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Osun LG Funds’ Hijack Is A Criminal Assault On Democracy

By
The Source
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Comrade James Ezema

….. Citizens May Be Compelled To Resort To Self Help

The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) is shocked, outraged, and deeply alarmed by the latest twist in the Osun State Local Government (LG) crisis—a scandal that represents a brazen, criminal assault on democracy, the rule of law, and the rights of hardworking citizens.

The Movement is perturbed to learn that court-sacked APC local government chairmen in Osun State, acting in blatant collusion with a former Governor of Osun State now Minister and the United Bank for Africa (UBA), have illegally hijacked funds released by the Federal Government meant for Osun LGs, diverting them to unelected politicians and party cronies.

Speaking, the head of the national Secretariat of the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), Veteran Olawale Okunniyi, said “this audacious act violates Osun State law, which explicitly prescribes career officials as signatories to LG accounts, yet these lawful procedures have been willfully ignored and trampled upon.”

The Movement however maintained that the consequences as reeled out below are stark and damning:

  1. No local government worker in Osun has been paid in the last 12 months by the police-backed unlawful occupants of Osun State Local Governments, while their rightful salaries are stolen and misappropriated.
  1. Funds meant for critical public services—schools, health centers, and local infrastructure—are being shared among court-sacked APC functionaries, whose illegitimate tenure lapsed in October last year.

III. UBA has facilitated this illegal diversion, placing its officials on the wrong side of the law. Top executives have already been arraigned, exposing the bank’s complicity in this corruption.

  1. The Osun State Government has been forced to borrow to pay local workers and keep essential services running, while the Police provide protection for unelected, illegal occupants of LG secretariats.
  1. This crisis sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy. Unelected individuals now control public resources with impunity, threatening constitutional governance at the grassroots.

MCE demands immediate and decisive action from the President; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and calls on all lovers of democracy in Nigeria and across the world to intervene.

Okunniyi said “Let it be known: UBA and the former Governor have hijacked Osun LG funds, and the resources meant for local workers are being illegally shared by court-sacked chairmen. This is not just mismanagement—it is fraud and a deliberate assault on the foundations of democracy in Nigeria.”

The Movement for Credible Elections therefore warns that if urgent intervention is not forthcoming from the Presidency, citizens across Osun State and Nigeria may be mobilized to use every lawful means to reclaim their rights, demand accountability, and protect democracy.

Signed:

Comrade James Ezema

Media Coordinator, MCE

+2348035823617

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

No Bomb Recovered At Aba Church – Police

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Police on Duty

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Police Command on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 debunked claims suggesting that an Improvised Explosive Device IED was found, and recovered at the premises of an Aba-based Church.

The Source reports that a section of the media, had in the last 24 hours been awash with reports that an object suspected to be a bomb was spotted at the United Evangelical Church’s premises in Ehere/Umuola area Ogbohill ,Aba the commercial nerve centre of Abia state.

According to reports, some Church workers discovered the object while in the process of digging the foundation of the Church’s perimeter fence undergoing reconstruction.

The Priest in-charge of the Church was said to have made efforts to contact some military personnel after suspecting the object to be a lethal weapon.

“The road which divides the Church building and the Parsonage is being expanded by the State Government .

“The Church decided to remove the old perimeter fence and build a new one to make way for the expansion of the road.

“It was while the Church members were digging the ground for the new fence that they dug out the metal object which nobody knew was a bomb. The Pastor later invited soldiers who evacuated the object” a witness was quoted as saying.

But in a statement from its spokesperson, Maureen Chilaka, a DSP, the Abia State Police Command informed that it could not found any evidence of the existence of the said IED after a painstaking and thorough investigation conducted within the affected areas.

According to Police, the investigation which was conducted through the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, covering the area, revealed that only an old iron rod which formed part of the pillar of the old Church perimeter fence was removed by the military and not a bomb.

The Command noted that no IED was found or recovered by the military either at the Church’s premises and or anywhere in Aba .

“I can authoritatively confirm that no bomb or explosive was recovered from the said area. Investigations conducted by the Command have clearly affirmed this.

“The object removed by the military was an old iron rod,which was part of the pillar of the old Church Perimeter fence being adjusted”, Chilaka stated.

The Police clarification is coming amidst widespread apprehension and anxiety among residents of Ogbohill and its environs following reports of the suspected bomb discovery .

Gov. Makinde Calls Wike  Vagabond Says He Failed In Rivers PDP, Now Talking About Oyo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Seyi Makinde and Nyesom Wike

By Ayodele Oni

The remarks credited to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike that he would take over the affairs of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state, has been described as a mere empty threat.

Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde, in a viral video declared that “Someone said he wants to pick interest in Oyo PDP, we should ask him what he has done in Rivers PDP.”

The governor stated that some individuals he described as vagabonds had already been expelled from the PDP in November 2025.

“Some vagabond surfaced fully in 2015 and were expelled in 2025. Ask him what he has done with the PDP in Rivers State to now have an interest in Oyo PDP.”

Makinde’s comments came amid growing internal tensions within the opposition party, following Wike’s public declaration of interest in the affairs of the Oyo State PDP.

On Monday night, the former Rivers State governor declared his interest in all activities of the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Speaking at the 105th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Wike vowed to protect the national party from those he described as internal “vampires.”

“Let me declare my interest clearly: I am interested in the survival and success of this party. I am also interested in all the happenings in Oyo State PDP. That is all I am interested in,” Wike said.

Makinde described Wike’s claim of having an interest in the Oyo PDP as laughable, insisting that the former Rivers governor had failed to strengthen the party in his own state.

Makinde described Wike’s claim of having an interest in the Oyo PDP as laughable, insisting that the former Rivers governor had failed to strengthen the party in his own state.

In November 2025, SaharaReporters reported that the Peoples Democratic Party expelled the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose; and the party’s former National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, at its national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The decision, taken before a charged crowd of delegates, followed a motion moved by Chief Olabode George, former National Vice Chairman (South), calling for their immediate expulsion.

The motion was promptly seconded by Samaila Buga, the Chairman of the PDP in Bauchi State.

DSS Arraigns Abubakar Malami, Son For Alleged Terrorism Financing

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abubakar Malami

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The travails of the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, continued on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with  the Department of State Service, DSS, arraigning  him and his son before an Abuja Federal High Court on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing, illegal possession of firearms, and aiding and abetting terrorism.

The DSS is prosecuting Malami before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik for allegedly  “knowingly aiding and abetting terrorism by refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were said to have been brought to his office as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.”

Malami had served as the country’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice for eight years under the administration of the late president Mohammadu Buhari, between 2015 and 2023.

He is presently also being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFFC, alongside his wife and son in two separate cases bordering on alleged diversion of public funds, money laundering and unlawful acquisitions of properties to the tune of over N213 billion.

Malami and his son were also charged by the DSS under count two to five with alleged unlawful possession of firearms as well as financing of terrorism activities.

“That you, Abubakar Malami of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, Adult, male, sometime in November 2022 at Federal Ministry of Justice, Maitama, Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did knowingly abet terrorism financing by refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose casefiles were brought to your office as the Attorney-General of the Federation, for prosecution, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 26 (2) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami of Gesse Phase II, Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December, 2025, in your residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did engage in a conduct in preparation to commit act of terrorism by having in your possession and without licence, a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5°20 live rounds of Cartridges and Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar AAA 5’20 Cartridges, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 29 of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“That you, Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December 2025, in your residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without licence, did have in your possession a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3 of Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act.

“That you, Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December, 2025, in your residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without licence, did have in your possession sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of cartridges, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(1) of Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act. COUNT FIVE

“That you, Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December, 2025, in your residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without licence, did have in your possession twenty-seven (27) expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(1) of Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act.”

The case  was  adjourned till February 20, for the hearing and determination of a bail application filed by Malami’s counsel  S. A. Alua SAN.

The trial Judge, Honourable Justice Abdul-Malik had earlier rejected an oral bail  application filed  by the  defendants on the grounds that the “court is a court of record” and as such will only entertain a written application.

Lagos Outlaws Installation Of Eze Ndigbo, Seriki, Emir… To Arrest Defaulters

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Babajide Sanwo-Olu

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government has warned against the installation of Eze Ndigbo, Seriki Fulani, Emir, others in the State. It has, therefore, issued arrest warnings to any that does contrary.

The LASG cited the Obas and Chiefs Law in the State that already existed, however,  threatening arrest and prosecution of violators.

It also warned residents against assuming Chieftaincy Titles without Official Approval, declaring that violators will face arrest and prosecution under the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State 2015.

This was made known by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development,  Bolaji Kayode Robert, I’m a statement, describing the rise of self proclaimed Traditional Rulers as an unhealthy development causing tension, confusion, and needless crises.

The Commissioner stated that the use of Titles and Appellations equivalent to Oba, His Royal Majesty, or His Royal Highness without Government recognition is illegal and undermines the traditional institution in the state.

The statement explained that the Governor, acting through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, remains the only authority empowered to approve Chieftaincy Titles in Lagos State.

Relevant provisions of the 2015 law, including Sections 15, 16, 17, 18, and 20, outline the procedures for filling vacancies and granting such titles.

He however added that Section 21, Paragraphs 2(a–d), and Section 23, Paragraphs (a) and (b), prohibit the use of royal paraphernalia such as beaded crowns, beaded shoes, staffs, and horse whisks by individuals not officially recognised by the government.

The LASG stated that any chieftaincy title conferred without the Governor’s approval is null and void, warning that offenders risk up to two years imprisonment as prescribed by law.

Residents currently holding unauthorised titles were urged to desist immediately, while members of the public were encouraged to report cases of illegal conferment to the ministry or security agencies for prompt action.

LASG further added that this development is aimed at protecting the sanctity and integrity of the traditional institution in Lagos State and preserving cultural heritage from disrepute.

Ondo @ 50: I Remain Committed To Building On Past Gains, Gov. Aiyedatiwa

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Ondo at 50

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured people of the State of his administration’s commitment to build on past gains as the state marks golden jubilee celebration of its creation.

In a broadcast on Tuesday , as part of activities marking the celebration, the governor stated that “As we celebrate this Golden Jubilee, our administration remains steadfast in consolidating past gains, while pursuing a bold, realistic and inclusive development agenda.

“We are strengthening our security architecture, investing in critical infrastructure, revitalising agriculture, expanding healthcare access, empowering youths and women and fostering an enabling environment for enterprise and innovation.”

Envisioning the prospect of the state in the next 50 years, Aiyedatiwa said “My dear people, the next fifty years call for renewal of purpose, unity, innovation, discipline and faith.

“Let us, therefore, recommit ourselves to hard work, civic responsibility and mutual trust. Let us support the government to continue to advance the frontiers of development of our dear Sunshine State.

“Let us build cities and rural communities that are productive, inclusive and environmentally sustainable.”

Going down the memory lane, the governor revealed that “Long before the proclamation of statehood, Ondo Province stood as a major economic pillar of the defunct Western Region.

“Historical records attest to its overwhelming contributions in cocoa, palm produce, timber and other agricultural export commodities that financed regional infrastructure, iconic projects in the Southwest like the famous Cocoa House in lbadan and underwrote national growth.

“Like all enduring institutions, Ondo State began humbly. Ministries operated from rented and improvised spaces; public servants travelled daily from Ondo, Owo, Ikere and neighbouring towns.

“Under the pioneer administration of Wing Commander Ita David Ikpeme, the foundation of a functional public service was firmly laid. From the early days at Oke-Eda to the eventual emergence of the Alagbaka Secretariat Complex, the State steadily acquired administrative coherence and stability.

We must pay glowing tribute to the pioneer Head of Service, Chief Theophilus Ayebogbon Iwajomo, his successor Chief Elkanah Adeneye Emuleomo and the first generation of public servants whose sacrifices laid a solid foundation for institutionalised public service and governance in Ondo State.

“We also acknowledge the quiet heroism of ordinary citizens, market women, artisans, farmers and transport workers, who bore the inconveniences of urban renewal with patience and patriotism.

“Our traditional rulers and religious leaders were indispensable partners in mobilising social consensus during these formative years.

“Over the past five decades, Ondo State has traversed periods of military rule and democratic governance, policy disruptions and reforms, economic downturns and recoveries.

“However, democracy eventually deepened civic participation and long-term planning.  The State has recorded measurable progress in education, healthcare, agriculture, urban development, industrialisation and public service reform.

“Commerce expanded, infrastructure networks grew and our vast endowments in solid minerals, oil and gas, tourism and human capital increasingly commanded national relevance.

“Ondo State has also given birth to another State with the creation of Ekiti State on 1st October, 1996. This development marked another defining moment, reshaping administrative boundaries.

“Today, Ondo State stands proud as a crucible of excellence with our sons and daughters distinguishing themselves in medicine, law, academia, public administration, science, technology, arts, sports, enterprise and other areas of public endeavour.”

UTME Registration: Ekiti Candidates Unable To Access Exam Towns

By
Ayodele Oni
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JAMB Students

By Ayodele Oni

Candidates in the ongoing registration for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, (UTME) in Ekiti state are finding it difficult to select towns of their choice to sit for the examination.

Some of the candidates that visited the various registration centres approved by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, (JAMB) said after filling their forms, selection of examination towns was not coming up.

To this, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) reacted that it has suspended the selection of examination towns for candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in Ekiti over structural anomalies.

The board disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja by its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin.

Benjamin explained that the suspension was to enable the board restructure examination towns to ensure closer proximity to candidates and reduce transportation challenges on examination days.

He stated that although candidates were usually allowed to select examination towns closest to their locations, the 2026 UTME registration commenced before structural anomalies were however detected in Ekiti’s examination towns’ configuration.

Benjamin said the anomalies necessitated urgent adjustments in the interest of candidates, prompting the temporary suspension of town selection in the state.

The statement reads in part, “Consequently, candidates will be unable to select any examination town in Ekiti State while the adjustment process is ongoing. This process is expected to be concluded shortly.

“The board regrets any inconvenience this temporary measure may cause candidates wishing to select examination towns in the ongoing registration exercise in Ekiti State.

“As a matter of practice, JAMB continuously monitors its operations and promptly addresses challenges reported by candidates”.

Benjamin expressed regret over any inconveniences the measure might cause the candidates affected during the ongoing registration exercise in the state.

He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to continuously improving its processes to ensure that all candidates were treated with dignity and respect.

FCTA Workers Suspend Strike, As Senate Leadership Brokers Truce

By
Ayodele Oni
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FCTA Workers Strike

By Ayodele Oni

Following an intervention by the Senate leadership, the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) and Trade Union Congress, (TUC) have asked their members and affiliates under the payroll of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to resume work with immediate effect.

The directive, contained in a joint circular by the TUC and NLC on Tuesday, followed a marathon conciliatory meeting between the unions and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

“Consequently, all JUAC members and all affiliates of the TUC and NLC working in the Ministry of the FCT (MFCT) are hereby directed to resume work immediately,” the circular, signed by the TUC Secretary General. N.A Toro and NLC Ag. General Secretary, Benson Upah, read in part.

“All affiliates are enjoined to comply strictly with this directive in the interest of industrial peace and harmony, in good faith.”

According to the labour unions, the breakthrough meeting was brokered by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Mohammed Bomoi, during which the grievances that have grounded activities at the FCTA secretariat since January 19 were addressed.

The workers, under the umbrella of JUAC, had gone on strike over issues like non-remittance of statutory deductions (Pension and National Housing Fund), delays in payment of promotion of arrears, and the conduct of the promotion exercise among other issues.

The workers’ strike led to the shutdown of activities in departments and agencies of the FCTA and FCDA. That led Wike to sue the JUAC.

On January 27, the National Industrial Court directed the workers to suspend the industrial action.

While it held that the issue is a trade dispute, the defendants’ right to go on strike was not absolute.

The court said that since the dispute had been brought to it, the strike must stop until the case is determined.

Following the verdict, the FCTA directed the workers to resume work immediately, but the NLC told its members to continue with the industrial action.

The unions said all complaints by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) were fully “addressed to the satisfaction of all parties involved” with Wike assuring organised labour of “mutual respect and sustained engagement going forward to ensure a harmonious working relationship.”

Other resolutions reached included a deal that “no worker shall be victimized in any way for participating in the industrial action” and that all “outstanding cases at the National Industrial Court (NIC) related to this industrial dispute shall be withdrawn immediately by the parties.

Yesterday, the National Industrial Court (NIC) issued an interim order restraining the NLC and the TUC, and three others, from protesting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Justice Emmanuel Sublim, while ruling on an ex parte application filed by Wike and the FCTA, granted the interim order restraining the 1st to 5th respondents and their privies or agents from embarking on strike pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

He asked the 5th-9th defendants, who are security agencies, to ensure no breakdown of law and order.

The exparte motion, which was filed by Counsel to Wike and the FCTA, Ogwu Onoja, submitted that the Chairman of the FCT council had sent a message of mobilization to members and affiliated unions for a protest on February 3.

FCTA and police authorities had also asked the workers to shelve the planned protest.

Tax Law: Lawyer Dares FG, Says “I Won’t File Tax Returns Until Tinubu Does”

By
James Orji
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0
Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee.
A human rights lawyer, John Chinedu, has vowed not to file his tax returns by March 31, 2026, unless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu publicly does the same.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Chinedu said leaders must first show transparency before demanding compliance from citizens.
“The era where followers pay taxes while leaders loot public funds is over. If the President wants Nigerians to comply with tax laws, he should lead by example and show proof of his own tax returns.”
He accused political leaders of misusing public funds for personal luxury abroad.
“Nigerians are being squeezed at home, while our taxes are allegedly funding luxury shopping trips and school fees overseas. This hypocrisy must stop.”
The lawyer called on Nigerians to resist what he described as selective accountability and pressure leaders to act responsibly.
“Let leaders correct their excesses and do the right thing. Tax compliance should start from the top. If they want our trust, they must earn it.”

PDP Set To Conduct Fresh National Convention, As Leadership Crisis Worsens

By
James Orji
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PDP National Convention Zoning Committee
The Abdulrahman Mohammed-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, PDP has declared its readiness to conduct elective National Convention for the party.
The Abdulrahman Mohammed-led Caretaker Committee was appointed last year by a faction of the party backed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and a former National Secretary of the party, Samuel Anyanwu.
The Committee has now fixed the Convention for March 28 and 29 in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The faction disclosed on Monday that the decision is in line with the recent Federal High court order in Ibadan, which nullified the Convention organised by another faction led by Taminu Turaki, a former minister. The Turaki faction is backed by Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, and Bala Mohamed of Bauchi State.
It said the court order has also been noted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
It made  the announcement in a communique issued at the conclusion of the 105th National Executive Committee NEC meeting held on Monday in Abuja.
The communique was signed by the Caretaker National Chairman, Abdulrahman Muhammed and the Caretaker National Secretary, Sen. Samuel N. Anyanwu.
The committee said its plan is to
restore stability and constitutional order in the party by conducting a National Convention that will usher in a new leadership for the embattled party.
Providing further  details regarding the Convention, the faction said the  Ward Congresses will hold in February 2026; Local Government Congresses also in February 2026 while the State Congresses hold in March 2026.
The Committee has also mandated the National Caretaker Committee to immediately activate Convention Sub-Committees and commence full logistical, administrative, and consultative preparations to ensure a seamless and transparent process.
Stressing that its action is based on the party’s Constitution, the faction noted it has also followed the Electoral Act on the issue, adding that INEC has upheld the court judgment which affirmed the Caretaker Committee as the authentic PDP leadership.
“The judgement has conferred existential credibility on the leadership of our great party as presently constituted. This outcome did not come by accident. It is the reward of your collective decision to stand on the side of the law,” Mohammed told NEC members,” the faction said in the communique.”
“We are today firmly positioned to roll out our activities without hesitation or uncertainty,”  the committee said
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