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Court Award N3.5bn Against LASG, Stops Demolition Of Makoko

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Judiciary and Court

By Akinwale Kasali

Justice F.N. Ogazi of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, has restrained the  Lagos State Government, its agencies, and the Nigeria Police Force from carrying out any further unlawful demolitions or evictions in the Makoko, Oko-Agbon, Sogunro, and Iwaya waterfront communities of the State.

The Judge delivering a landmark judgment in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/70/2025, granted an injunction to protect the settlements, citing the “continuous threat and fear of imminent demolition” faced by residents.

The Court ruled that the Government, its agents, and other respondents must cease all threats or actions aimed at displacing the communities.

The decision follows years of tension between the waterfront residents—predominantly Gunuvi (Egun) fisherfolk—and the State Government, which has been accused of forcefully acquiring the land for Private Development without compensation or resettlement plans.

According to Counsel for the Community, Barrister Femi F. Dodo, the State allocated the disputed land to FBT Coral Limited for the construction of Luxury Apartments, jeopardizing the livelihoods and heritage of the indigenous people.

Justice Ogazi also awarded the sum of ₦3.5 Billion in damages against the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force for previous demolitions, ongoing threats, and the unlawful killing of a Community leader.

The judgment further restrains police from harassing Local Fishermen carrying out their traditional work on the Lagos Lagoon.

EFCC Frowns At Diversionary Statements From Opposition Parties

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ola Olukoyede - EFCC Chairman

By Ayodele Oni

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), has insisted that every corruption allegation deserves to be investigated and there is no constraint of time and season in criminal investigations.

Reacting to remarks by the coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC) and some opposition figures concerning handling of corruption cases, the Commission explained that it has been circumspect and dispassionate in the exercise of its mandate.

“If I am not condemned for investigating both former and serving strong ruling party Governors and Ministers,  I should not be condemned for also investigating opposition figures,” Commission’s Chairman, Ola  Olukoyede, was quoted as saying.

Dele Oyewale, Head, Media & Publicity of the EFCC, in a statement on Tuesday, maintained that remarks which greeted the arrest of the former Governor of Sokoto state, Aminu Tambuwal are “clearly self-serving, diversionary, narrow  and  idle.

“The African Democratic Congress, ADC’s unprovoked attack on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,   EFCC, concerning its handling of cases involving politically exposed persons from every divide, came as a rude shock and unwarranted blame game.

“Every objective and discerning watcher of events in the national political scene, would admit that the Commission has been circumspect and dispassionate in the exercise of its mandate.

“The ADC’s claims that ‘Opposition Coalition have received EFCC summons that are clearly politically motivated. These are not fresh cases arising from new evidence, but new files opened in reaction to emergent political affiliations to intimidate key opposition figures,’  are clearly self-serving,  diversionary, narrow  and  idle.

“The question is, what determines ‘fresh cases’ and old cases? Every corruption allegation deserves to be investigated and there is no constraint of time and season in criminal investigations.

“Available records in our courts showed that several political figures of all divide are answering charges of alleged economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

“It is also public knowledge that the EFCC is busy investigating some key figures of the ruling party owing to allegations of corrupt practices.

“Besides, many serving state governors of various political colouration are on the investigative radar of the Commission.

“The Commission will not be blackmailed into making full disclosures of its discreet investigations of any state or non-state actor, no matter the provocation.

“The ADC was right to have admitted that ‘The EFCC does not belong to the APC.  It belongs to the Nigerian people. It is funded by taxpayers, not the ruling party.’  Nothing can be farther from this truth.

“The ADC and other political groups should focus on their partisan activities and allow the Commission to carry out her mandate.

“Nothing will make an innocent person answer any charge from the EFCC.   The ‘opposition figures’ the ADC is trying unsuccessfully to white-wash, know in their hearts that they have issues that necessitated their invitations by the Commission.

“The immunity against any investigation by the EFCC is accountability and probity.   Fraud is fraud. Corruption is corruption. There is no sacred cow, protected interest or partisan consideration in the investigation and prosecution of corruption.

“The EFCC will continue to do its job and all well-meaning Nigerians are enjoined to ignore political statements meant to heat up the polity and divert attention from the pillage of the national treasury.”

Senator Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and a former two-time Governor of Sokoto State, was detained by the EFCC on Monday, August 11, when he went to its Abuja head office on invitation, in connection with alleged money laundering to the tune of N187billion when he was in office as Governor.

NBA Offers Ibom Air Passenger, Emmason Free Legal Service, Condemns Humiliation

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ibom Air Bans Passenger For Life
Ibom Air

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has said the treatment given to Ms. Comfort Emmanson during an incident aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, fell below the standards of civility expected in the aviation sector.

The Association, also, condemned the lifetime flight ban imposed on her by Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).

In a statement signed by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the NBA described the actions as “heavy-handed, unlawful, and a grave affront to the rule of law and human dignity.”

The NBA expressed outrage that Ms. Emmanson was forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped of her clothing in public, and filmed while being humiliated.

The footage later circulated online. The Association said such treatment was degrading, violated her rights to dignity and privacy, and fell below the standards of civility expected in the aviation sector.

“No person, regardless of the circumstances, should be treated in such a dehumanising manner.” the statement read.

The NBA noted that while Ibom Air has issued its account of the incident, other footage showed a flight hostess preventing Ms. Emmanson from leaving the aircraft.

The association said such conduct could amount to false imprisonment and may have provoked the situation and called for an independent and impartial investigation before any disciplinary action.

The body, also, criticised the decision to impose a lifetime ban without giving Ms. Emmanson the opportunity to defend herself.

It described the process as one-sided and a breach of her right to fair hearing. “The power to suspend or restrict a passenger’s right to fly rests with the appropriate statutory regulator, not private associations or airline operators acting unilaterally.”

The NBA further condemned the photographing and online circulation of indecent images of Ms. Emmanson.

It described it as an invasion of privacy and a criminal act, insisting that those who recorded and shared the unedited footage must be identified and prosecuted.

The NBA demanded that Ibom Air immediately lift the ban, apologise publicly, and cooperate with an impartial investigation.

It also called on the Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and security agencies to conduct a thorough inquiry and sanction anyone found culpable.

“The NBA stands ready to offer Ms. Emmanson pro bono legal support to protect her rights and secure redress for the violations she has suffered.

“We will not remain silent while the fundamental rights of any Nigerian are trampled upon. Justice must prevail.”

Ondo AG Invokes Coroner’s Law Over Death Of University Official

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Ajulo SAN

By Ayodele Oni

Following insistence by family members that the late Registrar of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo was murdered, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice,  Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, has invoked the Ondo State Coroner’s Law, to probe his death.

Family claimed that the deceased was poisoned by his assailants.

Ajulo has. therefore, urged the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, to assign a Coroner to inquire into the death of Mr. Ezekiel Imole Adeniran, the late university Registrar.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Judge, Dr. Ajulo stated that reports indicated Mr. Adeniran died under questionable circumstances on or about July 17, 2025.

He stressed that, in the public interest, a formal coroner’s inquest is necessary to ascertain the cause and manner of death, and to determine if any individual may bear criminal responsibility.

Dr. Ajulo stated that the inquest would be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Coroners Law of Ondo State, and requested that a magistrate within the appropriate jurisdiction be assigned to serve as coroner.

He added that “Following briefing and information at my disposal, I believe that in the public interest, a formal inquiry in the form of a coroner’s inquest is warranted.”

Acting on the request, the Chief Judge, has appointed Dr. Dickson Ogunfuyi, a Chief Magistrate and Head of the Ondo State Multi-Door Court, to serve as the coroner.

The request comes amid growing controversy over claims that Mr. Adeniran took his own life by purchasing and drinking poison, following a white paper that indicted him and recommended his dismissal.

However, his family insisted that he was forced to drink the poison by unknown assailants.

The Attorney General stressed that the inquest would be conducted with full transparency and adherence to due process.

Jail Break In Nasarawa Prisons: Officers Injured, 16  Inmates Escape

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigeria Correctional Center - Prison

By Ayodele Oni

Sixteen inmates  escaped during a jailbreak in the early hours of Tuesday at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

The escapees, according to report, managed to breach the facility’s security, overpowering personnel on duty, and escaping custody.

Out of the 16 inmates that escaped, seven have been recaptured. Nine are still on the loose.

A statement by Umar Abubakar, Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service, on Tuesday said five correctional officers were injured, two seriously, and are receiving medical attention.

The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered a thorough investigation and directed an immediate search to recapture the fleeing inmates.

Nwakuche assured that no staff member found culpable in the escape will be spared.

“The Nigerian Correctional Service is working tirelessly to recapture the remaining inmates and has urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, and report any suspicious movements or sightings to the nearest security formation

“The Service reassures the public of its commitment to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide.”

Anambra Gov Polls: “Stop Using My Name For Campaigns”, Ngige Warns APC Candidates

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige, has strongly warned against the deployment of his name by political actors in Anambra State for political and electoral capital.

Specifically, Ngige who presided over the affairs of Anambra state between 2003 and 2004 before he was sacked by the Supreme Court, cautioned the duo of All Progressive Congress APC candidate in the November 8 , Governorship election, Prince Nicolas Ukachukwu and his running mate Senator Uche Ekwunife,  to stop dropping his name at campaign rallies for the purpose of currying favour from voters.

In a statement from his Media Aide, Hyggy Obialor, the APC Chieftain noted that he has commenced a sabbatical in politics, and, as such, should be allowed to enjoy his peace.

According to the statement, Ngige who served throughout the eight-year period of the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, informed that he is completely averse to being associated with any particular candidate in the countdown to the Anambra State Governorship poll.

To this end, Ngige though still an APC Chieftain, dissociated himself from campaign posters dotting major corners and campaign venues, which have his pictures  and those of the APC candidate and his Deputy.

“Our attention has been drawn to online posters in circulation with the photograph of our principal , Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige , featuring together with the Anambra State APC Governorship Candidate, Prince Nicolas Ukachukwu and his Deputy, Senator Uche Ekwunife.

“We want to use this medium to inform the general public that neither the consent nor approval of our principal was sought and or obtained, respectively, before the said publication was disseminated to the general public.

We, therefore, advise the perpetrators to respect the wishes of our principal who has indicated at many fora that he is out of partisan politics for now.

“We further wish to inform the general public that Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige is on sabbatical from partisan politics for now as he is taking his well-deserved rest after 25 years of active politics and public service”, the statement reads in part.

The Source reports that , Ngige, who was one of the major stakeholders that put together the APC platform between 2014 and 2015, has since the advent of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration in 2023  maintained a low political profile.

He has rather opted to watch unfolding events from the spectator’s stand, a position which some close associates blamed on the misgivings that trailed the APC Presidential primaries in 2022.

Ngige, a former Senator, who represented Anambra Central at the National Assembly between 2011 and 2015  was one of  the political actors  alleged not to be happy with the way and manner the primaries were conducted.

He was somewhat non-committal before and during the 2023 electioneering campaigns ,and election proper.

Tinubu Using Anti Corruption Agencies To Intimidate Opposition – Atiku

By
Ayodele Oni
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Atiku Abubkar and Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Atiku Abubkar and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Opposition voices have risen against the arrest and detention of former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal with former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar describing the action as amounting to harassment and intimidation of opposition.

Atiku condemned  Tambuwal, detention since Monday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, when he went to the Commission’s Head Office on invitation.

In a statement, Atiku accused the Tinubu-led administration of weaponizing the anti-corruption fight to intimidate and dismantle the opposition, warning that the move against Tambuwal is part of a broader plot to coerce opposition figures into the ruling party.

Atiku said: “The only reason the EFCC has detained the former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, is because he is a member of the opposition Coalition.

“It is a continuation of the Tinubu-led administration’s agenda to harass, intimidate, and decimate the opposition.

“The reality unfolding before us today is that the Tinubu administration, as with other aspects, has objectified the fight against corruption as a political tool to coerce opposition leaders into the ruling party.

“We are living witnesses to a growing trend where the state and its operators have assumed the roles of a bully by making corruption and the fight against it a political agenda.

“Certainly, that is not the objective for which I worked hard during our administration to create the EFCC.

“It is as though today, anyone who associates with the opposition is a target for phantom corruption allegations and, it is as though, as soon as they are coerced into the political agenda of President Tinubu, their ‘sins’ are forgiven.

“That, definitely, is not how to build institutions. That, certainly, is not how to fight the monster of corruption. Indeed, such tendencies provide the stimulant for corruption to thrive.

“We have seen how the EFCC has been used to empty opposition state governors into the ruling party, and the tea party is not about to end anytime soon.

“While the genuine fight against corruption is a matter that requires the total support of all Nigerians, the objectification of it as a political agenda should be roundly condemned by all in civil society spaces and friends of Nigeria in the international community.

“We have in recent times witnessed the use of anti-corruption agencies in coercing political leaders into the ruling party.

“Our assurance to Nigerians is that we would never succumb to this anti-democratic machinations of railroading our people into a one-party dictatorship.”

Just for the records, Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives under a Peoples Democratic Party Government, was one of those who, inexplicably, turned against the Party and decamped to the then opposition APC. He and Atiku, amongst others, were instrumental to the sacking of the PDP by the APC in 2015. But he returned to the PDP midway into his sojourn in the APC.

Rivers Indigenes Drag Tinubu,  Ibas To Court, Seek Cancellation Of LG  Election

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Some concerned indigenes have moved to halt the planned Rivers State Local Council Polls.

The Source reports that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, had penultimate week, announced August 30, 2025, as the date for a fresh Local Government Election in the State.

The Supreme Court had earlier in the year annulled the October 5, 2024 exercise, superintended over by  the now suspended Governor Similanayi Fubara.

The Court had held that the conduct of the polls was not in tandem with extant laws of the land, hence its decision to quash it.

But the announcement of a new date for a fresh election has equally been greeted by a plethora of criticisms ,with not a few insisting that the proposed exercise remains illegal and unconstitutional.

Only last week, a coalition of Rivers Elders comprising a past Governor, former public and political leaders ,and major stakeholders had voiced their opposition to the planned local council polls.

They noted that the exercise as planned by the RSIEC is completely bereft of the constitutional and legal conditions precedent to Local Council Elections in the country.

According to them, all the fault lines that led to the annulment of the October 5 2024 exercise by the country’s Apex Court have  resurfaced.

Specifically, the group described as totally unwarranted and unconstitutional, attempts by the Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to organize a Local Council Election under an Emergency Rule.

They warned that the conduct of the election in the absence of duly elected democratic institutions in the State has the potentials to trigger a more  serious constitutional crisis.

Similarly, some political parties, including the nascent opposition Coalition. the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the All Peoples Party APP that emerged victorious during the October 5, 2024, exercise and others have announced their decision to boycott  the planned election, citing its unconstitutional and illegal nature as major reasons for their actions.

In furtherance of their opposition, five aggrieved indigenes of the state have instituted  legal proceedings seeking to stop the said election.

The plaintiffs, Comfort Agbom , Frederick Ededeh, Benita Samuel, Jane Madubuike, and Boma Aggo, have filed a suit at a Federal High Court in Abuja seeking, among other things, an order stopping President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Rivers state Sole Administrator Ibas, and the RSIEC from going ahead with the August 30 local council polls in Rivers state.

They are challenging the validity and propriety of conducting a Local Government Election under an Emergency Rule situation.

They have asked the Court to determine if the conduct of Local Council Polls under a Sole Administrator and emergency rule does not amount to an act of illegality.

They contended that the situation in Rivers State does not allow for the conduct of a lawful Local Government Election, being that the precarious situation which was referenced by the respondents, particularly President Tinubu, for declaring a State of Emergency is very much in place .

“The President, during the declaration of the State of Emergency said ‘there is clear and present danger, or imminent breakdown of public order and safety’

“The emergencies have not abated, or ceased to date,

the reason why the President has not revoked or suspended the State of Emergency to date”

They argued that based on the fact that the uncertainty, tension and anxiety that informed the  proclamation of the State of Emergency are still very much in place, it would be most appropriate for the Court to halt the planned Local Council Election, which may endanger the lives of voters and the entire residents of the State.

They equally contended that  Vice Admiral Ibas, as well as the RSIEC have no constitutional powers to conduct democratic elections in Rivers State under the prevailing emergency rule situation.

The plaintiffs, therefore, prayed the Court to halt the planned election.

They also urged the Court to set aside and/or nullify the elections should the respondents go ahead to conduct the polls.

Senator Kalu: Tinubu Will Get Better Even “If He’s Sick”

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Bola Tinubu

Senator Orji Kanu has waded in over reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently ill. “If he’s ill” he will get better, the senator said on a social media post on Monday, saying it’s not abnormal for people including Tinubu to be indisposed.

The magazine reports that President Tinubu has been absent, in recent days, from key state functions, fueling rumour that he may have fallen sick.

The news of his alleged illness was first reported by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, ICIR, purporting that President Tinubu is currently sick and in critical condition.

Since coming to office on May 29, 2023, the president has reportedly fallen ill several times,  forcing him to travel abroad for medical treatment on some occasions.

Instructively, the Presidency has always denied that Tinubu is ill, to the extent that he cannot perform his duty as the President and  commander-in-chief.

Reacting to the recent reports that President Tinubu’s indisposition has kept him away from performing his functions, Senator Kalu said in a video he shared on his Facebook page, that rumoured ill-health is false, urging those spreading the rumour to focus on the president’s achievement instead of issues relating to his health.

Kalu: “Nigerian people and politicians should stop this rumour and focus on what we are doing. We have done so many things and we will continue to be on track”.

Asked if he is confirming that the president is currently in good health, the lawmaker said, “even if he is not in good health, somebody can be sick and he will get better to do his travels”.

“The president is going to Japan for a state visit and he will stop over in Brazil and come back to Nigeria to go to the United Nations in September so the president is in good shape, let’s stop all this nonsense”, Kalu, a former governor and ally of the president said.

The President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, had in his reaction earlier on Sunday, disclosed that Tinubu is “okay”.

“There is nothing wrong with the president, he is okay. He can choose to work from home. He can choose to work from anywhere.

“I tell you nothing is wrong with the president,” the presidential spokesman told Daily Trust,” Onanuga said.

EFCC: PDP, ADC Condemn Tambuwal’s Arrest; It’s Intimidation

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Aminu Tambuwal

The Sokoto State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, says the arrest of a former Governor of the state, Aminu Tambuwal by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is part of a larger plan by the federal government to intimidate opposition leaders in the country.

On Monday, the EFCC arrested Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives over allegation of money laundering to the tune of N189 billion. The former governor has since been detained by the Commission.

The PDP however said in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Hasssan Sanyinnawal on Tuesday, that  the arrest of the former governor by the EFCC is an indication that the government is bent on using state security for harassment and repression of those considered to be opposed to the government.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, had earlier criticised the EFCC for taking the former governor into custody, describing the commission’s action as an intimidation of those speaking against the administration of President Tinubu.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party claimed that Tambuwal’s arrests is one of recent EFCC summons to senior members of the opposition coalition. The arrest was politically motivated and linked to their political affiliations, the party said.

Tambuwal the magazine reported is one of the opposition leaders in the country, who recently joined forces under the ADC, in their plan to wrestle power from the ruling APC and President Tinubu in 2027.

The PDP spokesman noted that the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government’s  continued use of state apparatus to force the opposition to silent, is like embarking on a fishing expedition which cannot work. The party cannot be intimidated, the PDP said.

The party said it has an unshakable trust in Tambuwal integrity, describing the former governor’s current predicament as the handiwork of political opponents form the state and “Abuja” who are bent on smearing is image and silent him for speaking against the APC-led government.

Part of the statement: “The so-called investigation is nothing more than a fishing expedition, revived from an old phantom case that has failed to produce evidence in the past.

“It is the handiwork of political actors in Sokoto and Abuja who are desperate to smear Tambuwal’s enviable image and force him to abandon his stand against misrule.”.

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