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Marwa Grants Bail To 101-year Old Woman, Places Her under Counselling

By
Akinwale Kasali
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101-year-old great-grandmother - Esther Ogunmabo arrested by NDLEA

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Esther Ogunmabo, a 101-year-old woman has been placed under counselling by Brigadier-General Mohammed Marwa, the Chairman of  the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

 

The centenarian was arrested  in Ilisan, Ogun State, by Operatives of the NDLEA with 90 grammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis, packed in small sachets for sale to locals.

 

Explaining why she took to the criminal business at her age, Ogunmabo stated that it followed the fire disaster that destroyed her provisions shop.

 

She also revealed to NDLEA operatives that one of her daughters who lived in Lagos supplied the cannabis to her every four days, which she then sold in small quantities.

 

A statement by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, stated that the arrest was part of the agency’s operations across the country.

 

The statement partly read: “NDLEA operatives on Saturday, August 15, 2026, arrested a 101-year-old woman, Esther Ogunmabo, in Ilisan, Ogun State, with retail sachets of skunk, a strain of cannabis, weighing 90 grams, which she claims she sells to locals.

 

“The centenarian told operatives that she resorted to the illicit drug trade after her provisions shop was razed by fire, adding that one of her daughters, who resides in Lagos, arranges the supply of the substance to her every four days, which she in turn sold in bits.”

 

He further stated that the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), directed that Ogunmabo be granted bail and placed on counselling because of her age.

 

He added that her daughter has been arrested.

Senator Melaye Heads To Court Over Adedeji’s Appointment As Member APC Campaign Committee

By
Ayodele Oni
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Dino Melaye
Dino Melaye

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Former federal lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye has kicked against the inclusion of some personalities in the All Progressives Congress APC Campaign Committee.

 

Melaye was particularly angered by the appointment of Dr Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, NRS, as Deputy Director of Fundraising for the 2027 presidential campaign.

 

He has, therefore, threatened to drag President Bola Tinubu to court for the Dr Adedeji’s appointment.

 

The All Progressives Congress, (APC), had on Saturday unveiled members of its campaign council, with some controversial names featuring on the list.

 

The appointment of Adedeji sparked reactions on social media, with many Nigerians alleging that their taxes could be diverted to fund the president’s re-election bid.

 

Reacting, Dino Melaye, in a video clip shared on his Facebook page, said the development must be challenged in court.

 

According to Melaye, the decision of the NRS chairman to serve as Deputy Director of Fundraising shows a conflict of interest.

 

He said: “The most disturbing part of the list released by the APC is seeing the chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), the body that collects our revenue, serving as Director in charge of fundraising for Tinubu’s presidential campaign.

 

“Is there no conflict in this? As a lawyer, by the grace of God, on Monday, I’m heading to court. We have to test that. If that is not a conflict of interest, then I don’t know what would be.

 

“That a civil servant, a man who earns a salary and is supposed to adhere to public service rules, is not just supporting a presidential candidate but serving as Deputy Director in charge of fundraising.”

 

While reacting to the APC campaign council composition, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) described it as a “rehabilitation centre” for persons facing unresolved corruption questions.

 

In a statement by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, the party questioned the inclusion of former officials Betta Edu and Ngozi Olejeme, calling on the government to disclose whether outstanding corruption cases involving them had been resolved or this appointment is Tinubu’s way of pardoning corrupt officials affiliated with his party.

 

The party says most of the individuals assembled for the President’s campaign lack credibility, insisting that the 2027 general election is going to be a referendum on Tinubu’s performance in the last three years.

 

The statement reads: “We have taken note of the composition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 campaign council. 

 

“What should ordinarily be a political task team ends up looking like a rehabilitation system for individuals carrying unresolved questions of corruption and public accountability.

 

“We note, especially the inclusion of former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu, who was suspended by President Tinubu following the controversy surrounding the attempted transfer of N585 million into a private account as well as Former NSITF Chairman Ngozi Olejeme, who has faced EFCC prosecution over allegations of financial malpractices, among others whose name carry pungent odour of corruption.

 

“One important question that the inclusion of these individuals provokes is what happened to the cases involving these individuals. 

 

“If they have been cleared, the government should show how and when and by whom they were cleared. It has become a familiar pattern under this administration for investigations into financial crimes to quietly disappear only for the accused to suddenly reappear in a different official role.

 

“Under this government, corruption allegations increasingly appear to have an expiry date. Once a person becomes politically useful enough, yesterday’s questions apparently no longer require today’s answers.”

APC Campaign Committee: “Some Names Require A Quick Check Of One’s Wallet” – Senator Ojudu

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Babafemi Ojudu
Senator Babafemi Ojudu

By Ayodele Oni

 

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Babafemi Ojudu has submitted an analysis on the membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Committee saying “there are saints and former sinners, the tried and the tired, reformers and those still awaiting reform.”

 

Ojudu, a former Ekiti centrsl senator, doubted the suitability of some of the people included in the list.

 

Ojudu’s reaction came after the APC released a 108-member campaign council ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

 

The list has already attracted attention within and outside the ruling party, particularly over the personalities selected to help drive Tinubu’s re-election campaign.p

 

In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Ojudu described the council as a mixture of different political characters.

 

He said the list contained people with strong reputations alongside others whose political records could raise questions among voters.

 

According to him, there are “saints and former sinners, the tried and the tired, reformers and those still awaiting reform.”

 

Ojudu added that the council also contains people “whose names inspire confidence and others whose names inspire a quick check on one’s wallet.”

 

The former senator suggested that the party should be careful about the image it projects through the people chosen to represent the president during the election campaign.

 

He argued that a political campaign seeking the trust of Nigerians should not be seen as providing protection for individuals whose records remain controversial.History

 

Ojudu said, “A campaign seeking the confidence of Nigerians should not appear to be offering political sanctuary to every controversial figure who can command a convoy, finance a rally or mobilise a forest.”

 

Ojudu was a prominent political figure during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, serving as Special Adviser on Political Matters. He was also a former senator representing Ekiti Central.

 

His relationship with Tinubu, however, has not always translated into political agreement.

 

Ojudu openly opposed Tinubu’s presidential bid during the 2023 election cycle. At the time, he backed former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the APC presidential primary.

 

That position created tensions between Ojudu and some supporters of Tinubu.

Ogun Police Storm Suspected Baby Factory, Rescue Two Pregnant Women, Boys, Girls

By
Ayodele Oni
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Baby Factory on Mowe

By Ayodele Oni

 

Six victims have been rescued as the Ogun State Police Command dismantled an alleged baby factory syndicate operating in Abaren Village, Mowe.

 

Among those rescued are two heavily pregnant women and four children in an intelligence-led operation.

 

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement, saying the operation was carried out by operatives of the Mowe Divisional Police Headquarters on Monday, August 24, 2026.

 

According to Babaseyi, the operatives stormed the syndicate’s hideout at Toluwalase Street, Abaren Village, via Gbarinmole, a suburb of Mowe, at about 8am following sustained intelligence on alleged human trafficking and illegal adoption activities at the facility.

 

He explained that the raid led to the rescue of two pregnant women identified as victims, aged 23 and 20, who were seven and eight months pregnant respectively.

 

The Police spokesman added that four children, comprising two boys and two girls, were also recovered from the premises during the operation.

 

Babaseyi stated further that intelligence-led investigations took operatives to a hospital within the Mowe axis, where another victim, a 26-year-old woman, had delivered a baby boy on August 20.

 

He explained that although the mother was found receiving medical treatment at the hospital, the whereabouts of her newborn baby could not be established, prompting the arrest of an attending nurse to assist the police in locating the missing infant.

 

 The PPRO said the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation to unravel the full extent of the syndicate’s activities, locate the missing newborn and prosecute all those found culpable.

 

Babaseyi said the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Mowe Division operatives for their prompt response and operational efficiency.

 

The CP, according to the statement, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating human trafficking, child trading and other forms of violent crime across the state.

 

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide the police with timely and credible information, assuring the people that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-led policing to safeguard lives and protect vulnerable members of society.

2027 Presidency: Kwankwaso Jittery Over Yari’s Appointment As Tinubu’s Campaign DG

By
James Orji
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Abdulaziz Yari

A group, APC Daga Titi Zuwa Titi, a Northwest Grassroots mobilisation group, has knocked a former Governor of Kano state, and vice presidential candidate of the National Democratic Coalition, NDC over his recent comment criticising the appointment of  Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari as the Director General, DG of the All Progressives Congress, APC Presidential Campaign Council.

The group said it’s inconceivable that Kwankwaso singled out the former governor of Zamfara state among the slew of members of the council announced on Monday by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

President Tinubu had appointed Yari and Governor Hope Uzodinma as DG and Secretary of the Presidential Campaign Council, among other people selected by the president to lead his campaign for the 2027 presidential election.

The magazine reports that the presidency has also walked back from the list of appointees it announced on Monday, following the trenchant criticism that has trailed it.

Recall also that Kwankwaso had urged Yari to reject the appointment, saying it’s not worth campaiging for Tinubu for re-election, citing some of the failures of his administration, which he said are more manifest in the North where Yari had once served as governor.

“As a former governor of Zamfara State and a prominent leader from the North-West, I believe Senator Yari has a clear understanding of the devastating consequences of insecurity, poverty, unemployment, displacement and the destruction of livelihoods in the region and the country at large,” Kwankwaso said in a statement.

Reacting to Kwankwaso’s criticism, the group in a statement issued In a statement on Monday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jaafar Hassan, said the appointment of Kyari has unsettled the members of the opposition including the former governor of Kano state, who he said are jittery of what Yari is capable of doing.

The group noted that Kwankwanso would not have advised Yari to reconsider his appointment as Tinubu’s Campaign Council DG if he thought the former governor of Zamfara state is not equal to the task and what he’s capable of bringing to the table.

In the list announced yesterday, Tinubu is to chair the council, with Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, serving as Vice Chairmen I and II respectively.

2027: EX-DSS Boss Identifies Nigeria’s Problems, Urges Opposition To Unite

By
James Orji
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0
Lawal Daura

A former Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Maman Lawal Daura, has pointed that corruption, ethnicity, injustice as many of the problems are hampering the country’s development.

Daura, who recently became the vice presidential candidate of the APM, running alongside the party’s presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Mankinde of Oyo state said until these problems are identified and resolved it will be difficult for the country to make a headway.

The former Nigerian Secrete Police boss made the assertion on Monday, during the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State saying identifying the challenges is the “starting point” to resolving many challenges plaguing the country.

He called on the opposition leaders in the country to identify these problems before they get into office, as it will assist them in tackling the problems head-on, adding that if they fail to do this they may have set themselves on the path of failure from the very start.

“But if we are really still to ask, have we gotten a definition of the problem with Nigeria? If we are not able to do that, maybe that is the starting point, especially for those of us in opposition,” he queried.

“We seem to understand the problem, so to speak, but the way we act, we act differently, which means our belief and our understanding of the problem is not really what we think it is,” he said, calling on the opposition to close ranks ahead the 2027 election.

The magazine reports that the NBA conference was attended by some presidential candidates, including that of the NDC Peter Obi, Vice Presidential candidate of the ADC, Rotimi Amaechi, Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress, AAC., amongst others.

APM Group Roots For Gov. Makinde As Opposition Consensus Candidate

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Seyi Makinde

By Ayodele Oni

 

A political pressure group pushing for opposition parties to field a single candidate against President Bola Tinubu has advised opposition presidential candidates to forget personal ambition and support Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement  (APM) as consensus candidate in the 2027 election.

 

This is as positions emerging from the camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra state governor, Peter Obi indicate that they are not prepared to surrender their ambitions in support of single opposition presidential candidate for the election.

 

Speaking in Abuja on Monday, the APM National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, confirmed that talks on single presidential candidate is still ongoing among opposition parties.

 

He however asserted that Governor Makinde is best positioned as opposition consensus Presidential candidate given his political credentials and territorial advantage, and urged all stakeholders to demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship in the overall interest of the nation.

 

Yusuf acknowledged the pervading sentiment across the country in favour of a southern candidate to replace President Tinubu so that the region can complete the remaining four years tenure after which the presidency is expected to return to the northern region.

 

“I can confirm to you that discussions and consultations among opposition parties are going on well and reaching advanced stage on the issue of a single Presidential candidate.

 

“It is a delicate issue that touches on interests. But most importantly we, especially in the APM are listening to Nigerians.

 

“What Nigerians want is for opposition parties to come together, form a strong front and defeat President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

 

“Moreover, there is also this pervading sentiment that the south should produce a replacement for Tinubu in 2027, so that the region can complete the remaining four years tenure after which the presidency is expected to return to the northern region. You cannot overlook that.”

 

Yusuf however stated that Governor Makinde is best positioned to emerge as the opposition consensus Presidential candidate due to his growing acceptability by Nigerians as the face of a national new beginning especially among the younger generation and other active age brackets who form the greater bulk of the voting population.

 

“Without prejudice to the outcome of the consultations, Governor Makinde comes clearer as the best opposition consensus Presidential candidate and this is due to his sound record of performance as state governor coupled with his strong connection and popularity among the younger generation, the professionals and indeed the masses all of who form the greater population of voters across Nigeria.

 

“Go across the country and ask questions. You will notice that Nigerians want a new beginning. They want a leader with new and practical ideas not theories and figure-pointing; a leader with answers and solutions and Governor Makinde fits into the frame.

 

“He is the only candidate with the blueprint to secure the nation, revamp the economy, create new jobs and revitalize our comatose infrastructure. This is a fact that you can verify.

 

“Also, don’t overlook the fact that Makinde is from the South, that is having regard to the sentiment that the South should be allowed to replace President Tinubu to complete the remaining four years tenure after which power will go to the north.

 

Reacting to why the Obi and Atiku camp are not agreeable to a single opposition candidate, Yusuf said he cannot speak for them but added that “what is important now is for all stakeholders to set aside their personal interests” and support Governor Makinde who he insisted is best positioned to defeat President Tinubu at the election.

Gov. Okpebholo Assents To Edo Assembly Funds Management, Judiciary Autonomy Laws

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Governor Monday Okpebholo

By Ayodele Oni

 

Edo State has set the path for full autonomy of the legislative and judicial arms of government with the signing by Governor Monday Okpebholo the state House of Assembly Funds Management Bill 2023 and the Judiciary Financial Autonomy 2023 Amendment Bill into law.

 

Under the new laws, the Assembly and judiciary will submit proposals to the executive for approval before accessing funds for capital projects.

 

The governor signed the bills on Monday at Government House, Benin City, while receiving the Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Prince Yekini Idiaye.

 

He commended the lawmakers for the swift passage of the legislation, saying he was pleased that the issue had been resolved.

 

“I am indeed delighted because this has become like a controversial law, I must confess to you.”

 

He explained that the three arms of government — the executive, legislature and judiciary — had distinct responsibilities and should operate within their constitutional mandates.

 

According to him, the executive is responsible for administration and implementation, while the legislature makes laws and performs oversight functions and the judiciary interprets laws and punishes offenders.

 

“For me, deviating from these is totally out of the field of play, changing the goal post. I saw danger in it and the way things were going.”

 

Okpebholo revealed that he was concerned that funds meant for capital projects were no longer reaching the people, adding that such projects were the most visible way government could improve the lives of residents.

 

He commended the lawmakers for what he described as standing by the people, saying their action demonstrated their commitment to the development of Edo State.

 

Earlier, Idiaye stated that the legislation did not remove the financial autonomy of the House of Assembly or the judiciary.

 

He explained that recurrent expenditure would continue to go to the Assembly and judiciary, while the amendment addressed the management of capital funds.

 

“It is the capital part of the funds that has issues. It was badly abused,” the speaker added.

 

Idiaye said the governor’s position was aimed at preventing further abuse of capital funds by ensuring that the executive handles the capital component through the appropriation process.

 

“The autonomy is still in place, there is no fear on any side, and the unions should not have any fear,” Idiaye said, adding that workers’ salaries were not affected by the amendment.

 

“I believe they have not been properly briefed, but the autonomy is still in order and the workers’ salaries are not touched.”

Ondo: Gov. Aiyedatiwa Says New Akure Flyover Will Ease Facilitates Economic Growth

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

 

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has explained that Akure, the state capital, deserves another flyover to tackle persistent traffic congestion and boost investment and economic growth.

 

The governor spoke on Monday while flagging off the construction of a 2.38-kilometre, 94-span flyover along the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida Road corridor in Akure, describing it as a strategic intervention.

 

The flyover will run from Adegbola Junction through Ojaoba and Adegbemile-Omi eja to St Mathias/NNPC Filling Station, Alagbaka, as part of the administration’s urban renewal and infrastructure development agenda.

 

Governor Aiyedatiwa explained that the intervention was designed to provide a modern transport solution that would improve mobility, safety and the movement of people and goods along one of Akure’s busiest corridors.

 

“This is a long-awaited moment and we are proud of the singular honour and privilege to formally flag-off the construction of the Flyover Bridge along the Oyemekun Oba Adesida Road Corridor, from Adegbola Junction to St. Mathias/NNPC Filling Station, Alagbaka, Akure, covering 2.38 kilometres.”

 

The governor said the project followed careful planning, technical appraisal and extensive stakeholder engagement.

 

He described the Oyemekun–Oba Adesida axis as a major commercial, administrative and social artery linking markets, financial institutions, schools, places of worship and densely populated residential areas.

 

“It is the corridor through which the economic life of Akure pulses daily. Yet, with growth has come considerable strain.

 

“Increasing population, rising vehicular movement and expanding commercial activities have created persistent congestion and heightened the risk of road accidents.”

 

He noted that the congestion has affected productivity, discouraged investment and compromised residents’ safety and well-being.

 

According to him, the flyover and associated road improvements would ease congestion around Adegbola, Oba Adesida and Alagbaka, while reducing travel time, vehicle operating costs and air pollution caused by prolonged traffic delays.

 

Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the project would strengthen Akure’s position as a competitive, investor-friendly capital capable of attracting businesses, retaining talent and creating opportunities for young people.

 

“When traders at Oba Adesida Market can move their goods with ease, when students can get to school on time, when patients can reach hospitals without delay, and when workers can return home safely, then, we would have succeeded in translating policy into tangible benefits.”

 

The governor charged the contractor to execute the project according to the approved design, specifications and timelines, while maintaining high standards of professionalism, quality, safety and integrity.

 

He also appealed to residents, traders, transport unions and other stakeholders to cooperate with the government and contractor during construction.

Edo People Love You, Chukwu, Edo Gov. Aide To Davido, Recants Earlier Remark

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Davido

By Ayodele Oni

 

Apostle Kassy Chukwu, an aide to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, has clarified that his comments on Afrobeats Star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, was personal and never represented government’s position.

 

Chukwu, in a withdrawal of his earlier threat, apologised to Davido.

 

Chukwu had criticised Davido after the singer reacted to comments made by Okpebholo about Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke during the state’s governorship election.

 

Davido had said Okpebholo’s children should be ashamed of their father following the governor’s remarks about Adeleke.

 

In a viral video, Chukwu clarified that his response to Davido was not made on behalf of the Edo State Government.

 

He also said he did not act on the instruction or approval of Governor Okpebholo.

 

Chukwu explained that he reacted personally because he was offended by Davido’s comment about the governor’s children.

 

 He apologised to Okpebholo for any embarrassment his comments may have caused.

 

Chukwu also begged the people of Edo State, stressing that his comments represented his personal opinion and did not reflect the views of Edo residents.

 

 “I want to apologise to every good-meaning Edoite. And to my brother Davido, I love you. Please disregard my earlier comment.”

 

Chukwu further assured Davido that he was welcome in Edo State.

 

“Edo love you and of course you are welcome home anytime, any day in Edo State.”

 

The governor’s aide also described Edo people as loving and accommodating.

He apologised to residents who considered his earlier video disrespectful or unacceptable.

 

Chukwu added that Okpebholo was a peace-loving governor who did not tolerate violence or disrespect.

 

He also praised the governor’s efforts in improving roads, infrastructure, education and security across the state.

 

According to him, Edo is safe for investors and the state’s nightlife should be revived.

Chukwu again stressed that Okpebholo did not ask him to make the controversial statement.

 

He stressed tbat he had spoken based on his personal opinion and was withdrawing the statement while apologising to the governor, Edo residents and Davido.

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