Edo: PDP Charges Gov Okpebholo To Make Public Findings On Suspended Officials

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April 29, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in Edo State has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of embarking on suspensions of state officials since assumption of office for offences which borders on corruption, while the governor has failed to make public findings on the affected officials.

First to get suspended by the governor was the state attorney general, Samson Osage who was accused of corruption but was later recalled after being cleared of the allegation.

The latest victim is Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Caulson Osoikhia Oahimire.

His suspension was announced in a two-paragraph statement Tuesday morning, by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.

The statement noted that Oahimire was suspended over allegations of grave financial and official infractions.

“It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Executive Govemor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has ordered the immediate suspension of the Executive Secretary, Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Caulson Osoikhia Oahimire, over allegations of grave financial and official infractions.

“Consequently, the most senior staff of the Agency will act in a functioning capacity pending the outcome of a special committee to be constituted by Government to investigate the various allegations and submit a report to the Governor.”

Reacting through a statement by the Publicity Secretary of its Caretaker Committee, Chris Nehikhare, the PDP said that since his assumption of office, Governor Okpebholo “has embarked on an unrelenting spree of suspensions, throwing one official after another under the bus—often amid sensational accusations of corruption and misconduct.

“Yet, in all this noise, Edo people have seen no credible investigations, no legal conclusions, no public accountability—only whispers of quiet reinstatements through the backdoor.

“From his own Commissioner for Justice and Chief Law Officer, Samson Osagie, to the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Damian Lawani; the Head of the Public Safety Response Team, Kelly Okungbowa; the Commander of the State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin; the CEO of FEWMA, Ahmed Momoh; and now Dr. Oahimire—the list reads like a script from a badly managed soap opera.

“What we are witnessing is not governance—it is chaos masquerading as reform.

“Edo people are left asking: Is this simply a case of a workman constantly quarrelling with his tools? Or did Okpebholo knowingly assemble a team riddled with questionable characters—people who see public office not as a platform for service, but as a shortcut to self-enrichment?

“What is clear is that this endless cycle of suspensions has laid bare a troubling reality: either the Governor is completely out of his depth and incapable of managing his own appointees, or he is overseeing an administration deeply compromised by rot, failure, and corruption.”

Rivers: Eight NBA Branches Defend Chairman Over Allegation Of Misconduct

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Ayodele Oni

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April 29, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Rivers State Government has accused the Chairman of the Port Harcourt branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) of misconduct for being a signatory to a communiqué which criticised the State Government.

Already, the eight branches of the NBA in the State have rejected a query issued to the Chairman, Cordelia Eke, by the Sole Administrator of the state through the Ministry of Justice.

The query, dated April 25 and signed by Ebiriemg Deresima, Director of Administration at the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, accused Eke of “serious misconduct” for co-signing a communique that criticized the State Government.

The query also claimed that such actions violated Public Service Rules and were deemed inappropriate for a civil servant

The communiqué had described as “severe and brazen acts of lawlessness and impunity,” the alleged dismantling of democratic structures and suppression of peaceful protests.

In response, the chairmen of the Rivers NBA branches issued a joint press release on denouncing the query as an attempt to intimidate Eke and other legal professionals in the state.

The NBA leadership clarified that the communique in question was not issued by Eke in her capacity as a public servant, but rather as the elected Chairperson of the Port Harcourt Branch of the NBA, a position that allows her to express the collective views of the branch.

It further emphasized that the communique, dated April 9, was the result of formal NBA discussions and reflected the collective stance of all NBA branches in Rivers State.

The Chairmen noted that this position aligned with that of the NBA at the national level, as expressed by the Association’s President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN.

The Chairmen described the query as part of a broader effort by the Sole Administrator to silence dissenting voices and undermine democratic principles under the guise of promoting peace.

They viewed the query as an attempt to intimidate Eke into abandoning her role as Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch and to deter lawyers and the people of Rivers State from standing up against executive overreach and impunity.

Soldier To Die By Hanging For Killing Girlfriend

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 29, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Private Adamu Mohammed, a soldier attached to the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, is to die by hanging for snuffing life out of his girlfriend.

Similarly, his colleague, Abubakar Yusuf, is to spend the next ten years behind bars for his involvement in robbery activities.

A statement from the Division’s spokesperson, Lt C Jonah Unuakhalu, on Tuesday April 29, 2025, informed that both soldiers were found guilty by a General Court Marshall GCM established by the Division.

The General Officer Commanding, GOC, Oluyemi Olatoye, a Major General, had on February 18, 2025, set up the GCM to look into cases involving erring service men of the 82 Division, Enugu, whose offences could be disposed of summarily.

Delivering judgment, the President of the Panel, Sadisu Buhari, a Brigadier General, noted that Private Mohammed was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali.

According to him, the offence is punishable under Section 106 (a) of the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 LFN 2004 .

The Verdict which the President said was unanimous among Panel members, was arrived at after a careful examination of facts before the GCM, including the career and service record of the soldier.

In the same vein, General Buhari, informed that the GCM in arriving at its ruling also considered the plea for leniency by the accused and his legal representatives.

However, the GCM noted that the interest of justice for the deceased as well as the need to maintain societal decorum far outweighed any other consideration.

“Given this, the GCM has determined that the accused soldier 21NA/80/6365 Private Adamu Mohammed is hereby sentenced to death by hanging for the charge of murder”, the panel ruled.

On the other hand, the GCM, found Private Yusuf guilty of a robbery incident at a Mall in Enugu, noting that the offence contravenedG Section 107(1) (b) of the Armed Forces Act ,Cap A20 LFN 2004.

“Although ,the court attentively considered the plea for mitigation presented by the accused and his Counsel,the law was applied to uphold societal decorum and protect the reputation of the Army.

However, due to the inability of the GCM to reach a unanimous decision required to impose the maximum mandatory punishment, prescribed under Section 107(2) of the Armed Forces Act ,Cap A20 LFN 2004 ,the GCM relying on the provisions of Section 140 (3) of the Armed Forces Act, hereby sentences the accused soldier 23NA/85/12116,Private Abubakar Yusuf, to 10 years imprisonment”, the GCM President.

The GCM noted that the sentences for both soldiers remain subject to the confirmation of relevant authorities within the System.

This is just as the Nigeria Army reaffirmed its determination and unwavering commitment towards upholding the highest ethical and professional standards among its officers and men.

Edo: Okpebholo Fumes As Renewed Cult Clash Causes Tension, Death

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Ayodele Oni

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April 29, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Following the latest clash between two rival cult groups, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered security agencies to move decisively to curtail criminal activities in the State.

This was made public on Tuesday via a statement by Bugie Okhuemoi, the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor.

The statement reads: “The Edo State Government is deeply concerned about the resurgence of cult-related violence in some parts of the state.

“It is important to recall that following earlier disturbances last year, Governor Monday Okpebholo, among several proactive steps taken, convened personally and through his agents series of critical meetings with the known leaders of groups suspected to be involved in these criminal activities.

“At those meetings, firm agreements were reached: they were to rein in their members and take full responsibility for their conduct. The Governor made it abundantly clear that the State would no longer tolerate the senseless killing of our youth and the destabilization of our communities.

“Regrettably, recent developments indicate that some individuals and groups have chosen to defy that understanding. Governor Okpebholo has therefore directed security agencies to move in decisively.

“Those who have tested the will of the State will face the full weight of the Edo State Anti-Cultism and Kidnapping Law. There will be no sacred cows.

“This administration remains unshaken in its commitment to rid Edo State of cultism, criminality, and all threats to peace and order. We urge all law-abiding residents to remain calm and continue with their daily activities. The security agencies are fully mobilized and working around the clock to restore and maintain peace.

“The Okpebholo administration is determined to build a safe, stable, and prosperous Edo State — and no amount of intimidation or criminal defiance will stand in the way of that goal.”

Report revealed that two rival cult groups, Aye and Maphite Confraternities, reignited their battle for dominance, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people in Benin.

This resurgence of violence occurs just three months after Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, signed the Secret Cult Prohibition Bill into law, which imposes a 21-year prison sentence on cult members and their sponsors.

The renewed cult war reportedly began on Friday, with the killing of a physiotherapist named Alex and another person near the back gate of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Ugbowo, Benin.

In what appeared to be a retaliatory attack on the same Friday, two suspected cult members were reportedly shot at a well-known restaurant on Sapele Road in Benin by unidentified gunmen, triggering a wave of cult-related killings across the city.

Other reported incidents include the killing of an alleged cultist on Upper Forestry Road, and the deaths of two people at 2nd East Circular and Upper Sokponba Road by the bypass on Saturday.

I’m Not Afraid Of EFCC Probe – Okowa

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Ayodele Oni

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April 29, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

A day after he was formally received into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), Ifeanyi Okowa, has declared his readiness to face probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC).

Okowa, former Governor of Delta State and the PDP co- flag bearer in the 2023 general elections, along with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and others were received on Monday by the leadership of APC at a colourful ceremony in Asaba.

Answering questions on Tuesday, on Arise Television, Okowa, said he has done no wrong, and, therefore, has no reason to be afraid of the EFCC and its probe.

He dismissed insinuations that his defection was the outcome of his dialogue with Senator Adams Oshiomhole who had reportedly told him to defect as a guarantee against EFCC probe.

According to him, he has not discussed or met Adam Oshiomhole on defection, until yesterday at the defection ground where both hugged each other.

“There is no sin to be forgiven because no sin was committed.”

He denied ever being arrested by the commission, saying while it was the right of the commission to probe him, he committed no crime to warrant him being afraid.

Okowa explained that the Commission’s invitation was extended to him while he was abroad and that he promptly reported when he returned to Nigeria.

Besides, he maintained that he served Deltans well and that although his development strides are worthy and well acknowledged, he could not accomplish all that he could because, being in the political opposition had a way of affecting access to the goodwill of the resource- laden Federal Government.

BREAKING: EFCC Arrests Socialite, E-Money, For Abusing The Naira

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 29, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Anti Graft Agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested Lagos socialite, Emeka Okonkwo Daniel, popular as E-Money, for allegedly abusing the Naira.

E-Money was arrested by operatives of the commission in Lagos.

The Socialite who is the Chief Executive Officer of Emmy Cargoes Nigeria Limited and Five Star Music, is the brother of popular Musician, K-Cee.

According to the EFCC, he is being investigated for allegedly spraying both Naira and US Dollars at a party in Lagos in violation of Nigeria’s currency Law.

Details Later……

Aisha Achimugu Embarks On Hunger Strike After Arrest By EFCC

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 29, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested Businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu.

Ms Achimugu was arrested Tuesday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 5.00am on arrival from London.

To protest her arrest and what she says is a breach of her fundamental rights, Achimugu has embarked on a hunger protest.

She and the EFCC have been having a running battle. Allegedly, for traveling out of the country instead of honoring its invitation, the EFCC declared her wanted. The Commission, also, raided her home in Abuja.

Ms Achimugu became known by most who didn’t know her before after she threw what has been referred to as an obscene lavish birthday at a luxury Island in Grenada, a country which citizen, she allegedly is, thanks to her investment there.

Her Lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, confirmed her arrest, but fumed that it goes against a Court decision on Monday. It is against the order of the Court, he said.

He said: “Aisha Achimugu who arrived voluntarily into the Country from London was arrested by the EFCC around 5.00am on Tuesday.

In light of what transpired in Court on Monday, my client returned based on the undertaking before the Court to honour the EFCC’s invitation but was arrested at the airport.

“She is a prisoner of conscience”

BREAKING: Sunny Ade Not Missing As Son Counters His Sister Kidnap Allegation

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 29, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Legendary Afrobeat Musician, Sunday Adegeye, popular as King Sunny Ade, KSA, is safe. He was never a victim of any kidnap incident contrary to a story put out by one of his daughters, Damilola.

One of his sons, Dayo, in a swift reaction, has debunked the story which shook many.

Damilola had alleged that Dayo spearheaded the kidnap of their Father.

Dayo who happens to be the Father’s Manager debunked the claim by Damilola, saying their Father “is hale and hearty”.

Damilola had explained that Dayo and his cohorts kept Sunny Ade away from his family members and all efforts to reach him proved abortive.

However, Dayo, in a brief statement debunked the claims as rumours, while noting that KSA has been attending shows, making it known that there is no kind of kidnap.

“We want to assure the public that King Sunny Ade is safe and sound,” Adegeye emphasized.

“There is no truth to the kidnapping rumor, and we are taking appropriate steps to address the situation and identify those responsible for spreading this false information.”

Adegeye reassured fans and well-wishers that the King of World Beats, King Sunny Ade, is not abducted or kidnapped by anyone. The Adegeye family and King Sunny Ade’s team are working diligently to put an end to the rumor and protect his reputation.

“The public can be rest assured that King Sunny Ade is in good health and spirits, and his focus remains on his music and legacy.”

This development has shown that there is a feud in the family amongst the children of the popular musician.

Damilola has laid more allegations this morning against Dayo, accusing him of stealing from KSA and making him to perform at shows in distress.

Soludo-Obi Rivalry: Scurrying About Under Obi’s Shadow!

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The Source

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April 29, 2025

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By Steve Osuji

There’s actually no rivalry between the duo of Peter Obi and Chukwuma Soludo.

Their lives and trajectories have travelled through different tangents.

Prof. Soludo is currently first term governor of Anambra State. Obi sat on the same seat over a decade ago.

But keen observers of these two prominent Anambra men will easily conjecture that Soludo is suffering from what one would want to describe as THE OBI COMPLEX or TRAUMA.

Going by Soludo’s numerous unwarranted and juvenile public vituperations, he probably thinks he’s superior to Obi and therefore, obi must seek his permission even before he visits the loo!

On several occasions in the last couple of years, Soludo has made inaccurate and indeed, injurious public statements about Peter Obi.

Soludo is obviously deeply troubled that Obi did not only step up to run for the presidency of Nigeria, but that he has enjoyed enormous national acceptance.

In Soludo’s godhead wisdom, no Igboman should aspire to be president until he, Soludo is ready.

Obi is not the immediate past governor of Anambra but Soludo seems to derive an especial joy pillorying Obi and discussing his ‘misdeeds’ as governor.

Soludo’s last installment just yesterday, is to join the band of Obi’s political opponents to shoot him down for speaking up about the woes and tribulations that have beset Nigeria under Tinubu/APC era.

What manner of man joins the mob outside to traduce his own brother. Igbo has a vile name for a fellow who points to his father’s house with the left hand. We shall refrain from calling Soludo that name here lest we be like him.

The way Soludo carries on, you would wonder whether he’s governor of Anambra or Obi.

Let it be said that Soludo has been a poor governor so far. We have already recorded him as a loquacious, bombastic and all-knowing fellow.

Some of his aides call him eze onye agwala m (the all-knowing king who listens to no counsel).

During electioneering, he promised to morph Anambra into Dubai; as if he has some kind of magic wand. But Anambra has become more wretched under his watch? For one, it’s dirtier. I have just visited.

He is facing reelection in a few months. He will fail woefully if the process is free and transparent. But we can already see motorpark tactics being put in place to suborn the election.

If only Soludo would address his mind a little more to running Anambra. Maybe he can still redeem himself and perhaps measure up a bit to Obi’s tenure and stature.

Soludo seems like a man traumatized by a mammoth opponent. But Obi is by no means in contention with Soludo. Soludo must therefore remove himself from the prism of Obi’s shadow in which he seems to spends much time scurrying about.

Soludo must cure himself of the acute psychological condition we want to call The OBI TRAUMA.

Two brothers can actually be great together…

*Osuji was editor at The Guardian and Thisday.

*Feedback: [email protected]

*OSUJISTEVE/29.04.25

Abia Sets Up 10,000 Capacity Modular Refinery

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 29, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

To drive industrialization, and create job opportunities, the Abia state Government has announced its readiness to set up a Modular Refinery in the State.

The construction of the Refinery with a capacity to refine over 10,000 barrel of crude daily ,will commence next month at the state’s Industrial and Innovation Park AIIP project site in the Oil bearing Ukwa West local council.

The State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kalu, who disclosed this while briefing the media after an Executive Council meeting on Monday, April 28,2025, informed that the project to be undertaken by HSI, will significantly drive the economy of the state .

He noted that the project is also a testament to the steady progress being made on the AIIP project which was flagged off last year by Governor Alex Otti.

The Commissioner, apparently, replying to some people who have come to perceive the project as a failure, noted that significant progress has been recorded with the Modular Refinery being a part of the project’s success story so far.

“The Abia State Government is making steady progress on the AIIP project, and to this effect, the payment of compensation to all affected landowners has been completed.

“Bush clearing and aid works around the project site have commenced ,especially around the Modular Refinery portion

“Construction for the Modular Refinery will commence fully during the second quarter of the year ,and that is as we enter the month of May ).

“This of course is as a result of the approval granted HSI to operate the 10,000 barrels per day capacity modular refinery at the AIIP site”, Kalu noted.

He expressed the optimism that the project apart from growing the GDP ,will create several direct and indirect job opportunities for the people of the state.