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Tompolo: I have Nothing To Do With Nnamdi Kanu, Didn’t Call For His Release

October 26, 2025

Repentans Niger Delta Militant, Government Ekpumupolo also known as Tompolo has denied a report of the social media, in which he allegedly issued the federal government a 21-day ultimatum to release IPOB strongman, Nnamdi Kanu from detention.

According to Tompolo, who’s also the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, he did not authored such ultimatum trending on the social media.

The denial was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Warri on Sunday by Dr Paul Bebenimibo, his Media Consultant..

Tompolo spoke few days after the trial of Kanu began in Abuja, the nation’s capital. The judge presiding over his case, James Omotosho of the federal high court, has adjourned the trial to Monday October 27, to enable Kanu have access to his case file.

Recall that the proscribed IPOB leaderhad last week sacked his legal counsel led by Kanu Agabi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, saying he will personally defend his case.

Reacting, Tompolo said he had nothing to do with Kanu, and did not author the publication now treding on the social media.

“High Chief Ekpemupolo has nothing to do with the issue of Nnamdi Kanu. It is clearly the handwork of Tompolo’s enemies, who are out there to discredit and pull him down because of his stand against illegal crude oil activities in the Niger Delta region,” the statement said.

Adding, “We wish to state unequivocally and unambiguously that Tompolo did not author the said publication. High Chief Ekpemupolo has nothing to do with the issue of Nnamdi Kanu.

“It is clearly the handiwork of Tompolo’s enemies, who are out there to discredit and pull him down because of his stand against illegal crude oil activities in the Niger Delta region.

“This set of people has failed and will continue to fail because he will not relent in carrying out his duty to totally eradicate illegal oil activities in the region.

“We wish to reassure the Federal Government, led by our dynamic President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that Tompolo is with him and will continue to support the renewed agenda of his government.

“We wish to add that Tompolo remains firm and reaffirms his endorsement of Mr President for a second term and continues to work for its realisation. Once again, the Federal Government and the general public should ignore the said publication,” Tompolo said.

Following his arrest in Kenya in June 2021 the IPOB leader has been held by the DSS, and is currenlty standing trial on treasonable felony and terrorism related charges

FIFA Under-17 Female World Cup: Flamingos Dump Samoa To Book Knockout Ticket

Akinwale Kasali

October 26, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The Flamingos of Nigeria reached the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco after a dominant performance earned them a 4-0 win over Samoa in Rabat.

Queen Joseph hit a brace to take her tournament tally to three, and Captain Shakirat Moshood scored from the penalty spot while defender Azeezat Oduntan nicked a sweet one straight from the wing.

The Flamingos knew they needed a high-margin win to be able to reach the knock-out rounds, after a 1-4 reverse against Canada on the opening day and a lone goal defeat by France three days ago.

In the event, they went about the business with all seriousness and bounced on the scoresheet after only 13 minutes, when Joseph latched on to a great pass by Moshood and lifted the ball into the net far away from goalkeeper Grace Ae.

Ae was in the right place three minutes later to push away a decent shot by Chisom Nwachukwu, but she was sent the wrong way by Moshood from six yards in the 27th minute after defender Holly Leapai handled the ball in the box from a corner.

The Flamingos continued to search for more goals and in the 36th minute, Nguemo Terlumun, a constant thorn on the Samoan defence, danced past the rearguard and crossed for Joseph, who knocked the ball into the net for Nigeria’s third

In the 44th minute, a brilliant exchange of passes between Joseph and Mariam Yahaya left the latter facing the goalkeeper, but her shot was pushed out.

The Flamingos thought they would be 4-0 up only 32 seconds into the second half, but Moshood’s effort from the penalty spot was well-read by Ae after Terlumun was fouled.

In the 67th minute, the fourth goal finally arrived, with Oduntan scoring from a well-placed cross, either side of two brilliant saves by Nigeria’s goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu.

The win was enough to see the Flamingos, bronze medallists at the 2022 finals hosted by India, reach the Round of 16.

Tragedy Averted By LASTMA, Fire Service In Lagos, As Fuel Tanker Collides With Lexus Jeep

Akinwale Kasali

October 26, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

For the second time in less than 24 hours, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, Lagos Fire Services and other emergency responders’ swift intervention on Sunday prevented what could have become a major disaster following a collision between a fully-loaded petrol tanker and a Lexus Jeep around Berger Suya, inward Mile 2, Lagos.

Preliminary Reports revealed that the Lexus Jeep with registration number LSR 606 XH was allegedly speeding when it collided with the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)-laden tanker.

The impact caused the tanker driver to lose control and crashed into several unregistered vehicles parked along the highway setback, leading to extensive property damage.

LASTMA personnel stationed in the area reportedly arrived at the scene within minutes, promptly cordoning off the accident site and restricting vehicular movement to prevent secondary incidents.

Their swift action ensured the safe transloading of the highly flammable petrol from the damaged tanker into another vehicle.

Officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were also on hand to neutralize fuel spillage and flush the affected area, effectively preventing an explosion.

Security operatives from the Trinity Police Division provided reinforcement throughout the operation, maintaining order and ensuring public safety.

Investigation further carried out revealed that the Lexus driver sustained injuries and was handed over to the police by LASTMA officials, while the tanker driver fled the scene immediately after the crash.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, in an interview commended the synergy among the responding agencies, describing their effort as “a remarkable demonstration of efficiency, coordination, and readiness within Lagos State’s emergency response system.”

He said the timely containment prevented what could have escalated into a deadly explosion, given the volatile nature of the product involved.

Bakare-Oki also cautioned motorists against reckless driving, emphasizing strict adherence to speed limits and other road safety regulations. He reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through proactive traffic management, rapid emergency response, and sustained public sensitization.

He further added that under the ongoing 24-hour operational regime, LASTMA will continue to work closely with emergency and security agencies to ensure that all traffic-related emergencies in Lagos are swiftly contained to prevent loss of lives and secondary incidents.

Police Rescue Pregnant Girls In Ondo Baby Factory… Arrest Kidnappers Arrested

Ayodele Oni

October 26, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered another a baby factory and human trafficking syndicate, this time, operating within Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the State.

The case, which was transferred from Ore Division to the Command’s Gender-Based Violence Unit, is presently under active investigation.

The incident, according to police Spokesman, Olusola Ayanlade, came to light on the 21st of October, 2025, at about 1950hrs, when one Vivian Peter, a 17-year-old girl from Ikot Ekpan, Akwa Ibom State, who is presently pregnant, reported at Ore Division that she had been trafficked from Akwa Ibom to Ore under the guise of being offered a job opportunity.

Upon her arrival in Ore, she was taken to a supposed clinic which later turned out to be a baby factory, where she met other pregnant girls allegedly being held for exploitation.

She further revealed that the owner of the facility, identified as one Ada Clement ‘F’, later instructed that she be taken to another hospital in Ore for a medical scan. However, she managed to escape and sought refuge at Ore Division, where she reported the incident to the police.

Acting swiftly on the report, operatives from Ore Division in collaboration with the Gender unit raided the said facility, leading to the successful rescue of five pregnant girls and a baby boy.

It was discovered that one of the victims had already given birth and is presently receiving post-natal treatment at the General Hospital, Ore, while the remaining rescued victims are in safe protective custody of the Police.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the prime suspect, Ada Clement, and her accomplices have confessed to the crime, admitting that the facility was being used as a baby factory, where young pregnant girls were kept until they delivered, after which their babies were sold to individuals seeking children.

It was further disclosed that the babies were sold for ₦400,000 and above for female children, and ₦600,000 and above for male children respectively.

In another operation, a suspected kidnapping syndicate was botched with the arrest of three suspects, described as inter state criminals.

Police statement reads, “In a major breakthrough against the menace of kidnapping, operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested a suspected member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate terrorizing travelers along major highways in the South-West region.

“The suspect, identified as Abdullahi Ibrahim, aged 20, and resident in Ore, was apprehended by officers of the Command following credible intelligence.

“Upon interrogation, the suspect made a confessional statement admitting to being part of a kidnapping gang responsible for several abductions along the Benin–Ore Expressway as well as other criminal activities on the Sagamu–Lagos Expressway.

“He further confessed that the gang’s operations cut across several states in the southern region of Nigeria, operating strategically along state lines to evade detection.

“His confession provided valuable leads that guided operatives of the State Anti-Kidnapping Section (SAKS), Akure, to Benin City, Edo State, where two additional suspects linked to the syndicate were arrested.

“The suspects are currently in custody and assisting investigators with information aimed at tracking down other members of the gang believed to be operating between Lagos and Edo States.”

Tinubu, Put Wike Out OF His Misery

The Source

October 26, 2025

By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

On Saturday, 25 Oct., 2025, I woke up to an emission on multiple platforms by the official spokesperson of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, which concatenates a desperate body of inanity, fantasy, and a generous dose of idiocy about me.

I’m grateful to the citizens who have responded to him & equally flattered that my life preoccupies the highest levels of Nigeria’s government.

However, because I consider this a total waste of public resources, it’s important that they hear from me directly as a citizen.

As Minister for the FCT, Mr. Wike currently presides over a 21st century city overwhelmed by the stench of human faeces occasioned by the collapse of the sewage system.

Yet, I distract him.

I’m a private citizen. I teach; I write; and I also engage in advocacy on matters of legal and public significance affecting Africa’s governance and institutions, including Nigeria’s. When I do, my positions and asks are public.

As part of my public advocacy, I have called attention to a pattern of avoidance by Mr. Wike concerning serious and well-founded accusations of habitual:

use of criminal violence to pervert the outcome of elections in Nigeria;
Looting of public assets in his various political roles at the State and federal levels, including as Governor and as Minister;
Laundering assets from Nigeria for the acquisition of luxury real estate in Florida in the USA;
Non-compliance with the asset declaration laws in Nigeria in relation to his unlawfully acquired and looted assets; and
Chronic and criminal corruption of every level of the judicial system from the lowest to the highest courts in Nigeria.

Each of these should ordinarily be enough to preclude Mr. Wike from public office. Together, they should ensure that no serious government could have anything to do with him besides asking him to clear his name (if he has any).

The emission by & in the name of Mr. Wike is part of a long-running effort on his part to distract attention from my work linking him to a habit and pattern of judicial insider-dealing and corruption of the judiciary.

Mr. Wike has parlayed that corrupt record into purchasing a seat for life on the Body of Benchers (BoB). His membership of the BoB remains an indelible blot on what is supposed to be a body of legal practitioners of the highest distinction in the country.

Instead, Mr. Wike struts Nigeria’s public space with both impunity and arrogance, peddling influence and abusing public office and assets habitually for his private gain.

In the past year, Mr. Wike has sought to bully or use the BoB to persecute me or squelch my work on his undisguised role in judicial corruption. He failed. That is now under examination by the UN Special Rapporteur on Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite.

This week-end emission is his latest gambit. He will fail too.

Mr. Wike has also used public assets to sustain a habit of dependence on expensive alcoholic beverages which have manifestly become a danger both to his wellbeing and to the public good.

Even now, it is not too late for Mr. Wike to seek and receive the attention he desperately needs for unhealthy addiction to alcoholic beverages.

For that to happen, however, Mr. Wike must quit and vacate the high office he currently holds. And if he chooses not to, the President should, as an act of compassion, take immediate steps to put him out of his misery.

Odinkalu is a Professor of Law and Human Rights Activist

TETFund Inspects Projects At Ondo Poly, Expresses Satisfaction

Ayodele Oni

October 26, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has passed a vote of confidence on the management of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo (RUGIPO) in Ondo state for its efficient use of resources allocated to it by the Fund.

The TETFund team made the declaration during a courtesy call on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure.

Led by Sunday Adepoju, BoT member representing the Southwest, the team was in RUGIPO to commission several projects supported by TETFund.

The projects include faculty of applied sciences building, faculty of engineering technology building, 250-twin lecture theater, construction and furnishing of academic staff offices, among others.

The project commissioning was part of activities marking the 12th to 23rd convocation ceremonies of the polytechnic.

Adepoju said RUGIPO has continuously kept a culture of excellence and accountability by ensuring that the polytechnic has no abandoned projects.

“We have come to see for ourselves what TETfund has done for the polytechnic. How the fund allocated to it is being utilized. We have seen and we are very pleased with RUGIPO.

“Many projects have been commissioned and I have no doubt that if Rufus Giwa Polytechnic has more than the current fund, they will make good use of it. I am highly impressed because we have not noticed any abandoned project.

“They have proven that they are accountable, and are adding value to the graduates that they are churning out every year”

He further stressed that the Fund will continue to support RUGIPO in the areas of infrastructure and capacity strengthening.

“Anytime Rufus Giwa Polytechnic needs our assistance, we will do it. TETFUND has competent, qualified and highly exposed staff and they have done the nation proud. They have the right skillset to deliver” Adepoju disclosed.

In his reaction, Governor Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, thanked TETFund for its partnership and support for the state-owned tertiary institutions.

“You have displayed your capacity and partnership and lived to the objects of TETFUND as a truly intervention institution by the number of projects executed in our public institutions in Ondo state. We want to thank you and ask for more.

“We have positioned ourselves as an investor-friendly state and we value every productive partnership.”

He commended the founding fathers of TETFUND and President Bola Tinubu, for raising the bar of performance for the Fund and also investing in education, emphasising the President’s creation and funding of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), aimed at increasing access to higher education for Nigerian youths.

Ondo Constitutes Committee To Investigate Brutality Of Ilaje Residents By Naval Personnel

Ayodele Oni

October 26, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Following alleged acts of brutality and harassment by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, of some residents of Ilaje local government, Ondo state government has constituted a committee to investigate the incident.

The incidents, which reportedly occurred in the communities of Obejedo, Obe-Adun, and Obe-Nla, have sparked outrage among residents and prompted plans for a protest by some members of the affected communities.

Reacting to the development, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa expressed deep concern over the allegations and reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all citizens, particularly the people of Ilaje.

To ensure a thorough and lasting resolution, the Governor has set up a high-powered Intervention Committee headed by the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Maurice Oripenaye.

The committee is expected to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities to determine the true situation and extent of the incidents and liaise with relevant authorities to secure the immediate release of individuals arrested during the operations.

It is also expected to convene an emergency meeting of stakeholders, including community leaders, youth representatives, and security agencies, to foster dialogue and promote peace and submit a comprehensive report to the Governor to guide further government action and investigation.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the chairman assured residents that the state government has already launched a full-scale investigation into the allegations.

He emphasized that justice will be served, the rule of law will prevail, and preventive measures will be strengthened to forestall future occurrences.

The Ilaje Council Chairman appealed to community members—particularly organizers of the planned protest scheduled for Monday, October 27, 2025—to suspend the demonstration, urging them to allow the government’s intervention process to take its course.

“A protest at this point is unnecessary and could heighten tensions. The state government has already activated official channels to address your concerns. Please remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation proceeds,” Oripenaye stated.

He further reassured residents that the Aiyedatiwa-led administration places top priority on peace, security, and the protection of every citizen in the state.

“Your peace and security remain our paramount priority,” he affirmed.

Ekiti: APC Ward Congress Peaceful, No Petition Received — Appeal panel

Ayodele Oni

October 26, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Chairman, All Progressives Congress, (APC) Appeal Panel for the Ekiti Delegates Congress, Dennis Otiotio, has said that the panel did not receive any petition over the exercise held on Saturday.

Otiotio, who is the APC Chairman in Bayelsa State, spoke at a press conference on Sunday in Ado Ekiti, attributing the absence of grievance or petition over the delegates congress to the unity and peaceful atmosphere within the APC in Ekiti State.

The congress was for the election of delegates from across the 177 wards in the state, who will, during the party’s primary election on Monday, affirm Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, as the party’s candidate for the June 20, 2026, governorship poll.

The APC National Working Committee, (NWC) had announced Oyebanji as the party’s consensus governorship candidate in Ekiti State following the withdrawal of the second aspirant, Mrs Atinuke Omolayo, leaving only the governor in the race.

The party had earlier disqualified the remaining two aspirants, Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olawumi.

Otiotio lauded the peaceful and transparent conduct of the delegates congress held across the state.

To reach this level, there are allegations that names of some members, especially those that supported one of the aspirants, Kayode Ojo were removed from the membership register, which culminated in his disqualification by APC NEC.

The affected members were not allowed to participate in the ward congresses to pick delegates that will endorse Oyebanji.

Speaking at the party’s state secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, Otiotio said the panel did not receive a single petition or complaint from any of the 16 local government areas following the congress.

He said, “As part of the electoral process, the party constituted a five-man appeal panel to receive complaints from aggrieved members regarding the conduct of the delegate congress”.

The APC chieftain stated that a public notice had been issued and circulated to all APC local government secretariats, inviting members with grievances to submit their petitions between 6pm on the day of the congress and 6 am the following day (Sunday).

“By 10 a.m., we were ready to review any petitions, but fortunately, none were received. This demonstrates the transparent manner in which the delegates congresses were conducted.

“We commend the committee that handled the process for doing an excellent job,” he said.

Otiotio, who praised Oyebanji, attributed the unity and peaceful atmosphere within the party to his inclusive governance style.

“It is evident that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s sterling leadership qualities have fostered harmony within the party. The consensus reached across all wards shows the level of cooperation among members.”

The appeal committee chairman expressed confidence that the APC would perform excellently in the forthcoming governorship election.

He appreciated the National Working Committee of the party for the confidence reposed in the appeal panel.

The Ekiti State APC Chairman, Mr Olusola Elesin, who said that the delegates congress was conducted peacefully and without any form of malpractice, said, “I am glad to inform you that the election was hitch-free across the state.

“We have not received any report of irregularities, and no committee member is being sanctioned.”

Elesin lauded the electoral committee for its diligence and transparency, expressing optimism that the appeal panel would find no issue to contest.

Northern Forum Accuses Matawalle Of Inducing Opposition To Defect

Ayodele Oni

October 26, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Northern Elders Unity Forum has accused the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, of using state funds and position to lure opposition into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group alleged that the minister is using his political influence to lure members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the Northern Elders Unity Forum of the PDP, Matawalle has allegedly been engaging in “reckless and undemocratic tactics” aimed at dismantling the opposition party’s structure in Zamfara State and other parts of the North-West.

Reports from Zamfara indicate that over 24,000 PDP members, including former executives and elders from six local government areas, have so far joined the APC amid growing political realignments in the region.

The Forum, in a statement signed by its National Secretary, Dr. Abbas Sadauki, accused the former Zamfara governor of exploiting state resources and his ministerial position to induce PDP officials, elected representatives, and loyal supporters to defect.

The PDP elders said Matawalle’s ongoing political moves are part of a broader strategy to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Matawalle has embarked on a desperate mission to dismantle the PDP structure in Zamfara and across the North-West.

“His antecedents of using power and appointments to induce defections have created leadership vacuums and threatened the growth of democracy in our region.”

The Forum also alleged that several PDP members had been misled by promises of appointments and financial benefits, describing the trend as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic balance and multiparty system.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently call Matawalle to order. His excessive interference and political desperation pose a serious danger to democracy and the principle of fair political competition in Nigeria.”

Ooni, Alaafin End Rift, Creates Joint Council For Yoruba Unity

Akinwale Kasali

October 25, 2025

Ooni of Ife-Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Alafiin of Oyo-Oba Abimbola Owoade

By Akinwale Kasali

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, have brought an end to their two month rift in Lagos on Friday.

A meeting convened by Sir Kessington Adebutu, Billionaire business magnate popular as ‘Baba Ijebu’, held at the Eko Hotel on the sidelines of Adebutu’s 90th birthday celebration saw both revered Monarchs end their feud.

In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, both Monarchs announced the formation of the Joint Council for Yoruba Unity — a platform aimed at promoting peace, cultural preservation, and socio-economic growth across Yoruba communities.

The communiqué was signed by the Ooni and Alaafin, witnessed by Adebutu, and issued by Kola Oyefeso, secretary of the communiqué drafting committee.

The meeting of the Monarchs was described as a turning point in Yoruba history.

“Today marks a defining chapter in our shared history,” the communiqué reads.

“We reaffirm our dedication to promoting harmony among all Yoruba sons and daughters, and upholding the sacred values of mutual respect and brotherhood handed down by our ancestors.”

The gathering was attended by Traditional Rulers, cultural custodians, and prominent Yoruba leaders, who discussed reconciliation, cooperation, and inter-kingdom relations.

The Ooni and Alaafin jointly offered prayers for peace, prosperity, and progress across Yorubaland, Nigeria, and the African continent.

Adebutu expressed delight at the renewed royal bond, describing it as “a milestone that will consolidate peace, unity, and development among the Yoruba people”.

It would be recalled that the two respected Monarchs in Yorubaland had a heated argument over the conferment of the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” title on businessman Dotun Sanusi by the Ooni, which was opposed by the Alaafin.

Following the conferment, the Alaafin had issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that the Ooni revoke the title.

He described the development as an “affront” and claimed exclusive authority to bestow titles covering the whole of Yorubaland.

The Alaafin had argued that a supreme court ruling had affirmed his sole prerogative in such matters.

In response, the Ooni’s media team dismissed the ultimatum as an “empty threat,” saying the monarch would not dignify it with a formal response.

This generated mixed feelings among Nigerians, leading to superiority battle between the duo.

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