Children, Women Shielding Illegal Oil Refining Camps From Destruction – Gov Diri

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December 25, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bayelsa state Governor Douye Diri, on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, accused oil thieves and other criminal elements sabotaging oil installations in the Niger Delta region of using women and children to evade the destruction of their illegal operational sites.

This is just as he charged Local Government Chairmen, traditional rulers and community leaders in Bayelsa to rise up to the occasion by assisting in the efforts at halting the inglorious activities of illegal oil refiners .

Governor Diri who spoke at a meeting with members of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Council Chairmen expressed deep concern over the trend of using women ,children and other vulnerable groups as human shields at illegal oil refining camps

The state Governor, lamented that the renewed efforts at fighting oil thefts and shore up the crude production capacity of the country, have been severely hampered by the use of these vulnerable members of the society to evade the destruction of the illegal sites by the military.

“The report I received recently is that at illegal bunkering sites, they now have children and women which is a new dimension I have never heard before.

“Some times when the military are authorized to destroy those camps ( illegal oil refining sites ) and when they get there on reconnaissance ,they ( military) will discover that children and women are used to shield those places.

“So ,we all have to work together. in our domains to educate our people. There was a situation where the military moved in to destroy illegal oil refining sites ,only to discover that children and women were there and so had to withdraw”, the Governor noted.

He, therefore, urged the traditional rulers and Local Government leaderships to set machineries in motion to sensitize their subjects on the need to refrain from sabotaging oil production activities as well as aiding and abating illegal refining of petroleum products.

Governor Diri specifically, singled out Nembe, Brass, Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor Local Councils as the epicentre of the illegal oil refining operations.

He enjoined the Traditional Rulers and council chairmen to be providing him with regular information on the activities of oil thieves and pipeline vandals in their respective domains.

Battle For Lagos: “Drop Your Gov Ambition, Respect Sanwo-Olu”, Tinubu Warns Obasa

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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December 25, 2024

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly scolded Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly over his governorship ambition and alleged disrespect for Governor Bbajide Sanwo-olu.

Obasa, according to Vanguard was, on Tuesday tongue-lashed by the president during a meeting with the governor, Obasa and the Governorship Advisory Council, GAC, a body constituted by the ruleing All Progressives Congress, APC, to advise the state government.

The ruling APC chairman in the state, Cornelius Ojelabi also attended the crucial meeting.

According to the report, Tinubu was said to have also expressed his displeasure with the state Speaker over his rumoured governorship ambition, which watchers of events insist has set the state on a tailspin.

The magazine has reported that Obasa is one of those who have shown interest in Governor Sanwo-olu’s job, apart from Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son whose ambition to become governor has recently become a public item.

Recall that Obasa recently said none of those who have occupied the Alausa Government House, as the state seat of power is called, is more qualified than him.

President Tinubu, according to sources who attended the meeting was not pleased with the manner Obasa was prosecuting his reported governorship ambition, he also berated him for his alleged disrespect for Governor Sanwo Olu at the very crucial meeting.

A source, who confirmed Obasa’s presence at the Ikoyi meeting held behind closed doors said it lasted for several hours.

According to the source, Tinubu and the GAC, led by its Chairman, Pa Tajudeen Olusi, were able to reach a truce between Sanwo-Olu and Obasa, in order to allow peace reign in the state.

Several members of the council, and Sanwo-Olu with Obasa, were given the opportunity to speak on the issue before Mr. President addressed the gathering expressing his displeasure with Obasa but called for a way forward.

They accused Obasa of making statements likely to disintegrate and put the party into disrepute if he continues to speak carelessly about his gubernatorial ambition in 2027.

Recall that earlier, Tinubu had issued a stern warning to the Speaker over his alleged disrespect towards Governor Sanwo-Olu and the esteemed office of the governor.

The warning came during a meeting with the leadership of GAC, in Lagos over the weekend. Olusi visited the president shortly after his return to Lagos for the end-of-year break.

The meeting, meant to be a political gathering, turned into a platform for the GAC to address growing concerns about Obasa’s perceived disregard for the governor.

Olusi according to the report, opened the discussion, citing several instances where Obasa allegedly undermined the governor’s authority, a situation he described as unacceptable and detrimental to the state’s political stability.

Highlighting the importance of respecting the office of the governor, Olusi was said to have reminded the president of how the position was upheld during Tinubu’s tenure as governor between 1999 and 2007.

In his remarks, Tinubu, visibly displeased with the allegations against the speaker, criticized Obasa for what he described as poor political management and lack of respect for Governor Sanwo-Olu.

The president particularly cited a recent move, by the Assembly under Obasa’s leadership, to push for a bill enabling them to sack the chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC, labeling it as “a huge joke.”

The magazine reported that Governor Sanwo-Olu has been having it rough with the Obasa-led Assembly since he was re-elected for a second term in office.

Analysts cite, for instance, the refusal by the Assembly to confirm some commissioner and Special Adviser nominees by Governor Sanwo-olu, last year, as the peak of the entrenched battle between the governor and the Speaker.

Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Will Make Nigeria Better, Wike Said In Xmas Message

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James Orji

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December 25, 2024

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The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike has urged Nigerians to keep hope alive with the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s demonstration, saying things will soon get better.

Wike spoke in commemoration of the Christmas celebrations on Wednesday. Many Nigerians are joining their counterparts in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ today, even as the federal government has already declared a two-day holiday to mark the event.

The celebrations of Christmas, according to checks by the magazine is being mark on a very low key by not a few Nigerians due to the economic hardship in the country.

The minister’s remark comes barely hours after over 20 persons were trammeled to death in Abuja, the nation’s capital while scrambling to share from the palliatives being distributed by a well meaning Nigerian to cushion the effects of the economic hardship the administration has imposed on the country.

Scores of other also met their deaths in Oyo and Anambra states during palliative distribution events.

Analysts insist that the administration has impoverish so many Nigerians who are now finding it hard to survive.

The minister however urged Nigerians not to give up hope in the face of the hardship in the country, saying all will be well soon, based on the Renewed Hope Agenda policy of President Tinubu.

Wike said, “I congratulate all residents of the Federal Capital Territory for the grace of celebrating another Christmas. It is my prayer that the good Lord who made this possible will ensure that we all celebrate many more Christmas in good health.

“Christians, in particular, should continue to be obedient to the commandments of God as done by Jesus Christ, because He made it very clear that those who follow Him and aspire to His Kingdom have a perpetual obligation to obey and uphold God’s law.

“Once again, I also sympathise with families of victims of the recent stampedes in Abuja. I pray that God in His infinite mercies will grant them fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”, the statement partly read.

“With the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, things will keep getting better.”

Sharia Law: “We Reject Any Law Against Nigeria’s Constitution”, Gov Makinde

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James Orji

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December 25, 2024

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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state says any law not in consonance with the Nigerian Constitution will not be allowed in the state.

The state governor made the remark on Tuesday in response to a viral reports that some Muslims adherent in the state, undre the aegis of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, SCFSN were planning to establish a Sharia court in the state.

The group had distributed pamphlets inviting people to attend the inauguration of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo branch) next month.

“On behalf of the Oyo Muslim indigenes, this is to inform the general public that the inauguration ceremony of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (Oyo branch) previously scheduled for January 11th, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje Area, Agbongangan, Oyo, has been suspended until further notice. Islam portrays peace!” the invitation reads.

The magazine reports that some Yoruba Youths, under the banner of the Yoruba Nation Youth have already kicked against the establishment of Shari’ah court in the south west, saying it’s not in tandem with the tradition and cultures of the Yoruba people.

Governor Makinde, In a video shared on X on Tuesday by Olorundare Olamide, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor, however insist that no law can be operational in the state once it violates the constitution.

Makinde said, “They have brought up the issue of Sharia in Oyo, they demanded the establishment of a Shariah court. I say that people may try but for me, in Oyo State, our law is the constitution of Nigeria, which is what I swore to uphold.

“And if they are within the law, fine. But if they are not, they should expect that I will insist the law is being followed.”

In a statement by the leader of YNY (Diaspora) and Homebase Leader, Ayodele Ologunloluwa and Oyegunle Omotoyole on Monday, the group said it will fight any attempt to destabilise the region through the imposition of Shari’ah law.

The statement reads: “We will resist any move to impose Sharia law or courts in Yorubaland.
“Yoruba culture and traditions are distinct, and any attempt to introduce alien laws will be met with fierce opposition.

“We warn the Federal Government not to create divisions in Yorubaland. Our focus is on Yoruba Nation self-determination, and we will not allow external influence to derail our struggle.

“Instead of a Yoruba man prostrating for a Hausa-Fulani, it is better to take courage and die.

“Sharia law is incompatible with our values, culture, and way of life. We will not allow any attempt to disrupt the peace of Yorubaland under the guise of religious imposition.”

“We reject any effort to entrench practices that undermine our faith, values, and identity. We will resist this agenda with all our might.

“No force on earth or in hell can stop the rise of a sovereign Yoruba state.”

Sharia Law, the Muslim legal code is operational in some northern states in Nigeria.

Fayemi Advocates Flexibility As Oyebanji Calls For Harmonious Relationship Among Nigerians

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Ayodele Oni

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December 24, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, (NGF) Kayode Fayemi, and Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, have urged the people of the state and other Nigerians to use the period of Christmas to deepen love and harmonious relationship among themselves in order to have a better society.

Oyebanji, in his Christmas message contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ calls for celebration because it signaled God’s special favour to mankind in bringing the Prince of Peace to the world.

The Governor extended his best wishes to the people of Ekiti State urging them to key into the messages of love for one another, sacrifices, tolerance, humility, compassion and care for those in distress which were the hallmarks of Jesus Christ’s teachings in his public ministry.

“As we rejoice at this momentous occasion, the true essence of the season must not be lost on us. We should reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and its significance to mankind. This offers an opportunity to deepen love for ourselves and strengthen our harmonious relationships.

Biodun Oyebanji - Ekiti State Governor — Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji

“Let us be our brothers’ keepers by showing love and compassion to one another as exemplified our Lord Jesus Christ whose birth we are celebrating this season.

“I urge the Christian faithful to practise the teachings of Jesus Christ by living in peace and harmony with adherence of other faiths. We should exhibit virtues of humility, tolerance, perseverance and compassion as exemplified by Jesus Christ.”

The immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. Kayode Fayemi called on Nigerians to embrace hope, unity, and resilience during the Christmas season.

Fayemi emphasized the need for reflection, compassion, and collective action to address the nation’s pressing challenges.

This was contained in a statement on Tuesday, signed by Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Head of the Fayemi Media Office, Abuja.

Fayemi described Christmas as a season of renewal and love, underscoring the trials faced by Nigerians over the past year, including economic difficulties, security concerns, and social instability.

“The past year has tested our national resilience. We have faced economic and social challenges, but the enduring spirit of Nigerians has shone brightly. As we celebrate this season, let us draw strength from our shared history of overcoming adversity through unity and determination.”

He urged Nigerians to embrace the core values of Christmas—love, compassion, and sacrifice—and to extend support to the vulnerable within their communities.

Fayemi also appealed to governments at all levels to prioritize the welfare of citizens and adopt innovative approaches to governance.

He stressed the importance of flexibility in policymaking, calling for the courage to explore alternative strategies when existing ones fail to deliver results.

“Good governance demands courage and flexibility—the courage to acknowledge when strategies need adjustment and the flexibility to implement new solutions. As we enter a new year, we have the opportunity to reset and rebuild.”

Looking ahead, Fayemi expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to overcome its challenges with bold leadership and active citizen participation. He encouraged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country’s potential and to work together toward a brighter future.

“Let this festive season remind us of our shared humanity and common destiny. As we celebrate, let us extend hands of fellowship to those less fortunate. The true spirit of Christmas—love, giving, and hope—should guide us not just during this season but throughout the coming year.”

Wike Tackles MURIC Over Comment On Sack Of FCDA Top Official

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Ayodele Oni

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December 24, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused the director of the Muslim Rights Concern, (MURIC), Prof Ishaq Akintola of fanning embers of religious discord with his comment on the the suspension of the Federal Capital Development Authority, (FCDA), Executive Secretary, Shehu Ahmad Hadi.

The Minister emphasized that running the FCT is not based on religion.

Wike made the remark while charging the Director MURIC, Prof Akintola, to limit himself to issues of the propagation of Islam and desist from promoting religious discord among Nigerians.

He was reacting to a comment by Prof Akintola, on the suspension of the FCDA, official, Shehu Hadi.

Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said: “The suspended FCTA Executive Secretary was not appointed as a Muslim and anyone trying to cover his suspension with the garment of religion will be doing a disservice to religious harmony in the country.”

In a statement, Olayinka pointed out that “just as it is not obligatory for he who appoints to give reasons for appointing, it will also not be obligatory for he who suspends to tell the public reasons for suspending as long as the person suspended knows his offence.

“Most importantly, the position of the FCDA Executive Secretary is not a family chieftaincy title and the business of the office once occupied by Shehu Ahmad Hadi is running perfectly.”

While calling the attention of Prof Akintola to Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) position on obedience to authorities, Olayinka said; “I doubt if Prof Akintola is aware that on the authority of Abu Huraira, it was narrated that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said; ‘It is obligatory for you to listen to the ruler and obey him in adversity and prosperity, in pleasure and displeasure, and even when another person is given (rather undue) preference over you.’

“If Prof Akintola is aware of this and has imbibed it, he will simply counsel the suspended FCTA Executive Secretary to accept his fate as a Muslim, rather than this seeming sponsorship of media attacks against the Minister and fanning the embers of religious discord.”

Judiciary Workers To Occupy Abia Streets, Over Minimum Wage

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 24, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Effective December 30, 2024, the Abia State Chapter of the Judiciary Service Union of Nigeria JUSUN, said it will march on, and occupy major streets of Umuahia, the State Capital, to draw attention to the alleged State Government’s insincerity in handling some issues bordering on their welfare.

Similarly, come Thursday January 2, 2025, the umbrella body of judiciary workers, will be reactivating its earlier suspended industrial action to press home its demands.

In a notice of strike action jointly issued on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, by Prince Chinedu Eze and Chibueze Nwachukwu, Chairman and Secretary respectively, JUSUN warned that both actions will be indefinite.

The Source reports that about three months ago, the body had embarked on a strike action over what, it said was the unwillingness of the State Government to meet its demands, particularly concerning the payments of gratuities and other entitlements to its members.

However, the Union was to call off the action after few days, following an agreement reached with the Abia state Government.

But in its statement, JUSUN expressed deep concern over what it termed a deliberate attempt to denigrate and undermine the Judiciary as an independent arm of the Government by agents of the state authorities.

The union alleged that the State Government has deliberately refused to honour all the terms of the agreement reached between both parties,

including the issues bordering on the N 70,000 new minimum wage .

“JUSUN has observed that there is a calculated attempt by the agents of the State Government to denigrate the Judiciary, the third arm of Government, and deliberate plan to erode and undermine the autonomy and financial independence of the Judiciary as enshrined in the Constitution and affirmed by the Federal High Court by State agents who have taken joy in breaking all agreement we entered with them ,including the flagrant refusal to implement the N70,000 new minimum wage for Judiciary workers ,even with all entities from stakeholders.

“In the light of these developments, we hereby invite our members to an indefinite peaceful protest on all major streets in Umuahia from Monday December, 30, 2024, and the resumption of the suspended strike from Thursday January ,2,2025, if our salaries for November and December 2024, based on the N70,000 new minimum wage and other entitlement “kidnapped” by the agents of Government are not released to the Heads of the Courts by midnight of December 29, 2024.

“Our members are by this notice directed to assemble at the gate of High Court Headquarters on the morning of December 30,2024 dressed in black attire with union’s cap and or t-shirt” part of the notice of protest reads.”

The Source reports that the organized labour in the State is having issues with the State authorities over the computation of the consequential adjustments components of the new minimum wage .

The State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has, however, directed the State Accountant General to resolve the issues involved.

PSC Approves Appointment Of Six State Commissioners

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The Source

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December 24, 2024

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The Police Service Commission has approved the appointment and posting of six new Commissioners of Police. The appointments and postings were sequel to the recent promotions in the Nigeria Police Force released by the Commission last week.

In the new appointments, CP Shettima Jauro Mohammed was posted to Nasarawa state Command; Rabin Mohamned, now CP, Kaduna State Command and Adepoju Olugbenga Adewale posted to Rivers State Command.

Others are; Mohammed Baba Azare, now CP, Rivers State Command; Wilfred Olatokunbo Afolabi new CP Ondo State Command and Joseph Eribo, former CP, Akwa Ibom State now moved to Ekiti State as the new CP Ekiti State Command.

Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni said the new appointees should see their appointments as call to national service.

He implored them to be committed to Government’s drive to Stablize the nation and effectively ensure that our states are free of crime and criminality.

DIG Argungu said the Commission will continue to monitor their progress report and will encourage them to succeed in their new endeavours. He charged them to reciprocate Government’s gesture by rededicating themselves to the service of their fatherland.

Customs Bows To Pressure; Dismantles Joint Border Patrol Team JBPT

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 24, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has dissolved its Joint Border Patrol Team, JBPT, across the country.

This is even as the Comptroller General, CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi , approved the immediate reduction in the number of Customs Checkpoints on border routes.

A statement on Tuesday December, 24 ,2024 by its National spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada ACS ,informed that the decision to scale down the number of checkpoints is aimed at improving trade facilitations, particularly along the country’s borders.

However, the Service has assured that the new policy will never compromise the fight against smuggling and other unwholesome activities on the borders.

According to him, the move is part of a wider plan to strengthen border management as contained in the Service’s 2025 operational framework.

“This strategy is aimed at removing bottlenecks associated with trade, strengthening border security ,combating smuggling and facilitating legitimate trade .

Consequently, the Comptroller General of Customs ,CGC , Bashir Adewale Adeniyi ,has approved the reduction of Customs checkpoints across the country to streamline operations and ease the movement of goods and persons .

Moving forward , Customs operations will rely more on actionable intelligence and strategic risk management framework to enhance efficiency and effectiveness”, the statement noted.

The NCS, Maiwada noted, is deploying geospatial tools and advanced technologies to ensure the effectiveness of its enforcement strategies.

The development, he stated, underscores the Service’s commitment to leveraging innovative, intelligence-driven approaches for effective border enforcement and anti-smuggling.

The Source reports that over the years, there have been deafening public out- cry against the plethora of Customs Checkpoints that dot the country,’s border routes.

Most of the complains have centred on alleged extortionist tendencies and frustrations of legitimate trading activities by operatives of the multiple checkpoints.

The NCS in the statement, said that the decision to discard the JBPT, was reached after due consultations with the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA

“This operation which commenced in 2019 with a code name ” Ex-Swift Response ,and later evolved into JBPT, was initially designed to enforce the partial border closure policy.

Since its inception ,the JBPT has played a pivotal role in curbing the influx of dangerous goods and ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s trade and security regulations.

The NCS acknowledges and deeply appreciates the cooperation and dedication of other Government agencies that partnered in this endeavour.

Their invaluable ,contributions have been instrumental in safeguarding Nigeria,s land borders.

” The Service assures the general public and stakeholders that these measures will not compromise border security or trade facilitations.

“Rather, they. represent a significant step towards modernizing Customs operations ,improving trade compliance and strengthening national security”, NCS stated.

Ex Ooni’s Wife, Naomi, Ace Broadcaster, Hamzat To Celebrate Christmas In Prison

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Ayodele Oni

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December 24, 2024

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Ibadan Children party stampede and Naomi Silekunola arrested

By Ayodele Oni

A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital on Tuesday remanded in prison custody an ex wife of Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola; ace broadcaster, Oriyomi Hazmat and the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Mr Abdullahi Fasasi.

They were being linked with the death of 35 children during a stampede which happened in Ibadan on Wednesday last week during a children’s funfair organized by Ooni’s wife in partnership with the veteran broadcaster.

During their arraignment, the Chief Magistrate, Bisi Ogunkanmi remanded the three defendants on four-count bordering on conspiracy and murder.

However, the three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.The court adjourned the matter till January 13,2025.

The former Ooni’s wife and Hamzat had earlier been reported to have collapsed and hospitalized after the incident.