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Oyo School Abduction: Presidency Tackles Gov. Makinde Over Conspiracy Theory

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Tinubu and Seyi Makinde
President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde

 

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Presidency has  tackled the Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde over his call for the United Nations and other international organizations to probe the abduction of school children and their teachers in Oriire local government area of the State.

 

Governor Makinde, while formally receiving the victims from the Military since they regained their freedom, promised to assume responsibility for the welfare, rehabilitation of the 45 victims. He, also, assumed responsibility for the education of the children.

 

The Governor, however added a new twist to the sad incident when he  called for a UN-backed investigation into the abduction, and insisted that Nigerians deserved a full account of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

 

Makinde also called on  other international human rights and accountability bodies to investigate the abduction of the pupils and teachers. His stand was made public in  a video shared by Oyo Affairs on Monday, following the arrival of the rescued pupils and teachers at the Oyo State Secretariat after their handover to him.

 

He saud: “The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institution.

 

“I, therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, call on the appropriate international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution.”

 

He explained that the call for international scrutiny was aimed at ensuring accountability rather than discrediting Nigerian institutions.

 

“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institution. Rather, it is intended to reinforce public confidence that the truth will be established and that every person found to bear responsibility, regardless of office, influence or affiliation, will be held accountable,” the Governor said.

 

Makinde also reminded the Federal Government of its constitutional responsibility for national security.

 

“Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the primary responsibility for national security rests with the Federal Government and the security agencies under its command,” he said.

 

According to him, Nigerians deserve a full account of the circumstances surrounding the abduction and its resolution.

 

“The Nigerian people, therefore, deserve a full and transparent account of what happened, who was responsible, whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion at any level, and what measures must now be taken to ensure that no community is ever subjected to such an ordeal again.

 

Insisting that his demand was not politically motivated, Makinde added: “This is not about politics. It is about justice for the victims, reassurance for our people, and restoring public confidence that every Nigerian child can go to school without fear,” Makinde said.

 

However, the Presidency has viewed the Governor’s position on the issue as politically motivated. It argued that it is just unfortunate that “Makinde, maybe because of politics, because he is a Presidential Candidate now, doesn’t have any trust in our own institutions and is now calling on an external body to come and investigate,” he said.

 

The statement, signed by Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, added that the military and the Department of State Services had already disclosed what they knew about the incident. He described the Governor’s demand as “unwarranted” and “absolutely unnecessary.”

 

He, also, accused Makinde of attempting to politicise the matter, saying: “The man is just playing politics, and it is the politics of the bizarre. He wants to weaponise anything available, including dredging up a strange conspiracy theory.”

 

The presidential spokesman accused Makinde, who is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, in the 2027 election of allowing political considerations to influence his call for an international probe.

 

Onanuga further said that the Presidency has no objection to an international body examining the incident if Makinde believed there were unresolved issues.

 

“The Governor has just expressed his opinion that the UN should probe this incident. Our doors are open. Let the UN come if he thinks there is more to it than what our military has explained,” he said.

 

He, however, questioned the basis for the Governor’s demand, arguing that security agencies have no reason to deliberately subject Nigerians, especially children, to prolonged captivity.

 

According to him, the rescue operation came at a cost, with some security personnel, including members of the military and Amotekun, losing their lives while pursuing the abductors.

 

Onanuga said it was “unthinkable” that anyone would deliberately conspire to expose the victims to the 56-day ordeal, including the killing of a Mathematics teacher during captivity.

 

“Look at those kids. Some of them are just about four or six years old. Will anyone want to deliberately subject them to the trauma they went through for 56 days?”, he asked.

 

Recall, however, that prior Makinde’s call for an international probe, he had worried that the abduction came on the heels of his declaration to run for the Presidency.

 

Armed bandits had on May 15, 2026, attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, abducting the 39 pupils and six teachers.

 

They were rescued on Friday, July 10 after an overwhelming operation by Security Operatives led by the Military.

Makinde: Why UN Must Probe Ogbomoso Abduction

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Seyi Makinde
Seyi Makinde

Barely 48 hours after the abducted students and teachers in Orire, Ogbomoso, Oyo state were rescued, Governor Seyi Makinde has demanded a thorough probe of the incident.

The governor made the call during his statewide broadcast on Monday night, saying anyone or group found to have been culpable must be made to account for their actions.

The magazine had earlier reported that 44 victims were rescued  on Sunday during a joint security operations involving the Army, Navy, Airforce, Police, DSS, Amotekun, and local vigilante.  They have since been re-united with their families.

According to Makinde, the United Nations and global human right organizations must investigate what led to the abduction, and whether some state actors were culpable in the act.

According to him, external investigations of the incident will not only unravel the circumstances that led to the abduction, it will also strengthen public confidence in the system, reassure residents and restore confidence that every Nigerian child can attend school without fear that they will end up I the hands of criminals.

The state helmsman stressed that the his call for probe is not intended to undermine the efforts of Nigerian security  institutions, but the need to unravel the “truth” describing the incident as ‘sufficiently grave”, which if left to domestic institutions which eh said may not have the capacity to get to the bottom of it.

 

He said, “The circumstances surrounding this incident are sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions.

 

“I therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, call on the appropriate international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution.

 

“Such scrutiny is not intended to undermine our institutions. Rather, it is intended to reinforce public confidence that the truth will be established and that every person found to bear responsibility, regardless of office, influence, or affiliation, will be held accountable.

 

“Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the primary responsibility for national security rests with the federal government and the security agencies under its command.”

Meanwhile, some sources in the state government who spoke with the magazine said the governor was only trying to clear his name, particularly following suggestions that his government has a hand in the abduction.

Following the abduction of the 45 victims on May 15, a former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose had accused Governor Makinde of masterminding the abduction.

Fayose’s remark had drawn serious a flak from not a few Nigerians who accused him of politicising the incident. Governor Makinde had in his response described the former Ekiti Ekiti helmsman of lying against his government, saying he had nothing to do with the abduction.

Stop Calling Otukpo Killings Fulani Reprisal Attacks, MACBAN Warns

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Otukpo Killing

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, has strongly rejected claims linking it to the attack and killings in parts of Otukpo Local Council of Benue State.

 

The source reports that suspected armed herdsmen were alleged to have launched multiple attacks on the twin communities of Akpachi-Ugboju and Otukpo-Nobi between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning, killed no fewer than 10 persons, injured several others, and displaced many residents.

 

Hundreds of enraged residents who staged a protest match to the Palace of the Idoma traditional ruler ,the Och’Idoma His Royal Majesty Dr John Odogbo Eliagwu, pointedly blamed the development on suspected armed herdsmen.

 

The Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, in a statement from Tersoo Kula, his spokesperson, while condemning the killings, also accused armed herdsmen of being behind the unfortunate incident.

 

However, in a statement from its Secretary Ibrahim Galma, the Benue State Chapter of MACBAN, while condemning the attack and killings, also called for an inquest to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the development.

 

The MACBAN, while distancing its members from the killings, rejected the tendency to link Fulani herdsmen to the incident even when investigations have not been concluded.

 

The statement emphasized that there has been no presence of Fulani in Otukpo and environs since 2025 when they were all asked to leave.

 

It highlighted the festering communal feuds and clashes that have, for long, defined the relationship among some Otukpo Communities as possible cause(s) of the recent attack and killings.

 

“It is important for the public to note that all Fulani residents in Otukpo and its environs were forcefully evicted from the area sometime last year.

 

“This included their community leaders in Otukpo, Chairman Yenusa, who left the State immediately after all efforts to restore peace in Otukpo failed.

 

“Secondly, it has come to our notice that Otukpo-Nobi and other communities in the same area such as Okete ,Amla-Icho ,and Otada already have pending communal clashes”, the MACBAN stated.

 

It cautioned against claims suggesting that the development was a reprisal attack over the killing of its Benue State Chairman ,Ardo Risku Mohammad.

 

According to MACBAN, indulging in such a conclusion is not only hasty, but prejudicial to the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killings of the MACBAN leader.

 

However, the Benue State Government strongly believes that the perpetrators of the gruesome killings may have come from neighbouring States.

 

Governor Alia, while describing the attack and killings as a direct assault  on the fragile peace and stability of the State, directed Security Agencies to collaborate with their colleagues in neighbouring States with a view to fishing out the masterminds of the attack and killings.

Man Who Accused Katsina State Govt Of Habouring Terrorists Gets Bail

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Bashir Kurfi

A former lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello, Dr Bashir Kurfi who accused the Katsina state government of harboring terrorists have been granted bail by the state Magistrate court.

Dr Kurfi was admitted to bail on Monday by Chief Magistrate Zaharaddeen Sani in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties, after his counsel argued that the case is bailable.

Recall that the former lecturer, during an interview on Trust TV last month, accused the state government of sponsoring some bandits on state pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The remark had jolted not a few Nigerians and sparked serious controversy in the state, which has been described as one of the epicentres of banditry and terrorism in the country.

The development further fueled suggestion that some state actors are aiding bandits and criminals who have taken up arms against the government, and making the lives of Nigerians  difficult.

The state government,  has however, denied the allegation.

He was charged to court by the state who accused him of defamation of character and injurious falsehood, contrary to Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State.

In the two-count charge preferred against the former lecturer, the state government accused him of peddling false and malicious information, capable of injuring the reputation of the state government and its people. Dr Kuffi has pleaded not guilty to the offence.

According to the ruling handed down by the magistrate yesterday. The defendant entitled to bail, but that his surety must ensure that he’s presented in court whenever necessary, failure to do so will attract the payment of the surety sum.

The case has now been adjourned to August 13, 2026, for hearing.

Meanwhile, the federal government said last week that some bandits leaders were arrested on their return from the pilgrimage, by the Department of state Services, DSS at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina.

The disclosure was made by Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who said the bandits were picked up following a tip-off.

Abducted Oyo Headmaster Rescued After NUT Tasked FG, Oyo Govt

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Matthew Owoade

By Akinwale Kasali

 

The Headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Mr. M.K. Owoade, has been rescued from his abductors.

 

Mr. Owoade, 60, was abducted from his farm on Sunday, July 12, along the Igbojaye-Budo Aare  bush road in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.

 

Following his abduction less than 24 hours after the abducted Oyo School children and their teachers were rescued, the Oyo State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT,  urged the Federal Government, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Security Agencies to intensify efforts at rescuing the Headmaster

 

The Teachers’ Union expressed concern over the incident in a statement jointly signed by its State Chairman, Hassan Fatai, and State Secretary, Salami Olukayode.

 

According to the statement, the abducted Oyo headmaster was taken from his farmland on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at about 5pm.

 

The NUT said its Itesiwaju Local Government branch alerted the State Leadership through an urgent notice issued to members following the reported abduction.

 

“The development is disturbing and another reminder of the growing security challenges facing teachers and education workers across the country,” the union said.

 

It urged the Oyo State Government, Security agencies and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts to secure Owoade’s safe return and improve protection for teachers working in communities across the state.

 

“We call on the government, security agencies, and relevant authorities to intensify efforts at securing the immediate rescue of the abducted headmaster and ensuring the safety of teachers and all citizens within the communities and their workplaces,” the union said.

 

The Union, also, expressed solidarity with Owoade’s family, colleagues and pupils, while praying for his safe release.

 

Luck, however, came the way of the abducted Headmaster whose abductors already asked for a ransom of N30 million, when under pressure, his freedom was secured.

 

A statement by the Oyo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, Monday evening, said Mr. Owoade’s freedom stemmed from the sustained pressure and investigative efforts mounted on the criminals in a joint coordinated operation by the Police Command.

 

The Police Statement reads: “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to update members of the public on the earlier press release issued on July 13, 2026, regarding the abduction of a farmer Mathew Owoade who was kidnapped along the Igbojaye-Budo Aare bush road in Oyo State on July 12, 2026.

 

“Following the immediate deployment of a coordinated joint security operation and sustained investigative efforts by the Command, the intense operational pressure mounted on the abductors forced the hoodlums to abandon the victim who regained his freedom on the evening of July 13, 2026.

 

The victim has since been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and necessary treatment. Upon completion of medical attention, he will be debriefing by investigators as part of the ongoing investigation aimed at identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting all the those responsible for the criminal act.”

 

Oyo State has suddenly become a hot- bed for kidnappers in recent weeks.

ADC Heads To Supreme Court, Appeals Judgement Barring INEC From Recognizing Congresses

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
African Democratic Congress - ADC

By Ayodele Oni 

 

African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said it has commenced an appeal to the Supreme Court on the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on Monday.

 

The Court of Appeal had upheld a Federal High Court judgement restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

 

In a majority decision of two to one, the three-member appellate panel affirmed the earlier ruling delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, which barred the caretaker leadership from interfering with the tenure and responsibilities of the party’s elected state executive committees.

 

Justice Okon Abang, who delivered the lead judgement, held that there was no basis to overturn the Federal High Court’s order issued on April 29.

 

However In his minority decision, Justice Mohammed held that the case that precipitated the restraining order bordered on a non-justiciable internal affair of a political party.

 

He held that the trial court was wrong to have assumed jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

 

 In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the ruling as legally unsustainable, confirmed it has commenced an appeal to the Supreme Court, and said the dissenting judgment better reflects the law and its position. 

 

ADC urged members and supporters to remain calm, insisting it remains committed to providing Nigerians with a credible alternative in line with the Constitution and the rule of law.

 

 “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) notes the judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday in a matter relating to party congresses for the election of ward, local government and state executive committees of the Party.

 

 “We wish to assure members of the Party and the general public that this judgment has no effect whatsoever on the direct primaries through which the Party’s candidates have emerged at all levels.

 

 “The Party has already commenced the process of appealing the judgment, which we respectfully disagree with and consider to be legally unsustainable.

 

 “We also note the dissenting judgment of the presiding Justice, which, in our view, more accurately reflects the settled position of the law and the Party’s position.

 

 “We urge all Party members and the millions of our supporters to remain calm, confident and focused.

 

 “The African Democratic Congress remains committed to the task of providing Nigerians with a credible alternative and will continue to pursue that mission in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law.”,

Osun 2026: Gov. Adeleke Urges British Govt. To Deny Opposition Leaders Visas, Alleges Plot To Incite Unrest, Killings

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor
Governor Ademola Adeleke

By Akinwale Kasali

 

As the Osun 2026 Governorship Election draws closer, Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on the British Government to place economic sanctions and visa bans against opposition leaders in the State, accusing them of inciting political violence in the State ahead of the August 15 Governorship Election.

 

The Governor who is seeking reelection under the Accord Party made the call on Monday while receiving a delegation of the British Government on a pre-election peace-building mission to Osun State.

 

He alleged that the said politicians were encouraging violence through their supporters which has led to killings and gun attacks across the State.

 

Governor Adeleke made this call in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. He urged the international community to impose sanctions on politicians and security officials found to be sponsoring or enabling political violence.

 

He, however, commended Security Chiefs for intervening to curb the violence, while insisting that those responsible for instigating attacks must be held accountable, regardless of their political affiliations.

 

“I have zero tolerance for violence. I have told the Inspector General of Police that if my son is involved, he should be arrested.

 

“I told the world we harbour no thugs anywhere and the police can, and should arrest any suspect. There must be strict law enforcement.”

 

Governor Adeleke’s statement is coming amid reported killing of another Accord Party member in Ijebu-Jesa, bringing the number of Accord members allegedly killed since the commencement of the 2026 political campaigns to five, while 15 others are said to have sustained critical injuries in attacks allegedly carried out by suspected opposition thugs.

 

He urged security agencies to investigate and prosecute both perpetrators and their alleged sponsors, arguing that publicly available statements and actions by some opposition leaders justified the call for international sanctions.

 

He said, “I believe we must have a deterrent against those promoting political violence. We seek a visa ban against politicians sponsoring killings and violent attacks. We advocate for similar sanctions against security chiefs aiding and abetting such anti-democratic activities.

 

“Election is not about bloodshed. Osun deserves the peace and freedom to make their choice about who governs them. There must be consequences for those deliberately endangering the lives of our people for selfish political gains.”

 

According to the statement, the British delegation was led by the Senior Political Adviser, Wale Adebajo, who said the visit formed part of ongoing efforts to promote peaceful, credible and transparent elections in the state.

 

The statement quoted Adebajo as assuring the Governor that the British Government would continue engaging relevant stakeholders to encourage peaceful conduct before, during and after the August 15 governorship election.

 

Over the years, Osun State has witnessed heightened political tensions, most recently, this few months, when the Governor left the embattled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to join Accord Party, leading to brickbats, as the Governor and the opposition traded words over alleged attacks, intimidation and violent incidents.

 

Though, there has been calls from Security Agencies, Election observers body and religious leaders that political actors and their supporters should conduct their campaigns peacefully and refrain from actions capable of undermining the electoral process.

 

This has however become a major issue in the State, as political actors has continued to fan the ember of hatred, which the Governor said will kot be tolerated.

Soludo Insists On  Blogger’s Prosecution, Rejects Apology, Over ‘Satanic Lies’

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Charles Soludo
Professor Charles Soludo

By Adesina Soyooye

 

Ejike Ofoegbu, a Blogger, is in deep trouble. He may end up a convict if the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo and his family do not change their minds and forgive him.

For, there seems to be no headway for him as the Soludo family insists on legal action. The family is demanding accountability  over what it described as satanic lies screwed by Ofoegbu against the Soludo family.

 

Ofoegbu, the Publisher of Igbo Times and INews  found trouble when he posted very damaging  stories against the Soludo family including that Soludo publicly said that he had, for years, disowned his first son, Ozonna, as a member of the Soludo family.

 

Stung by the embarrassing posts which were false, Soludo decided to take legal action.

 

On arrest, and seeing that trouble was afoot, Ofoegbu profusely, apologised, publicly to Governor Soludo and his son over the series of false stories.

 

In his retraction of the stories and subsequent apology, he admitted that the stories were fabricated, and begged for forgiveness.

His letter reads:

 

PUBLIC APOLOGY AND FULL RETRACTION

My name is Ejike Ofoegbu Experience, the owner and publisher of Igbo Times Magazine and INews.

I wish to offer my deepest and most sincere apology to Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, his family, and the general public.

I publicly admit that the stories I published concerning Governor Soludo and his son were completely fake, false, fabricated, and untrue. They did not come from Governor Soludo, his son, his family, or any official representative. They were not based on any verified facts or credible sources and they should never have been presented as news.

The false posts I published included:

* “Breaking News: ‘I will arrest anyone who calls Ozo my son. He is not my son. I disowned him years ago, and he is no longer a member of the Soludo family.’”
* “Just In: I Don’t Take Advice From My Father. He Was a Drunkard Who Beat My Mom When I Was Young. His Treatment of My Mother Made Me Decide Never to Take Advice From Him — ‘Soludo’s Son’ Speaks Out.”
* “Breaking News: ‘I ordered Ozo from Temu. He is Chinese-made, not my son. Even at the hospital when he was born, I asked the doctor, ‘I hope you didn’t accidentally exchange my real son.’ Ozo is from Temu,’ Soludo jokingly told reporters.”
* “Breaking News: ‘They should organize a drinking competition between my father and Wike. I just want to see something. I’m willing to bet my life that my father would win. People don’t understand his drinking capacity.’ — Ozo.”

I state clearly and without reservation that every one of the statements above was fake. They should not be regarded as factual reports or genuine quotations. I take full responsibility for publishing them.

I also wish to acknowledge that the false posts listed above were not the only fabricated stories I published about Governor Soludo. Among other posts on Igbo Times Magazine and INews, I also published false and misleading stories involving Governor Soludo and Mr. Peter Obi, including claims that Mr. Peter Obi would defeat Governor Soludo in an election. Those stories were also completely false, were not based on any verified facts, and should never have been published.

I sincerely admit that I published such stories in pursuit of online traffic, audience engagement, and financial gain. I now realize that no amount of money or online attention can justify spreading false information or damaging another person’s reputation. I deeply regret my actions and accept full responsibility for everything I published.

I deeply regret the embarrassment, reputational harm, and misunderstanding these fabricated stories may have caused to Governor Soludo, his family, his associates, and members of the public.

To Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, I respectfully and humbly ask for your forgiveness. I sincerely apologize for my actions and for publishing information that was false.

I also apologize to the people of Anambra State, readers of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, and everyone who may have seen or shared these false publications. I am committed to correcting this mistake and ensuring that such an incident does not happen again.

This statement serves as my full and unconditional retraction of those publications. They were false, fabricated, and should be disregarded in their entirety.

Once again, I sincerely ask Governor Soludo, his family, and the general public to forgive me.

Signed

Ejike Ofoegbu Experience
Owner & Publisher, Igbo Times Magazine and INews

 

But Governor Soludo is not impressed. He insists on continuing with a legal action.

 

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Christian Aburime, the Anambra State Government posited that the damages Ofoegbu did by his false stories are so monumental that apologies alone are not enough.

 

According to Aburime,  Ofoegbu offence was not only  intentional,  not only “irresponsible journalism,” or a “lapse in judgment,” but a deliberate, calculated, and criminal assault on truth.

 

“One that he now apologetically admits was motivated by nothing other than online traffic, audience engagement, and financial gain.

 

“The walls have closed in. Now that the long arm of the law has reached his doorstep, Ofoegbu has issued what he calls a “Public Apology and Full Retraction.”

 

It is not known if Soludo would finally forgive him or not.  For now, a close source to the Governor disclosed, “his heart is heavy.”

Adeyemi To Tinubu: “The Swift Demolition Of Kachi Hotel Should Be Investigated”, Demands Independent Panel

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Adeniyi Adeyemi

By Ayodele Oni

 

Still communicating from his hideout, Adeniyi Adeyemi, Director-General of the “fake” Project Fund and Public Infrastructure and Finance Commission (PFIPC), has given condition under which he will make himself available for probe.

 

Adeyemi was billied to appear in Court on Monday for trial over allegation of forgery among others.

 

He requested from President Bola Tinubu for establishment of an independent panel to investigate the controversy surrounding the purported agency.

 

The controversial DG made the request in an open letter to the President dated July 13, 2026, where he argued that a multi-stakeholder investigation would guarantee transparency, impartiality and public confidence in the process.

 

Adeyemi urged Tinubu to constitute an independent investigative body comprising representatives of professional organisations, civil society groups, the media and international institutions.

 

He proposed the inclusion of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Amnesty International, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), human rights observers and independent media representatives.

 

He also suggested participation by representatives of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United Nations (UN), the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), the European Union (EU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the African Union (AU).

According to him, the ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) could serve as technical partners to the proposed panel.

 

“The moment this independent, multi-stakeholder panel is constituted, I will immediately step forward to present comprehensive documentation and verifiable evidence,”Adeyemi declared.

 

He maintained that institutions and officials connected to the issues under investigation should not exercise sole control over the inquiry.

 

“A system cannot credibly investigate itself when its own key actors are central to the discourse,”he said.

 

 Adeyemi also called for a broader inquiry into the alleged insertion of a ₦1.3 billion allocation for the commission in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

 

Adeyemi welcomed Tinubu’s reported directive to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter, but maintained that the scope and structure of the inquiry should be expanded.

 

He said,“I write to you not as a fugitive evading accountability, but as a Nigerian citizen who maintains an unwavering belief in equity, justice, and the rule of law.

 

“I commend your recent directive tasking the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) with investigating the circumstances surrounding the PFIPC scandal and ₦1.3 billion allocation inserted into the 2026 Appropriation Bill.”

 

Adeyemi described the presidential directive as an important starting point but questioned whether the current investigative arrangement could deliver an impartial outcome.

 

“This directive is a vital first step, but the structural realities of this investigation compel me to speak out of a profound desire for absolute transparency,”he said.

 

According to him,“obtaining a truly impartial hearing presents severe structural challenges.”

 

He argued that official statements had focused mainly on calls for his arrest rather than the wider institutional and financial issues he claimed to have raised.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

He wrote, “The public narrative emanating from official channels remains heavily weighted toward my immediate arrest, effectively overshadowing the gravity of the systemic vulnerabilities and high-level involvement I have brought to light.

 

“True accountability cannot be achieved when the agency conducting the investigation answers directly to the branch of government within which the core allegations lie.”

 

The accused PFIPC director-general also claimed that submitting himself to the authorities under the existing arrangement could expose him to danger.

 

He said, “Furthermore, I must state clearly that walking freely into custody under the current arrangement poses an immediate, existential threat to my life.

 

“I have received verified, highly reliable intelligence indicating that I am targeted for elimination the moment I surface in an unmonitored environment.”

 

Adeyemi did not publicly provide evidence supporting the alleged threat in the letter.

 

He said the perceived danger had compelled him to remain at what he described as a secure, undisclosed location while communicating with the government and the public.

 

Adeyemi linked his concerns to the reported death of Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, whom he described as a key intermediary in the controversy.

 

He said official accounts indicated that Tanimola died during a fire incident at Kachi Hotel in Utako, Abuja, but claimed that the circumstances required independent examination.

 

“Official reports claim Mr Tanimola tragically died in a sudden fire incident at Kachi Hotel in Utako, Abuja. Yet, there remains a total absence of independent eyewitness or media verification of any such inferno,”he alleged.

 

Adeyemi further claimed that the hotel was later demolished under unclear circumstances.

 

He alleged that “the entire Kachi Hotel structure was swiftly invaded by unidentified armed actors and manually demolished down to the rubble days later,”thereby destroying what he described as a potential crime scene and material evidence.

 

“The claims concerning the fire, demolition and alleged threats have not been independently verified, he asserted.

Recurring Violence, Rising Kidnapping, Threat To National Security, Economic Activities – David Mark

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
David Mark

By Ayodele Oni

 

Worried by the renewed killings in Benue and Plateau states, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive steps to halt the escalating wave of killings and kidnappings in Benue and Plateau states.

 

He warned that failure to act would further embolden criminal elements operating in the region.

 

Mark made the appeal in a statement issued on Monday through his media aide, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, following the reported killing of about 16 persons in Otukpo, Benue State, and nine others in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State by suspected armed militias.

 

The former Senate President also expressed concern over the reported abduction of passengers travelling in a Benue Links commercial bus along the Otukpo–Taraku–Makurdi highway after gunmen allegedly intercepted the vehicle and whisked its occupants into the bush.

 

Describing the attacks as barbaric and unacceptable, Mark said the recurring violence and rising incidents of kidnapping pose a serious threat to national security, economic activities and social stability.

 

“It is unacceptable that innocent Nigerians continue to be slaughtered in their communities while others are abducted on our highways.

 

“The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. Every life lost is one too many, and every attack that goes unanswered only emboldens the perpetrators,” he stated.

 

He urged the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to intensify operations against criminal groups responsible for the attacks.

 

He stressed the need for improved intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance and rapid deployment of personnel to vulnerable communities and identified flashpoints.

 

Mark also called for immediate search-and-rescue operations to secure the release of passengers abducted from the Benue Links bus, insisting that those responsible for the killings and kidnappings must be apprehended and prosecuted.

 

According to him, allowing perpetrators to operate without consequences would further entrench a culture of impunity across affected communities.

 

“No Nigerian community should be abandoned to the mercy of armed criminals and violent militias,” he said, urging the Federal Government to address the worsening security situation in Benue and other parts of the North-Central region with greater urgency.

 

The ADC chairman further appealed to the Benue State Government, traditional institutions, religious leaders, youth organisations and community stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies through the provision of credible and timely intelligence.

 

While acknowledging that security requires collective responsibility, he maintained that the constitutional obligation to protect lives and property rests squarely on government.

 

He also expressed hope that the abducted passengers would be rescued unharmed.“The blood of innocent Benue people cries out for justice. This is the time for decisive action, not routine assurances.

 

“Those who murder innocent citizens and terrorise our communities must face the full weight of the law. Benue deserves peace and our people deserve to live without fear,” he added.

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