Traders Protest Against Alleged Takeover Of Lagos International Trade Fair Complex
By Akinwale Kasali
Activities at the popular Lagos International Trade Fair Complex was disrupted, as Traders Protest against the alleged takeover of the Market Management by the Lagos State Government.
The aggrieved Traders raised concerns about the implications of the planned takeover of the Market Management, stating that unnecessary new levies and taxes could affect their businesses.
Some of the Traders insisted that the complex is a federal facility and called for further consultations before any changes to its Management structure are implemented.
The wide protest by the Traders led to the closure of shops across the complex, leaving hundreds of traders gathered around parks and garages within the market premises as discussions continued.
The ASPANDA Market within the complex—one of the largest spare parts markets in Lagos—was among the sections affected by the shutdown, as vehicular movement was restricted.
The protest had began early in the morning by locking up their shops and stalls to draw attention to their concerns over the proposed changes.
One of the traders who claimed anonymity said, “We are not against development, but we are concerned about the possible levies and taxes that may be introduced if the management structure changes”.
Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, had visited the market during the day as part of efforts to engage with traders and encourage the reopening of the complex.
Before commencing her tour of the market, the minister urged that the gates of the complex be opened to traders, stating that her visit was aimed at interacting with stakeholders and supporting the smooth conduct of business activities.
As a step further to dig into the authenticity of his credentials, protesters on Wednesday stormed the office of the Body of Benchers, demanding the probe of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu for alleged irregularities in his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Nigerian Law School records.
The protest led by Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG) in its petition passed a vote of no confidence in the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for its failure to discharge its statutory responsibilities.
The protesters were armed with various placards with inscriptions : “We will not rest until the truth comes out; No certificate, no office, it’s is simple; No certificate, no legitimacy, step down; Kalu, the constitution is not a suggestion; The law applies to everyone including you.
“A leader with nothing to hide hides nothing; Accountability is not optional, Benjamin Kalu; Stop buying time, show documents; No more foolery, produce your certificate; The people demand proof, not excuse.”
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Dominic Ogakwu said their position arose from the Committee’s continued failure, refusal, and neglect to act on a petition already before it, raising grave allegations concerning the call to Bar and professional standing of Kalu.
He recalled that a petition touching on these issues was formally filed before the Committee by John Martins Esq and assigned reference no BB/LPDC/1948/2026, dated 20 January 2026.
Ogakwu noted that the petition reportedly raised serious questions relating to alleged inconsistencies between Kalu’s NYSC service year and period of enrolment at the Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus.
He added that the allegations, if proven, would go to the very root of the integrity of the process by which an individual was admitted to the Nigerian Bar.
Ogakwu pointed out that despite the gravity of the issues raised and the significant public interest involved, the Committee has failed to take visible steps toward investigating or determining the petition.
He stated: “The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee exists precisely for the purpose of safeguarding the integrity, discipline, and credibility of the legal profession in Nigeria.
“Its responsibilities are not discretionary exercises to be undertaken only when convenient; they are statutory duties imposed by law.
“When allegations touching on the integrity of a legal practitioner — particularly one occupying a high public office — are brought before the Committee, the expectation of the public is that the body will act: promptly, transparently, and without fear or favour.
“The continued silence and apparent inaction of the Committee in the face of these allegations raises serious concerns about the willingness and ability of the body to discharge its statutory mandate.”
Ogakwu stressed that the failure of the Committee to address this matter has already generated widespread public concern and has begun to erode confidence in the disciplinary framework of the Nigerian legal profession.
He emphasised that a regulatory body that appears unable or unwilling to address serious allegations affecting the profession risks conveying the impression that some individuals are beyond scrutiny or accountability.
Such a perception, Ogakwu noted, was profoundly damaging to the rule of law and to the reputation of the Nigerian Bar.
“In light of the foregoing, the Civil Society Groups for Good Governance hereby declare a vote of no confidence in the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for its failure to discharge its statutory responsibility in the matter of petition BB/LPDC/1948/2026.
“Unless urgent steps are taken to investigate and determine the issues raised in that petition, the continued existence of the Committee in its present form will increasingly be questioned by members of the public.
“Should the Committee continue to ignore or delay action on this matter, the public may be compelled to take further lawful steps, including:sustained civic engagement and public advocacy directed at the Committee.”
Ogakwu also vowed to initiate appropriate judicial proceedings to compel the discharge of the Committee’s statutory duties and to review the continued relevance of a body perceived to have outlived its usefulness.
He urged the Committee to act decisively and restore public trust in the disciplinary system of the legal profession.
He finally did it, Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State. He finally broke the Jinx. And pointed the way forward. By doing that, he embraced justice and equity.
For 24 years, nobody had the courage to do it. Nobody had the conviction to do it. It was like a conspiracy to keep two Zones out of the topmost job in their State, a State they are proudly part of.
Perhaps, conspiracy is the wrong word to use here because it was not even hidden. The act was always brazenly and arrogantly carried out. Numbers of Local Government Areas were flaunted. “We are more in number”, they chorused. It was like: “We have more Local Government Areas even with the Local Government Areas in the two Zones combined. So, what can you do?”
It is not that the others kept quiet. They complained. They grumbled. They agitated. They asked questions. They appealed to the consciences of those who called the shots. They appealed to stakeholders.
All these and more re-echoed every four years. But they, usually, came to nought.
Every four years, meetings were held. Promises were made. Atimes, they came close to fulfillment. But not true. Hopes were raised and dashed.
Imo State, like other States of the Federation, is made up of three Senatrial Zones – Orlu, Okigwe, Owerri. But for 24 years, one Zone, Orlu, like a collosus, bestrode the coveted top seat. It held the other two by the jugular. Every four years, it gave Imo its Governor. Orlu’s number of Local Government Areas was an advantage.
Let me say this. For me, it is not a problem. I hardly care about where the Governor or President comes from. All I care about is good governance. It is when a leader comes in and shoves nepotism down our throats to a nauseating point, as is oftentimes done in our dear country, Nigeria, that I worry. Otherwise, why should I worry if every Zone, every State, or every Region is given a sense of belonging? But most of our Leaders are so obscenely thoughtless in their distribution of offices. So, you have a situation where some States and/or Regions flaunt many numbers of “Grade A” ministries and parastatals while the others come off with beggarly and/or token offices. That is when I worry.
But, back to Imo State, it has been all talk and more talk over the rotation of the Governorship seat. Every Governor that comes promises a rotation, especially, to Owerri Zone which has not had the luck of comfortably occupying the seat. It is not for want of trying. Owerri Zone always explained “why it is our turn”, but they end up being short-changed. It has happened a couple of times. Even before it sat down, the rug would be pulled from under its feet.
After the glorious era of Chief Sam Mbakwe (Okigwe Zone) Chief Evan Enwerem (Owerri Zone) got the top job. But he was shooed away by the Military. With the return of democracy in 1999, Chief Achike Udenwa (Orlu) mounted the stable for two consecutive terms of eight years – 1999 to 2007. Then, the pendulum, or so everybody thought, swung towards Owerri Zone. But the treachery that pulled the rug from under Owerri’s feet was unprecedented. It was like daylight robbery.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.:
Chief Martin Agbaso, clearly, won the election in 2007 to succeed Udenwa after Senator Ifeanyi Ararume was short-changed by his own party – PDP. But Out of the blues, “like play, like play, the powers-that-be brazenly intervened and disrupted an otherwise free and fair process. Agbaso’s victory suddenly developed a “k” leg. It was aborted just before it was announced. It was one of the most brazen injustices hurled at Owerri Zone. A new date was fixed for a repeat election. Not a few people protested, especially from Owerri Zone. Not a few advised Agbaso to opt out of that repeat election and head to the Courts. But he chose to participate. He was so sure, given the margin of votes he secured earlier, that he would win. Big mistake.
Behind him, a wicked basket had been woven. The result was the victory of Chief Ikedi Ohakim who nobody gave a chance. He was a member of a political party which name most Imolites were not aware of. But he won. If Agbaso had gone to Court to contest the victory which was freely given to him by Imo people, perhaps, we would have had a scenario like that of Rivers State’s Rotimi Amaechi and Celestine Omehia. Perhaps, Owerri Zone wouldn’t be crying “marginalization” and/or “it is our turn” by now.
Since after Ohakim was denied a second term in office by lies fabricated, especially, by some congregants of the Roman Catholic Church, Orlu has not looked back. Ohakim was falsely accused of flogging a Rev. Father. The lies brought in Senator Rochas Okorocha.
After Okorocha’s two terms in office, the hope was high for Owerri Zone. Except, perhaps, for inner circles, nobody quite knows the agreement Okorocha reached with Agbaso. But given Agbaso’s story with Ohakim, and given the support Agbaso gave Okorocha, and given that Agbaso’s younger brother, Sir Jude Agbaso, was Okorocha’s Deputy, it was taken for granted that Okorocha would hand over to Agbaso (Snr), and chosen a running mate for him (perhaps, his beloved son-in-law, Uche Nwosu). But no.
Instead, Okorocha gave Agbaso a stab on the back worse than when his victory was snatched from him.
Agbaso jnr., to the endless shame of both the House of Assembly and the Imo State Judiciary at the time, was impeached from office over a lie from the pit of hell. It took God, Agbaso (snr) who fought like a wounded lion, the honesty displayed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, late Pascal Dozie, and two other people who, shall here, remain nameless, to save him from punishment for a fraud he knew nothing about. The hundreds of millions of Naira he was alleged to have stolen was traced to the account of the person, who under instructions, not from Agbaso jnr, moved it out of Nigeria.
So, Okorocha, instead of picking somebody from Owerri, or even Okigwe, to succeed him, decided to keep it in the family. He picked his, I must admit, seemingly efficient son-in-law to succeed him. But for a quiet, strong revolution, backed by, unknown to him, a couple of people he was close to, Okorocha would have been in office (by proxy) for a straight 16 years.
The Rt. Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, (Owerri Zone) snatched it from him. But it was for a brief period. Ihedioha was succeeded by a man, who from the onset, was pressurized into entering the ring because many felt he had the capacity to fight, even inside the gutter, with Okorocha if it boiled down to that. Those who thought so were correct. Proof?
Nobody can forget how Uzodinma out-maneuvered Okorocha, an incumbent Governor, to pick the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, a Party which foundation member Okorocha is; a Party he founded in Imo State. It takes a lion heart to perform that feat. Those who know him, closely, say he does not talk much; that he is taciturn, cannot be blackmailed; that once he is focused on what he wants to do, he does it.
So, enters Uzodinma as the Governor of Imo State. The beginning was rough, very rough, especially, given the circumstances under which he came into office. There was anger from Owerri Zone which felt it has, again, been cheated. Ihedioha is their son. There was anger from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Imo State Chapter, which felt cheated that eight years after it sat on the throne, it suddenly lost it. Its members took to the streets many times, and threatened fire and brimstone. They fought him with everything. Who can forget some hard-hitting social media- savvy guys who atimes, crossed the red line in their attack of Uzodinma. Add to that the unprecedented insecurity in the State, including the very unfortunate Owerri jail break. Till date, a couple of people hold him responsible for it. The question some people ask them is: How can a Governor unleash convicted criminals on his own State, his own people? There was the Covid 19 which held everybody down for over one year. Everything ganged up against him. He was worried, but not shaken, those close to him insisted. Quietly, he began to untangle the obstacles. He won over the members of the House of Assembly. From not having even one member, he got the majority in under one month. That’s something Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was unable to do. With time, Uzodinma won over the hard-hitting social media-savvy guys who gave him hell. They now write for him. In one fell swoop, he beheaded the PDP State Executive Committee. Seven of its members dumped their party and joined him. He tackled infrastructure – roads in particular. And for the first time, Owerri is looking like a State Capital instead of a glorified Local Government Council Headquarters. If the Orashi Power project becomes a success, as it is expected to, Uzodinma would have planted his feet in the sands of time in the State. Yet, to me, the greatest legacy he is leaving behind for is the coup he smoothly executed in the State this other day. He rescued Owerri and Okigwe from Orlu.
It was at the Imo State Congress of the APC that he, effortlessly pulled off what none of his predecessors could do. Governor Uzodinma effectively ended the 24 straight years of Orlu Zone’s tenancy at the Government House, Owerri.
Please, excuse a brief background.
There is what is called a Charter of Equity in Imo State. It is a loosely-binding, not-written agreement that the office of the Governor should rotate between the three Senatorial Zones. As noted earlier, it is usually mouthed, but never kept. The office, as pointed out earlier here, just ends up in Orlu Zone. And the exiting Governor makes no “pim”.
Now, I forget the date, but a couple of months to the election which gave him a second term in office, Uzodinma summoned a meeting of Imo Elders Forum. A respected body, even if, ceremonial. It consists of those deemed influential in the State, including the Clergy. At that meeting, they put a stamp to that Charter of Equity which had always been mouthed, but never implemented.
According to the document as was, obviously, pushed by the Governor, after the incumbent’s tenure, Owerri Zone will take the top job, and after Owerri, Okigwe will follow, before it reverts to Orlu. This means eight years of Owerri Zone, eight years of Okigwe Zone – a total of 16 years, before it goes back to Orlu Zone.
Many people laughed; they said the Governor was not serious. My beloved Imo is not only the headquarters of petition writers, destructive and malicious gossips also abound. So, the story went out that Uzodinma was just playing to the gallery; that he was just mouthing it to curry favour from Owerri and Okigwe for his second term election. Not a few people believed the stories.
But on March 3, 2026, at the APC State Congress, Uzodinma gave teeth to the barking. He saw to it that an Orlu man was elected the State Chairman of the APC. To do that, the smooth operator did not allow the effective Dr. Mcdonald Ebere a second term. He brought in Austin Onyedebelu, who, until this election, was the Managing Director of ISOPADEC, a high profile office.
Here’s the meaning of what Uzodinma did. Since the State Chairman is from Orlu Zone, it simply means that the APC Governorship Candidate will come from Owerri or Okigwe. By that action, short of saying that he has given all Governorship Candidates from Orlu a technical knockout, let me say he pulled the rug from under their feet. He has, without saying a word, asked all Orlu Governorship aspirants to stand down and wait till after 16 years.
For Imo State, the Governor has provided a road map to 2028. One can safely wedger, here, that the two “living” parties in the State, APC and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, will present Governorship Candidates from either Owerri or Orlu. So, let me take a risk here.
Given that Uzodinma has kept to his words by fencing Orlu off, I believe he would also keep to the prepared time-table, which is: that Owerri will take the slot after his two terms, followed by Okigwe Zone.
I can also safely say that the ADC will field a candidate from Owerri Zone, most probably, Ihedioha who, aside from being the heartbeat of the Party in the State, is a good mobilizer. As for the other Political Parties, including, sadly, the PDP, I’m not about to give them a chance. Time was when one could have added PDP and Labour Party. But no longer. Their souls have since been extracted from them. What one sees are empty shells, soulless and spineless. On Uzodinma’s watch, what happened in 2007 when a little unknown party snatched the trophy is not likely to repeat, what with Ihedioha on the ballot too for ADC.
What the Governor has done in moving the Governorship slot out of Orlu should not be taken for granted. It is a big deal. It gives every Zone a sense of belonging. It enhances the unity amongst the three zones.
He has done his beat. What remains now is for the stakeholders in the two Zones, Owerri and Okigwe, in consultation with their Orlu counterparts, to work things out, especially, as Okigwe has already, just this recently, taken the Ambassadorial slot.
But back to the Governor Uzodinma: Believe this. He will be remembered as one who gave bite to what his predecessors had no courage to do. And, excuse this cliché dear readers: He took the bull by the horn, cemented the unity among the three Zones by giving Owerri and Okigwe a sense of belonging. Thanks Mr Governor.
Top officers of Nigeria’s military are strategizing in the wake of casualties recorded among soldiers, as war against banditry continues.
To this end, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has summoned all the Service Chiefs to his office for a crucial meeting over recent attacks on different military bases in the North East.
Those currently attending the meeting at the Headquarters of Ministry of Defence, Abuja, include the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Olufemi Oluyede and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu.
Others include the Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, an Air Marshal; Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abass, a Vice Admiral; representatives of National Intelligence Agency among others.
Recall that no fewer than three Commanding Officers, who were on the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel were recently killed by terrorists in Borno.
Apart from Commanding Officers who were killed, scores of soldiers also paid the supreme price, while hundreds of civilians, who were abducted are still in captivity.
Speaking before the meeting entered a closed-door, Defence Minister revealed that they had agreed to review the strategies on how to go harder with the terrorists, despite military recording some casualties.
“We know we have recorded some casualties but it is more on the side of terrorists,” the retired four-star General explained during the brief meeting.
The Wife of the suspended member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mrs Glory Agbor, has added a dramatic twist to the alleged violent attack unleashed on her by her husband, Ovat Dickson Agbor.
The Source reports that the member representing Obubra state constituency was on Thursday March 5 2026, suspended, indefinitely, by his colleagues for, allegedly, battering his wife, following a matrimonial feud.
The legislators had accused their suspended colleague of engaging in acts unbecoming of a Lawmaker, as well as behaving in utter disagreement with the ethical standards expected of members of the Legislative branch of Government.
The Lawmakers were forced to act following widespread indignation and outrage that trailed the incident.
But ironically, while the Lawmakers and overwhelming majority of Cross River State citizens and Nigerians were hugely scandalized by this alleged despicable act, of Agbor’s wife tendered unreserved apology to her sanctioned husband, while also appealing for public respect of her family in the present circumstance.
Mrs Agbor who was shown in a viral video online with swollen face and severe injuries all over her face, also accused her husband’s traducers of trying to create something out of nothing
She urged the law makers and the outraged members of the public to view whatever problems that existed between her and her husband as a mere family affair which have been amicably resolved.
“There is no doubt that some people are trying to paint the name of my family in a bad light, but I stand here to vehemently debunk that view against my family and state it clearly that my husband, and I are at peace with each other.
“Even though issues arose, we have been able to amicably resolve our differences. As I said, this is my family ,and no marriage is totally perfect. Please leave my family alone ” Glory had pleaded in the wake of her husband’s suspension last week.
However, Glory was to add to the drama on Tuesday March ,10, with her complete denial of any attack on her by her husband.
She described the viral video of the incident ,as AI- generated by some vested political interests to rubbish her husband .
According to her, the said video showing her with injuries are patently false, misleading and mischievous, insisting that it was the handiwork of political enemies.
“I am out here to tell Nigerians, and all persons both at home and abroad that what has been trending online for the past three to four days is a false accusation ,and nothing of such actually happened .
“Maybe it is AI-generated, or they want to use that to blackmail my husband and me.
“You know the election is around the corner, and may be they want to use that one to bring him (husband) down. Nothing of the sort happened to me.
“Look at me. I am okay. I am good. Did you see any marks on my face or anything like that? Nothing of such ever happened.” Glory stated.
Curiously, the denial is coming on the heels of the husband’s public apology over the incident.
Agbor who was on Monday March 9, 2026, confirmed by the police to be in their custody had, same day, apologized to Governor Bassy Otu and his wife,the State Lawmakers and his Constituents as well as the Cross River citizens for any embarrassment his action may have caused them.
In the letter personally signed by him , Agbor’ also apologized to the state’s traditional institutions , political stakeholders and both his family and his wife’s.
“I sincerely express my profound apology to the Government and good people of Cross River state over the recent controversy that has generated public concern.
“I take full responsibility for not coming out earlier to address the issue publicly . I acknowledge that my silence created room for speculations ,and for that I am deeply sorry”. Agbo stated.
The Cross River State Police Command, in a statement on Monday from its spokesperson Eitokpah Sunday Akata, informed that Hon Agbor is presently under the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department SCID ,which is also investigating the actual circumstances surrounding the incident.
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has sacked Abdullahi Musa as the Head of Service with immediate effect.
The Governor ’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa, made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday.
He explained that the decision was part of the ongoing efforts by the Yusuf administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across all government institutions.
Dawakin-Tofa quoted Yusuf as expressing appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.
“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” he said.
The governor also directed Bilkisu Shehu-Maimota, the Permanent Secretary, Admin and General Services at the Cabinet Office, to serve in an acting capacity.
Musa was also directed to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service immediately.
Piqued by the resurgence of kidnapping in the state in recent time, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday declared that his administration would deal decisively with kidnappers and their collaborators, warning that no sponsor or godfather of criminal activities would be spared once traced.
The Governor spoke in his office during a meeting with stakeholders and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state, where security concerns, particularly the resurgence of kidnapping for ransom, were discussed.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed concern over rising incidents of abduction in some parts of the state, noting that one community had recorded three kidnapping cases within the last one month, a development he described as worrisome.
“Crime is usually carried out by syndicates, some Fulani, some locals. Some provide information about movements while others take victims into the forest,” he said.
The Governor disclosed that security agencies had arrested about 90 suspects in connection with kidnapping and related crimes in the state, adding that some of those arrested were already making confessional statements.
“If investigations trace any criminal activity to anyone, whether they have legitimate business or not, they will be treated like criminals. No godfather, sponsor or collaborator will be spared.”
He also urged traditional rulers, community leaders and parents to caution youths against engaging in criminal activities.
The Governor referred to a protest by youths at Ilu Abo area, who had blocked a road junction over the incidents, saying that representatives of the community’s landlords’ association had met with him a day earlier and discussions had been held on steps to improve security in the area.
He said, “Just yesterday, representatives of the landlords’ association of that community were here with me and we had discussions. We agreed on what we have to do there.
“I have directed the Commissioner of Police to immediately deploy a minimum of two vehicles to the police post in that place as requested. But despite that, they still went ahead with the protest.”
While acknowledging the frustration of residents over the incidents, Governor Aiyedatiwa criticised the protest, saying such actions could easily be hijacked by hoodlums.
He said although the youths initially agreed to suspend the protest after security agencies intervened, the demonstration was later taken over by unknown persons.
“That is why we always tell people that protest should not be the first line of action. When you start it, you don’t know who is who. When it is hijacked, other crimes can follow,” the Governor said.
The Governor explained that the meeting with stakeholders formed part of ongoing consultations aimed at preventing security threats before they escalate.
“This is the second meeting this year. As I promised before, these engagements will continue from time to time. It is not only when there are crises that we will meet,” he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa revealed that intelligence reports had indicated that some criminal elements displaced by security operations in neighbouring states such as Kwara and Kogi might be attempting to move into Ondo State.
According to him, many of the suspects reportedly move under the cover of cattle herding routes, using cattle as shields while moving at night.
He said the government could not stop legitimate cattle rearing businesses, noting that cattle trading remained an important economic activity.
However, he stressed the need for cooperation with herders’ associations to identify criminal elements hiding within the system.
“We know many of you are doing legitimate businesses. But there are some who rustle cattle or use cattle as shield to move into territories.
“You are the ones who can identify them because you know your profession and your people. Some of your members are also victims of cattle rustling.”
The Governor warned that security agencies might be forced to intensify operations if collaboration failed, a situation he said could also affect innocent herders and their cattle.
He therefore urged leaders of the association to provide intelligence that would help security agencies identify criminals.
“As long as I remain governor, anybody can live freely in any part of the country, including Ondo State. But when you are here, obey the law of the land and conduct your business within the ambit of the law.”
The Governor revealed that the government was considering requests from the Fulani community to establish vigilante groups among their members to assist in security operations.
However, he stressed that such arrangements would require approval and supervision from security agencies.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also disclosed that the government was working on providing logistics support for surveillance efforts within the herders’ community.
Dr Ipalibo Banigo, the Senator representing Rivers West, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Senator Banigo, a medical doctor-turned politician, was a two- term Deputy Governor of Rivers State under then Governor Nyesom Wike who is now the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory under an APC Government.
Senator Banigo announced her resignation from the PDP during Plenary on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
She said she quit the PDP so as to align with her State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and President Bola Tinubu’s Government, as well as support all efforts geared towards the development of Rivers State.
In her resignation letter read on the floor of the Senate by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, she said she finally dumped the PDP after an extensive consultation with her political associates and constituents.
Political watchers say her resignation from the PDP was no surprise given that Wike is an unrepentant supporter of the President and, considering the crisis in PDP which has no end.
It is expected that all the Rivers State National Assembly members are likely to follow same path.
Recall that the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, all loyal to Wike had defected from the PDP to the APC. Governor Fubara followed a couple of weeks later.
Ironically, Wike still claims to be a PDP Member but has strongly pledged to support no other Presidential candidate but APC’s President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
In his Rivers State, Wike is the political leader of both the PDP and the APC and insists that there is neither PDP nor APC in the State but what he calls a Rainbow Coalition.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has rejected an application filed by Yakubu Adamu ,the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance seeking the its leave to travel to Saudi Arabia on a holy pilgrimage.
The Source reports that Adamu ,Bello Bodejo the leader of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and two others are currently facing prosecuted by the Federal Government on charges bordering on alleged terrorism financing and related Offences to the tune of over $ 9.7 million.
Similarly, Adamu a former
banker, to others also facing charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC over alleged conversion, transfer concealment ,and use of public funds to the tune of over N4.6 billion, said to be for the procurement of motorcycles for the Bauchi State Government.
While granting Adamu and co-defendants bail on January 2, 2026, Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite had ordered among other things that they deposit their international passports and other travel documents with the Court .
Justice Nwite in his ruling on Monday March 9, 2026, held that Adamu could not adduce sufficient materials before the court to warrant being granted the leave to travel outside the country.
The trial Judge, also, agreed with the objection raised by the EFCC’ to the effect that Adamu’s affidavit attached to the application was defective , having not been signed by the applicant himself.
The Judge held that an unsigned document does not have any probative value in law ,hence the document failed to. meet the minimum legal procedure required in the present circumstance.
Justice Nwite noted that much as he is aware of the fundamental rights of the applicant as guaranteed in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution ,such rights are not absolute.
According to Justice Nwite, the case of Ibori cited by the applicant, can not be applicable in the present situation, because Ibori’s case was hinged on medical grounds.
Adamu had in his application sought an order of the court to allow him travel to the Holy Land to observe Muslim pilgrimage.
He equally prayed the Court for an order directing the release of his international passport and other travel documents for the purpose of the said pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
In an affidavit to support the application deposed to b6 Emmanuel Tsebo ,a litigation Secretary in the Law Firm of Chris Uche SAN and Co, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance noted that he was arraigned on charges bordering on alleged misappropriation of funds ,and consequently admitted to bail by the court, with the court ordering him to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court.
He, however, informed the court that he has an urgent need to embark on a pilgrimage to mecca , Saudi Arabia , promising to be back in Nigeria on March 21, 2026.
While emphasizing the importance of the pilgrimage in the life of a Muslim ,Adamu pledged to return the travel documents to the court on or before March 22 ,2026, as well as personally attend court proceedings.
A nursing apprentice now turned medical Doctor in Ekiti State is to die by hanging for murder and impersonation.
An Ekiti state High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti pronounced the death sentence on one Olatide Temitope Emmanuel.
The 48 year old convict was arraigned before Justice Jubril Aladejana on 11/12/2025 on two – count charge bordering on murder and impersonation.
The charge reads, “that the convict, on 24th June, 2019 at Odo Ikole compound, Erinmope Ekiti within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did murder one Falade Bosede, also on the 9th of June, 2019 at Ajebamidele street, Otun Ekiti, did falsely represent yourself to be a medical doctor”.
According to the prosecutor, the offences are contrary to sections 316 and punishable under 319(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C16, Laws of Ekit State, 2012.
According to an eye witness’s, statement to the Police (Rev. Omotade), said, “the deceased husband called to inform me that his wife died during childbirth at Erinmope around 9:00pm.
“On getting the hospital, I saw the corpse on the stretcher while the self acclaimed doctor stood beside the stretcher, when I critically examined the deceased body, I discovered that the operation was carried out unprofessionally.
“I later called the police at Otun Ekiti to take over the matter and carried out a full investigation.” he concluded.
In his own testimony before the court, the defendant said, “I was a nursing apprentice at a Hospital in Lagos State, after completion, I was issued a certificate and I established my own clinic at Erinmope Ekiti in 2019.
“The deceased was not my patient, but came to inform me that she was due for childbirth, after some examination, I informed her and the husband that she will deliver the baby through caesarian session and they agreed.
“The operation was successful with both mother and child alive but the mother developed complication thereafter and later died.”
To prove his case, the prosecutor, Kunle-Shina Adeyemo called seven witnesses and tendered statements of the defendant, medical reports, photographs of the deceased among others as exhibits.
The defendant spoke in his own defence through his counsel, Adeyinka Opaleke, and called no witness.
In his judgement, Justice Aladejana said “the confession of the defendant under cross- examination that he did not qualify as a medical personnel, yet, proceeded to open up a human being, knowing he has no training or certification to do so, portrays the defendant as inherently callous.
“I find the defendant wickedly reckless in his actions on the now deceased Bosede Falade.
“The prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the reckless action of the defendant caused her death on 24th June, 2019.
“The defendant is accordingly found guilty as charged.
“The judgment of this court is that, you Olatide Temitope Emmanuel be hanged by the neck until you are dead, may the Lord have mercy on your soul,” the judge pronounced.
