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EFCC Operative Killed By Fraudster, Flown To Sokoto For Burial

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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EFCC Officials on Duty

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In line with Islamic  rites, the remains of an  Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, officer, shot dead in Awka, Anambra State, were early Saturday, January 18, 2025, taken back to his home State, Sokoto for burial.

The Source reports that the  personnel, who was identified only as Salisu, was on Friday, January, 17, 2025 ,shot dead by suspected internet fraudsters in Awka, the Anambra state  capital during an operation.

Another of the EFCC team members was seriously injured during the operation that was targeted at some identified hide outs of the suspected internet fraudsters, otherwise  known as yahoo- yahoo operators.

The EFCC team which was  drafted for  the special assignment from their Enugu zonal office was almost concluding its mission when tragedy struck during an attempt to arrest the last set of suspects.

The EFCC authorities reportedly made all the necessary arrangements for the corpse of late Salisu to be flown to Sokoto for burial according to Islamic injunctions.

The Anambra State Police Command informed that the suspected internet fraudster, who allegedly shot the deceased officer, is currently in police  custody.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, SP, the suspect is assisting the Police in its investigations into the matter.

According to some witness accounts, an attempt by the EFCC team to force open the apartment of the suspect ,resulted in him, firing gunshots .

Late Salisu was hit ,and later died at an undisclosed medical facility,where he was rushed to after Awka General Hospital ,pleaded lack of medical personnel to attend to him..

Before ,the tragic encounter however, the EFCC ,had effected a number of arrests and seizures of  credit cards ,exotic vehicles ,and other incriminating exhibits.

KWAM 1 Loses Mum Days After Losing Wife

By
Akinwale Kasali
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KWAM1 and Mother

By Akinwale Kasali

King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, Fuji Legend,  is bereaved again. He has lost his Mother, Alhaja Halimotu Anifowoshe, barely four days after he lost one of his former wives, Hafsat.

His mother was pronounced dead by medical experts in her hometown, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State where she resided. She was aged 105 years.

A family source disclosed that the centenarian passed on in the early hours of Saturday, throwing the entire Ijebu Ode into mourning.

He added that the deceased singer’s mother would be laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites later in the day in her hometown.

According to him, the Fuji musician has become sober considering the bond between him and his mother who he often praised during performances on stage.

The centenarian’s death came after the artiste disclosed that he got his singing talent from the mother who was not allowed to sing despite her talent.

He said his mother was a king’s daughter and his grandparents did not allow her to pursue a career in music because they wanted her to get married.

The over 60-year-old singer added that his mother was very talented, but her parents were worried that being a singer would delay her from getting married.

“I was blessed with the gift of music from a young age, I was born into music. My mother was a singer before she got married. She had the gift of music and she was a princess.

“She was not allowed to sing back then because she was a princess and her parents were worried that allowing her to be a musician would delay her from getting married sooner. Her parents said my mother won’t be allowed to sing because she is the daughter of a king.”

Edo PDP Alleges Govt House Police, Other Security Agencies Invaded Its Secretariat

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Police on Duty

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic  Party PDP, on Saturday January 18, 2025  described the  invasion and occupation of its Secretariat by the All Progressive Congress, APC, as an open and dangerous invitation to anarchy.

This is just as the party called on the Federal Government, International Agencies ,Civil Society organizations and other stakeholders to rein in Governor Monday Okpebholo before he sets the state on the path for the  break down of law and order.

The Source reports that some individuals suspected to be APC chieftains, members and  sympathizers had on Friday, January 17, 2025, stormed  PDP’s head office in Benin and  drove away, everybody in sight.

The invaders, while rationalizing their actions claimed that the said Secretariat originally belonged to the APC but was forcefully taken over by the PDP during the reign of former Governor Godwin Obaseki four years ago.

But in a statement issued by its  Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, the Edo state PDP also described the APC’s attack on the  Secretariat as arguably the most provocative,and brazen in Nigeria’s democratic experience  since 1999.

The party noted that the invasion is yet another clear evidence of the  reign of terror being unleashed on the State by the APC-led State Government.

The PDP expressed serious concern over the  growing rate at which the State is receding into a state of lawlessness .

The Party, equally, expressed shock and disbelief at the open complacencyand complicity being displayed by the Nigerian Police and other Security Agencies in the face of the gross impunity being unleashed by the APC administration in the state .

“The All Progressive Congress, APC, in Edo state has continued its brigandage, illegality and violent assault on democracy, and we are deeply worried that if unabated, it may snowball into a breakdown of law and order leading to anarchy and chaos in the state .

“At 13.31 pm yesterday, January 17,2025, the APC, using several Hilux vans and other vehicles, led by Jarret Tenebe, deployed their thugs, backed by Police Officers from the Government House to sack the Peoples Democratic Party PDP from its Secretariat on Airport Road, Benin City, the Edo state capital.

“The entire operation was violent and brutal as has never been heard of or seen before, and sadly, it lasted for more than an hour.

“The Secretariat was vandalized and there was wreckage and destruction everywhere. Banners and other materials were taken off and destroyed.

“Lives were put in danger, including mine as the chairman of the PDP in Edo state. I was forcefully bundled out of my office, with the help of Mr Speaker of the Edo state House of Assembly, Hon Blessing Agbebaku, amidst brutal assault and violence against my person.

“No doubt, this is arguably the worst attack on democracy in any part of Nigeria since the nation’s return to democracy in 1999.

“Even military regimes before 1999 were not as violent or brutal against dissenting voices as the Okpebholo-led Government since they took over office on November 12, 2024.

“Today’s violent takeover of the PDP Secretariat by Okpebholo and the APC is clear reflection of the reign of terror that the people of Edo State have been witnessing over the past two months.

“We state categorically that we are the legitimate tenants of the said property. We must unequivocally State that Edo is at the precipice.

“Democracy in Edo State is on fire. Worst still ,the Police, and other security agencies in the state who are supposed to put them in check appear to be either complacent or complicit”,  the PDP statement reads in part.

Ebonyi Spends N15bn On Scholarship, Warns Beneficiaries Not To Be Like Ekpa

By
James Orji
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Ebonyi State Governor - Francis Nwifuru
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state has warned students sponsored on scholarship abroad by the state not to become like Simon Ekpa. The governor said the state has spent over N15 billion on their scholarship that should not be allowed to be wasted.

Ekpa, the magazine reports is an Indigenous Peoples of Biafar, IPOB, secessionist leader who was recently arrested in Finland on terrorism related charges, and is awaiting trial by the Finnish government. The IPOB strongman is from Ebonyi state.

Governor Nwifuru while flagging off the state scholarship scheme  at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, Ezza South local government area of the State, said the state regretted sending Ekpa on scholarship abroad.

He urged students enjoying state scholarship not to follow the footstep of Ekpa, who he said has brought disgrace to his families and the state through his action.

They must be good ambassadors of the state, he urged them, not forgetting where they came from and the sons of daughters of whom they are.

He said the state and their families are expecting a lot from the students, appealing to them not to disappoint as they are expected to to “return to our State as our great leaders.”

Simon Ekpa
Ekpa: Arrested For Terrorism

The governor said, “The achievements we expect from you are very heavy. The new innovations we are expecting is also very heavy. Don’t care to think of disappointing us. We will never take it and we must compel you to deliver. We are not also going to leave you like others.

“Remember our brother that is causing crisis, that is asking people to kill people in this state, Simon Ekpa, remember he was sent to Finland to study on scholarship, don’t toe his path. If you do that, we will regret sending you.

“Your returning home will justify the huge amount our state is committing to ensure that you attain this height. For the overall benefit of our people, do not be swayed by the euphoria of luxury in overseas.”

“This is a project that many people believe was practically impossible but for me, I believe that empowering human beings is more expensive than building infrastructure but it is also more productive than infrastructures put in place.

He said the state governor has spent more than N15 billion to ensure that the scholarship project became a reality, despite naysayers doubt that the project will succeed.

Nwifuru added, “So spending huge amount of money totalling about N15 billion is worth spending to empower our people. We paid you living allowance amounting to almost N1million per month. So face your studies, remain focused and become great ambassadors of the State.

Low Voters’ Turn Out, Omission Of Party’s Logo Mar LG Poll In Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ondo LG Election

By Ayodele Oni

Low voters turnout coupled with the omission of the logo of one of the political parties which participated in Saturday’s Local Government Election in Ondo State are some of the hitches which characterized the election.

Members of the New Nigeria People’s Party, (NNDP) who came out to participate in the election were stunned that the party’s logo was conspicously missing on the ballot paper.

Ondo State Governor,  Lucky Aiyedatiwa,  participated in the  election, and described it as a step towards enhancing grassroots development.

The Governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to the effective running of the local government system in the state in line with the provisions of the law.

Governor Aiyedatiwa cast his vote at Polling Unit 5, Ugbo Ward 4, in Ilaje Local Government Area, commending the electoral process.

Speaking with journalists after casting his ballot, the Governor commended the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for the seamless conduct of the poll.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also thanked the people of the State for participating in the election.

Aiyedatiwa described the withdrawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the local government election in the state as an act of “cowardness.”

He said “I just cast my vote without any crisis. This is just what happened in the Nov. 16 election, which was adjuged to be free and fair.

“The materials arrived early, and the security and the citizens are here they are participating, and at the end of the day, just as we have in the last election, we don’t expect anything else.

“For the PDP to pull out, that is cowardly. They participated in the whole process, the ODIEC released the timetable for the election, I don’t know the reason for that.

“Maybe the fear of losing, every election has its own logistics and other political parties are participating whatever reason that made them withdraw, I am not privy to that.”

The deputy governor, Olayide Adelami, also voted at his Unit 16 Igboroko 2, Ward 3 in Owo local government area at about 9:45am, Adelami expressed satisfaction at the turn out of voters and urged others still at home to come out to perform their civic duties.

“It is important to vote in this election to enable us deepen delivery of good governance at the grassroots level because it is the tier of government that is most close to the people”

The deputy governor commended the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), security agencies and stakeholders for a peaceful conduct.

Candidates of the New Nigerian People’s Party, (NNPP), called for the cancellation of the polls due to total omission of the party’s logo in the ballot paper used for the polls.

The NNPP Chairmanship Candidate in Ondo West local government, Adebayo Olumide Oluwemimo who was at his polling unit 009, ward 8, said that the party’s logo could not be found on the ballot paper, instead old logo was used by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, (ODIEC).

Also the Vice Chairmanship Candidate of the NNPP in Ondo West local government, Akinnagbe Akinola Johnson, who spoke at polling unit 26, Ward 7, confirmed the omission of the party’s official logo by ODIEC in the ballot paper.They called for the cancellation of the election.

Obasa: Untold Story of His Fall

By
The Source
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Mudashiru Obasa

By Akinjide Aina, Abuja Bureau Chief

How He Spurned  Lifelines Offered To Him

Not many people knew that the ousted Speaker of Lagos state House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa saw the fate that befell him coming.

Last November The Source magazine had exclusively reported the grim fate that awaited him should he continue with his governorship ambition in utter disregard to the instructions to him by entrenched interests who pull the levers of politics in Lagos state to bury the ambition. The said interests are said to be, allegedly, positioning Seyi Tinubu, first son of Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, to succeed the incumbent Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. President Tinubu himself was Lagos state Governor for two terms, 1999 to 2007.

The magazine, quoting impeccable sources, had further reported that Obasa would be disgraced with impeachment if he carried on with his guber ambition. Less than two months after the Magazine’s exclusive report, Obasa fell from grace.

Seyi Tinubu
Seyi Tinubu: Obasa’s fall linked to his alleged Lagos guber ambition

On Monday, the 13th of January, 2025, Nigerians, especially Lagos residents were jolted by a mid-noon screaming breaking news on TV screens and various social media platforms announcing the impeachment of  Obasa. He was Nigeria’s longest reigning Speaker having piloted the affairs of the House for 10 years, 2015-2025. Obasa was immediately replaced with Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda representing Apapa state constituency 1.She made history as Lagos’ first female Speaker.

While Obasa’s colleagues who impeached him cited misuse of public funds, corruption and high-handedness as reasons for his ouster, political analysts insist he was consumed by his governorship ambition.

However, this magazine can authoritatively report that the impeached Speaker was offered a number of lifelines to escape a disgraceful impeachment but he spurned all, an intransigence that infuriated the above mentioned interests who immediately ordered his removal.

A source conversant with the political intrigues that consumed Obasa told the Magazine that “he (Obasa) would have still either remained Speaker or had an honourable exit if he had accepted the lifelines offered to him in the form of soft landing”.

This magazine was told that as conditions to remain Speaker, Obasa was asked to publicly renounce his gubernatorial ambition or outrightly deny ever nursing such ambition. He was also, allegedly, equally asked to publicly endorse Seyi’s ambition.

The magazine was further informed that Obasa was also given the option of resigning his position as Speaker in exchange for a juicy federal appointment with the possibility of either emerging a Senator or Seyi’s running mate in 2027 if he considered pulling out of the race and publicly endorsing Seyi, a public humiliation.

Unconfirmed souces allege that the impeached Speaker was pointedly told that if he rejects the conditions, he would be impeached after which his corruption case pending before the EFCC will be resurrected.

However, furious Obasa was said to have rejected the lifeline and soft landing options extended to him and vowed to pursue his ambition to a logical conclusion, this thus set the stage for his swift impeachment by his colleagues who had less than three weeks earlier passed a vote of confidence on him.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Governor Samwo-Olu: Who succeeds him?

The source magazine’s exclusive report that had foretold Obasa’s fall reads in part:  “According to multiple sources within the Lagos APC and national secretariat of the party in Abuja, Obasa’s continued intransigence may cost him his exalted Speaker position.

“He will continue to be engaged him and given him reasons why he should bury his governorship ambition but if he carries on, of course, there will be consequences and one of them is losing his position as Speaker”, one of the sources revealed.

“His corruption case with the EFCC, another source hinted, may also be resurrected. The anti-corrupt Agency had September last year (2023), without stating any reason, dramatically withdrew an alleged money laundering suit it had instituted against the Speaker and unfreezed his account it had secured a court order in 2020 to freeze.

“Recall that the EFCC had in October 2020 took the Speaker into its custody in response to corruption allegations against him”

Five Dead As Two Ondo Communities Clash Over Boundary, Police Arrest Seven

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ondo Communities Clash

By Ayodele Oni

Five days after a cult clash was repelled in Owo, Ondo State, tragedy struck again in the State on Friday as a communal clash erupted at the boundary community between Akure and Idanre, leaving, at least, five people dead

The incident occurred at Gbalegi village, a disputed area between the two communities.

According to eyewitnesses, tension had been building up for days before the clash. The victims were initially taken to the nearby police station before being transported to a hospitalmorgue in Akure.

The Ondo State Police Command, while reacting to the incident said it received a distress call that a group of of thugs mobilized themselves to Gbalegi area, a disputed land between Akure and Idanre, attacking the people of the said area.

Spokesperson of the command, Funmilayo Odunlami, (CSP), in a statement explained that “The Police on receipt of the information moved to the scene and arrested Seven (7) people who were in possession of Charms and Seven single barrel guns with cache of live ammunition and expended ones. Police further combed the nearby bush areas and found four (4) corpse with bulllet wounds.

“The CP calls for caution in handling cases related to boundary issues and urge  communities involved in land disputes to approach the law court for proper redress rather than resorting to self help or violence.”

MC Oluomo, Sego Sign Peace Pact Amid Rancour In Lagos NURTW

By
Akinwale Kasali
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MC Oluomo and Sego Sign Peace Pact

By Akinwale Kasali

In a move to forestall a further repeat of the breakdown of law and order in Lagos State as result of crisis often caused by  factions in the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, the Lagos State Government has brokered peace between the National President of NURTW, Musiliu Akinsanya, popular as MC Oluomo, and the Lagos NURTW Chairman, Mustapha Adekunle, popular as Sego.

Both signed a peace accord in the State facilitated by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide  Sanwo-olu on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa.

The Peace Pact was attended by Senior Members of the NURTW who unanimously agreed that Mediation and Conflict Resolution Committee be setup to address grievances among the duo promptly.

In the accord signed by both parties, they agreed that violence, threats, intimidation, or actions disrupting union operations were actions that violated the agreement.

They both accepted that disciplinary actions should be imposed on anyone that the agreement including suspension, fines, expulsion, and legal consequences under federal and state laws.

According to the agreement, there must be an open and regular communication between the National Executive and the State Chapter for transparency and constructive resolution of concerns.

“Implementation of educational programs to promote respect, cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution. And regular workshops and training sessions to ensure awareness of the consequences of peace breaches.

“Creation of a joint committee to monitor compliance and evaluate the effectiveness of peacekeeping measures”,

Giwa further emphasized that internal disharmony within the Union could adversely affect other areas of commercial activities within the State, urging them to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations in the Peace Pact signed.

The Special Adviser urged the Union’s leadership to prioritize peace for the benefit of all Stakeholders in the transport sector.

Further speaking on the Peace Accord, Giwa explained that by signing the agreement to maintain peace and order, the Union reaffirms its commitment to fostering unity and stability while safeguarding members’ welfare.

It would be recalled that before MC Oluomo passed the baton of the leadership of Lagos NURTW to Sego, they had on several occasions disagreed, leading to breakdown of law and order, as their loyalists engage in physical assaults which result to loss of lives and wanton destruction of properties.

Anti-Corruption Commission, Kano, Arrests Judicial Officials, Lawyers

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government has alerted the public the existence of a dangerous land grabbing syndicate in the State.

This is just as the State’s Anti-graft Agency announced the apprehension of some Judicial officials, and lawyers suspected to be involved in the illegal activities.

At an interaction session with the Media on Friday, January 17, 2025, the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission PCACC, Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, alleged that the unholy syndicate comprises  Government and Judicial officials, as well as lawyers, who engaged in the illegal acquisitions of public and private  lands in the State

According to him, the group has been discovered to be involved in the seizure, and grabbing of over 1,200 parcels of land in some parts of the State.

Rimin Gado, who informed that the authorities  unmasked the gang recently, also  stated that the anti-graft agency has put machineries in place to carry out a comprehensive inquest into their nefarious activities.

The Commission’s Chairman noted that the investigation is targeted at unraveling more about the syndicate, including their modus operandi and others associated with their illegal land grabbing activities.

The Chairman, noted that so far preliminary findings have revealed that the gang with an extensive network, has been discovered to have masterminded many schemes to illegally acquire both public and private lands across Kano.

According to Rimin Gado, the syndicate which has the unalloyed backing of  some Judiciary staff, Kano State Land Officials ,Legal Practitioners, and others has over the years, been able to establish a complex network that exploit some lapses in the system to forge documents, backdate sales agreement, as well as secure fraudulent Court rulings when necessary to acquire lands.

“The land grabbers specialize in colluding with individuals in positions of authority to acquire lands fraudulently.

They manipulate legal processes, forge documents to legitimize their claims. Many of these involve lands belonging to deceased individuals, absentee  owners ,and others”, Rimin Gado noted

The Commission Chairman referenced a particular case involving about 40 plots of land which was recently recovered from the syndicate.

According to the Anti-graft Commission Chairman, the owners of the property in the first place never mortgaged it ,yet the syndicate managed to dispossess the owners.

The recovered land, he informed, is valued at over N20 million. He explained that in the course of the investigation into the matter, several suspects, including Government officials, Lawyers and Judiciary Staff were arrested.

One of the arrested persons, according to Rimin Gado, was found with about N 2,857 ,000 cash.

“We are are pursing legal actions against all those involved in these  criminal activities.

“Based on legal advice, we will take appropriate steps to ensure justice is served”, he noted.

New Eleruwa Of Eruwa Emerges, Ends Six Years Vacancy

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Eruwa Town Hall

By Akinwale Kasali

After Six Years Vacancy of the Eleruwa of Eruwa Stool in Oyo State, the Kingmakers have announced the emergence of  a new Monarch.

The process of selecting the new Eleruwa of Eruwa  took a fresh dimension following the Supreme Court’s removal of  Oba Samuel Adegbola from the throne six years ago.

The ruling, delivered in 2019, found Adegbola’s ascension inconsistent with the 1957 Eruwa Chieftaincy Declaration, and ended his 21-year reign.

However, on Thursday at the Eleruwa Palace, Oke-Oba, Eruwa, Oyo State, the kingmakers closed ranks and nominated a new Monarch for the ancient kingdom, whose name they already forwarded to Governor Seyi Makinde for further action.

One of the 18 aspirants got the unanimous nod of the kingmakers.

The Laribikusi Ruling House, comprising the Agbaragba, Ajao, Omoni, and Sabi families had earlier held an expanded meeting at the Eleruwa’s palace, where they resolved long-standing internal disputes and appointed Chief Dejo Akinlade as the Head of the family to lead the selection process.

Chief Akinlade later led a delegation to the Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government, Hon. Kazeem Owolabi Arogundade, on Monday, January 13, to formally communicate the family’s resolution and initiate the next steps.

During his address, Chief Akinlade expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and called for unity within the ruling house.

Akinlade said: “We must not allow external forces to exploit any divisions among us and rob us of our rights. It is time for the Laribikusi Ruling House to ascend to the throne once more,” he stated.

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