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Governor Oborevwori’s Ushering Duties At Winners Chapel Generates Controversy

December 13, 2025

Governor Oborevwori Ushering Duties At Winners Chapel

By Akinwale Kasali

Mixed feelings greeted the video circulating on Social Media where Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, was performing ushering duties at the ongoing Shiloh 2025 programme of Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, Ota, Ogun State.

The Video posted on Facebook by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Ossai Ovie Success, showed Oborevwori standing alongside other Church ushers while the programme was ongoing.

Success had showered encomium on the Governor’s humility and dedication to the work of God,

Success wrote, “At Shiloh, Delta governor is seen doing ushering work at the ongoing Shiloh 2025 Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel).

“A Governor that is dedicated to the work of God will always perform beyond expectations.

“No wonder Delta State is progressing rapidly. Kudos to Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for inspiring others with his humility and service.”

Following this development,

netizens share different opinions. Many described it as mere show-off.

But some Social Users defended the Governor’s actions, noting that serving in various Church departments is common practice at Living Faith Church regardless of one’s social status.

Emmanuel Amaechi, a Facebook User said he had seen Senior Public Office Holders and Military Oficers serve in similar capacities within the Church.

Amaechi wrote, “I have been in Winners where I saw a First Lady of a State serving in sanctuary department, coming every Saturdays to wash toilets and clean the Church. These things are normal things in Winners Chapel.

“You can come to Church and a General in the Army or Senator is the one ushering you to where you will sit. In Winners, you are taught to serve, no matter who you are”.

Another User, Ebube Mbah was also quick to come to the defence of the Governor by writing on his Facebook Page that Oborevwori should have been addressed by his Church title, describing him as an Elder of the Church who was simply carrying out his assigned duties.

Mbah, said, “In this report, it would have been appropriate to address him with his formal title in the Church, which is what qualifies him to collect offerings in Winners Chapel. ‘Elder Sheriff Oborevwori’”

Another user, Gospel Ifechikwu Amaliamifeobu, wrote, “So if I get money and become somebody big, I no go do my media work for Church again?”

Another user, TY AUTOS, who identifies as #ty_autos said, ‘This is distracting cos security are all over him. They said the country is safe. So, who need security inside church?”

Tunji Herbert, who writes as #koko_herbert, wrote, “In Nigeria, religious leaders and political leaders are in same WhatsApp group. Both work really hard to put lives of ordinary Nigerians at bay.”

A user, ByFireByForceJay™️, who tweets as #Only1Leanboi, said, “All our leaders dey this pastors hand.”

Oxford & Harvard, who identifies as #SeyiGlobal, said, “Exactly! That Nigerians still swallow this performative humility hook, line, and sinker is truly astonishing. Ushering with full protocol/security in tow? Please. It’s all staged for the cameras ahead of whatever’s next. Wake up, people!

Another user, ᏇᎥᏝᏝᏕ who identifies as #IAmWills11 said, “ushering work but na front of audience you dey. God abeg.”

Some also said this was a distraction from governance.

Enugu Police Storms Cult Initiation, Arrests Suspects

Ayodele Oni

December 13, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

An alleged initiation exercise by a cult group in Enugu State has been foiled by operatives of the State Police Command.

The Police Command announced that it uncovered and foiled a cult group’s forceful initiation exercise, arrested six suspects and recovered, firearms dangerous weapons, and other incriminating exhibits in Enugu North Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad acted on credible intelligence on December 5, 2025, leading to the arrest of the suspects over the alleged forceful initiation of victims into the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.

The initiation reportedly took place on November 25, 2025, in a forest at Ugwu Peak, Iva Valley, Enugu North LGA.

SP Ndukwe disclosed that during the operation, police recovered one locally made double-barrelled pistol, four cutlasses allegedly used in carrying out the criminal acts, and two empty bottles of Squadron rum reportedly consumed during the initiation rite.

The suspects were identified as Edeh Francis Chigbo, also known as “Saint” (22); Ogbu Fabulous, a.k.a. “Nwakanwa” (23); Odom Chiemerie, a.k.a. “Coded” (28); Nweke Anayo, a.k.a. “Chaplet” (22); Obumneme Obiechina, a.k.a. “Biggy” (30); and Chigozie Ugbene, a.k.a. “God bless” (20).

All the suspects confessed to being members of the secret cult group and admitted their involvement in the forceful initiation,” the police spokesperson said, adding that they would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to rid Enugu State of cultism and other criminal activities, particularly during the festive season.

“The Commissioner of Police reiterates his firm commitment to rid the state of unrepentant criminals and their activities, especially during this festive season and beyond,” SP Ndukwe quoted the CP as saying.

CP Giwa also urged residents to remain law-abiding and vigilant, while calling on members of the public to continue to cooperate with the police by promptly reporting suspicious movements and criminal activities.

BVN and NIN Sufficient for Banking Services – FIRS

Ayodele Oni

December 13, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has assured that Nigerians without a Tax Identification Number (TIN) would continue to enjoy banking services.

The agency explained that nobody would be barred from opening or operating bank accounts, with or without TIN, as being speculated on social media.

Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant to the Executive Chairman of FIRS, in a statement, emphasized that the system is not designed to impose extra burdens on citizens, but to promote financial inclusion and transparency.

She urged Nigerians to see the development as an opportunity for smoother transactions within the country’s growing digital economy.

In a clarification, the agency explained that Nigerians are not required to present a separate TIN before accessing banking services, as the national tax system has been fully integrated with existing identification platforms.

“These include the National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), and records of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).”

According to FIRS, individuals automatically have their TIN generated and linked to their NIN, while businesses are covered through their CAC Registration (RC) Numbers.

“Cooperatives, professional bodies, partnerships, and other organizations are also captured, with their TINs connected to their respective official registries.”

The service noted that when a customer presents a NIN or, in the case of companies, an RC Number at a bank, the system automatically cross-checks the database and retrieves the corresponding TIN in real time.

“This eliminates the need for additional applications or paperwork before opening or operating a bank account.”

FIRS highlighted several benefits of the integrated system, including seamless banking processes, improved fraud prevention through the elimination of duplicate identities, enhanced trust and regulatory compliance, and inclusive coverage for individuals, businesses, and organizations.

“The framework also aligns Nigeria’s tax administration more closely with global financial and compliance standards.”

The agency reassured the public that there is no need to apply for or carry a separate tax identification card to access banking services.

“Presenting a NIN or BVN is sufficient, as the TIN is automatically integrated in the background. In simple terms, a Nigerian’s NIN already ensures tax.”

NIMASA Tackles US Over Nigerian Seized Vessel

Tosin Olatokunbo

December 13, 2025

The attention of the Management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA has been drawn to media reports stating that the United States Coast Guard, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, intercepted a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) SKIPPER with IMO Number 9304667, alleged to be Nigerian-owned and involved in crude oil theft and other transnational crimes.

NIMASA wishes to put on record that the VLCC SKIPPER is not a Nigerian-flagged vessel, and its purported owners, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, are not registered with NIMASA as a shipping company.

An analysis of the vessel’s movement, monitored through the Agency’s Command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence (C4i) Centre, shows that the vessel was last sighted in Nigerian waters on 1st July 2024.

After departing Nigerian waters, the vessel continued on its international voyage pattern and was tracked operating in the Arabian Sea (Asia) and later in the Caribbean region, where the U.S. interdiction eventually took place.

Records indicate that SKIPPER which was formerly owned by Triton Navigation Corp, has undergone multiple name changes over time.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders, including U.S. authorities, in the ongoing investigations. He emphasized that criminality will not be tolerated in Nigerian waters.

Malami: EFCC Vows Not To Succumb To Blackmail

Tosin Olatokunbo

December 13, 2025

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has vowed not to bow to alleged blackmail by Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, and former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.

Malami was detained on Friday by the commission over alleged abuse of office and corruption while he served under late President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Minister has alleged that his detention was politically motivated, saying his bail should not have been revoked.

The commission, in a statement, on Saturday described the claims of Malami, about a purported revocation of “his bail over attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi,” as false saying its operations are apolitical.

According to the anti-graft agency, administrative bail is a discretionary temporary reprieve that allows a suspect to be released on stated conditions pending conclusion of investigation and arraignment in court.

To this effect, Malami after his brief interrogation on November 28, 2025, was offered provisional bail hinged on five requirements. He has neither met any of the requirements nor shown readiness to keep faith with them.

He was due back for further interrogation on December 1, 2025 , but in a curious twist, the former Minister pleaded with his investigators through a letter written to the Commission on December 4, 2025, to allow him to attend to his “ill-health”. The Commission compassionately granted his plea even while his bail conditions had not been met.

He was initially required to commence reporting for further investigations on December 1, 2025 but this had to be deferred to December 4, 2025 largely owing to his “ Request for an Adjournment on Grounds of Ill- Health” . He neither provided a medical report nor credible proof of ill-health to the Commission

The EFCC said it cannot allow the latitude granted the former Minister on his health stand in the way of investigations . On this score, he was invited again on December 8, 2025 for further interrogation and detained until the pending bail conditions are met.

The agency stressed that the former minister’s claims of revocation of bail by the EFCC are untenable. It is equally ridiculous to insinuate that the Commission barred him “ from granting media interviews and from participating in political activities in Kebbi State”.

Such bogus claims from a former chief law officer of the nation are strange, as the EFCC has no interest in the political affiliation of its suspects. It bears reiterating that the Commission is apolitical. A former governor and ranking member of the ruling party was recently arraigned for alleged contract fraud, the commission said.

“We Have No Hand In The Disruption Of Senate’s Committee Sitting” – ATBU

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 13, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The authorities of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University ATBU Bauchi on Saturday, December, 13, 2025, distanced themselves from the unruly conduct of a group claiming to be linked to the Alumni Association during the Senate public hearing on the bill seeking to convert the institution from a technology-based institution to a conventional one.

The Source reports that the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, had, on Thursday, December 11, adjourned proceedings indefinitely after the disruption of its activities by some aggrieved youths opposed to the conversion process.

Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South, had sponsored the bill seeking to change the status of the ATBU to a conventional institution so as to accommodate the educational needs of more people.

However, during the formal presentation of the bill, the committee meeting became heated, following opposition from some quarters including the Nigeria Universities Commission, NUC, the University’s Pro-Chancellor , former Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Prof Suleiman Elias Bogoro,and others.

The tensed atmosphere inside the venue of the Committee’s sitting was exacerbated by pockets of resistance and protests outside by sundry groups including those that claimed to be members of the institution’s alumni association.

Others present during the hearing were former Governor of Bauchi State, Malam Isah Yuguda, former chairman of Senate Committee on Police, Senator Haliru Dauda Jika, Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi and others.

The sitting became further charged with the presentation of a memorandum by the institution’s alumni association’s National President, Mohammed Sani Wada, a development which forced the Committee to abruptly adjourn proceedings indefinitely.

The ATBU Management, in a statement issued by its spokesperson Zallani Bappa on Saturday, regretted what it described as the “unconventional behaviour” displayed by some individuals during the botched public hearing.

Recounting the unfortunate incident, the University authorities expressed, confidence that its graduates will not exhibit the kind of unruly conduct by some impostors disguising as members of the alumni association.

“The Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund began a public hearing on the bill sponsored by the Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Alhaji Shehu Buba, on the process of amending the law establishing the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University from a Science and Technology-based University.to a conventional one .

“This hearing began on Thursday,11th December,2025, at about 2 pm. However, the process was adjourned due to a disruption of the procedure by a group of youths who claimed to be members of the alumni association of the University. Some of the media outlets across the country have reported it as such.

“In view of this disturbing information, the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi wishes to distance itself from the action those impostors who are not graduates of the University.

“The ATBU prides itself on graduating disciplined students who have continuously been good ambassadors of the University across the globe for more than four decades.

“Hence, the University is ever confident that its graduates will never engage in any action that will disrespect the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, the University’s reads in part.

The Source further reports that the bill has, in the last few months, sharply divided the people of Bauchi State and the University’s catchment States major stakeholders, as well as graduates of the institution.

While the present university management and the majority of the elite are not known to be averse to the proposed change, not so for many of the University’s graduates who believe that a change in status will not augur well for the hard earned reputation of the institution.

Kano: Gov Yusuf Stops Ganduje’s Independent Hisbah

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 13, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government has formally banned and criminalized the setting up of any private and or parallel religious and cultural security outfit in the State.

The State Governor, Abba Yusuf, Friday evening, December 12, 2025, signed an executive order proscribing any existing or planned independent Hisbah security outfit in any part of the State.

The Governor’s action is coming against the backdrop of growing concerns over the plan by the immediate past Governor of the State and former National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, to establish a 12,000 alternate Hisbah security outfit to assist in combating the new wave of terrorism activities in the State.

However, the state Commissioner for Information, and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waya, at a press briefing disclosed that Governor Yusuf has signed an executive order prohibiting the establishment of any kind of private Hisbah in the state outside the already state-backed Hisbah Commission.

He expressed Government’s concern over the plan by some individuals and groups in mobilizing and recruiting persons into unauthorized and illegal security outfits in Kano.

According to the Commissioner, the State authorities view such illegal moves as targeted at undermining constituted authorities and the peace and stability of Kano state.

This is as the Government warned the general public, particularly, the youth against participating, supporting or affiliating with the planned security initiative known as “Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi.”

The State authorities said severe consequences await those who may wish to flout the prohibition order.

Consequently, Government called on security agencies in the state, particularly the police, to immediately take steps to thoroughly investigate the situation with a view to unraveling those behind the move to set up parallel security outfits in the state

The Executive Order entitled Kano State Government “Prohibition of the Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi Order 2025”, partly reads “It shall not be lawful for any person or groups to recruit, assemble, mobilise,train or deploy persons for the purpose of operating a parallel Hisbah or similar enforcement outfit.

“Any acts done in furtherance of such a body is unlawful, illegal, null and void”.

According to Waya, the executive order takes immediate effect, and offenders will face prosecution under existing laws covering offenses such as unlawful assembly, impersonation of lawful authorities, and more.

Ondo Police Command Arrests Suspects In Staged Self-Abduction

Ayodele Oni

December 13, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Three suspects, that planned and carried out an abduction ploy to extort money from relations, are now guests of the Ondo State Police Command.

One of the suspects, Tobi Oluwatuyi, had deliberately staged his own kidnapping in a conspiracy with Jubril Abu ‘m’, aged 20, and Segun Oluwatuyi ‘m’, aged 21.

Police record revealed that their intention was to extort a ransom of ₦1.5 million which the victim’s unsuspecting family eventually paid, believing he had been genuinely abducted.

Spokesman of the State, command, Olusola Ayanlade explained in a statement at the weekend that the individuals involved in a case of self-kidnapping orchestrated to extort money from unsuspecting family members.

“The case began when a concerned citizen reported at the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad that some suspected kidnappers had abducted one Tobi Oluwatuyi ‘m’, aged 22, a truck driver, from the Ilu Abo area of Akure.

“Acting promptly on the report, detectives from the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad immediately commenced a meticulous investigation into the incident.

“As the inquiry progressed, preliminary findings revealed a startling twist: the supposed victim, Tobi Oluwatuyi, had deliberately staged his own kidnapping in conspiracy with Jubril Abu ‘m’, aged 20, and Segun Oluwatuyi ‘m’, aged 21.

“Their intention was to extort a ransom of ₦1,500,000, which the victim’s unsuspecting family eventually paid, believing he had been genuinely abducted.

“Building on this discovery, further investigation confirmed that the entire incident was a calculated attempt by the trio to obtain money fraudulently.

“All suspects have since confessed to their involvement in the crime, reinforcing the effectiveness of the Command’s investigative approach. They will be charged to court at the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.”

Meanwhile, another suspects, described as inter state motorcycle robbers, are helping the command in it’s investigation to unravel others behind the incident.

The command stated that individuals involved in an armed robbery incident in Ile-Oluji, has further reinforced the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across the State.

“In the course of the robbery, Adaji Aaron (m), aged 20, alongside another accomplice armed with a cutlass, attacked and robbed one Adegbese Ademola (m) of his Boxer motorcycle.

“The victim sustained machete injuries during the attack. However, the swift and courageous intervention by members of the community enabled the pursuit and apprehension of the suspects, highlighting the importance of community vigilance in combating crime and complementing Police efforts.

“Building on this initial breakthrough, intelligence-led policing by the Command facilitated the arrest of additional suspects—Ojima David (m), aged 21, and Chukwuma Linus (m), aged 30—both confirmed members of a notorious syndicate known for stealing motorcycles and operating across state lines.

“All arrested suspects have confessed to the roles they played in the crime and will be charged to court upon the completion of the ongoing investigation.

“The stolen motorcycle has been successfully recovered, while the victim is currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital.”

Ekiti: Gov. Oyebanji Boosts Facilities At Special Schools With Birthday Donations

Ayodele Oni

December 13, 2025

Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State

By Ayodele Oni

As preparations for the celebration of the birthday of Ekiti state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji this year, gathers momentum, five special schools in Ekiti State are now counting their blessings from gestures from friends and relations during previous year’s celebrations.

Oyebanji marks his birthday on every December 21.

The five special schools are now wearing new looks with ultra modern facilities which were procured from donations made to them in commemoration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s birthday in the last three years.

Governor Oyebanji had commenced the act of celebrating his birthday with students with disabilities in the three schools since 2022 when he assumed office sustaining the gesture on December 21st of every year.

Oyebanji has always instructed his friends, political associates and groups not to place newspaper advertisement on his birthday, urging them instead to convert the money for such adverts into donations to the special schools in the state.

Three years down the line, the special schools now have better facilities courtesy of the donations by the Governor and his friends and associates.

According to a report on the Governor’s donations to the schools and centres for last year, the benefiting special schools are: Government Special School for Children with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities, Ido- Ekiti, which got total cash donation of N5.4 million; Government Special School for the Blind, Ikere Ekiti which was boosted with total cash of N7.8 million; and Government Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro-Ekiti which got a total cash donation of N7 million.

Others are Government Therapy Centre for Children With Disabilities, Ado Ekiti; which was gifted a total cash donation of N1 million and Ekiti State Relief and Rehabilitation Center, Ado-Ekiti which got M6.8 million; amounting to a total sum of over N28 million from the donors to the schools and centers.

The cash donations are outside the materials and food items donated to the schools and centres by the Governor, his family members and his associates.

This was disclosed in a report on the projects carried out with the donations forwarded to the Governor by the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Friday.

Projects executed with the cash donations include purchase of 30 iron beds, installation of 2.5 KVA solar inverter energy systems and renovation and installation of 43-inch plasma television at the Ekiti State Relief and Rehabilitation Centre, Ado Ekiti.

At Government Special School for Children with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities, Ido Ekiti, 50 new iron beds were provided due to the massive increase in students’ enrolment.

Facilities provided with the donations at Government Special School for the Blind, Ikere Ekiti include provision of two rooms, purchase of storage equipment (two deep freezers of 160 litres each), a 5.5KVA generator and a 2KVA stabilizer to ensure reliable power supply.

The facilities provided with the donations at Government Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro Ekiti include solar inverter installation, dormitory bathroom construction, renovation of four toilet rooms in the boys’ hostel and successful execution of water reticulation to both bathrooms to ensure regular water supply.

According to the report, Government Therapy Centre for Children with Disabilities, Ado- Ekiti is yet to utilize the money donated to it as at the time of submission of the report to the Governor.

Princess Agboola noted that the special schools have benefitted immensely from the donations received from the Governor and his admirers who were acting under his instructions to donate to the schools, noting that the gesture has boosted facilities in the schools.

Princess Agboola said in the report: “Every year, you have magnanimously encouraged your family, friends, and political associates to donate to the Special Schools and Centers instead of giving you birthday gifts.

“This generous gesture has greatly supported the development of these facilities and fostered a sense of inclusion among the children in our society.

“On behalf of the three special schools and two centers, we express our heartfelt gratitude and pray for God’s blessings upon you and your households. I am pleased to share how each facility utilized the 2024 birthday donations.

“The successful execution of these projects underscores the significant impact of Your Excellency’s commitment to the Community of Persons with Disabilities.”, she added

Omisore Boycotts Osun APC Primary As Delegates Ratify Oyebanji’s Candidacy

Ayodele Oni

December 13, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman of the Osun State Primary Election Committee and Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has declared the immediate past Chairman of Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority, (NIWA), Mr Bola Oyebamiji, as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), for next year’s governorship election in the State.

Oyebamiji emerged after he was affirmed by the 1,660 delegates, having been nominated by one of the aspirants, Mr Kunle Adegoke, SAN, and seconded by another aspirant, Senator Babajide Omoworare.

Thereafter, the Chairman of the primary election committee, Governor Okpebholo, asked for a voice vote, and all the delegates affirmed his candidacy.

In his declaration, Okpebholo said: “By the power conferred on me as Chairman of the primary election committee, I hereby declare Bola Oyebamiji, AMBO, as the candidate of our party.”

Oyebamiji, described as the annoyed candidate of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, is expected to square up with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, a candidate of the Accord Party and other contestants during next year’s election.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier in the week met with other aspirants of the party in Aso Rock during which he appealed to them to rally round the annoyed candidate.

All the aspirants, except a former secretary of the party, Iyiola Omisore were present during Saturday’s primary election in Osogbo.

Omisore had earlier boycotted the Parley with President Tinubu.

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