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‘Gumi’s Actions, Deeds Suggest That He Is Above The Law’ – APC Chieftain, Joe Igbokwe

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‘Gumi’s Actions, Deeds Suggest That He Is Above The Law’ – APC Chieftain, Joe Igbokwe


A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has said the actions and deeds of Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, suggest he is above the law.

Naija News reports that Gumi has been very vocal since the multiple airstrikes carried out by the United States in Sokoto State.

The airstrikes, which were conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian government, were targeted at ISIS and Lakurawa terrorists.

Amid the controversies surrounding the attack, Gumi has continued to rubbish the multiple airstrikes in several commentaries.

Igbokwe, in a post via his Facebook page on Sunday, said Gumi is speaking in favour of bandits as if he were their commander.

He wrote, “Is Sheikh Gumi above the law? I have heard him speaking in favour of the bandits. I have seen him having a meeting with well armed bandits.

“He speaks as if he is their commander. His actions and deeds suggest that he is above the law.”

Meanwhile, Nigerian lawyer cum human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has slammed Gumi over his criticisms of the United States’ airstrikes against terrorists in Sokoto State.

In a post via 𝕏 on Sunday, Adeyanju said Gumi should not be ‘crying’ if Trump’s airstrikes failed to kill any ISIS terrorists in Sokoto State.

He said, “If the Donald Trump air strike against Nigerian ISIS didn’t kill any terrorist, why is Gumi crying? Should he not be happy that all his colleagues are still alive?

“Why the tears? We need more collaborative efforts between the US and Nigeria against these barbaric terrorists terrorizing our nation.”



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Supporting Tinubu Won’t Give You any Ticket — Wike Tells Fubara

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Supporting Tinubu Won’t Give You any Ticket — Wike Tells Fubara


Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has sent a strong political message to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, saying support for President Bola Tinubu alone will not guarantee any election ticket.

Wike made the statement on Sunday during a public outing in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

His remarks were widely seen as directed at Governor Fubara, amid ongoing political tensions in the state.

The former Rivers governor said political loyalty must be tested during difficult times, not after power has been secured.

He mocked those he described as late supporters of President Tinubu, insisting that sudden alignment would not earn political rewards.

In his words:
“So the issue is not whether you are supporting Tinubu. That one, we have taken too long, long… Yes, oh. So Tinubu’s issue is not an issue again. Yes. Do you understand me? Yes. Tinubu’s issue is that nobody should be coming here to tell a day. We are for Tinubu, I am against you. Who is for Tinubu University? (laughs) That cannot give you any ticket, oh. (laughs) Direct, direct. It will not. Direction. Direction.”

Wike stressed that his political camp stood with Tinubu when the decision was unpopular. He said that support given under pressure carries more weight than alignment after victory.

He also recalled how the Rivers State House of Assembly openly backed Tinubu early, long before the election outcome was certain.

According to him, some of those now making public declarations were absent during the critical period.

“The same people now who came to declare, put them to God… But they should declare they are saying it for a candidate. Yes. Don’t you see characters? (laughs) So I send the sword far ahead of them.”

Wike further spoke on governance and continuity. He defended projects and agreements initiated during his tenure as governor. He said it is often difficult for successors to acknowledge past efforts, even though government is a continuous process.

His comments come weeks after Governor Fubara formally aligned with the All Progressives Congress, the party of President Tinubu.

The move followed months of political crisis in Rivers State, which led to federal intervention and a brief declaration of emergency rule.

Political watchers believe Wike’s remarks were a direct response to Fubara’s recent positioning as a key Tinubu ally in Rivers politics. Critics argue that Fubara’s support surfaced only after the political storm had settled.

Wike, who remains a dominant force in Rivers State politics despite serving in Abuja, appeared to draw a clear line ahead of the 2027 elections.

He suggested that political tickets would be decided by proven loyalty, not convenience.

Videos from the event in Rumuche, Emohua, spread rapidly on social media. Many users described the speech as a coded warning to the governor.

As of press time, neither the Rivers State Government nor Wike’s media team has issued an official clarification.

The comments, however, suggest that the political rift between both camps is still active, despite earlier peace moves brokered at the national level.



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SEC says over N753bn raised through Commercial Papers between April and October 

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SEC says over N753bn raised through Commercial Papers between April and October 


Nigeria’s capital market attracted more than N753 billion in commercial paper (CP) issuances between April and October 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has disclosed.

According to the capital market regulator, this reflects deepening liquidity, strong investor appetite and renewed confidence in regulatory reforms which the commission said boosted activities in the commercial paper space.

In a release on Sunday, December 28, SEC Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, among other things, explained the factors that strengthened investor sentiment in the market during the year.

What the SEC is saying: 

Agama said the CP market remained one of the most vibrant segments of the market during the review period, supporting short-term financing needs across manufacturing, agriculture, energy and other critical sectors.

“Commercial paper issuance remained vibrant, with over N753 billion raised to support short-term funding needs across diverse sectors,” he noted. 

The SEC DG added that the broader debt market also recorded landmark transactions, including the N500 billion Climate Funding SPV and the N200 billion Elektron Finance bond issuance.

These, he said, reflect increasing appetite for infrastructure-linked and sustainable finance instruments.

“These figures are not just numbers; they represent confidence in our regulatory framework and the resilience of our market architecture,” Agama stressed. 

He explained that the CP performance forms part of wider capital-raising activities approved by the Commission across debt, equity and hybrid instruments during the period.

Between April and October, the market “demonstrated remarkable depth and adaptability,” recording significant transactions that reinforced its role in mobilising capital for economic expansion.

Agama also highlighted macroeconomic tailwinds—Nigeria’s recent sovereign credit rating upgrade and the country’s removal from the FATF grey list—as supportive indicators that have strengthened investor sentiment.

“These achievements… signal renewed confidence in our economy. They will attract greater investment and enhance capital inflows,” he said. 

Monetary conditions: 

On monetary conditions, the SEC boss said easing inflationary pressures have created room for market innovation, urging operators to move from policy articulation to execution.

“The time for passive observation is over. Our collective responsibility is to activate opportunities and position the market as an engine of inclusive growth,” he said. 

Responding to the sharp downturn in November—when the Nigerian Exchange lost about N6.54 trillion in market capitalisation Agama attributed the slump to profit-taking ahead of the proposed 30% Capital Gains Tax, weak banking stock sentiment and global uncertainties. He said the market has since rebounded on policy assurances.

He also described the migration of the equity’s settlement cycle from T+3 to T+2 as a landmark reform that has enhanced liquidity and reduced counterparty risk, with plans already in motion to move to T+1 and ultimately T+0.

What you should know 

Commercial paper is a short-term, unsecured debt instrument issued by companies to raise quick funds for working capital needs, typically with maturities of 270 days or less. According to SEC, companies raised a total of N753 billion during the review period.

  • It is worthy of note that Nigeria’s capital market is closing 2025 on a historic high, with total market capitalization hitting N149.88 trillion as of December 24 just shy of the N150 trillion mark for the first time.
  • The growth reflects strong performance across equities, bonds (debt instruments), and ETPs, supported by sustained reforms, high domestic investor participation, and solid corporate actions.
  • Equities dominated the market, contributing N97.89 trillion or 65% of total value, while bonds added N51.55 trillion and ETPs recorded N43.20 billion.

The NGX All-Share Index delivered a robust 49.17% year-to-date gain, positioning the exchange among Africa’s top performers. Turnover more than doubled, fuelled mainly by domestic retail and institutional investors seeking higher yields amid tight monetary conditions.

The SEC believes the strong commercial paper market, major debt issuances, improved macroeconomic indicators and ongoing market reforms—including the T+2 settlement cycle—are collectively positioning Nigeria as a top investment destination in Africa.



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NMA Denies Organ Harvesting Allegations at EKSUTH, Calls for Reversal of Surgeon’s Dismissal – THISDAYLIVE

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NMA Denies Organ Harvesting Allegations at EKSUTH, Calls for Reversal of Surgeon’s Dismissal – THISDAYLIVE


The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ekiti State Branch, has dismissed as false and misleading allegations of organ harvesting at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), saying no such act occurred during a recent surgical procedure at the facility.

In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Ifedayo Oreyemi, and Secretary, Dr Oluwatobi Akinluyi, the association said it was alarmed by what it described as widespread misinformation and sensational reporting surrounding a clinical case at the hospital.

The NMA stated unequivocally that no organ was willfully, secretly or illegally removed from the patient, stressing that all medical actions taken were in line with established ethical, legal and professional standards. According to the association, the kidney removed during surgery was formally handed over to the patient’s wife in the operating theatre, after which she personally conveyed the specimen to the pathology laboratory for evaluation.

The association explained that the surgery involved a rare congenital kidney anomaly and was highly complex, requiring real-time intraoperative decisions guided by professional expertise and the patient’s best interest. It noted that such cases are well documented in medical literature and often carry inherent risks.

Beyond addressing the allegations, the NMA strongly criticised the dismissal of the consultant surgeon involved in the procedure, describing the action as excessive and disproportionate. It said the dismissal followed a surgical complication rather than a proven case of negligence or misconduct, and alleged that key professional stakeholders were not adequately consulted before the decision was announced.

The association also expressed concern over the suspension of resident doctors and theatre staff who were on duty during the surgery, noting that they were neither invited before an investigative panel nor given a fair hearing. It warned that these actions have negatively affected staff morale, led to the withdrawal of locum consultants, and raised fears of possible mass resignations, particularly within the Department of Surgery.

According to the NMA, these developments pose a serious threat to service delivery and patient care at EKSUTH.

While empathising with the patient, the association commended the Ekiti State Government for approving funding for the patient’s renal transplant and providing supportive care, describing the move as compassionate and commendable.

The NMA called for the immediate reversal of the surgeon’s dismissal and the suspension of resident doctors and theatre staff, and urged the government to ensure that disciplinary actions in sensitive medical cases are guided by due process, expert consultation and evidence-based review.

To prevent similar controversies in the future, the association recommended the establishment of an independent, expert-led investigative panel, strict adherence to due process, clearer communication protocols on sensitive clinical matters, and stronger institutional measures to protect healthcare workers from harassment and intimidation.

The NMA also appealed to the public and media organisations to verify information responsibly and avoid narratives that could unfairly damage the reputation of medical professionals and healthcare institutions.



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Adeleke slams Reps member Oke over call to deregister Accord Party

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Adeleke slams Reps member Oke over call to deregister Accord Party


Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Sunday criticised a member of the House of Representatives representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Oluwole Oke, over his call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the Accord Party ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

The Nation recalls that Oke had urged INEC to deregister the Accord Party, arguing that the party has no elected officials in public office in line with Section 225A of the Constitution.

Responding through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in a statement on Sunday, Governor Adeleke said the All Progressives Congress (APC) was obsessed with pursuing illegal and unconstitutional means against the Osun state government.

He described Oke as a laughing stock in what he called a desperate attempt to please his new masters within the APC fold, adding that Accord had, within a short period of its unveiling by the governor, emerged as a party of victory and triumph.

“As the APC is desperately working to financially strangulate Osun state by withholding local government allocations in the evil scheme to punish the voters into submission, it is equally plotting to destroy the ruling party in the state. That is not democracy; that is a recipe for democratic chaos.

“The APC strategy so far is built on undemocratic plots and scheming rather than contend with the electorate who have serious questions for Mr Bola Oyebamiji and the top hierarchy of the APC. If the APC is sure of its electoral potency, the party should drop the evil plot to destroy the Accord and let the fight be taken to the voters.

“Governor Adeleke has delivered in several sectors as attested to by local and international observers. In this yuletide period, Osun diaspora across the world are seeing first hand and hearing testimonies about the impressive performance of Governor Adeleke in the last three years. 

“The governor has delivered across sectors with Osun emerging the best in south west on primary health care; with Osun moving from 33rd position under APC to number 7th position in NECO and WAEC ratings; with sport sector undergoing policy reform under an ongoing five star upgrade and renovation of Osogbo city stadium; with science and innovation receiving policy and implementation attention; with tractors and input support now available to farmers; with over 250 kilometres of roads constructed statewide; with over 100 billion naira pension and half salary debt paid; with close to four billion naira allocated to cooperatives and artisans financing; with ease of doing business attracting investment and booming PPP sector.”

He challenged the APC candidate to run on his party’s records from 2018 to 2022 across the sectors, noting that “Governor Adeleke is running on his own records from 2022 to date. And comparing the two eras, the jury is out—Governor Adeleke surpassed 12 years of APC rule under three years.”



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Wike swipes at Makinde over $1m contract claims

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Wike swipes at Makinde over m contract claims


The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesome Wike, has taken a swipe at the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde.

Speaking to his supporters in Rivers State on Sunday, the former governor lamented that it is only in Nigeria that a contractor would be awarded a $1 million contract and his or her profit would equal the entire contract sum.

He vowed to address claims made by Gov. Makinde against him in an interview on Monday.

“You see, it’s only in Nigeria that someone will get a $1 million contract, and his profit will be the same $1 million; if that is the case, only God will help us,” he said in a now viral video on X.

DAILY POST reports that Gov. Makinde, speaking in a media chat on Tuesday, said he made his first $1 million at the age of 29, when Minister Wike was leaving law school and jostling for the local government chairmanship position.

The duo’s renewed clash comes amid the ongoing leadership crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party.



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‘I’m Surprised That Oba of Benin Will Stoop This Low’

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‘I’m Surprised That Oba of Benin Will Stoop This Low’


The former Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has condemned the violent attack and abduction of his cousin, Pedro Obaseki, at gunpoint by armed thugs, reportedly acting under the instructions of the palace of the Oba of Benin.

Naija News reported that Pedro, a former Managing Director of DAAR Communications and a renowned journalist, was attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he had gone to play football.

Pedro was subjected to physical assault, intimidation, and torture by the armed thugs before being forcefully taken to the palace.

A viral video circulating on social media shows the armed thugs taking Pedro, who was already stripped of his clothing, to the palace, where some palace chiefs ceremoniously received them.

The suspected thugs reportedly told palace guards that they had brought an Oghion (enemy) of the Oba.

However, some palace chiefs, who addressed the suspected thugs in Bini language, said the Oba had gone to the Holy Arousa Cathedral for a thanksgiving service to mark the end of the Igue festival.

The chiefs later took Pedro inside the palace, despite protests from the suspected thugs.

Sources say the thugs are awaiting further instructions from the Oba of Benin before Pedro Obaseki is released.

However, Obaseki, in a statement on Sunday, described the incident as a grave violation of fundamental human rights and a reckless disregard for the rule of law.

While expressing disappointment over the palace’s involvement in such a barbaric, shameful and ignoble act, Obaseki urged Nigerians to lend their voices to condemn the injustice.

He said, “I strongly condemn the violent attack, maiming and abduction of my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by armed thugs who are said to be acting under instructions of the palace of the Oba of Benin.

“I am surprised that our monarch would stoop so low and allow his hands to be soiled in such an ignoble act. This is not only embarrassing but deeply troubling.

“I call on security agencies to immediately investigate this matter thoroughly and transparently, identify those responsible for this barbaric act and ensure they are held accountable in accordance with the law. A situation where thugs and non-state actors appear to freely take the law into their own hands on behalf of high-profile individuals and those in positions of authority can only result in one outcome, a degeneration into a state of anarchy, which will do no one no good.

“I urge human rights organizations, civil society groups, and all well-meaning Nigerians to lend their voices and speak out firmly against this injustice and gross violation of human rights.”



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Terrorists Relocate To Other Part Of Nigeria

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Terrorists Relocate To Other Part Of Nigeria


Following the missile attacks carried out by the United States of America on Thursday night, December 25, there are strong indications that the suspected terrorists in the North are relocating to other part of the country.US Airstrikes: Terrorists Relocate To Other Part Of Nigeria.

Sunday Telegraph reports that President Trump had on Thursday announced that the US military carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in northwestern Nigeria.

Confirming the strike, the Federal Government said it gave the US government support and that the strikes were carried out on targeted areas being used by the terrorists.

However, no casualty was recorded in the two locations struck by the missiles.

At Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, a missile hit a farmland, while some buildings were affected in Offa, Kwara State.

Officials of Tangaza LGA in Sokoto State, however, said additional missile strikes were carried out on suspected hideouts of the Lakurawa armed group in parts of the Sokoto axis.

Although there were no deaths, several residents sustained injuries, while properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in Offa.

Speaking on the development, community leaders told the Punch that they noticed movements as the hoodlums migrated in small numbers after the Christmas Day attacks.

The Chairman of the Traditional Council in Gwer West LGA of Benue State, Daniel Abomtse, raised the alarm over the influx of armed herders into some communities following the US strike.

Speaking to one of our correspondents on Saturday, the traditional ruler said he noticed the presence of armed herders in his domain.

He said, “I felt their movement in my local government as well as in Agatu LGA. They have been running away from Sokoto to coastal areas in Gwer West and Agatu with sophisticated arms and grazing openly. They are in my domain.”

While appreciating the US strike, Abomtse called on Trump to extend the operations to Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Niger and Plateau states.

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Suspected thugs Stripped Obaseki, Paraded to Oba’s Palace in Benin — Akelicious

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Suspected thugs Stripped Obaseki, Paraded to Oba’s Palace in Benin — Akelicious


Suspected thugs today December 28, strpped naked Don Pedro Obaseki, a veteran filmmaker and a cousin of former governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, in Benin City, the Edo state capital.

In a video circulating on the internet on Sunday, Obaseki was seen being attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he had gone to play football.The video showed the moment he was also dragged before some chiefs at the Oba’s palace where he was made to kneel down.

The suspected thugs reportedly told palace guards that they had brought an Oghion (enemy) of the Oba.

Recall that Obaseki clashd with the throne during his tenure as governor when heplaced a ban on Okaigheles (youth leaders) in Benin Kingdom’s seven local government areas of the state. Obaseki at the time said that the activities of Okaighelese fueled cultism in the state. The palace however rejected the ban saying Okaigheles have been a part of the Benin tradition. The then-governor also fell out with the palace over the repatriation of thousands of artifacts (the Benin Bronzes) looted by British forces in 1897.

The Oba maintained that the artifacts were stolen from the Palace and should return to the Palace. However, the then-governor proposed the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), managed by a private entity.

It is unclear what Don Pedro may have said against the Palace that led to his ass@ult.



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Court Voids Mareva Orders Over Fair Hearing Breach

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Court Voids Mareva Orders Over Fair Hearing Breach


The Federal High Court in Lagos has cancelled the proceedings of November 21, 2025, in the case of Collins Onyeweama & Anor v. Techno Oil Limited & Ors, with all the interim orders made that day.

Naija News reports that the court ruled that the steps taken on that date breached the respondents’ right to a fair hearing.

In a ruling delivered on December 24, 2025, Justice Ayokunle Faji stated that the interim Mareva orders were granted after the petitioners and their lawyers failed to reveal key facts and misled the court.

The orders were sought by way of an ex parte motion, alleging that assets linked to the 1st respondent were being moved out of reach.

The application was heard without notifying the respondents or their lawyers, even though all parties were already represented in the suit.

Before this, the matter had last been heard on November 7, 2025, and adjourned to December 11, 2025, for a settlement update.

After the interim orders were issued, the respondents’ counsel filed separate applications seeking to set aside the orders on the grounds of a breach of fair hearing and lack of jurisdiction.

Senior lawyers, including Professor Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, and other counsel, appeared for the respondents and parties seeking to be bound by the orders.

They argued that the petitioners failed to tell the court that Exhibit 25, which formed the basis of the Mareva request, had already been filed about two months earlier in a motion on notice.

Instead, the petitioners’ counsel presented the facts as new information.

Justice Faji found that if the court had been told the truth about the earlier filing, the ex parte request would not have been granted.

As a result, the court voided the November 21, 2025, proceedings and all orders made that day for violating the respondents’ constitutional right to a fair hearing.

Justice Faji also withdrew from further handling of the case to protect trust in the court process and directed that the case file be sent to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to another judge in the Lagos Division.



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Fayose accuses Gov Makinde of diverting N50bn Ibadan explosion intervention fund

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Fayose accuses Gov Makinde of diverting N50bn Ibadan explosion intervention fund


A former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has escalated a public dispute with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over federal intervention funds approved after the January 2024 explosion in Ibadan, alleging that the fund was largely diverted to other purposes.

On Friday, Mr Fayose appeared on TVC’s political programme, Journalists’ Hangout, where he accused Governor Makinde of failing to disclose the N50 billion support he received from President Bola Tinubu’s administration following the Ibadan explosion.

He said Governor Makinde only mentioned the part where he declined the president’s request to help organise the APC in Oyo State but did not tell Nigerians about the help and support the president gave to him and to the people of his state.

“But you did not tell Nigerians you got, at the prerogative, at the mercy of Mr President, you got 50 billion Naira in support of the explosion in Ibadan. He never said that to Nigeria. So, the president can say the explosion is not worth more than 10 billion,” Mr Fayose said.

Recall that Mr Makinde had granted an interview where he revealed that Nyesom Wike offered to “hold” down the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s second term ambition.

Governor Makinde also said the president personally asked him to help organise the APC party in the state but he refused.

Responding to Mr Fayose, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Makinde, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, challenged the former Ekiti State governor to prove his allegations.

“He who makes an allegation must provide evidence. Let him produce proof of what he is claiming. It is important to note that Fayose lacks credibility. Even members of his family have publicly disowned him.

“What credibility does such a person have? People like that speak carelessly, and ordinarily, they should not be taken seriously. But since he has made a claim, let him substantiate it,” he said.

Acclaimed ‘evidence’

In a statement signed by Mr Fayose and posted on the X page of Lere Olayinka, a media aide to Nyesom Wike, the former governor said he decided to make the documents public in the interest of transparency, arguing that the disclosure was necessary after the Oyo governor spoke about private discussions with President Bola Tinubu on the matter.

“Two days ago, I said on national television that Oyo State under Governor Seyi Makinde got a sum of N50bn from the Federal Government as intervention on the January 2024 explosion in Ibadan.

“Yesterday, the governor responded by asking me to provide evidence that he received such money, and here is the evidence he asked for.

“Meanwhile, only N4.5bn was released to victims of the Ibadan Explosion. Rather, he diverted this fund and many others to his Presidential ambition, which is the reason for the crisis in the PDP and his attacks on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his government,” Mr Fayose said.

Mr Fayose further alleged that the unaccounted funds were channelled into political activities, including Governor Makinde’s reported presidential ambition.

He accused the Oyo governor of being less than forthright with residents of the state about the scale of federal support received after the explosion.

He also claimed that Oyo State had benefited from other intervention funds from the Tinubu administration which, he said, were not disclosed to the public. In addition, Mr Fayose alleged discrepancies between the state’s actual internally generated revenue and figures publicly presented by the Makinde administration, saying he possessed documents to substantiate the claim.

“ I challenge Governor Seyi Makinde to sue me on this. Let me also tell him that there are proofs of other intervention funds received from Tinubu’s administration by the Oyo State Government, which the governor refused to disclose to the people.

“Also, there are documentary evidences on the actual Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Oyo State, as against Governor Makinde’s claim, but we will keep our gunpowder dry for now,” he said.

As of press time, the Oyo State Government had not issued a fresh response to Mr Fayose’s latest claims

The document

A close look at the “evidence” indicates that the document is a memo from the office of the Accountant General of the Federation to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy addressing a request from the Oyo State government, rather than a payment receipt.

The document dated 29 August 2024, is titled “Requests for Special Intervention Funds”.

READ ALSO: With reforms, better security, Nigeria could enter robust growth phase in 2026 – CPPE

It outlined requests from several state governments seeking special intervention funding amounting to N915.5 billion. It explained that the requests could not be fully met due to the low cash balance in the special accounts designated for such interventions, even though some of the requests were submitted earlier in the year.

The letter states that N450.7 billion had already been disbursed, leaving an outstanding balance of N464.7 billion. An attached schedule lists the beneficiary states, the purpose of each request, and the amounts sought.

One entry shows Oyo State’s request for N50 billion for reconstruction works following the Bodija explosion.



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Man Predicts Fate of Popular Bandit After US Bombed ISIS Bases, Mentions His Name: “Very Soon”

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Man Predicts Fate of Popular Bandit After US Bombed ISIS Bases, Mentions His Name: “Very Soon”


  • A man got many people talking on social media after he made a statement about a popular bandit leader in the country
  • He made the statement days after the US military bombed several ISIS terrorist bases in Sokoto State, Nigeria
  • The name the man mentioned in his post got many people talking online, as users shared their thoughts and reactions on social media

After the president of the United States, Donald Trump, ordered strikes on multiple ISIS terrorist bases in Sokoto State and vowed to continue going after deadly terrorist groups, a Nigerian man made a post.

He mentioned a very deadly and wanted terrorist who might soon be killed as a result of the US strikes and possible future attacks.

Man speaks on Bello Turji after US attacks ISIS basesMan claims Bello Turji may be killed after US strikes. Photo Source: Twitter/OgbeniDipo, Reuters, Punch Newspapers
Source: Twitter

Man speaks about wanted bandit

The statement of the individual has drawn attention online, as many people shared their thoughts about what he said.

Read also

US attack on ISIS in Sokoto: soldier flaunts military kits, shares plan against deadly terrorists

The individual, @OgbeniDipo, took to his page to mention the name of the wanted terrorist, whom he described as extremely dangerous, and shared what he believes might soon become of him.

He wrote:

“With USA’s precision strikes against ISIS in Sokoto, Bello Turji will be killed very soon.”Man trends online after comment on Bello TurjiMan predicts fate of Bello Turji after US strike in Sokoto. Photo Source: Twitter/OgbeniDipo, Wikipedia
Source: Twitter

As he said this, he also spoke about the family of the wanted terrorist in the viral post.

“I hope his family members and supporters won’t tell us he is a fisherman once he gets blown apart.”

Reactions as man speaks about bandit leader

@chris257066777 noted:

“No, they must not kill him , they need to catch him alive , he has a lot of explanation to do . Hopefully he will expose the terrorist sympathizers and financiers in the government.”

@BrianChiedozie said:

“This is not right. Bello or anything he is called is nothing to this terrorism. There are sponsors and sympathizers.. they are the biggest threat. Many of which are loitering on the street encouraging the business in the name of negotiation. Some are in this app. Wipe them all.”

Read also

US soldier sends strong message to Sheikh Ahmad Gumi after airstrike on ISIS Terrorists in Sokoto

@Elvblaze stated:

“I thought you guys were saying IPOB lobbied Trump to invade Nigeria. What happened?”

@imustchange1 stressed:

“Your assumption, the data, and your conclusion are so far off I don’t even know how you connected these imaginary dots.”

@UdefiCamillus stressed:

“So US is no longer coming for Nigeria’s mineral resources, and you’re no longer patriotic? To the extent that even you have fallen in line so fast. I fear who no fear una.”

@latenightwin noted:

“I just want his family members and his supporters to die miserable by airstrike before his own death arrive.”

@ideebabatunde said:

“I am all for complete annihilation of terrorists and their enclaves but this strike tonight didn’t ‘sound’ like a joint – military action ooo if what Trump posted is anything to go by. The Nigerian government and the respective ministry didn’t break the news. It was Trump oo.”

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In a similar story, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian pastor sparked reactions online after calling for the arrest and trial of Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi over his comments on the US airstrike on alleged ISIS bases in Sokoto State.

Read also

Oyibo man confirms name of missile used in US bombing of ISIS camps in Sokoto: “Hit on target”

Nigerian soldier vows to fight terrorists

Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a Nigerian soldier went viral after sharing his plan to fight terrorists in the north, following US President Donald Trump’s airstrikes on ISIS bases in Sokoto State.

In his post, he showed military kits, expressed support for the US action, and vowed to protect communities and assist soldiers, emphasizing that there is no room for terrorism or hiding places for terrorists.

Source: Legit.ng



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“I don’t want to marry or have kids because I’m ‘done taking care of people’

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“I don’t want to marry or have kids because I’m ‘done taking care of people’


A 26-year-old lady has stirred massive reactions online after an interview video of her went viral, sparking widespread reactions on social media.

I Don’t Believe in Love – Lady says

In the interview, the lady openly stated that she is currently single because she “doesn’t believe in love.”

According to her, love has lost meaning for her, and she doesn’t see herself building a romantic relationship based on it.

Rejects the Idea of Marriage

When asked if she would ever consider marriage, she firmly said she wouldn’t.

She revealed that she is the firstborn of her family and has carried responsibilities all her life.

Because of this, she explained that she wants to spend the rest of her years being “selfish” in a healthy way and finally prioritizing herself.

Self-Fulfilment Over Motherhood

On motherhood, she stated that she believes she would make a great mother, but insisted she would not have children.

She said she loves her unborn children too much to “bring them into this world,” explaining that parenting is far beyond finances and requires emotional presence and sacrifice she no longer has the strength to give.

Prefers Partnership Over Marriage

The lady further revealed that the only kind of relationship she wants is a partnership, not a traditional marriage setup.

In her words;

”I’m not in a relationship because I don’t believe in love. I don’t want to get married. As the firstborn, I’ve spent my whole life taking care of people, and I want to use the rest of my life to be selfish and focus on myself. I’ve given too much of myself already and I don’t have the strength to keep pouring into people anymore. I know I would make a great mother, but I love my unborn children too much to bring them into this world. Motherhood is not just about money; it requires emotional presence, time, sacrifice and constant attention, and I don’t have that to give anymore. I’m only interested in a partnership, not marriage.”

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Sokoto attack: Foreign military presence not solution to insecurity

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Sokoto attack: Foreign military presence not solution to insecurity


The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the recent United States airstrikes on suspected terrorist locations in Sokoto State, describing the development as a sign of failure in handling Nigeria’s security challenges.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said while it recognises the serious security threats facing the country, the involvement of foreign troops on Nigerian soil raises serious concerns about sovereignty and governance.

The ADC said protecting lives and defeating terrorism should remain a top national priority, adding that it supports all lawful and effective measures aimed at restoring security.

However, the party stressed that Nigeria must not allow desperation to weaken its independence.

“We have always opposed the physical presence and operations of foreign military forces on Nigerian soil,” the statement said.

“Our current security challenges should not be used as an excuse to compromise the sovereignty of the country.”

Reacting to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) airstrikes carried out on December 25, 2025, the ADC said it could only accept the action as a desperate and temporary step, warning that it must not replace Nigeria-led solutions to domestic security problems.

The opposition party went further to accuse the Tinubu administration of incompetence, arguing that the foreign strike reflects a failure of leadership.

According to the ADC, this is what happens when a government treats national security and diplomacy as secondary issues, while focusing mainly on revenue generation.

The party also faulted the way Nigerians were informed about the airstrikes.

It described the communication as troubling, noting that such a sensitive and historic issue was first announced through a social media post by the American President.

“When it suits political messaging, the President addresses Nigerians directly,” Abdullahi said.

“But on an issue as serious as a foreign military strike on Nigerian soil, Nigerians heard it first from the U.S., while the only response from Nigeria came through a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

The ADC said this approach shows a worrying lack of understanding of the gravity of the situation and called on the federal government to be transparent.

It urged authorities to clearly inform Nigerians how many terrorists were actually killed in the strike and to take full responsibility for securing the country.



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Domestic economy airfares could rise to N1 million in 2026 – Allen Onyema 

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Domestic economy airfares could rise to N1 million in 2026 – Allen Onyema 


The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has warned that domestic economy airfares could climb above N1 million from next year.

He made this known during an interview on The Morning Show on Arise News on Sunday, linking the possible hike to the upcoming implementation of the new tax reform laws set to take effect from January 2026.

According to him, the laws remove several tax exemptions previously granted to airlines under the 2020 Finance Act, which had helped reduce operating costs.

Onyema said the removal of these incentives would sharply increase the cost of operations, forcing airlines to pass the burden onto passengers.

What Allen Onyema is saying 

Onyema explained that the new tax reform reintroduces Value Added Tax (VAT) on aircraft, spare parts, and air tickets, which were previously exempted under the 2020 Finance Act.

He noted that, for instance, airlines importing aircraft valued at around $80 million would pay 7.5% VAT, adding billions of naira to costs.

He added that Nigerian airlines already operate in a high-cost environment, with borrowing rates of up to 35%, making it impossible to absorb the added expenses. Onyema also cited the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) annex, which states that VAT should not be charged on air transportation services.

He warned that if the law is implemented in 2026, economy-class fares could rise significantly.

“By the time you bring these things in, at the end of the day, the cost of operation will be huge… your ticket fares will hit N1. something million soon,” Onyema said.  

He further stressed: “If we implement that tax reform, Nigerian airlines could go down within three months.”

He clarified that the increase reflects operational costs, not profiteering, and argued that aviation should be supported to ensure connectivity and economic growth.

Operational hurdles and financial pressures  

Beyond the upcoming tax reforms, Onyema highlighted persistent challenges facing Nigerian airlines, including high fuel costs, foreign exchange constraints, and multiple statutory charges.

He explained that for a domestic ticket costing around N350,000, only about N81,000 actually goes to the airline, with the rest consumed by taxes, levies, and other charges.

Onyema pushed back against claims that airlines overcharge passengers, stressing that Nigerian domestic fares remain among the cheapest globally when converted to dollars. He also noted that several domestic routes—particularly to the Southeast—are barely profitable, as aircraft often return with few passengers.

He addressed criticism over flight delays and cancellations, pointing out that many disruptions are caused by factors outside airlines’ control, such as bird strikes, limited airport infrastructure, and errors by ground handling companies.

Onyema warned that without supportive policies and reforms, the sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation sector could be at serious risk in the coming years.

What you should know  

For years, Nigerian airlines have complained about the heavy burden of taxes, levies, and charges that eat into their revenue. Earlier in December 2025, an additional $11.5 security levy under the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) took effect, raising the total charge on international tickets to $31.50.

From 2026, the aviation sector and passengers will be watching closely to see how ECOWAS’ reforms fit into Nigeria’s system and whether they ease airlines’ high operational costs.



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Ex-Governor Obaseki Condemns Assault, Abduction Of Relative In Edo

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Ex-Governor Obaseki Condemns Assault, Abduction Of Relative In Edo


The immediate-past governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has condemned in the strongest terms the violent attack and abduction of his cousin and journalist, Dr. Pedro Obaseki.

In a statement, Obaseki said, “I strongly condemn the violent attack, maiming and abduction of my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by thugs who are said to be acting under instructions of the palace of the Oba of Benin.”

Dr Obaseki, a former Managing Director of DAAR Communications PLC and a renowned journalist, was attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he was subjected to physical assault, intimidation, and torture by the thugs before being forcefully taken to the palace.

A viral video circulating on social media shows the thugs taking the brutalised Dr Pedro, who was already stripped of his clothing to the palace, where they were ceremoniously received by some palace chiefs.

Reacting to the development, former Governor Obaseki described the incident as a grave violation of fundamental human rights and a reckless disregard for the rule of law.

While expressing disappointment, he said: “This is not only embarrassing but deeply troubling. I call on security agencies to immediately investigate this matter thoroughly and transparently, identify those responsible for this barbaric act and ensure they are held accountable in accordance with the law.

“A situation where thugs and non-state actors appear to freely take the law into their own hands on behalf of high-profile individuals and those in positions of authority can only result in one outcome, a degeneration into a state of anarchy, which will do no one no good.”

He further charged, “I urge human rights organizations, civil society groups, and all well-meaning Nigerians to lend their voices and speak out firmly against this injustice and gross violation of human rights.”



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