Ilorin Emirate, UNILORIN VC Mourn General Muhammad Abdullahi

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November 5, 2025

General Muhammad Abdullahi and Professor Wahab Egbewole

By Adesina Soyooye

The Illorin Emirate and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Illorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole, SAN, have expressed sadness over the passing on Wednesday, of Major General Abdullahi Mohammed, rtd, an accomplished son of Kwara State.

General Mohammed, former Chief of Staff to both President Olusegun Obasanjo and late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, former National Security Adviser to General Abdulsalami Abubakar, passed in the morning of Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

In a statement, the Illorin Emirate mourned:

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of General Muhammad Abdullahi Atoto, a revered and esteemed officer of the Ilorin Emirate. His demise is a significant loss to the Emirate and the entire Military community at large.

“May the Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal peace in Janatul Firdaus. May his soul rest in Janatul Firdaus, Aamin.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family and loved ones of General Atoto during this difficult time.”

And in a statement signed on his behalf by the Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Illorin, Vice Chancellor Egbewole mourned General Mohammed’s passing.

He said that the University Community received the news of the death of the statesman with profound sadness, considering his roles in the take-off of the University and his several contributions to national development.

The Vice Chancellor, who described the late General as an illustrious son of Nigeria, recalled that the nucleus of the University began in a building belonging to the late General at G.R.A, Ilorin, where its pioneer Vice Chancellor lived.

He added that the same building was also used as the interim operational office of the University, pointing out that the leasing of the building to the University at that point-in-time by the late General rescued the University, which was desperately in need of a roomy dual-purpose accomodation for its take-off.

Prof. Egbewole also recalled the administrative support the deceased gave the University, particularly in the early 2000s, saying that as the Chief of Staff to President Olusegun Obasanjo, General Mohammed was quite supportive of the efforts of the administration of Prof. Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem in ensuring uninterrupted academic activities.

The Vice Chancellor said that the late General played a great role in ensuring that the University remained open to teaching, learning, research and community service despite the machinations by certain external influences.

Prof. Egbewole expressed regret that General Mohammed died at a time the University was preparing for its Golden Jubilee, saying that the University and the nation would miss him sorely.

The Vice Chancellor commiserated with the Governor of Kwara State, the Emir of Ilorin, and the Alfanla Adangba family of Ilorin over the loss of this elderstatesman.

He prayed to Allah to overlook his shortcomings and reward his good deeds with Aljanat Fridaous.

The late General will be laid to rest according to Islamic rites in Abuja today (Wednesday)

BREAKING: General Abdullahi Mohammed, Fmr. CoS to Presidents Obasanjo and Yar’Adua Passes On

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Adesina Soyooye

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November 5, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria, the Military, and Kwara State, in the early morning of Wednesday, November 5, lost one of their most accomplished.

Major General Abdullahi Mohammed, the gentleman-officer, who was President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Chief of Staff, and later, occupied same position under President Umaru Yar’adua, has passed on.

A reliable family source disclosed to this medium that the General passed on quietly in the early morning of Wednesday, October 5, 2025.

Even though the cause of death was not disclosed, it is strongly speculated that he passed due to old-age related issues in Abuja where he had been living since his retirement from active service. The General was in his late 80’s.

A proud son of Nigeria and Kwara State, General Mohammed, on the departure of Obasanjo as President, was prevailed upon to stay on as President Yar’Adua’s CoS to help stabilise the new Government.

Aside from those positions, General Mohammed had held a number of other sensitive and high profile positions in Nigeria.

For instance, he was the National Security Adviser, NSA, to then Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, 1998-1999. He was, also, the Director General of the defunct National Security Organization, NSO, from 1976 to 1979. Between July 1975 and February 1976, General Mohammed was the Military Governor of the defunct Benue-Plateau State under the Military Regime of late Head of State, Major General Murtala Mohammed.

Born 1938 in Illorin, Kwara State, he was married to his adorable wife, Stella, a Christian from Delta State, the woman he usually said “gives me joy.”

Survived by Stella and their children, General Abdullahi Mohammed will be sorely missed by his numerous relatives, friends (old and young) who fondly called him “Baba.”

He will be laid to rest in Abuja according to Islamists rites later (today) Wednesday, October 5.

Ondo: Gov. Aiyedatiwa Defies Court Of Appeal, Presents Staff Of Office To Monarch

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Ayodele Oni

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November 4, 2025

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Oba Akintoye Adeyemi of Okeigbo receiving staff of office

By Ayodele Oni

Defying Court of Appeal ruling halting installation ceremony of Oba Akintoye Adeyemi of Okeigbo, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, officially presented the Instrument of Appointment and Staff of Office to the monarch, charging him to promote peace, unity and development in his domain.

As the ceremony was ongoing in the community, the Court of Appeal, sitting in Akure, declared that the installation rites of the Oba of Okeigbo remain illegal.

The appellate court, reacting to an application filed by counsel to the appellant, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), emphasized that any action taken in defiance of the court’s authority would be rendered null and void, stressing that “the sanctity of the court must always be respected.”

Speaking at the ceremony at Oke-Igbo, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the event marked the end of a long-drawn traditional and legal tussle that had left the stool of Olu-Oke vacant for years.

He recalled that the vacancy followed a judicial pronouncement which nullified the appointment of the late Oba Babajide Lawrence Oluwole.

According to him, the court ruled that the late Oba was not a descendant of the Aare Kuigbaigbe Ruling House and consequently ordered that the next monarch should emerge from that same ruling house.

The Governor explained that the Chieftaincy Declaration registered in 2019 by the deposed monarch was rendered null and void by the judgment, restoring the native laws and customs of Oke-Igbo as the valid guide for the selection process.

Commending the kingmakers for their sincere and invaluable roles, the Governor urged the new monarch to see his ascension as a call to service and an opportunity to foster peace and unity in Oke-Igbo.

He said, “Kabiyesi, you are now a father to all. Forget the acrimony of the past and do not use your position to victimise perceived opponents or rivals. I pray that Oke-Igbo will witness peace, growth and development during your reign.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa also appealed to other contenders and their supporters to support the new monarch, saying, “The interest of Oke-Igbo must be placed above all personal interests. You should all see the emergence of the new king as the will of God for your town.”

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security, saying the government had invested heavily in strengthening the Amotekun Corps and supporting other security agencies.

He enjoined residents to be vigilant and collaborate with security agencies to combat banditry, kidnapping and other crimes, stressing that “security should be a collective responsibility, not a government affair alone.

“Our traditional rulers remain vital partners in promoting peace, harmony and unity. We will continue to respect and empower our Obas as custodians of culture, but they must also complement government’s efforts through intelligence gathering and community mobilisation.”

The Appellate Court while delivering ruling, held that any installation process currently underway was “founded on illegality”, reiterating that the integrity of the judiciary must be preserved at all times.

The court further directed that a hearing notice be served on the Ondo State Government and adjourned the matter to Tuesday, November 11, 2025 for further hearing.

The appellate court, reacting to an application filed by counsel to the appellant, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), emphasized that any action taken in defiance of the court’s authority would be rendered null and void, stressing that “the sanctity of the court must always be respected.”

Ojo, through an application dated November 2, 2025, informed the court of a letter purportedly issued by the Ondo State Government approving the appointment of Prince Felix Akintoye Adeoye as the Oluoke of Okeigbo.

He urged the court to take judicial notice that, following such an appointment, further traditional rites, including installation, would typically take place.

Consequently, he prayed the court to issue a restraining and consequential order nullifying any actions carried out on the strength of the alleged appointment letter.

Ojo also asked the court to invoke its disciplinary powers to reverse any illegality that may have occurred.

In his response, counsel to the respondent, Sola Ebiseni, openly denied the existence of the said appointment letter, insisting that he did not believe it emanated from the state government.

He therefore sought a short adjournment to verify the authenticity of the document and prepare a formal response to the appellant’s application.

President Tinubu Nominates Ude, SAN, As Minister, Seeks Senate’s Confirmation

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Ayodele Oni

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November 4, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

“If confirmed, Ude, from Enugu, will replace Uche Nnaji, the immediate past Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, who was forced to resign over allegations of certificate forgery”

President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate’s confirmation of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, for appointment as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

If confirmed, Udeh, from Enugu State will replace Mr Uche Nnaji, immediate past Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology who was forced to resign in the face of allegations of Certificate forgery against him.

The President’s request was conveyed in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read during Tuesday’s plenary session.

In the letter, the President wrote: “I am pleased to forward to the Senate the nomination of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), for confirmation as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“While I trust that this request will receive the Senate’s usual expeditious consideration, please accept, Mr Senate President and distinguished senators, the assurances of my highest regards.”

Following the reading of the correspondence, Senate President Akpabio referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for immediate consideration.

Dr. Udeh, a respected legal scholar and advocate, is expected to bring his wealth of experience in law and public administration to the federal cabinet if confirmed.

A Medical Doctor’s Horrifying Experience In Zamfara State

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Adesina Soyooye

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November 4, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Following the declaration of Nigeria, by the United States of America’s President Donald Trump, as a Country of Particular Concern, CPC, over alleged genocide upon Christians, his threat of War against perpetrators, and the controversy and confusion that have followed it, a young Medical Doctor, Iye Abel, recounts her harrowing and heart-stopping experience in Zamfara State during her mandatory Housemanship.

In her post on her Facebook page, November 3, she recounts how a six-month pregnant woman was ra*ed and her husband slaughtered before her; men shot on their genitals, women shot on their private parts, and children shot on their faces.

She is incensed that Government at all levels looked the other way while the people went through hell. She is sad that it took President Trump’s threat to wake the Nigerian Government up.

Following is her post.

“I worked in a tertiary health facility in Zamfara during my compulsory housemanship.

“That area was ravaged by armed bandits and kidnappers at the time. For every call duty, we had no less than ten new casualties, some brought in dead—men, women, and children.

“These bandits terrorized villages and killed people without mercy. I sutured different kinds of bullet wounds that period, people shot in their genitals, legs, anus—you name it!

“My nostrils were literally fed up with the smell of innocent blood.

“There were days I got emotional on the job as I could not stand the depth of unhindered wickedness that was perpetuated in the land.

Most of the medical officers in surgery department took lots of alcohol. I guess it was their own way of calming their nerves and zoning out of the realities at work.

“Most nights, the attacked villagers came soaked in their own blood, crying, cursing Nigeria and calling on God to help them. They had no one to call on, but God.

“I remember a six-month old pregnant woman who was raped and her husband killed in her presence. Soldiers were not left out too. They were badly bruised and injured. Some died, raining insults on Nigeria till they breathed their last. It was a horriffic experience.

“I still recall an eight-year old girl who was shot in her face. Eyes apart, face in shambles, but she managed to breathe through her disfigured nostrils. We referred them to ABU teaching hospital but the father said they had no money for surgery.They took her out of the hospital. I really can’t tell how that story ended. She was only eight!

“I ran home immediately after my House job and never looked back.

“People sit behind their keypads and drop hot takes when they have no experience of what mass killings is all about. They talk without empathy because they, or their loved ones, are not in anyway affected.

“The truth remains that real killings have been happening in Nigeria in thousands, and the government has been inattentive to it.

“I’m particularly thankful that these two days have aroused our leaders to action. Let them protect those who they are leading. Let them be held accountable for their negligence all through the years.

“And I sincerely hope that Nigeria recovers from this colossal disgrace.

“May peace dwell in our nation once again.”

Court Orders PDP To Proceed With National Convention

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 4, 2025

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The crisis rocking the PDP has taken a new dimension after a high court in Ibadan, Oyo ordered the party to go ahead with its planned National Convention.

Recall that a federal high court in Abuja had last week stopped the Convention, slated for November 16 from holding based on a suit filed by some angry members of the party.

Justice James Omotosho while ruling on the suit said the decision to hold the Convention did not comply with the 1999 Constitution.

However, ruling on an ex parte application filed by Folahan Malomo Adelabi, counsel to the PDP, the presiding judge in the Ibadan high court ordered the leadership of the party to proceed with the delegate convention slated for next week.

Listed as defendants in the suit are PDP National Chairman, UmarDamagum, Chairman of the Convention Committee, and Adamawa state governor, Umar Fintiri, and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The PDP counsel in the suit prayed the court to restrain the defendants from preventing the National Convention from holding as earlier scheduled, pending the motion on notice.

“An Order of Interim Injunction directing the 1st — 3rd Defendants, their officers, servants and or agents to hold, conduct and or convene the said elective national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party Scheduled for the 15th and 16th of November, 2025 at Ibadan pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice,” the court document reads.

“An Order of Interim Injunction compelling the defendants to hold, conduct and or convene the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party scheduled for the 15th and 16th November, 2025 at Ibadan to elect officers of the said Party at the National level pending the hearing and determination of Motion on Notice.

“An Order of Interim Injunction directing the 4th Defendant, its servants, agents, officers and or privies to attend, monitor and or observe the elective national convention of the 1″ Defendant scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State on the 15th and 16th November, 2025 pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice. And for such order or further orders as the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.”

After A. E. Okelue, counsel to Adelabi, moved the ex-parte application, Akintola granted all the prayers.

“Accordingly, this court finds merit in the claimant/Applicant’s motion ex-parte,” the judge ruled.

“The same succeeds and it is hereby ordered as prayed on the claimant/applicant’s motion Ex-parte dated 3rd November, 2025 and filed on the same date in this case.

“For avoidance of doubt, the interim orders of injunction sought are hereby granted as prayed pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for orders of interlocutory injunction already filed in this case.”

IGP Deploys CP Shogunle To Oversee Anambra Gov. Election, PSC To Monitor Police Performance

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Ayodele Oni

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November 4, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Shogunle, has been deployed to oversee Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.

The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, approved the posting as part of strategic measures to ensure hitch free exercise during the off circle election.

The posting, according to the Anambra State Police Command, aligns with the IGP’s operational framework to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process across the State.

Upon assumption of duty, CP Shogunle immediately activated the IGP’s Enforcement Protocol against electoral offences, pledging zero tolerance for ballot snatching, vote-buying, political thuggery, and voter intimidation.

He also strengthened the Electoral Offences Desk to monitor online spaces for cyber-related electoral crimes.

The new police chief announced the deployment of over 60,000 security personnel drawn from agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to secure all 5,720 polling units, inter-LGA boundaries, and collation centres.

Also, the Police Service Commission (PSC) deployed staff monitors across the State’s three senatorial zones to oversee police conduct during the poll, underscoring its commitment to professionalism and accountability in election security management.

The National Coordinator and Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), issued a stern warning to police officers on election duty to remain impartial, disciplined, and focused on protecting both electoral officers and materials.

He stressed that officers must create an enabling environment for voters to exercise their franchise freely, cautioning that any act of compromise or misconduct will attract immediate sanctions.

According to Argungu, the Anambra election will serve as a crucial test for the Nigeria Police Force ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He commended the preparedness of the Anambra State Police Command under CP Ikioye Orutugu, noting his proactive tours of area commands and flashpoints as part of efforts to guarantee a peaceful and credible process.

The PSC Chairman added that while officers who demonstrate professionalism will be duly recognised, those who fall short will face disciplinary measures.

The Commission’s monitors are expected to operate from the State capital and the three senatorial districts to ensure comprehensive oversight.

Customary Court Of Appeal Births In Edo

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Ayodele Oni

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November 4, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

To promote traditional justice and constitutional fidelity, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has assented to the Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law, 2025.

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‎The legislation, passed by the Edo State House of Assembly, formally reconstitutes the state’s Customary Court of Appeal as a superior court of record, aligning it with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

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‎The re-establishment revives a key judicial institution that had lapsed under previous frameworks, empowering it to handle appellate and supervisory oversight of civil cases rooted in customary law.

It will also assume original jurisdiction over chieftaincy disputes and matters concerning traditional stools across Edo State, ensuring faster resolution of culturally sensitive conflicts that often underpin community stability.

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‎Under the new law, appointments to the court emphasize expertise and merit. The President of the Customary Court of Appeal will be nominated by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and appointed by the Governor, pending confirmation by the House of Assembly.

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‎Complementing this role, six additional judges will be selected, each requiring at least 10 years of post-call experience and proven proficiency in customary law.

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‎A cornerstone of the legislation is its safeguard for judicial autonomy: the salaries and allowances for the President and judges will be drawn directly from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund, insulating them from budgetary manipulations and affirming the court’s independence from executive whims.

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‎Governor Okpebholo, speaking at the signing ceremony in Benin City, framed the assent as more than procedural, it’s a cultural and governance imperative.

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‎”This is a reaffirmation of Edo’s commitment to accessible justice, respect for traditional values, and fidelity to the Constitution.

“It underscores our administration’s belief that a functional justice system is indispensable to good governance, stability, and investor confidence.”

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‎The Governor’s remarks come amid broader reforms, including the simultaneous signing of the Edo State Public Property Protection Law, 2025, which imposes up to 10 years imprisonment for violent encroachments on state assets.

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‎The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice echoed this enthusiasm, praising the Governor’s “foresight” in advancing “a new era in asset governance and judicial integrity.”

He described the laws as “critical instruments for institutional renewal and the protection of Edo’s moral and material heritage,” signaling their potential to deter disputes over land, inheritance, and leadership that have long plagued the state’s rural communities.

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‎The bill’s journey through the legislature was swift and consensus-driven.

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The law, introduced in late October, passed third reading on October 22, 2025, after committee reviews highlighted its alignment with national standards for customary courts.

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‎With the assent Edo joins a growing list of states, including Delta, Imo, and Abia with active Customary Courts of Appeal, fulfilling constitutional mandates under Section 280 of the 1999 Constitution.

Tinubu Seeks NASS Approval For Fresh N1.15trn Borrowing

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 4, 2025

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President Bola Tinubu has requested the National Assembly to approve N1.15 trillion borrowing from the domestic debt market to help finance the deficit in the 2025 budget.

The President’s conveyed his request in a letter read on the floor of the Senate during plenary on Tuesday.

According to the letter, the proposed borrowing is intended to bridge the funding gap and ensure full implementation of government programs and projects under the 2025 fiscal plan.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has referred the request to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt to report back within one week for further legislative action.

Meanwhile, the request comes on the heels of last week’s Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi criticism on the Tinubu’s administration rationale to borrow more funds despite the removal of fuel subsidy.

According to the former CBN Governor, the removal of petrol subsidy was expected to free more funds for the government, wondering why the borrowing has persisted.

Sanusi while speaking in Abuja, the nation’s capital at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference and Book Launch, said the removal of fuel subsidy had led to increased revenue for the government, saying the government is creating new problem for the country after ending the fuel subsidy problem.

“If you stop paying subsidies but continue borrowing more, it means you’ve filled one hole only to dig another. The real challenge now is the quality of government spending and the management of the revenues saved,” he said.

Trump’s Threat: Gumi Says Terrorists Are “Reasonable” People, They Should Be Pacified

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 4, 2025

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Controversial Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has appealed to the United States, US President Donald Trump not to attack terrorists and bandits in the country, describing the criminals as very reasonable.

The Kaduna-based cleric who has advocated for amnesty for the terrorists spoke during an interview with VOP TV, saying the terrorists are ready to listen because they are “reasonable human beings.”

Gumi spoke amid fears caused by US President Donald Trump threats to send military forces to attack Nigeria following his allegation that Christians in the country are being systematically wiped out.

The US leader who also threatened to impose economic sanctions and end aids had earlier designated Nigeria as country of Particular Concern, CPC.

The federal government has denied any genocide against Christians in the country, saying terrorists kill without considering religious affiliation of victims.

According to Gumi, the situation could get worse if Trump sent military forces to attack the terrorists, instead of pursuing dialogue with the criminals, noting that the US may find it difficult to exterminate the terrorists the same way it failed in Afghanistan and Syria.

“If they (the U.S. army) can cure and eliminate the terrorists, I will welcome them. But I know they cannot. They have fought for 20 years in Afghanistan, but they could not finish them. In Syria now, it is the same thing,” Gumi said.

“These terrorists you see, it is not easy to come and drop bombs here and there and think you will finish them, because they have infiltrated the society. It is going to cause more damage. More Muslims and Christians will be killed if America drops a bomb in Nigeria.”

Gumi, the magazine earlier reported had urged the Tinubu administration to severe diplomatic ties with the US if President trump proceeded to order military attack against the country.