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Govt Asks FCID To Stop “Commando Style Operation” In Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Olatunji Disu - IGP
IGP Olatunji Disu

By Ayodele Oni

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‎The Ondo State Government has condemned operations of officers of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), of the Nigeria Police Force describing it as “commando-style.”

 

Government pointed out that such operations in certain parts of the state, have caused panic and apprehension among the residents already grappling with concerns arising from the nation’s security challenges.

 

The commissioner for information and orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, in a statement on Monday, stated that

“While acknowledging the constitutional responsibility of security agencies to investigate and combat criminal activities, the government believes that operations of such nature should be conducted in accordance with established protocols and with due consideration for public safety and confidence.

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‎”This manner of operation is creating unnecessary anxiety among law-abiding citizens and disrupted the peaceful atmosphere for which Ondo State is known.

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‎”The State Government therefore calls on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu to take appropriate steps to regulate the activities of specialized units operating across the state and ensure that proper procedures are strictly adhered to in the conduct of security operations.

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‎”The government states where ever actionable intelligence exists, official channels of communication and coordination with relevant state authorities should be activated to avoid creating avoidable tension among the populace.

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‎”The government reiterates that, it will not oppose to legitimate security operations aimed at protecting citizens and combating crime.

 

“However, such operations must be carried out professionally, responsibly, and in line with established operational standards that inspire public confidence rather than fear.

 

‎”The Ondo State Government assures residents of its continued commitment to their safety and wellbeing, urges them to remain calm and go about their lawful activities.

 

“Government will continue to engage relevant security authorities to ensure that security operations within the state are conducted in a manner that respects due process and preserves public peace.”

PDP Candidate, Oluyede Rejects Results Of Ekiti Election, Cites Compromise

By
Ayodele Oni
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Wole Oluyede during Ekiti Election

By Ayodele Oni

 

The People’s Democratic Party  Governorship Campaign Organisation has rejected the just concluded election and results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He said it does not reflect the true will and democratic aspirations of Ekiti people.

 

This was contained in a statement signed and made available to journalists by the Director, Media and Communications of the organisation, Chief Sanya Atofarati.

 

After the results were made public early Sunday morning, Governor Biodun Oyebanji accompanied by the Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele had visited the PDP candidate Dr Oluyede at his Ikere country home.

 

Details of the visit were not made public.

 

The statement by the campaign organization reads: “The Oluyede Campaign Organization hereby unequivocally rejects the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in respect of the just concluded Ekiti State Governorship Election.

 

“The declared outcome does not, in our considered view, reflect the true will and democratic aspirations of the people of Ekiti State.

 

“The election process was deeply flawed and fell far short of the standards of credibility, transparency, fairness and integrity expected in a democratic society.

 

“Throughout the election, our agents, supporters and numerous voters reported widespread irregularities, including vote buying, voter intimidation, harassment of opposition supporters, and other practices that undermined the sanctity of the electoral process.

 

“These incidents, taken together, cast serious doubts on the credibility of the exercise and the authenticity of the results subsequently declared.

 

“More concerning is the conduct of some security operatives who, rather than maintaining neutrality and ensuring a level playing field, allegedly acted in ways that compromised public confidence in the electoral process.

 

“We believe that the actions and inactions of certain security authorities contributed significantly to the atmosphere of fear, intimidation and unfairness witnessed during the election.

 

“The events surrounding this election suggest a process whose outcome appeared predetermined, thereby depriving the people of Ekiti State of their fundamental right to freely choose their leaders.

 

“This is not only a disservice to democracy but also a dangerous precedent that must not be allowed to stand.

 

“We wish to assure our supporters and the good people of Ekiti State that we remain committed to the pursuit of justice through all lawful and democratic means available to us.

 

We urge our members, supporters and indeed all lovers of democracy to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, while we continue to consult widely and take appropriate steps to defend the mandate freely given to our candidate.

 

“Democracy thrives when the votes of the people count and when institutions entrusted with safeguarding the electoral process discharge their responsibilities impartially and courageously.

 

“We therefore call on all relevant stakeholders, including electoral and security institutions, to uphold the principles of justice, fairness and accountability in the interest of our democracy.

 

“The Oluyede Campaign Organization remains resolute in its commitment to the people of Ekiti State and to the ideals of democratic governance. Thank you.”

PRP Clarifies Kwankwaso’s Status In Party

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has clarified that there is no record of Rabiu Kwankwaso or his associates participating in any nomination process within the party.

 

It dismissed claims alleging that the vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Kwankwaso, purchased 69 nomination forms in a bid to take control of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The clarification comes after Abdulkadir Musa Giza, chairman of the PRP North-West Stakeholders Forum, alleged that Kwankwaso had effectively taken over the party’s structure.

 

However, the PRP leadership has firmly rejected the claim, describing it as false and misleading.

 

Speaking with journalists on Monday, the party’s secretary, Musa Maigari, stated that Kwankwaso has no affiliation with the PRP and did not acquire any nomination forms from the party.

 

He further maintained that all party positions have already been filled following the conclusion of primaries across the board.

 

Maigari also cast doubt on the credibility of the allegation, noting that the individual behind the claim is not a recognized member of the party.

 

He described the report as “laughable,” insisting that discussions about nomination forms are no longer relevant as the party has completed its electoral processes for the next cycle

 

He added that the so-called North-West Stakeholders Forum referenced in the claims is not an officially recognized body within the PRP structure and reiterated that there is no record of Kwankwaso or his associates participating in any nomination process within the party.

 

The party urged the public to disregard the allegations, stressing that they are unfounded and should be ignored, while advising that only official communications from the PRP should be taken seriously.

Police Sanction Rivers State DPO Over N.5 Million Extortion, Professional Misconduct

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Commisioner of Police Rivers State - Olugbenga Adepoju

 

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Rivers State Police Command has vowed that nothing will be spared in the efforts to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding allegations of extortion and gross misconduct levelled against the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in-charge of Oyigbo police formation.

 

A statement from Blessing Agabe, the spokesperson for the Command, informed that a dismayed, and shocked Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has directed the immediate removal of the DPO from office as well as a thorough investigation into the allegations.

 

The Source reports that several online reports in the last 24 hours have accused the Oyigbo DPO of allegedly fleecing a suspect of about half a million naira under hazy and suspicious circumstances.

 

According to independent sources, a human rights activist had, on Friday, accused the DPO of illegally arresting and extorting N500,000 from an unnamed individual at the Oyigbo police Division.

 

The activists, while moving  to publish evidence of the said payment on the social media, also accused the DPO of filing what he described as a ridiculous charge against a suspect to the effect that she stole her own biological children in the course of a matrimonial misunderstanding with her husband.

 

While expressing dismay over the development, CP Adepoju, according to the statement, also  reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance for any form of professional misconduct ,and abuse of office.

 

According to Agabe, the CP has ordered an unfettered probe into the allegations, vowing not to spare anyone found culpable.

 

“The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a publication currently circulating on various online platforms, alleging misconduct involving a Divisional Police Officer in the Command.

 

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, expressed his deep dismay over the incident, and reiterated that the Command will not tolerate any form of misconduct, abuse of office, or actions capable of undermining public trust and confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

 

“In response to the allegations, and in line with the Command’s commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism, the officer concerned has been removed from his position pending the outcome of a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter”, the police stated.

Why Tinubu should Consider Resignation like UK PM – Peter Obi

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi and Bola Tinubu

 

The Nigerian Democratic Congress,  NDC, Presidential Candidate for the 2027 election,  Peter Obi, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider resigning his position, having failed woefully in discharging most of his campaign promises. And having failed to improve the standard of living of the citizens.

 

Reacting to the announcement of the British Prime Minister’s resignation, which is not unconnected with the complaints of British citizens about their deteriorating standard of living under his watch, Obi, in a tweet he titled “owning up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility”, advised Tinubu to emulate the British PM and save the country from the worsening economic situation.

Writing on his X handle, the 2023 Labour Party presidential flagbearer said, “This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July. As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development.

 

“The Prime Minister’s planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.

 

“Looking inward in our dear country, we can recall our own situation. Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives.

 

“During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments—particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

 

“At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition.

 

“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity. It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences. Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible”

“It Can Take Many Leaders Years To Grow Into The Statesman You Became In Just Two Years” – EU Applauds British PM Starmer On Resignation

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Starmer UK PM

By Ayodele Oni

 

Few hours after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his  resignation, there are reports of improved  security in the country.

 

European Union, (EU) Chief Ursula von der Leyen has praised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for bolstering “European” security after he announced his resignation.

 

AFP reports quoted the EU Chief as saying: “It can take many leaders years to grow into the statesman you became in just two years.

 

“European and Ukrainian security is stronger because of you. Thank you, dear Keir,” the European Commission President posted online on Monday.

 

Starmer had, on Monday morning, announced that he will stand down as Labour leader and Prime Minister, ending months of political turmoil and opening a contest to replace him.

 

The announcement follows mounting pressure on the Prime Minister after Labour suffered heavy losses in local elections in May and faced an increasingly vocal rebellion from his own lawmakers over his leadership and policy agenda.

 

The move comes less than two years after Starmer led Labour to one of its largest parliamentary majorities in the 2024 general election.

 

In a statement outside 10 Downing Street shortly after 9:30 a.m. in London, Starmer said he would remain in post until any leadership contest is completed, which he said would help insure an orderly handover of power

Court Awards N25 Million Against Ondo Govt Over Missing Baby At Juvenile Home

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Court and Law

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure, has ordered payment of ₦25 million in damages to the mother of a missing three months old baby at a juvenile home.

 

Defendants in the case were the Ondo State Government and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

 

The claimant, Mrs. Opeyemi Adegboyega, had approached the court in 2023 seeking redress over the alleged disappearance of her son, Omoniyi Oluwaseun, who was reportedly taken into custody by the state’s Juvenile Home in 2017, while she underwent medical treatment for mental health challenges.

 

Delivering judgment, Justice Akintan Osadebay held that the circumstances surrounding the child’s alleged death and disappearance were “unsubstantiated, unbelievable and untenable,” citing serious gaps in evidence presented by the defendants.

 

The court noted that there was no credible documentation showing the child suffered any injury or was properly accounted for while in state custody. 

 

It further faulted the absence of proper medical, mortuary, or investigative records, describing the explanations offered by the government as insufficient.

 

Justice Osadebay also questioned inconsistencies in the claim that the child died in November 2017, pointing out that the absence of burial records and proper notification to the parents, stating that the explanations raised “more questions than answers.

 

The court held that the state owed the child a clear duty of care, which was breached through negligence and lack of proper supervision, describing the conduct of the responsible agencies as “nonchalant and uncaring.”

 

Consequently, the court granted several reliefs in favour of the claimant, including a declaration that the disappearance of the child was caused by negligence on the part of the defendants.

 

It ordered the defendants to pay ₦10 million as exemplary and aggravated damages, ₦15 million as general damages for emotional and psychological trauma, and ₦200,000 as cost of action, with an additional 10 percent interest per annum until full payment is made.

 

Counsel to the claimant, Oju Kekemeke, described the judgment as courageous and humane, saying it not only delivered justice to the affected family, but also reinforced accountability and the sanctity of life. 

 

He further called on security agencies to make public findings of their investigations into the child’s whereabouts.

 

“The whereabouts of the child remain unresolved, as the court noted that the circumstances surrounding his disappearance ‘remain a mystery,’ leaving lingering questions over what truly happened while he was in state custody.”

 NIMASA, ILO sign MoU To Train Staff, Stakeholders

By
James Orji
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0
NIMASA ILO 2

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA Dr. Dayo Mobereola has said that investment in human capacity development remains central to the Agency’s vision of creating a robust maritime industry capable of meeting the emerging global industry demands.

 

Dr. Mobereola said this at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIMASA and the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation (ITC-ILO) in Turin, Italy aimed at developing NIMASA’s institutional capacity through targeted technical assistance, training, and capacity-building for staff and relevant stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime industry.

 

Represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Chudi Offodile, the NIMASA DG noted that the partnership with the ITC-ILO fits into the Agency’s deliberate objective of structured capacity building programmes for maritime professionals.

 

According to him, “This partnership, therefore, responds directly to that objective and further reinforces the Agency’s commitment to structured and targeted capacity development, while leveraging the ITC-ILO’s expertise and global pedigree to strengthen the training of maritime labour inspectors, policymakers, and trainers in the interpretation and implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended”.

 

While highlighting the strategic importance of the partnership to Nigeria’s maritime industry development, the DG said “we remain committed to ensuring that the knowledge, systems, and partnerships developed through this engagement translate into measurable improvements in maritime labour administration and support a sector that is globally respected, professionally driven, safe, and firmly anchored on the principles of decent work”.

 

Also speaking, the Director of the ITC-ILO, Mr. Christopher Perrin expressed appreciation for the partnership assuring that the Centre would deploy its faculty and resources to support Nigeria’s quest for sustainable human capacity development.

 

The MoU is the outcome of several interactions and strategic meetings between the two organisations with the Executive Director Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services NIMASA, Mr Jibril Abba and Head of Training at ITC-ILO, Giuseppe Zefola as focal persons while the Regional Adviser/Technical Expert at ILO, Dr. Amos Kuje provided valuable guidance.

 

CSP Iniedu Appointed New Force PRO

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Anietie Iniedu and IGP Tunji Disu
L-R: Anietie Iniedu and IGP Tunji Disu

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Tunji Disu, Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, has approved the appointment of CSP Anietie Iniedu as the new Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO.

 

Iniedu’s appointment marks a significant leadership change in the Force’s Public communication structure.

 

Anthony Placid, DCP, the immediate past Force Public Relations Officer, announced Iniedu’s appointment in a statement, describing him as a highly experienced Police Officer with a distinguished record in public communication, intelligence management, operational policing, and institutional accountability.

 

 Placid was appointed to the role of Force Public Relations Officer in March 2026.

 

The Nigeria Police Force said the new spokesperson brings a wealth of experience to the position and is expected to strengthen communication between the Force and the public.

 

The statement further states that Iniedu has over the years built an impressive career across several operational, administrative and public relations assignments within the Nigeria Police Force.

 

“He is a seasoned police officer with extensive experience in public communication, operational policing, intelligence management, institutional accountability, and administration,” the statement noted.

 

The New Police Force PRO hails from Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, and holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Pure Chemistry from the University of Uyo and has participated in numerous professional development programmes throughout his policing career.

 

His training areas include: Investigative interviewing, Crime scene management, Human rights-based policing, Strategic communication, Intelligence analysis, Public accountability and complaint management.

 

His wealth of experience and educational qualifications is expected to support his new role as the chief image-maker and spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force.

 

Prior to Iniedu’s appointment, he was the

Former Head of Complaint Response Unit, CRU, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

 

He was saddled with the role of Coordinating Public Complaint Management and spearheaded initiatives designed to improve transparency, accountability and public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

 

His leadership role at the CRU earned recognition for promoting citizen engagement and enhancing mechanisms for addressing complaints against police personnel.

 

He has over the years been at the forefront of Police Public Relations responsibilities, and as

served as Public Relations Officer of the Police College of Information Technology, Kobape, Ogun State, where he played a key role in managing institutional communication and public engagement.

 

All through his career, he has held several operational and administrative positions across different parts of Nigeria, giving him broad experience in law enforcement and public service delivery.

 

He is however expected as New Force PRO

As the new spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force to be responsible for communicating the Force’s policies, operations and reforms to the public while managing media relations nationwide.

 

His appointment is coming at a time when public engagement, transparency and accountability remain critical priorities for the Nigeria Police Force.

 

Security analysts believe his background in complaint management, intelligence operations and strategic communication could help strengthen public trust and improve the Force’s relationship with citizens.

Sowore Remanded In Kuje Prisons, Recusal Application For Hearing On Wednesday

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Omoyele Sowore
Omoyele Sowore

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Following his absence in court during the last sitting, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the remand of Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), in Kuje Correctional Centre.

 

Justice Mohammed Umar, in a short ruling, ordered Sowore to be kept in the correctional centre pending the hearing and determination of his motion for stay of the order for revocation of his bail and bench warrant.

 

Justice Umar also dismissed Sowore’s earlier application seeking the judge’s recusal from the case on the grounds of alleged bias.

 

The Judge then adjourned the matter until June 24 for hearing of the application for stay.

 

The motion for stay was filed by the defendant’s new lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN.

 

Sowore had arrived at the court accompanied by his associates all of whom  carried placards.

 

Justice Umar had, on June 16, revoked the bail granted Sowore following his failure to appear in Court for his trial.

 

In a ruling on an oral application made by the Counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde, SAN, also issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

 

The DSS is prosecuting Sowore for allegedly making false claims against the person of President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as “a criminal” in a post he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts.

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