The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted cocaine concealed in prayer beads and locally-made shoes.

The NDLEA said the owner of the consignments was intercepted while attempting to smuggle the illicit substances into the Holy Land.

NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, stated this in a statement posted on social media.

Part of the statement read that: “In this holy month when people are consecrating themselves and making supplications to their God, some persons were preoccupied with concealing cocaine in prayer beads and locally-made shoes to desecrate the precincts of the holy land in the holy month.

“They were, however, intercepted by #ndlea_nigeria officers as shown by the attached pictures.”

Isaac Fayose, businessman and brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, has donated N500,000 to Fatai Odunsi Adeshina, father of popular Nigerian singer Asake.

The donation comes after Fayose publicly called out Asake for allegedly abandoning his ailing father.

Fayose announced the donation on Saturday, stating that he had spoken with Asake’s father and had sent the funds to support him.

Fayose said:

“As I promised, we will take care of Asake’s father if he refuses to do so.

“I spoke with his father this morning, and he’s a very happy man. I prayed for him and sent N500,000 to support him.”

See screenshot of the receipt below;

The donation follows a public plea for help from Fatai Odunsi Adeshina, who claimed that Asake had abandoned him since his health began deteriorating in 2022.

Odunsi, who has been battling a stroke, alleged that Asake has not been financially supportive despite his fame and success. He disclosed:

“I am Asake’s father. I gave birth to him. I gave birth to Asake, Ahmed, the singer. Babatunde Ololade Odunsin, Mr. Money. Since I had a stroke, I haven’t seen him. The last time I saw him was March 29, 2022. He doesn’t pick my calls when I call him. Please, I only need your help.”

Taking to social media to address the situation, Asake in a video sang his response. The singer who reportedly exited Olamide’s YBNL record label accused his father of trying to manipulate him, despite spending a lot of money.

Adijat Ajoke, the woman claiming to have an 11-year-old daughter, Zeenat, for Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, known as Asake, has finally broken her silence, laid bare everything that transpired between them.

Recall in the wake of Asake’s father, Fatai Odunsi, lamenting abandonment, a video surfaced online showing the singer’s family members gathered.

Among them was Adijat, seated beside his father as voices in the background called on Asake to take responsibility for his father, his alleged child, and the woman who claims to have stood by him in his darkest days.

Speaking in a TikTok interview, Adijat disclosed how she supported Asake through his time at Obafemi Awolowo University, used her little savings and thrift contributions to help him stay afloat. According to her, during those struggling years, the singer constantly appreciated her for sticking by his side.

However, she alleged that everything changed when Asake moved to Lekki, Lagos. She claimed he became distant, cut off communication for a long time. According to her, when her mother reached out to him for clarity, Asake told her that Adijat was forcing herself on him.

The lady revealed that the singer, consumed by his ambition in the music industry, not only threatened to block her but also dismissed their relationship entirely, made it clear she no longer fit into his plans.

Adijat admitted that after Asake achieved fame, he offered some assistance at a point, but when she approached him about investing in her business, he became evasive, failed to follow through on any of his promises.

Grammy-nominated Nigerian Afrobeats star, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has revealed the weirdest rumours he has heard about himself on the internet.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Rema disclosed that he has heard rumours about being part of the Illuminati, worshipping the devil, and drinking blood.

The singer noted that these rumours have caused him to lose a considerable number of fans, stressing that some people believe whatever they see online. He said:

“Random stories have been made up about me being Illuminati, worshipping the devil, and drinking blood. I definitely lose some fans who just believe anything they see.”

Rema also explained why he wears pendants in memory of his late father and brother. He added:

 
“It was just a dark moment that changed my life, so I always wear this chain—mostly because I never want to forget. While any craziness or any fantastic shit is happening, I always remind myself, ‘Know the struggles you came from,’ because, for real, people be forgetting.”

The singer then revealed that he is not open to having children out of wedlock. Disclosing that he doesn’t abhor promiscuity, the Ozeba crooner stressed that he’s an intentional man.

Rema who made history as the first Black African star to cover Rolling Stone magazine shared:

“I feel like there’s a need for us [family] to get bigger and become a whole empire if we can. And then neither do I want to wait for it to become a mistake before I decide to be a father. I’m very particular and I don’t really be hoeing around.”

Rema also spoke about his relationship with Ayra Starr and South African Tyla. He said

“Ayra’s family, for sure. Tyla’s family. We’re good friends because I’ve been friends with Tyla even before everything.”

Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the alleged threats and intimidation being faced by Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, after her viral TikTok video criticising President Bola Tinubu’s government over escalating economic hardship.

In a statement posted on X on Sunday, the human rights organisation denounced the reported threats from NYSC officials, emphasizing that Uguamaye was well within her rights to express her frustration over the country’s worsening economic conditions.

“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should prioritise addressing the country’s economic woes,” Amnesty International stated.

Uguamaye’s video, which gained traction on social media, openly criticised Tinubu’s leadership, calling him a “terrible leader” and lamenting that financial struggles have made hard work feel futile.

She also complained about Lagos State’s poor sanitation, describing it as a “smelling state.”

Shortly after the video went viral, Uguamaye alleged that she began receiving threats, purportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the content.

She took to Instagram to express fears for her safety, stating that her personal details had been leaked and that she was being pressured to report to the NYSC office.

“Dear Nigerians, I am already getting threatened by the NYSC board to stop speaking on this issue.

“Less than 24 hours, I’m already getting threatened by the government, starting with the NYSC board.

“They have my address. If you don’t see me online, you know who to hold accountable,” she wrote.

Amnesty International’s statement also accused the Nigerian authorities of attempting to silence dissenting voices rather than addressing citizens’ economic grievances.

“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in utter disregard for the Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” the organization added.

The controversy has sparked a national debate on free speech and the role of the NYSC in suppressing public criticism.

Many Nigerians have taken to social media to demand accountability, with the hashtag #ProtectRaye gaining traction.

Meanwhile, PUNCH Online reports that NYSC has yet to officially respond to the allegations, but the incident, according to multiple reactions to the online content, has amplified concerns over the handling of public criticism amid worsening economic conditions.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has sued Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over what it described as the “patently unlawful” suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeks to overturn the six-month suspension, which SERAP argued violates the senator’s fundamental rights and deprives her constituents of representation.

SERAP had last week called on Akpabio to immediately reverse Natasha’s suspension or face a lawsuit.

The latest development was detailed in a Sunday press release shared with PUNCH Online by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

It was titled, “SERAP sues Akpabio over failure to reverse the unlawful suspension of Natasha Akpoti.’

SERAP, in the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, is asking the court for “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to rescind the unlawful suspension of Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, reinstate her, and fully restore all her legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges.”

The Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly “speaking without permission” and refusing to accept her new seat in the chamber.

The suspension not only bars her from participating in Senate activities but also withholds her salary and allowances.

SERAP, however, insists that this action is unconstitutional, stating that “no one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission.’

“Being a senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights.

“The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting human rights, not stamping them out,” it said.

The rights group is also seeking “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Senate from further suspending or taking any disciplinary action against Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for the peaceful exercise of her fundamental human rights.”

In its legal arguments, SERAP contended that the suspension is a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.

“Punishing Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for peacefully expressing herself is unlawful, unnecessary and disproportionate. 

“Her suspension would also have a disproportionate chilling effect on the ability of other members of the Senate to express themselves and exercise their human rights freely,” the suit stated.

SERAP further argued that the application of Sections 6(1)(2) of the Senate Rules and the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) in suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan is in direct conflict with constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of expression.

“The unlawful restriction of Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to freedom of expression has indirectly violated Nigerians’ right to receive information and ideas and seriously undermined the right of her constituency to political participation,” SERAP asserted.

Quoting Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, SERAP highlights that “every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law.”

The organization argued that “the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate has restricted and seriously undermined the ability of the residents of her Kogi Central Senatorial District to effectively participate in their own government.”

SERAP also cited the Nigerian Constitution’s Section 39, which guarantees freedom of expression, stating that “every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.”

It insisted that the Senate’s actions directly contravene these constitutional protections.

“The Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) should not and cannot set aside Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to express herself and disseminate her opinions, which is clearly guaranteed in Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and under the human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party,” SERAP argued.

The case also raised concerns about the broader implications of silencing lawmakers through disciplinary actions.

“A higher degree of tolerance is expected when it is a political speech and an even higher threshold is required when it is directed towards government officials including members of the Senate,” SERAP maintained.

The suit was filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Mrs. Adelanke Aremo.

“No date has been fixed for the hearing,” the release concluded.

Former Jigawa State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Sule Lamido, has dismissed a call by ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, urging opposition leaders to join the Social Democratic Party.

El-Rufai, who recently announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress to the SDP, made the call in an interview with BBC Hausa.

While he did not mention Lamido by name, he invited key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to join him in the SDP.

Responding in a separate BBC Hausa interview on Sunday, Lamido dismissed the invitation as an insult, insisting that the PDP, which he helped build, laid the foundation for El-Rufai’s political career.

“The party we formed, the PDP, is the one that gave birth to El-Rufai.

“You’re not enough to make us leave the PDP,” Lamido said.

He added, “He once said that there are no adults in Nigeria in politics, but now he is calling on us to join him in the SDP.”

The former governor also questioned El-Rufai’s motives for defecting from the APC to the SDP.

“He said he told President Buhari about his decision to leave the APC, but now he is saying that he is one of the adults in Nigerian politics,” Lamido stated.

The former governor argued that the PDP had not done anything to warrant his defection, emphasizing his long-standing loyalty.

“If I was going to leave the PDP, I would have done so in 2014 when the APC was formed,” he said.

The former governor also criticised El-Rufai’s leadership style, saying that leadership is not about anger or selfish ambition.

“Leadership is done with patience and vision, and doing things for the peace of the followers and the country as a whole,” Lamido said.

Lamido advised El-Rufai to put patriotism first instead of showing anger towards others, saying, “What should be done is to put patriotism first, instead of showing anger towards someone.”

He added, “The PDP has been working to rebuild its strength after losing the 2015 presidential election.”

A police inspector, Ajele Oloyede, has reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a ceramics company in Igbesa, Ogun State, where he was stationed as part of the security detail.

PUNCH Online gathered on Sunday that the incident occurred on Thursday.

According to the state police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, an officer from Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, Tolorunloju Stephen, discovered the incident upon returning from Ikeja around 1:20 p.m.

Stephen reportedly found Oloyede resting his head on a table inside the security office.

When asked about his well-being, the inspector assured Stephen that he was fine.

Odutola said Stephen then placed his bag and pistol on the table and stepped into the restroom.

Moments later, a gunshot was heard.

Odutola stated that Stephen allegedly found Oloyede lying in a pool of blood.

Odutola said, “With the help of private security personnel, the wounded officer was immediately taken to Ota General Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead by the doctor on duty.

“Police officers visited the scene, and the deceased’s pistol was recovered. His body has been deposited at Ota General Hospital for autopsy, while we have begun notifying his family.”

She disclosed that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran for further investigation.

Malam Nasir El-Rufai has admitted that he and other politicians supported President Bola Tinubu for the 2023 presidential election despite their knowledge of his Chicago State University academic records controversy.

The former Governor of Kaduna State in an interview with BBC they supported Tinubu’s presidential ambition with the belief that he would replicate his performance as Lagos State governor.

“What pains me is that the government we supported, and have confidence will do well. We know what Tinubu did in Lagos, we are all aware about his Chicago, but we said if he can do the same as he did that will make Lagos great, we will support him,” he said.

It would be recalled that after criticising Tinubu’s administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), El-Rufai dumped the party for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on March 10, 2025.

Since he joined the SDP, El-Rufai has been wooing other politicians to join him in the party to wrestle power from the APC in 2027.

As part of the scheming ahead of the 2027 election, the ex-governor recently met with Pastor Tunde Bakare and former Tinubu’s ally, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

El-Rufai has also urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate to join his new party.

Meanwhile, the former Kaduna Governor has addressed the speculation that his defection to the SDP is a ploy to contest for president in 2027.

Addressing the claim, El-Rufai said the decision lies not with him but with his party and the people.

“It is not for me to decide, it is the party and the people that will decide.

“Even when I was contesting for governor, it was people that met and convinced (Muhammadu) Buhari, and he called me and asked me to contest,” he said.

A Nigerian-trained lawyer and senator, Neda Imasuen has yet to respond to reports of his disbarment from practicing law in the United States, more than a week after the Nigerian media brought the issue to light.

Reports had emerged revealing that Imasuen was disbarred in 2010 following a petition by an American, Daphne Slyfield, who accused him of failing to represent him in a court case despite being hired and paid for the service.

According to official documents, Slyfield filed a petition with the Supreme Court of New York, leading the Grievance Committee for the Second, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Judicial Districts to review the matter.

The petitioner alleged that Imasuen engaged in “professional misconduct,” prompting the appointment of George Friedman as a special referee to investigate and report on the claims.

After being served with the petition in July 2009, Imasuen was instructed to respond within 20 days. The committee warned that failure to do so would result in the charges being deemed established. However, records indicate that he neither responded to the petition within the allowed timeframe nor sought an extension.

Reports suggest that Imasuen returned to Nigeria in 2010, the same year his disbarment took effect. He subsequently worked as a consultant for the European Union’s State Reforming Institutional Programme, serving as the Jigawa State coordinator.

In 2023, he secured a seat in Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber as the senator representing Edo South District under the Labour Party, one of the country’s opposition parties.

Under New York legal provisions, attorneys who have been disbarred, suspended, or removed from the Roll of Attorneys and Counselors-at-Law due to a felony conviction may seek reinstatement. However, such applications can only be made after seven years from the date of disbarment.

It remains unclear whether Imasuen has applied for reinstatement. If he has not, his disbarment remains in effect.

Since the news of his disbarment surfaced, it has dominated discussions in Nigeria, with numerous media outlets covering the development.

Media organizations have made multiple attempts to reach Senator Imasuen for his reaction, but he has not responded.

Premium Times, on Sunday, contacted him via his known mobile number and sent text messages but received no reply.

On Wednesday, multiple calls were made to an alternative number associated with him, but they also went unanswered. A text message sent that same day was successfully delivered, yet he remained unresponsive.

Further inquiries were sent to his official email on Thursday. However, as of the time of this report, Imasuen had yet to respond.

Role in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension
Imasuen, who serves as the chairperson of the Senate ethics committee, recently played a key role in the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following her accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

After reviewing a report from the ethics committee, which Imasuen leads, the Senate, under the leadership of Mr. Akpabio, suspended Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months on February 20, citing misconduct and non-compliance with the chamber’s sitting arrangement.

Akpabio had referred the senator’s sexual harassment petition to the ethics committee, but Imasuen ruled that the petition was “dead on arrival” and would not be entertained by the Senate.