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CHIVIDO ’25: Mixed Feeling Trails Davido’s $3.7mn White Wedding

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Davido and Chioma

By Akinwale Kasali

“You are my love, my peace, my home. You see the me that the world does not see, still you chose me.” – Davido to Chioma

The much anticipated White Wedding between Afrobeat Superstar, David Adeleke, popular as Davido, and his long-time partner, Chioma, has come and gone, but has left tongues of fans, Social Media enthusiasts and rritics wagging with mixed feelings.

Davido melted hearts when, while taking his marriage vows, he looked directly into his wife’s eyes and addressed her thus: “Chioma, you are my love, my peace, my home. You know the me the world does not know. Still you chose me.”

Following the announcement by Davido that the wedding cost him a whopping sum of $3.7 Million, which he, admittedly, described as crazy, mixed reactions have trailed it with some hailing the Superstar, while some have tagged it an unnecessary waste.

“We’ve spent $3.7 million in cash. So, you should know what we are doing. It’s going to be crazy,” the 32-year-old singer said in a video shared on Instagram by fellow artiste Teni.

The couple arrived in Miami, United States of America,  days to the wedding, stepping off a private jet adorned with floral decorations and a chair marked “MRS”, a nod to the romance surrounding the celebration.

Videos from their pre-wedding party showed Davido wearing a white hat, blue suit jacket, white trousers, and Ankara fabric draped over his shoulders, while Chioma dazzled in a short white gown.

At the party entrance, a bold print reading “Chivido. Miami. 2025” on a white background greeted guests, resembling the signage seen at upscale bars and mart shops.

Guests invited to the white wedding were also instructed not to wear white or cream outfits to the ceremony.

The directive was clearly stated in the official wedding invitation sent to invitees, which specified that the dress code is strictly “black tie and evening gown.”

The instruction further emphasised, “No White or Cream,” a move believed to be aimed at reserving those colors exclusively for the couple.

The unusual color restriction has sparked conversation online, with some praising the decision as a classy way to keep the spotlight on the bride and groom, while others noted the contrast between the ceremony’s “white wedding” theme and the dress ban for guests.

An aide to the Governor of Delta State, Ossai Success Ovie, sparked off a debate on social media after expressing his disappointed at singer Davido for heading to Miami, Florida, U.S. to hold his white wedding.

According to Ossai, the whole ceremony is a waste of money.

‘’Davido and Chioma’s white wedding this weekend in Miami is a waste of money and I am disappointed.

“Having too much money doesn’t mean you should carelessly spend it.

“Dangote, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg won’t waste money like this.

“What is the essence of white wedding in Florida when your lavish traditional marriage is over a year.

“I am really disappointed”, he wrote on his Instagram page.

Another Instagram user, Elias Ukorobo, reacting to Ossai’s comment said, “There’s nothing wrong if David can afford to throw an extravagant overseas wedding as long as he can still afford for them to live lavishly during their marriage.

“It’s only an issue when the Groom spends a lot of money to throw a wedding with the sole purpose of impressing people only for them to live in penury during the marriage.

“The quality of life during marriage is more important than the wedding day.

“However, I will still implore President Tinubu needs to abolish extravagant weddings, bride prices and price lists—like Sheikh Al-Nahyan of the UAE did in the 1990s”.

AnotherUser, @Princess omo, wrote, “I smell jealousy. @ ovie, just dey want to trend. Abeg, who no like better thing. Congratulations to the philanthropist himself @ David Adeleke( Davido) and Mrs Chioma Adeleke ( Chef Chi). @ Mr. Ovie, jealousy is a road to no destination”.

@Anonymous, “That is wrong view. He worked hard for his money. He is not a drug baron or 419. Please allow him to spend his hard earned money in peace. He only has one life to live”.

For @Fredo, “Just 2 narcissits with too much money and bored with life”.

For James Frego24, “Oboy!!! See witches and wizards in human form, Oga did you make money for the man to determine for him how or what to spend his money on? This man can be more dangerous than satan with this his jealous mind”.

Ondo Govt. Wades In As Farmers Accuse Herders Of Destruction Of Farms

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has stepped into what could have led to farmers-herders clash following the destruction of farms at Ifedore area of the State.

Government condemned the widespread destruction of crops in some farms at Ipogun, Ifedore Local Government Area of the State by herdsmen who invaded the community to graze their cattle on the crops of hardworking farmers.

They have petitioned the security agencies including the Ondo State Amotekun Corps Commander, and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene to avert possible clashes.

The farmers, had in their petition, alleged that the herders on Saturday and Sunday 5th and 6th July, 2025 took their livestock especially cows to their farms located at Oke Ose Ipogun in Ifedore Local Government area and destroyed maize, cassava, plantain, vegetables, and yams among other crops planted in large commercial quantity.

In the letter, the farmers regretted that despite writing protest letters to seek the intervention of security operatives to ensure compensation is paid to the affected farm owners, no action was taken to arrest the suspected herders.

They called on the Amotekun Corps to urgently intervene to prevent herdsmen/farmers clashes at Oke Ose, Ipogun in Ifedore Council Area.

One of the farmers, Mr Tunde Fawoyi, who spoke on behalf of the affected farmers, described the situation as unacceptable and devastating considering time, human and financial resources invested on the farms.

Fawoyi who confirmed the protest letter, also called on Governor Aiyedatiwa to intervene to prevent unnecessary conflict or further destruction of farms at Ipogun farm settlements.

Speaking on the incident, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Leye Akinola, stated that the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa would not condone the act of lawlessness.

He emphasized that the government would investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to book.

The Commissioner sympathized with the farmers for their losses and vowed to bring those involved to justice to serve as a deterrent to others.

He appealed to the affected farmers and the community to allow the government to handle the situation through the Amotekun corps, urging them not to take the law into their own hands.

Akinola commended the Amotekun corps for their swift intervention, which helped calm the situation and led to some arrests.

He assured farmers in the state that the government would provide adequate support to ensure sufficient food production.

According to a statement signed by the Head of Media in the Ministry, Sola Omoboyowa, the Commissioner added that the government would deploy proper security measures to notable farming areas and other strategic locations across the State.

This would enable farming activities to thrive without fear of attacks.

FG Docks Suspected Attackers Of Owo Catholic Church

By
Ayodele Oni
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Owo Catholic Church - Attacked

By Ayodele Oni

Three years after, the Federal Government on Monday arraigned five men on terrorism charge before a Federal High Court in Abuja on their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, in Ondo State.

The five persons – Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar – are to face trial for the attack, which claimed over 40 lives and left over 100 individuals injured.

The five accused were arraigned on a nine-count terrorism charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025 filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

They are, in the charge, accused among others, of being members of Al Shabab terrorist group, with cell in Kogi State.

The accused are also alleged to have carried out the attack in furtherance of their religious ideology.

Some counts in the charge read: “That you, Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, adults, males, with others still at large, on 05/06/2022, at St. Francis Catholic Church , Owo, Ondo State, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, did detonate Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) which caused grievous bodily harm to over 100 persons, including: Onuchukwu Happiness, Ogungbade Vivan and Nnakwe Paschaline Ugochinyerem and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 42(a)(i) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

They pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them by an official of the court.

Following the not guilty plea by the five accused, prosecuting lawyer, Calistus Eze, urged the court to order that they be remanded in the custody of the DSS pending trial.

Defence lawyer Abdullahi Muhammad, however, prayed the court to order the DSS to grant the defendants’ families and their lawyers access to them.

Muhammad said the accused had been in custody since 2022 when they were arrested and had not had access to family members and their lawyers.

Eze said it was the standard practice that detainees’ family members and lawyers should be granted access after a formal written request.

He noted that it had become inevitable at this stage that the defendants be allowed access to their lawyers to enable them to prepare their defence.

Ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered that the accused be remanded in the custody of the DSS. The Judge also ordered that the DSS should grant the defendants access to members of their families and their lawyers.

He then adjourned until August 19 for the commencement of trial.

Ekiti: Gov Oyebanji Sacks 10, Retains Six Commissioners In Cabinet Shakeup

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Biodun Oyebanji - Ekiti State Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has sacked ten Commissioners from the State Executive Council.

Although, a late Sunday night  statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, portrayed total dissolution of the State Council, some Commissioners and Special Advisers still survived the action.

Coming as a surprise to the affected Commissioners, the sack  comes about two months to the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) slated to hold in October.

The sacked Commissioners and Advisers were supposed to stand by the Governor in a governorship primary if it is going to be an indirect exercise.

The statement by the Government Scribe remained unclear as at press time as there are Special Advisers that are not members of the State Exco.

Two of those whose status remains uncertain are the political godfather of the governor who is Special Adviser on Political Matters, Jide Awe, and Yinka Oyebode, Special Adviser, Media , who the Governor inherited from his predecessor.

The statement reads: “Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has announced the dissolution of the State Executive Council with immediate effect.

“The affected Commissioners and Special Advisers are to hand over to the Permanent Secretary or the most senior civil servant in their respective MDAs.

“Governor Oyebanji thanks the affected members of the State Executive Council and wishes them success in their future endeavours.

“However, the dissolution does not affect the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. Also not affected by the dissolution are the Commissioner for Health and Human Services; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security; Commissioner for Education; Commissioner for Works; Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives; Special Adviser, Special Education and Social Inclusion; and Special Adviser Lands, Survey and e-GIS.

“Also, all Directors General who are members of the State Executive Council are to retain their positions. These are the Director General Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD); Director General SDGs and Project Monitoring; and Director General Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).”

Before the dissolution, Governor Oyebanji’s administration has been rocked by massive resignation of some political office holders, that felt betrayed by his style of his government.

Political watchers in the state believe that the latest action by the governor is to preempt further resignations as those affected are politicians, while those he retained are technocrats, brought in to assist the administration with their expertise.

Ibom Air Bans Passenger For Life, Hands Her Over To Police

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Ibom Air Bans Passenger For Life
Ibom Air

By Ayodele Oni

Ibom Air has handed over an unruly passenger on Uyo-Lagos flight, Sunday, to the police.

The airline also announced a life ban of Ms Comfort Emmason, from flying on any aicraft operated by it.

In a statement on Monday, the airline stated that, “an incident occurred on board our Uyo–Lagos flight involving a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, whose conduct posed a serious threat to the safety of our crew, passengers, and aircraft.

“Shortly before take-off from Uyo, Ms. Emmanson was instructed, in line with standard aviation safety procedures, to switch off her mobile phone.

“She bluntly refused to comply until the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement, after which a fellow passenger seated beside her took the phone and switched it off. This action prompted a verbal tirade from Ms. Emmanson. The situation was eventually calmed, and the flight departed as scheduled.

“Upon arrival in Lagos, Ms. Emmanson waited for all other passengers to disembark and then proceeded to confront the Purser who had earlier instructed her.

“She walked up to the unsuspecting Purser, stepped on her, forcibly tore off her wig, removed her glasses and threw it to the floor, and used her footwear to assault her.

“She slapped her several times and when the other cabin crew member tried to intervene, she slapped her too. She then attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft.

“By this time, the Pilot-in-Command had alerted airport security. Before security could arrive, the Purser, as seen on the viral video on the internet, prevented the passenger from leaving the aircraft until security arrived.

“The arrival of Ibom Air Security personnel, did not deter the passenger as she attacked them as well, lashing out violently at both Ibom Air and FAAN security.

“She was then restrained and removed from the aircraft by force. Even after disembarking, she continued to assault both Ibom Air and FAAN security staff, and even slapped the ground supervisor.

“The passenger was removed from the ramp and taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.

“Ibom Air has since submitted a report on the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and placed a travel restriction on Ms. Emmanson, who will no longer be permitted to fly on any of our aircraft.

“Ibom Air reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of unruly or violent conduct that threatens the safety of passengers, crew, or equipment. Such behavior will be met with the strongest possible response, including legal action and permanent restriction from our services.

“We commend the bravery and professionalism of our crew in handling this situation under extremely challenging circumstances, as well as the swift support from airport security and the Nigeria Police.”

The incident is coming few days after a popular Fuji musician, KWAM1, attempted to disrupt the services of another airline in Abuja, which has led to his ban indefinitely from flying any aircraft, while investigation is still ongoing.

He has since tendered a public apology to the Pilot, the Airline (ValueJet) Aviation Parastatals and the Federal Government.

MBF: We Believe Obi’s One-Term Promise, He Has Integrity

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Peter Obi
Peter Obi

The Middle Belt Forum, MBF, has affirmed its support for the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter  to the effect that he will serve a one term of four years in office if elected Nigerian President.

The Forum said at the weekend that it has no reason to doubt the former Anambra state governor because he has a track record of integrity, so much so that he’s a promise keeper.

According to MBF National President , Dr Bitrus Pogu, Obi did not make the promise to deceive Nigerians, saying that the people of the Middle Belt believe that the fromer governor “will keep to it’ whenever he makes any promise.

Pogu spoke amidst the controversy that Obi’s remark has generated in the country, polarizing Nigerians to two sides of those supporting him, and those who disagreed with him.

Some of his opponents insist that the promise is far-fetched in a continent where its leaders have the tendency to hold on to power wherever they have the opportunity to lead the country.

But Obi’s supporters said he will keep to his promise not to re-contest , if he’s elected President in 2027.

“We believe Peter Obi is a man of honour and we believe that if he gets the win and he promises or promised something, he will keep to it,” MBF said.

Pogu added that “But like I have always said, we are where we are because we are not yet a nation. That is why several factors have continued to hold us back from attaining the dreams of our founding fathers.

“Otherwise, how many terms one would occupy an office ought to be determined by the constitution and the electorate, rather than by some interest of some sections of the country.

“But that issue is for the future. For now, as a people, we believe Peter Obi because we know he is a man of integrity and honour who keeps his words.”

Apart from Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, a presidential aspirants under the African Democratic Congress, ADC, says he only require four years to transform the country if elected President and Commander-in-Chief.

Jonathan 2027: God Showed Me He Will Win- Prophet

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Goodluck Jonathan

Amidst reported plan by some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to drag former President Goodlcuk Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election, a man of God has disclosed that the former leader will win if he decided to run.

Bomadi Serimoedumu, the General Overseer and founder of Mount Zion Divine Gospel Ministry Inc., Prophet, said he received a vision from God that Jonathan defeated President Tinubu.

For weeks, the idea of Jonathan running in the next presidential election has been reported, leaving not a few Nigerians divided over what his chances are against the incumbent.

While some said he’s likely to win, opponents said he stands no chance against  President Tinubu. For instance, a member of the House of representatives from Kogi state said at the weekend that the former president will be disgraced if he decided to run, saying President Tinubu will win at least 32 states of the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to defeat him.

In spite of the reactions that have greeted the issue, the former leader has yet to speak, despite the fact that sources close to him said he’s really being prevailed upon to throw his hat in the ring for the upcoming presidential election, by some well meaning Nigerians, particularly from his party, the PDP under which he lost the 2025 election.

Speaking on Sunday during a service in his church,  Serimoedumu said he say Jonathan in a vision returning “as president” if he contest the election in 2027.

The prophet said he saw the flag of the PDP flying above that of the ruling APC and others, with former President Jonathan raising it high—signifying his triumph.

He said, “I see President Goodluck Jonathan in Aso Rock leading this country again. If he chooses to run in 2027, he will return as President. There will be prosperity, and the people will rejoice.”

Meanwhile, sources close to the former leader informed the magazine that he has yet to consider whether he will run or not, describing the report as a “mere fabrications” from those who wans to polarize the south to weaken the region, divide its votes ahead the election coming up in two years.

“These persons are just trying to turn southern leaders against themselves, using them as pawns in their political game, to achieve a definitive motive.  If Jonathan, Obi and Tinubu run on different platforms, what do your think will happen at the end of the day, to the chance of a southern candidate wining the election? He asked.

2027: Jonathan No Match For Tinubu- Kogi Rep

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Goodliuck Ebele Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has no chance against the incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. The former leader will be defeated hands down, according to Leke Abejide, the House of representative member representing Yagba East/ Yagba West/ Mopamuro Federal Constituency.

The lawmaker made the remark on Sunday during an interview on the Mic On podcast, saying the president will win the election by wining 32 states.

 

Abejide made the assertion on the heels of report that former President Jonathan is being prevailed upon by some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to make a return t politics and face president Tinubu in the next presidential election.

 

The magazine reported that a former governor of Jigawa state, Sule Lamido stated last week that Jonathan would be the best PDP candidate to contest against Tinubu, citing his goodwill and popularity among Nigerians.  

 

Also a former PDP National Chairman, South Chief Bode George said at the weekend that Jonathan should come back to run for Nigeria’s presidency more than 10 years after he left office, through a smooth transition of power that has been widely applauded globally.

 

The Kogi lawmaker however said, the former leader will lose against the incumbent, who said he has a better chance of winning the election because of his performance in the areas of the economy, security and infrastructure among others, adding that many Nigerians are happy with him.  

 

He said the President may lose a handful of states in the south east, but that he would win more than  80 percent of the 36 states in the country to return to power to serve another term.

According to him, ‘Asiwaju will win 32 states.

“He may lose maybe Anambra, Abia, he will win Ebonyi; he may win more than 32 states.

 “I just came from Kano, I was in Kano on Wednesday and I slept there. I came to Kaduna by road yesterday morning. No insecurity, the road is very good, then I came by train to Abuja this morning and I can tell you that people are happy,” he said.

 

Speaking on the reported Jonathan return, Lamido, a chieftain of the PDP and one of its founding fathers said Jonathan  should be “wooed’ back into the party because he’s the party’s “best bet” to face Tinubu, describing the former leader as competent and and “very qualified.”

 

Lamido: “I think for PDP now they should try to woo him [Jonathan]; he is their best bet. To me, he is their best bet. Anybody put forth by the PDP, Nigerians will support him,

“He is most welcome, competent, and very qualified. To me, I welcome him into the PDP. I think so far in the PDP, with all respect to all members, I don’t see a better alternative than Jonathan if he comes to the PDP.

“I don’t see any other person, really. If we are giving the presidency to the South, it will be the PDP.

“Who is there in PDP now that can challenge Jonathan in terms of being in office, being full-headed, being somebody who is willing to listen, and somebody who is also a key player who believes in partnership?” he stated.

Meanwhile, Jonathan has yet to make a public statement on the issue, and this is not the first time he has been dragged unsuccessfully to contest Tinubu. 

His wife, Dame Patience Jonathan had recently stated that she will back President Tinubu’s re-election. 

 

 

 

 

 

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ADC: I’m Not Part Of It- Fayemi

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Rotimi Amaechi and Kayode Fayemi

Ekiti state former Governor Kayode Fayemi says he’s not party of the coalition of opposition forces planning to oust President Bola Ahmed Tinubu anf the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, from power.

The former governor spoke in statement issued by Ahmed Sajoh, Head of the Fayemi Media Organisation,  FMO.

He said that he remained a staunch member of the APC, and nothing has changed in his unalloyed support for the ruling party.

Recall that a former Governor of Rivers state, Rotimi Amaechi had earlier claimed that Fayemi and himself were part of the coalition forces, which have transformed into the Africa Democratic Congress, ADC with the aim to challenge President Tinubu and APC in 2027 election.

The coalition is made up of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Rauf Areggesola, a former governor of Osun state, former senate President David Mark among others.

“Fayemi and I began the coalition discussion, and we subsequently agreed to broaden it so that it would involve more than just the two of us talking about starting a new party, Amaechi said.

Reacting, Fayemi said he’s not part of the coalition and will not be dragged into the controversy, noting that the report was manufactured by some social media activists, urging Nigerians nt to believe the report.

“We have found no credible evidence to support this story,” the statement read.

“There’s no video of Hon. Amaechi making such claims, no reputable media report, nothing but a social media echo chamber.

“Dr. Fayemi is a committed member of the All Progressives Congress. He has, at various public forums, reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and to advancing its progressive ideals for Nigeria. Nothing has changed,” the statement said.

Invasion: Obasanjo Library Demands Apology From EFCC, Threatens Court Action

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Ola Olukoyede - EFCC Chairman

The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, has demanded an unreserved apology from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for invading its premises on Sunday.

The Library management said in a statement on Sunday that the mid-night operation operation which disrupted a private event, and injured several guests was carried out in bad taste. The commission, the statement said, must apologize or be ready to be sued.

The magazine had earlier reported that the EFCC had in furtherance of the war against Internet fraud, stormed the Green Legacy Hotel, situated within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State in the wee hours of today, disrupting ongoing event.

During the raid carried out by Operatives from the Lagos Directorate, of the EFCC, some youths suspected to be engaging in social media fraud were arrested.

Reacting, the Managing Director of OOPL, Vitalis Ortese, faulted the operation, described by the commission as a sting operation to arrest some internet fraudster aka Yahoo Boys, saying the operation “caused serious panic and chaos,” with the premises of the Library, wondering while the policemen working in the premises were not carried along in the operation.

Describing the operation as a violation of its right, the management of OOPL said the EFFC must immediately tender an apology failure which it would be dragged to court.

Part of the statement: “In the meantime, management demands an explanation of these impudent actions from the Commission and an apology from the EFCC authorities for the infringement of its rights, to all those who gathered, and those who sustained serious injuries from the gangster like induced chaos. Failure for which the management will be compelled to seek redress and sanctions as appropriate.

“The invasion, led by one ‘Olapade’, caused serious panic and chaos, leading to serious injuries among participants trying to escape the shooting and the carnage that resulted, and causing terror among residents on the site.

“On inquiry by phone, the ‘Olapade’ informed the Managing Director of the OOPL establishment, Mr. Vitalis Ortese, that they were acting on an intelligence about a private event in the amusement facility of the complex.

“They also informed management that the police have been duly informed of the operation.

“It should be noted that the event was a private event that had been widely advertised to members of the public for days prior.

“It should also be noted that both the police officers stationed at the OOPL gates and the additional police sent from the Kemta Police Station, as requested by the organisers of the event and management, stated that they were not informed of any planned operation by the EFCC, and neither did they present any warrant.”

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