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 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND   PRESS RELEASE - February 24, 2025  MARITICIDE: 25 Years-old Housewife stabs husband to death over child; discreet investigation commenced  On February 24, 2025, the Bauchi State Police Command apprehended Salamatu Danjuma, a 25-year-old resident of Nadabo village in Tafawa Balewa LGA, in connection with the unfortunate death of her husband, following a domestic dispute. Preliminary investigations reveal that the couple had been facing ongoing marital challenges regarding the custody of Salamatu's six-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. Despite initial discussions with her family that seemed to favour welcoming the child into their home, the husband later refused, which heightened tensions between them. The situation escalated drastically when Salamatu, feeling cornered by her husband’s refusal and in a moment of heated argument, used a knife from their bedroom, resulting in a tragic outcome. Responding swiftly to a dis...

 Court to Rule On Emefiele’s Application Alleging Bias, Feb 26 Justice R.A. Oshodi of a Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, has adjourned till February 26, 2025 to deliver ruling on an application by a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, asking the trial judge to recuse himself alleging bias.  Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge bordering on receiving gratification and corrupt demand proferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing a three-count charge bordering on unlawful acceptance of gifts by agents. They have pleaded "not guilty" to the charges. At Monday's proceedings, February 24, 2025, the prosecution led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, concluded the examination-in-chief of the seventh prosecution witness, PW7, Adetola John, but rather than proceed with the cross-examination, counsel for Emefiele, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, and Omoile’s counsel, Kazeem Gbada...

   Abia Lady Arrested For Allegedly Conniving With Doctor To Defraud People With Financial Appeal For Fake Surgery The lady identified as Ogechi Okechukwu, who hails from Aba, Abia State has been arrested for allegedly collaborating with a doctor to defraud people on Facebook by falsely claiming she needed money for surgery. This false claim made some empathetic Facebook influencers unknowingly solicited for financial aid on her behalf from unsuspecting public donors who donated huge amounts of monies to the false cause. However, current investigations have revealed that the entire plea was a scam. Ogechi, who resides in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has been apprehended after incriminating evidence of her conversations with the doctor was uncovered on her phone. She is currently in detention as authorities continue their investigation into the fraudulent health/financial scheme. More photos below. 

 Nine die as driver rams into truck on Lagos – Ibadan expressway  Early morning auto crash on Monday has left nine people dead and three others with varying degrees of injuries on Lagos – Ibadan expressway. The accident, which occurred around 5.30am at Ayetoro corridor of the expressway, involved a 13 people comprising 10 male and 03 female adults respectively. Chief Route Commander and public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Ogun State sector Command, Florence Okpe, who confirmed this on behalf of the sector Commander, Fasakin  Akinwumi, said 09 was recorded killed ( 06 males and 03 females) while three were injured. Okpe gave the data of the vehicles involved as Toyota Hiace bus marked  UYY165ZY and a truck with registration number DKA244 XC. She attributed the cause to fatigue and loss of control on the part of the driver, leading into crashing in the truck that was parked by the roadside of the expressway. “The suspected causes of the fatal cra...

 Stepfather, friend arrested for impregnating 14-year-old in Lagos The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 38-year-old man, Samuel Alfred, for allegedly defiling his 14-year-old stepdaughter in the Okokomaiko area of Lagos State. The suspect was said to have been arrested alongside his friend, Ikechukwu, whom he allegedly conspired with to have canal knowledge of the teenager. A police source who spoke with PUNCH Metro on Sunday said the duo were apprehended on Friday after the victim’s mother, Deborah, discovered she was nine months pregnant. “The mother came to lodge a complaint that her daughter was impregnated by her husband, who is a stepfather to the victim. We went straight to arrest the man and it was during interrogation that we discovered that he was not alone in the act. “That led to the arrest of a younger friend of his whom they both defiled the victim and had since then been forcefully having intercourse with her.” The police source further disclosed that the ca...

 ‘If you die in abusive relationship, people will still talk’ – Ruggedman Popular rapper and activist Ruggedman has shared his perspective on domestic violence in relationships. According to the music star, provocations that could lead to domestic violence are enough grounds for a breakup. Speaking in a recent interview with TVC, Ruggedman said: “I always tell any woman I intend to date that if she pushes me to the level where I think of hitting her, then it’s over. “I say that because, for me to want to date someone, it means I’ve told her everything that triggers me. So, for you to now push that thing, it means you’re poking me. I would rather walk away than hit the person. “I once broke up with a lady because she pushed me in public when we were having a disagreement, despite my pleading with her to wait until we got home to settle the issue. “A lot of people in abusive relationships saw the red flags but remained in the relationship because of what they were benefiting. Also, s...

 Alleged N4bn Fraud: Obiano Used Unlicensed Companies for Fraud-Witness The trial of Willie Obiano, former governor of Anambra State, continued on Monday, February 24, 2025 before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC presenting its 9th witness. Obiano is facing prosecution by the EFCC on nine-count charges of embezzlement and money laundering to the tune of N4 billion. At Monday`s proceedings, the EFCC called  Prosecution Witness 9, PW9, Andrew Ali, a staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN,  and Head of the License office who revealed that three companies out of the 23 company accounts connected with the  alleged N4 billion fraud were not duly licensed with the CBN to carry out bureau de change business.   Ali,  while  being led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, SAN, disclosed that Connaught International service, SY Panda Enterprise and Zirga Zirga Trading com...

 Fighting in Congo has killed 7,000 since January, DRC prime minister says Some 7,000 people have died since January in fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the prime minister of the DRC told a high-level meeting of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, with combatants and civilians among the dead, Reuters reported. About 3,000 deaths were reported in Goma, Judith Suminwa said, and about 450,0000 people were left without shelter after 90 displacement camps were destroyed. Since January, the M23 rebel group, which Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of backing, has captured swathes of eastern Congo including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, and valuable mineral deposits. The latest fighting, and M23's advance, are part of a major escalation in eastern Congo of a conflict over power, identity and resources dating back to the Rwandan genocide in the 1990s. Rwanda rejects allegations from Congo, the United Nations and Western powers that it supports M23 rebels with arms and ...

 Sudan's army makes further advances into Khartoum The Sudanese army captured the Soba town, east of the capital Khartoum, on Monday in the latest military advance against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Anadolu Agency reported. The Sudan Shield Forces, a group allied with the army, said that its forces had seized control of the area. The group released a video showing its commander Abu Agla Keikel inside a police station in the town. Keikel defected from the RSF in October 2024. RSF's movement likely to be limited The army also confirmed in a statement that its forces had seized the strategic Soba Bridge on the Blue Nile and Soba town after clashes with RSF fighters. Social media activists posted several videos of army forces on the bridge for the first time since the breakout of the fighting in April 2023. The capture of the bridge area would limit the movement of RSF forces in the Eastern Nile areas, where the al-Manshiya Bridge over the Blue Nile is only left f...

 Osun Crisis: Reinstated LG Chairmen Threaten Workers with Dismissal for Non-Compliance The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has issued a 72-hour ultimatum for local government workers to resume work or face termination, following the reinstatement of its chairmen. The party accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of plotting to incite violence against the reinstated officials using Amotekun and alleged militants from Oyo and the Niger Delta. The APC further claimed that PDP leaders, including Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, were involved in efforts to destabilize the state. It called on security agencies to investigate suspected armed groups allegedly being trained at the Chief of Staff’s residence. Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) reaffirmed its directive for local government workers to withdraw their services due to safety concerns, emphasizing its commitment to protecting workers’ rights amidst the political crisis.

 Nationwide Fuel Scarcity Looms as IPMAN Issues Ultimatum Over Unpaid N100bn Bridging Claims The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, threatening to halt fuel distribution nationwide over an outstanding N100 billion bridging claim. During a press briefing in Abuja, the Chairman of the IPMAN Depot Chairmen Forum, Yahaya Alhasan, accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of failing to settle the debt, despite a 40-day payment promise made in the presence of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Alhasan warned that nine northern depots, including those in Jos, Gusau, Minna, Suleja, Kaduna, Kano, Gombe, Yola, and Maiduguri, have already shut down operations due to the unresolved debt. IPMAN also criticized the NMDPRA for imposing a 5% levy on the sale of petrol stations and other “unconstitutional” charges, which it described as detrimental to the sector. T...

 SEC Cuts Capital Market Approval Time to 14 Days for Companies The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced on Monday that it has reduced the approval timeline for companies seeking to raise funds in the capital market to 14 days. In a statement, SEC Director General Dr. Emomotimi Agama explained that the streamlined approval process aims to enhance market efficiency and support economic growth in Nigeria. Agama noted that prior to this reform, companies often waited over a year for approval, creating unnecessary delays in capital formation. “Before we assumed office, issuers faced prolonged delays in obtaining approval to raise capital. The capital market is vital to the economy, and efficiency in approvals is crucial. We have successfully reduced the processing time from over a year to just 14 days,” Agama stated. He highlighted that during the recent banking recapitalization exercise, financial institutions raised over N2.2 trillion from the Nigerian capital market th...

 Benue Govt Affirms Ikpambese’s Removal as Chief Judge The Benue State Government has reaffirmed its stance on the removal of Justice Maurice Ikpambese as the Chief Judge of the state. In a statement on Monday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, emphasized that Ikpambese must prepare to defend himself against the allegations leveled against him by the state government. "The Chief Judge is advised to present his defense before the National Judicial Council (NJC) rather than making unnecessary public statements to garner sympathy," Kula stated. He reiterated that the Benue State House of Assembly acted within the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria in recommending Ikpambese’s removal. “The government firmly believes that the lawmakers acted in the best interest of the state and in accordance with Section 292(1)(a)(ii) of the Constitution, which stipulates that a Chief Judge may only be removed by the governor following an address supported by two...

 FG Establishes Joint Committee to Safeguard Fiber Optic Cables The Federal Government has set up a Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables to address the recurring damage to fiber networks caused by road construction and rehabilitation projects. The committee, a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE), was inaugurated on February 18 by Permanent Secretaries Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi (FMoW) and Engr. Farouk Yusuf (FMoCIDE) at the FMoW boardroom. The event also had in attendance the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida. Comprising representatives from both ministries and the NCC, the committee is tasked with coordinating measures to prevent fiber cable damage during road projects and reducing service disruptions caused by construction activities and vandalism. Engr. Adebiyi stated that the committee will ac...

 Nigeria Customs Service Reaffirms Commitment to Gender-Inclusive Security Operations The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with UN Women and other key stakeholders, convened a high-level forum on 18 February 2025, focused on Enhancing Gender-Responsive Security Operations and Community Dialogue.  The event, held at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, brought together representatives from the security sector, development partners, and government officials to discuss strategies for implementing Nigeria’s Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security. In her goodwill message, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC),  Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the NCS's dedication to gender inclusivity as a fundamental pillar of sustainable economic development. She noted that the Service has continuously created opportunities for women in le...

 PRESS RELEASE  NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE CANCELS DECLARATIONS MADE DURING 4% FOB IMPLEMENTATION, DIRECTS STAKEHOLDERS TO RECAPTURE ENTRIES 1.  Sequel to the earlier press release announcing the suspension of the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) wishes to inform stakeholders that all import declarations made during the initial implementation period have been cancelled. This measure is necessary to ensure clarity, maintain consistency in customs operations, and prevent any disruptions in clearance processes. Affected importers, customs agents, and stakeholders are, therefore, required to recapture their declarations to proceed with the clearance of their goods. 2.  In addition, all stakeholders affected are urged to promptly recapture their entries through the designated customs processing platforms. The NCS has put measures in place to ensure this process is seamless. Customs Commands nationwide have been directed to provide t...

 Nigerian singer Michael Adebayo Olayinka, popularly known as Ruger, has declared that he will be getting married this year. The Singer said that attending other people’s weddings has made him question his ‘’Playboy’’ lifestyle. Ruger indicated his willingness to settle down this year, adding that he will soon turn 30. Taking to his Snapchat account, he wrote: “Everybody is just getting married. Got me questioning myself—how long will I continue this Playboy shiii? I’m settling down this year, period. I’ll soon be 30, tf.”   Ruger recently shared his thoughts on relationships, stating that they are not a good fit for him. In a recent interview, he revealed that his natural instinct is to consider getting serious with someone, but he often loses interest.   He said: “I am a loverboy, it’s just now that I understand that relationships don’t work for me. But normally, my first instinct when I see a girl is to think about how I can get serious with her.

 Rivers NASS Caucus Declares Amaewhule, Others No Longer Lawmakers The Rivers State National Assembly Caucus has reaffirmed that former Speaker Martin Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly following their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on December 11, 2023. During a solidarity visit to Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, the Caucus, led by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, dismissed claims that a Federal High Court ruling reinstated the defected lawmakers. They cited constitutional provisions and Supreme Court rulings, emphasizing that lawmakers who defect from their party automatically lose their seats. Speaker Oko-Jumbo welcomed the support, stating that the Assembly remains functional despite the vacancies. The Caucus also urged Rivers residents to disregard any misleading narratives from the defected lawmakers.

  In a bold move, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to stop lending money to governments that fail to account to their citizens. NLC President Joe Ajaero made this plea during the 2025 high-level meeting of the global labour movement, IMF, and World Bank at the World Bank office in Washington, D.C.¹ Ajaero emphasized that loans to unaccountable governments only exacerbate the crisis of governance and push nations deeper into debt and underdevelopment. He also criticized the IMF and World Bank's economic prescriptions, which have worsened poverty and undermined Nigeria's development over the years. The NLC president urged the Bretton Woods institutions to abandon blanket austerity measures and instead support developing nations in crafting progressive tax policies that protect the poor and vulnerable. He argued that the current global economic order perpetuates inequality, with regressive tax policies placing...

A leading labour economist, Professor Olukemi Lawanson of the University of Lagos, has sounded a warning that Nigeria's university education system is failing to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven job market. Delivering her inaugural lecture, Lawanson argued that the National Universities Commission (NUC) must take urgent action to revamp the curriculum and phase out outdated courses that are no longer relevant in the modern labour market. "The current curriculum is not preparing our students for the jobs of the future," Lawanson warned. "We need to introduce new courses that focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, data science, and machine learning." Lawanson also emphasized the need for universities to invest in AI infrastructure, including high-performance computing facilities, research labs, and data centers. She called on the government to provide funding and support for AI research and innovati...

  Fela Durotoye, a former presidential candidate, has condemned the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election by Ibrahim Babangida, saying it had a devastating impact on Nigeria's trajectory as a nation. Durotoye, who was the presidential candidate of the defunct Alliance for New Nigeria, stated that the annulment led Nigerians to conclude that their votes don't count, resulting in electoral apathy. "The annulment of the June 12 election embedded the notion that 'our votes don't count' into the consciousness of the people," Durotoye said. "This has led to a situation where the majority have become the minority, with only a fraction of registered voters participating in elections." Durotoye identified four types of votes - mobilized votes, monetized votes, manufactured votes, and manipulated votes - and noted that these categories were not enough to account for even half of the total registered voters in the 2023 general election. Rece...

 NNPP Suspends Senator Sumaila Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities The Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has suspended Senator Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South Senatorial District, along with three other prominent party members—Ali Madakin Gini, Sani Abdullahi Rogo, and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum. Announcing the suspension at a press conference in Kano on Monday, the state NNPP chairman, Hashimu Suleiman Dungurawa, cited alleged anti-party activities as the reason for their removal. The decision comes just a day after the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, suggested that several senior NNPP members were planning to defect to the APC. Dungurawa accused the suspended members, who were elected under the NNPP platform, of actions contrary to the party’s principles. He criticized their lack of loyalty despite receiving the party’s backing during the elections. A key incident leading to Sumaila’s suspension was the ...

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has taken a firm stance against negotiating with individuals he describes as "criminals" who have destroyed the state in the past. Otti made this declaration during two separate church services at The Master's Vessel Church and Power World Ministry Int'l in Umuahia on Sunday. According to Otti, these individuals are now resorting to blackmail and spreading falsehoods against his administration after their attempts to negotiate and secure inclusion in governance failed. Otti emphasized that his administration will not engage with these individuals, stating, "We are not doing anything wrong. Ours is a government that has integrity; we will never negotiate with criminals".¹ Otti's administration is focused on restoring the culture of hard work and contentment among the people of Abia. To achieve this, they are creating an enabling environment that allows citizens to pursue decent livelihoods and take pride in their work and bus...

Former Nigerian Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, has revealed a shocking truth about the events leading up to the Nigerian Civil War. In his new book, "Journey in Service," Babangida claims that General Yakubu Gowon's promise to protect the Igbos in northern Nigeria was broken, leading to the devastating 1966 pogrom that resulted in the deaths of thousands of Igbos across northern Nigeria. According to Babangida, the tension between Gowon and Lt-Col. Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu began when Ojukwu rejected Gowon's appointment as Military Head of State and Commander-in-Chief. Ojukwu had insisted that Brig Babafemi Ogundipe, the most senior army officer at the time, should take the position instead. In an attempt to restore confidence in the country, Gowon assembled regional politicians, known as the Leaders of Thought, to find a way forward. Babangida described Gowon's decision to release Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the leader of the Yorubas, from prison as a ...

  The Anambra State government has announced plans to prosecute native doctors currently in custody, accused of promoting money rituals and creating charms for criminals. Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, revealed that the Professor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration is committed to eradicating criminal activities in the state. Mefor emphasized that the government is not opposed to traditional worship but is focused on tackling crime and those who enable it. The government has arrested three native doctors, including Chidozie Nwangwu (Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki), Onyebuchi Okocha (Onyeze Jesus), and Eke Hit from Okija in Ihiala, who remain in custody pending investigation. If convicted, the native doctors will face sentencing under the new Anambra Homeland Security Law. The government's crackdown on native doctors accused of criminal activities is part of its efforts to restore sanity in the state.

  Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has clarified that his recent defection from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was driven by his commitment to good governance, rather than personal gain or political ambition. Speaking in Agbor, Senator Nwoko emphasized that his decision was made after careful consideration of the PDP's internal challenges and his desire to ensure quality representation for his constituents. He reassured his supporters that his focus remains on delivering progress in Delta State and supporting policies that benefit his people. This development has sparked intense discussion among political analysts, particularly in Delta North, with many speculating about the implications of Senator Nwoko's move ahead of the next elections. However, the senator has maintained that his decision was made with the greater interests of his constituents in mind, rather than personal gain. Senator Nwoko...

 Alleged N80.2bn Fraud:  EFCC Presents First Witness against Yahaya Bello The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, February 24, 2025 presented its first witness against a former governor of Kogi State,  Yahaya Bello. Bello is facing a 19-count charge by the EFCC bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of N80.2bn contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended). The witness, Segun Joseph Abeleke, General Manager of EFAB Properties Limited appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.  Adeleke, while being cross- examined by counsel to the EFCC,  Kemi Pinheiro,  SAN,  told the court that he was  into real estate and development of turnkey  projects in places like Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, and some other locations in Abuja.  He told the court that, sometime in 2020, while he was in his...

 Court Dismisses Suit Seeking to Compel AGF stop EFCC'S Probe of Businessman for Alleged Fraud A Federal High Court in Abuja and presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite  has thrown out  a suit seeking to compel the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, AGF, Mr Lateef Fagbemi,  SAN,  to stop the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  from investigating allegations of fraud and economic crimes allegedly committed by a businessman, Abubakar Ismail Isa.  The judge dismissed the case on Monday,  February 24,  2025 on the ground that the request of the businessman lacked merit and substance.  Delivering judgment in a fundamental rights enforcement suit against AGF and EFCC, Justice Nwite held that AGF has enormous power to take over proceedings in criminal matters but held that such enormous powers are not at large.  Justice Nwite said that under Section 43 of EFCC Act 2004, the anti-graft agency was not under...

 Haiti crisis: Kenyan police officer killed in shootout A Kenyan police officer sent to Haiti to help rein in violent gangs was fatally shot in a fight with one of the gangs, Kenyan authorities said, TRT Afrika reported. The shooting happened in the western Artibonite region, where Kenyan police sent to neutralize Haitian gangs were conducting an operation this past week. It is the first casualty since the Kenyan-led security mission arrived in the Caribbean country in June 2024. "We salute our fallen hero," Jack Ombaka, the mission's spokesperson, said in a statement. "We will pursue these gangs to the last man standing. We will not let you down." Surge in violence The Kenyan mission said in a statement that officers responded to a plea for help from residents in an area known as Pont-Sonde. The death on Sunday came amid a surge in gang-related violence in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince over the last week. The police officer was airlifted out of the ar...

 Kaduna University ASUU Calls Off Strike The Kaduna State University (KASU) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its strike, which began on February 18. In a statement on Monday, ASUU KASU Chairman, Dr. Peter Adamu, announced that the decision to end the strike was made on Saturday. He explained that the Kaduna State Government demonstrated goodwill by releasing funds for the payment of 60% of the withheld September 2017 salaries and supervision allowances for the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) over five sessions. Additionally, a timeline was agreed upon for the payment of outstanding salaries from May to September 2022, promotion arrears, Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), pension remittances (2009-2019), death benefits, and Group Life Assurance. Adamu also noted the government’s commitment to wage awards and granting autonomy to the university. The union expressed appreciation to Governor Uba Sani for his swift intervention, a...

 Kwara Judge: Southwest Governments Have No Authority to Ban Shari’ah Panels Justice Abdurraheem Sayi, Qadi of the Shari’ah Court of Appeal, has dismissed opposition to Shari’ah arbitration panels in the Southwest, describing it as Islamophobia. Speaking at the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni 30th Pre-Ramadan Lecture, he argued that neither state authorities nor traditional rulers have the power to block the establishment of such panels. He emphasized that arbitration operates by contract under Nigerian law and does not require government approval. Justice Sayi stated that Southwest Muslims have the right to establish Shari’ah panels for personal and family matters, noting that these panels do not replace courts but serve as voluntary arbitration bodies whose decisions become binding once accepted. He criticized the absence of legal structures for Muslims in Lagos, Osun, and Ogun, calling for the recognition of Shari’ah as a fundamental right.

 Death Toll Rises to Seven in Edo Farmers, Suspected Thieves Clash The Edo State Police Command has confirmed two additional deaths, bringing the toll to seven following a violent clash between cocoa farmers and suspected produce thieves in Gbelemotin, Ovia South-West Local Government Area. State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, stated on Sunday that six injured individuals were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital, updating the initial report of five deaths and four injuries. The violence erupted Thursday night and escalated on Friday morning when sympathizers of the initial victims launched a counterattack. According to a local source, the conflict began after an Ikale cocoa farmer hired vigilantes to guard his farm, which had been repeatedly raided by suspected Izon youths. During a patrol, the vigilantes allegedly killed four suspects, triggering reprisal attacks the next morning. “The retaliatory attack led to more casualties, with some houses set ablaze,...

 Aiyedatiwa, Adelami Inaugurated as Ondo Governor, Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, have officially been sworn in for a new four-year term in Ondo State. The Chief Justice of the state, Olusegun Odusola, administered the oath of office to both leaders in a ceremony attended by state residents and dignitaries. During the swearing-in, Aiyedatiwa and Adelami pledged to uphold the constitution and work for the welfare of the people. The inauguration signals the beginning of a new administration in Ondo State. Among those present at the event were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Minister of Youth Development Ayo Olawande.

 DEFYING SIT-AT-HOME ORDER IN ANAMBRA: CP ORUTUGU SHOWS COMMITMENT TO END SUCH ILLEGAL ORDER AS JOINT SECURITY FORCE INTENSIFIES PATROL TOWARDS SECURITY DOMINANCE IN THE STATE _Hails Ndi Anambra for joining voices to condemn what is wrong and any act that threatens our National unity_ Following the Commissioner of Police *CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc MNIPS PhD,* commitment to end sit-at-home, today 24th February 2025, witnessed a massive deployment of security personnel to different strategic and identified areas as Police and other security forces intensified patrols toward security dominance in the State.  The *CP* while hailing *Ndi Anambra* and the State Government through the launch of _Operation Udo Ga Chi__ by collectively joining voices to condemn any act that threatens our national peace has resolved to explore every necessary legal strategy and to constantly review both kinetic and non-kinetic steps taken towards stabilizing the security of the State.  This enhanced s...