Three Deeper Life Church Members Kidnapped In Ondo

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May 27, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

“Four Traditional Rulers In the State are Kidnappers” – Afenifere Youth Leader

Just as Ondo State people were taking a break from insecurity, gunmen, Monday evening, abducted three members of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry at Ogbese, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

This is just as the Afenifere Youth Council President, Eniola Ojajuni, alleged that some Traditional Rulers in Ondo state are kidnappers godfathers.

It was gathered that the incident occurred when the victims were returning from a Bible study session held at the Kasemola area in Ogbese.

A WhatsApp message shared on the Church’s group platform, urged members to pray for the safe return of the victims.

“Good morning beloved, kindly pray along with us. Three of our members were kidnapped yesterday(Monday) after Bible study at Kasemola inside Ogbese axis. We need divine intervention,” the message read.

Afenifere Youth Council President, Eniola Ojajuni, revealed that four Traditional Rulers in Ondo state are conniving with Kidnappers as cases of abduction are increasing in the State.

Ojajuni was said to have revealed this in a screenshot of a chat posted by Ondo based lawyer, Tolu Babaleye on his official Facebook page.

Though he did not mention the names of the traditional rulers, Ojajuni said the four Traditional Rulers are from the Northern senatorial district of Ondo State which is dominated by the Akoko people.

Ojajuni was a victim of kidnapping early this year when he was abducted in Akoko area on his way to Abuja, and had to beg Nigerians to assist in raising money for payment of his ransome.

PDP Secretariat Sealing: Wike’s Action ‘Sacrilegious’, Bode George Hits Minister

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 27, 2025

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A member of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Board of Trustees, Olabode George has abused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike for sealing up the Wadata House, the PDP National Secretariat.

The magazine reported that Wike had on Monday ordered the Secretariat to be sealed off, for owing millions of naira in Ground Rent to the FCDA.

The Minister’s order forced the PDP to postpone it’s National Executive Council, NEC meeting fixed for Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

But President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had reversed the order after the public backlash that trailed the Minister’s order.

The PDP chieftain said Wike’s action is not only “sacrilegious” it amounted to trying to destroying the party that made him.

According to George, the PDP made Wike to what he is today, wondering why the former Rivers state governor is trying to bring down the party which gave him the platform to become a council chairman, Chief of Staff, Minister and Governor of Rivers state.

The Minister’s action, the former PDP Deputy Vice Chairman, South said is like someone trying to destroy his village “family house.”

George said, “In regards to the locking up of our Party Secretariat, it is absolutely sacrilegious, unacceptable and culturally inadmissible. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Wike — this is the party that brought you to life.”

“It’s like going back to your village and your family house hasn’t paid some ground rent, and you, as the local government chairman, lock it up. How much were we owing? Seven million naira — which you could easily pay.

“I want to challenge him that they should go and check that the property being used by APC at their headquarters in Abuja, could probably be the same thing. People could be careless. It is not a monumental amount of money,” he PDP chieftain said.

Recall that the Minister’s order came barely 24 hours before the PDP NEC scheduled to hold at the Secretariat, and Wike’s decision to back out of all the agreements” entered to by various stakeholders in the party, including Wike on how to fix the protracted political crisis rocking the party.

The party had since postponed the NEC meeting.

2027: Shetima’s Fate Hangs As Tinubu’s Running Mate; Muslim Group Wants Him Dropped

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 27, 2025

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The fate of Vice President Kassim Shetima as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate in the next presidential election is uncertain, following calls by a group of Muslims in the north on the president to drop him.

In his place, the group, Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah said the president should pick a Christian northerner to vie with him as his running mate.

The group’s Convener Bala Duguri. made the call during a press conference in Abuja the nation’s capital, saying the decision was arrived at after wide consultations with Muslims and other stakeholders in the region.

The group spoke amidst recent suggestion by some members of President Tinubu’s inner circle to drop Shetima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

The magazine has yet to confirm whether the president is contemplating the option of dropping Shetima for another running mate.

According to the Muslim body, the choice of a Christian running mate for Tinubu is in line with the spirit of “fairness, equity and justice,” noting that there’s the need for “religious balance in the 2027 ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

President Tinubu, the group further stated that will assuage the feelings and reciprocate the gesture extended to him in 2023, when they massively voted for the APC Muslim -muslim ticket.

The Muslim group also urged potential Muslim aspirants to drop their ambition to ensure that the idea of a Christian vice presidential nominee, for Tinubu is realized adding that victory is sure for Tinubu if he followed their advice

“Our group has undertaken wider consultations across the northern states with different Islamic organisations in a bid to speak with one voice over the political direction in the APC-led administration. The outcome is very encouraging,” Duguri said.

The group adds, “We have carefully considered the present situation of our country, coupled with deep concern for the well-being of our people, in the spirit of fairness, equity, and justice.

“The sacrifices made by our fellow Christian brothers and sisters in the 2023 presidential elections, in the spirit of unity and national progress, need to be acknowledged. It’s time for Muslim political actors to make similar sacrifices.

“As a Muslim organisation, we use this opportunity to call on all potential Muslim nominees for the vice presidential slot to make the necessary sacrifice by dropping their ambitions for the good of the country.”

It urged President Tinubu, the APC National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee, the Board of Trustees, the Progressive Governors Forum, and other stakeholders to consider its appeal in the spirit of unity, equity, and justice.

Duguri stressed that the recommendation was not merely political but rooted in a genuine concern for national cohesion, democratic stability, and the continued success of Tinubu’s administration.

“After extensive consultations across religious, ethnic, and political lines in the North, we believe the most appropriate step forward is for a Northern Christian to be selected as the Vice Presidential candidate in 2027,” he said.

The group pledged to continue engagement with major religious and traditional institutions, including the NSCIA, JIBWIS, CAN, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, JNI, and the Northern Traditional Institution, to lobby for support for their position.

“This move will not only stabilise our democracy but also improve the electoral chances of President Tinubu, who, with this adjustment, will surely win by a landslide,” the group stated.

Sealing Abuja Properties: Wike Is Becoming Nigeria’s Alternate President – Dele Momodu

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Ayodele Oni

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May 27, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former Presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has condemned the massive seal off of buildings in Abuja by the management of Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) noting that Nyesome Wike is behaving as Nigeria’s alternate president.

FCTA management had on Monday commenced the exercise after expiration of deadline, and sealed up major offices including the national Secretariat of the PDP.

The Presidency, however, was reported to have intervened and directed that defaulters should be given more time, at least 14 days to sort out themselves.

Momodu, in his Facebook page wrote: “Your Excellency, good evening Sir. I have just read the news here in America that you have stepped into the matter of your cantankerous Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesome Wike who sealed the National Secretariat of the PDP, the biggest rival of your ruling party, APC, and properties of other defaulters in Abuja earlier today.

“While no one should condone non-compliance of government obligations, government must always restrain itself from vindictive outbursts such as that of Nigeria’s most querulous politician who I’m sure is fast becoming a liability to your government.

“The decision to stop Wike today achieved several points in your favor.

We used to think we have two Presidents in Nigeria, Tinubu and Wike.

“Now, we know Wike has a Boss who can checkmate his excesses. How I wished you had stopped his reckless disruption and distraction of the Sim Fubara government in Rivers State and saved the hapless people from this unfortunate contraption called emergency rule.

“Nigerians are currently going through so much hardship and pain and you need to rescue them from Wike’s additional burden and insults.

“Wike’s assignments are far smaller than that of Minister Dave Umahi, yet the man is so humble while Wike subjects Nigerians to his tautological press conferences as if he’s running his own Federal government and not under anyone’s control.

“Sir, there can’t be two Captains in one ship and I hope Wike got that message loud and clear from your powerful intervention today.”

Tinubu Directs Wike To Unseal PDP National Secretariat

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The Source

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May 27, 2025

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been directed by President Bola Tinubu to unseal the National Headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, popular as WADATA.

He also directed the unsealing of other properties sealed by the FCT. A 14-day grace period has been given.

The FCT had sealed and revoked a total number of

4,794 properties due to non-payment of ground rent spanning between 10 to 43 years. In the case of WADATA HOUSE, the PDP is said to be owing more than N7 million.

Other properties affected include those of Government agencies, corporate organizations, and individuals.

The exercise began on Monday May 26. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) said it sealed the properties in its renewed effort to “enforce compliance with land use charges”.

However, the outcry and total condemnation by a number of people, has forced President Tinubu to weigh in.

Based on that the FCTA has given all affected property holders a 14-day grace period to pay their outstanding ground rents and associated penalties.

A statement issued by the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze said the penalty charges based on location are as follows:

*N5 million for properties in the Central Area

*N3 million for properties in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape

*N2 million for properties in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II

Also, said the statement, “individuals who purchased properties but have yet to obtain the Minister’s Consent and register their Deeds of Assignment are also required to complete this process within the 14-day period.

“Furthermore, FCT Minister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has extended the same 14-day grace to all property owners in the FCT to settle their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) or Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) charges. Failure to comply could result in revocation of land titles.

“The Minister emphasized the importance of timely compliance with land-related obligations, noting that prompt payments will support the government’s ongoing development projects across the territory.”

Uzodimma Receives Global Partners On Nutrition, Food Security, Others

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The Source

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May 26, 2025

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The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the quality of life of Imo citizens through enhanced healthcare facilities, qualitative education, and food security in the State.

Senator Uzodimma stated this when he received a delegation of some Global Partners – Food and Agricultural Organization, UNICEF, FHI- 360, Result for Development, among others – working on Nutrition and Food Security in Nigeria at the New Exco Chambers, Government House Owerri Monday May 26, 2025.

The Governor who expressed joy that Imo was among the focal States for the intervention programmes and projects, noted that the programmes align with his administration’s core values of “providing sustainable development, promoting quality living and emancipating our people.”

He disclosed that his administration established a University of Agriculture as part of its business template to address food security, with the whole idea “to promote practical agriculture, boost food production for food sufficiency and export for foreign currency earning.”

“Today, willing partners like the FAO, UNICEF, FHI-360, Result for Development and Federal Ministry of Health have volunteered to partner the State,” a joyous Senator Uzodimma said, assuring that “Imo is willing, able and committed to collaborate with these partners.”

He thanked the leader of the team who is also the House Committee Chairman on Nutrition and National Food Security/Member representing Okigwe South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chike Okafor, for recommending Imo State to benefit from the programme/projects.

Governor Uzodimma also urged the team

to feel free to discuss all relevant aspects of their agenda and programme with the partnering ministries – Agriculture and Food Security, Education (Both Primary and Tertiary), Budget and Planning and Health – whose Commissioners were in attendance at the meeting.

Earlier, Rt. Hon. Okafor disclosed that the funding partners and donor Agencies on food and nutrition had a mandate to support national and sub-national governments in the areas of improving nutrition and making food available for the people.

He said the groups were in Imo to commence their programmes and projects, pointing out that the State is strategic, giving the position of Governor Uzodimma who is the Chairman of the Progressives Governors as well as the Chairman of South East Governor’s Forum.

Rt. Hon. Okafor commended the Governor for the holistic approach to development across the State, placing on record the untiring efforts of the Governor’s team to make the visit most fruitful.

He appreciated the Agencies for the commitments made in Imo State, especially the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), a subset of the United Nations which has already started a programme in Imo State that runs into hundreds of thousands of dollars, and expressed optimism that the programme will create greater impact to the people.

Contributing, the Country Director, Nutrition Intervention, Dr. Osita Okonkwo and UNICEF Chief of Field Office Enugu, Mrs. Juliet Chilewe, commended the Imo State Governor for the commitments made in promoting the well-being and development of children and for the intervention in restoring peace in the State.

They appealed to the Governor to take seriously the improvement on the nutrition of the citizenry in Imo State, particularly that of children and mothers, and used the opportunity of the meeting to appeal for support for their summit coming up in July.

Dr. Nuhu Kilishi, National Programme Manager/Director Federal Ministry of Agriculture, disclosed that there will be stakeholders’ engagement to select one School to establish Junior Farmers Club where the students will be trained and equipped in various aspects of agriculture.

He pointed out that the project will provide borehole, brood stock and other inputs, and sought for political will and commitment of the government in sustaining the project.

Other representatives who spoke and made case for improved nutrition in Imo State include, Country Director, FHI-360, Dr. Victor Ogbodo, the Country Director, Results For Development, Dr. Felix Obi.

The Deputy Governor of Imo State Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, and members of the expanded executive council attended the meeting.

Ondo Alleged Employment Scam: Govt Not Liable – HoS

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Ayodele Oni

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May 26, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state government has reacted to allegation of extortion of some prospective job seekers, by some agencies’ personnel, accusing victims of patronizing unofficial sources.

The State Head of Service, (HoS) in a statement on Monday, explained that as far as the government is concerned, processes about teachers recruitment exercise had been concluded and it followed due process.

The Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes, and Anti-Corruption Commission (SPFACC) had announced that it commenced an investigation into allegations of buying and selling employment slots by the officials of Ondo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

Report revealed that candidates which were eventually employed during the exercise allegedly paid between ₦200,000 and ₦750,000 to secure teaching positions at both primary and secondary school levels.

Secretary of the anti graft commission, Prof. Adewole Adeyeye, who confirmed an intervention by the state anti corruption agency, assured that the investigation would be thorough to protect the integrity of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration.

“The commission’s probe is a step in the right direction, and the governor must take decisive action to address this anomaly and ensure that the teaching profession is valued and respected.”

The HoS statement stated that “it has come to the knowledge of the Office of the Head of Service that, some unsuspecting job seekers are reportedly being extorted by some unscrupulous elements regarding the recently-concluded recruitment exercise by Ondo State Universal Education Board (ODSUBEB) and Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).

“This is to alert the general public to be weary of such scammers in order not to fall victim to their scheming.

“It would be recalled that Government has since concluded the recruitment and released the duly signed list and letters of appointment to successful candidates, thus concluding the entire exercise.

“It is instructive to note that, government put in place a transparent, fraud-free process for the recruitment of qualified teachers to fill critical vacancies in both Public Primary and Secondary Schools across the State, leading to the emergence of appointable candidates, at no cost whatsoever.

“Members of the public are therefore advised not to offer bribe or any form of inducement to anyone purporting to be in position to facilitate employment either in Ondo State Universal Education Board (ODSUBEB), Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) or any other Government Agencies, for Government will not be liable for such under-hand dealings.”

2024 Kano Mosque Arsonist, Sentenced To Death By Hanging

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 26, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Shafiu Abubakar, the young and aggrieved mosque arsonist that killed several worshippers is to die by hanging, a Kano Upper Shariah Court ruled on Monday May 26,2025.

The Source reports that the convict had, on May 15, 2024, set ablaze a Mosque in Gadan village Gezawa Local Council of Kano during an early morning worship.

No fewer than 35 persons lost their lives in the incident. Others suffered serious injuries.

Abubakar took the action then to vent his frustration over an unjust sharing formula for family inheritance.

In anger, he poured petrol on the Mosque,locked up the about 40 worshippers inside ,before setting it on fire.

While 11 fatalities were recorded during the inferno, over 12 persons later succumbed to their injuries ,bringing the total number of deaths to about 35.

In addition to death by hanging, the convict is to receive 100 lashes of cane in the first installment.

That will be followed by another 50 strokes and a fine of N1,500. He is, also, to forfeit his motorcycle to the Kano State Authorities.

The proceed from the sales of the motorcycle is to be ploughed back as part of funds for the torched Mosque.

Halhatu, Huzai Zakariya ,the Judge, in his ruling found Abubakar guilty on all four count charges brought against him.

The charges as filed by the Kano state Government bordered on culpable homicide ,attempted homicide ,causing grievous bodily harm ,and mischief by fire.

The authorities argued that the offences contravened sections 143, 148 ,and 370 of the kano state Shariah legal code 2000 ,as amended.

The charges were filed on July 4, 2024, after Abubakar had pleaded guilty to the initial one count charge of culpable homicide brought against him on May 25 ,2024 .

During the trial, the prosecution called seven witnesses, including the traditional ruler of Gadan community .

President Tinubu Arrives Lagos Tuesday, For ECOWAS Celebration, Projects Commissioning

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Ayodele Oni

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May 26, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The golden jubilee celebration of the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) continues in Lagos on Tuesday with the commission’s chairman, President Bola Tinubu presiding.

Already President Tinubu is expected to leave Abuja on Tuesday for Lagos to join other leaders, for the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS.

The ECOWAS golden jubilee was flagged off in Accra last month.

Special adviser to the president on media and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Monday, stated that the Lagos events will include reenacting the 1975 declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Victoria Island.

“At the Eko Hotels and Suites event, President Tinubu, the Chairman of ECOWAS, will highlight the economic bloc’s milestones.

“The Chairman of the NIIA and former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, will review the bloc’s 50-year journey, which panellists at the NIIA will later analyse.

“The only surviving Head of State, who signed the ECOWAS declaration, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), will participate in all the ceremonies and deliver a speech at the Eko Hotels.

“Dr Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, will deliver the welcome address.

“While in Lagos, President Tinubu will, on Saturday, May 31, commission some projects of the administration.

“Among them are Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Lekki Deep Sea Port Tax Credit Concrete Road, the flag-off of Section II of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, and the 7th Axial Road.

“The President will virtually commission Kano-Kanwar-Danja-Hadejiya Section II Road and Yakasai-Zalli Road and flag off the Kano Northern By-pass, Zaria-Hunkuyi-Dabai Section I, Dabai-Kafur Malumfashi, and Malumfashi-Dayi-Yashe-Gidan Mutum Daya Section III.

“President Tinubu will observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the State House, Dodan Barracks, before returning to Abuja.”

Uzodimma Sacks Akaolisa, Attorney General And Commissioner For Justice

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Adesina Soyooye

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May 26, 2025

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Hope Uzodimma and Justice Barrister Cyprian Akaolisa

By Adesina Soyooye

In a surprise move which shocked not a few people, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, on Monday, May 26, sacked the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister C.O. Akaolisa, with immediate effect.

Akaolisa’s sack was announced in a terse Special Government Announcement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba.

The statement which said Akaolisa’s sack took immediate effect, asked him to hand over every Government property in his possession to the State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Minister of Justice.

The statement reads in full:

IMO STATE GOVERNMENT SPECIAL PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

“The Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, has approved the immediate removal from the office of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr C .O. C Akaolisa,

“The erstwhile commissioner has been directed to hand over all government property under his care to the State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary,Ministry of Justice, immediately.”

The Governor and Akaolisa come a long way which is why his sack took not a few people unawares. Both men stood by each other through thick and tin. Particularly, when Akaolisa was suspended by the Legal Body, Uzodimma continued to keep him as a member of his Cabinet and even reappointed to the high profile office of Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. Akaolisa, also, suffered losses for his loyalty to Uzodimma. In the course of his service to the State, Akaolisa lost his country home to arson.

However, he was blamed by many people for the recent controversy which surrounded the appointment and removal from office of the State’s Acting Chief Judge by the National Judicial Commission, NJC.

The Commission reversed Uzodimma’s CJ’s appointment because, it said, the Governor breached the law by appointing the 4th ranked Judge instead of the most senior Judge. The Governor was then directed to appoint the State’s most senior Judge as Acting Governor.

Akaolisa was blamed for not advising the Governor and the State’s Judicial body rightly.

The Government was, however, silent on reason(s) for his sack.