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Osun Sets Benchmark In Clean Energy – Rep Ogene

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Post Conference Stakeholders Roundtable - Victor Ogene

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, has praised the Osun State Government for hosting the event and aligning with the national agenda for renewable energy.

He said this on Tuesday in Osogbo at an event organised by Osun State Government to unveil its Climate-Smart Investment Portfolio, the first-ever South-West Post-Conference Stakeholders’ Roundtable on Renewable Energy.

“The theme of this event aligns perfectly with the governor’s innovative leadership and vision for development,” Ogene said. “We commend His Excellency’s foresight in recognising the importance of technology for development.”

He described the roundtable as a direct outcome of the First Annual National Legislative Conference on Renewable Energy held in Lagos last month in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Ogene also acknowledged the efforts of Professor Chinwe Obuaku, Consultant and Technical Lead for the Osun Government, saying, “Her insightful contributions underscore Osun’s position as a key sub-national player in Nigeria’s clean energy movement.”

Ogene noted that the 10th House of Representatives, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, has made renewable energy a top legislative priority. “In a historic first, the Speaker established the House Committee on Renewable Energy to spearhead policies, track progress, and promote investment in sustainable energy solutions,” he said.

He also revealed that the House had adopted a resolution mandating all federal ministries, departments, and agencies to transition to renewable energy sources. “This is a model that could be replicated in the states to drive a unified national development trajectory,” he added.

The event, themed “From Vision to Action: Localising Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Legislative Agenda,” brought together government officials, lawmakers, technical experts, and development partners to advance renewable energy at the sub-national level.

Representing Governor Ademola Adeleke, Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi presented the state’s draft Renewable Energy Policy and Climate Action Plan, describing them as “key instruments for building a strong legislative and institutional foundation for an inclusive energy transition.”

In a message delivered on his behalf, Governor Adeleke stated, “We are unveiling our Climate-Smart Investment Portfolio as a strategic roadmap designed to attract responsible capital into renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and the circular economy.”

He added that the Climate Action Plan was developed in consultation with experts, grassroots communities, and development agencies, emphasising inclusiveness and long-term sustainability. “Our climate vision extends beyond today; it is for generations yet unborn,” he said.

Highlighting the state’s practical steps, the governor announced the establishment of a State Recycling Hub, the introduction of electric motorcycles, and the launch of Green Clubs in schools. He also introduced the IMOLE Solar Lantern Project, which he described as “a practical and symbolic solution for last-mile energy access.”

Under the campaign “One Child, One Lantern,” the government aims to provide students in rural and underserved areas with solar-powered lights to support their education.

“Every child deserves light to study, dream, and grow—regardless of their location or background,” Adeleke said. “To all our delegates, the solar lantern in your conference bag is not just a keepsake but a beacon of the future we are striving for.”

In her remarks, Professor Chinwe Obuaku said the goal of the post-conference roundtable was to shape clear, actionable, and localized solutions to accelerate renewable energy development in Osun and across the South-West.

“This is not just about clean energy,” she said. “It is about creating jobs, ensuring equitable access to energy, and driving inclusive growth that benefits everyone.”

The two-day conference continues and is expected to conclude on Wednesday.

We Shot Nobody: Nigeria Customs Service Clarifies Circulating Video Of Shooting Incident

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Abdullahi Maiwada - Assistant Comptroller of Customs

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has denied any new shooting and/or killing incident involving its personnel.

In the past two days, a heart-wrenching video of the shooting and killing of a gentleman who just arrived the country by Customs personnel has been trending.

But in a statement signed on its behalf by Abdullahi Maiwada, Assistant Comptroller of Customs National Public Relations Officer, the Service said the circulating video is not current. The NCS said “the incident in question occurred on Sunday, 17 February 2019, and not a recent development as portrayed by some online platforms.”

The statement reads:

“1.          The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been drawn to a video currently circulating on social media, which captures a tragic shooting incident involving some operatives of the Service. The NCS wishes to categorically state that the incident in question occurred on Sunday, 17 February 2019, and not a recent development, as portrayed by some online platforms.

“2.          Following the ugly occurrence at the Shagamu Interchange in Ogun State, the Service took immediate steps to address the situation in line with its internal procedures. A public statement was issued at the time, and a disciplinary panel was established to investigate the matter thoroughly. At the end of the process, appropriate sanctions were applied, including the dismissal of the officers found culpable.

“3.          It is pertinent to reiterate that the NCS is a statutory government agency guided by rules of engagement and, therefore, will not condone any misconduct from its personnel. While the video may have resurfaced unexpectedly, the issue had been conclusively addressed, and justice was served in accordance with the Service’s regulations.

“4.          Furthermore, the Service acknowledges the concerns expressed by members of the public regarding the resurfaced video. However, we urge citizens to avoid spreading misleading content and instead seek accurate information through NCS official channels. We deeply value the vigilance and feedback of Nigerians and reaffirm our commitment to delivering professional, accountable service while upholding the principles of integrity and respect for human dignity.

“5.          Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his management team, the NCS continues to uphold transparency and respect for the rule of law. This is evident in the strategic measures implemented to strengthen internal controls and capacity building through targeted training programs for personnel. These efforts underscore the Service’s resolve to build trust, ensure integrity, and sustain mutually rewarding partnerships with the public.

“ABDULLAHI MAIWADA

Abdullahi Maiwada – Assistant Comptroller of Customs

National Public Relations Officer

For Comptroller-General of Customs

03 June, 2025.”

Fmr EFCC Chair Releases Tell Tale Book On Nigeria’s Fuel Subsidy Fraud

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Abdulrasheed Bawa Book on Fuel Subsidy

A former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa has written a tell-all book, described as  explosive on Nigeria’s fuel subsidy fraud

Bawa, the first Chairman to have been appointed from within the Commission since its establishment by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is also the youngest to have held the office.

A statement signed by Vic Akinrogunde, for the book’s publishers, CableBooks, an imprint of Cable Media & Publishing Ltd, said the ground-breaking  book titled ‘The Shadow of Loot & Losses: Uncovering Nigeria’s Petroleum Subsidy Fraud’

“provides an

exposé in  the most authoritative account of Nigeria’s multi-trillion-naira fuel subsidy scandal, unraveling the inner workings of one of the country’s most pervasive financial crimes.

The statement sets in part:

“Drawing from his firsthand experience as a key investigator on the EFCC’s special team that probed the 2012 subsidy fraud, Bawa reveals the staggering scale, complexity, and audacity of the schemes used to siphon public funds under the guise of fuel subsidy payments. His insider narrative chronicles how billions of naira were recovered and several culprits brought to justice, while also shedding light on how entrenched corruption allowed the fraud to flourish for years.

“In the book, published by CableBooks, an imprint of Cable Media & Publishing Ltd, Bawa details multiple fraudulent strategies including:

“Ghost importing and over-invoicing: Companies submitted claims for fuel that was never imported or inflated shipment volumes to receive excessive subsidy payouts.

“Manipulation of bills of lading: By altering shipping documents, fraudsters exploited international price fluctuations to claim higher subsidies.

“Round-tripping and double claims: Single shipments were often used to obtain multiple subsidy payments.

“Diversion and smuggling: Subsidised fuel was frequently diverted to black markets or smuggled out of Nigeria for profit.

“These practices, Bawa explains, were enabled by forged documents, weak regulatory oversight, and systemic collusion between corrupt government officials and private sector actors.”

‘The Shadow of Loot & Losses is not just a chronicle of fraud,’ says Bawa.

“It is a call to action — a demand for transparency, accountability, and reform in Nigeria’s public finance management, especially in the oil sector.

“Having served as EFCC chairman from 2021 to 2023, Bawa brings rare credibility and insight into the institutional challenges and political dynamics that have shaped the anti-corruption fight in Nigeria. His book is both a revelation and a reckoning — offering evidence-based analysis and personal reflections on one of the most controversial chapters in Nigeria’s recent history.

“The Shadow of Loot & Losses is essential reading for policymakers, civil society advocates, journalists, and citizens interested in understanding how systemic fraud undermines development and how it can be confronted.”

The Adelekes Visit President Bola Tinubu

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Ademola Adeleke and Bola Tinubu

By Adesina Soyooye

Amidst speculations that one of the most loved Governors in Nigeria, Senator Ademola Adeleke, could decamp to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, the Governor in company with his billionaire brother, Deji Adeleke, and nephew, afrobeat music super star, David Adeleke, popular as Davido, visited President Bola Tinubu at his Lagos, Ikoyi private residence.

It is not known why the Adelekes visited the President, but it comes on the heels of an earlier visit to the President by Davido a couple of days ago, and the legal battle over the seizure of Osun State’s Local Government Council Funds by the Federal Government, a product of the contrived crisis which embroiled the Council Election in the State in February.

Senator Adeleke,  popular for his  performance in governance, his dancing skills and unassuming nature was a member of the APC before he dumped it for the Peoples Democratic Party when the APC shortchanged him in the run-up to the Senatorial election, after his elder brother, a former Governor of the State, Isiaka Adeleke, suddenly passed. He was well on his way to winning the Senatorial seat when death suddenly struck.

Governor Adeleke is known to carry everybody along, irrespective of Party affiliations, and has maintained a personal good relationship with the Tinubus.

The visit of the influential Adeleke  family to the President, with photographs, including one Davido took with First Lady, Senator  Oluremi Tinubu, was posted by President Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun,  on his official Facebook page.

Neither the Presidency nor the Osun State Government has released details of the meeting.

Police Arrests Two Over Attack On Anambra Security Checkpoint

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Police on Duty

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Police Command on Tuesday June 3, 2025 announced the apprehension of two suspects in connection with an attack on security personnel at a  checkpoint in Awka North .

The Source reports that some gunmen had on April 13, 2025, attacked a joint security team of military and police at a checkpoint in Enugwu-Agu Village Oba Ofemili,Awka North Local Council of the State .

During the attack, the invading  hoodlums set ablaze the operational vehicle of the security operatives belonging to the Army before fleeing the scene.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects were arrested on Monday June 2, by operatives of the Awkuzu based Rapid Response Squad RRS  in an intelligence-driven operation.

“Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Awkuzu, in a diligent follow up of investigation into an attack on police and military operatives that led to the burning of an Army operational vehicle in Enugwu-Agu Village ,Oba Ofemili, Awka North LGA, at about 9.45 am on June, 2025, arrested two suspects positively identified in the disturbing incident”, the Police spokesman stated.

“The suspects, Uche Egwu, and Jindo Onyeka, Ikenga noted, have  confessed to being part of the gang that masterminded the checkpoint attack.

The Command said the two suspects have also volunteered useful information that can assist the Service in tracking down other members of the group still at large.

The State Commissioner of Police while condemning the unprovoked attack, also, described it as a deliberate act by the perpetrators to test the will of security agencies.

He noted that the incident was not just an assault but an attack on the very soul of the country.

This is even as he lauded the operatives for their high sense of professionalism and restraint during the confrontation with the hoodlums, which prevented any loss of lives.

He enjoined officers to enhance their efforts towards ensuring the arrest of all those behind the attack .

“In 2027, It Will Be The People Versus APC” –   Masha Kaduna PDP Chairman

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Edward Percy Masha

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Despite its seemingly intractable crisis, the People Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed its readiness in dislodging, the All Progressive Congress ,APC from the Kaduna State seat of power come 2027.

The PDP, at a media briefing on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, by its  Kaduna State Chapter chairman, Edward Percy Masha, insisted that APC can never win in any free and fair electoral contests in the country.

According to him, the PDP returning back to power in the State will be an easy task given the very abysmal performance of the APC, particularly, the untold  hardship to which  the President Bola Tinubu’s administration has subjected the people.

Masha maintained that the two years of Tinubu’s Government at the centre and that of Governor Uba Sani in Kaduna State remain the darkest period in the lives of the people.

“President Tinubu’s two years in office can best be described as Nigeria’s worst era despite the humongous accruals from the removal of petroleum products subsidy.

“As Cardinal Onaiyekan rightly posited, with the current hardship, Tinubu cannot win in a free and fair contest and the same applies to Kaduna state.

“The PDP chairman noted that while the party in the state strives to reposition itself as a viable alternative, it also pledged its unflinching commitment towards holding the APC  Government accountable to the people.

He informed that the PDP is irrevocably dedicated to the task of taking over the reigns in 2027 to usher in another chapter in responsive and responsible governance in Kaduna state .

“The PDP under my leadership in Kaduna State is poised to continue to hold the APC-led administration in the State accountable to the people, and is working towards ushering in a new Government that will be responsive, responsible and accountable to the people of Kaduna State.

“Never again shall our party, the PDP, win the gubernatorial election and or any other polls for that matter, and allow itself to be shortchanged.

“In 2027, it shall be the people against the APC with their one-party system attempt notwithstanding. We will mobilize the people to defend their votes at  all cost.

“Democracy in Kaduna state will prevail, and the people shall have the final say. This is a promise”, the PDP chairman stated.

Masha described the President’s economic policies, especially the thoughtless and hasty removal of petroleum products subsidy as a declaration of war on the     harpless people of the country.

According to him, in Kaduna State, where the people were already finding  it extremely difficult to make ends meet, the sudden removal of subsidy was  like a death sentence.

LG Election: APC Sets Up Reconciliation Committee Ahead Lagos LG Polls

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APC

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the bad blood that greeted the Primary for the Local Government Election of the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Party has made plans to resolve existing conflicts since its conduct.

It has inaugurated a Reconciliation Committee to meet with aggrieved members and address their dissatisfaction over the exercise that produced Candidates for the July 12 council election in the state.

The committee was divided into Four Zones that includes: Lagos East Senatorial District, Lagos Central Senatorial District, Lagos West Senatorial District and Lagos West 2 Senatorial District.

The committee was set up to address party members’ disagreement with the exercise across three senatorial districts as APC prepares for next months’ elections across the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Area, LCDAs.

According to Lagos APC, the state was divided into four with each of the Committees meeting members under the Senatorial District they have been assigned to.

The Committee’s inauguration was confirmed to newsmen on Tuesday by the Lagos APC Spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, who disclosed that the members have two weeks to turn in their report.

Oladejo said: “The Lagos East Senatorial is headed by Dr. Lateef Ibirogba. Other members are Saheed Afonja, Sumbo Onitiri and Sade Bakare.

“The Lagos Central Senatorial District is headed by a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Chief (Mrs) Sarah Sosan. Other members are Funso Ologunde, Adedoyin Banjo and Adigun Olalekan.

“The Lagos West 1 Senatorial District is headed by Otunba Bode Oyedele. Other members are Chief Jide Damazio , Alh. Aleshinloye and Comfort Olalere.

“Lagos West 2 Senatorial District is headed by Alh. Mutiu Are. Other members are Hon. Jumoke Okoya, Otunba Kehinde Adeniyi and Adeola Rashidat”, he added.

During the inauguration, the party spokesperson disclosed that the Lagos APC chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, acknowledged the wealth of experience of the committee members whose membership cuts across various interests in the party.

“He admonished them to be painstaking and assured that all aggrieved members are pacified and assured of better days ahead in a united party”, Oladejo said.

According to the APC spokesperson, “It will be recalled that there have been pockets of protests over the outcome of the primaries and a number of petitions to the Appeal Committee.

“The party after receiving and considering the reports of the Appeal has resolved to activate its internal mechanism for conflict resolution and reconciliation to ensure that we go into the elections as a united force. The committee has been decentralized for ease of operation

and to deliver on its mandate on time”.

Police Arrest Two Over Missing Benin Popular Auto Mechanic

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Police on Patrol

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has directed a comprehensive inquest to unravel the circumstances surrounding the sudden disappearance of a Benin-based popular Mercedes Benz mechanic.

This is just as the State Police Command on Tuesday June 3, 2025  announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with  the fate of the  49-year old mechanic identified as Edwin Onalise.

Onalise ,who is also a commercial vehicle operator was said to have gone missing on April 2, 2025.

The mechanic/taxi operator  disappeared after  being contracted by a customer to convey a refrigerator to Obazangbo community within the State.

Unfortunately, he never returned from the trip.

According to reports, his wife’s initial efforts to trace him proved futile. Several calls put across to his mobile phone by his wife, Charity Onalise, could not go through as the line remained dead.

Failed in her attempts, his wife  contacted family members who after equally failing to locate him, reported to the police.

However, the victim’s vehicle, was later  recovered on May 25, 2025, from one Ekundayo Ohimaye from the same Obazangbo community where he  had gone to convey the refrigerator.

Upon arrest and interrogation, Ohimaye informed that he bought the  victim’s vehicle from one Okunze Saturday.

The police, during a search on the residence of the said Saturday, after his arrest, recovered most of the victim’s personal effects including mobile phone, transistor radio, foot wears and two SIM cards.

Confirming the arrest of the duo of Ohimaye and Saturday on Tuesday, spokesperson for Edo State Police Command, Moses Iyamu, informed that investigation is under way in keeping with the directives of CP Agbonika

He assured that the Command will make its findings known to the public as soon as investigations are concluded.

FG Hints On Prosecution Of Suspects Linked To Assaulted Ondo Teacher, As Student’s Father Petitions IGP

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Thugs beat Ondo School Teacher

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Ministry of Education has taken over the assault case involving a secondary school student and his mother in Ondo State who used suspected thugs to beat up a Vice Principal for disallowing the student to cheat during the West African School Certificate Examination, (WASCE).

Already, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested the student, mother and three other persons over the assault of the vice principal, Mr Rotifa.

Meanwhile, the father of the student, Elisha Imokhuede, has introduced another dimension into the incident as he raised allegation of abduction against the Vice Principal, in a petition to the Inspector General of Police, (IGP).

The Federal Ministry of Education in a statement on Tuesday, “strongly condemns, in its entirety, the unfortunate incident which occurred at Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, Ondo State, where suspected thugs, allegedly hired by the parents of a student, assaulted the Vice Principal, Mr. Rotifa, for performing his lawful duty of upholding the integrity of the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).”

The statement, signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director, Press and Public Relations, stated  “We commend the swift response of Executive Governor of Ondo State His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the State Police Command in arresting the suspects, including Mrs. Dorcas Asije and four accomplices.

“We urge that thorough investigations be concluded and all culprits duly prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.

“The Ministry, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, reiterates its zero tolerance for examination malpractice, intimidation of school staff, and any form of unethical conduct from students, parents, or guardians.

“Any student found engaging in examination malpractice will face sanctions in line with national examination guidelines.

“Furthermore, any parent or guardian who enables, supports, or participates in such criminal behaviour will be prosecuted under the law.

“The Honourable Minister stated that all schools are encouraged to promptly report any threats or breaches of conduct during examinations to law enforcement agencies and relevant educational authorities.

“We are working in collaboration with state ministries of education, law enforcement agencies, and examination bodies to enhance the security and integrity of our examination processes.

“The Federal Ministry of Education stands firmly with the management and staff of Complete Child Development College, and by extension, all education stakeholders nationwide who continue to uphold the values of discipline, accountability, academic excellence, and who resist examination malpractice.”

But Imokhuede, in a petition to the IGP, made available to Journalists in Akure on Tuesday, alleged that “the school’s Vice Principal stormed my neighborhood in the company of unidentified men.

“Shockingly, they forcefully took my 13-year-old nephew, Gideon Osesa—a student of FUTA Secondary School—who was running some errands for his mother, from the roadside into a vehicle.

“Fearing it was a case of kidnapping using a police vehicle, given there was no initial invitation and how he frantically pleaded and screamed, concerned neighbours raised an alarm and gave chase. The child’s mother, upon being informed, joined the pursuit to rescue her son.

“During the ensuing chaos, one of the men, who later identified himself as the Vice Principal, suffered a minor physical injury. We are not aware of the exact circumstances leading to this, but we understand it occurred during the commotion sparked by fear of an abduction. There is video evidence of the entire encounter.”

Onitsha: People’s Power As Police Bursts Vehicle’s Tyre, Drivers Block Road, Demand Replacement

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Onitsha Police Tyre Burst

By Charles Igbo

The power of the people was at work a couple of days ago at Onitsha, Anambra State. And lessons were learnt. The power of the people.

Police Operatives who usually stay at the Onitsha Head Bridge, apparently, chewed more than they could swallow a couple of days ago.

According to reports, they were doing their job, and “softened” it by their usual “roger”. Meaning that as they worked, they were doing the ugly and shameful usual – collecting money from motorists.

But this was a bad  day. And motorists, particularly, articulated vehicle drivers, have had enough.

According to reports, the Policemen stopped a trailer driver, and asked him for money. But three things: It is either the driver was in a foul mood, has become tired of giving them all the time, or just had no money to give them. Whatever, he refused to pay what motorists have since dubbed “Police toll gate”.

After a little argument, the now irritated driver made to drive off. As he did so, one of the Policemen aimed at one of his tyres, and released a shot. It shattered the tyre.

That was when trouble started.

His colleagues and every other motorist around at that point in time, revolted. They blocked the ever busy and important Asaba- Onitsha road. And refused to move an inch. The traffic stretched for kilometers on end. But they insisted they would leave only if the Police purchased a new tyre to replace the one their Operative shattered.

Before one could say “jack”, a large crowd had gathered, including “agberos”. They taunted the Police. The trailer drivers began to ask questions of the Police. “Do you know what we suffer on the road? Do you know the cost of a tyre? Do you know what we suffer in your hands along the road? We don’t mind how long we stay here, but you must replace this tyre. Do you know how much we pay along the road? Which armed robber have you caught here? You only collect money from us.” It was an embarrassing scene.

But, they stuck to their demand – a new tyre or no deal. After a long standoff, the Police, somehow, actually brought a new tyre. And the jubilant crowd celebrated. Talk of people’s power. It won.