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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed troops who have arrested claims that wanted terrorist kingpin Bello Turji in the North West.
Social media has been awash with unverified reports that the wanted terror leader has been arrested.
Bello Turji has been responsible for unrest in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and other North Western states.
He was declared wanted by the military in early 2024, and in December 2024, he was declared a “dead man walking.”
Reacting to the reports, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said, “Please treat all news regarding the arrest of Bello Turji by troops as fake news.”
![[PRESS RELEASE] Obi not against coalition, clarifies Report](/media/k2/items/cache/83cbe9c0d5c85885f4ca563f2f72ff36_L.jpg)
Writing in his X handle the Labour Party leader, Peter Obi has clarified his misrepresented interview report of Monday that he was against political coalition.
"I have observed that my honest interview yesterday was misquoted by many media outlets, creating a false narrative that misrepresents my position. Let me set the record straight:
"I am not against coalition, in truth, I am for it not for power grab but to position Nigeria for greatness.
I have not, and will never, advocate for any coalition or alliance that does not prioritize the welfare and progress of the ordinary Nigerian. Any discussion about governance must centre on what it means for the everyday Nigerian, how it will address critical issues such as access to quality healthcare, and education, and pulling people out of poverty.
"Too often in our nation’s history, individuals and groups have come together solely for the purpose of taking power for power's sake. Such endeavours, devoid of genuine purpose and vision, have only deepened our challenges, leaving the ordinary Nigerian to bear the brunt of bad governance. This is what I stand firmly against.
"Leadership must be about service, not self-interest. It must be about building a nation where opportunities abound for all, where justice and equity are non-negotiable, and where governance works for the people, not against them.
"As I have always maintained, the New Nigeria is possible. But it requires us to change the way we think about power. It is not about grabbing it; it is about using it responsibly to transform lives and secure a brighter future for generations to come.
Ibrahim Umar
POMR SPOKESMAN
[PRESS RELEASE] NAFDAC Launches Operation Clean Up Aba: Seals Cemetery Market Aba For The Second Time In Two Years And Confiscats Fake Food And Beverages Worth Over Five Billion Naira
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] NAFDAC Launches Operation Clean Up Aba: Seals Cemetery Market Aba For The Second Time In Two Years And Confiscats Fake Food And Beverages Worth Over Five Billion Naira](/media/k2/items/cache/46a8670bcfe63b3bf6748c2bf4928a3b_M.jpg)
Cemetery market Aba regarded as the most dreaded and hitherto safe haven for the largest cartel ring for the manufacture of fake wines and beverages in Africa has been short down again by NAFDAC in a decisive move to curb the circulation of fake and substandard wine and beverages in Nigeria.
The current action of NAFDAC is the most audacious since the history of the market with specific zones barricaded with iron welding and access gates locked till date. The operation carried out in conjunction with a large contingency of the military, DSS and Nigeria Police, in a rare display of inter-agency cooperation, was a follow up to a similar raid that was carried out in December 2023.
Some of the nefarious activities of the counterfeiters included the manufacturing of all kinds of adulterated products especially different kinds of wine from a wide variety of brands ranging from the following:
· Seaman Schnapps, Henessy, Four Cousins
· Carlo Rossi, Jenney, Chelsea London Dry Gin
· Schnapp Dry Gin, McDowells, Black Labels
· Gordons, Martell, Campari, Smirnoff ice
· Eva Non-Alcoholic Drink, Evra Non-Alcoholic Drink, Cartel and others.
As a consequence of the extensive operation, the agency raided over 240 shops turned factories where the harmful products were being produced and marketed. The shops turned factories are very filthy, using water from very unhygienic sources, harmful chemicals, saccharin, colouring, dirty recycled bottles and cloned packaging materials of other brands. The adulteration of alcoholic beverages by criminal elements in the country is done by mixing of cheaper sources of sugar and starch besides grapes or fruit, among other harmful chemicals unsuitable for human consumption.
Over 1500 cartons of the fake and substandard products were destroyed during the operation. The street value of the confiscated and destroyed fake products in 2023 is estimated at over seven hundred and fifty million naira only. (N750,000,000). The estimated value of products mopped up during the December 15, 2024, operation is five billion naira. The products being revalidated and mopped up include:
· Soft and carbonated drinks such as Fanta, Coca Cola
· Schweppes, Lacasera, Sprite, Hollandia Yoghurt
· Super Commando Energy Drink, Feyrouz and Amstel Malta.
Aside from drinks, notable fake home use beverages such as:
· Peak Sachet Milk, Cowbell Sachet Milk, Peak Chocolate Drink
· Miksi Sachet Milk, Cadbury Chocolate Drink and Ovaltine adulterated versions.
Prior to the evacuation of the products by NAFDAC, they were being produced in the market and neatly packaged and sold to unsuspecting consumers.
NAFDAC management appreciates the support from the Government of Abia state led by His Excellency Governor Alex Otti for his unwavering support for this project OPERATION CLEAN UP ABA. The Mayor of Aba south and the interim management committee of the market and other stakeholders have been working assiduously with NAFDAC on the project leading to another discovery of three major warehouses stockpiling expired HOLLANDIA YOGHURT for revalidation on the 22nd of January 2025.
NAFDAC wishes to assure the public of her determination to safeguard the health of the nation and enjoins the general public to report any suspected fake and substandard regulated product to the nearest NAFDAC office.
NAFDAC: Safeguarding the Health of the Nation
Prof Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, FAS
Governor Aiyedatiwa and Deputy Governor Adelami Score Big in the Court of Appeal - Kayode Ajulo, SAN
Admin
In a momentous legal triumph, Governor Aiyedatiwa and Deputy Governor Adelami have outmaneuvered Agboola Ajayi, the PDP candidate, with a ruling delivered today at the Court of Appeal in Akure. The court has decisively struck down and dismissed the appeal from Ajayi and the People's Democratic Party, thereby reinforcing Aiyedatiwa's authority in office.
Ajayi and the PDP contended that Dr. Adelami lacked the qualifications to run for election, even referencing a Bayelsa State precedent in their bid for disqualification.
This ruling stands as a watershed moment in our political saga, reaffirming the electoral mandate granted to Aiyedatiwa and Adelami. Their administration is laser-focused on delivering on its commitments to the citizenry, and the court's decision underscores the vital role of the judiciary in safeguarding electoral integrity.
In conclusion, I offer my sincere congratulations to the Governor and Deputy Governor. To the appellant, as a brother and friend, it’s high time to wake up and recognize the futility of this endless chase against an unimpeachable mandate conferred by the people of Ondo State. Let’s rally together and channel our energies toward the collective advancement of our state, for the will of the people is an inviolable covenant that must be honored.
Dr Kayode Ajulo, OON, SAN
The Kano State Government has withdrawn all criminal charges against #EndBadGovernance protesters, marking a significant victory for justice and civil liberties in Nigeria.
Vanguard learnt that the Attorney General of Kano State, through the Director of Public Prosecutions, ordered the discontinuation of the charges on 27 January 2025.
This decision addresses the controversial arrests made during the nationwide protests held between 1 and 10 August 2024.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Citizens’ Gavel, signed by Rachael Adio, Communications Associate, the organisation described this development as a landmark moment in upholding the constitutional freedoms of Nigerians.
She explained that the decision followed a petition submitted by Citizens’ Gavel on 5 November 2024, urging the Attorney General to exercise his powers under Section 211(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution to dismiss the charges.
“Five months later, the withdrawal of these charges marks a significant victory for justice, reaffirming the rights of citizens to peacefully express their grievances without fear of persecution.
“Fundamental Human Rights Enforcement Applications were also filed in court, with Citizens’ Gavel providing free legal support and representation to the affected victims prior to this landmark decision.
“Citizens’ Gavel commends the Honourable Attorney General of Kano State for upholding the rule of law and respecting the constitutional freedoms of Nigerians.
“We remain committed to advocating for justice, protecting civil liberties, and ensuring accountability within the justice system.
“We believe that a Nigeria where the rights of the people to dissent and peacefully protest are safeguarded is possible,” the statement added.
The protesters had faced allegations of conspiracy to commit treason, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance, which Citizens’ Gavel described as baseless.
Citizens’ Gavel provided free legal support and filed Fundamental Human Rights Enforcement Applications in court on behalf of the victims.
The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has instructed the Muslim Ummah to observe the crescent of Sha’aban 1446 AH on Wednesday, corresponding to the 29th day of Rajab 1446 AH in the Islamic calendar.
Prof. Sambo Junaidu, the Waziri of Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, conveyed the directive in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The statement said when the crescent moon is sighted, it should be reported to the nearest district or village heads for onward communication to the sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for official confirmation.
“May Allah (SWT) help us in the discharge of this religious duty. Amen,” the statement added.
In Islam, the sighting of the new moon of Sha’aban is significant, as Sha’aban is the month preceding Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
The declaration of the new moon marks the start of Sha’aban and aids Muslims in preparing for Ramadan.
[DailyTrust]
Members of the Omoluabi Progressives, a group loyal to Rauf Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State, have agreed to quit the All Progressives Congress, APC, DAILY POST learnt.
In a statement signed by Abosede Oluwaseun, the group’s Organising and Publicity Secretary, the decision to pull out of the APC was a consensus by stakeholders after a session ratifying the earlier resolution of members from the 332 wards of Osun at its monthly meeting in Ilesa on Sunday.
Some of the reasons adduced for the resolution, the statement revealed, included ostracisation from the party, suspension and expulsion of the tendency’s leaders without fair hearing, and continuous denigration of the structure, among others.
The statement disclosed that, “They also expressed dissatisfaction with the management of Osun APC’s intra-party crisis which led to the party’s abysmal loss in the last election cycle, a situation they consented has waned its strength and popularity among the people of Osun.
“The members were put to a voice vote by the leadership of the fold where they affirmed their readiness to switch allegiance to another political camp ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.”
Addressing members of the tendency, immediate-past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola commended them for their commitment and steadfastness to the principles of character, integrity and good governance.
Aregbesola, while affirming the resolution, noted that it was time to work aggressively for the success of Omoluabi Progressives and its vision to entrench good governance in Osun.
He also assured that in no distant time, the results of ongoing efforts by the leadership of the tendency to properly position it for the task ahead would materialize.
Aregbesola said, “I am indeed happy that all of you have spoken with one voice. It is not just one voice but a united front to lead the way to our collective victory in the journey ahead.
“I wish to remind you that the journey we are embarking on now is to further raise the level of prosperity of our dear state through responsible leadership.
“The path we have toed is a smooth path, highly reassuring and full of good tides that will propel our dear state to greatness.
“Therefore, you must show more commitment and attract genuine people who are ready to walk this path of righteousness with us.
“We are open to all regardless of political, religious, or socio-cultural leanings. We have the numbers, strength, and political acumen to provide a leadership that will make Osun the toast of its peers. By the grace of God, we shall succeed.”
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman, Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji thanked members for their consistency.
Adesiji told the gathering that with the resolve of members to align with a novel political platform, efforts should not be spared to orientate them on the ethos of true progressivism, which is the hallmark of Omoliabi Progressives.
The former council boss, who commended their cooperation in the last 17 months of the existence of the tendency, pledged to continuously provide leadership that protects the interests of members.
“I am happy that meetings are going on across all local government areas of the state, with remarkable progress achieved.
“Reports about turnout and new membership have so far been impressive. Let us continue in this stead.
“For us, the journey to reclaim Osun is a joint task. Be assured that we are ready to always accommodate your interests.
“What we want from you is your commitment to our ideals so that we can join hands together to restore Osun to good governance in 2026,” the Chairman stated.
DAILY POST recalled that The Omoluabi Progressives, a tendency within the Osun APC, was formed immediately after the dissolution of The Osun Progressives, TOP.
TOP, a tendency influenced by Rauf Aregbesola was birthed before the 2022 gubernatorial election in Osun State.
Shortly after the 2022 guber election, TOP was dissolved and it’s leaders called for peace within the Osun APC.
In 2024, the Osun APC expelled top members of the party who were loyal to Aregbesola and later suspended the former Minister from the party.
Shortly after, the Aregbesola tendency formed The Omoluabi Progressives which many political pundits have touted as the third force in the guber election slated for 2026 in the state
The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola SAN, in the early hours of Monday, agreed to withdraw the cases instituted against activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
Following Babalola’s petition to the police commissioner in Ekiti State that Farotimi defamed him in a book titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’, the police arrested the activist lawyer and arraigned him before two courts in Ekiti.
Consequently, Farotimi stood trial for alleged criminal defamation before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court, Ado Ekiti District and as well for alleged cyber-bullying before the Ado Ekiti Division of Federal High Court.
But Babalola, who spoke at ABUAD after the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other top traditional rulers at the midnight meeting, said, he had agreed to withdraw the criminal case, saying, “I will tell my lawyers to withdraw the case.”
Also in attendance were the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro; the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole: the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu; the Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju; and the Alaaye of Efon Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare.
Babalola, who restated the importance of the Yoruba traditional institution and the influence it wielded, said, “The monarchs are here, they have appealed to me over a criminal charge involving somebody who said I was corrupt.”
The senior advocate said that he felt so bad that Farotimi accused him of winning all his cases through corruption; hence, he rejected all earlier appeals to him to take the cases out of court.
He listed those who had appealed to him to take the matter out of court including former President Olusegun Obasanjo; the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah; and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adejugbe.
He said, “If you go through the pamphlet (Farotimi’s book), you will find that he attacked many judges by names, he attacked Supreme Court judges, and none is bothered, but I am bothered. I am bothered because of where and how I started life, from the farm to where I am.
“There is nothing I am going to gain from his imprisonment. There is nothing I am going to gain from so-called damages. I am not in quest of more wealth, rather how to spend what I have for the benefit of others. The only time I am happy is when I give.
“The request is simple, take away this criminal case in court. When Obasanjo wrote, he came here, I said no. when Kukah phoned and came, I said no, but on this occasion, I say yes. Thank you Kabiyesis. I will speak to my lawyers to withdraw it.”
The Ooni, who spoke on behalf of Yoruba monarchs, had requested Babalola to withdraw the case in court, assuring him that “nobody can tarnish your name. Your name is more than silver and gold and you have stood for your name with the message that nobody can joke with your name.”
Ogunwusi, who acknowledged Babalola’s contributions to the development of Yoruba, Nigeria and the world, said, “We (monarchs) came here to discuss the matter with him and he gave full respect to the obas and agreed.
“We, the obas, can attest to the hard work of Aare Afe Babalola and how he has invested so hard to build his name. The name cannot be tarnished or rubbished by anyone. Aare Afe Babalola has proven to the world that he cherishes his name and the world has heard him clearly.
“Baba, we want to appeal and also use our race to instruct you. Dele Farotimi is your son, you may not know him, we give birth to different children in this world, some are tough, some are soft, some are hard. Why we are here is our ethos as a race.”
The Ooni added, “We are using our race because some of our elders in Yorubaland and even beyond Yorubaland have spoken, but combining forces with the traditional institution, we have heard you, enough, enough and enough. Your name is intact. We have resolved the matter in our own way, we have done the needful.”
![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] Appointment Of Board Chairpersons And CEOs](/media/k2/items/cache/2abc56aa5b96a777992a5114890bd187_S.jpg)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed board chairpersons for 42 federal organisations and a secretary to the board of the Civil Defence, Immigration, and Prisons Services.
The President has also appointed a new managing director for the Nigerian Railway Corporation and a director-general for the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI).
President Tinubu directs the board chairpersons not to interfere with the management of the organisations, emphasising that their positions are non-executive.
All the appointments take immediate effect.
1. NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE CORPS, MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
- Hon. Hillard Eta Chairman (Cross River)
2. NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
- Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Chairman (Lagos)
3. FEDERAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY OF NIGERIA, MINISTRY OF AVIATION
- H. E. Abdullahi U. Ganduje, Chairman (Kano)
4. NATIONAL SUGAR DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
- Sen. Surajudeen Bashiru Ajibola, Chairman (Osun)
5. NIGERIA BULK ELECTRICITY TRADING COMPANY
- H. E. Sulaiman Argungu, Chairman (Kebbi)
6. NATIONAL AGENCY FOR GREAT GREEN WALL
- Sen. Magnus Abe, Chairman (Rivers)
7. NATIONAL TEACHERS INSTITUTE
- Barr. Festus Fuanter, Chairman (Plateau)
8. NATIONAL BOARD FOR TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION (NBTI)
- Raji, Kazeem Kolawole, Director-General (Oyo)
9. NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION
- Chief Victor Tombari Giadom, Chairman (Rivers)
10. TEACHERS REGISTRATION COUNCIL OF NIGERIA
- Comrade Mustapha Salihu, Chairman (Adamawa)
11. INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND
- Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, Chairman (Gombe)
12. NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY
- Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa, Chairman (Abia)
13. SHEDA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMPLEX
- Sen. Abubakar Maikafi, Chairman (Bauchi)
14. FEDERAL MORTGAGE BANK OF NIGERIA
- H. E. Nasiru Gawuna, Chairman (Kano)
15. NATIONAL OFFICE FOR TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION AND PROMOTION
- Sen. Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Chairman (Lagos)
16. NIGERIAN POSTAL SERVICE
- Chief D. J. Kekemeke, Chairman (Ondo)
17. NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY
- Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, Chairman (Sokoto)
18. NATIONAL STEEL COUNCIL
- Prof. Abdulkarim Kana Abubakar, Chairman (Nasarawa)
19. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
- Hon. Garba Datti Muhammad, Chairman (Kaduna)
20. NATIONAL BIO-SAFETY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
- Mu'azu Bawa Rijau, Chairman (Niger)
21. NIGERIAN BUILDING AND ROAD RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- Hon. Durosimi Meseko, Chairman (Kogi)
22. FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, GOMBE
- Hajia Zainab A. Ibrahim, Chairman (Taraba)
23. NIGERIAN RAILWAY CORPORATION
- Dr.Kayode Isiak Opeifa, Managing Director (Lagos)
24. FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, IDO-EKITI
- Aare (Hon.) Durotolu Oyebode Bankole, Chairman (Ogun)
25. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, ABEOKUTA
- Mr Abdullahi Dayo Israel, Chairman (Lagos)
26. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, ASABA
- Dr. Mrs. Mary Alile Idele, Chairman (Edo)
27. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, LOKOJA
- Nze Chidi Duru (OON), Chairman (Anambra)
28. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, OWERRI
- Hon. Emma Eneukwu, Chairman (Enugu)
29. CIVIL DEFENCE, IMMIGRATION AND PRISONS SERVICES BOARD
- Major Gen. Jubril Abdulmalik Rtd, Secretary (Kano)
30. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, UMUAHIA
- Mr. Uguru Mathew Ofoke, Chairman (Ebonyi)
31. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, YENAGOA
- Barr. Felix Chukwumenoye Morka, Chairman (Delta)
32. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, YOLA
- Alh. Bashir Usman Gumel, Chairman (Jigawa)
33. DAVID UMAHI FEDERAL UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, UBUHU, EBONYI STATE
- Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, Chairman (Imo)
34. NATIONAL OIL SPILL DETECTION AND RESPONSE AGENCY
- Chief Edward Omo-Erewa, Chairman (Edo)
35. NIGERIAN MARITIME ADMINISTRATION AND SAFETY AGENCY (NIMASA)
- Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, Chairman (Kaduna)
36. NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, NNEWI, ANAMBRA STATE
- Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Chairman (Borno)
37. AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, SHIKA, ZARIA, KADUNA STATE
- Hon. Lawal M. Liman (Chairman)
38. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE KATSINA
- Dr. Abubakar Isa Maiha (Chairman)
39. RAW MATERIALS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (RMRDC)
- Isa Sadiq Achida, Chairman (Sokoto)
40. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE BIRNIN KUDU
- Dr. Mohammed Gusau Hassan, Chairman Zamfara
41. NATIONAL BUILDING AND ROAD RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- Hon. Yahuza Ado Inuwa, Chairman (Nasarawa)
42. SOKOTO-RIMA RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
- Amb. Abubakar Shehu Wurno, Chairman (Sokoto)
43. AMINU KANO TEACHING HOSPITAL
- Augustine Chukwu Umahi, Chairman (Ebonyi)
44. FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP BOARD
- Engr. Babatunde Fakoyede, Chairman (Ekiti)
45. NIGERIAN SOCIAL INSURANCE TRUST FUND
- Hon. Shola Olofin, Chairman (Ekiti)
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
The Lagos State House of Assembly has reacted to the statement made by the former Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, who is insisting that he remains the speaker.
According to a statement signed by Ogundipe Olukayode on behalf of the Assembly, it is imperative to clarify that over two-third of the state assembly members are united behind the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
The lawmakers said nothing could change the decision taken on the 13th of January when Obasa was impeached as the speaker.
Olukayode said as elected representatives of the people of Lagos, the assembly members owe the public good governance and harmonious relationship with other arms of government.
He said, “The position of the house remains the same and nothing has changed. The position being canvassed by former Speaker, Rt Hon Obasa is uncalled for and unparliamentary.”
He further explained that the majority of members elected Obasa as speaker for the 10th Assembly and later took a majority decision to remove him.
He appealed to the former speaker to toe the line of peace and harmony as being followed by others.
More...
The chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, has been arrested in connection with a high-profile corruption case involving the alleged diversion of over N4billion.
A source within the commission confirmed the arrest on Friday, stating, “He was arrested today and he would likely be taken to Abuja.”
The arrest was carried out by police operatives led by ASP Ahmed Bello.
Rimingado’s arrest is believed to be linked to the ongoing trial of the former Managing Director of Kano Agricultural Supply Company Limited (KASCO), Bala Muhammed Inuwa. The trial, which began in November 2023 at the Kano State High Court presided over by Justice Hafsat Yahaya, has seen the seizure of properties, including funds in bank accounts, allegedly linked to the embezzled public funds.
The case took another turn in December 2023 when Inuwa filed a suit before Justice Aisha Ya’u of another Kano State High Court, requesting the removal of police officers stationed at Limestone Processing Links Ltd., where the seized properties were held. Justice Ya’u granted the request, ordering the removal of the officers.
However, the PCACC objected, arguing that it was not joined in the suit despite being the primary custodian of the confiscated assets. The commission filed a stay of execution of the order and sought to be included in the proceedings, emphasising that the police were merely securing the assets on its behalf.
In a recent press briefing, Rimingado disclosed that the commission had foiled an attempt to relocate the seized properties, valued at over N2 billion. The assets, which include trailers, trucks, and minivans, were moved from Kumbotso Local Government Area to a government warehouse in Nasarawa GRA, a move Rimingado said was in line with Section 40 of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Law.
As of the time of filing this report, further details about Rimingado’s arrest remained unknown.
‘I Remain Lagos Assembly Speaker’ - Obasa Breaks Silence On Impeachment As Lagos Assembly Speaker
AFOLABI
dismissed allegations of misappropriation
Impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has described the corruption allegations against him as “fictitious and unsubstantiated”.
Speaking during a welcome rally at his residence in GRA, Ikeja on Saturday, Obasa maintained that he was not afraid of being impeached but emphasised that due process was not followed.
The former speaker alleged that his removal was orchestrated while he was away, and accused the state commissioner of police of aiding the process.
He claimed security agents, led by the police commissioner, invaded the assembly complex and his homes in Agege and Ikeja, locking his family indoors with over 200 officers present.
Obasa dismissed allegations of misappropriation.
He mocked claims that a gate construction had cost N16 billion, saying, “Is it the wall of Jericho?”
He said “I am not afraid of being removed, after all, it is not my father’s chieftaincy title. I am representing my people and they have returned me six times. If you want to do anything, do it well.
“They did the removal all because I was out of the country. Lagos is a special place, we cannot denigrate the state.
The former speaker cited the case of the former speaker, Rt. Hon Jokotola Pelumi.
He said when Pelumi was removed, he was in the assembly and “we did not invite policemen.
“When my sister, former deputy speaker of the house, hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho was removed, we did not invite the police.”
Obasa said an innocent person should not be discredited, and there must be proof of allegations showing exactly what he has done.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly is above common standard of excellence.
“I appreciate the members of the governance advisory council and Governor Babajide Olusola Aanwo-Olu of the state. He is my brother and he always calls me his younger brother.”
Obasa was impeached on January 13 by more than two-thirds of the 40-member legislative house over alleged misconduct and sundry offences.
His Deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was immediately elected the new speaker, becoming the first female to take charge of the legislative body in the South-West state.
The Chief Of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, stated that the military is on the path to becoming a superpower in the production of military equipment in a few years
“Sometimes we gain traction and then it goes down, but now, with the signing of the DICON Bill, we are going to make sure it is sustainable. People are interested, people are coming in, we are having a lot of partners going into it and I can assure you that in a few years, Nigeria too will be a superpower in producing its own equipment.” the CDS said.
He noted that the military used to produce some of its weapons at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) but that slowed down over the years.
In spite of the drawback, General Musa expressed optimism at the resumption of production of military equipment saying the Nigerian military is now making the small calibre of weapons directly.
He said, “We used to assemble guns from DICON but it stopped, that is being restored now. We produce our own ammunition now. Directly we do that for small calibre 7.62mm, we do that and 9mm, we also do that.
“We want to do the 5.6 and then go to the higher calibres from 12.7 and above. So those are the things we are working on. You know, the funny thing is that the Nigerian DICON started 60 years last year, the same time as Brazil’s. Brazil is producing unmanned aircraft and unmanned submarines, they have gone very far, and we want to achieve that.”
General Musa said that the production of military equipment locally will help create employment for the youths and as well improve the country’s foreign exchange.
He added that local production of equipment will enable the Nigerian military sell to the neighbouring countries and raise funds for the military.
With the Federal High Court Abuja proscribing the Lakurawa sect on Friday, and classifying it as a terrorist organization, the Chief of Defence Staff said this has given the military ”legal backing” to actively eradicate them.
He said that some foreign purchased weapons like the Super Tucano have restrictions where it can be used, but with the proscription of the group as terrorists, such weapons can now be used against them.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja has proscribed the Lakurawa sect, classifying it as a terrorist organisation.
The prescription order followed an ex-parte application filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
In a ruling, Justice Omotosho, equally proscribed similar groups operating in Nigeria, especially in the North West and North Central regions of the country.
“It is hereby ordered as follows: That an order is hereby made declaring the activities of the Lakurawa Sect and other similar groups In any part of Nigeria, especially in the North West and North Central Regions of Nigeria as acts of terrorism and illegality.
“That an order is hereby made proscribing the existence of the Lakurawa and other similar groups in any part of Nigeria, especially In the North West and North Central Regions of Nigeria either in groups or as Individuals by whatsoever names they are called and publishing same in the Official Gazette and two (2) National Dailies.
“That an order is hereby made proscribing any person or group of persons from participating in any manner whatsoever in any form of activities evolving or concerning the prosecution of the collective intention or otherwise of the Lakurawa under any other name or platform however called or described.
“That an order is hereby made proscribing ali other groups in Nigeria by whatever name called with similar objectives as the Lakurawa which Include but not limited to banditry, kidnapping for ransom, kidnapping for marriage, mass abduction of school children and other citizens, cattle rustling, enslavement, imprisonment, severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, other forms of sexual violence, attacks and killings n communities, commuters and wanton destruction of lives and properties in Nigeria,” the court held.
FG had in the ex-parte application, prayed the court for four orders.
An Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, mister David Kaswe, moved the motion that was initially filed on January 14 by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Mr Mohammed Abubakar.
In a supporting affidavit that was deposed to by Mr Michael Akawu, a litigation officer in the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), the federal government told the court that the Lakurawa sect/group had been involved in acts of terrorism, including cattle rustling, kidnapping for ransom, hostage taking, attack on top government officials, attack on security personnel, propagation of their ideology to the local communities, encouraging the locals to disregard constituted authorities, within Nigeria.
The FG maintained that it had reasonable grounds to believe that the Lakurawa sect met the criteria to be proscribed as a terrorist group under the Terrorism (Prevent and Prohibition) Act.
It told the court that it would be in the overall interest of justice, peace and security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to proscribe the sect.