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Court of Appeal Affirms Oba Ghandi Olaoye As Soun Of Ogbomosho

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Oba Ghandi Olaoye - Soun of Ogbomosho

By Akinwale Kasali

The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has upheld the selection and installation of Oba Ghandi Olaoye as the Soun of Ogbomosho.

This judgment has thus overturned an earlier ruling by a lower Court which nullified his appointment and installation.

Justice Yargata Nimpar, who led a Three Man Panel delivered the judgment on Tuesday in favour of Oba Olaoye on all 10 grounds of appeal.

Justice K. A. Adedokun of the Oyo State High Court, Ogbomoso, had, on October 25, 2023, nullified Oba Olaoye’s selection, describing the process as “irregular, null, and void” for failing to comply with the provisions of the 1958 Soun Chieftaincy Declaration.

However, the Appellate Court set aside the lower Court’s ruling, effectively reaffirming Oba Olaoye’s legitimacy as the Soun of Ogbomoso.

PANDEF, Afenifere Mourn Clark’s Passing, Say Mighty Iroko  Has Fallen

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Edwin Clark is dead

By Akinwale Kasali

Even though at his age, death could suddenly come, yet, the passing of elder statesman, Edwin Clark, came as a shock to the  Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF which he led.

PANDEF announced his passing, peacefully, in Abuja in the evening of Monday, February 17, 2025, at the age of 97. He was surrounded by family and loved ones.

The announcement was made through a press statement signed by Olorogun (Sir) Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the National Publicity Secretary/Spokesman of PANDEF, and  Professor College Clark of the Clark-Fuludu-Bakederemo family of Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, and Dr. Godknows Igali, the National Chairman of PANDEF.

PANDEF described Clark’s passing as the fall of a “mighty Iroko tree,” highlighting his towering contributions to public service, politics, and community development over a period of 75 years.

He founded PANDEF and co-led the South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), advocating tirelessly for justice, equality, and human rights.

Clark was known for his outspoken defense of marginalized communities and his relentless pursuit of a fair and equitable society. His contributions extended beyond politics into the legal profession, education, and community development—where he founded a University.

“Pa Clark was indeed a towering figure in Nigeria, known for his tireless advocacy for justice and human rights,” the statement read. “His brilliant mind and generous spirit will continue to inspire future generations to strive for a more just and compassionate society.”

As he quietly departs just months before his 98th birthday, PANDEF expressed comfort in the biblical words from Acts 13:36: “After he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, he fell asleep and was allowed to rest.”

Chief Edwin Clark’s passing comes shortly after the death of his longtime associate and fellow elder statesman, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, prompting further reflection on the end of an era in Nigeria’s political and social landscape.

In the same vein, the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Tuesday, said it received the passing of the foremost Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, with  shock.

Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary, Afenifere, said that Clark was passionate about Nigeria, just like the late Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

“We received the news of the demise of Pa Edwin Clark with shock the same way we received the news of the demise of our leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo,

“Clark was very deep, and, of course, very fearless. He was a patriot par excellence. Nigeria meant so much to him.

“The issues that have to do with the people were of great concern to him. He will be greatly missed because he was a strong, influential voice” Ajayi said.

Ajayi, who conveyed the condolences of Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, said Clark would forever be remembered for his contributions to the country.

“Pa Edwin Clark was an active player in the Nigerian political scene, even when he was very old he was still very Active.

“He (Clark) never shied away from commenting or expressing his opinion on any issue of national importance.

“So, we, in Afenifere, will also miss him, just like we know that other people in the South-South, in particular, in Nigeria, as a whole, will miss him,” Afenifere spokesman said.

Pa Clark Was A Patriot, History Will Remember Him- Tinubu

By
James Orji
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Edwin Clark

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his deep sadness over the passing of Chief Edwin Clark, former federal commissioner of information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF.

The magazine reported that Chief Clark, died on Monday at the age of97.

In his condolence message, President Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga described Clark’s death as a huge loss to Nigerians, praising his “dedicated service, at different times, to the nation and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member. “

Reflecting on the life of the late statesman, the President says Chief Clark was a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades.

The President described him as a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.

Tinubu: ”Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic.

”Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity.

”As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted his words’ weight, confidence, and conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond.

”History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism.

”I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability.”

Court Stops CBN, AGF, Others From Seizing Kano Local Government Monthly Allocations

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Court and Law

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, has been restrained from withholding funds accruing to the 44 Local Councils of Kano State from the Federation Allocation Account .

The  restraining order, which is perpetual, was granted on Monday, February 17,2025, by a  Kano State High Court sitting in Kano.

Delivering judgment in an application filed by the Association of Local Government of Nigeria ALGON , Kano State Chapter, against the country’s apex bank, the AGF ,and others ,Justice Ibrahim Musa- Muhammad ruled that it would amount to a breach of the fundamental rights of the residents, and inhabitants of the 44 Local Government Areas for respondents to  withhold their monthly statutory allocation from the Federation Account.

In the motion on notice filed by the Kano State Chairman of ALGON, Ibrahim Muhammad, and five others on November 1,2024, they prayed the court to restrain the CBN, and Federal authorities from withholding, or delaying allocations to the 44 Local Councils of the State under any guise.

Joined in the suit along side the CBN were the Accountant General of the Federation AGF, the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission RMAFC, the 44 Local Government Areas of the State ,United Bank for Africa UBA, Access Bank  and others .

The Judge in his verdict granted all the reliefs sought by the applicants having established their case beyond any reasonable doubt.

“I resolve in the affirmative that all the reliefs sought by the applicants are granted as follows : ” By the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in suit No SC/CV/343/2024 Attorney General of Abia state and 35 others.

” The Kano state Local Government Electoral Laws 2022 the AGF ,CBN and RMAFC are under a duty to disburse monthly allocations to the 44 LGAs as democratically elected Local Government Councils.

“A declaration that withholding these allocations would amount to a breach of the fundamental rights of the residents ,inhabitants in the 44 Local Government Councils as guaranteed under sections 33,42, 43 44,45 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( as amended )

“Articles 13,19,22,and 24 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights for the AGF ,CBN ,and RMAFC to exclude the 44 LGAs in the distribution of funds accruing from the Federation Account in line with section 16 (3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( as amended)”, Justice Musa-Muhammad ruled .

The Source reports that  the judgment is  coming on the heels of a pending motion on notice filed by the All Progressive Congress, APC, Kano Chapter, seeking to halt the monthly allocations of the Councils.

The APC had in the wake of the October 26, 2024, Local Council Polls held in the state approached a Federal High Court sitting in Kano seeking among other things an order barring the CBN ,AGF, RMAFC and others from further remitting Councils’ funds until democratically elected officials are in charge of the Councils.

The APC, based on a subsisting Court ruling had insisted on not recognizing the outcome of the October 26,2024 council polls in the state .

The Source further reports that a Federal High Court sitting in Kano, and presided over by Justice Simon Ameobade had, a few days to the Council Election, declared the exercise null and void.

According to the Court, the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission KANSIEC, was not properly constituted, and, therefore, was not qualified to conduct the polls .

The Court ordered for the suspension of the election, pending when the Electoral Body will be properly constituted ,.

However, the Kano State Government and KANSIEC, ignored the Court ruling, and went ahead with the conduct of the polls.

Dissatisfied, the APC decided to, once again, approach the Court to halt further remittances of monthly allocations to the Councils until  democratically elected officials are in charge in line with the earlier pronouncement by the Supreme Court on Local Government Financial Autonomy.

Finally, Missing Oba Found In FBI Custody

By
The Source
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Oba Joseph Oloyede - the Apetu of Ipetumodu

By Gideon Njoku

A thought-to-be-missing Yoruba King is not missing, afterall. Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu is cooling his leg in the cold cell of the Federal Bureau of Intelligence, FBI, United States of America.

His arrest is connected to an alleged $4.2M COVID-19 Fraud. The Oba suddenly was out of circulation in his community. According to sources, he disappeared

since March 2024.

His worried subjects, home and abroad, began a  frantic search for him when his absence was noticed at important traditional festivals.

For instance, he was absent at the Odun Egungun and Odun Edi Festivals. His subjects were left without a king for one year. He left the stool vacant. The mysterious disappearance and anxiety ended when he was discovered to be in the custody of the FBI.

An American citizen, the Oba was unaware of his indictment on fraud charges in Ohio, United States of America, when he left his kingdom for a trip to the USA. On arrival, he was promptly taken into custody by the FBI.

He is accused of, allegedly, defrauding the U.S. Government of $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds and has been charged of a 13-count fraud indictment at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

Oba Oloyede who is based in Cleveland, Ohio, was arrested on May 4, 2024, based on a court-issued warrant.

He is accused by the FBI  of using six registered companies, owned by him  to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 relief loans set aside for struggling businesses.

It was discovered by

Investigators that in June 2020, Oba Oloyede received  about $100,000 in loans for four of his companies. They  include: Available Tax Services, Available Tutors, Available Financial, and Available Transportation.

Again, later, in October 2021, he secured a $500,000 loan for JO&A, and another $500,000 for Available Transportation, 48 hours later.

He is also, alleged, to have helped co-conspirators in similar fraudulent schemes, and  charged percentages on the loan amount on disbursement.

The April 3, 2024, indictment, accuses the Monarch of submitting, deliberately, “false loan applications and manipulated financial records.”

Police Arrest Three, Smashes Armed Robbery, Cultists Gang In Akwa Ibom

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Cultists Gang In Akwa Ibom

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Akwa Ibom Police Command on Tuesday,  February 18, 2025, announced the  arrest of three suspected cultists, and smashed an armed robbery syndicate terrorizing some parts of the State.

A statement from the Command’s spokesperson, Timfon John, DSP, said that the suspects,were arrested following an intelligence-driven operation in Akpautong Community on Monday February 17,

During the operation, several dangerous weapons and stolen items were  recovered from the suspects.

“On February 17 ,2025 at about 07:20 hours, a retired Staff Sergeant of the Nigerian Army (names withheld) reported that he was awakened by the sound of sporadic gunfire at about 01:20 hours.

“Stepping out, he saw one Kingsley Samuel “m” alias Bobby, leading a group of armed men. His son Daniel Monday, later identified the suspects as Saviour Ime Philip “M” alias Ibia, Benjamin Joseph Asuquo,”m” alias Big Guy ,Simon  Monday Ekong ‘m’ ,and others ,who can be identified upon sight.

“The gang broke into his son’s room ,held him at gunpoint. and stole N100,000.

“Similarly, on February 16, 2025, at about 19:45hours, one Daniel Friday Ibiak “m”, of Akpambiet Village, Edo Community, reported that while attending a ceremony in Akpautong  village, he was attacked and dragged to a secluded area by Kingsley Samuel ,alias Bobby ,and his gang.

“On a false claim that he owed their friend money, the armed suspects. forced him to withdraw N206,000 via a POS at gunpoint and further extorted N10,000 in cash.

“Acting on credible intelligence, an eye-led surveillance team swiftly tracked and intercepted the fleeing criminals as they attempted to escape in a tricycle and motorcycles.

“Three suspects were arrested ,while others managed to escape. Those apprehended are Saviour  Ime Philip ,”m” 25 of Akpautong Village , Benjamin Joshua “m”29 of Akpautong Village and Simon Monday “m” of Odoronkit village”, the police statement reads in part.

Items  recovered include two cut-size shotguns, eight machetes, one tricycle ,one motorcycle, power generating set, and assorted charms, according to the police.

According to John, the suspects are believed to be part of a notorious gang of cultists and armed robbers, that have  been terrorizing some local councils in Akwa Ibom State.

The Police spokesman assured that efforts are ongoing to hunt down fleeing members of the syndicate.

This is even as the Commissioner of Police, CP, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed ,the Command’s relentless commitment towards rooting out criminal gangs as well as ensuring the safety of lives and properties of the people.

Niger Delta Leader, Pa Edwin Clark, Dies At 97

By
James Orji
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Edwin Clark

Niger Delta leader, Pa Edwin Clark is dead. The elder statesman demise was announced by a prominent member of his family, Prof C.C Clark on Tuesday.

He was 97 at the time of his passing, the statement said.

The statement read, “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday, 17th February 2025.

“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”

Clark’s death came barely a few days after another elder statesman, Ayo Adebanjo died in Lagos.

Both men played active roles in Nigeria’s fledgling democracy.

Cardoso’s CBN Is ‘Anti-People’, Nigerian Students Lament New ATM Charges

By
James Orji
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Yemi Cardoso - CBN Governor

The recent increase in the ATM charges by the Yemi Cardoso-led Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN , has sparked serious reaction from Nigerian students under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS.

NANS in its reaction to the development in a statement on Monday, described the CBN action an attack on the Nigerian masses, particularly students.

The statement signed by the Clerk of NANS Senate Oladimeji Uthman, said the CBN has placed more pressures on  Nigerians who are struggling to survive due to the current hardship in the country.

The new charges will further “burden Nigerians” who are struggling due to the current economic crisis, NANS said.

NANS further stated that the increase must be reversed failure which the CBN offices across the country will be picketed.

The students’ body however applauded the ongoing efforts by the apex bank to encourage cashless transactions in the country, saying however that the CBN should “focus on strengthening cashless payment systems without making life more difficult for Nigerians.”

“This anti-people policy, slated to take effect from March 1, 2025, is an attack on the financial stability of Nigerian students and the larger populace,’ NANS said.

It added, “According to the circular issued by the CBN Financial Policy and Regulation Department, customers withdrawing from their own bank’s ATM (On-Us transactions) will not be charged, but those withdrawing from another bank’s ATM (Not-On-Us transactions) will face charges of N100 per N20,000 withdrawal on-site and N100 plus a surcharge of up to N500 per N20,000 withdrawal off-site. This is in addition to existing bank charges, which already burden Nigerians.

“The recent increase in ATM withdrawal charges by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) appears to be aimed at discouraging cash transactions and promoting e-banking.

While the objective is understandable, imposing higher withdrawal fees places an unnecessary burden on students and citizens, especially in an already struggling economy

“ Rather than penalizing individuals for withdrawing cash, the CBN should focus on ensuring that businesses, traders, artisans, and institutions fully embrace digital transactions.

“A more effective approach would be to increase charges on those who receive cash payments and later deposit it in banks or hoard cash instead of encouraging electronic transfers.

“A good example is how students used to pay school fees in cash, but with the introduction of online payment platforms, they no longer need to carry physical money.

“This proves that when the right policies are in place, cash transactions naturally reduce without unnecessary financial strain on the public.

“Therefore, we demand the government and the CBN to rethink this policy and focus on strengthening cashless payment systems without making life more difficult for Nigerians

“ Should the CBN fail to reverse this draconian policy, NANS National Secretariat will mobilize students nationwide for a peaceful protest across the CBN state branches and the headquarters, boycotts of banking services, and legal actions to resist this extortion.”

Lagos Assembly Crisis: “Defend Your Heritage”- Gen Olanrewaju Tells Indigenes After DSS Invasion

By
James Orji
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Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju (rtd)  has described the invasion of the Lagos state House of Assembly on Monday by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, as an abuse of power.

Olanrewaju, the former Minister of Communications said the action of the DSS should not be permitted in a democratic government, describing it as a ‘low’ point which should not have been allowed to happen.

The magazine reports that the takeover of the House of Assembly was the latest in the crisis that has rocked the Assembly following the removal of Mudasiru obasa as Speaker and his replacement with Mojisola Meranda on January 14.

The attack on the Assembly has however sparked a serious outrage from not a few Nigerians, who are calling for a probe of the incident, particularly after suggestions that the operation could not have happened with ‘Abuja’ support.

Abuja refers to the Nigeria’s Presidency, which according to sources, is angling for the return of former Speaker Obasa.

President Tinubu had following his impeachment by majority lawmakers of the assembly described the action as a ‘coup’ according to sources privy to one of the meetings between the president and the Governance Advisory Council, GAC, an advisory body in the state, headed by the Governor to mitigate the crisis.

Olanrewaju condemned the incident, calling on the indigenes of the state to  defend the ‘state heritage’ to stop it from regressing to an ignominious past.

He said, “Lagos State indigenes must stand up together and defend their state heritage. Lagos State indigenes must stand up together and defend their state heritage.

“Our political institutions have developed from the low many decades ago. We can’t go back to that anymore. In contemporary developing countries and Nigeria inclusive, one of the greatest political deficits lies in the relative weakness of the rule of law.

“Of all the components of contemporary states, effective legal institutions are perhaps the most difficult to construct or endure. Let the rule of law prevail in the tussle for the speakership position in the Lagos State Assembly.”

Fake Doctor Arrested, 10  Children Rescued, As Police Bursts Syndicate In Anambra

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Police Command on Monday, February 17, 2025 announced the dismantling of a notorious child trafficking syndicate in the State.

This is even as they rescued no fewer than 10 children who were about to be trafficked by the gang.

At an interactive session with the media in Awka, the State Capital, the new Police Commissioner, CP Okoye Orutigu, also, informed that three members of the syndicate have been apprehended.

According to him, the three arrested gang members, are currently assisting the Service in its further investigations into their activities.

The CP, noted that the suspects are being held in connection with their plans to traffic the 10 rescued children to other parts of the country.

“I am pleased to address you and Ndi Anambra today on yet another breakthrough in our commitment towards protecting vulnerable children and combating human trafficking in the State.

Operatives attached to 3-3 Divisional Headquarters on an intelligence-driven operation on 15/2/2025 arrested one Mr Odinakachukwu Okorie “m”, Ifunanya Ogbonna “f”, and a fake Medical Doctor Mr Daniel Ikebuilo “m”, and rescued 10 malnourished children in an apartment in Inland-town Onitsha

“The Divisional Police Headquarters had been monitoring one of the suspects, Odinakachukwu, in the area on the receipt of a report on 28/07/2024 about a missing 6-year old boy in the neighbourhood.

“The operatives having enough evidence quickly arrested Odinakachukwu Okorie on the receipt of the second complaint on 13 /2/2025 of a missing 5-year old girl in the same area.

“During interrogation, the suspect mentioned Ifunaya as part of the child-stealing syndicate. Further investigation led to the rescue of both children earlier reported missing and the arrest of Mr Daniel Ikebuilo (a fake Doctor).

“Before then, Odinakachukwu and Ifunanya confessed to have perfected their plans to flee with the 5 year old girl to Abuja.

“Ifunanya also confessed to having sold the child for one million naira to Mr Daniel

The Police, still acting on information gathered, further rescued eight children in an apartment in Inland town Onitsha”, the CP stated .

The State Commissioner of Police explained that the rescued children have been handed over to the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs for medical attention care  and custody, pending when the children would recover from their ordeal.

While emphasising on the imperativeness of effective collaboration between the police and the people in fighting crimes, CP Orutigu called on those with cases of missing children to come forward.

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