousands of traders, as well as have a detrimental impact on the state’s economy
He thus called on Governor Soludo to embrace dialogue with the leaders of the market with the aim to diplomatically resolve the situation.

The lawmaker made this call in a statement in Awka, the Anambra state capital, on Tuesday, January 27, 2025.

The governor’s directive to close the market was met with widespread public outcry, with many questioning the constitutionality of the action. This led to an instant outburst of protests in Onitsha, resulting in the complete shutdown of the city, a major commercial hub and transit point for the South East and South South regions, causing considerable concern among stakeholders.

Rep. Ogene suggested that the Anambra State Government should have undertaken comprehensive sensitization efforts, engaging market leaders and business stakeholders, to highlight the improved security situation in the state, citing the peaceful Christmas season as an example. This, he argued, would have garnered support for the ban on sit-at-home exercises rather than the abrupt announcement that was made.

Ogene further stated: “Available data suggests that the Onitsha market incurs losses of approximately N8 billion every Monday it remains closed. A one-week closure would, therefore, have adverse consequences for stakeholders and the state economy. Furthermore, the market contains perishable goods, which would suffer significant depreciation, an outcome that is unlikely to align with the governor’s intentions, given his background in economics.

“Onitsha market serves as a major commercial hub, attracting daily visitors from various West African countries. The sudden closure may result in numerous international traders being stranded in Anambra State, thereby projecting a negative image of the nation, particularly as the government strives to promote foreign investment and business opportunities.”

Rep. Ogene therefore called upon Governor Soludo to engage in comprehensive consultations with stakeholders to facilitate a deeper understanding of the government’s policy. He advocated for a more sensitive approach, culminating in a phased reopening of the market ahead of the initially stipulated one-week period, thereby mitigating potential losses, social unrest, and prevailing anxiety within the state.

Chinese Investors Float $20M Lithium Factory In Kwara

Ayodele Oni

January 28, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

A – $20m lithium factory, established by some Chinese investors has commenced operation in Kwara State.

Sun Qing Rong, team lead of the ER-KANG Company Limited, explained that the firm has since concluded and flagged off its $20m lithium factory, aligning with government’s policy to grow value addition and local manufacturing capacity.

He said the firm has more than 300 employees, who are mostly Kwarans, saying the plants process lithium into ready materials, instead of exporting it raw without any value addition.

According to him, the firm is also setting up a pharmaceutical company in Kwara State valued at more than $15m, adding that the firm will also be partnering with the state government on the industrial park.

“This is one of the fruits of the meeting that we held with Your Excellency in Beijing about two years ago.

“Today, we have completed the lithium plant and it is up and running. And this year, we are starting the pharmaceutical company with the help of Your Excellency,” he said.

“The factory will include two phases of construction for large infusion and small volume injection workshops, which will make up for the shortage of such products in the Nigerian market.

“At present, the relevant preparatory work is basically completed,” he said.

He commended the Governor for providing “outstanding investment environment for foreign investors like us”, adding that his firm has a strong social responsibility philosophy in its operating community.

Kwara State has recorded at least two foreign investments worth $35m, in what underscored Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s drive for industrialization and economic growth in the State.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed his satisfaction with the investments, which he said will create jobs, encourage technology transfer, and boost the local economy.

“We are willing to support you and others to invest more in our state,” he said.

Ondo Commissioner Docked, Pleads Not Guilty To Assault Charge

Ayodele Oni

January 28, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Seun Osamaye, on Wednesday appeared before Akure Magistrate Court, almost a month after being declared wanted.

Following her appearance, the arrest warrant earlier issued against her, has been set aside by the Court.

Magistrate Damilola Sekoni, delivering her ruling, held that all pending applications before the Court had become spent as a result of the Commissioner’s appearance, weeks after the court had declared her wanted for failing to honour its summons.

Osamaye was previously declared wanted after she repeatedly failed to appear in court over a criminal complaint filed by a Chief Magistrate Grade I, Mrs. Temitope Alphonso, who accused the commissioner of verbal abuse, threats, and attempted assault during an official visit to the Ministry of Women Affairs on December 24, 2025.

At the resumed hearing, the commissioner was formally arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Court subsequently granted her bail on self-recognizance.

The Magistrate thereafter adjourned the matter to February 20, 2026, for further proceedings.

While being declared wanted, Osamaye was seen in public attending official function following claim by her doctor that she was sick.

The Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, had faulted arrest warrant issued on the commissioner.

The State Chief Law Officer maintained that as at this moment, there is no material evidence before the Office of the Attorney General and/or any other person or authority confirming the existence of any written court order or warrant of arrest that has been duly issued and served.

However, Wale Odusola, a lawyer, faulted the Attorney General’s explanation, describing it as misleading and inconsistent with established legal procedures.

Reacting in a social media post, the lawyer argued that the Attorney General’s emphasis on “service” of a warrant of arrest showed a misunderstanding of how such warrants are executed under Nigerian law.

“Do they serve warrant of arrest or order of arrest on the person the order is to be enforced against?” Odusola queried. “I don’t know who the AG was expecting the warrant of arrest to be served on when he made that statement.”

He explained that arrest warrants are not served on suspects or on the Attorney General’s office.

According to him, once a warrant is issued by a court, it is transmitted through court officials to the Commissioner of Police for execution.

Malami’s Forfeiture Of 57 Properties: Judge Returns Case File To Chief Judge

Suleiman Anyalewechi

January 28, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, January 28, 2026, said he has returned the case file of the asset forfeiture involving former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.

The Source reports that Justice Nwite, a vacation Judge, had on January 7, 2026, issued an order of interim forfeiture of about 57 Properties worth over N213 billion suspected to be linked to Malami, his wife and son.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, had in its motion alleged that the said properties which are scattered across three states of Kano, Kebbi, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja, are suspected to be proceeds from unlawful activities.

Justice Nwite, while ruling on the ex-parte motion brought before the court by the EFCC, also, directed that the forfeiture order be published in a national daily, calling on interested persons to show cause why the said properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

But in a statement on Saturday from Mohammed Bello Doka, his media aide, embattled Malami accused both the Department of State Service, DSS, and the EFCC of deliberately frustrating his efforts at filing his defence in the forfeiture case.

According to the immediate past AGF and Minister of Justice, the two Government agencies have been acting in ways suggesting that they are in league to deny him the opportunity of defending himself.

However, the matter was not listed among those to be heard on Tuesday, prompting Justice Nwite to inform curious counsels to both parties who were present in court that he has returned the case file to the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another Judge having presided over as a vacation Judge.

Counsel to the EFCC, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, had earlier reminded the Judge that the forfeiture case was scheduled for the day for a report on compliance, urging the Judge to conclude proceedings.

However, Justice Nwite insisted that it is the rule for vacation Judges to return case files to the Chief Judge for reassignment at the end of the vacation period.

Owalla, Owerri North Town Development Union, Lagos Branch, Tasks Police Over Missing Daughter

Adesina Soyooye

January 28, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Indigenes of Owalla Community in Owerri North Local Government of Imo State who live in Lagos, under the aegis of Owalla Town Development Union, have tasked the Police over the disappearance of one of them, Ms. Comfort Uwakwe.

Ms Uwakwe has been missing since October 25, 2025, when she told her family that she was going to Epe to visit her friend, Olajide Akeushola. She took off from her residence, No 1 Olusegun Close, off Eliasau Street, Mafolokun Oshodi.

When she arrived her destination, she called her friend, Ifeoma, to notify her. But , a couple of hours later, Ms. Uwakwe called back Ifeoma, distressed, and told her that she had been locked up in a room. Then her phone went off. And since then, nothing has been heard of her.

When her boyfriend was apprehended, by the Police, he confirmed he was with her but that she later left. On further interrogation, he said Ms. Uwakwe was crushed by a trailer. And, one month after, took the police to the scene where a leg, which he said was Ms. Uwakwe’s was found. Not the whole body. But even the leg, the family said does not belong to their sister.

But the Police say they are still investigating.

Now, tired of still waiting, three months later, the Owalla Town Development, Union, Lagos Branch, is protesting and asking questions.

In a statement signed by Chiedozie Nzeh, its President, the people are disputing the storyline by Ms. Uwakwe’s boyfriend and are asking the Police to look the way of ritual murder. They raised a number of questions, and wondered how the leg found remained intact weeks after.

Following is the full statement.

“Lady Missing (Likely Killed) During Visit To Boyfriend In Epe Lagos State”

“After almost ninety agonizing days of waiting for the Police to unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of our sister and daughter, Ms. Comfort Uwakwe since October 25, 2025, we, the members of Owalla Town Development Union, Lagos branch, are left with no option than to call the attention of the public to this matter.

“Ms. Comfort Uwakwe, a native of Owalla Autonomous Community, in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, resident at 1, 9Olusegun Close,Off Eliasau Street, Mafolokun- Oshodi, Lagos, according to her sister, on the 25th Of October, 2025, went to visit a friend, Olajide Akeushola, in Epe.

“On getting to her destination, she put a call through to her female friend (Ifeoma) that she had gotten to her destination and had seen the friend she went to visit. By 10:08 p.m, of the same day, Comfort made a distress call to Ifeoma informing her that she was locked in a room and was in danger, before her phone went off and nobody has heard from her till date.

“On the 27th Of October 2025, the family reported her as missing at Makinde Police Station, Oshodi. An IPO was assigned to the case but the family members were told to go to Epe Police Station since she was last seen in Epe.

“On getting to Epe Police Station to lay the complaint, they were referred back to Makinde Police Station.

“On October 28, 2025, investigation into the matter commenced at Makinde Police Station and on November 26, 2025, the boyfriend, Olajide Akeushola, whom Comfort had gone to visit was arrested in Epe and was taken to Makinde Police Station, from where he was transferred, as a suspect, to Lagos State Command (Special Squad), Ikeja, on November 28, 2025, and an IPO was assigned to the case.

“The suspect has since confessed that he met with Comfort in Epe on the day she was last seen by the family. Part of his confession was that they had some drinks and when she got tipsy, he had to lock her in the hotel room where they went. He also told the police that she later had an accident along the Epe highway. According to him, a trailer crushed her on the highway. Thereafter, the police said they had been taken to the scene of the accident by the suspect where they picked a leg said to be the only remains of Comfort; after one month that the said accident occurred.

“The family had insisted, immediately they saw the picture of the leg, that it i

was not Comfort’s leg; making the police to demand for an autopsy and DNA to be carried out on the leg, and that the family will bear the cost.

“This development has not only traumatized the family but has left a lot of questions unanswered:

“1. Whose leg was picked by police?

“2. If it’s Comfort’s leg, as claimed by the suspect (And the police seems to believe him) where are the other parts of parts of Comfort’s body?

“3. If Comfort was locked in the hotel room, as the r claimed, how did she escape to the “highway” where, according to the suspect, she was said to have been crushed by a speeding truck?

“4. What are the hotel staff on duty on fateful day saying? escaped to the Epe highway from the hotel room where she was locked, was there evidence of the door or window of the room being forced open?

“6. Why is the police holding on to the ‘accident’ story of the suspect, and are not looking at other possibilities like ritual murder (Given the sudden appearance of a leg without a body).

“7. Why is the “leg of an accident victim” still intact at the accident scene for several weeks, and not rotting when it was discovered?

“These and more questions are begging for answers that are critical for the sake of justice. There need for due diligence in the investigation, on the part of the police, before it is concluded.

“This is for the Nigerian public to note.

“Anyone with any useful information regarding the missing person should kindly report to the police or contact the following numbers:

0913 061 0045

0706 290 3832

“Signed:
Chiedozie Nzeh
(President, Owalla Town Development Union, Lagos branch).”

After A Stumble, A Fall, President Tinubu, Holds Talks With Erdogan

Ayodele Oni

January 28, 2026

President Tinubu Holds Talks With Erdogan

By Ayodele Oni

After a slight fall, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday proceeded with his official engagements in Turkey, holding bilateral talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Tinubu had experienced the incident during a welcome ceremony in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

The president’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, confirmed in a post on X that the Nigerian leader “missed his step very briefly” and has since continued his schedule without disruption.

Olusegun stated that the president went on to hold bilateral meetings with Erdoaan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, with a live joint press conference scheduled to take place immediately after the talks.

“Mr President missed his step very briefly and has continued his bilateral meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. A live press conference is happening immediately after the bilateral,” he wrote.

Also, sharing a picture from the meeting, Olusegun stated: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hold bilateral talks in the Presidential Palace of Turkey.

Pregnant Woman, Six Children, Rescued At Baby Factory In Ekiti

Ayodele Oni

January 27, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Ekiti State Police Command, has uncovered an illegal baby factory located in Ikere local government area of the State.

Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Joe Eribo said the command received a tip-off and arrested one Onyechi Oluwadare, 43, alongside four other suspects behind a popular hotel along Ise road, Ikere-Ekiti.

Other people arrested were, Onuoha Gloria ‘28 yrs’, Victoria Linus ‘25 yrs’, Ihegbogu Mercy ‘21 yrs’ and a heavily pregnant Emmanuel Esther ’23yrs’.

The commissioner stated that “On the 24/01/2026 at about 08:30hrs, the Command received a credible tip-off that the prime suspect, Oluwadare Onyechi, a 43-year old woman, runs an illegal baby factory alongside four other suspects somewhere behind Inisa Hotel and Suit, along Ise Road, Ikere-Ekiti.

“Upon the receipt of the information, the Command Operatives swung into action, cordon off the premises used for the illegal business, and arrested Oluwadare Onyechi and four other accomplices namely, Onuoha Gloria ‘28 yrs’, Victoria Linus ‘25 yrs’, Ihegbogu Mercy ‘21 yrs’ and a heavily pregnant Emmanuel Esther ’23yrs’.

“Search was conducted in the premises and six children within the age of 2 and 9 reasonably suspected to be under bondage and exploitation were rescued.

“Items such as baby delivery materials, some rolls of dexamethasone tablet, and some bottles of Goya oil were recovered from the scene.”

The prime suspect in the alleged baby factory, Onyechi denied the allegations, saying she only prays in the building for those seeking God’s favour.

The Command Operations also arrested one Ibrahim Abubakar, a notorious Cattle Rustler cum kidnapper.

Investigation revealed that Ibrahim Abubakar has over the years, rustled numerous Cattle in Ekiti, Kwara and Kogi States and has been on the wanted list of the three States.

During investigation, Ibrahim Abubakar confessed that he is into cattle rustling business and equally mentioned different occasions in the past where he attacked Cattle owners and made away with their cattle.

A large number of rustled cattle numbering 255 were recovered from him, alongside other 303 cattles recovered from prime suspect, making 558 cattles.

Nat. Assembly, Not NGF, Saved Nigeria From Constitutional Crisis During Yar’adua’s Ill-health – David Mark

Ayodele Oni

January 27, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Former Senate President, David Mark, and ex–Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, have disagreed over the initiator of the Doctrine of Necessity which led to the emergence of Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President in 2010.

Abdullahi, in his new book, claimed that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) initiated the doctrine, while Mark maintained that it was conceived and executed solely by the Senate.

Mark insisted that it had no connection to the NGF or to any individual from Kwara State, including former Governor Bukola Saraki.

He made the clarification on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of Abdullahi’s memoir, The Loyalist.

According to Mark, the Senate independently took responsibility for resolving the constitutional crisis created by the prolonged absence of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who had been out of the country for medical treatment since November 23, 2009, without transmitting a written declaration to the National Assembly as required under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.

Reacting to the claim, Mark firmly rejected the narrative.

“The Doctrine of Necessity is the sole responsibility of the Senate and has nothing to do with Kwara State or anyone from Kwara State. It was the collective decision and responsibility of the Senators at that time.”

Mark, now National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stressed that the action taken by the Senate was driven by national interest and the urgent need to prevent a constitutional breakdown.

After weeks of political uncertainty, the Senate, on February 10, 2010, invoked the Doctrine of Necessity and swore in then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President, vesting him with full presidential powers pending Yar’Adua’s recovery.

However, in his 297-page memoir, Abdullahi claimed that the initiative originated from the NGF under Saraki’s leadership.

He wrote that Saraki personally asked him to draft a statement proposing the doctrine to the National Assembly, adding that this move ultimately enabled Jonathan’s formal assumption of office.

Abdullahi further argued that tensions between Saraki and Jonathan stemmed from the Yar’Adua era, alleging that members of Jonathan’s inner circle believed Saraki and the governors frustrated Jonathan’s emergence as Acting President.

Tinubu Stumbles In Turkey

James Orji

January 27, 2026

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday briefly stumbled during a ceremonial march-past organised for his reception at the parade ground in Türkiye.

The incident occurred as the event was briefly disrupted for the security services to help the Nigerian President back to his feet. A video posted on X by Turkish digital news platform Nefes Gazetesi shows Tinubu walking alongside his Turkish counterpart, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, when the incident happened.

On Monday, the Nigerian Presidency disclosed that President Tinubu had arrived Ankara, the Turkiye’s capital, saying the country’s top government’s officials received him at the airport.

His plane, the Presidency said in a statement, touched down at precisely 9.03 pm local time.

“He was received at Ankara Esenboğa Airport by a Turkish government delegation led by the Minister of National Education, Yusuf Tekin. The Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Türkiye, Ambassador Zayyad Abdulsalam, and other embassy officials were also on hand to welcome him.

“The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake and Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa(rtd), welcomed the President to his hotel.

“Also at the hotel reception were the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, SAN; Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh; Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson; Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala; and Director-General of the “National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

“President Tinubu’s visit is aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye and exploring further areas of cooperation to advance a mutually beneficial partnership.

“During the visit, he will hold discussions with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan,” the government said.

“You Must Rise Above Personal Ambition – Abdullahi, ADC’s Nat. Pub. Sec. Tells It’s Leaders”

Ayodele Oni

January 27, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Apparently referring to internal confusion within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over presidential ticket, National Publicity secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, has said Nigerians are ready for a new political direction, but warned that leaders of the party must rise above personal ambition and internal divisions if the party is to meet that expectation.

Abdullahi made the remarks in his closing address at the launch of his book, The Loyalist, held on Tuesday at the Barcelona Hotel, Abuja.

Some leaders of ADC, including former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, former Rivers governor, Rotimi Amaechi, have been itching to emerge as the candidate of ADC during next year’s elections.

Abdullahi said public interactions have convinced him that Nigerians are prepared for change and are looking to the ADC for leadership.

“I think Nigerians are ready for us, but I don’t think we are ready yet — we the leaders. If only thing this book launch has achieved is bringing all the leaders of the ADC together in one place, then that alone is enough.”

He said many Nigerians openly encourage ADC leaders to put aside differences and work collectively for national renewal.

“People recognise me as one of the leaders of the ADC and they stop me to encourage us to do our best to save Nigeria. That means we must brace up and do better,” he added.

Abdullahi urged party leaders to place the broader interests of the ADC and the nation above personal ambition, stressing that unity and shared purpose would determine the party’s readiness for national leadership.

He described “The Loyalist” as a reflection of Nigeria’s political journey, focusing on the fragile relationships between godfathers and godsons, and argued that political mentorship is not inherently harmful, but must be grounded in values and a clear philosophy.

The book launch doubled as a symbolic gathering of ADC leaders, reinforcing Abdullahi’s call for cohesion as the party positions itself for future political contests.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar attended the event as the Special Guest of Honour, while the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, served as Chairman of the occasion.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, presented the book, while it was reviewed by Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed. Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, formally launched the book.

Other prominent Nigerians at the event included Mr Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Liyel Imoke, Rauf Aregbesola, Emeka Ihedioha, and several other political leaders from across the country.

1...158159160...2,889 Page 159 of 2,889