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26 Arrested For Counterfeit Currency, Adulterated Diesel

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Fake Naira Currency

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and paraded 26 suspects for alleged involvement in the possession of counterfeit currency and the production and sale of adulterated diesel.

The adulterated Diesel popularly called “rice and beans”, in the Eti-Osa area of Lekki, has seen illicit and illegal transactions taking place in the area.

SP Abimbola Adebisi, Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended on Wednesday during a joint operation between Police operatives and officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI).

The raid, conducted at about 1:30 p.m., led to the recovery of ₦951,300 in counterfeit notes from the premises where the group operated.

“Preliminary findings revealed that four suspects, Abubakar Rilean, 40; Abubakar Abdullahi, 35; Adamu Ibrahim Jora, 35; and Michael John, 30, allegedly specialised in producing and distributing adulterated engine oil and diesel to unsuspecting motorists.”

Similarly, police identified two others, Ichapi Moses, 30, and Samson Adike, 28, as alleged suppliers of the adulterated petroleum products within the area.

Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh has? however, warned criminal elements to steer clear of Lagos, stressing that the Command has intensified daily raids on criminal hideouts, show-of-force operations, and convoy patrols across all area commands and divisions.

He said the police would ensure that anyone found engaging in activities capable of undermining public peace, damaging vehicles, or threatening the state’s economic stability faces the full wrath of the law.

Jimoh assured residents that Lagos remains safe, noting that the Command is “firmly on top of the security situation” and will not allow criminals to operate freely.

He urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information that could help security agencies prevent crime and apprehend offenders.

“The safety and well-being of all residents remain the Command’s top priority,” the Commissioner added.

Court Of Appeal Throws Out Nnamdi Kanu’s Appeal

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Nnamdi Kanu
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

It was yet another judicial loss on Friday November 28, 2028, for convicted leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, dismissed his appeal seeking to enforce his fundamental human rights .

The IPOB leader had filed the suit claiming alleged violation of his fundamental human rights while in the custody of the Department of State Service, DSS.

Kanu had claimed among other things the breach of his rights to human dignity, access to quality health care, and freedom of religion.

However, the three-man panel of the Court of Appeal headed by the Honourable Justice Boloukuromo Moses Ugo, ruled that the matter has been over taken by events.

The Appellate Court held that the suit has become a mere academic exercise in the face of Kanu’s conviction and sentencing on terrorism charges.

The Source reports that Kanu was on Thursday, November, 20, 2025, convicted and sentenced on all seven count charges bordering on terrorism and other related Offences preferred against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria in the Court of the  Honourable Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.

He was sentenced to life in jail, and is currently serving his term at the Sokoto custodial centre from where he attended today’s appeal court session.

The IPOB leader had filed the appeal against the verdict of an Abuja Federal High Court presided over by Justice Taiwo Taiwo which  struck out his suit seeking the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

Justice Taiwo had on July 3, 2025, dismissed the IPOB leaders suit on the grounds that he could not reasonably  substantiate his claims against the DSS

Kanu had stridently complained that the medical facilities and processes placed at his disposal by the DSS were inadequate and not  efficient enough to handle his complicated  health condition.

But the DSS and, indeed, the Federal Government were not persuaded by Kanu’s protestations and demands.

The Appellate Court held that since Kanu is now in the custody of the Sokoto Correctional Centre, a development, also, confirmed by his legal Counsel, Maxwell Opara, it is no longer feasible to grant his request to be taken out of the DSS facility,which was one the reliefs  sought

Justice Ugo, in the lead judgment, held that Kanu  having been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, the court can no longer grant his request to be transferred to a prison facility since he is already in Sokoto Correctional Centre.

Corruption Over As Uzodimma Commissions Imo Land Information Service Centre, Completes Govt. House Annex, Orlu

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Gov Hope Uzodimma Commissions Imo Land Information Service

The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma Wednesday, November 26, 2025 commissioned the Imo Land Information Service Centre located within the State’s Secretariat, insisting that the era of corruption in land transactions in Imo is gone.

He said his administration’s efforts to bring to an end what he described as “ugly era of land grabbing, fraudulent titles and inability of citizens to secure credit because banks could not verify ownership,” has paid off with the Land Information Service Centre now in place.

The Governor regretted that the old system cost the State billions of naira, stalled commerce and eroded confidence.

He pointed out that the new digital platform will recognise the “head title”- the original owner of the land, noting that “If you are not the original owner and cannot explain how you acquired it, the system will flag you.”

Governor Uzodimma warned that the digital system will “offload’’ anyone who tries to backdate land documents.

He further explained that the Land Information Service Centre platform, built in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and National Space Research and Development Agency (NSRDA), stores every land-related document, including both known and unknown security features in a secure online database.

“These features,”  he said, “allows citizens easy access to verify Land ownership, apply for titles using their phones or computers from the comfort of their homes or offices.”

Governor Uzodimma thanked the Imo State House of Assembly for passing the necessary governing legislation, and for buying into the idea, and praised the team of Imo-trained experts who will manage the system.

His words: “Our internally generated revenue will almost double, if not triple with the deployment of this system.

“We have waited almost six years for a system that we can be proud to hand down to our children and grandchildren. This platform will restore dignity to our Civil Service and position Imo State as a model for digital governance.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu  highlighted the symbolic burning of over a hundred cartons containing defunct and abrogated Certificates of Occupancy printed by the previous administrations, underscoring the government’s commitment to erasing outdated practices.

“These bundles will be burnt today to mark our total departure from the past, the wrong history we had in the former administration,” Onuegbu stated.

He also thanked Governor Uzodimma and the State’s leadership for turning Imo into an “electronically powered Ministry of Lands, joining the ranks of Abuja, Lagos and Enugu as a model for digital land governance in Nigeria.”

Onuegbu pledged that the Ministry of Lands and Survey “would contribute more than enough revenue to the State by enthroning a reign of professionalism, integrity, honour and dedication.”

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi described the Land Information Service Centre as not just a milestone in Governor Uzodimma’s drive to create a smarter way of doing business and digitally empower Imo State, but “a demonstration of the unwavering commitment of Governor Uzodimma to modernise land administration, put in transparency and deliver faster and citizen’s focused services.

He noted that the Centre is a strategic component of Imo Digital City Limited initiative, integrating technology, data and innovation to strengthen land governance and support sustainable development across the State.

The Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency, (NSRDA) represented by Dr. Godstime Kadiri James described the Centre as “topnotch, one in a million,” noting that most services would be accessible via mobile phones, and that application had been “tested extensively” with redundant services for continuous access.

He explained that the new Centre has positioned Imo State among a growing number of Nigerian States using technology to modernise land administration, aiming to boost revenue, reduce disputes and attract investment to the State.

Highpoint of the event was the tour of facilities in the Centre, during which officials demonstrated the land recertification process on a live digital platform.

In another development,

Uzodimma has sustained  the momentum on ongoing projects as work on the Government House Annex and the Secretariat Annex in Orlu has reached 98 percent conclusion, and the place looking set for unveiling.

For two days in a row, Governor Uzodimma inspected in no particular order, ongoing projects within the capital city of Owerri and Orlu.

On Thursday, the Government House Annex Orlu and the State Secretariat Annex Orlu, were inspected and the progress recorded was encouraging.

Also same day in Orlu, the Governor and his team berthed at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu to assess the progress at the 250-bed Infectious Diseases Centre, a facility he attracted to serve not just Imo, but the States in the South East region in the event of major diseases outbreak.

Other areas visited at IMSUTH include;  kidney transplants, ICU, oxygen plant, scan room, orthopedic wards, dialysis centre and solar plants.

From Orlu, Governor Uzodimma proceeded to the Radiology Complex at the Imo State Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, and the Imo State Primary Health Development Centre also in Umuguma before anchoring at the Holy Ghost Bus Terminal, to examine the pace of work there.

Earlier on Wednesday, the inspection tour took the Governor and his team to the Concorde Hilton Hotel, the Concorde Boulevard (venue for the forth coming two days Imo Economic Summit), the Ahiajioku Centre, the Nworie Recreation Centre and the adjoining roads.

‎At each location, the Governor provided directives where adjustments were necessary, offered commendation where efforts were commendable, and reiterated the need for timely completion.

“These projects are not mere structures; they are investments designed to enhance service delivery and improve the daily experience of ndi Imo.”

‎Speaking with reporters at the end of the inspections, Governor Uzodimma expressed confidence that the contractors will deliver within record time.

His words: “Today’s project assessment took me across the State, offering a firsthand view of ongoing developments and the level of commitment applied at each site.

“The contractors have shown some commitment, diligence and proficiency in terms of quality and delivery time lines.

“The business of building our State entails steady infrastructure reforms, and we are sustaining this momentum with routine inspections, just to ensure that ndi Imo receive full value for their resources.”

‎He expressed joy at the simultaneous progression of the many ongoing projects in different parts of the State, and assured Imo people that the facilities will be available to provide the needed services as “those visiting home for the yuletide season will enjoy the hospitality and  good ambience of the State.

“I Will Resign If President Tinubu Fails To Get 3.5m Votes In Edo State” – Gov Okpebholo Vows

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Governor Monday Okpebholo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Even with the next general elections in the country  almost two years away, Edo state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has given landslide victory already to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

For him, it is not just the electoral victory of Mr President in 2027, but how many votes he is expecting the Edo people to give him.

On a TVC programme, Governor Okpebholo vowed to quit his exalted office if President Tinubu is not able to garner a whopping 3,.5 million votes from Edo State in 2027.

” I will resign if Edo state doesn’t give President Tinubu 3.5 million votes in 2027.

” We promised 3.5 million votes, and we are not joking about it”, Governor Okpebholo boasted.

According to the Edo State Governor, his optimism is premised on the high level of mobilization being carried out in the 18 Local Councils of the State for the second term bid of the president.

He emphasized that having been told and seen the great works of Mr President in Edo State, the people are very much anxious to pay him back for his gestures.

Governor Okpebholo noted that Edo citizens and residents are fully ready to vote massively for the All Progressive Congress APC in appreciation of the remarkable achievements of the Federal Government-led by President Tinubu.

“Having voted for me, the people have to also vote for President Tinubu. We promised 3.5 million votes for President Tinubu, and we are not joking about it. When I say everybody should be wearing Asiwaju Tinubu’s cap, there is no difference between me and Asiwaju because anybody who does not love Asiwaju will not love me.

“Everybody is for Asiwaju. The people will thank him with their votes . If he does not will with a landslide, I will resign. I am a politician. I understudied Chief (Tony) Anenih, and my style of politics is not thuggery. It is grassroots oriented.” Okpebholo noted.

While taking a swipe at what he described as the abysmal performance of his predecessor in office, Governor Okpebholo stated former Governor Godwin Obaseki has been completely alienated from the people owing to the rot he left behind.

“He cannot freely come to Edo  because of his poor record.  Let him come to Edo . I am not fighting him ,but the record he left behind is what is fighting him.

“It is his record that will determine if he will come to Edo or not . Anyway, he can’t come to Edo, because the people are not happy with him.

“When children can stand to pray for me, no child will stand on the street to pray for Obaseki. No mother on the street will pray for Obaseki”, Governor Okpebholo insisted.

What I Told Them At The European Parliament

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Peter Obi at European Parliament

By Peter Obi

Yesterday, I was in Strasbourg, France, to attend sessions at the European Parliament.

While there, I spent the day holding a series of constructive meetings with several members from various committees, from the Committee on Foreign Affairs, to the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, to the Members of the Africa-EU Delegation Committee, to the Committee on Transport and Tourism, and Development, amongst others.

I appealed to them to strengthen their relationship with Africa, especially Nigeria, which stands as a key frontier for global development. Africa, as I reiterated, is a continent of immense potential, the second-largest in size and population, richly endowed with natural resources, and powered by a vast, youthful demographic. Yet it remains the face of global poverty, largely because of bad leadership and entrenched corruption, a reality clearly reflected in Nigeria.

I urged them to support the development of Africa, particularly Nigeria, by advancing good governance. This includes supporting our democratic processes in ways that promote the emergence of competent leaders with the capacity and integrity to transform our nations.

I also highlighted how they can support us in addressing insecurity, improving power generation and distribution, strengthening education and healthcare, and lifting our people out of poverty. This is necessary because our success as a nation and the success of Africa have a direct benefit to Europe.

I also underscored the need to invest in and support Nigerian youths who have an immense desire and drive for entrepreneurship and productivity, if well supported, but are now facing despair due to limited opportunities.

Africa and indeed Nigeria can and must work for all and contribute to global developments.

A New Nigeria is POssible.


Obi a two-term Governor of Anambra State was the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections

Malami: My Problem With EFCC

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Abubakar Malami

Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, says he’s ready to honour the invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, saying as a well-grounded public servant he believes in accountability.

The former minister made the remark in a post he shared on the social media, where he said he has started cooperating with the anti-graft agency who are investigating him.

He said: “This is to confirm that I have been invited by the EFCC. As a law-abiding and patriotic citizen, I hereby reaffirm my commitment to honour the invitation.

“I understand the spirit of accountability and transparency in public service — the principles that I both advocate and champion.

“Rooted in public service and in the spirit of transparency and accountability, I am committed to sharing with the Nigerian public the developments as they unfold.”

The former minister had recently declared his intention to contest the governorship election in  Kebbi state in 2027, saying he will start his campaign as soon as INEC gave a go -ahead to politicians to start campaigning.

Malami: “INEC guidelines do not allow us to begin any form of mobilisation yet, but I assure you that when the time comes, you will see that we have the support of the people of Kebbi state,” he said.

“I have agreed to contest, and there is no retreat. God willing, we are going to win because we have people who believe in us, and we will not let them down.”

Not a few insist that his predicament with the EFCC could be a setback for him to achieve his governorship ambition.

CBN Directs Banks To Stop Misleading Customers With Adverts

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Yemi Cardoso - CBN Governor

The Central Bank of Nigeria has ordered financial service institutions and commercial banks to immediately seize from using promotional materials that do not conform with established marketing extant rules in the country.

According to the Yemi Cardoso-led apex bank, the directive was meant to ensure that bank customers are protected in line with the Consumer Protection Regulation Act 2019 and the Advertisement Guidelines enabling laws for deposit money banks and other Financial institutions., OFIs.

In the circular issued  on Thursday by Olubunmi Ayodele-Oni, CBN’s Director of Compliance Department, the apex bank said it has uncovered widespread inconsistencies and lack of transparency in promotional materials by some of these banks and payment institutions, saying some of the information provided are largely exaggerated, as they are linked to the unaudited financial statements of the said banks, and in most cases not beneficial to the customers.

The government bank, has therefore, banned promotional inducements such as lotteries, lucky dips, prize draws and other chance-based incentives, stressing that  such schemes are capable of pushing customers to make harmful financial decisions.

Instructively, the apex bank said commercial banks and OFIs must henceforth ensure that advertisement complied with regulatory framework, saying it will not hesitate to sanction them for any infractions.

The CBN also directed the banks to withdraw such advertisement within 30 days, submit a compliance attestation jointly signed by the Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Compliance Officer, and the Chief Compliance Officer.

CBN said: “New compliance steps for all advertisements. Under the tightened framework, financial institutions must now submit detailed notifications to the CBN before releasing any advert or marketing material.

“The notification must include the duration of the advert, creative content to be aired or published, intended demographic and geographic targets, and written confirmation of internal clearance by both the compliance and legal departments.

“This attestation must confirm that all current advertising and promotional practices meet regulatory requirements and internal governance rules,

“Sanctions will be applied to any institution found violating the rules, in line with the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020 and the Consumer Protection Regulations,” the bank said.

It said it will begin to apply sanction on banks for infractions beginning from January next year, after investigating the level of compliance.

Guinea Bissau Coup: How Côte d’Ivoire President Airlifted Jonathan To Nigeria After FG Abandoned Him

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Goodluck Jonathan
Dr. Goodluck Jonathan:

More revelations have emerged on how former President Goodluck Jonathan was abandoned in Guinea-Bissau by the federal government following the military coup in that tiny West African nation.

The magazine reported that Jonathan retuned back to the country yesterday days after the military putsch in that country on Tuesday.

The former Nigerian leader was among some mediators sent to the country  by the Economic Community of West Africa, ECOWAS for meditation before the coup that ousted President Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló early this week.

The magazine reported that following the ouster of Embalo, the coup plotters have since appointed the country Military Chief of Staff, as its new leader.

Following the coup detat on Tuesday, Jonathan was reported to have been stranded in the country , with calls back home in Nigeria on the federal government to immediately bring him back home.

But according to Thisday newspapers, the Nigerian government did not make concrete efforts to airlift him back to Nigeria, and did not make a direct contact with the former Nigerian leader, except for some calls to his aides by some low level government officials.

According to the report, it was President Alassane Ouattara of Cote Devore that ordered the use of his Presidential jet to fly  Jonathan back to the country following the lackadaisical attitude of the Tinubu administration, which critics of the government said has the responsibility to act on the issue because of the status of Jonathan as a former Nigerian President.

The online newspaper claimed that while Abidjan acted with urgency to protect a visiting African leader, Abuja appeared flat-footed, offering little visible coordination or assertive diplomatic engagement despite Jonathan’s status as a former head of state and an envoy of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

THISDAY learnt yesterday that the Ivorian government had already made arrangements to fly Jonathan using the country’s presidential jet, with some aides of President Bola Tinubu, getting in touch with a Jonathan aide in Abuja, rather than official communication from the highest level of the Nigerian government.

“It was the Côte d’Ivoire government that reached out to President Jonathan and they have provided an aircraft that’s bringing him back,” a source who preferred anonymity told THISDAY yesterday.

However, it was learnt that although the Nigerian government later reached out, the Ivorian government had already reached out to the former President and had already concluded arrangements to return him to Nigeria.

It was also confirmed last night that contrary to reports that it was the soldiers who carried out the coup that escorted the former Nigerian President out of the country,  they were not actually involved in the movement of Jonathan and his sides.

Rather, it was learnt that ECOMOG forces, comprising soldiers from Nigeria, Ghana and Senegalese soldiers, gave the former Nigerian President security from his hotel to the airport. “You will see that it was a presidential jet with the Republic of Cote d’ Ivoire mark”, the source stated.

Guinea-Bissau: FG Condemns Military Take-over, Calls For Restoration of Democracy

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Guinea Bisau Military leader

The Nigerian Government has reacted to the military coup in Guinea- Bisau, describing the development as a set back for democratic government in Africa. He development comes three days after the military take-over in the tiny West African nation.

According to a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the military putsch in the West African nation undermines democracy and threatened stability in the sub-region of West Africa.

Recall that the military announced its take over of power from President President Umaro Sissoco Embalo following a disputed election, in which the ousted leader and top opposition leader in the country claimed victory. The soldiers who took over power have since announced the Country military Chief of Staff, Maj.-Gen. Tomas Djassi   as the new president for a period of one year.

Reacting, the Tinubu administration said it supports the call for restoration of constitutional order from the people of the country, calling for the release of those that have been detained after the coup, adding that the coup plotters will be held responsible if the country plunged into anarchy. .

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has learned with profound dismay and deep concern the unfortunate military coup which has led to an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau,” Nigeria’s government said.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and call for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the safety and security of all those detained, and full respect for democratic institutions.”

the Nigerian government stressed that, it will cooperate with ECOWAS and African Union to ensure the return of constitutional government and stability in the country.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the promotion of democracy, peace, and stability across the African continent.”

Meanwhile, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has returned to the country on Thursday, after report that he and other observers sent to monitor the disputed elected had been stranded in the country.

Again, 24 Rice Farmers Kidnapped In Shiroro, Niger State

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Gunmen

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Niger State Police Command on Thursday, November, 27 2025, informed that efforts are underway to secure the freedom of some abducted farmers in the state.

The Source reports that no fewer than 24 rice farmers, including some pregnant women and children, were on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, reportedly attacked and kidnapped by some suspected terrorists in Ungwan-Kawo/Kuchipa and Palaita communities of Erena Ward in Shiroro Local Council of Niger State.

According to local sources, the attack occurred at about 4.00 pm on Wednesday, while the victims were working on their rice farms.

While locals put the number of abductees at about 24, the Niger State Police Command, however, insisted that 10 persons were taken away by the hoodlums.

A statement from Wasiu Abiodun ,the Command’s spokesperson, while confirming the incident, assured that operatives have been deployed to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the victims.

“On November 26, 2025 ,at about 8 pm, a report was received indicating that suspected armed men abducted about ten persons from Angwan-Kawo and Kuchipa villages of Shiroro Local Government Area. Efforts are being made to rescue the victims”, the police stated.

However, the Police assurance is coming at a time when victims of a school invasion and abduction in the state are still in the abductors den.

The Source further reports that some suspected terrorists had early Friday morning November 21 ,2025 invaded St Mary’s Catholic School Papiri in Agwara Local Council of the state, abducting no fewer than 300 pupils and students, including about 12 teachers.

As at the time of reporting, concerned authorities and security agencies were still battling to secure the freedom of the remaining victims,after about 50 reportedly escaped.