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Presidency To El-Rufai: “Your Inordinate Ambition Doomed To Fail”

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Nasir El-Rufai and Daniel Bwala and Joe Igbokwe

By Adesina Soyooye

“Tinubu owns SDP” – Joe Igbokwe

The Presidency has reacted to the defection of the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the Social Democratic Party, SDP.

El-Rufai, a foundation member of the APC, after he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, a party under which he was the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, helped, in no small measure, to actualize the Presidency of President Bola Tinubu.

But a couple of months after Tinubu came on  board, El-Rufai was dumped, literally, to the extent that he was   not cleared by the Senate for a Ministerial position, an assurance he had from Tinubu. El-Rufai said Tinubu had assured him he would be the Minister for Power, and holds Tinubu responsible for his humiliation at the Senate.

Since then, the relationship between him, Tinubu and APC had continued to deteriorate. He became a strong critic of both Tinubu and the APC. He fell out with Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, and a former bosom friend of his. He also fell out with his State Governor and successor, Uba Sani, whose Principal he was. He accused them of betrayal. And embarked on a mobilization of forces to ease Tinubu out of office in 2027.

On Monday, March 10, everything came to a hilt when El-Rufai dumped the APC for the Social Democratic Party, SDP.

In response to El-Rufai’s defection, the Presidency said his alliance with those opposed to President Tinubu is neither based on ideology or progressivism. Instead, the Presidency said through Daniel Bwala, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, it is based on El-Rufai’s inordinate ambition.

Bwala also told El-Rufai that he has embarked on a bad business because he is associating with sore losers doomed to fail.

Said Bwala in a post on his X handle: “Senior,@elrufai, I read the news today that you have resigned from APC to join SDP. While you have the right to do so, we will soon examine your motive and remind Nigerians that your decision did not come out of nowhere. Associating with sore losers to unseat the President is not an ideology or progressivism – it is simply an ambition doomed to fail”.

For the records, Joe Igbokwe, an APC chieftain, has

indirectly told El-Rufai that defecting to SDP was a big mistake.

According to Igbokwe, “Tinubu owns SDP.”

El-Rufai Makes U-turn, Supports Obi, Says “Sai Obi”

By
The Source
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Bashir El-Rufai and Peter Obi

By Charles Igbo

Bashir El-Rufai, a son of the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, has become a huge fan of Peter Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections.

Recall that Bashir, a member of the House of Representatives, presented himself as a thorn in Obi’s flesh. He was Obi’s strong critic just like his father.

But today, El-Rufai jnr. is singing a new song. He says he was deceived on Obi; that it was members of his Party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, who deceived him, and made him say unpleasant things about Obi. Particularly, he was very strongly opposed to Obi’s 2023 Presidential bid.

Now, he says Obi is a good man.

In a post on his official X handle on Monday, he wrote: “Peter Obi is surprisingly not a bad person, afterall. My views on him have changed recently. My mind was poisoned by my former party members. Sai Obi”

Bashir’s comments come on the heels of speculations that his father and Obi could make a bid for the 2027 Presidential seat on same ticket.

Instructively, it also came on the day his father dumped the APC, a Party which foundation member he was, for the Social Democratic Party, SDP.

How Fmr. Dep. Gov Slumped, Died, On Hearing Brother’s Death

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Patrick Adaba is dead

By Adesina Soyooye

It was a tragedy of immense proportion. Not many could understand it. And, so, in a story that would make Nollywood green with envy, the Adabas, a prominent family in Kogi State, lost two of their high profile sons, one after the other, within a couple of days.

Tom Adaba, a Professor and pioneer Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission and his younger brother, Patrick Adaba, a former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, in one fell swoop, broke the hearts of their family members.

Professor Adaba kicked it off when he passed on. His passing shook quite a number of people. Family members were devastated. It was an incident they did not quite envisage. While they were trying hard to process the monumental passing of the Professor, another tragedy was waiting by the corner.

Professor Adaba’s younger brother, Patrick, a former Kogi State Deputy Governor, on hearing that his elder brother had passed on, could not take it. The shock was too much for him. He collapsed. Rushed to a hospital, he managed to hold on. 24 hours after his beloved elder brother was buried, he followed him. He, too, passed on.

A family member who pleaded anonymity said: “We lost again Chief Patrick Adaba, mni, immediate younger brother to late Prof Tom Adaba and former Kogi State Deputy Governor (1999 to 2007)”

“He had been in a precarious health condition in the last two years. In fact, when he was told his brother had passed-on, he collapsed and was rushed to the hospital and later discharged. Hmmm, he died at 7.45pm yesterday.”

Professor Adaba, died in the early  morning of  February 22. He was 84 years when he passed on.

in Abuja at the age of 84. Prof was buried on March 7 in Abuja. And, 24 hours later, his younger brother, Patrick joined him. He was aged 79 years.

only for Patrick to pass away about 24 hours later.

Mourning the passing of the former Deputy Governor,

the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, lamented:  “Chief Adaba was a shining model of leadership, service, and dedication to the progress of Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole. As Deputy Governor to the late Prince Abubakar Audu, he served with integrity, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to the development of our state. His contributions to governance, his statesmanship, and his role in shaping the early foundation of Kogi State will never be forgotten.

“His passing is not only a loss to his family, the Ebira nation, and his political associates, but also to the entire State and the Nation at large. We will forever remember his selfless service, his passion for the people, and the legacy he leaves behind.

“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Chief Servant of Kogi State, extends his deepest condolences to the Adaba family, the people of Kogi State, and all who were touched by Chief Adaba’s life and leadership.

“He fuelled his dream of a great Kogi State with unblemished patriotism and great service to our dear state in and out of office as we continued to consult him to tap from his wealth of experience. He will be sorely missed.

“We pray that the Almighty grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family the strength to bear this great loss. We pray that his legacy continues to inspire generations to come.”

His funeral arrangements will be announced after  consultations between the State Government and the family.

Dubem Onyia, Fmr. Minister Of State, Foreign Affairs, Dies

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Dubem Onyia is dead

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria has lost one of its distinguished and  sons.

Dubem Onyia, a former Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, has passed on.

Onyia reportedly passed on in London on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

He was Nigeria’s Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, between 1999 and 2003, under the Government of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The Enugu born politician was a member of the House of Representatives, class of 1999, but resigned from the House when he was appointed a Minister.

He held the National Honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees, Shehu Musa Yar’adua Foundation.

Uzodimma To Owerri Zone: I believe in Charter of Equity, stop overheating polity

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma and Emmanuel Ihenacho

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has urged the stakeholders, political leaders and other people of Owerri zone to stop overheating the polity as he still has three years to work as Governor, informing them that he believes in the Charter of Equity.

By way of advice, the Governor told them “to go home, reconcile and unite” themselves, emphasising that they should not overheat the polity so that he can continue to develop Imo State as the Charter of Equity is not to serve individuals’ purposes but rather the zone.

“I believe in the Charter of Equity,” he said, maintaining that it has become a legislative document, with the bill on it passed into law by the Imo State House of Assembly.

Uzodimma spoke on Monday, March 10, 2025 at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Council Chambers, Government House Owerri, when he received Stakeholders of Owerri Zone extraction.

The Governor acknowledged the accolades given to him by the leaders and people of Owerri zone, noting that he will not take it for granted. He said: “I will continue to work hard in order to live up to your expectations.”

He recalled that before his emergence as the Governor Imo State had lost its glory and was faced with insecurity challenges, and expressed joy and gratitude to God that “Imo has been recovered to the glory of God.”

Uzodimma however pointed out that the political problem of Owerri zone is both internal and external, noting that to overcome such issues the people must create an atmosphere of peace, unity, tolerance, awareness, reconcile and be your brother’s keeper.

“Let us separate individual interest from collective interest,” Governor Uzodimma advised.

He regretted that what is being practised in Nigeria is partisan politics, maintaining that he will support his Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and its candidate when the time to choose his successor comes.

He noted that anyone that will succeed him must be able to drive the people’s agenda and not his own Agenda. “I will not solve all the problems of Imo State, but the person coming after me must be able to solve some,” the Governor stated.

Uzodimma reiterated that what Owerri zone should be looking for after his tenure is merit, bold and a courageous man.

He therefore enjoined them to play politics in a diplomatic manner and condemned primitive acquisition of wealth as exhibited by some unscrupulous politicians.

He further called on them to reconcile, come together and work as a team if they are desirous of succeeding in their quest to have his successor come from Owerri zone.

The leader of the delegation, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho commended the Governor for the wonderful works he is doing in Owerri Zone. He said that “the Governor is performing absolutely well, especially in the quality of road constructions going on across all zones of the State.”

Captain Iheanacho recalled that in 1999, Nigeria had experienced a transition from Military rule to civil democracy. He said it was most fair to recognise based on the Charter of Equity, that Owerri zone produces the next Governor after Uzodimma.

Other leaders in their contributions like Amb. Kema Chikwe and Gen. C.R.V. Ihekire, equally thanked the Governor for the opportunity given to them to come and interact with him and reaffirmed that Owerri zone in general believes in the Charter of Equity.

Amb. Chikwe particularly noted that the meeting was important to the extent that those in attendance cut across Party lines and happy with his performance, and an indication that “everybody endorses His Excellency’s sense of equity and justice.”

The Hon. member representing Mbaitoli/Ikeduru in the House of Representatives, Akarachi Amadi informed the Governor that the people of Owerri zone are happy with him because he has shown them unquantifiable love. He promised, on behalf of Owerri Zone, their believe in the Governor and continuing loyalty and support to his administration.

Hon. Amadi noted that the Governor has empowered the zone well, by giving them Deputy Governor in his first and second tenure, and that through his numerous achievements, the whole Owerri Zone has collapsed into APC.

He further acknowledged that Owerri Zone has benefited immensely in the Governor’s administration both in infrastructural development and appointments to political offices.

He, therefore, on behalf of Owerri Zone leaders, proposed a Vote of Confidence on the Governor which was seconded by the member representing Ahiazu Mbaise in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Samuel Otuibe, accompanied by his other colleagues from the Zone.

The motion was affirmed by all the leaders present in a Yes voice vote.

The Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Secretary to State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie attended the Governor’s parley with distinguished sons and daughters of Owerri zone.

Imo Signs Pact With US-MAC On Imo Digital City

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma Signs Imo Digital City
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State addresses the Managing Director of US- MAC, Mr. Chris Burry when the latter led his team to sign agreement to partner Imo State Government on Imo Digital City at the Governor's Office, Government House Owerri.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has expressed confidence that his administration’s quest for a digital economy is on the part of full realisation.

Uzodimma disclosed this on Monday, March 10, 2025 in his office at Government Owerri, when US-Mac signed an agreement with the government on how to fully realise the potentials of Imo digital City, an initiative of the governor.

He explained that his administration, has since its inception, strived towards creating a digital economy that can empower Imo youths and create over 300,000 jobs through the Skill-Up Imo Programme.

The, programme he said, has “graduated 40,000 youths, most of them are gainfully employed, while some of them have started their own businesses.”

Uzodimma noted that the agreement signed with US-Mac, a United States-based digital marketing company will add impetus, and help expedite the realisation of the vision of a digital economy for Imo State.

He disclosed that the State is equally partnering with other well known companies and organization like Cisco, Microsoft, Zinox Technologies, Konga, SP, European Union Digital SME Alliance for the purpose of turning the Imo economy around, and making the State the economic base and technology hub of Nigeria.

The Governor equally noted that the State has an agreement with United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) to create 1,000 jobs annually for the State.

“What we intend to do is to enable multi-national companies and global organisations partner with Imo State Government in our determination to create jobs, curb youth restiveness, and provide economic prosperity for our youths. We are gradually moving towards realising the dream of a new Imo,” Uzodimma stated.

He therefore thanked the partners and urged the Management team of US-Mac to be committed in keeping the terms of the agreement, and promised not to disappoint their own expectations as a government.

The Leader of the delegation and Management Director of US-Mac Company, Mr. Chris Burry expressed delight over the partnership, and signed the dotted lines in the agreement on behalf of the Company while the Secretary to the Imo State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu signed for the government.

The Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr (Mrs) Irene Chima, and other political appointees witnessed the event.

Suspected  Herdsmen Unleash Terror In Ondo, Sack Four Communities, Kill Over 14

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Fulani Cattle Breeders - Herdsmen

By Ayodele Oni

Coming less than 24 hours after the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Wilfred Afolabi, complained of lack of equipment to tackle increasing criminality in the State, suspected armed herdsmen have reportedly attacked four communities in Akure North Local Government Area, killing over 20 farmers.

The affected communities are Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday,  Aba Pastor and Ademekun Communities all in Akure North local government.

Report disclosed that the herdsmen have been attacking different communities and killing farmers unchallenged by security agents.

It was gathered that 14 dead bodies were recovered in the last 48 hours while a search continues for other missing residents.

Report also indicated that not less than  20 people were gunned down during the night raid by the suspected  bandits.

Police confirmed, on Monday , that the policemen were deployed in the area on Sunday and no fewer than 14 dead bodies had so far been recovered in the affected communities while search was still ongoing as at the time of filing this report.

” Our men were immediately deployed in the area when the report got to the command on Saturday. As I’m speaking with you, about 14 dead bodies had been recovered in the villages, the source stated .

One of the residents of one of the attacked communities, who simply identified himself as Sunday, explained, that over 40 people were killed by the bandits while many residents have deserted the communities.

He disclosed that the attack had started since last week Monday but the major one happened on Friday night without anybody stopping them.

“They attacked our  communities on Friday night when everyone was asleep. They opened fire at everyone at sight. So many ran to the bush for safety while some unlucky ones were killed at the villages . I am sure that over 40 people have been killed while many had sustained injuries.

” On Sunday, the security men came around and recovered some of the the corpses. Many are still not found, if they search further they will still find more dead bodies in the bush.”

Also confirming the attacks in a pathetic narration, the Regent of one of the attacked communities, Ademekun Village, Princess Adelowo Adekemisola, expressed sadness over the killings of more than 14 farmers last weekend by the herdsmen that infiltrated the areas and started shooting sporadically.

The Regent, when narrating her experience before the Ondo State government representatives at a town hall meeting with cocoa farmers in Akure on Monday said that her community had been battling with the herdsmen problem without security actions.

According to her, the herdsmen came through the Edo-Ondo boundary to attack them.

Confirming the incidents, the Ondo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, said the police and security agencies are working hard to track down perpetrators and to protect other communities around Akure north council area.

CP Afolabi had revealed that the Ondo  command needs assistance from government and other stakeholders in the state in terms of provision of patrol vans and repair of grounded patrol vehicles for timely and effective response to distress calls.

“We can’t use orthodox method to address present security challenges. Most of our vehicles are grounded. The refurbishing are ongoing through the financial assistance from the people.

“We need Military drone that can go 50km, live tracking devices to get the location where criminals are hiding, Lawful Intersection (LI), fueling of vehicles among others.

“Now, kidnapping has gone highly sophisticated and you can confirm it from anybody. We can’t use the same old method, or maybe the approach of the 70s or the 80s or even the 90s to address this present security challenges.”

“Nothing Has Changed, I Remain In APC”  – Fayemi

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Kayode Fayemi

By Ayodele Oni

Former Governor  Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi  has explained that he has no intention to dump the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), for now.

Reacting to social media report of his proposed dumping of the APC in a statement titled: “Nothing Has Changed”,  Fayemi, immediate past chairman of the Nigeti’s Governors Forum, (NGF), pointed out that as a foundation member of APC, the position has not changed.

The statement:

“My attention has been drawn to a story circulating on several online platforms regarding my defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“As I have had cause to state in the past, I am a card carrying foundation member of the APC and this position has not changed.

“While I have been at the vanguard of demand for greater internal democracy and inclusion in the ruling party, I believe it is still not late for our party to change course and move towards greater inclusion and internal democracy.”

Fayemi had been rumoured to be among some prominent politicians in the country planning to firm a mega political party to dislodge President Bola Tinubu during next election.

Earlier on Monday, former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir elrufai, dumped the APC and joined the Social Democratic Party,(SDP).

Elrufai in his resignation letter, pointed out that “I have diligently served the APC and made my contributions to its viability as a political platform.

“However, developments in the last two years have confirmed a troubling disregard for democratic principles and progressive values that I hold dear.”

He highlighted his role in securing electoral victories for the APC in 2015, 2019, and 2023, emphasizing his commitment to advancing human development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation, and investment in Kaduna State during his tenure as governor.

“At this point in my political journey, I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish.”

Rivers House Of Assembly Issues Warrant Of Arrest On RSIEC Chairman, Members

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Justice Adolphus Enebeli

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In continuation of its combative posture,the  Speaker Martins Amaewfule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, on Monday March 10, 2025, continued to dig  deeper into the trenches,with the issuance of an arrest warrant on the Chairman of the State’s Electoral Commission RSIEC, Justice Adolphus Enebeli rtd.

The Lawmakers cited  the refusal of the Electoral Umpire Chairman and other members of the Commission to honour their  earlier invitation to appear before them as a major reason.

The Source reports that the pro-Wike dominated Legislative body, had last Wednesday March, 5, during plenary directed the RSIEC boss to appear before it within 48 hours to explain some issues bordering on the conduct of the last local council polls in the state on October 5,2024 .

The election which was swept by Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s adopted party ,the Action Peoples Party APP, was, however, nullified by the Supreme Court on February 28, 2025.

The Court directed the conduct of a fresh poll.

At the expiry of the two-day ultimatum on Friday last  week, and with the Electoral Umpire Chairman failing to appear, the  Lawmakers decided to extend the dateline by 72 hours.

During Plenary on Monday, the legislators decided to invoke their powers to compel the Commission’s Chairman to appear before them.

Relying on the provisions of session 129 (1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Lawmakers  resolved to issue a warrant of arrest on the Commission’s Chairman.

The resolution of the House which was read by the Majority Leader, Hon Major Jack, also, expressed surprise at the refusal of the Commission’s Chairman, a retired High Court Judge of the Nigerian Judiciary to honour the House of Assembly’s invitation.

The Speaker had earlier regretted the tendencies by those who were screened and confirmed for appointments to now be shunning invitations by the same body.

The Speaker insisted that  Justice Enebeli and other Members of the Electoral body must appear, noting that by virtue of the provisions of session 128 of the Constitution, the House is empowered to inquire into the affairs of Agencies, Commissions and other Government institutions.

According to him, the chairman and other Commissioners must be made to appear and explain how several billions of Naira,public funds allocated to them during the last Cuncil polls were expended.

However, it is not yet certain if the warrant of arrest will be implemented going by some subsisting court cases in that regard.

The RSIEC Chairman  and most members of the Commission  last week approached the Courts seeking to stop the House of Assembly from summoning them.

Students Disrupts Vehicular Movement Over Disappearance Of LASU Graduate

By
Akinwale Kasali
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LASU Students Protest over Quadri Ogunbode

By Akinwale Kasali

There was pandemonium on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as Students in Ogun State, under the aegis of the National Association of Ogun State Students, NAOSS, and the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, on Monday disrupted vehicular movement following the sudden disappearance of Quadri Ogunbode, a graduate of Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos.

The protesting Students demanded that the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene on the issue.

The students were armed with placards with various inscriptions, such as “An injustice to one, is an injustices to all”; IGP Egbetokun, please come to our rescue”; IGP should investigate Quadri’s disappearance”; IGP should probe the extortion of the poor parents by some police officers in Lagos State”; NAOSS demands IGP to order special investigation into disappearance of Quadri Ogun Ode”; IGP should investigate efforts in frustrating the investigation by some police in Lagos command for about 2 months” among others.

Ogunbode, a graduate of Political Education from LASU disappeared on 17th February 2025, at a location very close to a Celestial Church in the neighbourhood of the University.

Kehinde Thomas, National President of the National Association of Ogun State Students, NAOSS, alleged that the Police in Lagos State have compromised in the matter.

He, therefore, called on IGP Egbetokun, to intervene and order a special investigation into the case of the alleged kidnap and possible murder of Ogunbode.

Thomas said: “This call on the IGP, who is also a parent, to intervene in the matter had become imperative after police complicity and compromise was perceived.

“At NAOSS and NANS level, we are smelling foul play and Police complicity. The melancholic parents of Quadri have been made to cough out several thousands of naira by the police to track Quadri’s phone to aid their investigations.

“And with the tracking done and some discoveries made, no tangible progress has been made to unravel the mysterious disappearance of one of own in NAOSS.

“We temporarily block this busiest expressway in the country in order to draw the attention of the Inspector-General of Police, who is also an indigene of Ogun State, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and order a special investigation into the case of the alleged kidnapping and possible murder Quadri Ogunbode.

“Quadri is a member of NAOSS, hence, we are appealing passionately to the IGP to use his office, manpower and technology to unravel the disappearance of this affable LASU graduate.

“As an umbrella body of all Ogun State students, NAOSS cannot sit idly and watch the matter to be swept under the carpet. We will not fold our arms and allow Quadri’s matter to join the swelling number of unresolved disappearances or murder cases in the country.

“While we are optimistic that the intervention of the IGP will yield a fruitful result, NAOSS will not relent to continue to explore all legal means to mobilize relevant stakeholders to take action on the matter.

“The anguish and psychological trauma parents of Quadri are going through are better imagined than experienced.

“According to a preliminary police investigation, two suspects, including the Shepherd in charge of the Celestial Church, were arrested and questioned over the disappearance of the LASU graduate.

“Despite the arrest of two key suspects in the case, police operatives at the Ojoo Divisional Police headquarters have not done much to unravel the mysterious disappearance of Quadri, despite obvious evidence that linked these two suspects to the case.

“Yet, Quadri remained missing, without any one or group claiming to have abducted him. Also, no ransom was demanded from his parents.

“It is, therefore, a disheartening situation when one of the suspects arrested in connection with the matter was discovered to have withdrawn about N2 million (two million Naira) from Quadri’s bank account, but Nigeria police have not found enough evidence to pin the disappearance of Quadri on him.

“The Shepherd in charge of the Celestial Church very close to the location the LASU graduate was last seen, was also discovered to have received a huge sum of money transferred to him by the principal suspect. Further findings revealed that the Shepherd’s daughter also got money transferred from Quadri’s account.”

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