Home Blog Page 228

Otunba Prince Adekunle Ojora Passes On

January 28, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Lagos State has lost one of its revered businessmen and entrepreneurs.

Influential businessman, Otunba Adekunle Ojora has died at the ripe age of 93.

His passing was announced on Wednesday by the Lagos Royal Family of the late Prince Abdul Lasisi Ajayi Ojora. It disclosed that Otunba Ojora passed on in the early morning of January 28, 2026.

Ojora was born on June 13, 1932 and was an influential figure in public service, politics and corporate governance. He was the Chairman of AGIP Nigeria Ltd between 1971 and 2002. In the 1950s, he worked at the British Broadcasting Corporation after studying Journalism in London. When he returned to Nigeria, he worked as a Reporter with the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation.

He was married to his devoted wife, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora with whom he had four children including an only female, Toyin, who is married to former Senate President and two-term Governor of Kwara State, Dr Bukola Saraki. His first two sons are late.

A holder of multiple Chieftaincy titles, he was Otunba of Lagos, Lisa of Ife, the Head of the Ojora Royal Family and Olori Omoba of Lagos.

Delta: Gov. Oborevwori Charges Newly Sworn In Judges To Be Above Board

Ayodele Oni

January 28, 2026

Oborevwori Charges Newly Sworn In Judges To Be Above Board

By Ayodele Oni

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed the hope that appointment of additional judges would help decongest courts, reduce delays and bring justice closer to the people, particularly those in rural communities of the state.

Oborevwori, made the remark on Wednesday in Asaba, during the swearing-in of six newly appointed judges for the Delta State High Court and the Customary Court of Appeal.

He cautioned that the erosion of public confidence in the judiciary poses a grave threat to peace, law and order, stressing that when citizens lose faith in the justice system, they may resort to self-help, a situation capable of plunging society into chaos and anarchy.

The governor urged members of the Bench to uphold the highest standards of probity, fairness, courage and impartiality in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

Those sworn in as judges of the Delta State High Court are; Justice Otite Jonah Akpobaro, Justice Jereoma Sam-Oligida, Justice Irene Boeye Ukuli and Justice Otome Benjamin Adamidenyo, while Justice Bridget Onome Ojeikere and Justice Stella Ovuorieroro Okah were sworn in as Justices of the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal.

The governor explained that the appointments were made strictly in line with Sections 271(2) and 281(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empower state governors to appoint judges on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

He disclosed that the Delta State Judicial Service Commission nominated candidates for consideration by the NJC, which carefully screened and approved those found suitable for appointment.

Governor Oborevwori maintained that the stability of any democratic society rests heavily on a credible, transparent and independent judiciary, noting that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.

According to him, only a judiciary that acts without fear or favour can sustain public trust, guarantee justice for all, and preserve social harmony in the state and the nation.

Oborevwori congratulated the newly sworn-in judges, describing their elevation as a vote of confidence in their legal knowledge, integrity, professionalism and discipline.

“As you begin this new journey as privileged members of the Bench, I expect you to uphold the same spirit of hard work, commitment, excellence and high ethical standards that qualified you for this noble office,” the governor said.

He cautioned judges to resist all forms of temptation capable of compromising judicial independence, stressing that during adjudication, it is often the judge, rather than the litigants, who is ultimately on trial in the court of public opinion.

Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the justice delivery system in the state, describing the swearing-in ceremony as another milestone in efforts to build a judiciary that is functional, fast, fair and accessible.

He also outlined several reforms and interventions undertaken by his administration to support the judiciary, including the approval for the construction of judges’ quarters across the state, renovation of magistrates’ and customary courts, and the digitisation of the Laws of Delta State, now accessible on the state government’s website.

The governor further disclosed that virtual court hearing facilities have been installed in High Courts in Asaba and in correctional centres in Warri, Ogwashi-Uku and Sapele, supported by solar installations to ensure uninterrupted proceedings.

He added that plans were underway to introduce automated court recording systems to improve accuracy and speed in judicial proceedings.

Highlighting broader justice sector reforms, Oborevwori said the state had introduced the Delta State Criminal Information System, a centralized digital platform for criminal profiling, case management and offender tracking using biometric data, including fingerprints and DNA.

He explained that the initiative would enhance public safety, accountability and crime prevention, while complementing virtual court hearings conducted directly from correctional centres.

The governor also announced that, for the first time in the history of the state, a career civil servant, Mr. Omamuzo Erebe, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2025, describing the feat as a reflection of the quality of Delta State’s public service.

NFVCB Recognises Funke Akindele’s Box Office Dominance, Commends Toyin Abraham

Akinwale Kasali

January 28, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, has congratulated renowned actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, on the exceptional box office performance of her latest film, Behind The Scene, BTS, which has grossed over ₦2.4 billion at the Nigerian Box Office and is still enjoying strong cinema exhibition across the country and outside the shores of Nigeria.

The Board described the achievement as another landmark moment in the growth of Nigerian cinema, noting that the record further reinforces Akindele’s position as one of the most influential and commercially successful figures in the industry.

In a statement issued by the Executive Director/CEO of the NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, the Board highlighted the significance of the filmmaker’s sustained box office dominance, observing that she has now recorded record-shattering cinema performances for four consecutive years.

“This level of consistency reflects not only creative excellence, but also a deep understanding of audience engagement and the evolving dynamics of film production, distribution, and exhibition in Nigeria,” the statement noted.

As the statutory body responsible for the regulation of film content, distribution, and exhibition in Nigeria, the NFVCB reaffirmed its commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence that contributes meaningfully to the growth, visibility, and commercial sustainability of the Nigerian audiovisual industry.

In recognition of this exceptional run, the Board disclosed plans to formally honour Funke Akindele with a Box Office Queen Award for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025, with arrangements underway to present the award at a date and time that will be mutually convenient for her and her team. ‘We had planned to hand the awards for her ack to back performance during the last PAO Digital Conference but the filmmaker was busy and asked to receive the awards at a later day. With this feat, we will get the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa and a few top female executives to join us to make the presentation. The Minister is excited about the development’ the Executive Director said.

In a related development, the NFVCB has also commended actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham on the outstanding box office success of her directorial debut, Oversabi Auntie, which has grossed over ₦1 billion in cinema earnings nationwide. The Board described the feat as a historic achievement, noting that the film’s performance places it among the four highest-grossing Nollywood films of all time, while also marking a successful and impressive entry by Abraham into film directing.

According to the statement, the success of Oversabi Auntie underscores Ms. Abraham’s versatility and growing creative influence, as well as the expanding possibilities for filmmakers who are redefining storytelling and audience connection in contemporary Nollywood. ‘’We at the NFVCB congratulate both filmmakers on their respective milestones. We consider their achievements as strong indicators of the industry’s continued growth, resilience, and global promise’, the ED concluded.

Sit-at-home: Soludo Threatens Shutdown Of 12 More Anambra Markets

Suleiman Anyalewechi

January 28, 2026

Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

a should they continue to observe the outlawed IPOD- proclaimed sit-at-home order.

The Source reports that the Governor had on Monday January 26, 2026, ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for a week over the failure of traders to heed Government directives banning Monday sit-at-home in the State.

The Anambra State Government had, last Weekend, warned residents, particularly, civil servants not to be observing the Monday sit-at-home order proclaimed by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB in 2021 to press home its demand for the release of its jailed leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The State Government also threatened to deduct the salaries of civil servants who refuse to heed the directive to disregard the Monday sit-at-home order.

The State Commissioner for Information Law Mefor, while briefing the media on the directives noted that beginning from February 2026, civil servants salaries will be paid taking congizance of attendance every Monday.

Governor Soludo who issued the directive for the closure of the Onitsha Main Market while on an on-the-spot visit on Monday said that the State has been losing more than N8 billion owing to the Monday’s closure of the market.

According to him, the decision to close the Market is an indication that Government will no longer tolerate the lockdown of the economy of the state every Monday.

The State Government in a circular entitled “Abolishment of Monday Sit-at-home” signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets Chief Earist Uba, directed market leaders in the state to sensitize traders and other market users on the state Government’s ban on sit-at-home in the State.

The Government warned that it will not hesitate to temporarily close down any Markets where traders are found to be violating the no-sit-at-home directive.

The 12 Markets now required to open for business activities on every Monday are Ochanja Central Market, Bridgehead Market, Ogbaru Main Market, Building Materials Market Ogidi, Agba-Edo Auto Spare Parts Market Nnewi, New Auto and Motorcycle Spare Parts Market Nnewi and Fairly Used Motorcycle Spare Parts Market Nnewi.

Others include New Auto Spare Parts Market Nkpor , Nkpor Main Market ,Old Mercedes Benz Spare Parts Dealers Market Nkpor, Old Motor Spare Parts Market Obosi, and Electrical Dealers International Market, Obosi.

The circular further noted that periodic random inspections will be carried out , warning that any markets discovered to be in breach of the no-sit-at-home directive will be closed down.

Meanwhile, a meeting between Governor Soludo and all the Market leaders in the state has been scheduled for Thursday January 29, 2026 at the International Conference Centre in Awka the state capital.

Those expected to be present at the parley which is at the instance of those pushing for the re-opening of the closed Onitsha Main Market ,are Chairmen and Secretaries, Zonal and Line leaders of the various Markets.

Police Shoots, Tear Gas Protesters Over Demolition Of Makoko, Oworonshoki

Akinwale Kasali

January 28, 2026

Police Tear Gas Protesters Over Demolition Of Makoko

By Akinwale Kasali

Lagos residents protesting against the demolition of Makoko Waterfront and Iyana- Oworonshoki Area by the Lagos State Government have been shot at and tear-gased by Officers of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, of the Lagos State Police Command.

The protesters had staged a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa, Ikeja, to express their grievances over what they described as illegal demolition of Makoko Waterfront and Iyana- Oworonshoki area in the State, when pandemonium broke out following the tear gasing of the protesters.

The demonstrators displayed banners with different inscriptions calling on government to save their souls.

The RRS Officers shot sporadically at the protesters, forcing workers and passers-by and protesters to flee helter-skelter for safety.

The aim of the shooting was to disperse the crowd. It, however, led to high degree of injuries sustained by some of the protesters.

Journalists were not spared, as they were attacked by the RRD Officees with their gadgets and other equipment seized, to stop being filmed or video and photographed while meting our assault on the peaceful protesters.

One of the protesters informed the magazine that men of the RRS, who were stationed at strategic areas, blocked access to the Lagos State House at about 1.30 p.m, shooting and tear-gasing the crowd to scare them away.

This led to pandemonium.

“Policemen at the scene of the ongoing protest began shooting teargas at us to disperse protesters. Many of us were injured in the process”, he said.

Onitsha Market Shutdown: Ogene Urges Soludo to Reconsider, Engage Stakeholders

James Orji

January 28, 2026

The Honorable Member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State, in the House of Representatives, Rep. Afam Victor Ogene has urged Prof. Charles Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, to reconsider his decision to close the Onitsha Main Market. The closure was in response to the trader’s refusal to open on Monday, following the state government’s ban on Monday sit-at-home exercises in solidarity with IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Rep. Ogene expressed concern that the one-week closure would inadvertently cause further hardship and economic losses to thousands of traders, as well as have a detrimental impact on the state’s economy
He thus called on Governor Soludo to embrace dialogue with the leaders of the market with the aim to diplomatically resolve the situation.

The lawmaker made this call in a statement in Awka, the Anambra state capital, on Tuesday, January 27, 2025.

The governor’s directive to close the market was met with widespread public outcry, with many questioning the constitutionality of the action. This led to an instant outburst of protests in Onitsha, resulting in the complete shutdown of the city, a major commercial hub and transit point for the South East and South South regions, causing considerable concern among stakeholders.

Rep. Ogene suggested that the Anambra State Government should have undertaken comprehensive sensitization efforts, engaging market leaders and business stakeholders, to highlight the improved security situation in the state, citing the peaceful Christmas season as an example. This, he argued, would have garnered support for the ban on sit-at-home exercises rather than the abrupt announcement that was made.

Ogene further stated: “Available data suggests that the Onitsha market incurs losses of approximately N8 billion every Monday it remains closed. A one-week closure would, therefore, have adverse consequences for stakeholders and the state economy. Furthermore, the market contains perishable goods, which would suffer significant depreciation, an outcome that is unlikely to align with the governor’s intentions, given his background in economics.

“Onitsha market serves as a major commercial hub, attracting daily visitors from various West African countries. The sudden closure may result in numerous international traders being stranded in Anambra State, thereby projecting a negative image of the nation, particularly as the government strives to promote foreign investment and business opportunities.”

Rep. Ogene therefore called upon Governor Soludo to engage in comprehensive consultations with stakeholders to facilitate a deeper understanding of the government’s policy. He advocated for a more sensitive approach, culminating in a phased reopening of the market ahead of the initially stipulated one-week period, thereby mitigating potential losses, social unrest, and prevailing anxiety within the state.

Chinese Investors Float $20M Lithium Factory In Kwara

Ayodele Oni

January 28, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

A – $20m lithium factory, established by some Chinese investors has commenced operation in Kwara State.

Sun Qing Rong, team lead of the ER-KANG Company Limited, explained that the firm has since concluded and flagged off its $20m lithium factory, aligning with government’s policy to grow value addition and local manufacturing capacity.

He said the firm has more than 300 employees, who are mostly Kwarans, saying the plants process lithium into ready materials, instead of exporting it raw without any value addition.

According to him, the firm is also setting up a pharmaceutical company in Kwara State valued at more than $15m, adding that the firm will also be partnering with the state government on the industrial park.

“This is one of the fruits of the meeting that we held with Your Excellency in Beijing about two years ago.

“Today, we have completed the lithium plant and it is up and running. And this year, we are starting the pharmaceutical company with the help of Your Excellency,” he said.

“The factory will include two phases of construction for large infusion and small volume injection workshops, which will make up for the shortage of such products in the Nigerian market.

“At present, the relevant preparatory work is basically completed,” he said.

He commended the Governor for providing “outstanding investment environment for foreign investors like us”, adding that his firm has a strong social responsibility philosophy in its operating community.

Kwara State has recorded at least two foreign investments worth $35m, in what underscored Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s drive for industrialization and economic growth in the State.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed his satisfaction with the investments, which he said will create jobs, encourage technology transfer, and boost the local economy.

“We are willing to support you and others to invest more in our state,” he said.

Ondo Commissioner Docked, Pleads Not Guilty To Assault Charge

Ayodele Oni

January 28, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Seun Osamaye, on Wednesday appeared before Akure Magistrate Court, almost a month after being declared wanted.

Following her appearance, the arrest warrant earlier issued against her, has been set aside by the Court.

Magistrate Damilola Sekoni, delivering her ruling, held that all pending applications before the Court had become spent as a result of the Commissioner’s appearance, weeks after the court had declared her wanted for failing to honour its summons.

Osamaye was previously declared wanted after she repeatedly failed to appear in court over a criminal complaint filed by a Chief Magistrate Grade I, Mrs. Temitope Alphonso, who accused the commissioner of verbal abuse, threats, and attempted assault during an official visit to the Ministry of Women Affairs on December 24, 2025.

At the resumed hearing, the commissioner was formally arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Court subsequently granted her bail on self-recognizance.

The Magistrate thereafter adjourned the matter to February 20, 2026, for further proceedings.

While being declared wanted, Osamaye was seen in public attending official function following claim by her doctor that she was sick.

The Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, had faulted arrest warrant issued on the commissioner.

The State Chief Law Officer maintained that as at this moment, there is no material evidence before the Office of the Attorney General and/or any other person or authority confirming the existence of any written court order or warrant of arrest that has been duly issued and served.

However, Wale Odusola, a lawyer, faulted the Attorney General’s explanation, describing it as misleading and inconsistent with established legal procedures.

Reacting in a social media post, the lawyer argued that the Attorney General’s emphasis on “service” of a warrant of arrest showed a misunderstanding of how such warrants are executed under Nigerian law.

“Do they serve warrant of arrest or order of arrest on the person the order is to be enforced against?” Odusola queried. “I don’t know who the AG was expecting the warrant of arrest to be served on when he made that statement.”

He explained that arrest warrants are not served on suspects or on the Attorney General’s office.

According to him, once a warrant is issued by a court, it is transmitted through court officials to the Commissioner of Police for execution.

Malami’s Forfeiture Of 57 Properties: Judge Returns Case File To Chief Judge

Suleiman Anyalewechi

January 28, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, January 28, 2026, said he has returned the case file of the asset forfeiture involving former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.

The Source reports that Justice Nwite, a vacation Judge, had on January 7, 2026, issued an order of interim forfeiture of about 57 Properties worth over N213 billion suspected to be linked to Malami, his wife and son.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, had in its motion alleged that the said properties which are scattered across three states of Kano, Kebbi, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja, are suspected to be proceeds from unlawful activities.

Justice Nwite, while ruling on the ex-parte motion brought before the court by the EFCC, also, directed that the forfeiture order be published in a national daily, calling on interested persons to show cause why the said properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

But in a statement on Saturday from Mohammed Bello Doka, his media aide, embattled Malami accused both the Department of State Service, DSS, and the EFCC of deliberately frustrating his efforts at filing his defence in the forfeiture case.

According to the immediate past AGF and Minister of Justice, the two Government agencies have been acting in ways suggesting that they are in league to deny him the opportunity of defending himself.

However, the matter was not listed among those to be heard on Tuesday, prompting Justice Nwite to inform curious counsels to both parties who were present in court that he has returned the case file to the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another Judge having presided over as a vacation Judge.

Counsel to the EFCC, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, had earlier reminded the Judge that the forfeiture case was scheduled for the day for a report on compliance, urging the Judge to conclude proceedings.

However, Justice Nwite insisted that it is the rule for vacation Judges to return case files to the Chief Judge for reassignment at the end of the vacation period.

Owalla, Owerri North Town Development Union, Lagos Branch, Tasks Police Over Missing Daughter

Adesina Soyooye

January 28, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Indigenes of Owalla Community in Owerri North Local Government of Imo State who live in Lagos, under the aegis of Owalla Town Development Union, have tasked the Police over the disappearance of one of them, Ms. Comfort Uwakwe.

Ms Uwakwe has been missing since October 25, 2025, when she told her family that she was going to Epe to visit her friend, Olajide Akeushola. She took off from her residence, No 1 Olusegun Close, off Eliasau Street, Mafolokun Oshodi.

When she arrived her destination, she called her friend, Ifeoma, to notify her. But , a couple of hours later, Ms. Uwakwe called back Ifeoma, distressed, and told her that she had been locked up in a room. Then her phone went off. And since then, nothing has been heard of her.

When her boyfriend was apprehended, by the Police, he confirmed he was with her but that she later left. On further interrogation, he said Ms. Uwakwe was crushed by a trailer. And, one month after, took the police to the scene where a leg, which he said was Ms. Uwakwe’s was found. Not the whole body. But even the leg, the family said does not belong to their sister.

But the Police say they are still investigating.

Now, tired of still waiting, three months later, the Owalla Town Development, Union, Lagos Branch, is protesting and asking questions.

In a statement signed by Chiedozie Nzeh, its President, the people are disputing the storyline by Ms. Uwakwe’s boyfriend and are asking the Police to look the way of ritual murder. They raised a number of questions, and wondered how the leg found remained intact weeks after.

Following is the full statement.

“Lady Missing (Likely Killed) During Visit To Boyfriend In Epe Lagos State”

“After almost ninety agonizing days of waiting for the Police to unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of our sister and daughter, Ms. Comfort Uwakwe since October 25, 2025, we, the members of Owalla Town Development Union, Lagos branch, are left with no option than to call the attention of the public to this matter.

“Ms. Comfort Uwakwe, a native of Owalla Autonomous Community, in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, resident at 1, 9Olusegun Close,Off Eliasau Street, Mafolokun- Oshodi, Lagos, according to her sister, on the 25th Of October, 2025, went to visit a friend, Olajide Akeushola, in Epe.

“On getting to her destination, she put a call through to her female friend (Ifeoma) that she had gotten to her destination and had seen the friend she went to visit. By 10:08 p.m, of the same day, Comfort made a distress call to Ifeoma informing her that she was locked in a room and was in danger, before her phone went off and nobody has heard from her till date.

“On the 27th Of October 2025, the family reported her as missing at Makinde Police Station, Oshodi. An IPO was assigned to the case but the family members were told to go to Epe Police Station since she was last seen in Epe.

“On getting to Epe Police Station to lay the complaint, they were referred back to Makinde Police Station.

“On October 28, 2025, investigation into the matter commenced at Makinde Police Station and on November 26, 2025, the boyfriend, Olajide Akeushola, whom Comfort had gone to visit was arrested in Epe and was taken to Makinde Police Station, from where he was transferred, as a suspect, to Lagos State Command (Special Squad), Ikeja, on November 28, 2025, and an IPO was assigned to the case.

“The suspect has since confessed that he met with Comfort in Epe on the day she was last seen by the family. Part of his confession was that they had some drinks and when she got tipsy, he had to lock her in the hotel room where they went. He also told the police that she later had an accident along the Epe highway. According to him, a trailer crushed her on the highway. Thereafter, the police said they had been taken to the scene of the accident by the suspect where they picked a leg said to be the only remains of Comfort; after one month that the said accident occurred.

“The family had insisted, immediately they saw the picture of the leg, that it i

was not Comfort’s leg; making the police to demand for an autopsy and DNA to be carried out on the leg, and that the family will bear the cost.

“This development has not only traumatized the family but has left a lot of questions unanswered:

“1. Whose leg was picked by police?

“2. If it’s Comfort’s leg, as claimed by the suspect (And the police seems to believe him) where are the other parts of parts of Comfort’s body?

“3. If Comfort was locked in the hotel room, as the r claimed, how did she escape to the “highway” where, according to the suspect, she was said to have been crushed by a speeding truck?

“4. What are the hotel staff on duty on fateful day saying? escaped to the Epe highway from the hotel room where she was locked, was there evidence of the door or window of the room being forced open?

“6. Why is the police holding on to the ‘accident’ story of the suspect, and are not looking at other possibilities like ritual murder (Given the sudden appearance of a leg without a body).

“7. Why is the “leg of an accident victim” still intact at the accident scene for several weeks, and not rotting when it was discovered?

“These and more questions are begging for answers that are critical for the sake of justice. There need for due diligence in the investigation, on the part of the police, before it is concluded.

“This is for the Nigerian public to note.

“Anyone with any useful information regarding the missing person should kindly report to the police or contact the following numbers:

0913 061 0045

0706 290 3832

“Signed:
Chiedozie Nzeh
(President, Owalla Town Development Union, Lagos branch).”

1...227228229...2,958 Page 228 of 2,958