President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, revealed how he planned to call the former Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, to help locate the then Alaafin of Oyo-designate, who had returned to Canada before his formal coronation in Oyo Kingdom, Nigeria.

The President stated this when he received the newly installed 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, during a visit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

In a very cordial atmosphere, the president recalled how he was worried when the then Canada-based Prince Owoade returned to the North American country ahead of his coronation, and he wanted to reach out to his counterpart in Canada to locate the Alaafin for him.

“You created anxiety at the time the nomination was announced and your return to Canada. I’d wanted to call the President (Prime Minister); sincerely, I wanted to call the President of Canada. We were together in Brazil when he told me he’d not run for office again.

“I wanted to ask him whether he can help me locate my Alaafin, but I was later assured that you went to sign off,“ the President said.

He lauded the new monarch for demonstrating character and discipline, and for uplifting the culture of the Yoruba in Canada.

“I’m glad that you’re a beacon of hope to the rest of our race; the good name you left behind in Canada; how you represented our race as a hardworking engineer who wants to develop this country. It’s a good thing that you’re back, you’re crowned, and you came here first. I really appreciate that,” the president said.

Tinubu emphasised that the culture, peace and stability of the nation required inclusiveness, noting that governing the nation was not a job to be done alone.

“We have to put hands together to build a nation of prosperity; a nation that God Almighty will continue to see as a nation of peace, stability and progress,” Tinubu stated.

President Tinubu highlighted the need for uplift medicare, education and cultural values, pledging to support the Alaafin in the areas, saying “The doors are open.”

Pointing at the political officeholders of Oyo extraction at the gathering, including the Senator representing Oyo Central, Dr Yunus Akintunde; member representing Oyo Federal Constituency, Prince Akeem Adeyemi; the State Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Victor Adeleke, and his Aide-de-Camp, Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, who is also the Elemona of Ilemona-designate, whose ancestry was traced to Oyo at the meeting, the president said these public officeholders were doing well.

Tinubu, who hailed his aides from Oyo Kingdom as dedicated, hardworking and forthright, prayed that God would give the Alaafin the wisdom, rest of mind and success to navigate his way through the Oyo Kingdom affairs, stressing that “history will be yours to define by the grace of God Almighty. You’ll be there, you’ll live long.”

Earlier in his address, Alaafin Owoade I assured the President of the traditional rulers’ support in delivering his mandate to the people.

“I speak not just as the custodian of culture and tradition but as a voice for my people, who are deeply honoured by the audience you have granted us here at the heart of the national leadership.

“Your gracious reception is more than protocol. It is a mark of your character, statesmanship and enduring regard for the traditional institutions. The people of Oyo remember your journey as a man who rose through the crucible of political struggle with unmatched courage and charity. You have won many hearts as an activist, strategist, bridge builder and now as the nation’s foremost leader,” Alaafin told Tinubu.

The monarch said all Nigerians looked up to the President for a new direction.

“Nigeria looks up to you, not only for leadership but for restoration. For a new vision rooted in justice, equity and inclusive progress. It is in that spirit that I have come to seek your collaboration. Oyo is ready, Yoruba are ready, and Nigerians are ready,” he added.

The Alaafin commended the President for his bold economic reforms, infrastructural development, instituting social welfare, youth empowerment, and improvement in security and investments in agriculture.

“We understand that national transformation is not by government alone. It is built when ancient wisdom meets modern governance. When institutions, old and new, work hand-in-hand,” the Oyo monarch stated.

The Yobe State Hisbah Commission, in a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has shut down Maina Lodge Hotel and confiscated 209 cartons of alcohol in Damaturu, the state capital.

The Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Yahuza Abubakar stated while addressing journalists in his office one the agency’s recent crackdown on prohibited substances and immoral activities in the state.

Abubakar said the operation targeted a Golf vehicle with registration number ABJ-144-SC, loaded with the seized alcohol at Maina Lodge.

He added additional 34 bottles of alcohol were discovered at the facility following subsequent search of the lodge’s VIP Room 07.

Abubakar added that the lodge has been temporarily closed pending the conclusion of investigations to identify the driver and individuals responsible for smuggling the contraband into the state,” Abubakar stated.

“Let me tell you that the Commission is collaborating with lodge management to trace those involved.”

In a separate incident, the chairman said the commission responded to a complaint from one Waziri Ibrahim, leading to the closure of a residential building allegedly used for prostitution.

He said the property has been shut for three months pending further investigation.

The chairman commended Governor Mai Mala Buni for his unwavering support for the commission’s operations and praised security agencies for their collaboration.

“These successes underscore our commitment to upholding moral standards and combating illicit activities in Yobe State,” he said.

Abubakar reiterated their resolve of the Commission to enforce strict compliance with state laws prohibiting alcohol consumption and immoral conduct.

He called on the residents to report any suspicious activities while stressing that investigations into the incidents were ongoing.

The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has officially shut down the Muna Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Maiduguri, which accommodated more than 11,000 individuals.

Naija News understands that the Muna IDP camp was among the largest facilities in the state during the peak of the prolonged humanitarian crisis triggered by insurgency.

In his announcement regarding the camp’s closure, Governor Zulum pointed to significant illicit activities occurring within the camp as the primary justification for this decision.

“We have observed that in the IDP camp there is increased level of prostitution, gangsterism, cases of child abuse and other criminalities,” The governor said.

He emphasized that the complete eradication of Boko Haram is contingent upon the resettlement of displaced individuals, asserting that it is essential for people to return to their homes and regain their means of livelihood.

Zulum previously declared four years ago that all twelve official internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Maiduguri, the state capital, would be closed, a promise he fulfilled with the exception of two informal camps.

He noted that in 2024, the state government successfully resettled approximately 75 percent of the IDPs from the Muna camp, with the remaining 25 percent expected to return to their original localities in the coming days.

The governor further stated that each of the 6,000 households in the camp will be provided with food assistance, shelter materials, and access to healthcare services as part of the resettlement initiative.

Additionally, he announced that each household head, regardless of gender, will receive ₦100,000, while all housewives will be granted an extra ₦50,000.

The Nigerian Bar Asso­ciation (NBA) has insisted it cannot refund ₦300 million paid by former Governor Siminalayi Fubara to support the hosting of its 2025 Annual General Conference, in Rivers State.

Naija News reported that Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admi­ral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), demanded a refund of the money since the NBA cancelled hosting the event in the state.

The NBA cancelled its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) in Rivers State in protest of President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Fubara and appointment of Ibas.

A report released on Friday following the NBA’s National Executive Council Meeting in Ilorin, noted that Fubara’s donation was not in­tended to secure hosting rights for the later shifted Annual General Conference.

NBA President, Afam Osigwe, said the body cannot support the unconstitutional act of the President by hosting the conference in Port Harcourt.

“The National Executive Committee’s consultation revealed that the majority of lawyers/colleagues strongly desired that the NBA re­locate the Conference from Rivers State to another venue.

“The majority opinion was that the Conference should not be held in a state governed by a Sole Administrator. 

“Because the NBA does not recognise the unconstitutional suspension of a democratically elected govern­ment and the appointment of a Sole Administrator, the NBA can­not properly request venue and other logistical support from the Administrator,” it read.

According to Daily Independent, the report further said there was no justification for the call to refund the ₦300 Million support from Governor Fubara.

It added,  “The decision to hold the 2025 Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt is deemed unjus­tifiable due to ongoing protests and demands by lawyers. We cannot demand a refund of ₦300 Million paid by the Rivers State Government for ‘Conference Hosting Rights for the 2025, An­nual General Conference’ due to our presence in the city and potential collaboration. This also lends credence to the un­constitutional proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the appointment of a Sole Administrator to oversee the matter.

“We note that the NBA has taken a principled and legally sound position that appointing an Administrator for Rivers State is unconstitutional. Given this, we cannot in good conscience hold this year’s conference in Rivers State. As a result, we announced that the conference has been re­located to Enugu, a coal city.”

A Chieftain of the Labour Party, Pat Utomi, has told the Department of State Services (DSS) to go after politicians defecting to other parties while retaining their position contrary to the nation’s constitution.
Naija News reported that the DSS sued Professor Utomi for forming a shadow government against the government of President Bola Tinubu.

Reacting to DSS’s legal action, Utomi accused the internal intelligence agency of chasing shadows. He stated that the security agency ought to have sued politicians defecting from their parties.

“It’s amazing that we are chasing shadows while our constitution is unraveling aided by those in power. The constitution holds that those who defect from parties they were elected from must have their seats declared vacant. If DSS enjoys going to court, it should prosecute such,” he said.

In a series of tweets on his ? handle, on Friday, the Professor of Political Economics accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of financing crises in other political parties to create a one-party state.

“With the one-party state intentions of APC and financing of crisis in all parties outside APC, compounded by the greed of the politicians to remain in the prebendal lane of sharing, the desperation for oxygen in the system meant the imperative of the Big Tent shadow team,” he stated.

He added that his Big Tent shadow team aims to educate Nigerians on the policies of the government and empower them to hold leaders accountable.

“What is the goal of the Big Tent shadow team. It is a simple effort at the education of citizenry about governance and policy options as well as holding power accountable. I first suggested a shadow group as a means of deepening our democracy about 14 years ago,” he added.

Joseph Oloyede, a Nigerian traditional ruler and dual U.S. citizen, has been ordered to forfeit millions in cash and property following his conviction in a $4.2 million COVID-19 relief fraud case.

Oloyede, who holds the title of Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Nigeria, pleaded guilty on April 24 to 13 counts of fraud.

Although he is still awaiting sentencing, the U.S. government moved to seize assets tied to the case—a motion granted on May 5 by Judge Christopher Boyko of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

Among the assets forfeited is a property located in Medina County, Ohio, which was purchased in May 2021 under the name of his wife, Sherri Oloyede.

As part of a plea agreement aimed at minimizing his sentence, both Joseph and Sherri Oloyede agreed not to challenge the forfeiture.

Joseph Oloyede also waived his right to appeal the court’s decision.

Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of $96,006.89 from a JP Morgan Chase bank account held by Joseph Oloyede and Associates Ltd., also included in the plea deal.

Oloyede was arrested on May 4, 2024, after investigators uncovered his role in a fraudulent scheme involving six companies used to secure COVID-19 relief loans under false pretenses.

In June 2020 alone, he obtained more than $100,000 for four of those companies using fabricated information.

By October 2021, he had fraudulently secured another $1 million in loans through JO&A and Available Transportation.

His sentencing is expected later this year.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, have called for the urgent end to abject poverty across Africa.

Obasanjo insisted that if China could lift 700 million people out of poverty, Nigeria ought not to have anything to do with abject poverty. 

Speaking during Dele Momodu’s leadership lecture, ‘How to end hunger and poverty in Africa,’ Chief Obasanjo, in his keynote address, posited that “before we talk about food, security is key.”

While proffering a lasting solution to hunger across Africa, Obasanjo insisted that “education is one of the tools we can use to banish poverty. Where there’s no education, invariably, there will be poverty.

He posited that leadership is removed from banishing abject poverty: “In all works of life, we must have leaders whose characters display ‘communality’.

“Leadership is the greatest ingredient for ending poverty. There’s no human endeavour that does not thrive on leadership.

“To get it right, we must ensure no child is uneducated.

“Nigeria can eliminate hunger and poverty with integrity, discipline and good governance.

We can do it if China can lift 700 million people out of poverty.

“Nigeria should have no business with abject poverty. If we don’t take responsibility, we all sit on a gunpowder keg.

Until we banish poverty in Africa, international communities will not recognize us as a serious continent.” He said

While congratulating President Obasanjo on his submission, the Ooni of Ife urged everyone to be patriotic by collaborating with the government.

He said, “If we want to break poverty in this country, we have to be patriotic in all ramifications. From the food we eat to the clothes we wear. We may not get it right at first, but in a short time we would be the envy of the world.”

For his part, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, while congratulating Chief Momodu for his leadership centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, maintained that most political officeholders are too big to reach out to guardians.

“The problem we have is that people don’t have the fear of God. I invited President Obasanjo twice to Osun State to inspect the rapid development I am bringing there.

I am trying to build the Atlanta standard of spaghetti junction.” He said.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians that the military is dedicated to tackling the recent surge in insecurity, announcing key measures aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.

Speaking to State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu and other defence chiefs at the Aso Rock Villa, General Musa revealed that President Tinubu had approved the acquisition of additional air assets to bolster the fight against insurgency.

He confirmed that new equipment had already been procured to intensify efforts against terrorists, who have escalated their attacks, particularly in the northern region.

“Mr. President has given a directive on what to do next to intensify all efforts, and we are collaborating with all our neighboring countries. The porous nature of our borders is exacerbating the security issues,” General Musa said.

General Musa further explained that the ongoing efforts include enhancing military operations across various theaters, with a specific focus on acquiring air assets and other vital security equipment.

He highlighted that the government is equally focusing on non-kinetic measures, which include improving community development to combat insecurity at the grassroots level.

“The President is looking at engaging with governors to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach the people, which will help to reduce insecurity,” he added.

The CDS linked the rise in insecurity to a broader global effort by terrorists and jihadists operating in the Sahel region, noting that Nigeria’s porous borders are a contributing factor to the growing threat.

He emphasized that the ongoing discussions with President Tinubu were aimed at reviewing and addressing the country’s security challenges.

“Mr. President is deeply concerned about the current developments and is determined to resolve them. We, the security chiefs, have assured him of our commitment and continuous efforts to bring the situation under control,” General Musa stated.

General Musa urged Nigerians to continue supporting the security agencies in their efforts to combat insurgency. He also warned citizens to remain cautious about fake news, pointing out the circulation of videos from other countries on social media falsely depicting events in Nigeria.

“It is important that we all cooperate with the members of the Armed Forces and security agencies. If we see something that is going wrong anywhere in the country, let us report, action will be taken, including our own personnel.

“If we see them doing what is not supposed to be done, we should report and action will be taken,” he said.

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged the Federal Government to take action against human trafficking in Nigeria.

Naija News reports that in a statement on Friday, signed by the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Gabriel Odu, Dabiri-Erewa, during a strategic meeting with the Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, at NiDCOM Headquarters in Abuja, said while progress has been made towards stopping human trafficking, more needs to be done.

She stressed that traffickers should be named and shamed, while stricter penalties should be enforced to serve as a deterrent to other criminal actors.

Dabiri-Erewa said NAPTIP cannot work alone and called for closer collaboration with NiDCOM, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and other sister agencies, to curb the menace of human trafficking.

The NiDCOM boss appreciated the support of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), neighbouring governments, Nigerian Diaspora Communities, and NGOs for helping to rescue and reintegrate trafficked victims.

While commending the NAPTIP DG for her dedication and continued support, Dabiri-Erewa added, “We will continue to do our best to save these young ones and encourage safe and regular pathways for migration”.

On her part, Bello thanked Dabiri-Erewa for NiDCOM’s support, especially in the recent rescue of 231 young Nigerians from Ghana.

According to her, tackling human trafficking requires joint action from the government, society, and key stakeholders.

Bello assured that the Agency will continue to protect the rights and dignity of Nigerians against trafficking in persons.

She added, “We rescued last week 19 girls all pregnant for one man in an estate in Abuja, received 9 girls from Cote D’ivoire, and other sordid stories to mention here.”

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has attributed the recent resurgence of Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks in the country’s northeast to a “global push by terrorists and jihadists” across the Sahel region.

Speaking to correspondents on Friday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, Musa assured Nigerians that security forces were “on top of our game” despite the recent spate of attacks.

“What has happened of recent is that there’s a global push by terrorists and jihadists all over the Sahel area, and that pressure is what actually came into Nigeria because of the nature of our porous borders,” Musa explained.

President Tinubu is believed to have convened the meeting in response to a series of attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in Borno State earlier this week.

Between Monday and Tuesday, insurgents reportedly attacked four military bases, killed soldiers and seized military equipment.

In Marte, late Monday night, suspected ISWAP members reportedly killed seven soldiers and seized three gun trucks.

Less than 24 hours later, insurgents launched attacks on three additional military bases in Dikwa, Rann, and Gajiram.

Musa revealed that President Tinubu has issued directives to intensify security efforts and enhance collaboration with neighbouring countries to address the cross-border nature of the threat.

“Mr. President has given directives as to what to do next for us to intensify our efforts, collaborate with all our sister countries around, because it is the porous nature that is coming there that is actually aggravating our own issues on the ground,” he said.

The CDS also disclosed that the president has approved the acquisition of new air assets and other security equipment to strengthen the military’s capabilities.

Musa said that beyond military action, the administration is also focusing on non-kinetic approaches, including extending “dividends of democracy” to affected communities.

“The president is also looking at the aspect of also discussing with the (state) government for their own support, buying in, ensuring that dividends of democracy also extend to the communities to be able to stamp down the issue of insecurity,” he said.

The CDS further urged Nigerians to be wary of fake news, noting that many videos being circulated are either from other countries or old footage being presented as current events.

“A lot of fake news has been spread out, making it look, most of the videos being circulated are videos from other countries, or old videos, making it look as if it is new,” he cautioned.

The CDS assured residents of affected states, including Borno and Plateau, that security agencies are working closely with state governors to address security challenges.

“Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that there’s peace in Nigeria. And that’s what we try to push and that’s what we’re doing,” he added.

On Tuesday, the Senate urged the military to swiftly redeploy sufficient personnel to the North-East following the killing of soldiers in Marte town of Borno.

The upper chamber asked the military to ensure that they are adequately equipped with modern technology to effectively address the resurgence of Boko Haram.

It also mandated the Committee on Army and Air Force to ensure compliance.

Resolutions of the Senate on Tuesday were sequel to a motion titled, “The Resurgence of Boko Haram in Borno and Yobe”.

The motion was moved by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno from Borno State, and co-sponsored by other Senators from Borno and Yobe.

In his presentation of the motion, Monguno noted that a few years ago, two-thirds of the Local Government Areas in Borno were under the control of Boko Haram.

“But with the concerted efforts of the military and Civilian Joint Task Force, the areas were reclaimed, restoring freedom and liberty for the residents.

“After that, relative peace was restored in Borno and Yobe, the military relocated their tactical command of operations to the North-West to address issues of kidnapping and banditry in the region.

“On Monday, May 12, the insurgents attacked and killed more than 12 soldiers in Marte town of Marte Local Government Area,” he said.

He expressed concerns that the country is experiencing a resurgence of Boko Haram, marked by increased attacks targeting communities, including those recently resettled, and regaining strength after years of conflict.

“The insurgents have employed more modern technology, including the use of drones, to unleash attacks on villages and communities in the states.

“The sect has resorted to planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) at strategic areas, which, when they explode, always result in high casualties and obstruct vehicular movement,” he noted.

Monguno said there was a need to return military operations in full force to Borno and Yobe and equip them with the needed technology to counter the nefarious activities of insurgents.

“A strong presence of the military in the North-East zone will effectively curb a resurgence of Boko Haram,” he said.