Heroic Welcome For Bauchi Commissioner Following Bail By Abuja Court

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January 30, 2026

Yakubu Adamu — Heroic Welcome For Bauchi Commissioner Following Bail By Abuja Court

By Ayodele Oni

After being granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja on alleged terrorism financing case, Bauchi State Commissioner of finance, Dr Yakubu Adamu arrived Bauchi into the waiting hands of crowd that came to welcome him.

A mammoth crowd besieged the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport to receive the Commissioner and his entourage.

The supporters, who converged from different parts of Bauchi State, received the commissioner with prayers and chants, expressing confidence in his innocence and solidarity as the legal proceedings continue.

Due to the large crowd that received him, the commissioner’s convoy moved at a snail pace from the airport to the city.

The enthusiastic crowd sang and danced as they joined the Adamu’s convoy to the city.

Some of the supporters, who spoke to newsmen, described the court’s decision to grant bail as a positive development and urged the public to remain calm and allow the judicial process to take its course.

Addressing the gathering later at his family residence, Dr. Yakubu Adamu expressed appreciation to the people of Bauchi State and others for their prayers and support throughout the period of the trial.

He called on his supporters to remain law-abiding and to continue to respect constituted authorities.

The commissioner also urged residents of the state to continue to support the administration of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed in its efforts to fast-track development across the state.

A federal high court in Abuja among the bail conditions, ordered the Bauchi State commissioner for finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three other defendants to report weekly to the Department of State Services (DSS) until the conclusion of their ongoing trial on charges of terrorism financing and money laundering.

Justice Mohammed Umar issued the directive as part of stringent conditions attached to the N100m bail granted to the defendants.

In his ruling, the judge said the accused had placed sufficient materials before the court to justify the exercise of judicial discretion in their favour.

Each defendant was ordered to produce two sureties, who must be a permanent secretary and a director in the civil service, and to deposit their international passports with the court registry.

Justice Umar adjourned the matter until 26 February for the commencement of trial.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the defendants on 10 counts bordering on terrorism financing and money laundering.

Standing trial alongside Adamu are Balarabe Ilelah, Aminu Bose and Kabiru Mohammed, all described by the prosecution as senior civil servants in Bauchi State.

The defendants had earlier been denied bail in December by Justice Emeka Nwite, who was sitting as a vacation judge.

At the time, Nwite ruled that the allegations against them were too serious to warrant their release, citing concerns over national security and public safety.

Following the reassignment of the case after the court’s vacation, the defendants were re-arraigned before Justice Umar on 16 January and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Arguments on their renewed bail application were heard and reserved for ruling on 21 January.

In urging the court to grant bail, defence counsel, Chris Uche, a senior advocate of Nigeria, told the court that new and additional facts had emerged since the earlier refusal.

He argued that Bello Bodejo, president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and named in nine of the 10 counts, had never been convicted of any terrorism-related offence.

Uche said that although Bodejo had previously been charged by the federal government in a separate case, the charge was withdrawn and dismissed by the court on 29 May 2024.

He also contended that there was no proscription order in the federal government’s official gazette designating Bodejo or his organisation as a terrorist entity, as required under section 48(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

According to the defence, the absence of such designation weakened the prosecution’s case and justified the grant of bail.

Uche further relied on provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, urging the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the defendants.

Adamu, a former branch manager of Polaris Bank in Bauchi state, and the other accused were first arraigned on 31 December 2025.

On 5 January 2026, Justice Nwite refused their bail application and ordered their remand at the Kuje correctional centre, fixing 13 January for trial.

The case file was later returned to the chief judge for reassignment after the end of the court’s vacation.

The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/705/2025, was filed on 30 December 2025 by EFCC counsel Samuel Chime.

In one of the counts, the defendants and two others said to be at large are accused of conspiring between January and May 2024 to provide $2.3m in cash for the benefit of Bello Bodejo and persons associated with him.

The funds were allegedly approved by the Bauchi state government and used, in whole or in part, to finance a terrorist group, an offence said to be contrary to section 26(1) and punishable under section 21(2)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

The case remains pending before the Federal High Court, while Dr. Yakubu Adamu is expected to continue to comply with the bail conditions.

2027: PDP Will Defeat Tinubu If It Gets The Right Candidate – NNPP Chieftain

By

James Orji

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January 30, 2026

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A chieftain of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, Buba Galadinma has downplayed the mass defection of the opposition state governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, as a ploy for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to win in the 2027 presidential election.

Galadinma, a former member of the APC and ally of NNPP strongman, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso said the president is trying to kill the opposition to serve his interest of returning to power in the next election. The NNPP chieftain however stated that things will not go as planned for the president, saying he will lose his reelection bid.

According to the Tribune Newspapers, Galadinma who spoke on the state of the nation and the upcoming general election next year, noted that it’s a big mistake for President Tinubu and APC to believe that their interest in wining the next election will be achieved by swallowing up the opposition.

Galadinma stressed that Nigerians are ready to rally an opposition leader to chase away the APC from power, adding that talks are ongoing among key opposition leaders in the country to form a single from against the ruling party in 2027.

He cited former President goodluck Jonathan and Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra state and Labour Party, LP presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election as credible opposition leaders capable of defeating President Tinubu in the next election, if they are allowed to run under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

“If the PDP gets hold of the candidate they are looking at, that party will form the next government in 2027,” he said.

Former President Jonathan ran the country for five years under the PDP, and has been recently touted to be among potential candidates of the PDP for the next presidential election.

The former president has yet to declare his intention to run again for the nation’s highest office.

Also, Obi, who recently joined the ADC has been mentioned as a front-runner in the election, capable of upsetting the APC strangle hold on power in the next persidential election.

The former governor, has also been mention as one of the candidates being considered by the PDP, to fly its flag, in case his plans in the ADC failed to materialise.

Galadinma warned that for the opposition to oust the ruling APC, the choice of a presidential candidate really matters a lot.

“The choice of the candidate is going to be paramount in 2027,” he stated.

“If the PDP gets hold of the candidate they are looking at, that party will form the next government in 2027.”

He added that the crisis currently bedeviling the former ruling party would peter into oblivion when the time comes.

“I want you to quote me, PDP will win the presidential election in 2027. Tinubu will go,” Galadinma said.

Not a few political analysts insist that Galadinma prediction far-fetched due to the leadership crisis and a slew of court litigations that have bogged down the party for months, which almost destroyed its position as a major opposition party in the country.

Niger: Police Detains Nursing Student Over Lecturer’s Death After Meal In Her House

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Ayodele Oni

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January 30, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Niger State Police Command is probing how a meal of spaghetti and egg led to the death of a University lecturer.

Already, a nursing student, Stella Joseph, that served food to the deceased lecturer, has been detained.

The lecturer Engr. Dr. Otori Abdulfatai Aiyede, until his demise, worked at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida and Newgate, University.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, “on January 27, 2026 at about 10:00 a.m., Engr. Dr. Otori Abdulfatai Aiyede of the Federal Polytechnic Bida visited Stella Joseph, a student of the Niger State School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tunga, Minna, to introduce himself as the new lecturer at the university.

“During the visit, the suspect was served spaghetti and egg by the student. After the meal, he began convulsing and collapsed,” the source said.

The DPO of Tudun-Wada Division immediately led a team of policemen to the scene. The victim was rushed to General Hospital, Minna, but was confirmed dead on arrival.

The corpse was deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.

The suspect has been taken into custody, and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.

PSC Elevates AIG Adegboye To DIG; CPs Aboki, Dansabo To AIGs, 26,119 Inspectors To ASP II

By

The Source

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January 30, 2026

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The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the elevation of one (1) DIG, two (2) AIGs and over twenty-six thousand Inspectors following its 3rd Plenary Meeting held today, Thursday, 29th January 2026.

The Commission, under the chairmanship of DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd), ratified the promotion of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Funsho Adegboye, to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG).

Furthermore, Commissioners of Police Danjuma Aboki and Dansabo Idi were promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG). Their promotions followed a rigorous and merit-based process, including successful written examinations and oral interviews conducted by the Commission.

In a landmark decision reflecting its commitment to career progression, the Commission also approved the promotion of 26,119 Inspectors to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police II (ASP II). This promotion is based on their outstanding performance in the recently concluded Departmental Selection Board Examination.

BRIEF PROFILES OF PROMOTED SENIOR OFFICERS

DIG Funsho Adegboye, mni: Until his elevation, he served as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Force Headquarters, Abuja. With a distinguished career spanning decades, DIG Adegboye has served in critical departments including Operations, Training, and Administration. He has held command positions such as Divisional Police Officer, Area Commander in Ijero and Ile-Ife, Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations in Ondo State, and Commissioner of Police in Homicide (FCID), Force Intelligence Department (FID), and Edo State Command. His international experience includes service with United Nations Missions in Kosovo, Liberia, Timor, and Somalia.

AIG Danjuma Aboki: The newly promoted officer was, until now, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Police Command.

AIG Dansabo Idi: Prior to his promotion, he served as the Acting AIG in charge of Research and Planning, Force Headquarters, Abuja. His extensive service includes roles as a Divisional Police Officer in several divisions across Kebbi and Kaduna states, Officer-in-Charge of the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) in Kebbi, and postings at the Force CID Abuja. He has also served as Area Commander in Yauri, Owo, Awe, and Kosoboso; Commander of the 63 PMF Ikorodu, Lagos; Deputy Commissioner of Operations for Zone 1, Lagos; Commandant of the Police College, Kaduna; and Commissioner of Police, Investment, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd), mni, while congratulating the newly promoted officers, reaffirmed the PSC’s unwavering commitment to transparency, meritocracy, and best practices in all appointment and promotion processes.

He stated, “The Commission is dedicated to recognizing hard work, dedication, and competence. These promotions are a testament to that commitment. I urge all the promoted officers to see their new ranks as a call to greater service, higher responsibility, and redoubled dedication to the safety and security of our nation.”

The Chairman also commended the diligence of the PSC Standing Committee on NPF Matters, led by DIG (Dr.) Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), and other Board Members for their thoroughness and dedication throughout the examination and interview exercises.

The Police Service Commission remains focused on its mandate of overseeing human resource management within the Nigeria Police Force to ensure a professional, efficient, and service-driven institution.

Torty Njoku Kalu,

Head, Protocol and Public Affairs,

PSC Headquarters,

Abuja.

29 January 2026

Super Eagles Player, Samuel Chukwueze Loses Mother

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 30, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Less than 48 hours after Super Eagles Captain, Wilfred Ndidi, announced the death of his Father, Sunday Ndidi, another Super Eagles player, Samuel Chukwueze has lost his dear Mother to the cold hands of death.

The sad news was made public by the brother of the Fulham Football Club of England winger, David Chukwueze, who took to Instagram to share a series of emotionally charged tributes reflecting the family’s grief.

In one post, he wrote, “Can’t even post your picture to say RIP Mum,” while another read, “My forever love just left me without saying goodbye.”

In a particularly touching message, he added, “You didn’t even carry your grandchild.”

The former Villarreal Football Club of Spain is yet to issue a public reaction to the painful loss.

The winger was recently part of the Super Eagles squad that finished third at the Africa Cup of Nations, marking another milestone in his international career.

The loss comes at a sombre time for the national team, as it follows closely on the heels of another bereavement.

With two senior national team players hit by personal tragedies in quick succession, tributes and messages of condolence have continued to pour in from fans and stakeholders across the football world.

CAN Battles Shariah Council Over INEC Chairman, Professor Amupitan, Faults Minister Musawa

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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January 29, 2026

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Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan - INEC Chairman

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN ,of the 19 Northern states ,and the Federal Capital Territory FCT Abuja has vehemently rejected calls for the sack of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC Prof Joash Amupitan .

The is as the umbrella body of Christians in Nigeria condemned attempts to unduly politicize ,and undermine, a key national Institution like the INEC hiding under the cloak of religion.

CAN’s position is coming against the backdrop of the recent demand by Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria for the authorities to relieve Prof Amupitan of his position as INEC boss citing his alleged comprised stance, particularly on the controversial issue of alleged Christian genocide in the country as part of the reason.

Speaking at the occasion of the 2026 edition of the annual pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly of the Council held in Abuja on Wednesday ,28, 2026 ,the President of the Council, Sheikh Bashir Aliyu Umar warned that the Muslim Community in the country will not accept the outcome of any elections conducted by INEC under Amupitan .

According to Sheikh Umar, allegations against Professor Amupitan regarding his controversial antecedents which includes claims of treason and divisive propaganda in the past have combined to erode public trust and confidence in his ability to conduct free and fair elections as INEC Chairman.

” No election conducted under a cloud of compromised integrity can be recognized as credible” Sheikh Umar warned .

While condemning terrorism in all its ramifications ,Umar rejected claims suggesting Christian genocide in Nigeria..

But reacting to the position of the Shariah Council ,the Northern CAN, in a statement on Thursday January, 29 2026 jointly issued by Rev Joseph John Hayab and Bishop Mohammed Naga , Chairman and Secretary, respectively, questioned the actual motives behind the calls for the sack of the INEC boss.

The Christian body expressed serious concern that some people could ohide under the cover of religion to be pursuing selfish, divisive and narrow interests .

CAN warned that using religion as a basis for the assessment of the integrity and capabilities of office holders , could inflame tempers and precipitate sectarian and ethno-religous crises of a monumental proportion.

According to CAN ,the INEC ichairman, just like any other law-abiding citizens of the country, has the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of religion.

The Christian body emphasized that expressing concerns about the challenges being faced by one’s faith in a diverse religious environment does not, in any way, disqualify the person from holding public office, and qualifies him/her as being biased.

This is as the CAN maintained that, several Muslim faithful had occupied, and are still occupying sensitive national positions, despite their well documented controversial pasts.

While urging well meaning Nigerians to ignore the unnecessary dust being raised against the person of the INEC chairman, the Northern CAN regretted that such unfounded attacks on Prof Amupitan underscore the stark reality of untold discrimination against Christians in the North when it comes to appointments at the Federal level .

The association further expressed concern that the orchestrated campaign to remove Professor Amupitan, a Northern christian, is coming despite the fact two Northern Muslims had presided over the INEC back-to-back before Prof Amupitan

CAN, therefore, cautioned against utterances or actions that may give the impression that the leadership of the country’s electoral umpire should be the exclusive preserve of adherents of a particular religion.

The body, also, strongly condemned the recent comments attributed to the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, to the effect that the All Progressive Congress, APC, may be working a tight rope should it alter the present Muslim-Muslim ticket come 2027 general elections.

CAN noted that such misleading narratives tend to give the impression that there are concerted efforts to weaken Northern Christian trust and participation in the political process of the country.

Ondo @ 50, Aiyedatiwa Lauds Contributions Of Past Leaders

By

Ayodele Oni

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January 29, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has lauded the contributions of past governors, noting that their efforts across various sectors of the economy have positioned the state where it is today.

Speaking at the 50th World Press Conference held at the Government House, Akure, on Thursday, the Governor said the Golden Jubilee is “not merely commemorative; it is civilisational in significance,” offering an opportunity to reflect on the State’s past, evaluate its present, and plan strategically for the future.

He emphasised that half a century was long enough to assess the vision that inspired Ondo State’s creation and the contributions of successive administrations in pursuing that goal.

Recalling the State’s origins, Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted the protracted political agitation, intellectual advocacy and moral persuasion that culminated in its creation.

He noted that Ondo State emerged from “the legitimate yearning of a people who believed that governance must be closer to the governed and that identity, equity and inclusive development are best achieved when a people are granted administrative self-expression.”

The Governor paid glowing tribute to Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, the first civilian Governor, describing him as “a rare gem, a statesman of extraordinary integrity, whose principled leadership set enduring standards for governance, public morality and the benchmark within which governments were assessed in Ondo State.”

He also acknowledged the contributions of other nationalists and elders, including the late Chief Ayo Fasanmi, late Barrister Deji Adegoroye, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, noting that their legacy remains ingrained in the State’s political consciousness.

Governor Aiyedatiwa recognised successive administrators, both military and civilian, for shaping Ondo State’s growth, from Wing Commander David Ikpeme, the pioneer Military Administrator, through Colonel Moses Fasanya, to civilian leaders including Chief Bamidele Olumilua, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Dr Olusegun Agagu, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and his immediate predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.

He also paid tribute to the first generation of public servants, led by Chief Theophilus Iwajomo and Chief Elkanah Adeneye Emuleomo, that laid the foundation for institutionalised governance in the State.

Reflecting on the State’s achievements, the Governor cited significant progress in education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, industrialization, road infrastructure, public sector reforms and human capital development.

He noted that these gains were realised despite economic challenges, demographic pressures, environmental constraints and evolving security threats, driven by the enduring “Ondo spirit” of industry, intellect, and perseverance.

He outlined the Golden Jubilee programme, which includes statewide interfaith thanksgiving services, a lecture series themed “Ondo State Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” grand cultural and historical exhibitions and a gala and award night to celebrate excellence and service, as communicated by the Anniversary Planning Committee.

Two Nominees Reject ADC Committee Membership

By

Ayodele Oni

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January 29, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

There is noticeable crack in newly constituted committee by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as two nominees turned down their appointment.

Civil society leader and former executive director of Enough is Enough (EiE) Yemi Adamolekun rejected membership of the newly constituted Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee.

She stated that names was announced without consent.

The ADC yesterday unveiled a 50-member policy and manifesto committee, following approval by its National Working Committee, (NEC) and the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark.

The party said the initiative was aimed at building “a credible, people-centred, and forward-looking policy framework for national governance.”

However, shortly after the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), Adamolekun took to the social media platform to condemn the inclusion of her name, saying she neither joined the party nor agreed to serve on the committee.

“ADC! ADC!! ADC!!! How many times did I call you? This is not how to build credibility o!!! Please show me evidence of when I joined your party!! Na wa…,” she wrote.

Echoing her reaction in the comment section, former presidential candidate of the KOWA Party, Prof. Remi Sonaiya, said she was equally surprised to see her name on the list.

“I was surprised to see my name too,” Sonaiya wrote.

“While it’s being claimed that not all on the list are ADC members, the consent of nominees should have been sought before their names were published. #Credibility #GoodGovernance,” she added.

The development sparked a public exchange between the party and Adamolekun raising questions about the ADC’s nomination and vetting process.

National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said membership of the committee was not restricted to party members or politicians.

According to him, the party deliberately sought input from technocrats and non-political actors to strengthen its policy direction.

“It is important to point out that not everyone on the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee is a member of the ADC. Many are not even politicians,” Abdullahi wrote.

“This is because the ADC believes that the task of developing workable public policies for the benefit of all Nigerians should not be left to politicians alone.”

He added that the party had carried out a vetting process and maintained that nominees were informed before their names were published.

“During our vetting process, we took all necessary measures to ensure that everyone recommended to serve on this important committee was duly notified and had given their consent.”

She expressef hope that Adamolekun would reconsider “because of her vast experience — even though she is not a member of our party.”

Adamolekun, however, rejected the explanation and firmly declined to serve on the committee.

She said, “Since you want to engage me here without the courtesy of a call to apologise for this gross oversight, I’ll respond here.

“No, I’m not interested in serving on a Committee where a simple vetting process is complicated & no one is taking responsibility for the error. Blessings!”

“If Sit-at-home Is About Nnamdi Kanu, Why Is It Not Observed In his Home Town Umuahia?” – Soludo

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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January 29, 2026

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Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo on Thursday, January 29, 2026, reassured residents, particularly, traders and the business community of the provision of adequate security every Monday for the purpose of conducting their lawful daily activities.

The assurance was made against the backdrop of the fears expressed by traders and the business community in the State on carrying out their legitimate business during the Monday sit-at-home order proclaimed by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, in the South East region of Nigeria.

Governor Soludo had, on Monday, ordered the interim closure of the Onitsha Main Market, over the traders continued observation of the outlawed Monday sit-at-home in the State.

The State authorities had, last weekend, warned residents particularly civil servants against the continued observation of the IPOB- proclaimed sit-at-home.

But at a parley with the leadership of all the Markets onThursday , Governor Soludo informed that arrangements have been concluded for enhanced security at all levels in Anambra so as to provide the enabling environment for residents to go about their legitimate and normal daily activities.

Specifically, the Governor assured that adequate security measures will be put in place at all the Markets in the State in a bid to restore the confidence of the people ,and ensure a free flow of business activities every Monday.

He expressed Government’s readiness to work in concert with the leaders of the various Markets to restore normalcy in the state .

“We are going to work with you. We will allow security personnel to stay with you for weeks if necessary. Security is not just about guns, it is about will and mindset”, Governor Soludo stated.

He, however, warned that Government will not hesitate to take drastic action against any individuals or groups found to be still observing the Monday sit-at-home after all the efforts of the Government.

The Governor warned that anybody who closes his/her shop, or enforces market closure every Monday will be treated as an enemy of the State who is working for the jailed Simon Ekpa.

“Anybody found closing shops every Monday will be treated like a criminal,. We can not be harbouring criminals in Anambra State.

“If anyone sends you threatening messages, forward same to us. We will get those criminals. We will also provide you with additional security personnel.

“It is completely untrue and absolutely crazy to associate sit-at-home with Nnamdi Kanu’s detention .

“If it were about him, why is there no sit-at-home in Umuahia, his home town? .Show me anywhere in the world where children are stopped from going to school because someone is detained.

“We cannot destroy the people we claim to be fighting for. Anambra must move forward . Many of those enforcing this lockdown are not even from Anambra”, the Governor noted .

Earlier, the Chairman of the closed Onitsha Main Market, Chief Chijioke Okpalaugo, had informed that most of the traders stay away from their shops every Monday for fear of being targeted by enforcers of the sit-at-home order.

While expressing the readiness of the traders to heed Government directives concerning sit-at-home, he called on the authorities to ensure that other critical sectors of the economy, including motor parks also open for business every Monday.

Fmr. Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello Gets Court’s Permission To Perform 2026 Lesser Hajj

By

Ayodele Oni

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January 29, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Request by a former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to travel to Saudi Arabia to pray against the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has been granted by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

The Court said that the former Governor should go to Saudi Arabia to perform the 2026 lesser Hajj in the holy Land.

Justice Emeka Nwite while granting the permission on Thursday, ordered that the travelling passport of the former governor, which has been in the custody of the court be released to him temporarily.

The former Governor is currently standing trial before the court in alleged misappropriation of funds brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

His application for permission to travel to Saudi for supplication filed on January 20, supported by a 24-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Yahaya Bello himself was moved by his lead counsel Mr Joseph Daudu, SAN.

The Counsel informed the court that the request was to enable the defendant travel to the Holy Land in Saudi Arabia to observe the lesser Hajj during the month of Ramadan

Daudu informed the court that Yahaya Bello had not gone to the holy land for over eight years and said that there is the need for him to go now to pray to God to deliver him from the charges preferred against him by the EFCC.

Responding to the application, the lead prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN told the court that, the prosecution will not oppose the request for the defendant to travel to the holy land for the lesser Hajj, but will not concede any of the dates set aside for his trial by the courts.

In a short ruling on the application, Justice Emeka Nwite granted the request for the release of Yahaya Bello’s international passport deposited with the Registrar of the court to enable him travel to the holy land for the Ramadan lesser Hajj.

According to the judge, “I have listened to the submissions of counsel in this matter and am minded to grant the application.

“Consequently, the court granted the request, approving the release of the passport from March 13, 2026 for a period of 10 days and thereafter adjourned till Friday, January 30 for the continuation of the examination of the seventh prosecution witness (PW7).