“Stop Spreading Lies About How Somtochukwu Died” – Neighbour

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October 1, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

“Nobody noticed her absence until I went downstairs and found her lying facedown. Another neighour performed CPR on her. But she had already passed”

A neighour of Arise Television’s Somtochukwu Maduagwu, has warned some Nigerians to stop spreading lies about the circumstances surrounding her tragic death during an armed robbery attack on her apartment.

Explaining how the Arise Television’s News Anchor was discovered after the attack on the 16-flat Unique Apartments, Katampe, Abuja, she said it took a long time to realise that she was not accounted for.

She said she discovered Somtochukwu, lying face down, accidentally, when she went downstairs, after the robbery to check what other havoc the robbers had wrought. It was heartbreaking, she said, that nobody noticed Somtochukwu until she (the neighour)went downstairs.

On seeing her, she said she screamed for a car to be brought but was disappointed that there was no urgency on the part of the Police Operatives who had then arrived.

She emphasized that it was a robbery attack, and not a case of assassination as is being insinuated in some quarters.

The neighour who tweeted from @lifegivingsun wrote: “Need people to stop spreading this agenda that they were assassins. They robbed a whole 18 flats in less than 15 mins. We all don’t have a conclusive reason on how she died because we found her lying flat in her blood, with no pants on.”

She disclosed that another neighour gave Somtochukwu Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) but that it was already late as she had already passed.

She said: “The most heartbreaking part was no one noticed her for so long – until I went downstairs to see what just happened to us and found her lying facedown. I was screaming for a car but the mobile police had no urgency. A neighour tried his best, gave her cpr, but she was gone.

This account confirms the position of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who denied the insinuations that Somtochukwu was rejected by the Maitama General Hospital, arguing that she was brought in dead to the hospital.

Earlier, however, her colleague, Ojy Okpe, lamenting her death on the popular Arise Television’s Morning Show Wednesday, narrated in part: “She jumped from her home when she heard that 14 armed robbers had come to the house. She didn’t die on the spot. She went to the hospital and was rejected.”

Her family, too, holds the hospital partly responsible for her death. “Instead of treating her immediately, they were asking for her identity card”, the grieving and devasted family said.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the circumstances of her death.

APC Fixes N50m As Nomination, Expression Of Interest Forms For Osun Governorship Poll

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Ayodele Oni

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September 30, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Just as screening of aspirants for governorship contest in Ekiti state by the All Progressives Congress, (APC), has been completed, the party has released official schedule of activities ahead of the Osun state 2026 governorship election.

In what looks like a clear sign that the race for Osun State’s top seat is heating up, the APC made public line up for the governorship election scheduled to take place next year.

According to the timetable issued by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, the process kicks off with the notice of election to the state chapter on Friday, 3rd October 2025, followed by the update of membership registers between 20th and 31st October 2025.

Only financial members up to date with their dues will be eligible to participate.

The sale of nomination and expression of interest forms for governorship aspirants will run from 12th November to 26th November 2025, with a submission deadline of 1st December 2025.

Screening of aspirants is scheduled for 3rd–4th December 2025, while the party’s primary election will be held on Saturday, 13th December 2025.

According to the schedule, appeals are expected the following day, while campaigns officially commence on 11th March 2026, with the grand finale set for 6th August 2026.

For the forms, the expression of interest is pegged at ₦10 million, while the nomination form costs ₦40 million, bringing the total to ₦50 million.

However, women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will only purchase the expression of interest form as the nomination form is free. Young aspirants between 25 and 40 years will receive a 50 percent discount on the nomination form.

The timetable signals the APC’s readiness to set the tone for what promises to be a fierce electoral contest in Osun.

Kidnapped New Lawyer, Udoka, Released

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Adesina Soyooye

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September 30, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Newly called-to- Bar, Peace Udoka Onyesom, has been released by her kidnappers.

Recall that Miss Onyesom, who was called to Bar on Tuesday, September 23, was kidnapped, along with her sister, Gift, and other passengers on Friday, September 26.

They had boarded a bus from Abuja after her Call to Bar, and were on their way back to Benin, when they were kidnapped in Kogi State by kidnappers in Army uniform just a stone-throw from a Military and Police checkpoint, and close to an Army Barracks.

It is not known if the young Lawyer, released on her birthday, along with her sister, Gift, was rescued by security operatives or released out of compassion and pressure, but the abductors had initially asked for N100m in ransom money which they later reduced to N40m for the release of the sisters – N20m for each sister.

The release came after much pressure from the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, and individuals and activists.

According to reports, confirmed by activist, Harrison Gwannishu, the new Lawyer and her sister were released at a village near Okpella, Edo State.

Udoka read Law at the Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State, and attended the Nigerian Law School, Enugu.

Another Lagos Female Council Official, Adebimpe Akinola, Passes On

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 30, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

As the Conference of the Lagos State Local Governments Area and Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, is yet to come to terms with the death of four elected Council Officers in a space of two months after their inauguration into office, the Lagos Councils is reeling from yet another loss.

Hon. Adebimpe Akinola, Council Manager of Coker Aguda LCDA and Chair of the Forum of Council Managers, have passed away.

She died on Monday after a brief illness.

Her death makes it the fifth female Local Government Official to die in Lagos in just two months.

The string of tragedies has shocked the State’s grassroots administration.

Akinola was laid to rest on Tuesday according to Islamic rites, with Janazah Prayer scheduled at Al Kitab Mosque after Zuhr, followed by burial at Igbe Lara cemetery.

It would be recalled that since July 27, four other Women in council positions across Lagos have also died, leaving many unsettled by the unprecedented wave of losses.

On August 13, Councillor Oluwakemi Rufai of Ward C in Ibeju Lekki Local Government died just weeks after her swearing-in.

Similarly, on August 18, Councillor Zainab Shotayo of Ward C in Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA also passed away.

The cycle of losses continued in September when Princess Oluremi Nutayi Ajose, Vice Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, died on September 20, followed by the death of Councillor Basirat Oluwakemi Mayabikan of Ward F, Somolu Local Government, on September 21.

The demise of these women has put the All Progressives Congress, APC, on the spotlight, with speculations on diabolism taking center stage. The APC has vehemently denied this.

Arise TV’s Anchor’s Killing: Wike Faults Reports, Says She Was Brought-in Dead

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Adesina Soyooye

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September 30, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has faulted the report that an FCT Hospital rejected to treat the killed Arise Television’s news anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu when she was taken to the hospital after an armed robbery attack.

Ms Maduagwu, 29, Barrister-at-Law and Arise TV’s news anchor, died from injuries sustained during an armed robbery attack at her residence, Katampe, Abuja on Monday, September 30, 2025.

Details of the sad incident which sparked outrage nationwide, are gradually emerging.

For instance, it has been disclosed that Maduagwu jumped out from the window of her flat when she noticed that the armed robbers, numbering about 14, were raiding the flats in the building one after the other.

A neighbor disclosed that the Police was alerted as soon as the robbers began operations, but that they arrived late. By the time they arrived, the robbers were through with their operations and escaped.

However, the severely injured Maduagwu was still alive when the Police arrived. Inexplicably, however, reports allege that the Policemen were unable to rush her to the hospital with the excuse that there was no fuel in their vehicle. But worse, alleged the reports, when she was eventually taken to the hospital, she was rejected.

While the Police has not commented on the allegation of arriving late and inability to take her to the hospital because their vehicle had no fuel, the FCT Minister has dismissed the allegation that Maduagwu was rejected by the hospital on arrival.

In a statement signed on his behalf by Media Aide, Lere Olayinka, the Minister said Maduagwu was brought in dead to the hospital.

While expressing pain at Maduagwu’s tragic end, and extending sympathies and condolences to her family, Arise Television and the Media, Wike disclosed that contrary to the claims that she was rejected by the hospital, she was brought in dead.

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike – FCT Minister

He said he got this information from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Mandate Secretary on Health, Dr Dolapo Fasawe. According to the statement, Maduagwu was brought to the Maitama General Hospital dead at about 4.30am on Monday.

Her death has sparked outrage from across Nigerians including President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, Governors Peter Mbah and Charles Soludo of Enugu and Anambra States respectively, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigerian Union of Journalists as well as the FCT Police Command and more.

President Tinubu has ordered a full investigation into her killing, and the urgent arrest of the criminals who caused her tragic end.

Insecurity: Sultan Urges Sustained NAF Airstrikes To Dislodge Bandits, Terrorists

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 30, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has pledged the unalloyed support of the traditional institution to the ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Air Force, NAF, and other security arms to combat insecurity in the Northern region of Nigeria.

This is as he urged security agencies, particularly, the NAF to sustain its current onslaught on terrorists and other criminal elements undermining the security of the country.

The Sultan who spoke on Tuesday September 30, 2025, while receiving in audience the new Commander of the NAF 119 Composite Group, Jane Gimo, called for more concerted efforts towards effectively tackling the serious security challenges facing the country.

“No society actually exists without its own share of challenges. But more need to be done to restore lasting peace in the Northern region”, Sultan Abubakar stated.

While appreciating the significant progress made in the fight against terrorism and criminality, the Sultan appealed to the NAF to enhance its airstrikes against hideouts and positions of bandits.

He emphasized the importance and urgency in mitigating the ravaging activities of terrorist groups and other criminal elements so as to create the enabling environment for citizens and residents to carry on with their legitimate means of livelihoods.

Sultan Abubakar also underscored the pre-eminent roles of the NAF in the over all efforts at halting the menace of terrorism and insecurity in the Northern region of the country.

He assured the readiness and commitment of the Sultanate Council and other traditional institutions in the region towards collaborating and partnering NAF and other security agencies to find a lasting solution to the problem of insurgency.

Earlier, the Commander of the NAF 119 formation Gomu, had informed that the visit was to solicit royal blessings and support of the Sultan as they brace for the task of reclaiming every part of the state and other security-challenged areas from bandits.

He promised that NAF will continue in its coordinated operations aimed at dismantling all identified banditry, kidnapping and other criminal strongholds .

He emphasized continuous synergy among sister security agencies and traditional rulers in the efforts to effectively safeguard the lives and properties of citizens.

Rights Group Frown At Sponsored Attacks On Falana

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 30, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigerian Human Rights Community, NHRC, has warned against sponsored protests organised to condemn and berate human rights activist, Femi Falana.

The coalition said such plots undermine the integrity and reputation of any democratic state while at the same time fuel the growth of tyranny.

The NHRC, a.

coalition of 130 civil society and community based organisations, said its members were appalled by the irresponsible conducts of certain individuals paid to undermine the historic contributions of the Nigerian foremost human rights leader.

“Few days ago, a tattered, sponsored rally was organised in Abuja condemning Falana’s criticisms of the military.

“The protest was led by Solomon Semaka who by his actions has written his name in the book of infamy.

“The protesters held up banners with inscriptions like;

”Falana stop blackmailing Nigerian military” and ”Falana enough is enough”.

The statement signed by Mallam Kudu Abubakar and Taiwo Adeleye on behalf of NHRC accused the protesters of attacking the very principle and foundation of democracy.

The group said criticism is the oil that lubricates the engine of democracy and that no government that values human rights and free speech should ever make any attempt to scuttle dissent.

“This action of a few scavengers is ridiculous. It is an attack on free speech and a dangerous pattern that may promote counter measures from Nigerian masses who largely support the historic interventions of Mr Falana in the affairs of bad governance in Nigeria spanning over four decades.

“Falana is an asset to Nigeria, without his intervention and sacrifices he and others made, there would be no democracy in Nigeria. To attempt to undermine his contributions to development and consolidation of democracy in Nigeria is a very dangerous trend that all men and women of conscience must oppose with all strength and every sense of responsibility.

“Unknown to these sponsored protesters, Mr Falana has defended the rights of several security officials including the military from infractions and gross abuse by state and non-state actors. He has even saved many military personnel from death sentences imposed on them. The current military leaders fail to realise that in the nearest future, they might again need protection from human rights abuse since no Nigerian is absolutely free from state persecution”

The NHRC cautioned the military suspected to have provided the funds for the protesters to be careful not to provoke Nigerians from staging counter protests.

Ondo PDP Says Media Director’s Resignation Part Of Reorganization

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Ayodele Oni

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September 30, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State, has reacted to the purported resignation of its Media Director, Leye Igbabo, clarifying that he was already due for sack.

In a statement on Tuesday, the State Secretary of the party, Oluseye Olujimi, explained that the party was carrying out reorganization with a view to strengthen it.

“For the avoidance of doubt, there is no crisis in the Ondo State chapter of the PDP. What is currently taking place is a deliberate and strategic reorganisation designed to further strengthen and reposition our party for the important tasks ahead.

“As part of this process, Mr. Leye Igbabo, the former Director of Media and Publicity, was asked to step aside to allow for fresh ideas and improved effectiveness.

“In the last three months, the immediate past Working Committee, in their wisdom, had already caused Mr. Igbabo to cease writing for the party based on questions regarding his loyalty and motives.

“It must be emphasised that Mr. Igbabo is an employee of the party, like 25 others in the State Secretariat, and we reserve the right to hire and fire.

“Despite this, and in a spirit of goodwill, the leadership extended to him the option of an honourable resignation in a mutually beneficial manner.

“Regrettably, he reneged on this courtesy and instead issued a scathing press statement designed to mislead the public and stir unnecessary controversy.

“His time in office was marked by disloyalty, poor coordination, and a tendency to prioritise self-promotion over party unity.

“These shortcomings weakened his effectiveness and, on several occasions, caused needless embarrassment to the party. Leadership requires loyalty, teamwork, and discipline, and these are values the PDP in Ondo State will always uphold.

“The Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State remains strong, united, and focused. The exit of one individual does not amount to a crisis. On the contrary, it provides an opportunity to inject fresh capacity and strengthen our collective resolve as we prepare for the challenges and responsibilities ahead.

“The PDP in Ondo State is united, forward-looking, and better positioned to continue serving as the credible alternative for the people.”

2027: “Jonathan Qualifies To Run For Presidency” – Onoh, APC Chieftain Replies Bayo Onanuga

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 30, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In what looks like a crack in the ranks of the support base of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, the former spokesperson for the South East Tinubu Campaign Organization, Dr. Josef Onoh, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, declared that former President Goodluck Jonathan is eminently qualified to contest for the nation’s top job in 2027.

The scion of C. C. Onoh family and brother of President Tinubu’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, faulted the position of President Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, who claimed that the rumoured return plan of Jonathan will be subject to legal scrutiny.

Onanuga, in a statement on Monday, September 29, 2025, while welcoming the much speculated plan by the former President to contest against Tinubu in 2027, warned that Jonathan is not constitutionally qualified to contest, having been sworn-in twice as President of the country.

According to Onanuga, having been sworn-in as President first in 2010 , following the death of former president Umar Musa Yar’Adua, and in 2011, after the general elections , Jonathan can not be sworn-in for the third time as Nigerian leader.

The President’s media aide pointedly told Jonathan to get ready for a legal firework to determine his eligibility or otherwise for the 2027 presidential contest.

“Don’t get us wrong. President Jonathan reserves the right to run if he wishes. It is his inalienable right. President Tinubu will wholeheartedly welcome him if he decides to enter the race.

“But Jonathan will have his day in Court to determine whether

having been sworn-in twice as President, he is constitutionally eligible to contest and if successful, be sworn-in for a third term”, Onanuga stated.

But at an interactive session with the media in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital on Tuesday, Onoh, a Chieftain of the APC from Enugu State, insisted that the issue of the eligibility and or otherwise of Jonathan to contest for the Presidency has long been legally settled.

“The eligibility of former President Jonathan under constitutional term limits is already a settled legal precedent .

“It was established through unchallenged judicial rulings that affirmed his qualification to contest future elections.

” In May, 2022, a Federal High Court Judgment in Yenagoa, with Suit No ( FHC/YNG/CS /86/2022, in which Justice Isa H. Dashen ruled on a case brought by APC members, Andy Solomon and Ibidiye Abraham, against Jonathan, the APC and INEC, the Court held that Jonathan’s assumption of office on May 6, 2010, following the death of President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, was a succession to complete Yar’Adua’s unexpired term under the doctrine of necessity, and did not count toward the two-term limit for elected mandates

“The 2018 Constitutional amendment,which added Section 137 (3) to bar anyone sworn in twice from further contests ,does not apply retroactively to Jonathan.

“The amendment post-dated his tenures, and cannot retroactively disqualify rights accrued under the pre-amendment framework”, Onoh stated.

According to him, the ex-post facto laws are impermissible under Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, citing the 2015 Court of Appeal verdict in Cyriacus Njoku v Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

Onoh insisted that since the 2022 ruling was never appealed and upturned, the judgment remains final and binding under what he described as res judicata.

“Any suggestions that the courts might revisit this issue is legally unfounded. Nigerian jurisprudence, including Supreme Court decisions such as Marwa v.Nyako (2012) upholds such finality to ensure certainty and prevent endless challenges to settled rights”, he noted.

To buttress the fact that the matter has been settled, the son of the former Governor of old Anambra State, Christian C Onoh, further cited a Federal High Court in 2013 ,( Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/231/2013 ) in which Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi in his ruling cleared Jonathan to contest for the Presidency in 2015.

According to him, this same verdict was never appealed.

Onoh, therefore, urged President Tinubu to concentrate on formulating people-oriented policies and voter- engagement, instead of dissipating energy on Jonathan’s qualification.

Ondo PDP Publicity Director Igbabo, Resigns

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Ayodele Oni

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September 30, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Director of Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Leye Igbabo, has resigned his position.

This is coming few months after the publicity secretary of the party, Kennedy Peretei, resigned in circumstances similar to the position of the publicity director.

Igbabo, in his resignation letter dated September 30th, 2025, addressed to the state chairman of the party, said the PDP secretariat has become hostile to effective and efficient performance of his duties.

He accused the party leadership of utter deceit, huge compromise and gross indiscipline, stressing that the environment was no longer conducive for productive work.

“It is disheartening to know that the Secretariat has become hostile to effective and efficient performance of my duties as the Director of Media and Publicity.

“I note with pains, utter deceit, huge compromise and gross indiscipline. There is no more sincerity of purpose and under such circumstances, I do not want to be labeled as an incompetent official.

“Staying in such an unproductive environment amounts to precious waste of time and energy.

“I therefore resign my appointment as the Director of Media and Publicity PDP Ondo State with immediate effect,” Igbabo wrote.