Fuji icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate has exuded his love for the Celestial Church of Christ, admitting that he is a bonafide and proud member of the ministry.

Ayinde, a Muslim, made this known during a pre-recorded interview with Agbaletu TV on Wednesday.

CCC popularly called Cele is a Pentecostal church in the Aladura movement, which was founded by Samuel Oshoffa.

Its members wear white one piece garments during worship, and must not wear their shoes whilst wearing their garments or while within the main church.

According to him, in his quest to know God, he became a member of the church and he is proud to have joined.

He relished that he explored both Islam and Christianity in the journey to know God and has never regretted his actions.

“I attend Celestial church. I am a bonafide member of the celestial church. A proud one. In fact, I built a church. I sought different religions while trying to know God in both popular religions. There’s nowhere I didn’t try to find God,” he said.

This revelation is coming after the veteran musician had recently made a catchy phrase which quickly evolved into a viral lingo that’s widely used across social media, at parties, on the streets and in casual conversations.

Ayinde while discussing with an unidentified man, had used the phrase “Ganusi” in reference to some Islamic clerics (alfas) in the build-up to his mother’s burial.

Although many interpreted the remark as implying that certain alfas attend such ceremonies primarily for financial gain.

This led to an avalanche of criticisms from different Islamic clerics and other Nigerians who felt that K1 denigrated the clerics with that statement.
However, the singer doubled down on the remark and maintained that he had done nothing wrong, and did not see the need to apologise to them.

A Nigerian-born United States citizen, Oladapo Fadugba, risks 27 years imprisonment over his alleged involvement in a $690,000 wire fraud scheme and making false declarations to obtain US citizenship.

PUNCH Metro learnt this in a statement by the US Attorney for the District of Florida, Gregory Kehoe, obtained on Wednesday.

According to Kehoe, Fadugba was indicted for multiple charges, including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and making false statements during his naturalisation process.

According to Kehoe, between October 2020 and July 2023, the suspect allegedly diverted $690,000 in funds belonging to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, which was meant for reimbursement to a major local healthcare provider.

It was further alleged that Fadugba used another person’s identity to facilitate the transfers into various bank accounts under his control.

The statement read, “According to the indictment, beginning on October 30, 2020, and ending no later than July 11, 2023, Fadugba had more than $690,000 of Department of Veterans Affairs funds, intended for reimbursement to a large local healthcare provider, transferred to his personal bank accounts.

“Fadugba then wrote cheques to himself or to businesses associated with him, which were subsequently transferred to other bank accounts under his control. It is alleged that he used the identification of another individual to carry out these transfers.”

In addition, Fadugba is accused of lying under oath during his US naturalisation proceedings by falsely stating that he had never committed a crime for which he had not been arrested.

Kehoe stated that, if the suspect was convicted on all counts, he risked a maximum sentence of 27 years in the US federal prison and the forfeiture of $400,000, representing proceeds from the alleged crimes.

“The indictment further alleges that Fadugba, a naturalised US citizen from Nigeria, made a false statement under oath during his naturalisation proceedings by claiming he had not committed any offence or crime for which he had not been arrested.

“If convicted on all charges, Fadugba faces up to 27 years in federal prison. The indictment also includes a notice that the United States is seeking a forfeiture order of $400,000, which reflects the approximate proceeds of the criminal conduct charged,” the statement added.

Kehoe concluded by noting that “an indictment is merely a formal accusation of criminal conduct, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”

PUNCH Metro reported on April 12 that a 24-year-old Nigerian man, Mercy Ojedeji, pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and unlawful use of fraudulent immigration documents in the United States.

According to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, the plea was entered in a US District Court in St. Louis, Missouri.

Ojedeji had admitted to fraudulently securing a student visa and gaining admission into the University of Missouri’s chemistry PhD program in Fall 2023.

He acknowledged using falsified academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a fake resume, and a fabricated English language proficiency report to obtain the visa.

Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has declared former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s political ambitions as doomed, following the rapid disintegration of his proposed coalition and the defection of key allies to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Onanuga criticized the coalition efforts being led by Atiku, which includes a former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, ex-SGF Babachir Lawal, and Labour Party’s vice presidential candidate, Yusuf Baba-Ahmed.

“Atiku’s political future looks bleak. The coalition that he, El Rufai, Babachir, and new member Baba-Ahmed are cobbling together has disintegrated. Potential allies, including former running mate Ifeanyi Okowa and defunct CPC members, are giving his leprous group a wide berth. Atiku is a loser again,” Onanuga stated.

Onanuga’s comments came in reaction to a similar post by fellow presidential aide Tunde Rahman, who noted that the PDP’s internal crisis had deepened with the defection of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and incumbent Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC.

Rahman described the development as “the biggest shocker ever” for Atiku, whose 2023 presidential bid fell short.

He argued that with PDP governors now aligning with President Bola Tinubu, the coalition was “dead on arrival.”

He said, “Indeed, the counting of PDP Governors crossing over to APC has begun.

“Isn’t Atiku coalition dead on arrival? As my people will say, the glimpses of a Saturday that will be good will manifest from Friday.”

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a security outreach to the hotbeds of recent killings—Plateau, Benue and Borno—to restore peace to areas wracked by mass killings and bomb attacks.

National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, revealed this to State House correspondents after a four-hour security briefing with the President at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja on Wednesday.

“We listened and we took instructions from him. We got new directives…to go meet with the political authorities there,” Ribadu told reporters, adding that Tinubu directed them to engage state-level authorities in the worst-hit regions.

Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed; Chief Defence Intelligence of the Nigerian Army, Gen. Emmanuel Undianeye; Director-General, Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, appeared for the briefing.

Wednesday’s meeting, which lasted four hours, confirmed an earlier report by The PUNCH about the President’s plans to meet with the service chiefs to discuss the recent killings in Plateau, Benue, and other parts of the country, after his working visit and retreat in Paris and London.

In Plateau State, inter-communal violence between predominantly Christian farmers and nomadic herders spiralled into gory slaughter when gunmen stormed Zikke village in Bassa Local Government early on April 14, killing at least 51 people and razing homes in a single night.

In Benue, at least 56 people were killed in Logo and Gbagir after twin assaults blamed on armed herders. Meanwhile, in Borno, eight passengers perished and scores were injured when an improvised explosive device ripped through a bus on the Damboa–Maiduguri highway on April 12.

Ribadu explained that after an extensive briefing, intelligence chiefs received fresh instructions to restore peace, security and stability across Nigeria.

In particular, Tinubu had ordered immediate outreach to the political authorities in Plateau, Benue and Borno States, and the defence team had gone round those states to carry out his directives and report back.

“We gave him an update on what has been the case and what is going on, and even when he was out there, before coming back, he was constantly in touch. He was giving directives. He was following developments, and we, in charge of the security, got the opportunity today to come and brief him properly for hours. And it was exhaustive.

“We listened and we took instructions from him. We got new directives. The fact is, Mr. President is insisting and working so hard to ensure that we have peace, security and stability in our country. We gave him an update on what is going on, and we also assured him that work is ongoing and continues.

“We also carried out his instructions. We went round, the chiefs were all out where we had these incidents of insecurity in Plateau State, Benue State, even Borno, these particular three states, and we gave him feedback, because he directed us to go meet with the political authorities there,” he explained.

The NSA described Tinubu as “worried and concerned,” and said he directed that all security arms be deployed around the clock. The government, he added, believes these steps have already produced measurable improvements, even if the situation is not yet 100 per cent safe and secure.

“He’s so worried and concerned, he insisted that enough is enough, and we are working and to ensure that we restore peace and security and all of us are there. The armed forces are there, the Civil Police, intelligence communities, they are there.

“They are working there 24 hours, and we feel that we have done enough to believe that we are on the right course, and we’ll be able to be on top of things,” Ribadu stated.

The NSA emphasised that combating insecurity was not solely a federal government responsibility.

“It involves the sub-units,” he said, meaning state governors, local governments and community leaders, especially where violence springs from communal tensions.

“The issue of insecurity often is not just for the government. It involves the subunits. They are the ones who are directly with the people, especially if some of the challenges are more or less bordering on community problems.

“Not entirely everything is that, but of course it also plays a significant role. You need to work with the communities, the local governments, and the governors, especially the governors.

“The President will continue to direct that. We should be doing that, and that’s what we are able to. We are very happy and very satisfied with the instructions and directives given by Mr. President this evening.”

In Borno State, the NSA noted that while violence had surged in recent months, the insurgents refused to accept defeat.

He warned that most recent casualties there resulted from improvised explosive devices—“cowardly” IED attacks targeting civilians—and from opportunistic raids that follow any lull in fighting.

“We are getting the cooperation of the leadership at the state level, and everybody. It’s not 100 per cent…but we are going there.

“When you are having peace and you are beginning to get used to it, if one bad incident happens, you forget the periods that you enjoyed peacefully,” he added.

He paid tribute to the “many who do not sleep, who walk throughout, who do not go for any break or holiday”—the soldiers, police and intelligence officers whose sacrifices have created the fragile calm Nigerians now experience.

“They will continue to be there,” he said, adding, “Things have changed in this country…we are on the right track and we will not relent. We will not sit down; we will not stop until we are able to achieve results.”

In a similar development, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, issued a stern directive to Nigerian Army troops to clear out bandits terrorising parts of Kwara and Niger states within one month.

Oluyede gave the marching order on Wednesday while addressing soldiers at the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Cantonment in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The targeted areas include Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas in Kwara and parts of Borgu in the Kainji forest region of Niger State.

“The Nigerian Army will not allow the insurgency in the North-East to escalate to the North-Central,” Oluyede said. “It is our responsibility to protect the territorial integrity of this country. No part of Nigeria will be allowed to fall into the hands of insurgents, bandits, or any group seeking to disrupt our national unity.”

Inspecting the military guard of honour, the Army Chief stated, “I’m giving you one month to recover all territories in Baruten, Kaiama and Kainji forest. The bandits must be flushed out. I don’t want to see any of them within our borders after the deadline.”

He assured troops of continued improvements in welfare, including better uniforms, feeding, and access to education and professional development.

“We’ve started monthly production of 100,000 uniforms and allocated N1bn monthly to improve troops feeding. We’re also working on enhancing accommodation for soldiers. I want to see our soldiers rise to become doctors, engineers, and other professionals,” Oluyede stated.

This directive comes in the wake of recent deadly attacks by an unidentified armed group, reportedly called Mahmuda, in Baruten LGA. At least seven people were killed in Ilesha Baruba on Monday, sparking concerns among residents.

Lt. Gen. Oluyede emphasised that his nationwide tour aimed to strengthen military readiness and reclaim security across all regions.

Meanwhile, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria have queried the political will of the federal and state governments to tackle the recent surge in killings in several states.

Noting that the wave of attacks had assumed an alarming dimension, the two bodies pointed to the seeming helplessness of the governments in addressing the killings notably in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger and Kwara States.

The speakers’ conference, through a statement signed by its chairman, Adebo Ogundoyin, demanded urgent measures to stem the tide not the usual mere condemnation and rhetoric of foreign elements being behind the acts of terrorism across the country.

“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met. The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order,” the Speakers held.

While acknowledging that national security falls within the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, the Speakers urged state governments to complement by enforcing laws that guarantee effective community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.

“We call on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.

“States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.

“Furthermore, we urge the Federal Government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.

“Millions of Nigerians are suffering inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis. It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time,” the statement read.

In the same vein, the PFN President, Bishop Wale Oke, who spoke in Ibadan on Wednesday, called on President Bola Tinubu to fully assume his constitutional role as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces by taking decisive action against bandits and terrorists responsible for the bloodshed across the country.

Oke described the incessant attacks and loss of hundreds of lives as intolerable and urged the government to act with urgency and resolve.

“The killings across the nation, especially in Benue, are heartbreaking. The Federal Government must live up to its responsibility. Nigerians voted for a Commander-in-Chief, not a Mourner-in-Chief,” Oke said.

“Claiming that the killers are foreigners is not an excuse. If they are indeed foreign elements, then the government must wipe them out.”

He particularly decried the continuous killings, particularly in Benue State, calling them a “mindless, satanic act” that goes against the will of God for Nigeria.

Oke condemned what he described as a lack of political will to end the crisis, insisting that the narrative blaming foreign terrorists is misleading.

“The idea that the killers are foreigners doesn’t hold water. The Nigerian government must defend the country’s territorial integrity. They know who is behind the killings but are not sincere enough to act. They lack the political will,” he said.

The PFN President also criticised National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for saying the Tinubu administration inherited a “bastardised situation” dating back 15 years.

He urged Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete action to restore security.

“Someone is clearly misleading the President, and if he truly doesn’t know what’s happening, then those responsible should be held accountable and replaced with capable individuals who genuinely care about the Nigerian people,” Oke added. “The killings must stop.”

He also expressed concern that some perpetrators are being shielded due to ethnic affiliations or perceived immunity.

“Sacred cows are being protected because they are seen as kinsmen from across the border. The government must rise above ethnic sentiments and decisively root out those behind these atrocities. Let Nigerians live in peace—whatever it takes.”

“This is the demand of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria. We are tired of the killings,” he concluded.

In the meantime, retired Nigerian Air Force Officer Air Vice Marshal Monday Morgan urged state governors to leverage Forest Guards to combat insecurity in their domains.

In an exclusive telephone chat with The Punch at the weekend, Morgan said that the formation of the forest guard was to help combat foreigners who have penetrated Nigeria’s forest.

In January 2024, President Bola Tinubu promised the formation of a forest guard to effectively complement the efforts of other formal security agencies in the fight against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, Boko Haram and other criminality in the country.

Morgan, who headed the Defence Intelligence Agency of Nigeria from July 2015 to January 2016, described the formation of the forest guard as one of the best ways the country could tackle insurgency.

He argued that if the state governors can leverage this idea, it will help combat Insecurity in the country.

The retired Air Force officer also described President Tinubu’s establishment of six development commissions as another move the political class could build on to tackle insecurity in each geo-political zone.

He said, “Some time ago, President Bola Tinubu came out with one of the best ways to tackle insecurity confronting the country, i.e the establishment of forest rangers (guards).

“Let the state governors leverage on the directive of President Tinubu to form the forest rangers (guards) to protect the forest because the personnel, when trained, will have access to weapons. You know our law does not allow an end-user certificate for quasi-military.”

The retired Air Force officer added, “The second move President Tinubu made was the creation of six development commissions, it’s a political strategy for each zone to be together, put their resources together and fund security because security is a serious business.”

The retired military officer advised the state governors to embrace President Tinubu’s two initiatives to complement the efforts of conventional security operatives, stating that the armed forces and the police do not have enough personnel.

The retired military officer stated that the indigenous Fulanis have been emboldened by mercenaries, and this,  he said, had worsened insecurity in the country.

Opposition political parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party, and the Labour Party, are bleeding as some of their prominent members have dumped their platforms for the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Concerned by the wave of defections to the APC, the PDP, NNPP, and the Coalition of United Political Parties have accused the APC-led Federal Government of exploiting state resources to coerce their members and other politicians into switching allegiance to the ruling party.

In response, the APC welcomed the defectors, dismissed the claims from the PDP and NNPP as unfounded, asserting that politicians are willingly joining the party because of the significant achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration.

Recall that an exclusive report by The PUNCH on February 18 revealed that over 300 PDP members defected to the APC between February 2024 and February 2025, citing internal conflicts within the party at both the state and national levels as the main reason for their departure. 

Likewise, the NNPP and Labour Party have also experienced a notable wave of defections to the APC, with many members pointing to internal disputes and other related issues as their reasons.

On Wednesday, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor and PDP’s 2023 Vice Presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, along with all party members in the state, officially defected to the All Progressives Congress.

The announcement was delivered in Asaba by Senator James Manager following a marathon meeting that lasted over six hours at the Government House.

Manager stated, “All PDP members in the state, including the governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, all the local government chairmen and others, have agreed to move to the APC.

“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.

The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Aniagwu Charles, formally confirmed the governor’s defection, along with the unified decision of Delta PDP leaders and stakeholders to join the APC.

“There is a need for us to adjust the drinking pattern. And in adjusting that drinking pattern, we needed to make a decision that would further help to cement the development in our state, to build the court of law that has existed in our state, to further advance the cause of security and the welfare of our people, and, to a large extent, ensure that development in Delta is not truncated,” Aniagwu stated.

He added, “In taking that decision, we concluded that leaving the PDP was very necessary for us to be able to collaborate and build a state that every Deltan will be proud of. We believe that what is happening, and the state of the PDP, is akin to that palm wine whose taste has changed — and there was a need for us to change the drinking party.”

Charles stated that the decision was reached unanimously by party leaders and stakeholders, indicating that an official public announcement would be made soon.

“By the grace of God, on Monday next week, we will be able to make a very big statement confirming that we are moving into the APC,” he said.

Also, the Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District, Kawu Sumaila, on Wednesday officially confirmed his defection from the NNPP to the ruling APC.

His clarification, which was contained in a statement via his Facebook page, ended weeks of intense political speculations over his future in the NNPP.

The Senator hinged his decision to quit on the need to be fully committed to his constituents, which he claimed remained his first priority.

The statement read, “Yes, it is true — the rumours regarding my defection are accurate. All politics is local, and my primary concern has always been, and remains, the welfare of my immediate constituency.

“I am resolutely determined to advance the lives of my people, ensuring their needs are met and their future is secured.”

His exit has also fuelled rumours that the leader of the Kwankwasiyyan Movement and former presidential candidate of the NNPP, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, may return to the APC.

In another related development, a long-serving member of the House of Representatives, Oluwole Oke, announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party.

Oke, who represents Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency, Osun State, announced his resignation in a letter dated April 16, 2025, addressed to the Chairman, PDP Ward 7, Obokun Local Government Area.

The letter read, “I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect.

“This was concluded after consultation and engagement with my political associates, family and friends.

“It is my wish that you accept my resignation in good faith.”

The letter was copied to the National and Osun State Chairmen of the party.

In a brief telephone conversation with our correspondent, the lawmaker, who appeared to be in no mood for an interview, anchored his decision on the division in his party.

“PDP is divided,” he said, without further elaboration.

Similarly, the Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Political Mobilissation and Engagement, Eugene Utubor, stated on Wednesday that LP Senator Neda Imasuen is on the verge of defecting to the All Progressives Congress.

Utubor, who met with Imasuen on Tuesday night in Benin, said the lawmaker open to joining the APC and that efforts are underway to strengthen the party’s ranks both nationally and in the state.

He said, “I can tell you that Senator Neda Imasuen will join the All Progressives Congress in the coming days. I was with him on Tuesday and his body language speaks volume.

“Imasuen believes that the governor has done remarkably well in such a short time and it is crucial that we come together to ensure the success of his vision for our people.

“He has encouraged every well-meaning Edo citizen to rally around the governor as he works diligently for our collective progress.”

In recent times, Imasuen is often seen in public functions alongside notable leaders of the APC in Edo State. He is said to enjoy cordial relationship with members of the ruling party in the state.

In addition to the recent defections, several prominent figures had earlier joined the APC. These include former Kaduna State Governor Muktar Ramalan Yero; Senators Shehu Sani, Suleiman Hunkuyi, and Sylvanus Ngele; former Senate President Pius Anyim; ex-Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu; House of Representatives member Suleiman Gumi; and PDP founding member Shuibu Oyedokun. Others are Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), Omosede Igbinedion, Kabiru Classic, Salisu Garba and Abuja Municipal Area Council chairman Christopher Maikalangu.

From the NNPP, Yusuf Galambi, who represents Gwaram federal constituency in Jigawa, has also defected to the APC. He is joined by several local government chairmen, councillors, and party officials. Key NNPP leaders, including Senator Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, Ali Madaki, and Hon. Badamasi Ayuba, have met with APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and are expected to make their defection official soon.

With the 2027 elections approaching, multiple sources indicate that three PDP governors and NNPP National Leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have struck a deal with President Tinubu and are likely to join the APC in the near future.

One of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said, “Based on their actions and silence, as well as the way some governors have openly praised President Tinubu’s administration, it’s clear that a few of them are likely to join the APC soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if the governors of Adamawa, Taraba, Akwa Ibom, and even the NNPP National Leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, eventually defect.”

In response, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor criticised the recent defections from opposition parties to the APC, saying they serve personal interests rather than the nation’s good.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Osadolor claimed the APC offered nothing positive and alleged that many of the defectors were coerced through intimidation using state machinery.

He said, “Well, for some of us, it’s not strange. If you recall, I have always spoken about the weaponisation of state institutions to intimidate and cow opposition parties. The result is the wave of defections you’re referring to. The last time anyone made a statement, you saw the EFCC, ICPC, or DSS going after that individual.

“There is nothing good happening in APC. The APC has influence over key state institutions, and those who cannot withstand the pressure or the embarrassment that comes from being investigated by these institutions often give in. In this country, when you’re invited by the EFCC or ICPC, you’re practically condemned before you’re even tried.

“People fear the stigma—the shame of having to explain things to their families, their children, their friends. That’s a trauma many want to avoid. They can’t handle it. And because of that fear, they give in. No one wants to be treated like a criminal when their conscience is clear. Some just want to avoid being dragged around like others have been.

“The APC government coerces many politicians using the EFCC, ICPC, and other state apparatus, and those who cannot withstand the pressure end up leaving their parties for the APC in search of protection.”

Also commenting, the National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, stated that politicians who defect to the APC do so for personal gain rather than for the benefit of Nigerians.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Johnson alleged that the ruling party employs a carrot-and-stick strategy to lure members of opposition parties into its ranks.

He stated, “I think it’s clear to us. Over time, we’ve seen that the ruling party at the center likes to use the carrot-and-stick approach where possible—just to drive membership to themselves.

“Those who allow themselves to be treated in that manner—well, we wish them well. But again, it is politics, and people, for selfish interests or personal interests, will sometimes cross the carpet and work with the ruling party—or a party in government.

“There are various reasons for that. But none of the reasons is to improve the lot of Nigeria. It depends on each individual situation. That’s when you can tell the reason why a particular person or group has done what they’ve done. Some are forced by the ruling party to join them, some will tell you they’ve been pushed by the party they originally belonged tto.But some will tell you they’ve done a deal or they want to save their seat in the House of Assembly, House of Reps, Senate, etc.

“So, there are many, many different reasons why these things happen.”

CUPP National Secretary, Peter Ahmeh, described the wave of defections from opposition parties to the APC as disgraceful.

In an interview with our correspondent, Ahmeh voiced confidence that the coalition would oust President Tinubu and all the defectors in the 2027 elections.

He said, “It is a shame, the day is the mandate manipulators’ day, and oppressors’ day, and undemocratic day. We can call it all sorts of names, but it is a shame. People no longer believe that the people’s mandate should be protected at all costs.

“They are now using the people’s will for negotiation—to hide from the EFCC, negotiation for a second-term ticket. And that’s why we keep telling you—that’s why this coalition is going on.

“And that’s what’s going to happen in 2027. The like minds will come together. There will be strong alliance and coalitions to drive this focus. But also, there will be a consensus among the Nigerian people. And I see that cconsensu sweeping away, APC, President Tinubu and these defectors.”

In response, the APC welcomed the defectors and promised a level playing field for everyone.

In a statement on Wednesday, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said the defectors were ready to make significant contributions to the success and implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The statement read in part, “The National Working Committee of All Progressives Congress under the leadership of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is highly elated by the decision of the Governor of Delta state, His Excellency Sheriff Oborevwori, to join our great Party, along with eminent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, including former Governor of Delta state and vice presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 presidential election, His Excellency Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, senior administration officials, leaders and members of the House of Assembly, local government chairmen and councilors in the state, and teeming leaders and  members of the PDP.

“Our great Party welcomes this important development, and assures the Governor and incoming leaders and members of Delta PDP of our fullest cooperation and accommodation in the APC family.

“With this move, coming on the heels of steady decamping of PDP leaders and members across the state to APC, including members of Delta Unity Group in Ika federal constituency, we are delighted that Delta state, now an APC state, stands poised to contribute maximally to the success and realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to the enduring good and prosperity of Deltans and all Nigerians.”

Also, the APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, dismissed the allegations made by the PDP and NNPP as outright falsehoods.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Meseko stated that individuals are joining the APC of their own volition, driven by their belief in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is positively transforming the nation.

He said, “It is very simple. Nigerians that are trooping into the APC are no fools. They are Nigerians who have seen the patriotic duties of President Bola Ahmed, especially the Renewed Hope Agenda that is working wonders now.

“They have seen that for Nigeria to get out of the woods, we need to take some very, very difficult decisions, which we have done. And we have already seen the results. I need not go through the list of achievements in that regard. Exchange rates are stabilizing. A lot of things are working. Even the fuel price that people are talking about has come down two or three times, infrastructure development is happening all over the country.

“When you see somebody that is performing, when you see somebody that is working, that’s why they are coming to APC. And more will still come. It’s not because of anything else. You heard Akwa Ibom Governor, he said, “Look, this man is working for us; he’s helping us.” Especially in our state. He drew attention to the Lagos–Calabar highway, and so on and so forth. People are happy.

“These are things that we have not experienced before, and they are now seeing it. They are now seeing that this thing is working. They are now seeing that the fiscal discipline of this administration has no match. Before, we were printing money to stabilize our forex markets, but that’s no longer happening. All the money we are saving from all of these efforts has been plowed into the productive sectors of the economy—including support for the vulnerable, student loans, scholarships… everything is there for all to see.

So, for anybody to say that security people are threatening them, and that’s why they are now jumping into the party—it’s nothing but a political lie. This is far from the truth. Let me give you an example. Are you telling me, for instance, that the EFCC is also not working on some APC former governors? So why would EFCC be prosecuting APC governors if what they are saying is true? So, it is not true.”

Moreover, APC Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, criticized the PDP and NNPP for lacking constructive criticism, lamenting that the opposition consistently refuses to acknowledge any positives in the ruling party.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Ibrahim stated that Nigerians are increasingly joining the APC because it offers equal opportunities for everyone.

He said, “Now, in democracy, elections are supposed to be like sports. It is a competition where there has to be a winner. And once a winner emerges, the leadership is expected to concentrate on governance. Politicking is supposed to be put aside, and all hands should be on deck with a view to moving the country forward.

“Unfortunately, some don’t play democracy as democrats. They play democracy with destructive criticisms, such that everything done by the ruling party in power is seen negatively.

“There is just no way you can say in this dispensation that people are being coerced, or that the EFCC is being used to haunt or twist people into joining the party in power. People have committed all sorts of crimes, but they are prosecuted through the statutory provisions of the law. Nobody is telling you to join the party and charges against you will be dropped. Or nobody is framing charges against someone simply because he is in the opposition.

“I think the opposition needs to have a re – think. Let them come out with something that can be accepted, something that can fly. But, this is one administration that is not witch-hunting and is not coercing. People are continuously trooping into the APC because they have seen it as a party that is providing a level playing field for people who have aspirations or ambitions to deliver. And if anybody is qualified to contest, he is welcome into the party. But nobody is forced.”

Former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, wondered why the party governors would defect to the ruling party, which he described as “unorganised.”

“I am shell-shocked,” George said. “How can our governors from an organised party defect to an unorganised party like APC with only two people – Tinubu and Ganduje – dictatorially controlling the party?

“APC is a party of strange bed-fellows and I urge Deltans not to follow Oborevwori to APC because Delta is a PDP state from 1999 and it shall remain so.

“Presidency and APC are using instruments of state to coerce PDP governors to defect to APC. They are being threatened. PDP sponsored Oborevwori as governorship candidate. So, he has to leave office. Attempts to turn Nigeria to a one-party state will fail. What has APC done since 2015 that will warrant any PDP governor to defect to the party?”

Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered 54 banks to immediately return a total of N9,329,322,870 fraudulently transferred by hackers from an unnamed old generation bank.

The judgment, delivered on April 15, 2025, follows an ex parte motion filed in suit number FHC/L/CS/629/2025.

The court directed the financial institutions to place a Post No Debit restriction on all accounts that received the stolen funds and to begin the immediate return of all available funds to the originating bank.

The plaintiff bank reported that on March 23, 2025, a breach in its core banking system resulted in unauthorised debits from multiple customer accounts.

The stolen funds—amounting to over N9.3bn—were then dispersed across accounts in 54 financial institutions.

Upon detection of the incident, the bank said it promptly alerted the institutions involved and began tracking the disbursements.

The investigation revealed that the funds were transferred in multiple tranches from the bank into primary accounts and subsequently rerouted to other accounts held by secondary and tertiary beneficiaries.

Justice Dipeolu ruled that the affected banks must provide details of the implicated accounts, including balances and amounts already transferred.

The judge further ordered the immediate return of all recoverable funds to the plaintiff bank.

The financial institutions are also to share comprehensive customer data related to the transactions, including names and destination accounts.

Restrictions are to be maintained on all accounts that received any portion of the funds until full recovery is made, limited to the amount each received.

The judge clarified that the ruling applies strictly to erroneously transferred funds and does not infringe on other customer deposits.

“For the avoidance of doubt and for clarity, the order is only in respect of funds erroneously transferred and sums salvaged,” the ruling emphasised.

Justice Dipeolu concluded that the stolen funds “belong to the plaintiff and not the customers of the respondent banks,” affirming the court’s authority to direct full restitution.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has assured Nigerians that the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, will be investigated in response to growing public demand.

This assurance was delivered on Wednesday by Winifred Adekunle, a Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Justice, while addressing a group of protesting lawyers who marched to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja to submit a petition calling for Kyari’s immediate investigation and arrest.

The demonstration marked the second consecutive day of protests at the AGF’s office over alleged corruption involving Kyari and the NNPCL.

 On Tuesday, a civil society group under the banner of Concerned Citizens Against Corruption staged a protest, demanding a full investigation into Kyari’s financial dealings during his tenure. 

Addressing the Wednesday’s protesters, Adekunle stated, “Your petition will receive immediate attention. There will be a response, and the issues raised will be addressed appropriately. Rest assured, the Attorney General and the Solicitor General are people you can count on. Your demands will not be ignored.”

On Wednesday, members of the Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, a coalition of legal professionals, submitted a detailed petition dated April 23, 2025 against Kyari.

Signed by the group’s Convener, Emmanuel Agada, and National Secretary, Jonathan Uchendu, the petitioners alleged that Kyari’s leadership of the NNPCL was plagued by corruption and shrouded in secrecy.

They described Kyari’s tenure as “a racket run in favour of friends and associates,” and criticizes the Federal Government for failing to investigate him thoroughly after his removal—an action taken only after widespread public pressure.

The group expressed outrage over alleged financial irregularities in the rehabilitation and re-streaming of government-owned refineries, claiming that funds expended do not reflect tangible results.

One example cited is the claim that Matrix Energy Limited invested $400m in the Port Harcourt Refinery, despite an earlier $1.5bn approval by the Federal Executive Council for the same project.

The petition also raises concerns over the NNPCL’s reported $2m billion debt to Matrix Energy, allegedly serviced through daily crude oil allocations of 80,000 barrels.

The lawyers questioned why the Federal Government is indebted to Matrix Energy, why the debt is being serviced with crude oil, who negotiated these transactions, and why the public has been kept uninformed.

They urged the Attorney General to review all agreements entered into by the NNPCL under Kyari’s leadership, investigate the transactions in order to recover misappropriated funds, and identify those responsible for the financial discrepancies.

They also called for a fact-finding probe to quantify the financial losses and recommend concrete recovery steps.

Additionally, the group requested the establishment of a commission of inquiry into the NNPCL’s handling of refinery rehabilitation projects under Kyari and the sacked board.

They emphasised that a thorough and transparent probe would promote accountability, deter future misconduct, and help prevent the recurrence of similar financial mismanagement.

The group  reaffirmed its willingness to support the AGF in conducting an exhaustive investigation.

The total number of local and foreign companies exempted from remitting tax revenue to government coffers increased to 105 as of December 2024, The PUNCH reports. Dangote Fertilisers, Mikano International Limited, and 103 others are included in this list.

This came amid uncertainties over the programme’s effectiveness and the government’s announced plan to discontinue the policy as part of a broader strategy to boost its dwindling revenue base.

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, approved tax holidays for 22 new companies under the Pioneer Status Incentive scheme, raising the total number of beneficiaries to 105 in the final quarter of the year.

This comes after the number of participating firms rose to 104 in the first quarter, declined to 88 in the second quarter, and dropped to 83 in the third quarter. 

This was disclosed in the latest Pioneer Status Incentive reports released by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and obtained by our correspondent on Wednesday.

Findings by The PUNCH also revealed that since the Chairman of the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, announced in September 2023 that the committee would conduct a comprehensive review of tax waivers, aligned with the roadmap set by the previous administration, a total of 25 companies have received regulatory approval for tax exemption for the next three years.

The pioneer status is an incentive offered by the Federal Government, which exempts companies from paying income tax for a certain period. This tax exemption can be full or partial.

Offered under the Industrial Development Income Tax Act with tax reliefs for a three-year period, the incentive is generally regarded as an industrial measure aimed at stimulating investments in the economy. The products or companies eligible for this pioneer status are those that do not already exist in the country.

However, the incentives have been a contentious issue due to the high amount of revenue lost to waivers granted every year. The special tax exclusion has reportedly cost the government an estimated N8tn in lost revenue annually.

Last week, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, at the 2025 Tax Expenditure Workshop revealed that revenue lost to tax expenditure remains difficult to quantify due to poor data availability across relevant government agencies.

He said this is because tax incentives are not properly weighed against their real economic benefits, which makes it hard to know their true cost and creates room for unverified tax expenditure figures in different quarters.

Adedeji said, “It has been argued that the government is losing revenue through tax incentives, which have been difficult to quantify due to limited data availability. In granting tax incentives by the government, there are expected benefits to be derived from the entities that enjoy these incentives, such that if adequately quantified when analysing the Tax Expenditures in terms of socio-economic impact will show that the actual financial cost to government vis – a viz benefits will be minimised, and a positive developmental curve or growth curve will be observed.”

To address the ongoing challenges, the government has proposed four new tax bills aimed at stimulating economic growth and attracting investment, including a new tax credit scheme (the Economic Development Incentive) intended to replace the existing Pioneer Status Incentive. However, the legislative process has stalled at the National Assembly, delaying implementation.

The Presidential Tax Committee Chairman, Taiwo Oyedele, said the development incentive is designed to stimulate real economic activity by tying tax relief directly to verifiable investments.

The proposed tax credit or EDI is a departure from the one-size-fits-all model. Instead, it’s structured around priority sectors -primarily manufacturing, followed by services and infrastructure – with strong multiplier effects on the economy.

Another key design feature is the introduction of minimum investment thresholds to ensure only scalable and impactful projects qualify. For instance, companies operating in capital-intensive sectors like utilities would need to invest at least N200bn to be eligible for the tax credit.

“The assets used during the pioneer period are essentially frozen in time,” Oyedele explained. “They’re treated as if acquired after the incentive ends—meaning companies only start claiming deductions once the holiday period is over. This creates long-term tax advantages that go well beyond the policy’s original intent.”

Meanwhile, an analysis of the quarterly PSI report showed that the requests of 89 firms to be granted tax holiday were newly received, 213 firms are pending; 34 companies had their applications approved in principle, while 14 firms were granted incentive extensions for another three years to 2027. Another 30 are seeking a renewal application for extension.

The companies with new applications include Aradel Refineries Limited, Pro Pipes and Metal Industries Limited, Transgreen Nigeria Limited, Zen Cylinders Manufacturing Company Limited, Nixn Paper Mill Nigeria Limited, Burn Stoves Nigeria Limited, MDV Sacks Limited, Everest Pulp and Paper Limited, Jolaj Office Products Nigeria Limited, Heven Hauling Limited, KP Hydro Limited, and Levene Photo Voltaic Technologies Limited.

Others are Seelam and Joel Company Limited, Medical Plastics Limited, Padiyath Mayfield Hospital Limited, Afam Three Fast Power Limited, El Tahdam Exploration Limited, Adefolorhunso Energy Network Limited, and Terrahaptix Limited. The applications were received between October 2 and December 17, 2024.

The reports also revealed that investments made by the 107 companies during the year amounted to N2.53tn. They operate in sectors that include manufacturing, solid material, pharmaceuticals, information and communication, trade, construction, waste management, electricity and gas supply, tourism, and infrastructure, among others.

The companies that are benefiting include Dangote Fertilisers, Mikano International Limited, Sinotrucks West Africa Limited, West African Cubes Limited, Jigawa Rice Limited, JMG Nigeria Limited, Rain Oil Limited, Okpella Cement Plc, Greenville Liquified Natural Gas Company Limited, Etsako Cement Company Limited, Gidan Bailu Cement Company Limited, Auxano Solar Nigeria Limited, AP LPG Limited, Karma Agric Feeds and Foods Limited, and Agrira West Africa Limited.

Additional beneficiaries of the Pioneer Status Incentive include H & W Rice Company Limited, Segilola Resources Operating Limited, Sifax Marine Limited, Ocean & Cargo Terminal Services Limited, Hulhulde Rice Mill Limited, and O2O Network Limited, Villextra Technologies Limited, Flex Films Africa PVT Limited, Addmie Nutrition Limited, Century Minning Company Limited, Eastcastle Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Ecovista Industries PVT Limited, The Safron Hotel Limited, Green Recycling Industries Limited, and Fouani Nigeria Limited.

Additional companies that have received Pioneer Status Incentive approvals include Al-Wabel Rice Mill Limited, Royal Salt Industries Limited, Mustang Industries Limited, Kam Steel Integrated Company Limited, Alef Recycling Company Limited, IRS Pasta Limited, JMG Limited, Tiloc Nigeria Limited, Johnwood Hotel Limited, Mafa Rice Mills Limited, and Shafa Energy Limited.

Economic experts have repeatedly raised concerns about the transparency and objectivity of the Federal Government’s tax waiver approvals, even as they acknowledge the crucial role such incentives play in stimulating economic growth.

The Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, also noted that there was nothing wrong with waivers if they were in line with tax policies.

He noted that tax incentives were necessary to encourage investment and the establishment of some pioneer businesses.

He said, “The whole idea of incentives is to grow the economy. When you are growing the economy, you are not only looking at revenue, you are looking at employment and multiplier effects. In the medium to long term, you will get this revenue by the time you are able to grow these investments. It is inappropriate to see it as revenue loss unless the incentive policy itself is discriminatory.”

He stressed that the process should be transparent and seen as an effort by the government to grow the economy.

The Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government  Area in Lagos State, Mr Oluwagbenga Abiola,  has withdrawn his interest to vie for the chairmanship position of the LG in the upcoming July 12, 2025 council election.

Abiola said he stepped down for Abdulganiyu Obasa, son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.

Abiola, who is a political protégé of  the Speaker, says his decision was borne out of his loyalty to Obasa, denying that he was forced to step down.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Lagos, Abiola affirmed his loyalty to the party and to Speaker Obasa.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Lagos, Abiola reaffirmed his commitment to the party and to Speaker Obasa.

He emphasised that his withdrawal was a voluntary and conscious choice in support of Obasa’s son.

On Monday, Agege stakeholders had urged Obasa to allow his son, Abdulganiyu, to contest the council chairmanship, citing the Speaker’s significant contributions to the development of Agege and his long-standing political influence in the area.

In response to rumours that he had been pressured to withdraw, Abiola made it clear that he remained deeply appreciative of Obasa’s role in his political career.

He further pledged his full support for the Speaker’s leadership, stating that he would never act against the party’s direction or Obasa’s guidance.

“I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. This is the man who made me,” Abiola stated. “He appointed me Special Assistant on Media when he became Speaker in 2015.

In 2016, I was appointed Sole Administrator of Agege LGA, thanks to his recommendation to the governor. That appointment made me the youngest council boss in Lagos State at the time.

“In 2017, I became Secretary to the Local Government, and in 2021, Vice Chairman — all through the party’s and Speaker’s support. So, why would I oppose a man who built me politically and helped me grow in experience and influence?”

Although Abiola admitted to having aspired to the chairmanship, he made it clear that he respected the party’s collective decision.

“Yes, I aspired. Every Vice Chairman dreams of becoming Chairman. But the party has spoken, and I fully agree. Leaders and stakeholders have united. They’ve asked the Speaker to allow his son to contest, and I respect and support that,” he stated.

Abiola also expressed his commitment to serving the people, stating that he believed greater opportunities would come in the future.

“I trust my leader. He knows what’s best and can recommend me for even greater responsibilities when the time is right,” he said. “I’m still young and full of energy. I’ll work for the party and ensure we achieve victory.”

Abiola said he  had instructed members of his Obasa Youth Alliance to fully support the party’s decision.

Protesters allege candidates imposition

Members of the ruling All Progressives Congress  in the Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, staged a protest on Tuesday against the alleged imposition of candidates for the upcoming July 12 local government election.

The protest followed a similar demonstration that took place during a party stakeholders’ meeting on April 14, which ended abruptly due to similar grievances over candidate selection.

On Tuesday, supporters of various chairmanship aspirants gathered at the APC party secretariat before marching to the council secretariat to express their dissatisfaction with the alleged candidate imposition.

Some protesters chanted slogans such as “He is not part of us, no room for strangers in our LCDA,” “Elders and leaders are to build things, not destroy them,” and “We want an indigenous leader, not a stranger.”

Others raised their fists in the air while chanting, “Don’t sell Ojokoro to strangers,” “Don’t give us a stranger,” and “We want people from within, not outsiders.”

Protesters also carried placards with messages like “We don’t want it, we don’t like it, strangers cannot lead us,” “Hon. Ojelabi, save APC Ojokoro,” “No imposition, Obasa is forcing it on us,” and “We demand a free and fair process.”

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria,  one of the protest leaders, Olusegun Akinoso-Olawaye, urged the party leaders not to ratify any imposed candidates.

He stated, “Don’t place a leader on the people. Let all aspirants go to the field for free and fair primaries. We are not for violence; we are APC members, and we will not allow imposition. Many of these aspirants have spent their hard-earned money on the party, and we cannot allow their aspirations to be scuttled. We cannot let our house be led by strangers.”

Akinoso-Olawaye emphasised the need for all aspirants to have the opportunity to test their political relevance in a fair contest.

He also drew attention to President Bola Tinubu’s participation in party primaries at the presidential level, stating that all aspirants should be allowed to test their popularity in the same way.

Another protest leader, Mrs Raimot Bello, added that the protest was aimed at preventing the installation of an unfamiliar figure as the next council chairman, which they believed would be detrimental to the party.

Other protesters, including Alhaji Karimu Yusuf and Prophet Kayode, alleged that APC leaders were planning to impose a “stranger” as the chairmanship candidate for the council.

Addressing the protesters, the Chairman of Ojokoro LCDA, Mr. Hammed Tijani, commended the demonstrators for their peaceful conduct and assured them that no one would be imposed as a candidate.

“There is nothing like imposition. Meetings are still ongoing. We are all APC members, and the party will not be destroyed. I want to assure you that there is nothing like imposition; we are sorting out a lot of things,” Tijani said.

Also speaking, the APC Chairman in the council, Mr. Jelili Oseni, assured the protesters that Ojokoro would not descend into violence.

“Those who have worked for the party will be rewarded. There is no imposition here,” Oseni stated.

NAN reported that during the protest, party leaders and stakeholders, including former Lagos Assembly member Mr. Ipoola Omisore and former House of Representatives member Mr. James Owolabi, were present at the council secretariat.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has entered a closed-door meeting with top security officials amid escalating violence in parts of the country.

The meeting, currently underway at the President’s official residence in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, began shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday. It comes in the wake of growing insecurity, particularly in Plateau, Benue, and Borno States.

A heavy flow of vehicles carrying service chiefs, including heads of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Inspector-General of Police, into the Villa have been observed earlier in the afternoon.

The meeting follows Tinubu’s return to Abuja late Monday after an 18-day working visit and policy retreat in Paris and London. According to sources, the President had been closely monitoring developments back home and had been issuing directives to security agencies while abroad.