Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra, says 23 indigenes of the state are currently on death row in Indonesia due to drug-related offences.

Soludo spoke on Wednesday, while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who defected to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to support his re-election bid.

“Go to Indonesia, 23 Ndi Anambra are on death row there for drug-related offences,” he said.

“These native doctors will deceive you that they will prepare a charm that when you carry drugs and enter the airport, the white man’s scanner will go blind.

“These young people believe them and today, many of our people are languishing in jail across the world.”

Soludo warned against the deceptive practices of some native doctors, noting that anyone who claims to have such powers would be arrested by the state government.

“If he makes one person a millionaire, we will bring Anambra people and line them up. Don’t you want an Anambra where everyone will be a millionaire? I will equally present myself because I need money too,” he said.

“One of the native doctors who is in detention, his son is a waiter in a hotel in Nnewi. If it was that simple, why didn’t he make his son a millionaire?

“One of them that we arrested has sworn that he is just a content creator, yet he has used things like these to deceive our young people that you can become rich without doing any work, as far as you have done oke Ite (money rituals).”

Soludo reiterated the negative impact of such beliefs on young people.

“That is why you see young people who wake up in the morning and retire to beer parlours drinking, hoping to get rich later in life,” he added.

The governor clarified that the state is not against traditional worshippers but against those engaging in dangerous practices.

“We are not against traditional worshippers; what we are against is people who are doing dangerous medicines and charms,” he said.

“We have always known those who are into traditional practices, they have things they believe in, and they were about the most upright people then.

“Those were people who believed that if you did the wrong thing, you could be killed by the gods of the land. But what these new crop of criminal native doctors are doing is deceit, and we will not allow that to continue.”

Soludo reiterated his commitment to the ongoing clampdown on native doctors promoting oke-ite (get-rich-quick charm).

Inibehe Effiong, a human rights lawyer, has narrated the events that led to the remand of Alabi Quadri, a teenager who went viral in the buildup to the 2023 presidential election.

In February 2023, Quadri dominated social media discourse after he was pictured stretching his arms in front of the motorcade of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the election.

Obi, who stood through the open roof of his car during a campaign stop in Lagos, had responded to the teenager’s gesture with a broad smile.

Recently, an activist posted on X that Quadri is currently languishing in Kirikiri prison for an offence he did not commit.

The activist said Quadri was returning home from work when he was forcefully taken to the police station by some young men over claims that he was among a group of robbers in the community.

The post caught the attention of many Nigerians, including Obi and Effiong. The human rights lawyer had promised to intervene.

Providing an update, Effiong said he and Quadri’s family members visited the teenager at the custodial centre on Wednesday.

He said the teenager has been in custody since January.

Effiong relayed that the teenager’s mother attributed Quadri’s ordeal to the entitlement of some street urchins to the largesse he reportedly received after making the headlines in 2023.

The lawyer said because Quadri refused to “properly settle” the street urchins, they plotted to get back at him.

Effiong said the teenager was subsequently “abducted” by the street urchins.

“After abducting Alabi, the same area boys who have been threatening to deal with him for not sharing the money he was gifted dragged him to the Amukoko Police Station (Pako Police Station), where he was detained,” Effiong said.

“The area boys initially claimed that Alabi was one of the young men who had been involved in street fights.

“However, it came as a rude shock when the Police took him before a Magistrate along with four other individuals who are complete strangers to him, alleging that he conspired with them to commit ‘armed robbery’ with cutlasses.

“The police in the charge sheet alleged that the two victims were robbed of money and four mobile phones.

“The value of both the physical cash and four phones is N579,000 only.

“I spent about two hours interviewing Alabi about the veracity of the charges brought by the police.

“Speaking objectively, we all left Kirikiri with a strong conviction that this gentleman is just another victim of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

“The last point that we want to state on the record is that Alabi is a Minor. He is less than 18 years old.

“Currently, Alabi has appeared before the Magistrate on three occasions.

“The court remanded him along with the four strange individuals who are all adults at the custodial centre pending legal advice by the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).”

The lawyer said his team will do everything “legally permissible” to secure the release of the minor.

Festus Onifade, a lawyer, has withdrawn a suit against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, challenging the recent hike in subscription fees for DStv and GOtv services.

On February 24, MultiChoice officially announced an increase in the subscription prices of DStv and GOtv packages, with effect from March 1.

The adjustments saw prices increase by up to 25 percent across various packages, with DStv Compact rising from N15,700 to N19,000.

Compact Plus increased from N25,000 to N30,000; DStv Premium moved from N37,000 to N44,500 and GOtv Supa Plus moved from N15,700 to N16,800.

The announcement, which came nearly one year after the firm’s subscription rates were hiked, led to public criticisms.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/363/2025 and filed on February 27, Onifade asked the court to declare that Multichoice’s eight-day notice period for the tariff increase was “unjust, unfair, unreasonable, illegal, grossly inadequate and a breach of the claimant consumer rights”.

He also said Multichoice ought not to have increased the bouquet prices since there is a pending appeal on the same subject before the court of appeal.

He prayed the court for an order mandating and compelling Multichoice Nigeria to suspend the price increase for non-compliance with the provision of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) was also joined in the suit as the second defendant. 

However, in a notice of discontinuance dated and filed on April 7, the lawyer said he would no longer be proceeding with the suit.

“Take notice that the claimant hereby wholly discontinues this suit against the defendants,” the notice reads.

Meanwhile, a federal high court in Abuja has fixed May 8 to deliver judgment in the suit filed by the FCCPC challenging the price hike.

The Ondo police command has recovered three headless corpses from a river in the Odigbo LGA. 

Locals reportedly stumbled on the decomposing bodies on Wednesday — with some lodged on the riverbanks.

Eyewitnesses said the victims may have been murdered and dumped in the river by suspected kidnappers.

A former youth leader in the community, who identified himself as Shileola, said he was shocked by the incident.

“I was shocked when I first heard about it over the phone. I rushed to the scene, hoping to identify the victims through their clothing or any other means, but all efforts proved abortive,” he said.

He speculated that the victims may have been killed elsewhere and their bodies dumped in the river, noting that there have been no reports of missing persons in the area.

Shileola urged residents to be security conscious.

Ayanlade Olayinka, spokesperson of the Ondo police command, confirmed the development.

“I can confirm to you that some three bodies were recovered at the river in Odigbo. And immediately it was reported at the Ore Division, the DPO of that division moved a detective to the scene where the three bodies were recovered,” Olayinka said.

“Upon recovering the bodies, they were taken to the morgue at General Hospital and the DPO summoned the community leaders and all interest groups to ensure the identification of the body.

“But, we have not seen anybody to identify any of the bodies and it is believed that those bodies were brought there and dumped at that site by some unknown men. So we believe that it did not actually happen in Ondo state.

“The area it happened bordered a lot of states, both Ogun and Edo states. So we believe the body is not from this state. However, it was dumped in that river.”

Olayinka said further details would be provided as investigations continue.

Literary legend, Wole Soyinka has expressed his sadness over the outcome of the administration of the 47th President of the United States of America, Donald Trump.

In an interview with Laura Collins-Hughes which was published in the New York Times, Soyinka said what is happening in the US currently should not be happening in such a progressive nation.

Recall that in 2016, the Nobel Laureate had threatened to destroy his American green card should Trump win the election at that time.

However, speaking to Collin-Hughes, “I just feel very, very sad that what’s happening in the States should be happening in such a potentially progressive country.”

Speaking on whether he feels safe in the US following the tense political atmosphere involving the nation and governments of other countries, he said, “Oh, I’ve lived in a constant state of nonsafety.

“So I’m used to that. If I’m walking through the street and they pick me up, I have no problem whatsoever. You know, my laptop is where it is. It’s up in the clouds,” Soyinka added.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has received backing from leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Osun West Senatorial District to seek re-election in 2026.

The endorsement came during a PDP zonal meeting held in the district and hosted by Senator Akogun Lere Oyewumi.

Adeleke, who became governor in November 2022, is expected to complete his first term in 2026. The PDP leaders said he deserves a second term because of his performance so far.

During the meeting, Hon. Alidu Adeoye, chairman of the PDP in Iwo Local Government, officially moved the motion for Adeleke to be given the party’s ticket again in 2026.

Adeoye said the governor had achieved a lot in just two years, and he believes a working governor should automatically be allowed to run again. “A performing governor deserves the ticket automatically,” he stated.

The motion was seconded by the party’s state legal adviser, Ebenezer Bolarinwa. Others who supported the endorsement included Hon. Sunday Oroniyi, who spoke for commissioners, and Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, who represented party elders.

The endorsement was received on behalf of the governor by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Akinleye, who thanked party members for their support.

“Mr Governor is elated by this endorsement and he humbly accepts it as a further call for him to serve the good people of Osun State. The Governor will build on his present successes to provide good leadership for Osun State till 2030,” Akinleye said.

He promised that Adeleke would continue delivering good governance under the PDP’s five-point development agenda.

Senator Oyewumi, the host of the meeting, praised the governor and described him as a symbol of progress in Osun.

“This endorsement is a confirmation of the popularity, acceptance, and support of Mr Governor from his home zone of Osun West,” he said. “We are here telling the state that we are re-presenting our son, our leader, Ademola Adeleke for a second term in July 2026.”

Alhaji Akinbade, speaking for the elders, also praised Adeleke for his mature and effective leadership. He said the governor had strengthened the image of the PDP through his achievements and added that re-electing him would be the best decision for the future of Osun State.

The meeting was attended by several key figures in the party, including commissioners, advisers, and local government party chairmen from across Osun West.

Tony Elumelu, chairman of Transcorp Group, says Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy target cannot be realised without urgent and sustained efforts to address challenges in the country’s electricity sector.

Elumelu spoke on Wednesday at the company’s annual general meeting (AGM) held in Abuja.

The business mogul said access to reliable power remains the single most critical factor in transforming the Nigerian economy, particularly as the country pushes for increased contribution from the non-oil sector.

“I want to use this opportunity to reiterate that access to electricity remains the single most critical factor in fixing the Nigerian economy, especially as we seek to have the non-oil sector make greater contributions to our economy,” he said.

“We must, therefore, have the power to fix and transform Nigeria. We know that to grow a $1 trillion economy, electricity must be fixed. That is not the case today.”

Elumelu added that although President Bola Tinubu had directed last year that all impediments to the power sector be removed, the pace of implementation remained slow.

“The president directed last year that all impediments to the power sector should be removed,” he added. 

“But I’m afraid to say that critical people who should help to see the president’s vision come alive are afraid to do so. 

“May I use this opportunity to call on them to help translate the President’s initiative idea into action?” 

‘FG OWES TRANSCORP N600BN FOR ELECTRICITY SUPPLY’

Elumelu also said the federal government owed the company N600 billion for electricity supplied to the national grid.

“As of date, federal government owes your company over N600 billion. That is $400 million,” he said. 

“Much as we, patriotic Nigerian investors, are committed to supporting the efforts of the federal government in fixing the economy, we have a rather excruciating burden of subsidising the sector. It requires urgent attention.”

Elumelu acknowledged efforts by the present administration to address liquidity issues in the power sector, including the presidential metering initiative and transmission reforms.

He added that implementation must be swift to prevent further deterioration.

Speaking on the company’s performance, Elumelu said it experienced significant growth within the group despite economic challenges. 

He said Transcorp Plc’s market capitalisation had risen to over N4.5 trillion from less than N20 billion in 2011 when his group took over the company.

Elumelu added that since the takeover, the company has consistently paid dividends, declaring N1 per share for the 2024 financial year.

“By the time we took over the company in 2011, they had not paid dividends one day. But since we took over the company, we have consistently paid dividends to shareholders,” he said. 

“We have declared N1 dividend for 2024. And 2025 will definitely be better than 2024.”

According to Elumelu, Transcorp Power now has a market value of over N2.7 trillion and has fully repaid its foreign exchange (FX) acquisition loan of $215 million in 2024.

“When we say that Transcorp is about transforming lives, improving lives and transforming Nigeria and Africa, it is based on the role we play in catalysing development. Power is critical for the development of every economy,” he said.

He also announced the completion of a new 5,000-capacity event centre at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, aimed at positioning Nigeria as a hub for global events.

“Rwanda, Dubai, and Kenya have become event centres. So, we want to put your country on that mark. And you have succeeded,” he said.

Elumelu also said the company was considering expanding into other critical sectors, including agriculture and renewable energy, following recommendations from shareholders.

On her part, Owen Omogiafo, president and group chief executive officer (GCEO) of Transcorp Group, said the firm is committed to excellence and innovation.

Omogiafo said the firm is exploring strategic diversification into agriculture, targeting high-impact opportunities.

The Nigerian presidency has continued to debunk the claim by Senator Ali Ndume who alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s appointment since assuming office was lopsided.Nigerian cultural tours

Recall that Ndune in a recent interview had said that appointments by the Tinubu’s administration were mainly from the Southwest region.

The lawmaker also accused the president of violating the principles of the Federal Character.

However, in a reaction to Ndume’s allegation, Sunday Dare, an aide to the president said Tinubu is a detribalized leader.

Dare said, “His antecedents before he even became president speak to this fact. As Lagos Governor, President Tinubu populated his government with competent hands both from within and outside Lagos not minding which tribe you come from.”

He noted that Tinubu has remained the same and he is not blinded by tribe or religion.

He also stated that a lot of people have failed to examine recent appointments made by the presidents and that it is too early to conclude that Tinubu’s appointments are lopsided.

Continuing, Dare said that a review shows the president is on track as far as Federal character is concerned.

“A glance at this list of 134 federal appointments shows that the Northern part of this country has a total of 71 appointments compared to 63 for the entire South.

“When you break down the 63 positions given to the South, the South West leads marginally with 26 slots while the South-South has 21 positions. The South East with five states has 16 positions,” he said.

He added that an unbiased analysis of the appointments made by the president will show Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm

A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Buba Galadima has slammed former President Muhammadu Buhari for allegedly not paying his daughter during the time she worked for him.Nigerian political art prints

Speaking on AIT’s Jigsaw program watched by Politics Nigeria, the politician said he was treated badly by the former president who was also his friend.

“We are friends and will continue to be friends, if I want anything from him, I will ask,” Galadima said about Buhari.

Continuing, he said his daughter had called the former president after they graduated from school and were unemployed for a long time.

“In fact let me confess to you on television, my daughter did NYSC, the one who lost her passport. That’s why she wanted us to go to Mecca to thank God.

He said his daughter searched for a job in the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) but could not get one and decided to call the president.

Galadima noted his daughter and her sister at that time scrolled through his phone contacts,saw the president’s phone number and decided to call him.

According to him, the former president picked the call thinking it was him calling.Political candidate merchandiseNigerian political art prints

“Then they said they are my children and they were calling him because country hard.

“They said, Baba country hard oo! Our father cannot get any job for us oo! And he told us that you’re his friend,” he said.

To this, Galadima said the president affirmed that they were friends and the younger daughter further explained to the president that she could not get a job with the NUPRC

“He (the president) just asked, to call Komolafe (the DG of NUPRC) and give my friend’s daughter a job. That was why she wanted to go to Mecca – to thank God and even to thank Mr President,” the NNPP chieftain noted.

He explained that he worked for former President Muhammadu Buhari for 13 years while his daughter worked for four years.

“My daughter worked for him for four years and he instructed that she should not be paid salary.

“Let them bring any voucher where she was paid. She worked for Buhari for four years in Osinbajo’s office without payment,” he added.

Asked why his daughter was not paid a salary, Galadima advised the interviewer to go and ask former President Buhari.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has started a grassroots campaign to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, openly rejecting other likely contenders such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

The governor made the declaration on Wednesday in Benin City during a ceremony to welcome Hon. Kaycee Osamwonyi, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The 2027 presidential election is not far off, and here in Edo, we are already getting to work.

“We’ve begun early mobilisation for President Tinubu’s second term. Our resolve is clear: the APC remains the path forward for sustainable development,” Okpebholo said.

He also hinted that more opposition members would soon join the APC, calling the movement “a carnival of political realignment.”