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Finally, Missing Oba Found In FBI Custody

By
The Source
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Oba Joseph Oloyede - the Apetu of Ipetumodu

By Gideon Njoku

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

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

since March 2024.

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was discovered by

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

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

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

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

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

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Cultists Gang In Akwa Ibom

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Niger Delta Leader, Pa Edwin Clark, Dies At 97

By
James Orji
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Edwin Clark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By
James Orji
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Yemi Cardoso - CBN Governor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Osun: Fmr LG Chairman, Two Others Shot Dead As PDP, APC Struggle To Take Over LG Secretariats

By
Ayodele Oni
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Remi Abass shot dead in Osun State

By Ayodele Oni

Three persons among whom is former Chairman of Irewole Local Government, Mr Remi Abass, were confirmed dead in Osun State on Monday as the struggle to take over the Local Councils escalated among members of the People’s Democratic party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants stormed the premises in broad daylight on Monday, unleashing a barrage of gunfire that sent people fleeing for safety.

“It happened suddenly. Gunshots rang out, and everyone ran,” a local resident recounted under anonymity.

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the incident and launched an investigation. “Efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators and restore calm,” said the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Yemisi Opalola.

Abass was among the Local Government Chairmen elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) but was sacked by the Federal High Court in Osogbo in November 2022.

Two more deaths have been recorded in Boripe Local Government Area following a violent clash between rival political groups allegedly linked to the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The victims, identified as Ege and Igara, were reportedly gunned down by suspected thugs. Sources revealed that Ege, who recently defected from the APC to the PDP, was his parents’ only son. His father is also a PDP member.

Another victim, identified as Yinka, a photographer, was shot and remains in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital.

Trouble started when the Local Government Chairmen and Councilors elected during administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola attempted to resume at Local Government Secretariat across the State relying on a judgement by the Court of Appeal.

APC had said resumption by the Chairman and Councilors was consequent upon the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Akure, which upturned the judgement of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, that removed them.

Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa Reassures Sustainability Of LCDAs, Swears In New LG Chairmen, Vice

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa Swears in LG Chairmen

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky  Aiyedatiwa, has reassured that the creation of 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), have come to stay.

The governor reiterated that their creation was based on the determination of the administration to bring governance closer to the people.

He spoke on Monday at the inauguration of the newly elected chairmen and vice Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas of the state, marking a significant step in restoring democratic governance at the grassroots level.

The swearing-in ceremony, followed the local government election conducted on January 18, 2025, in which candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won across all 18 local government areas and 203 councillorship positions.

Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of the local government system as the third tier of government, in line with Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

He noted that the outcome of the elections reaffirmed the people’s overwhelming preference for the APC, which had previously secured a landslide victory in the November 16, 2024, gubernatorial election in the State.

“I must remind the elected Chairmen that the oath you have just taken is not a mere formality but a solemn promise to serve our people with integrity, honesty, and transparency.

“It is a commitment to deliver on the manifesto of our party and to improve the lives of our people at the grassroots level.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the new Chairmen and their deputies to align their governance with his administration’s New Development Agenda, ‘O’ Datiwa, O’ Dirorun’ (OUR EASE), which focuses on seven key pillars.

He charged them to prioritize the welfare of their constituents, foster accountability, and collaborate with legislative councils and public servants. He

The Governor commended the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) for conducting a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election and appreciated security agencies, election monitors, civil society organizations, and opposition parties for their roles in strengthening democracy.

He also expressed gratitude to the outgone Transition Committee Chairmen and members for their service to the state, assuring them that their contributions would not be forgotten.

“As we embark on this journey, let us work together to build a brighter future for our people. Side by side, we will deliver the dividends of good governance that our citizens deserve.

LAHA Labels Invasion Of Its Chamber By DSS, a National Embarrassment, Urges President Tinubu To Intervene

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Lagos State House of Assembly

By Akinwale Kasali

Lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly have condemned the Invasion of its Chambers by  Operatives of the Department of State Security, DSS, during Plenary as a national embarrassment.

They further described it as a “rape of democracy, an aberration, and a national embarrassment.”

During a Plenary session attended by 36 members Monday, the lawmakers demanded an explanation from the Lagos State Director of DSS regarding the reasons behind the invasion.

It further called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the incident and provide the public with a comprehensive briefing on the findings.

It also demanded that President Bola Tinubu  intervenes immediately and prevent the situation from escalating further.

Expressing their outrage, the Lawmakers unanimously condemned the invasion, and described it as an abuse of legislative procedure and a threat to democratic governance.

Speaking during the session, Hon. Abiodun Tobun said: “This is not a Government ruled by the barrel of a gun. This is an aberration of democracy and a step toward anarchy. What happened today is a total embarrassment and an act of harassment.”

He further affirmed the Lawmakers’ loyalty to the Speaker, saying: “Nobody can dictate to us. God chooses and removes leaders. We are solidly behind your leadership, Mr. Speaker—nobody can remove you.”

The Lawmakers suggested that powerful and influential individuals or groups might be behind the incident, calling for a thorough investigation to uncover those responsible.

The House remained united in its stance, insisting on protecting the independence of the legislature and ensuring that such actions do not undermine democratic processes in the state.

Death Of Detainee In Cell: Family Petitions Ondo CJ, Insists Death Caused By Torture

By
Ayodele Oni
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Police Officer

By Ayodele Oni

Family of Tolu Bobade, a Detainee who was, reportedly, tortured to death in a police cell in Ondo State has demanded for justice in the matter.

In a petition to the Chief Judge of Ondo State, The Honourable Justice Olusegun Odusola, signed by the deceased’s sister, Dupe Bobade, the family insisted that the deceased met his untimely death while in police cell at Ifon, in Ose Local Government Area.

But in a statement on Sunday, the spokesperson for Ondo State Police Command, Funmilayo Odunlami,  stated that “one Tobi Bobade , one of the young men involved in the fight was brought to the station by one Mr. Losilosi. He appeared weak and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

“He was later pronounced dead while receiving treatment. His remains have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for a postmortem examination.

His death resulted into the burning down of the Ifon Police Station by angry mob protesting his death.

The petition states “I write to you with a heart laden with grief and a fervent plea for justice on behalf of the Bobade family of Ifon, Ondo State.

“Our beloved son and brother, Master Tolu Bobade, aged 17, met an untimely and tragic death under circumstances that not only shock the conscience but also starkly contravene the laws of our nation.

“On the 14th of February, 2025, Tolu was arrested by officers of the Ifon Police Division under the directive of Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Isadare Funminiyi. During his detention, Tolu was subjected to severe torture, leading to his death on the 15th of February, 2024.

“In a grievous attempt to obscure their misconduct, the officers transported his lifeless body to Adelabu Hospital in Ifon, where it was rejected.

“Subsequently, they moved his remains to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo, where it was deposited in the morgue on their own without the knowledge of the family.

“The actions perpetrated by the Ifon Police Division are in direct violation of Nigeria’s legal statutes, which unequivocally prohibit torture and custodial abuse:

“In light of these egregious violations, we earnestly request  a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tolu’s arrest, detention, and death.

“That DPO Isadare Funminiyi and all officers involved be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in line with the provisions of the Anti-Torture Act and the ACJA.

“The Bobade family seeks solace in the assurance that justice will prevail, not only to honour the memory of Tolu but also to reinforce the rule of law and deter future violations.”

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