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NBA President Has No Power To Publicly Reprimand Judge – Lawyers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Afam Osigwe - NBA President
Afam Osigwe, NBA President.

By Ayodele Oni 

Lawyers under the aegis of the Nigerian Law Society, (NLS), have dragged the President of Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), Afam Osigwe, SAN, to the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, (LPPC), for ‘publicly reprimanding’ a judge.

 

The LPPC, which confers the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN), on qualified legal practitioners, also maintains legal standards and oversees the regulation of SANs.

 

 Recall Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had ordered Marshall Abubakar, the lead defence counsel to publisher, Omoyele Sowore, to step forward and kneel in open court for raising his voice during proceedings.

 

Justice Umar also threatened to commit Abubakar to prison for contempt.

 

Other lawyers in the court had to intervene, pleading for leniency before the judge backed down.

 

Reacting to the development, the NBA, in a statement issued by its President, Osigwe, condemned the judge’s action, stressing that he has no right to ask a lawyer to kneel in court.

 

“A judge directing a legal practitioner or indeed any person whatsoever to kneel in court is not a recognised judicial sanction under our laws and does not align with the standards of judicial conduct expected on the Bench,” the statement said.

 

However, the matter has taken another turn with the Nigerian Law Society, an association of non-litigation lawyers, asking the Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to refer Osigwe to the LPPC for investigation and possible sanctions, for publicly reprimanding a judge.

 

The CJN, who serves as chairman of the LPPC, also heads the National Judicial Council, NJC, which handles issues concerning misconduct by judicial officers.

 

NLS faulted the statement issued by the NBA President, describing it as public reprimand which undermines and demeans the authority of judges.

 

The association suggested that Osigwe should have referred the matter to the NJC “through a more discreet method to avoid demeaning or diminishing the respect to be accorded judges by both Nigerian lawyers and citizen.”

 

In a letter addressed to the CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, dated March 17, 2026, signed by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, the NLS said the NBA President overstepped his bounds.

 

“Assuming though not conceding, Mr. Mazi Afam Ozigwe, SAN, in his capacity as President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is entitled to freedom of speech under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999, there are legally prescribed channels to express his dissatisfaction such as submission of a petition against the said judge to the National Judicial Council (NJC).

 

“This is because as a general rule of law, the right to freedom of speech (as well as other rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Nigeria) do not confer absolute rights.

 

“For example, only one week ago, the same President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) wrote a public press statement admonishing the Code of Conduct Bureau to desist from inviting or investigating the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. 

 

“He cited Supreme Court of Nigeria judgment to make a case for the said Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to be referred to the NJC.

 

“Therefore, it is a contradiction for the same President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to be quick to write a press statement in condemnation of Hon. Justice Mohammed Garba Umar instead of seeking his referral to the NJC,” the NLS said.

 

The association observed that, recently, the CJN had cause to publicly caution the NBA President to desist from making blanket and sweeping generalisations that all judges in Nigeria are corrupt.

 

“We conclude by stating that all Nigerian judges enjoy the power and authority to apply discretion in imposing any penalties for acts of contempt in the face of the court.

 

The Nigerian Law Society expressed concern at the high rate of misconduct among legal practitioners in the country, noting that adherence to professional conduct is at an all time low. It insisted that judges should be given the powers to tackle the problem.

 

“The adherence to professional conduct is at an all time low amongst Nigerian lawyers as evident by the increasing number of cases at the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).”

Maiduguri Blast: Amaechi Accuses Tinubu’s Govt Of killing Nigerians

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Rotimi Amaechi and Bola Tinubu

By Adesina Soyooye

“One day, the people will rise and reject incompetence”

Immediate past Minister of Transportation under the Government of late President  Muhammadu Buhari, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s Government of killing Nigerians.

Amaechi, a former APC chieftain-turned African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, spoke on the heels of the tragic bomb blasts in Maiduguri, Borno State on March 16, 2026 which resulted in the deaths of 23 souls and 108 injured persons.

He lamented the   persistent failure of the Tinubu-led Federal Government to protect the lives and property of Nigerians. He described President Tinubu’s efforts as “abysmally incompetent and lacking the basic leadership skill set to protect Nigerians.”

Amaechi in a statement he issued on Tuesday to commiserate with the families of the victims of the bombing incident in Maiduguri said “Nigerians cannot continue to mourn and live in fear, while Tinubu and his lackeys at the helm of affairs in the country, live lavishly and ostentatiously while failing to take decisive actions to put an end to the raging insecurity.”

Amaechi: “This government is killing Nigerians. I repeat, President Tinubu’s government is killing Nigerians, literally destroying lives. He has failed in the most sacred duty of protecting the lives of its citizens.

“The Monday bombings in Maiduguri is not just a tragedy, it is a damning indictment of a leadership that has grown complacent, incompetent, and indifferent to the sufferings and death of Nigerians to ravaging bandits.

“While families mourn and communities live in fear, those in power issue hollow statements and make empty promises.

“In fact now, they don’t bother to make promises anymore. They just move on as if nothing happened.

“Tinubu would rather be dining and partying in London while Nigeria burns. They just don’t care!

“How many more lives must be lost before they admit their failure? How many more communities must be shattered and destroyed before they take decisive action?

“Insecurity has become the daily reality of ordinary citizens, and yet the government continues to stumble, unprepared and unwilling to confront the menace with the seriousness it demands.

“Nigerians deserve safety, peace, and dignity, not negligence and continued excuses.

“If those in power cannot guarantee that, then they have no business clinging to authority.

“Leadership is not about rhetoric, it is about responsibility, action, and making the right decisions for the good of the people.

“Right now, this government has abandoned that responsibility, and the nation is paying the price,”

Sympathizing with the people of Borno state, and the victims of the bombings and their innocent families “whose lives have now been shattered because of Tinubu’s government failure to protect them,” Amaechi added that enough is enough. He asked  President Tinubu to resign since he has failed woefully in the  Performa of his basic responsibility of protecting lives and property of Nigerians.

He said that the people will not be silenced, and will not accept to live in continued fear.

“One day, the people will rise and resist incompetence, reclaim their right to live in peace and safety. Only then will the government realise that the people’s voice is stronger than bombs, and failed leadership.”

Eid-Rl-Fitr Celebration: Nigeria Police, NSCDC Commands Deploy 4,000 Personnel To Praying Grounds

By
Ayodele Oni
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Police on Duty

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo state Police Command and  the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have announced the deployment of no fewer than 4,000 police personnel to guard various praying grounds across the state to ensure a peaceful and secure Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, explained that the deployment forms part of proactive security measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property before, during, and after the festive period.

A statement by the command’s spokesman Abayomi Jimoh stated that “The personnel will be strategically positioned at Eid prayer grounds, major highways, recreational centres, markets, and other critical public spaces.

“This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by security agencies nationwide to strengthen safety during the Sallah celebrations, as heightened security operations have been activated across various states.

“The Command further disclosed that special units, including Tactical Teams, Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (EOD-CBRN), Police Mobile Force and  State Intelligence Department operatives have been mobilised for both covert and overt operations to prevent criminal activities and respond swiftly to any security threats.

“Residents are urged to remain vigilant, cooperate with security operatives, and report any suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through emergency lines.

“The Command reassures the good people of Ondo State of its unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order, while wishing all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Fitr celebration.”

Also, the State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oluyemi Ibiloye, approved deployment  1000 officers and men, along with other operational assets of the Corps, to beef up security ahead of the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

Daniel Aidamenbor,

Head, Media & Public Relations

NSCDC Ondo State Command revealed that the deployment was contained in an Operational Order released to all formation and tactical heads on Tuesday, in preparation for the end of ramadan fast and the easter celebration in the state.

Area of responsibilities (AoR) include,  Eid Prayer grounds, recreational centers, markets, motor parks, worship centres as well as other Critical National, State, and Local Government Assets and Infrastructure.

Tactical and specialized units, including the Agro Rangers Team, Armed Squad, Female Strike Force, Rapid Tactical Squad, Anti-Vandalism Squad, Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosives (CBRNE) Unit, Counter-Terrorism Unit, and Disaster Management Unit, will be deployed to public spaces and strategic public places prone to criminal activities.

Area Commanders and Divisional officers are to intensify surveillance and visibility patrol across flashpoints in their area of responsibilities by synergising with sister agencies in information gathering and sharing.

The Commandant also urged officers and men to be committed, vigilant, and professional, while respecting citizens’ fundamental rights.

He warned that strict observance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Rules of Engagement (ROE), and Service Orders (SO) must be obeyed in the discharge of their duties.

Commandant Ibiloye extends his goodwill messages to muslim faithfuls and urged members of the public to remain resolute, law abiding and vigilant during and after the celebration.

Yoruba Nation Agitator, Igboho’s Threat To Opposition Undemocratic – CD

By
Ayodele Oni
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Sunday Igboho

By Ayodele Oni

The Campaign for Democracy (CD), has warned Yoruba nation Agitator, Sunday Igboho, to desist from making inflammatory statements and attempting to stifle opposition voices in the South West region of Nigeria.

In a statement signed by Pastor Ifeanyi Odili, National President of CD, the organization expressed concern that Igboho’s recent statements, including his threat that no other opposition party should be allowed to campaign in South West Nigeria, are a clear attempt to undermine the democratic process and intimidate opposition parties.

“CD condemns Igboho’s attempt to impose a one-party rule in the South West region and deny Nigerians their fundamental right to participate in the electoral process. This is a recipe for disaster and a threat to Nigeria’s fragile democracy.”

The statement emphasized that Nigeria is a pluralistic society where citizens have the right to participate in the democratic process, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.

CD stressed that Igboho’s actions are  manifestation of deeper problem of intolerance and disregard for the rule of law.

The organization urged Igboho to refrain from making provocative statements and instead focus on addressing the pressing issues of banditry, insecurity, and economic hardship facing the nation.

CD also called on Yoruba elders to counsel Igboho to respect the rights of others and toe the line of peace and national unity.

It condemned the APC’s alleged attempts to transform Nigeria into a one-party state, saying it would be a regression to the military era.

The organization called on security agencies to ensure that all Nigerians are free to exercise their rights without fear or intimidation.

CD reiterated its commitment to defending democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Nigeria, and vowed to take all necessary actions to ensure that the country’s democratic institutions are protected.

Ondo: Ikare Central Mosque Reopens, Four Years After Closure

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ikare Central Mosque

By Ayodele Oni

The highlight of Ramadan Iftar hosted by the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, was the announcement ordering the reopening of Ikare Central Mosque.

Governor Aiyedatiwa ordered the immediate reopening of the Ikare Akoko Central Mosque which had been shut down almost four years ago.

The Governor gave the order, during an annual Iftar Ramadan fast prayer organised by the state government at the Dome International Event Centre, Alagbaka, Akure.

He also advised those behind the plot to remove Grand Chief Imani of the mosque to bury the idea, following resolution of disagreement which led to the crisis.

Aiyedatiwa also ordered that the Grand Chief Imam of Ikare, Sheik Abubakar Mohammed Abas, would continue to lead islamic Prayers and activities in the town.

The Governor said the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh, as well as the Grand Mufti of Ikare and Ondo state, Sheikh Shehu Batuta and the Grand Chief Imam, Sheikh Abubakar should ensure that the directive of reopening the mosque is effected in the spirit of love and unity.

Sheikh Abubakar was recently appointed as the State Vice Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas by a special committee chaired by Sheikh Shehu Batuta.

The Ondo state government, led by the late Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, had shut down the Ikare Central mosque on October 18, 2022, to prevent violent clashes.

The closure was necessitated by a leadership dispute regarding an alleged plot to remove the Grand Chief Imam, Sheik Abubakar Mohammed Abas by the Ikare Muslim council.

The move caused tension and safety concerns on October 10, 2022, which was rejected by majority of other Islamic bodies in the town and the state.

The latest pronouncement by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday led to massive applause and jubilation at the venue of the Iftar attended by the Olukare, Shehu Batuta and the Chief Imam, while the news also led to commendations and prayers for the Governor across social media platforms.

FG Declares 2-day Holiday To Mark Eid-el-Fitr

By
James Orji
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0
Olubunmi Tunji Ojo

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays in celebration of the Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the Muslim one month fast also known as Ramadan.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on Tuesday, urging Muslims to continue to show the virtues of love, generosity and sacrifice as exemplified during the Holy Ramadan month. .

The minister spoke In a statement singed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, extending warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to Muslim  faithful in the country.

Tunji-Ojo urged Muslims to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance and sacrifice, which were emphasised during the holy month of Ramadan.

He also called on Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the continued peace, unity and prosperity of the country.

While wishing Muslim faithful a joyful Eid-ul-Fitr celebration, the minister encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society.

“The Federal Government remains committed to fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians,” the Minister said.

FG, UK To Sign £746m Port Modernisation Deal During Tinubu’s Visit

By
James Orji
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0
Gboyega Oyetola - NIMASA Piracy

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has disclosed that the federal government and the Unite Kingdom, K government have reached a £746 million deal for the modernization of two major seaports in the country.

The funding arrangement from His Majesty Government, according to a statement issued by the Minister’s  Spokesperson, Bolaji Akinola, will be used for the face-lift of Apapa and Tin Can seaports in Lagos.

The deal, according to the statement will be signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK. Tinubu arrived the European country on Tuesday with other top federal government officials, ahead of the visit expected to kick off today, Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

According to the minister, the two ports handle more than 70 percent of the nation’s export and import, saying the funding was secured through the UK Export Finance.

He stressed that the deal signals “a deepening of strategic economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom while opening a new chapter in Nigeria’s maritime development” adding that the modernisation is the first since the establishment of the two seaports many years ago.

Oyetola described the financing package as a transformative milestone for the country’s port system.

He added that the scale and scope of the modernisation project mark the first comprehensive overhaul of the facilities since their establishment.

The minister explained that the project forms a central pillar of the Federal Government’s broader agenda to unlock the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy while restoring efficiency and global competitiveness to the country’s maritime infrastructure.

“This financing agreement represents a defining moment for Nigeria’s maritime sector,” the minister said.

He added that for decades, Apapa Port and Tincan Island Port have borne the weight of national trade, “yet their infrastructure has not kept pace with the scale and complexity of modern global shipping. What we are set to do is not merely an upgrade, but a comprehensive transformation that will bring our ports into alignment with international best practice.”

Oyetola noted that the partnership with the United Kingdom reflects a shared commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and advancing sustainable maritime development.

“Through this historic collaboration with the United Kingdom, we are laying the groundwork for a new era in the management and operation of Nigerian ports,” he said.

“Modern infrastructure supported by digitalised and automated processes will significantly enhance efficiency, transparency, and operational reliability. Our objective is clear: to create a port system that is modern, competitive, and capable of serving as a strategic maritime hub for West and Central Africa.”

The minister said the modernisation programme will introduce advanced cargo-handling infrastructure, expanded port capacity, and integrated digital systems designed to eliminate many of the operational bottlenecks that have historically slowed cargo movement through Nigeria’s busiest ports.

Oyetola highlighted that, once completed, the reforms will fundamentally reshape the operational landscape of Nigeria’s maritime gateways. He mentioned that vessel turnaround times are expected to decline significantly, while cargo dwell times within the ports will be sharply reduced as automated systems replace paper-based procedures and outdated manual processes.

“Efficiency at the ports is central to the health of the national economy. By modernising our infrastructure and embracing digital technologies, we will enable faster clearance of imports and exports, reduce demurrage and logistics costs for businesses, and ensure a more predictable and transparent cargo movement system.

“These improvements will not only ease trade but will also stimulate economic growth and generate increased revenue for national development,” Oyetola said.

2027: Resign Within 2Wks, Tinubu Orders Ministers, Others Planning To Contest

By
James Orji
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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

All federal government appointees wiling to contest the 2023 election should resign their appointments, on or before March 31, 2026. The directive was issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a circular released on Tuesday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

According to the circular issued by the Permanent Secretary General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the directive is in tandem with the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and pursuant to the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ambitious political appointees expected to resign from their positions, if they want to contest the 2027 election are Ministers, Ministers of State, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, among others.

The appointees are also expected to submit their letter of resignations to the President, thorough the Office of the SGF, the government said in the circular.

“The resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political appointees who wish to participate in the forthcoming party primaries or seek nomination for any elective office, which include the following: Honourable Ministers, Honourable Ministers of State, Special Advisers to the President, Senior Special Assistants to the President, Special Assistants to the President, Personal Assistants to the President, All Directors-General, and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-owned Companies, as well as all Other Political Appointees of the President,” the government noted in the document cited by journalists yesterday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Queen Faces Banishment, Two Chiefs Suspended,  Peller Declared Wanted Over Illegal Entry Into Benin Monarch Palace

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Ewuare II and Peller

By Ayodele Oni

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II has “declared wanted” a social media influencer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, known as Peller, over an unauthorized entry into the Monarch’s Palace.

The Palace had, on Monday, suspended one of the Queens, a Palace Chief and a member of staff of the Benin Traditional Council, BTC, identified as Mr. Omuemu who was arrested and charged to court over an unauthorized access to the Palace by Peller.

A statement signed by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, and made available to Journalists in Benin said the Queen is facing serious disciplinary proceedings that could result in her  banishment from the Palace.

He warned that, “the Palace is not a public thoroughfare or a location for frivolous content creation; it is the ancient and spiritual seat of the Oba of Benin, governed by centuries of tradition, custom, and sacred protocols.”

The statement read in part:

“The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) wishes to address the public regarding a serious breach of protocol and desecration of the sacred precincts of the Palace, which occurred on Friday, 6th March 2026.

“The Council confirms that an individual, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, a social media influencer popularly known as “Peller,” gained unauthorized access to the Palace premises on the said date.

“Mr. Adelaja and his entourage entered the Palace without the requisite permission from the Council, and their subsequent conduct caused significant embarrassment and a breach of the peace within the Palace grounds.

“The Benin Traditional Council views this incident with the utmost gravity.

“The Council has conducted a preliminary investigation into the circumstances that allowed this unauthorized access. Consequently, stringent disciplinary measures have been taken against Palace staff and Chiefs who aided this mischievous act.

“Specifically, a Chief who was implicated in the incident has been suspended indefinitely from the Palace. A staff member of the Benin Traditional Council, identified as Mr. Omuemu, has been detained by the Nigeria Police Force.

“He has been charged to court for causing a breach of the peace and abetting the unauthorized entry.

“Furthermore, it is with deep regret that the Council confirms that a Queen of the Palace who was unfortunately featured in the incident is now facing serious disciplinary proceedings.

“In accordance with Benin traditions and customs, these proceedings may inadvertently result in her removal from the Palace.

“Following the incident, the Council, utilizing the same channels within the palace that facilitated the initial entry, extended an invitation to Mr. Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja (Peller).

“He was requested to appear before a committee of Chiefs tasked with investigating the matter to provide his own side of the story. Regrettably, Mr. Adelaja has failed to honor this invitation.

“The Council is, therefore, using this public medium to demand that Mr. Adelaja present himself immediately to the relevant authorities within the Council.

“His unapproved visit has caused untold distress to so many people, and as such, he must tender an unreserved written apology to the Palace for his unauthorized access and the embarrassment caused.

“Failure to comply with this directive will leave the Council with no option but to pursue legal action. The appropriate Law Enforcement Agencies have been duly informed of this matter and are standing by to take necessary action against him,” he said

Obi Visits  Malami After Release From Detention

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Peter Obi visits Malami

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, paid a solidarity visit to the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, at his Abuja residence.

The visit came just a day after Malami, alongside his son, secured their freedom from detention after perfecting their bail conditions.

The source reports that the former Minister of Justice under the late President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration, who is currently facing inter-agency prosecutions over multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering, abuse of office, and illegal possession of firearms was,  penultimate week, granted bail by an Abuja Federal High Court.

However, Malami, a prominent figure in the opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, could not secure his freedom until  Monday March 16,2026.

Although no formal statements have been issued, this magazine gathered that Obi’s visit to the Malamis  was both a sympathy and solidarity visit after spending several weeks in detention.

According to sources ,the visit by the  former Anambra State Governor who is one of ADC’s Presidential aspirants for the 2027 polls was to reassure Malami of support and understanding in this trying moment.

Until his arrest,  arraignment and detention, Malami was already preparing grounds to contest for the Kebbi state Governorship seat on the platform of the ADC in 2027.

However, not a few people  have come to perceive his ordeal in the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Department of State Service, DSS, as driven by his ambition and association with the opposition Coalition.

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