Fubara Snubs PDP Gov’s Meeting, Absent In Ibadan

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April 14, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Questions are being asked as to why suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, is absent at the meeting of Governors elected under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The meeting, being hosted in Ibadan, Oyo State, by Governor Seyi Makinde, is the first major one since the suspension of Fubara for an initial period of six months from office, and the declaration of state of emergency in the State.

One of the main reasons for the meeting is the proclamation of a State of Emergency, the suspension from office of democratically elected officials, including the Governor and his Deputy, and the appointment of a Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to oversee the affairs of the State.

The PDP Governors had, last week, approached the Supreme Court, to challenge the suspension of democratically elected officials, including the Governor and Deputy from office.

Fubara was expected to join them at the meeting since his case is on the front burner.

But at the time of filing this report, he had not joined his colleagues at the ongoing meeting. Absent too is Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke who was in Ibadan on Sunday with his colleagues, but left for his State to attend to pressing issues as he has just returned from a trip outside the country. He was expected to join them but has not, also, done so at the time of filing this report.

The meeting is being presided over by the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, who is the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.

President Bola Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on March 18, citing, among other things, insecurity and the breakdown of governance. But that declaration has been greeted by widespread condemnation.

Four Killed As Police Arrest One Of Delta State’s Most Dreaded Kidnap Kingpins

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 14, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigeria Police Force on Monday April 14, 2025, reaffirmed its determination towards adequately protecting lives and properties, as well as ridding the country of criminal activities.

The Police assurance comes on the heels of the announcement of the arrest of a kidnap kingpin and the killing of four members of his notorious and dreaded abduction syndicate in Delta state.

Abubakar Usman, popular as Shehu, who is alleged to have masterminded several high profile kidnappings in the State was apprehended in a well coordinated sting operation by Operatives of the Delta state Police Command on Thursday, April 10, 2025, following the receipt of actionable intelligence on the activities of his gang.

In the course of the operation, four of his gang members were neutralized, according to a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer FPRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi

After his arrest, Usman was led operatives to his criminal hideout in a forest along the Asaba/Agbo Express way where a fierce gun duel resulted in the killing of four of his members.

The Police spokesperson further noted that Usman, under interrogation, confessed to have carried out the abduction of a number of highly placed men and women, including that of a Medical Practitioner in Issele-Uku, the kidnap and murder of Mr Godwin Anuka’s wife and daughter in Ogwashi-Uku, as well as the killing of Ms Esther Ojoh in Ibusa, all in Delta State.

“Police operatives attached to the Delta State Command on April 10, 2025, arrested one Abubakar Usman, alias Shehu, identified as the leader of a notorious kidnap gang.

“In the course of the investigation, Usman led officers to the gang’s hideout in a forest along the Asaba/Agbor Express way where they came under heavy gunfire from his associates.

“In the gun duel that followed, our operatives neutralized four of the gang members.

“We, also, recovered three AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of live ammunition from the scene”, the police stated.

Ex-Super Eagles International, Charles Bassey Is Dead

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 14, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Less than 48 hours after the passing of former Super Eagles Captain and Coach, Christian Chukwu, another ex-International, Charles Bassey has, also, passed.

Both Chukwu and Bassey were members of the victorious 1980 African Cup of Nations team that won the African showpiece for Nigeria on home soil in 1980.

Bassey died in his native town of Eket, Akwa Ibom, on Saturday— few hours after the death of Chukwu.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, confirmed his death on Monday.

In 2019, Bassey revealed he had suffered a “nerve root compression” in his spinal cord following a car accident in 1986.

The ex-footballer added that the damage was worsening, and he was experiencing difficulty walking. He made a public plea for financial support.

In 2021, Bassey disclosed that the Femi Otedola Foundation funded his Spinal Cord Surgery.

Bassey was also a manager, and he managed many football clubs in the Nigerian league, such as Calabar Rovers, Wikki Tourist of Bauchi, BCC Lions of Gboko, Flash Flamingos, Mobil Pegasus of Eket, and Akwa United Football Club.

Bassey’s passing brings the number of members in the 1980 AFCON team who have departed to nine.

They include: Best Ogedegbe, Moses Effiong, Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima, Tunde Bamidele, Aloysius Atugbu, Mudashiru Lawal and Martins Eyo.

Defamation: Portable Fails To Meet Bail Condition, Remanded In Prison

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 14, 2025

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Habeeb Okikiola popular as Portable — Portable

By Akinwale Kasali

Habeeb Okikiola, controversial Singer, popular as Portable, has been remanded in prison custody, following his failure to meet bail conditions.

Portable was granted bail in the sum of ₦1 million by an Upper Area Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, following his arraignment on charges including criminal defamation, intimidation, inciting public disturbance, and cyberstalking against Saheed Osupa, a popular Fuji Musician.

The Court on Monday also ruled that his bail is conditional upon the provision of two sureties in like sum, one of which must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, while the other must possess a landed property within a Government Reserved Area, backed by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

Follwing his inability to meet the conditions, he has been remanded in the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, the Kwara State.

It would be recalled that on Sunday, the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the arrest of Portable, following a formal petition filed by Saheed Osupa alleging that Portable engaged in conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, including the use of abusive and insulting language directed at him.

The statement read, “The petition borders on serious allegations which include criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, character assassination, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

“In view of the weight of these allegations and the supporting evidence presented, the Command secured a valid arrest warrant from a Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin.”

According to the police, operatives from the Kwara State Command travelled to Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Saturday, April 13, where Portable was apprehended at about 7:25 p.m. He was immediately transported to Ilorin for further investigation.

“Upon his arrival, the suspect’s statement was taken in the presence of legal representatives from both parties. He is currently in custody and arrangements are being made to charge him to court without delay,” SP Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed.

Rivers: Pro-Wike Women In Street, Protest, Say No More Fubara

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 14, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Apparently not wanting to be outdone or outwitted by opposing forces, the camp of the Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, on Monday, April 14, hauled hundreds of women to the streets of Port Harcourt in a solidarity march for emergency rule, and the Federal Government- appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok- Ete Ibas.

Earlier, last week, hundreds of women had stormed major streets in PH,

to register their displeasure both with the declaration of state of emergency ,and the conducts of the Sole Administrator .

The women who were dressed in black attire demanded for an immediate end to the emergency rule, insisting that ,there were no justifiable grounds to take such an anti-people and anti-democratic step.

They maintained that if anything, the conducts and policies of the Sole Administrator since coming on board have exposed the real intentions of the progenitors of emergency rule which they noted was simply for power grabbing

Instructively, the complaints of the protesting women, were somewhat given credence by the decision of the House of Representatives to institute a Committee to monitor the activities of Admiral Ibas.

In a statement issued on Sunday, April 13, the House of Representatives approved the an Ad-hoc committee of 19 members to be headed by the Majority Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere to supervise the emergency Rule.

The Committee, according to the statement issued by the House spokesperson, Hon Akintunde Rotimi, is primarily charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the emergency rule in Rivers State is implemented strictly in line with the resolution of the House during the approval of the emergency proclamation by the President.

Before this, the House, through the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Information, had warned Admiral Ibas against the temptation of over-stepping his approved roles.

Specifically, the Federal Lawmakers had cautioned him against the plan to prepare a fresh 2025 appropriation bill for the State, noting that his mandate does not cover such.

Perhaps, sensing that the earlier protest by the anti-emergency women may have had a direct impact on the decision of the House to put in place a monitoring team, pro-Wike forces on Monday decided to equally announce their presence with their women taking over major streets in protest against the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The protesting women, who were dressed in an all white attire, insisted on the legality and necessity of the emergency rule as declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025.

With different anti-Fubara and pro-emergency placards, the women marched from the Isaac Boro Park to adjourning streets expressing their total support for emergency rule, and the actions so far taken by the Sole Administrator.

Some of the placards read: “State of emergency is constitutional, we don’t want Fubara”, etc

Led by a known loyalist of the FCT Minister, and former Commissioner for Social Welfare in the State, Ifeyinwa Aguma, the women also insisted on the constitutionality of emergency proclamation.

While applauding President Tinubu for his timely intervention in the Rivers State crisis, the women commended Admiral Ibas for a job well done.

They urged him not to succumb to the “distracting antics of some forces” who they alleged want to plunge Rivers into chaos and anarchy.

“What we are doing here today is a solidarity march in support of the State of Emergency in Rivers state.

“Since the declaration, there has been peace. We no longer hear about killings and cult related activities”, Hon Gladys Nweke ,a former Vice chairman of Etche Local Council noted.

NBA Conference: Rivers Demands Refund Of Hosting Rights Fee

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Ayodele Oni

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April 14, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

For relocating its Annual General Conference from Rivers State, the State Government has asked the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), to refund the N300 million allegedly paid for the hosting rights of the legal body’s 2025 annual conference.

The Government, under the leadership of the Sole Administrator, said if the NBA is truly anchored on principles, it should demonstrate it by returning the sum.

Last Friday, the NBA moved its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt in Rivers to Enugu.

The Association premised its decision on “constitutional violations” in Rivers following the emergency rule in the oil-rich state.

According to the NBA, “Currently, Rivers State is being governed by a retired military officer, appointed as a Sole Administrator, who operates with a command-style approach that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigation.”

The decision came weeks after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing a protracted political crisis.

In a statement on Monday, the government said the NBA’s position “overlooks the constitutional basis for the current administration in Rivers state”.

The statement signed by Hector Igbikiowubo, senior special assistant on media to the Rivers state government, said the declaration of the emergency rule in the state was a “necessary response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes.

“Contrary to the NBA’s assertions, the sole administrator has consistently reaffirmed his commitment to restoring democratic institutions as soon as practicable.

“Upholding the constitutional rights of all residents, including freedom of movement, speech, and association. Respecting judicial pronouncements, including those of the Supreme Court, which have guided the administration’s actions.

“The NBA, as a body of legal minds, should know better than to reduce a complex constitutional matter to political sensationalism.”

Ekiti: Two Ex Convicts To Die By Hanging For Kidnapping, Armed Robbery

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Ayodele Oni

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April 14, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has sentenced two to life imprisonment and death by hanging, for conspiracy, armed robbery and kidnapping.

The defendants, Onileowo Rotimi (42) and Adetola Ayodele (42) were arraigned before Justice Bamidele Omotosho on 30th of June, 2017 on three count charges bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery and kidnapping.

The charge reads: “that the convicts on 7th October, 2016 at Abuta Omuo-Ekiti within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did conspire to commit armed robbery, when they rob one Mrs Ajibola Oyelola, on same date and place, they also conspired to kidnap the victim.”

According to the charge, the offences are contrary to Sections 516, 402 and 403 (A) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012, also Section 3 (a) (b) of the Ekiti State Kidnapping and Terrorism (prohibition) Laws, 2015.

The victim in her testimony before the court said, “I was cooking in the kitchen around 8:30p.m, suddenly I saw five gunmen in the living room, they asked of my husband, they said he offended their boss and that they are here to kill him and since he was not at home, they collected my car key and a sum of #78,000 I have at home.

“They blindfolded me and also tied my hands, I was ordered to lay face down at the back seat. Before I entered the car, I saw my gateman where his hands and legs were tied with rope.

“I was taken to an unknown place inside bush. I was with them for eight days, they called my husband on the fourth day and demanded for a ransom of N40M but my husband was able to raise and pay #600,000 gathered from friends and families before I was released.

“They were not masked throughout our staying together in the bush, I saw their faces clearly”. She concluded.

To prove his case, the prosecutor, Akinola Abon called four witnesses and tendered statements of defendants as exhibits, while the defendants spoke in their own defence through their lawyer.

They confessed of meeting and becoming friends in the prison before they committed the current offence, they called no witness.

In his judgment, Justice Bamidele Omotoso said, “I am not in the slightest doubt that the prosecution has fruitfully proved the case of conspiracy, kidnapping and armed robbery against the defendants.

“Consequently, the defendants are found guilty of all the offences as charged.

For kidnapping , the defendants are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment and for armed robbery, the defendants are to be hanged by the neck until they are dead. May God have mercy on your souls.”

Idris Abdulkareem Song Ban: Prof Soyinka Calls For Reversal; Tinubu’s Govt Sliding To Abyss

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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April 14, 2025

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Professor Wole Soyinka has knocked the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, over its recent ban on the viral song by singer Idris Abudulkareem.

The recently released song ‘Tell Your Papa’ had been banned by the federal government amidst criticisms by not a few Nigerians, who described the action as one of the efforts of the administration to silent dissent in the country.

The Bola Tinubu’s administration has been under fire for clamping down on those who speak against the government.

Soyinka, a Nobel Laureate agrees, expressing his objection to the ban of Abdulkareem song.

The literary icon made his position known in a statement he issued from Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates at the weekend.

He said repressive regimes don’t usually last because “we have been through this before” and knows “ where it ends”.

According to him, freedom of expression is not a localized issue but an international one which should be toyed with by any government in power, adding that any government which only listen to praise singers is headed for the abyss.

Soyinka: “We have been through this before, over and over again, ad nauseam. We know where it all ends. It is boring, time-wasting, diversionary, but most essential of all, subversive of all seizure of the fundamental right of free expression.

“Oh, bear in mind also theocratic “authorities” that continue to arrogate to themselves the right to arrest and imprison artists and thinkers for their expression of opinion and vision of human existence.

“The fundamental right of free expression, as already touched upon, is not a closet affair; it is never hidden but echoes as loudly on international fora as in the most obscure hamlet.

“Any government that is tolerant only of yes-men and women, which accommodates only praise-singers and dancers to the official beat, has already commenced a downhill slide into the abyss.

“Whatever regulating body is responsible for this petulant irrationality should be compelled to reverse its misstep.”

until now, Soyinka has been under serious criticism from not a few Nigerians who accused him of remaining silent on critical national issues.

He had told his critics to give him more time to be able to assess the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

A Disturbing Spectacle in a Season of Celebration: A Call for Moral Clarity

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The Source

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April 14, 2025

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By Abraham Amah

The recent display orchestrated by socialite Pretty Mike at the 50th birthday celebration of Obi Cubana is not just disturbing—it is deeply troubling and a stark reflection of the moral confusion that now pervades our social spaces.

What should have been a moment of joy, gratitude, and celebration for a life well-lived was hijacked by an entrance laced with dark symbolism, occultic semblance, and an eerie glorification of tragedy. Dressing individuals to portray gruesome accident victims, wrapped in bloodied bandages and contorted in theatrical pain, in the name of art or attention-seeking, is not only insensitive—it is spiritually distasteful and morally offensive.

As a society, we must resist the creeping normalization of such disturbing theatrics. This is not creativity; it is a blatant flirtation with forces and imagery that are antithetical to light, life, and righteousness. When grotesque scenes resembling rituals or death parades are allowed to take center stage in a dignified gathering, it sends a dangerous message—that anything goes, as long as it garners attention.

Let us be clear: the line between entertainment and spiritual manipulation is thin, and we must be discerning. Public figures must recognize the influence they wield. Their actions are not done in a vacuum; they shape perceptions, inspire imitation, and set standards, especially for the younger generation.

We cannot claim to honor God or uphold traditional values while applauding what looks like a modern-day masquerade of morbidity. It is high time we re-evaluated what we celebrate and who we elevate. Our culture, our children, and our collective spiritual sanity are at stake.

I call on our entertainers, event organizers, and influencers to uphold decorum, respect, and moral clarity in their public expressions. Let our celebrations be filled with life-giving inspiration, not macabre exhibitions disguised as performance art. There is still a place for reverence, for dignity, and for light in our gatherings—if only we choose it.

Elder Amah is a Public Commentator, Cultural & Ethical Advocate

Plateau Killings: Obi Visits Community, Donates N7.5m To Victims

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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April 14, 2025

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The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Petr Obi has donated N7.5 million to the victims of the recent deadly attack in Bokkos Local Government of Plateau state.

The donation will be used to cater for the feeding, education and immediate needs of the children, women according to the former presidential candidate.

Obi made the remark after paying a condolence visit to the victims of the attack on Sunday.

The opposition leader made the announcement on his verified X handle on Monday, saying such attacks are unacceptable and senseless, adding that the security of lives and property should be paramount to any serious government.

The magazine reported that no fewer than 50 persons and dozens of houses razed after suspected fulani herdsmen attacked the community, a fortnight ago, leaving in their trail hundreds of displaced persons.

Obi said it is unthinkable that people are being killed and other forced to flee their homes when the country is not at war, adding that Nigerians should not be made to live in fear wherever they chose to live.

The lamented the fate that has now befallen displaced children, women, and their entire community following the attack., hoping that the people will get their lives back as they try to rebuild their communities which have been destroyed by the fleeing criminals.

He said, “What has happened in these communities is very saddening and utterly unacceptable. Nigerians should not be killed or forced to flee their homes when we are not at war. Every life is precious, and no Nigerian, regardless of where they live, should have to live in fear or uncertainty.

“My deepest condolences go to the families and communities who have suffered tragic losses. No words can truly capture the pain and devastation that such senseless violence brings.

“Earlier, the Obidient Movement had built a borehole to provide clean water for the IDP camp and the community, and we continued the support yesterday with the sum of 7.5 million naira to help in providing facilities for the displaced children, provide continuous education and on going needs of those affected.

“My heart is with the people of Bokkos, the displaced children, women, and entire communities during this difficult time,” Obi stated.

During his visit to the state on April 6, the National security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu had sued for peace among the residents in the state, describing the attacks to be too many, saying ‘enough is enough’ as the government is trying to ensure the security of lives and property.

The NSA who spoke during a visit to the headquarters of Operation Safe Haven urged the people to live together in peace, saying too many lives have been lost already to the attacks.

Ribadu said, “We are going through tough times, difficult times, but it’s not going to be forever. The issue of security is for all of us. We all have to come together. Everyone has a role to play.”

“Communities—those who have been living together for years and decades—it’s time for us to say enough is enough. We have lost many people. But it’s not exactly like the figures you see out there. But even one soul lost is a lot.”