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Peter Obi Decries Corruption in Sports, Says It Mirrors Nigeria’s Deeper Decay

October 27, 2025

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has condemned the deep-rooted corruption within Nigeria’s sports sector, describing it as a reflection of the country’s broader moral and institutional decay.

In a statement titled “Corruption in Sports: A Reflection of Nigeria’s Deeper Malaise,” Obi expressed dismay over FIFA’s recent revelation that funds released to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for stadium development and youth talent growth had been mismanaged.

He described the revelation as “both sickening and shameful,” noting that it mirrored the manner in which public funds are consistently misappropriated in Nigeria.

Recalling his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, Obi said officials of the Sports Federation had once informed his administration that Awka was selected as one of six locations for the construction of a FIFA-standard stadium, to be fully funded by FIFA. He stated that his government immediately allocated land for the project, but that was the last they heard of it.

“Believing that such a major project was underway, we channelled our resources toward constructing mini-stadiums across the state to encourage grassroots sports,” Obi explained. “We commissioned the Chuba Ikpeazu Memorial Stadium and the Godwin Achebe Stadium in Onitsha, among others. Years later, nothing came of the promised FIFA project, which prompted us to initiate the construction of the Awka Stadium ourselves.”

Obi lamented that despite the reported receipt of about $25 million by the NFF from FIFA and CAF since 2013, there is little or nothing to show for it. He cited the $1.2 million stadium project in Kebbi State as “a national embarrassment,” arguing that the structure does not reflect the funds allegedly expended.

He criticised those who accuse reform advocates of “demarketing” Nigeria by speaking against corruption, asserting that “the real demarketers of Nigeria are the incompetent leaders who have forged their way to wealth through the mismanagement and theft of public funds.”

“Our youths are our most prized assets, yet we have destroyed their future and then turned around to label them ‘Yahoo boys,’ when, in truth, the leaders who have robbed them of their future are the real ‘Yahoo’ of our nation,” Obi said.

He emphasised that the corruption in sports administration is symptomatic of the larger failure of governance in Nigeria, calling for integrity and accountability in every aspect of national life.

“If we truly desire to rebuild our country,” Obi concluded, “we must begin with integrity and accountability in every sector. Until then, our nation will continue to crawl where it should be soaring.”

BREAKING: Sowore Regains Freedom

Akinwale Kasali

October 27, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

After spending days in detention, former Presidential Candidate and Publisher of SaharaReporter, Omoyele Sowore, has regained his freedom.

Sowore’s release came days after he was re-arrested by operatives led by CSP Ilyasu Barau, Officer in Charge of Anti-Vice under the DC-CID, FCT Command, at the Kuje Magistrate Court in Abuja, while his legal team was in the process of perfecting his bail conditions.

The activist was released alongside Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the legal team representing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu; the IPOB leader’s brother, Prince Kanu; and ten others.

They were discharged after meeting their bail conditions, which included a ₦500,000 bond each and two sureties in like sum.

President Biya, 92, 43 Years In Office, Re-elected Cameroon’s President For Eighth Term

Akinwale Kasali

October 27, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Cameroonian President, Paul Biya, the World’s longest serving President was reelected as the President of the Central African country for the eighth term in office on Monday.

The vote results showed that 92-Year Old Biya, won 53.66% of the votes cast, against 35.19% for his former ally, Issa Tchiroma Bakary.

A new seven-year term could keep the veteran leader in power until he is nearly 100.

Opposition protesters have clashed with security forces repeatedly over the past week after partial results suggested Biya was on course to win the October 12 vote.

There was no immediate comment on the result from the government, which has rejected opposition accusations of irregularities.

After the results were announced, Tchiroma wrote on Facebook that two people were killed after shots were fired at civilians outside his home in the northern city of Garoua.

He did not say who had fired the shots or comment directly on the election result. Reuters could not confirm his account independently. Last week he said he had won the election and would not accept any other result.

Ekiti Gov. Election: Oyebanji Emerges APC Sole Candidate

Ayodele Oni

October 27, 2025

Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State

By Ayodele Oni

Ahead 2026 Ekiti governorship election, the state Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been confirmed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus governorship candidate.

This follows an affirmation exercise held on Monday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti.

This is coming amidst ongoing protest in Abuja by women groups against the disqualification of other aspirants such as Kayode Ojo by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The exercise saw 885 delegates from the 16 local government areas of the state endorsed Oyebanji, who is seeking a second term as governor.

The special nomination congress, supervised by a 10-member committee chaired by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, officially ratified Oyebanji’s candidacy after the voluntary withdrawal of the only other cleared aspirant, Mrs Atinuke Omolayo.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, served as deputy chairman of the committee, while Taiwo Sunmonu acted as secretary.

During the session, Senate Leader and APC stalwart, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion for the ratification of Oyebanji’s nomination as the party’s consensus candidate.

“I, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, hereby move a motion that this Ekiti Special Nomination Congress ratify the nomination of His Excellency, Biodun Oyebanji, as the consensus gubernatorial candidate of the Ekiti State APC, according to Section 84, Subsection 9 of the Electoral Act, 2022. I so move,” he declared.

The motion was seconded by Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Stephen, who described the decision as a historic moment for the party.

Reacting to the decision, Oyebanji sang worship to God alongside his wife as he dedicated the victory to his maker.

He also appreciated the committee, delegates, and President Bola Tinubu for their efforts and support for the development.

Delivering his acceptance speech, Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the party leadership and delegates for entrusting him with the ticket for a second time.

“I am honoured and appreciative of this rare privilege which you are giving for the second time.

“If words fail to fully express the depth of my excitement and gratitude, please forgive my bluntness; I will eternally be indebted to you all,” Oyebanji said.

Ondo, DAWN, Afenifere, Host Citizen Engagement Summit

Ayodele Oni

October 27, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Government, in collaboration with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and Afenifere, will host the two days Federal Government/South West Citizen-Government Engagement Summit on Wednesday.

The summit, themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” will hold at the International Conference Centre (The Dome), Akure.

The Summit aims to provide a platform for citizens and government to engage in constructive dialogue on key issues affecting the south west region.

According to the Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, who is the Secretary to the State Government, all preparations have been made to host delegates from the six States of the south west region.

The event, he said, will feature six thematic sessions, including Fiscal Reforms and National Planning, Economic Development and Job Creation, Social Services and Social Development, Infrastructure and Transportation, Human Capital Development, and Security and Governance.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will serve as the Chief Host of the Summit.

Participants will include Southwest governors, ministers and federal appointees of Southwest origin, federal legislators, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, private sector players, youth and student bodies, women groups, and other key stakeholders across the region.

The two-day summit is expected to foster collaboration and promote sustainable development in the Southwest region.

ADC Says FG Claim Of Drop In Food Prices Is “Propaganda, Deception”

Ayodele Oni

October 27, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — President Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of manipulating food prices and weaponising hunger for political advantage.

It described the administration’s claims of increased local production as “propaganda and deception.”

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said it was “dishonest” for the Tinubu-led government to celebrate a supposed drop in food prices when many farmers, particularly in the northern region, had been displaced by banditry and could no longer afford fertilisers or other key inputs.

“The Tinubu government is manipulating food prices and weaponising hunger for political gains.

“The reported drop in prices is artificial, driven by import waivers that have flooded the market with cheap foreign food.

“This is not evidence of increased production, but rather a short-term measure that sabotages local farmers and undermines food sovereignty.”

The ADC pointed out that the temporary decline in prices was “unsustainable and driven by panic, not strategy or planning,” warning that such policies would cripple the agricultural sector in the long run.

It also questioned why the government would hoard imported food while millions of Nigerians go hungry, describing the act as “callous and inhumane.

“If, as the government claims, imported food has not been released into the market, then why is it being hoarded while citizens starve? What kind of administration stores food in warehouses during a hunger crisis?” Abdullahi asked.

Calling for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s agricultural policy, the party urged the government to prioritise rural security, stabilise input costs, and support local producers instead of relying on import-dependent stopgap measures.

“The Nigerian people deserve truth and food, not manipulation and a false narrative of renewed hope,” the statement concluded.

How NDLEA Nabbed Pretty Mike

Adesina Soyooye

October 27, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

A Lagos-based socialite and nightclub owner, Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu, has been arrested by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

Popular as Pretty Mike, he was arrested in a-wee-hour raid at his Night Club, Proxy Nightclub, Victoria Island, Lagos, alongside Tuoyo Ideh, a former BB Housemate. Also arrested were more than 100 guests during the midnight raid at the Nightclub.

In a statement signed by NDLEA’s Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, and posted on its website Sunday the Agency alleged that many cartons of banned substances, including Loud and laughing gas, were recovered from the Nightclub.

The statement said NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence and infiltrated the club around 11 pm Saturday, based on standard operating procedures, and swooped on the party at about 3.00.am.

The statement reads:

“In Lagos, NDLEA operatives in the early hours of Sunday, October 26, raided Proxy Night club at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, where a drug party was going on. Over 100 suspects, including the owner of the club, Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu, alias Pretty Mike, were arrested and taken into custody for screening. Cartons of illicit substances, including Loud and laughing gas, were recovered from suspects at the party and the club’s store.

“The raid followed intelligence about the drug party. NDLEA operatives who were embedded in the party between 11 pm on Saturday, 25th October, however, disrupted the gathering at 3 am on Sunday, 26th October based on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).”

Confirming his arrest, Tuoye who confirmed his arrest on his Instagram page Sunday lamented his ordeal and expressed displeasure at his arrest.

“I have been arrested by the NDLEA from a night club in Lagos for basically doing nothing at all since around 4 am, they made us sit down like criminals, we over 150 people here up till now, that were carried to NDLEA head quarters Ikoyi, we didn’t commit any crime, they came with guns inside and the club and told everyone to lie down”, he wrote.

In another development, the NDLEA disclosed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, it intercepted 70 parcels of cocaine concealed inside cocoa butter body cream containers bound for London, United Kingdom.

The weight of the Cocaine, discovered on October 14, 2025, weighed 3.6kg and was discovered during the examination of cargoes declared as personal effects and scheduled to be exported on an Air Peace flight to London.

Lawal Mustapha Olakunle, the Cargo Agent, who brought the consignment for airfreighting was arrested. Investigations conducted over two weeks led to the arrest of two other suspects, a female healthcare worker, Ogunmuyide Taiwo Deborah, and the Chief Executive Officer of a travel agency, Mutiu Adebayo Adebiyi.

Said the NDLEA:

“The cocaine consignments weighing 3.60 kilograms were discovered on 14th October 2025 during examination of cargoes packaged as personal effects going to London, UK on an Air Peace flight. A cargo agent, Lawal Mustapha Olakunle, who presented the consignment for airfreight, was promptly arrested while investigations stretching into two weeks led to the arrest of two principal suspects linked to the attempt to export the concealed Class A drug to the UK.

“In a follow-up operation on 18th October, a female healthcare worker, Ogunmuyide Taiwo Deborah, was arrested, following which Mutiu Adebayo Adebiyi, the Chief Executive Officer of a travel agency, Mutiu Adebiyi & Co, was arrested at his 23 Ladoke Akintola Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos office on Monday 20th October.”

In a similar operation, NDLEA officers at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, foiled an attempt by a 35-year-old Lesotho national, Lemena Mark, to smuggle 103.59 grams of methamphetamine concealed in a Diabeta herbs coffee tea pack to the Philippines on an Ethiopian Airlines flight on October 22.

Babafemi said that the suspect was arrested at the airport and the illicit substance recovered.

In Kwara State, the agency intercepted 21,950 capsules of tramadol 250mg hidden inside a 100-litre water heater. Umar Abubakar, the suspect, aged 40, was, based on credible intelligence, arrested on October 21 at Bode Saadu, Moro Local Government Area.

And, in Taraba State, “two suspects — Auwal Musa, 26, and Salihu Bala, 22 — were arrested on October 21 with 450,000 pills of tramadol and Exol-5 at the Dan-anacha checkpoint.

“The drugs were being conveyed in a truck loaded with building materials from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Mubi, Adamawa State.

Along the Okene/Lokoja highway in Kogi State, officers seized 162.2kg of skunk, a strain of cannabis, from a truck on October 24. Another 128kg of the same substance was recovered from a suspect, Abubakar Muhammad, 55, in Keffi, Nasarawa State, on October 22.

“In Lagos, a mother of two, identified as Oyonumoh Glory Effiong, described as a major distributor of high-grade cannabis known as Loud across Lekki, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Ajah, and VGC, was arrested on October 17 during a raid at her Lekki home, where 500 grams of the substance were recovered.

“In another Lagos operation, NDLEA officers raided the home of a suspect, Ogunyabo Adenigbigbe, at Solomade Estate, Ikorodu, where 275 litres of skuchies — a cocktail of blackcurrant drink, cannabis, and opioids — were recovered.

Also, a 75-year-old grandfather, Echendu Onuoka, was arrested with 4.7kg of skunk at Ovum village, Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, while a 60-year-old woman, Aukana John, was arrested with 225 grams of the same substance at Apanta village in the same area.”

Three Ondo Amotekun Officers Declared Wanted

Ayodele Oni

October 27, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Security Network agency codenamed Amotekun corps, has suspended three of its officers for alleged gross misconduct capable of undermining the security of the state.

The suspended officers are; Abu Taiwo, Akinsipe Victor and Ekujumi Julius.

The State Commander of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye who announced this in Akure on Monday during the parade of four suspected criminals, said the agency also declared the officers wanted as they are currently on the run.

Adeleye noted that the suspension would enable the agency to carry out proper investigations into allegations levelled against the officers.

Adeleye explained that “every organization has its own rules, the Ondo State Security Network Agency is not an exception.

“The law setting up the Corps specifically says the Corps should give out identity cards and warrant cards for operatives who are full staff of the government as an agency.”

It was however gathered that the affected officers took to the social media agitating for their appointment letters two years after they were signed in.

Adeleye pointed out that “You will observe that at the time when there are pressing need for the Corps to come together and continue to work assiduously to ensure that the security of the state is not compromised, it is when our intelligence showed that the trio ; Abu Taiwo, Akinsipe Victor, Ekinjumi Julius have been sponsored not only to undermine and disparage the management of the Corps but totally to distract the attention of the Corps from its core mandate of the provision of security to lives and property.

“All that you had seen on the social media on the 15 points they raised are all false allegations and disciplinary actions had been put in place by the Corps.

“And as we stand today, the three of them had been reprimanded. They are also declared wanted and due diligence in handling such in a security environment where oaths of allegiance and secrecy to the state cannot be thrown away will be used.

” We refused to be dragged into the controversies surrounding each and every one of them.

“But the fact remains that they are acting in isolation and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps remains solid as you can see the entire management staff in ensuring that we are not distracted. They are acting in isolation.

“The three of them have been suspended from the Corps and we are looking for them to come and answer as a way of giving them free access to criminal justice.

“If they are innocent, everybody will see. But the Corps as an entity will not be dragged into social media controversy with such people that are acting in isolation, especially now that we are sure and we have proof to show that they are being sponsored.”

On the four suspects paraded, the Amotekun commander said they were apprehended in connection with stealing of government’s property and kidnapping activities at a village in Akure North.

“Today we are parading four notorious suspects, in addition to that, we have another six sets of criminals that were arrested in the last two weeks in Ondo State in connection with robbery and kidnapping.

“For the fact that we had not concluded investigation on those, so they will not be paraded.

“For the four that we are parading today, we have Ogungbemi Adebayo who confessed voluntarily that he is an informant to kidnappers in Ademekun power line at Agodada camp.

Meanwhile, the wife of one of the officer of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has raised an alarm over the sudden disappearance of her husband after he was allegedly invited by the Corps Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, for a meeting.

According to the distraught woman, her husband, Victor Temitope Akinshepe, was invited for what was described as a “peaceful meeting” regarding his appointment letter on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

She stated that he left home to honour the invitation, but has not been seen or heard from since that day.

According to her, efforts by family members and colleagues to trace his whereabouts have so far proved unsuccessful.

She said the meeting was related to agitations among some officers demanding formal appointment letters from the state government.

“My husband told me the Commandant called them for a meeting to settle the issue of appointment letters. He left home for the meeting and since then, I have not seen or heard from him.”

CNPP, Groups Demand Probe Of Sacked Service Chiefs

The Source

October 27, 2025

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and over 75 civil society organisations (CSOs) under the umbrella of the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold decision to sack the non-performing Service Chiefs, describing the move as long overdue but better late than never.

In a joint statement signed by Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the CNPP, and Alhaji Ali Abacha, National Secretary of the CNCSOs, the coalition stated that the persistence of insecurity across Nigeria’s land and territorial waters throughout the tenure of the former Service Chiefs was undeniable evidence of incompetence, poor coordination, and policy failure.

“From the forests of Zamfara to the highways of Abuja–Kaduna, the creeks of the Niger Delta to the shores of the Gulf of Guinea, insecurity flourished under their watch. Kidnapping, banditry, insurgency, and piracy became daily realities for Nigerians. Entire communities were displaced, farmlands abandoned, and ancestral lands seized by non-state actors. Their removal was not just necessary — it was inevitable,” the statement declared.

While acknowledging that the decision to remove them came later than it should have, the CNPP and CNCSOs applauded President Tinubu for finally acting in the national interest and urged the new Service Chiefs to “hit the ground running” with fresh energy, new strategies, and measurable results.

“The President’s action rekindles hope that the government is now ready to match political will with decisive leadership in the war against insecurity. Nigerians, however, will not celebrate mere appointments; they expect swift, visible improvements in safety across the country,” the coalition stated.

The groups also called for an immediate and comprehensive probe of the tenure of the sacked Service Chiefs, alleging that their years in office were marked not only by persistent insecurity but also by opaque defence expenditures and poor accountability in military operations.

“The Nigerian people deserve to know how trillions of naira budgeted for defence and internal security were spent while insecurity worsened. We call on President Tinubu to immediately constitute an independent panel to investigate the activities, procurements, and command decisions of the former Service Chiefs to determine whether negligence, corruption, or complicity contributed to the sustained insecurity that ravaged the country under their leadership,” the statement demanded.

“There can be no meaningful reform without accountability. Those who failed the nation must explain why Nigerians remained unsafe in their homes, highways, and waterways despite huge investments in the defence sector,” it added.

While urging the newly appointed Service Chiefs to learn from their predecessors’ failures, the CNPP and CNCSOs also called for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s internal security system, with special emphasis on restoring the central role of the Nigeria Police Force in domestic security management.

“The police must not continue to exist merely as a protest control unit while the military performs internal security functions that should constitutionally belong to the police. A weak police force translates into weak internal security. The time has come for President Tinubu to empower, reform, and reposition the police as the lead agency in maintaining law and order,” the coalition emphasised.

The statement further advocated the institutionalisation of community policing through necessary constitutional and Police Act amendments, ensuring that security becomes people-driven and rooted in grassroots intelligence gathering.

“Community policing is not just desirable; it is essential. Security must begin from the people, not from the barracks. The government must bring policing closer to the citizens to build trust, cooperation, and resilience against crime,” the statement noted.

Reaffirming their commitment to supporting genuine government efforts to restore peace, the CNPP and CNCSOs stressed that Nigerians have endured too much pain to continue tolerating excuses or mediocrity in the security sector.

“President Tinubu has taken the right step by sacking those who failed to deliver. The next step is to probe their stewardship, rebuild the police, and empower the new security leadership to restore peace, unity, and confidence in the Nigerian state,” the statement concluded.

Signed:
Comrade James Ezema
Deputy National Publicity Secretary,
Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP)

Alhaji Ali Abacha
National Secretary,
Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs)

Dangote Refinery Moves Up To 1.4m bpd

Tosin Olatokunbo

October 27, 2025

Billionaire Aliko Dangote has announced his plan to make his $20 billion Petrochemical Refinery in Lagos worlds’ largest by increasing production from its current 650, 000 barrel per day to 1.4 million per day.

Currently, the Jamnagar Refinery in India, with 1,240,000 barrels per day, is the largest refinery in the world. But the President of Dangote Group said the Indian Refinery will be toppled soon with the ongoing Dangote Refinery expansion.

The businessman was recently accused by the National Union of Petroleum Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG of importing Indians into the country, to take over jobs meant for Nigerians. The company has denied the allegation.

One of the top executives in the Refinery is an Indian man, Devakumar V.G Edwin who holds the position of Vice President responsible for the Group’s Oil & Gas business, which includes the refinery.

Edwin previously served as Group chief executive officer of Dangote Cement Plc and has a long history with the company since joining in 1992.

Dangote however did not give a timeline for his ambitious plan, he said the focus now is to cater for Africa’s requirements.

The Africa’s Richest Man made the announcement in Lagos on Sunday, few days after Bloomberg announced that he retained his position as the Continent’s number one Billionaire with a combined wealth of over $30 billion. He’s now the 75th richest man in the world.

According to the publication, Dangote’s fortunes rose by $2.25 billion to $30.3 billion as of October 24, making him the only African among top 100 world billionaires.

According to him, the facility will also expand the production of polypropylene from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum.

“We are expanding the Dangote Petroleum Refinery from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day.

“Upon completion, this will make it the largest refinery in the world, surpassing the Jamnagar Refinery in India,” he stated.

Meanwhile, analysts insist that his surging fortune may not be unconnected with a period of aggressive expansion by his flagship company, Dangote Industries subsidiaries. Just recently, Dangote Cement, one of his subsidiaries, officially launched operations in Attingué, Côte d’Ivoire.

The new plant, which spans 50 hectares, boasts a production capacity of 3 million tonnes of cement annually, cementing Dangote’s dominance in Africa’s construction materials market.

Back in Nigeria, the Dangote Refinery in lagos has establisehd itself as the mjor player in the nation’s energy sector.

The $20 billion refinery, inaugurated in May 2023 by the late President Muhammadu Buhari, began production in January 2024 after overcoming crude supply challenges. The refinery, with a 650,000-barrel-per-day capacity, is one of the largest single-train facilities in the world and sits on 2,635 hectares of land in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria’s economic powerhouse.

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