Home Blog Page 168

FG Charges Mike Ozekhome To Court For Alleged Criminal Offences Over London Property

January 18, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

“Immigration: “Passport (No) A07535463 Was Never Utilized, No Record Of Holder In Database”

Prominent and respected Senior Lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, is passing through difficult times. Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, has been charged, by the Federal Government with a three counts of criminal offences at aHigh Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.

The charges involve allegations of corruption and the forgery of documents related to a property at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX.

Ozekhome, 68, is confronted with the offences filed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Charge No: FCT/HC/CR/2026, dated 16th January 2026.

Count 1 of the charges

alleges that Chief Ozekhome, in August 2021, or thereabou,t at Abuja within the jurisdiction of the court, directly received House 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX purportedly given to him by one Mr. Shani Tali, an act he knew constitutes a felony and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 13 and punishable under Section 24 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Count 2 alleges that Chief Ozekhome, sometime in August 2021 or thereabout at Abuja, while being a legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, did make a false document—a Nigeria passport A07535463 bearing the name of Mr. Shani Tali—with intent to use same to support claim of ownership of property known as “79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX” with intent to commit fraud, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 363 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code CAP 532 Laws of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, 2006.

Count 3 states that Chief Ozekhome, while being a legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, dishonestly used as genuine, a false Nigerian passport, A07535463, bearing the name of Mr. Shani Tali, to support claim of ownership of property known as “79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX” when he had reason to believe that the said document was false, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 366 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code.

Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, Head, High Profile Prosecution Department, NGOZI ONWUKA – Assistant Chief Legal Officer, ICPC Headquarters, signed the charges for the Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation.

The case, as revealed by Court documents was triggered by a judgment of the First-Tier Tribunal Property Chamber (Land Registration) in London, Case Number REF/2023/0155 dated 11/9/2025, involving Tali Shani (Applicants) versus Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome (Respondent) over the property at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX (Title number: MX 117803).

The hearings by the Tribunal were held on 11th and 12th June 2024, at 10 Alfred Place, London, and on 29th and 30th July 2025, and 2nd September 2025, by Cloud Video Platform. Judge Ewan Paton was in charge of the case.

From the “Proofs of Evidence” document, Mr. Wakili Joshua Musa, an employee/investigator with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), is billed to testify that the Commission received a petition on the judgment by the London First-Tier Tribunal in respect of House 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX.

“The investigator will tell the court that the judgment-related petitioner was assigned to his team for discreet investigation, and that his team developed an investigation strategy which was approved by the Honourable Chairman of the Commission.

“The team wrote letters to banks and other relevant government and private institutions to retrieve documents relevant to the allegations in the judgment-related petition. They also received passport registration information from the Nigerian Immigration Service with respect to the international passport of Shani Tali allegedly used by the defendant to support his claim for the property in London.

“The investigator will further tell the court that his team obtained a certified true copy of the judgment at the London First-Tier Tribunal and will provide comprehensive details of the facts of the case investigated along with his team members.

A critical piece of evidence comes from the Nigeria Immigration Service in a letter dated 18th December 2025, addressed to the Honourable Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The letter, with reference NIS/HQ/I&C/INT/5164/, stated:

“I am directed to convey the compliments of the Comptroller General to the Honourable Chairman and wish to acknowledge the receipt of your letter referenced: ICPC/OPS/FID/STF.1/2188 dated 5th November, 2025 as well as to inform on the following findings:

“1: Passport booklet number A07535463 was never utilized due to a defect and, consequently, there is no record of a holder for this passport number in our database.

“ii: Passport numbers are uniquely assigned and are never duplicated.

Preliminary findings indicate that the passport booklet had personal data unlawfully superimposed on it. Furthermore, there are numerous inconsistencies on the data-page, suggesting significant irregularities in its production.

“The foregoing is respectfully submitted for your information and further necessary action, please.”

IA OZIGI, pcc+, fsl, mnlm, inspsp, Assistant Comptroller General I/C (Investigation/Compliance) signed the letter for the Comptroller General of Immigration Service.

A copy of the disputed Nigerian passport bearing number A07535463, showing the name “SHANI TALI” with date of birth 02 APR/AVR 73, place of birth “PLATEAU ABEOKUTA,” and date of issue 02 JUL/JUL 21, expiry date 01 JUL/JUL 26 was attached to it.

According to reports,

“The court documents also include an extra-judicial statement from Chief Mike Ozekhome dated 12/01/2026, in which he provides his account of events. In the statement with caution (ICPC Statement No. 003648), Ozekhome gives his version of how he came to be involved with the London property and addresses the allegations against him.

“The prosecution has listed the following witnesses to testify:

Mr. Joshua Wakili – C/o ICPC Headquarters, Abuja

Mr. Tosin Olayiwola – C/o ICPC Headquarters, Abuja

Mr. Ebenezer Nduo – C/o ICPC Headquarters, Abuja

Mr. Blessing Monokpo – C/o ICPC Headquarters, Abuja.

“Representative of Nigeria Immigration Service – C/o ICPC Headquarters, Abuja

Any other vital witness by way of subpoena or filing additional list of witnesses

The prosecution has listed the following exhibits:

Case number REF/2023/0155 (judgment) dated 11/9/2025

Extra-judicial Statement of the Defendant dated 12/01/2026

Interim forfeiture proceeding in respect of House 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX at the Federal High Court

Letter dated 18/12/2025

Data page of Shani Tali

Any other relevant documents being awaited relating to the case”

Mrs Opral Benson Declared Missing By Family… But She’s In Liberia

Adesina Soyooye

January 18, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

The family of Mrs Opral Benson, the Iya Oge of Lagos, recently declared her missing.

A release titled Urgent Community Alert said the whereabouts of Opral Benson, the matriarch of the TOS Benson family, Ikorodu, Lagos, have been unknown since Tuesday, January 13, 2026. “The family reports that Mama Opral Benson has been missing since Tuesday, January 13, 2026. She has NOT RETURNED HOME and her current whereabouts are UNKNOWN.

“Anyone who has SEEN HER, or has ANY INFORMATION, no matter how small, is urged to CONTACT IMMEDIATELY:

0803 703 9214.

Alternatively, please report to the nearest police station.

“THIS IS TIME SENSITIVE.

PLEASE SHARE IMMEDIATELY”

However, while questions, such as – Did she go out alone? If not, who went out with her? Where is her care giver? – were being asked, another report said Mama Opral Benson is in Liberia, her home country; that she arrived Liberia on Wednesday.

But her presence in Liberia has, also, raised more questions. Did she go to Liberia without informing any family members? Who drove her to the airport? Who accompanied her?

And, if the family knew, why was she declared missing?

Killers Of Housewife, Six Children Arrested By Police

Ayodele Oni

January 18, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Kano State Police Command, has arrested three suspected masterminds behind the brutal murder of a housewife and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters, Kano on Saturday.

Command spokesman Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa in a statement, revealed that a team of police crack operatives successfully arrested the suspects.

“The suspects, Umar Auwalu, ‘m’, 23 years old of Sabuwar Gandu Quarters Kano, Isyaku Yakubu, ‘m’, AKA ‘Chebe’, 40 years old, of Sagagi Quarters Kano, and Yakubu Abdulaziz, ‘m’, AKA ‘Wawo’, 21 years old, of Sabon Gida Sharada Quarters Kano, were arrested during a Sting Operation that lasted between 10pm of 17th January 2026 and 4am of 18th January 2026.

“The leader of the syndicate, Umar Auwalu, a nephew to the deceased housewife, confessed to the crime and also admitted that the same syndicate has carried out a series of gruesome killings and attacks in the recent past, including the killing and burning of two housewives at Tudun Yola Quarters Kano.

“Recoveries from the suspects included four clothes with blood stains, the deceased’s two mobile phones, a Cutlass, a Club (Gora), and some amount of money robbed at the scene, as well as dangerous weapons. Investigation is in progress.”

The Kano State Police Command commended the efforts of the Police Officers involved in the operation, members of the public for their prayers, support, encouragement and cooperation, and assured the public of commitment to bringing perpetrators of crimes to justice.

Suspected Drug Baron On Wanted List For 12 Years Nabbed By NDLEA

Ayodele Oni

January 18, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

After 12 years of manhunt, Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA),have apprehended a long-wanted drug kingpin, Lekan Jimoh, popularly known as “Kanmo-kanmo”.

Jimoh has been on the wanted list of the agency for his alleged involvement in the brutal killing of three NDLEA officers.

According to a press release on Sunday, NDLEA Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Kanmo-Kanmo, who is notorious for drug trafficking, evading arrest and mobilising armed thugs against security agents, was on Friday, 16th January 202,6 tracked to his hideout in Owode town, Ogun State by tactical teams of the Agency following credible intelligence.

During the clinical operation, the suspect was found in possession of 69 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis.

The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that no fugitive, regardless of how long they evade justice, remains beyond the reach of the law.

“Lekan Jimoh’s criminal history is marked by extreme violence and lawlessness. As a result, on 15th June 2014 orchestrated a barbaric mob action against a team of NDLEA officers who had attempted to arrest him at his enclave.

“The attack resulted in the cold-blooded murder of three NDLEA officers, including Rabiu Usman Kazaure and two others, who were killed by armed thugs mobilised by Jimoh.

“While the suspect managed to escape the scene that day, the Agency remained resolute in its pursuit of justice for the fallen heroes.

”In another encounter with Jimoh on 12th August 2023, when NDLEA operatives stormed his residence in Ado-Odo town, Ogun state, he managed to escape while operatives succeeded in recovering 139 sacks of skunk with a total weight of 1,922 kilograms.

“Following assets forfeiture proceedings instituted in court by the Agency, the house in Ado-Odo, which served as a warehouse for his illicit drug trade, has since been finally forfeited to the Federal Government.”

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives in Edo state raided the Arokpa forest, Uzebba town, Owan West LGA, leading to the arrest of another drug lord, Isihor Edika, 53, and seizure of 320kg skunk and seeds.

In the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, operatives tracked and arrested a 44-year-old lady, Yinka Agboola, following intelligence on her online sale of illicit substances.

At the time of her arrest, 2.2kgof skunk and litres of cannabis oil, which she produces in her kitchen and sells through online advertisements, were recovered from her home at the Kaura district, Abuja.

Another suspect, Tordue Pius Richard, 30, was arrested with 148.3 grams of cocaine and skunk at his 12 Biskira Street, Abacha Estate, Abuja home.

While 118.1kg of skunk was seized from the duo of Dauda Kareem and Saheed Obisesan at Fadeyi area of Mushin, Lagos, not less than 116kg of the same substance was recovered from a warehouse at the New Market area of Enugu.

AFCON: FG Hails Super Eagles, Says Team Earned Bronze With Dignity, Unbroken Spirit

Adesina Soyooye

January 18, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

The Federal Government has congratulated Nigeria’s National Football Team, Super Eagles over its victory against the Egyptian National Team on Saturday at the ongoing African Cup of Nations Tournament in Morocco.

Nigeria defeated Egypt in the third place match 4-2 on penalties after both teams played a 90-minute goaless game. The victory earned Nigeria a bronze medal.

In a statement on behalf of the Federal Government,

the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, hailed the Super Eagles for winning the bronze medal at the AFCON 2025.

He said: “Your performance throughout the tournament was a source of pride and joy for our nation.

“You have upheld Nigeria’s rich football tradition with heart, skill, and resilience.

“From the group stages to the final whistle in Casablanca, you showed courage, unity, and belief in one another.

“You didn’t just play; you inspired millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.

“Securing a bronze medal adds to Nigeria’s remarkable record in AFCON history, as the Super Eagles have continued their strong legacy at this level.

“The way you competed, especially against strong teams, showed discipline and an unbroken fighting spirit.

“To our coaches, support staff, and every player who wore the green and white jersey, thank you for your dedication and sacrifice. You faced challenges with determination and gave your best on every pitch.

“You reminded us that true strength lies in teamwork, belief, and pride in our nation, Nigeria.

“Your effort has shown that Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African football.

“Although the ultimate prize may have eluded you this time, know that this bronze medal was earned with dignity and effort.

“It belongs not only to you but to every Nigerian who cheered, believed, and stood by you throughout this competition.

“Celebrate this achievement with pride, and let it strengthen your resolve for future challenges.

“You have done well, and we are filled with gratitude and admiration for how you represented our nation.”

Three Weeks After, President Tinubu Returns To Nigeria

Ayodele Oni

January 17, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after three weeks absence.

During his trip, the President and some of his ministers participated in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW2026).

On the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The agreement aims to deepen economic cooperation, boost bilateral trade and investment, enhance technology transfer, and expand collaboration across key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy.

In his address, President Tinubu announced that a joint Nigeria-United Arab Emirates (UAE) INVESTOPIA will be held in Lagos in February, an initiative aimed at attracting global investors.

President Tinubu also told the Summit that Nigeria aims to mobilise up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance as it accelerates energy transition reforms and expands nationwide electricity access.

How Kano Housewife, Six Children Were Wiped Out By Hoodlums

Suleiman Anyalewechi

January 17, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State police Command, on Saturday, January 17, 2027, informed it has launched a coordinated manhunt for those behind the dastardly killing of a Kano housewife, Fatima Abubakar and her six children.

The Source reports that some yet to be identified armed men attacked Fatima and her children at their Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters after breaking into their residence .

The Police Command spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, informed that the victims were assaulted by the hoodlums with dangerous weapons , leading to fatal injuries.

According to him, the State Police Command is leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to unravel those behind the unfortunate development.

Besides ordering a thorough investigation of the incident, the Police Spokesman explained that concerted efforts are underway to fish out and bring to justice perpetrators of the heinous act

“The Kano State Police Command received a distress call at approximately 12:10 pm on January 17,2026 , reporting a brutal attack on the household of Haruna Bashir at Dorayi Charanchi Quarters .

“The victims, Fatima Abubakar 35, and her six children were attacked by unknown hoodlums who broke into their house.

“The report indicated that the victims were attacked with dangerous weapons, resulting in fatal injuries. The Commissioner of Police, CP, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, immediately mobilised a police team led by Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, in-charge of Operations, Lawal Isah Mani, to the scene ).

“Bodies of the victims were evacuated and rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano, where they were pronounced dead.

” A team led by ACP Wada Jarma, in-charge of Criminal Investigation Department, CID, was instructed to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice”, the police stated.

This is as the Command extended heartfelt condolences to the family, the inhabitants of Dorayi Chiranchi , Quarters and entire Kano residents over the unfortunate incident.

Insecurity: Gov. Okpebholo Donates Ten Patrol Vehicles, Salary For Personnel In Edo Central

Ayodele Oni

January 17, 2026

Gov Okpebholo Donates Ten Patrol Vehicles

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has further boost Edo Central Security with Patrol Vehicles, new welfare package in a major step towards strengthening internal security and restoring peace across the district.

In the process, the Governor handed over ten brand new patrol vehicles to security agencies operating in the district, reaffirming his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on crime and criminality.

A statement on Saturday by Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, stated that the presentation ceremony, held at Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, attracted traditional rulers from across Esanland, security stakeholders, political leaders and community representatives.

The event also formed part of the Governor’s ongoing interactive security engagements designed to identify challenges, improve collaboration, and deploy targeted solutions across communities.

Okpebholo explained that the initiative was not symbolic but strategic, aimed at equipping frontline security personnel with the tools needed to respond swiftly and effectively to security threats.

“This is not just about handing over vehicles. It is about understanding what our security personnel are facing on the ground and responding directly.

“Security is the foundation of development, and we will not compromise the safety of our people.

“For it to be implemented, you need to cooperate with chairmen in the various local government areas. The names of your members (ESSC, Hunters, Anti-cultism) must be submitted for profiling and enlisting into the payroll as this is the only way to start receiving salaries. This will cut across the whole 18 local government areas.”

He said earlier his administration set up a Committee that trained 2,500 security Corps personnel, noting that these men be incorporated to the existing ESSC members and shared across 18 local government areas of the State.

“We earlier set up a Committee that trained 2,500 security Corps members and should be incorporated with the existing. With this number, we should have at least over 300 security personnel in each local government area”, he added

During the interactive session, representatives from Esan North East, Esan West, Esan Central, Igueben, Esan South East, the Esan Hunters Association and the Anti-Cultism Unit highlighted critical challenges confronting security operations.

These included logistics gaps, inadequate equipment, herdsmen-related security concerns, intelligence deficiencies, and the urgent need for improved mobility and communication tools.

Director of Operations, Edo State Security Corps, Mr. Richard Balogun, disclosed that salaries for security operatives have now been approved, ending months of uncertainty for personnel working in high-risk environments.

He commended the state government for its renewed commitment to crime fighting and the welfare of operatives.

“This is a clear demonstration that the government values the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. Improved welfare and logistics will significantly enhance our effectiveness,” Balogun said.

Edo Central APC Leader, Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), urged the government to sustain the momentum by providing continuous logistical support, intelligence tools and operational funding.

He also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify vigilance, including profiling suspicious persons and vehicles entering their communities.

“Our communities must become the first line of defence. If we work together, criminals will have no safe haven in Edo Central,” he said.

The Onojie of Uromi, His Royal Highness Anselm Aidenojie II, speaking on behalf of Enijie in Esanland, praised Governor Okpebholo’s hands-on leadership style and described the administration’s approach to insecurity as “practical, inclusive and results-driven.”

He announced that traditional rulers and Esan leaders in the diaspora are finalising plans to establish an Esan Security Trust Fund to mobilise financial and material support for security operations in Edo Central.

“This is a collective responsibility. Our people must be able to sleep with their eyes closed, knowing that their safety is guaranteed,” the monarch said

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Defeat Egypt, As Nwabali Saves Salah, Marmoush Spot Kicks

Akinwale Kasali

January 17, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated the Pharaohs of Egypt in their third place match at the Casablanca Stadium in Morocco Via penalty kicks.

After 90 minutes of a tension soaked encounter, with the game tied 0-0, it took penalties to separate the two sides.

Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali saved Mohammed Salah and Omar Marmoush Spor Kicks to give the most populous Black Nation a 4-2 Penalty victory.

Coach Eric Chelle had started the game without Captain, Wilfred Ndidi, Vice Captain, Victor Osimhen, suspended Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi.

Nwabali was in goal, with Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaichi in defence.

Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Samuel Chukwueze were in the heart of the midfield, while Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu led the attack.

With the victory the Super Eagles have kept the record of not losing a Third Place Match at the African Cup of Nations Championship.

Kano Denies Administrative Lockdown Over Gov Yusuf’s Defection Rumours

Suleiman Anyalewechi

January 17, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government has described as false, misleading and mischievous, insinuations suggesting administrative lockdown over the decision to temporarily bar Ministries and Parastatals from forwarding files to the office of the Governor.

This is as the Government insisted that the move is in tandem with routine control measures normally taken towards the end of every fiscal year to stem frivolous expenditures and leakages.

The Source reports that the office of the Secretary to the Kano State Government had directed Commissioners, Heads of Government Parastatals and other agencies to stop sending files to the Governor for approvals pending further directives.

The directive was said to have been issued on Friday after an Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf.

However, there have been widespread concern over the directives, with various reports suggesting that the development may have led to the grinding of the wheels of governance ,as many files have been returned to Ministries and parastatals from the Governor’s office untreated.

There have been growing fears that such a development may have negatively affected both governance and the delivery of essential services in particular within the system .

The apprehension was somewhat accentuated by the ongoing tension arising from the rumoured defection of Governor Abba Yusuf to the All Progressive Congress , with his benefactor, the Leader of the Kwankwansia movement Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso stoutly opposing the move .

But in a statement late on Friday January ,16, 2026, the Secretary to State Government SSG, Umar Ibrahim, noted that the directive is usually issued towards the end of the fiscal year , when the year’s Appropriation Law is nearing expiry, and the new budget still being processed by the appropriate authorities .

According to him, the directive was issued at a time when prudence, legality and respect for due process demand restraint in executive approvals, particularly those with financial implications.

The SSG emphasized that the policy is primarily targeted at preventing frivolous and unauthorized expenditures , illegal financial commitments and future audit queries.

Ibrahim noted that going by extant rules and regulations, no new expenditures should be incurred during the period of interregnum between the old and new budgetary estimates.

This is as the SSG debunked rumours claiming the grounding of administration in the State is as a result of the directive.

“Far from grounding public administration, the directive was a responsible administrative and fiscal control measure taken to avoid illegal financial commitments and protect the state from legal and audit exposure” the Kano state Government stated .

According to him, the directive rather than leading to negative and unintended consequences, has assisted the Government in curbing the culture of rushed end-of-year approvals which, over the years, has tended to undermine accountability, transparency and fiscal discipline in public service.

However, Ibrahim noted that the policy only placed temporary embargo on files from Ministries while the parastatals continue to operate within the extant rules and regulations governing them.

While assuring of Government’s continued efforts at ensuring uninterrupted service delivery, the SSG expressed serious concern over the claims that the policy has resulted in the paralysis of Government activities.

The Source further reports that the controversy over the directive is coming at a time the State Governor is deeply involved in the process of defecting to the All Progressive Congress APC.

The Governor, amidst strident opposition from a section of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP led by the 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has been engaged in wide consultations over his planned defection.

Not a few believe that Governor Yusuf’s political activities may have taken precedence over governance, at least, in the last couple weeks.

1...167168169...2,882 Page 168 of 2,882