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IGP Bows To Court Order, Suspends Training Of Reinstated Officers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Olatunji Disu - IGP
IGP Olatunji Disu

By Ayodele Oni

 

In compliance with a ruling by the National Industrial Court, the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) has ordered the immediate suspension of the ongoing six-month induction course for reinstated senior police officers.

 

The affected police officers had bern recalled from retirement, following a court order and had to undergo the induction course preceedingvtheir reinstatement.

 

The directive, contained in a police wireless message dated September 25, 2026, ordered the affected officers to vacate the training premises at the Police Staff College, Jos, with their personal effects.

 

The message, addressed to the Police Staff College, Jos, and the National Institute of Police Studies in Abuja, and copied to the office of the Inspector-General of Police, stated that the suspension was in compliance with a recent court judgment.

 

“INGENPOL directs you to temporarily suspend ongoing six-month induction course for reinstated senior officers.

 

“All course participants to vacate premises with their personal effects with immediate effect.”

 

The order followed a ruling delivered by Justice Buhari Sani of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, on September 28, 2026, in suit number NICN/KN/51/2026, filed by the Advocacy for Human Rights and Cultural Values for Development Initiatives against the Inspector-General of Police and five others.

 

In the ruling, the court set aside an ex parte order it had granted on September 22, which restrained the police authorities and the Police Service Commission from implementing the reinstatement of Cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police from Courses 18, 19 and 20.

 

The court also struck out the motion ex parte dated September 18, describing it as lacking merit and constituting an abuse of court process.

 

Justice Sani pointed out that the earlier order was granted on a “misapprehension of the true state of affairs” and following the applicant’s failure to disclose material facts concerning an existing judgment on the reinstatement of the officers.

 

The judge explained that the decision being challenged was not merely an administrative action, but the subject of a subsisting judgment of the National Industrial Court in suit number NICN/ABJ/28/2025, which had been affirmed by the Court of Appeal.

 

“The presence of a subsisting judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction fundamentally alters the legal landscape,” the judge held.

 

He added that where a decision being challenged was the execution of a valid and subsisting judgment, the court could not restrain its implementation as though it were an unlawful administrative act.

 

“The real urgency contemplated by law was therefore absent,” the judge said, adding that the applicant had failed to establish that the subject matter of the suit was at risk of destruction.

 

The court further held that the applicant was under an obligation to make full and frank disclosure of all relevant facts when seeking an ex parte order.

 

“The failure of the applicant to disclose the existence of the judgment in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/28/2025 and its affirmation by the Court of Appeal is a material non-disclosure that strikes at the heart of the ex parte order,” the judge ruled.

 

The reinstatement of the affected officers followed an earlier judgment concerning the regularisation of their dates of first appointment and the application of Section 18(8) of the Police Act, 2020, which addresses the maximum years of service and retirement age of police personnel.

 

In a letter dated July 31, 2026, the Force Secretary, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Bode Akinbamilowo, conveyed the Police Service Commission’s decision on the regularisation of the dates of first appointment of Assistant Superintendents of Police and inspectors, who entered the Force through the cadet system.

 

The letter stated that the affected officers had previously been retired following a Police Service Commission decision in January 2025, but had their retirements reversed in compliance with the National Industrial Court’s judgment in suit number NICN/ABJ/28/2025.

 

The Inspector-General subsequently directed the affected officers to report to the Police Staff College, Jos, for a six-month induction course.

 

The list of affected officers attached to the July 31, 2026, letter included Assistant Inspector-General of Police Owohunwa Idowu and AIG Benneth Chinedu Igwe, both of Cadet ASP Course 19 of 1996, as well as Deputy Commissioner of Police Simon Asamber Lough of Course 20 of 2000.

 

The officers were among those previously retired, but reinstated following the judgment of the National Industrial Court in suit number NICN/ABJ/28/2025.

 

According to the annexure, Owohunwa was born on July 20, 1970, and appointed into the Force on August 15, 1996, while Igwe was born on October 7, 1968, and appointed on the same date.

 

Lough was born on May 14, 1969, and appointed on May 1, 2000. The document listed their retirement dates by age and length of service, respectively, as July 20, 2030, and August 15, 2031, for Owohunwa; October 7, 2028, and August 15, 2031, for Igwe; and May 14, 2029, and May 1, 2035, for Lough.

NANS Vows To Embark On Mass Protest Over Fee Hike At Fed. Poly, Ado Ekiti, Shut Down Institution

By
Ayodele Oni
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Federal Poly Edo Ekiti

By Ayodele Oni

 

The National Association of Nigerians Students(NANS), has vowed to shut down the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti if the management fails to reverse the hike in tuition fees payable by students.

 

NANS warned that the Students’ body will engage in a relentless war against the institution’s Rector, Dr. Temitope John Alake to revert to the old school fees at the expiration of the five- day ultimatum, earlier issued by the body, saying students won’t tolerate acts capable of subverting and abridging their rights to good welfare under no guise.

 

The warning, contained in a statement issued by NANS’/Joint Campus Committee, Ekiti axis, on Friday and made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti, was co-signed by its Chairman, Yekeen Toheeb, General Secretary,  Olumorin Folafoluwa, and Public Relations Officer, Ekundayo Goodluck .

 

Displaying serious aversion for the way the management was handling the matter, NANS/JCC strongly rapped the insensitive and undemocratic approach adopted by the aurhority, especially the way students were sidelined at the consultation stage.

 

“Following NANS’ intervention, escalation of the matter, and issuance of a five-day ultimatum demanding a total reversal of the increment, the management suddenly found it convenient to convene a meeting with the newly elected SUG executives yesterday to discuss the same fee increase it had already implemented without adequate consultation.”

 

NANS/ JCC relished and commended the proactive dispositions and readiness of the incoming SUG executives to engage on this matter in the best interests of the students, warning that this shouldn’t be misconstrued to be a sign of weakness .

 

“The SUG’s willingness to engage must not be misconstrued as an endorsement of management’s previous actions or an excuse to overlook its failure to consult legitimate student representatives before implementing the increment.

 

“We expect the incoming executives to remain steadfast in defending the collective interests of the students.

 

“We consider this development deeply troubling. Why was the outgoing leadership, which was duly mandated to represent the students when the policy was conceived and implemented, denied the same opportunity.

 

“Why has management suddenly embraced student engagement who are yet to be inaugurated only after NANS escalated the matter and issued an ultimatum?

 

“Student representation must never become an instrument for legitimising decisions of the oppressors taken against students’ interests.

 

“Let it be clearly understood that NANS will not allow selective engagement, administrative manoeuvres, or any attempt to divide the student community to undermine our collective struggle.

 

“The welfare of Nigerian students is non-negotiable, and our responsibility is to defend their interests without compromise.”

 

The Students’ leaders insisted that the only action that can halt the planned protest is satisfactory resolution, not another round of discussions that won’t yield tangible outcomes.

 

“Consequently, the ultimatum remains in full force. Should management fail to meet our demands upon its expiration, NANS/ JCC, Ekiti State chapter will have no option than to mobilise Nigerian students for a total shutdown in the institution through lawful and peaceful means.

 

“Our preference for dialogue must not be mistaken for weakness, surrender, or an absence of resolve.

 

“We have provided an opportunity for responsible engagement, and that opportunity must not be abused.

 

“We will not stand by while students bear the burden of an unjustified policy and their collective voices are disregarded.

 

“Our commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerian students remains unwavering.”

 

NANS maintained that the management can only avert the impending mass protest, if it concedes to the trouble- shooting measures specified by the students, which is: reversal to the old tuition fees, pointing out that any defiance to this order shall be resisted by the Students’ population.

”I Am A Weapon Fashioned Against Wike” – Fmr. Rivers Commissioner

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Leloonu Nwibubasa

By Adesina Soyooye 

 

A former Rivers State Commissioner, Leloonu Nwibubasa, has explained why he will not return to the Minister for Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike as a number of his colleagues have done. 

 

The  former Commissioner spoke while declaring his determination to oppose  Wike. For emphasis, he described himself as a weapon fashioned against Minister Wike.

 

Nwibubasa, who is now the Spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress, ADC,  accused  Wike, of slowing down  the future of millions of Rivers State youths.

 

He spoke during an interview with Symfoni TV when he was taken up on the political situation in  Rivers State.

He said he was 

determined  to oppose Wike, and wanted his downfall.

 

His words: “If you read the Bible, a child was taken to the Temple to be dedicated, his name was Jesus and the man that was to dedicate him was called Simon and he said this child is for the rising and falling of many in Isreal.

 

“I am for the falling of Nyesom Wike. I am the weapon fashioned against him because that’s why I have not gone back to him like other people who worked with him and they go back to him.

 

“I can’t go back because I am not looking for anything else but natural comfort.

 

“So, clearly, he is one man that I will stand to speak against and ensure he doesn’t continue because he has imprisoned the destiny in millions of Rivers youth, such fight is a good fight.”

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike

However, many see his determination as an uphill task as, for now, the Minister is the central figure in Rivers State politics, especially, with his Rainbow Coalition – an amalgamation of  persons from all political  parties in the State and beyond.

Zenith Bank Reinforces Digital Forward Ambition With Google Pay

By
James Orji
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0
Adaora Umeoji - Zenith Bank Female GMD

The Group Managing Director/chief executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, has described the introduction of Google Pay for the bank’s customers as a demonstration of the commercial bank’s digitally forward ambition, as the lender steps up efforts to deepen digital payment services.

Umeoji, who spoke on the bank’s latest digital payment innovation, said the development reflects its commitment to leveraging technology to simplify banking transactions, enhance security and improve customer experience.

The lender announced that its customers can now use Google Pay for contactless payments at participating point-of-sale terminals, as well as online and in-app transactions.

According to the details provided by the bank, the service enables eligible Zenith Bank cardholders to add their payment cards to Google Wallet on compatible devices, allowing them to make payments without repeatedly entering their card details.

Google Pay employs payment tokenisation technology, which replaces a customer’s actual card number with a digital token during transactions. The technology helps protect sensitive payment information by reducing the exposure of actual card details.

 

With the service, customers can simply tap their compatible smartphones on supported contactless payment terminals or use Google Pay when making purchases online and through supported applications.

 

The latest development, financial experts insist, reinforces bank’s reputation as a technology-driven financial institution with a history of deploying innovations to improve banking services.

 

In 2007, the bank opened what it described as Nigeria’s first ATM gallery, a fully automated banking facility that provided customers with access to cash without human tellers, including on weekends and public holidays.

 

The initiative offered an alternative to conventional banking practices at the time, when customers often had to contend with long queues and restricted banking hours to access basic services.

 

Nearly two decades later, the bank says its commitment to technological advancement remains central to its operations.

Dr Umeoji also pointed to the forthcoming Zenith Bank Tech Fair 2026, themed Future Forward 6.0, scheduled for November 5, as another opportunity to advance conversations around technology and innovation in the financial services industry.

Over 500, 000 Personnel Needed For State Police

By
James Orji
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0
Nigerian Police

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state has stated that the total personnel required for the proposed State Police in the country will not be fewer than 500,000 men and women.

The number of the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, is, according to checks less than 500,000 personnel, which has been described as grossly inadequate for a vast country like Nigeria.

The Ogun state helmsman who’s also the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum made the remark in Ibadan, Oyo state while delivering the keynote address at a lecture to mark the 70 years posthumous birthday of a former governor of Ondo state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, noting that the success of the state police will depend on the capacity of the state governments to provide adequate funding.

The late Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, until his death, was a staunch advocate of the establishment of state police.

He stated that poor states in the country may fid it difficult to provide the required funding for state policing, saying the quest for the country to have a dual policing system has moved from advocacy to reality.

Abiodun made the remark following reports that the constitutional requirement for establishing State Police in the country have been met after 30 state Houses of Assembly endorsed the bill, which has now been sent to the National Assembly for passage before it’s forwarded to the president for assent.

Nigerian Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele said yesterday that the two chambers of the Assembly will ensure the swift passage of the bill, and make sure it’s ready for presidential assent before the end of December 2026.

Speaking Governor Abiodun said for the country to meet the United Nations’, UN, requirement of one policeman to 414 citizens, a total of 554, 353 personnel will be required, amounting to over 184, 000 policemen and women recruited annually.

He explained that a situation where the police system in the country is centralized is no more accepted, saying the debate in no longer whether State Police is required, but the speed at which it will be made a reality.

The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum stressed that security is local, saying personnel must understand the terrain and language of the places and people they are supposed to police, adding that state police is not a threat to the country’s unity as being contended among some who oppose its establishment.

“Security is intrinsically local. You cannot police a community whose language you do not speak, whose terrain you do not know. State policing is not a threat to unity; it is the bedrock of stability and prosperity,” Abiodun said.

PSC Gives Police 2 New DIGs, 10 AIGs, 17 CPs, Also Promotes 3,800 Other Officers

By
Adesina Soyooye
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DIG Hashimu Argungu - PSC Chairman

By Adesina Soyooye

 

The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Thursday, October 29, 2026, elevated two Assistant Inspectors General of Police to the rank of Deputy Inspectors General of Police.

The Commission, also, promoted 10 Commissioners of Police  to the rank of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs).  17 Deputy  Commissioners of Police were equally promoted to the rank of Commissioners of Police (CPs).

 

The promotions, the PSC said, follow the successful performance of the  officers in promotion examinations and oral interviews it conducted.

 

The PSC Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Torty Njoku Kalu, in a statement, said the meeting was presided over by the Commission’s Chairman, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (retd.).

 

Leading the pack of promotions are AIG Olaolu Adegbite, head of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja, and AIG Dankombo F. Morris, head of Zone 4 Headquarters in Makurdi, who  were promoted to Deputy Inspector-General of Police. Usually, in the Police, every of the seven zones in Nigeria is entitled to a Deputy Inspector General since it is regarded as a political appointment.

 

10 Commissioners of Police were promoted to the  rank AIGs, while 17 Deputy Commissioners of Police were promoted to Commissioners of Police.

 

Other promotions  include 85 Assistant Commissioners of Police elevated to Deputy Commissioners, 49 Chief Superintendents promoted to Assistant Commissioners, 245 Superintendents elevated to Chief Superintendents and 498 Deputy Superintendents promoted to Superintendents.

 

Also approved is the promotion of 3,218 officers to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.

2027 Poll: Opposition Parties Visible Only On Social Media, Not Taking Steps To Promote Agenda – Ardo

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Umar Ardo
Dr Umar Ardo

By Ayodele Oni

 

Over two months after the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC lifted ban on campaigns ahead 2027 general election, the Convener of the Northern League of Democrats, Umar Ardo, has observed that only the ruling All Progressives Congress APC is actively engaging in visible campaign activities.

 

INEC lifted ban on campaigns in August 17, thus paving way for political contenders to sell to the electorate their programmes.

 

Ardo criticised opposition political parties for allegedly neglecting grassroots mobilisation ahead of the general elections.

 

Ardo made the observation during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, where he expressed concern over what he described as an imbalance in the emerging political campaigns.

 

According to him, his observations while moving around Abuja and other parts of the country suggest that the APC is the only major political party actively engaging in visible campaign activities.

 

He argued that other political contenders appear to be relying heavily on social media, where they frequently respond to developments, rather than taking practical steps to promote their own agendas and define the direction of the 2027 elections

 

“There is a one-sided political campaign. If you drive around Abuja and other states, it is only APC you will see.

 

“Other political contenders, you will see them on social media almost always reacting rather than acting and defining the election,” Ardo said.

 

The political commentator warned that the situation could create the impression that the campaign environment is not balanced, particularly if opposition parties fail to establish a stronger presence among voters at the grassroots level.

 

He urged opposition groups to move beyond online engagements and take their messages directly to the streets, encouraging them to mobilise supporters, communicate their policies and present clear alternatives to voters.

 

Ardo maintained that opposition parties should take the initiative in shaping public discussions about the coming election, instead of allowing the ruling party to dominate campaign activities while they remain largely reactive on social media.

Senate: Police Bill Ready For President’s Assent Before December

By
James Orji
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0
Opeyemi Bamidele

Nigerian Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has asserted that the threshold of passing the State Police Bill by the National Assembly after 30 state Houses of Assembly approved the constitutional amendment.

Bamidele made the remark on Thursday, according to his media office, while delivering a lecture to participants of Senior Executive Course 48 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Jos, Plateau State.

According to the Senate Leader, the National Assembly will now expedite action on the bill, to ensure that it’s passed by majority of both chambers of the Assembly for onward transmission to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his assent.

He said the NASS will ensure that the bill is transmitted to the president before December, saying there’s no going back on the quest by Nigerians to operate a dual-police system.

He also pointed out that the passage of the bill by no fewer than 30 stats in the country is historic, adding that the major hurdles for the country to operate a dual police system has been scaled, and the efforts to reform the police architecture in the country is now fully on course.

He explained that the NASS has set a clear deadline to ensure that the bill is ready for passage and sent to the president for his signature before the end of the year, adding that the security of lives and property is paramount to the lawmakers.

Bamidele: “We are pleased to inform our constituents across the federation that State Police have moved from rhetoric to reality.

 

“We have already received formal reports from the State Houses of Assembly and, as of today, no fewer than 30 states have approved the State Police Constitution Alteration Bill, 2026.

 

“By the provision of Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which requires the concurrence of not less than two-thirds of all State Houses of Assembly, the constitutional requirement for the alteration has been duly met. This is a historic milestone in our collective quest to re-engineer our security architecture and make it more responsive, more local, and more effective.

“We have set a clear timeline for ourselves. We intend to conclude all these legislative stages -consideration of reports, passage of resolution, and transmission for presidential assent -on or before December 2026”, Senator Bamidele added.

“It is now a constitutional reality. It means that the security of lives, private property and public assets occupies a prime place in the legislative agenda of the 10th National Assembly”, he stated.

The magazine reports that the number of states required to pass the constitutional amendment on the Police Bill has already been met after over 30 State Houses of Assembly endorsed it. Only two-thirds of the 36 states in the country including the Federal capital, FCT is required for any Constiutional amendment.

INEC Silent On Adebutu, Clears Pantami, Gwarzo

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Oladipupo Adebutu

By Ayodele Oni

 

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State, Abdulsalam Gwarzo, are back as candidates to contest the 2027 elections.

 

This followed the latest clearance by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which sat on 69 petitions from political parties concerning omitted candidates for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

 

However, action remains temporary as it is still subject to the outcome of pending court cases.

 

The commission, however, rejected a petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, who sought a review of his exclusion from the list of candidates.

 

A source at INEC who spoke after the commission’s meeting on Thursday, confirmed that the commission received 69 petitions from political parties concerning omitted candidates for governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

 

The source said about 36 petitions were successful, while the others failed.

 

“We received a total of 69 petitions from political parties. Some of them were successful, I think about 36, and the rest didn’t succeed.”

 

The source, however, disclosed that the commission was still awaiting the final figures from its legal department, which was working on the statement to be issued on the decisions.

 

On Pantami and Gwarzo, the source said the commission has no objection to their candidacies but noted that the pending court cases could affect their eligibility.

 

“Yes, Pantami has been cleared,” the source said when asked about the PDP candidate in Gombe State.

 

On Gwarzo, the source said his clearance remained subject to the outcome of the litigation involving his candidacy.

 

“Because of the court case, the court may rule otherwise. So his approval is subject to whatever the court finally decide.”

 

The official added that the commission has no issues with either candidate contesting the election, pending the resolution of the legal matters.

 

“But we have no issues with their contesting as candidates,” the source said.

The source confirmed that Adebutu’s petition was unsuccessful.

 

“He did not succeed,” the official said when asked about the Ogun State PDP governorship candidate.

 

The decisions followed complaints by candidates and political parties after INEC omitted their names from the lists published ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

Pantami and Gwarzo are among the prominent governorship candidates whose names were missing from the commission’s list released in October.

 

INEC had attributed the omissions to alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, requiring parties to submit their membership registers.

 

The commission said its position followed a September 24, 2026, Supreme Court judgment affirming the constitutionality of Section 77(5) to (7) of the Electoral Act, which makes the submission of membership registers mandatory.

 

Gwarzo had approached the court to challenge the omission and that of his running mate, Rabiu Mustapha, from the list of governorship candidates for Kano State.

 

In an originating summons dated October 20, 2026, he asked the court to declare their exclusion unlawful and compel INEC to recognise them as the NDC’s governorship candidates.

 

Pantami’s candidacy has also been the subject of litigation, with the INEC source noting that a court proceeding was expected on Friday.

 

Meanwhile, Adebutu had questioned his exclusion from the final list of governorship candidates in Ogun State, insisting that he remained a registered member of the PDP and had complied with the party’s membership registration requirements.

 

INEC is expected to issue a formal statement on the outcome of the review.

Popular Ondo Businessman Commits Suicide After Release Of Emotional Video

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Akinbolusere Kayode

By Ayodele Oni

 

Residents of Ondo town, friends and relations have expressed surprise as a prominent businessman in Ondo State, Akinbolusere Kayode, popularly known as Tolufe, reportedly died in a suspected suicide.

 

This happened barely hours after the deceased released an emotional video in which he spoke about his family, business difficulties and plans to distribute his assets.

 

Tolufe, the owner of the popular Esther Estate, was said to have died on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

 

However, details surrounding the incident remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

 

In the video making rounds on Facebook, the businessman spoke about his personal life and business struggles, while insisting that his decision to transfer his properties to his wife and three children was made voluntarily.

 

He repeatedly stated that nobody pressured him into taking the decision, adding that he was acting out of his own free will.

 

Tolufe also spoke about challenges confronting his business, disclosing that three machines used in his operations had developed faults, including two that had only started working earlier that day.

 

Reflecting on his journey, he said he built his business from modest beginnings and maintained that he had never relied on unlawful means to acquire his wealth.

 

A significant part of the recording was devoted to his wife, Akinbolusere Esther Adenike, whom he praised for supporting him through difficult periods.

 

He expressed regret over the challenges in their relationship, accepting responsibility for the problems and acknowledging the sacrifices she made, including supporting him when he worked as a barber.

 

The businessman also mentioned his three children, Oluwafemi, Toluwani and Daniel, declaring that he wanted his wife and the children to inherit his properties and wealth.

 

The police is yet to issue an official statement, and there is no independent confirmation of the circumstances of his death.

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