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“These Are Not Just Accidents” – Sen. Gbenga Daniel Calls for Tougher Engineering Oversight After Tanker Blasts

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August 7, 2025

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“These Are Not Just Accidents” – Sen. Gbenga Daniel Calls for Tougher Engineering Oversight After Tanker Blasts

“Safety must not be optional—it must be the foundation of every engineering decision in this country”

“These Are Not Just Accidents” – Sen. Gbenga Daniel Calls for Tougher Engineering Oversight After Tanker Blasts

By Newsheadline247

Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East and former governor of Ogun State, has sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s growing number of engineering-related disasters, linking the tragedies—including recurring tanker explosions and building collapses—to regulatory failure and poor enforcement.

Speaking during the 2025 Engineering Week organized by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Trans Amadi Branch, Senator Daniel described the situation as a “national emergency” that must be met with urgent legislative and institutional reforms.

“We see tankers falling, buildings collapsing, and explosions claiming lives. These are not just accidents, they’re failures of enforcement,” he said during a media chat at the event. “There are no sanctions, no deterrents. People flout regulations and walk away freely. If we are serious about safety, we must empower regulatory bodies to act decisively.”

He called on the National Assembly to collaborate with engineering professionals and stakeholders to craft and pass stronger laws that would empower safety institutions, particularly in critical infrastructure sectors.

The week-long event, themed “Engineering the Future: Innovation, Infrastructure and Sustainability,” brought together a wide array of industry players, including government officials, business leaders, and academics, to discuss the direction of engineering in Nigeria.

A standout moment of the gathering was the recognition of TotalEnergies’ Akpo FPSO facility, which has operated for 16 years without a single lost-time injury (LTI). Senator Daniel lauded the achievement as proof that world-class safety standards are achievable in Nigeria.

“To run complex engineering operations for 16 years without a single LTI is no small feat,” he noted. “This milestone proves that Nigerian engineers, given the right support and environment, can deliver world-class results.”

Engineer Margaret Oguntala, President and Chairman-in-Council of the NSE, echoed the importance of engineering to national development.

“There’s no future without engineering. From our roads to our energy grids, engineers build the backbone of society,” she stated.

Dr. Jonathan Francis, Chairman of the Trans Amadi Branch, highlighted the local innovations showcased during the week, including a drone developed by a University of Lagos student for cleaning high-rise buildings—an invention that could revolutionize urban maintenance.

“We understand our challenges better than anyone else. The solutions must come from within,” he said.

Representing COREN, Engineer Olaolu Ogunduyile spoke on aligning Nigeria’s engineering standards with global practices and revealed ongoing efforts to secure membership in the Washington Accord, which would enable Nigerian engineers to practice internationally.

In a passionate contribution, Engineer Oluseun Faluyi, National Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Safety Engineers, emphasized that safety must be embedded into every stage of engineering—from design to execution.

“This proves that even in challenging environments, safety is possible. And it was Nigerians who delivered this result,” he said, referencing TotalEnergies’ safety milestone.

Senator Daniel closed his remarks with a call for governance anchored on accountability and competence.

“The time to act is now,” he declared. “Safety must not be optional—it must be the foundation of every engineering decision in this country.”

As Nigeria continues to grapple with infrastructure-related tragedies, his remarks underscore the urgency of structural reform in the nation’s engineering space. Read More

Money Laundering Scandal: EFCC Probes Real Estate Boom Funded by ‘Corrupt Civil Servants’

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August 7, 2025

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A special task force has been set to begin physical inspections of estates nationwide, starting from Abuja

Money Laundering Scandal: EFCC Probes Real Estate Boom Funded by ‘Corrupt Civil Servants’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a nationwide investigation into Nigeria’s real estate sector, identifying it as a major channel for laundering stolen public funds—particularly by civil servants.

Speaking at a policy dialogue on Nigeria’s real estate ecosystem in Abuja, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, declared that the agency has begun probing property developments across the country, many of which are allegedly financed with illicit money.

“What we have been able to find out is that most of these estates are funded by civil servants who have stolen money,” Olukoyede revealed.

He disclosed that the EFCC has already secured interim forfeiture orders on 15 such properties, many of which have remained abandoned or uncompleted for over a decade, suggesting a drying up of the illicit cash flows that funded them.

“It will shock you that some of these estates have been abandoned for between 10 and 20 years. They just take the construction to a certain level and abandon it,” he added.
“The moment they leave public service and the money is no longer coming, they abandon the estates.”

Olukoyede has set up a special task force to begin physical inspections of estates nationwide, starting from Abuja. He also stressed the need for the Beneficial Ownership Register to become operational, as it would expose the actual owners behind shady corporate entities and anonymous property investments.

The anti-corruption czar raised an alarm over the increasing use of the real estate sector for money laundering, describing the trend as “extremely rampant” and difficult to regulate due to the lack of transparency in land and property transactions.

“No one goes to a Nigerian bank and borrows at 30% interest to invest in real estate and makes a profit,” he said.

“Real estate development takes time—sometimes five years. So, if someone is pumping billions into estates without viable financing, the source of funds becomes suspicious.”

Olukoyede also stressed that the nation’s cash-based economy worsens corruption, calling for a shift toward a credit-based system and electronic transactions.

“A thousand EFCCs will not be able to scratch the surface of our corruption problem if we continue with our cash-based economy,” he warned.
“You want to buy a house, it’s cash. A car, it’s cash. Everything is done by cash. This must change.”

He revealed that some suspects under investigation admitted they diverted public funds out of desperation to meet family needs due to societal pressure.

“Some will come to you and say: ‘Yes, I did it. There’s no other way to pay my children’s school fees or survive. Please, I’m at your mercy.’”

The event, organised by the Abuja-based legal firm Law Corridor, also featured the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), and the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun. Both joined the EFCC chair in calling for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s land administration and procurement processes.

Osigwe criticized the archaic land documentation system, lamenting how difficult it is to verify property ownership in Nigeria.

“I can sit down here and, with the payment of appropriate fees, confirm ownership of a property in the UK. But I can’t do that here,” he said.
“The current system is not working and cannot work. We must embrace technology for a transparent and seamless process.”

Adedokun added that a large number of housing projects are publicly funded and, unless procurement and execution are properly monitored, real estate will continue to be a soft target for laundering diverted public funds.

“What gives people funds to launder is the difference between actual project cost and what is claimed,” he explained.

“Since they can’t bank the extra money, they turn to real estate—because it’s poorly regulated.”

All three speakers called for the creation of special low-interest funds for real estate investments through institutions like the Federal Mortgage Bank and Aso Savings and Loans to discourage illicit investments and promote genuine development.

They concluded that without reforms in land registration, property ownership transparency, and financial regulation in the real estate sector, the fight against money laundering in Nigeria will remain an uphill battle. Read More

“Thieves Shouldn’t Be Ministers” – Emir Sanusi Blasts Rewarding Corruption in Nigeria

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August 7, 2025

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Sanusi didn’t mince words as he criticised the prevailing culture of impunity in the Nigerian political space

“Thieves Shouldn’t Be Ministers” – Emir Sanusi Blasts Rewarding Corruption in Nigeria

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has strongly condemned what he described as the collapse of Nigeria’s moral compass, warning that the continued glorification of corrupt public officials is fuelling the country’s underdevelopment and institutional decay.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) bemoaned how Nigerians now respect wealth regardless of its source—even when it’s stolen from the public treasury.

“The entire value system of the country has been eroded,” Sanusi declared.
“A society in which material wealth, no matter how you get it, is respected, is glorified, where people who are known to have stolen money get rewarded with ministerial appointments, that society will continue to reproduce itself.”

Sanusi didn’t mince words as he criticised the prevailing culture of impunity in the Nigerian political space, saying the country routinely recycles the same corrupt figures by giving them fresh access to public office.

“We don’t have a sense of disgust for people who hold public office and amass wealth; we reward them with appointments, with more public offices, and more opportunities to amass wealth—and this is what Nigeria has become.”

He argued that many people in government lack values and are primarily driven by greed rather than public service.

“Many people go into government to make money, but you don’t go into government to make money,” he said pointedly.

Calling for a total values reorientation, the Emir described many current and former office holders as individuals obsessed with materialism at the expense of integrity and legacy.

“We have been ruled by people who have no values; they have no name behind them, and they have no desire to leave a name after them.

These are people who define themselves by what they own—how many houses they have, how many private jets they have, how many billions they have in bank accounts,” he added.
“It is not important to them that people look at them and only see thieves, criminals who have taken the commonwealth.”

Reflecting on the legacy of former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, 50 years after his assassination, Sanusi called for a rebirth of national ethics and principled leadership.

He stressed that unless Nigeria rebuilds its value system and stops rewarding corruption, the cycle of failed leadership and mass poverty will persist. Read More

K-Rad’s Vision, Grit Set Him Apart in Osun Governorship Race

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August 7, 2025

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K-Rad’s campaign has been marked by long-standing grassroots commitment. Between 2017 and 2018, he embarked on a 17-month, community-to-community tour across the state—an unprecedented move at the time

K-Rad’s Vision, Grit Set Him Apart in Osun Governorship Race

Kunle Adegoke, SAN—popularly known as “K-Rad”—has emerged as a frontrunner and standout aspirant in the build-up to the Osun State gubernatorial election, earning widespread attention for his bold ideas, grassroots history, and sector-specific plans tailored for the state’s progress.

Known as “Kunle Radical” since his university days for his fearless student activism and commitment to social justice, K-Rad is now channelling that same energy and vision into a robust campaign to lead Osun State.

With over 20 years of experience spanning law, business, and civic engagement, Adegoke’s candidacy is being praised as issue-driven and intellectually grounded.

“K-Rad is running on ideas, not just slogans,” said a source close to the campaign.

Central to his campaign is a detailed blueprint for the state’s transformation. The plan targets critical sectors such as job creation, infrastructure, education, cultural preservation, and public service reform—but its most ambitious component is an aggressive agricultural revolution.

His agricultural agenda proposes mechanised farming in all 30 local government areas, starting with 500 hectares per LGA in the first year and scaling up significantly thereafter. The plan also includes:

Use of improved seeds and planting materials
Deployment of trained extension officers
Partnerships with universities and research institutions
Milk production initiatives targeting two cows per household
Strategic reforms in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock

Observers and development analysts have lauded the blueprint as “game-changing,” citing its practicality and alignment with Osun’s economic realities.

His proposals for specific cities—including Ile-Ife, Osogbo, and Ede—have also drawn praise, with critics calling them “superlative” and “fantastic.”

K-Rad’s campaign has been marked by long-standing grassroots commitment. Between 2017 and 2018, he embarked on a 17-month, community-to-community tour across the state—an unprecedented move at the time.

“He was widely acknowledged as the only aspirant who demonstrated such intensity of purpose, touring communities and galvanising unprecedented grassroots support,” one political observer noted.

Though he didn’t clinch the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket in that cycle due to party politics, his goodwill and network across the state have only strengthened.

His legal résumé further enhances his credibility—Adegoke played key roles in significant election petition cases for both President Bola Tinubu and the late President Muhammadu Buhari. This, combined with sharpened policy acumen and deepening grassroots ties, has made him a formidable figure in the race.

Born in Osogbo, the state capital, K-Rad is seen by supporters as a symbol of homegrown leadership.

“He is a man who will lead without discrimination and with the fear of God,” said a member of his team. “He’s deeply principled, God-fearing, and prepared for the task ahead.”

As political momentum builds in Osun State, Kunle Adegoke’s vision, experience, and grassroots credibility continue to distinguish him as a serious contender with a transformational agenda. Read More

Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 Welcomes Dangote Group as Official Premier Partner

Lukman Omikunle

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August 7, 2025

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Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025), Africa’s premier trade and investment forum, is excited to announce Dangote Group as an official Premier Partner

Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 Welcomes Dangote Group as Official Premier Partner

As one of Africa’s leading industrial conglomerates, with over 18 subsidiaries operating across a wide spectrum of sectors critical to the continent’s economic transformation – including cement, fertilisers, petrochemicals, refined petroleum products, sugar, salt, and logistics, Dangote Group will be a key partner for IATF at its fourth edition to be held in Algiers, Algeria from 4-10 September 2025.

The biennial IATF, hosted by the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and organised by Afreximbank in partnership with African Union Commission and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, aims to increase intra-African trade and showcase the investment opportunities across Africa.

The fourth edition will feature a wide participation of production and service companies, alongside an investment and trade forum highlighting Africa’s potential for economic integration. During the week-long fair, more than 2,000 exhibitors, including businesses from the African continent and globally, will showcase their goods and services to visitors and buyers while exploring opportunities and exchanging trade and market information. This is projected to translate into over US$44 billion in trade and investment deals.

Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank said: “We are delighted to welcome Dangote Group as an Official Premier Partner of IATF2025. As a beacon of African industrial excellence, Dangote Group continues to shape the continent’s economic trajectory through bold investments in manufacturing, infrastructure, and regional value chains. Afreximbank is proud to have supported their transformative projects – including the landmark Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex and Dangote Fertiliser Plant – through tailored financing and advisory solutions.

According to the Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, “Our partnership with IATF is built on a shared vision of commitment to advancing Africa’s economic growth. Having experienced the tangible impact of IATF2023, we are proud to build on that momentum as a Premier Partner for IATF2025. This platform continues to drive meaningful connections and opportunities across the continent, and we look forward to contributing to its success once again in Algiers.”

“This strategic partnership underscores our shared commitment to building a self-reliant, prosperous Africa where intra-African trade is the cornerstone of growth. Together, we aim to unlock new frontiers of opportunity and position Africa as a global hub of production, innovation, and trade,” Chiejina added.

Dangote Group, founded in Nigeria in 1978, is playing a key role in reshaping Africa’s industrial landscape. As one of the continent’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, Dangote drives sustainable development through transformative investments in cement, agriculture, food production, and energy. With a commitment to innovation and self-sufficiency, the Group has empowered millions of Africans, boosted regional economies, and spearheaded infrastructure and manufacturing growth.

About Dangote

Dangote Industries Limited is one of Africa’s leading diversified and fully integrated industrial conglomerates with an annual group turnover of US$9.6 billion (2024) with vibrant operations in Nigeria and Africa across a wide range of sectors including cement, sugar, salt, condiments, packaging, energy, port operations, automotive, fertiliser, petroleum refining and petrochemicals.

The core business focus of the Group, which started operations in 1978, is to provide local, value-added products and services that meet the ‘basic needs’ of the populace. Through the construction and operation of large-scale manufacturing facilities in Nigeria and across 10 other African countries, Dangote Group is focused on building local manufacturing capacity to generate employment, prevent capital flight and provide locally produced goods for the people.

About the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF)

Organised by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with African Union Commission (AUC) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities on the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries who bring investment goods as well as those interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent’s transformation through industrialisation and export development. Read More

Tinubu Orders Free Healthcare, Pension Increase for Vulnerable Retirees, Demands Urgent Police Pension Reform

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August 6, 2025

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President Tinubu has ordered the urgent implementation of free healthcare and pension increases for low-income retirees, while also directing PenCom to resolve police pension issues and expand reforms to protect vulnerable pensioners

Tinubu Orders Free Healthcare, Pension Increase for Vulnerable Retirees, Demands Urgent Police Pension Reform

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a directive for the swift implementation of free healthcare access for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), describing the measure as essential to preserving the dignity and wellbeing of vulnerable pensioners.

In addition to the healthcare initiative, the President called for the immediate rollout of long-overdue pension increases and the enforcement of a minimum pension guarantee to provide a financial safety net for the nation’s most vulnerable retirees.

These directives came during a high-level briefing by the Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, at the State House on Tuesday, August 6, 2025.

“This is a matter of social protection, dignity, and national responsibility. Those who have served their country should not suffer in retirement,” President Tinubu said, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

President Tinubu also instructed PenCom to urgently resolve the long-standing police pension issues, underscoring the need to guarantee dignity and peace of mind for retired security personnel.

“Our policemen deserve to retire with honour. This issue must be resolved without delay,” the President added.

During the meeting, the PenCom DG updated the President on new initiatives aimed at protecting the value of pension fund assets amid inflationary pressures and macroeconomic instability. She also presented plans to allow foreign currency contributions, enabling Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in the national pension scheme.

The President gave full backing to these reforms, emphasizing that his administration remains focused on inclusive growth and the protection of ordinary Nigerians, especially in retirement.

Ms. Oloworaran assured the President that PenCom is working on a suite of transformative policies to improve the welfare of retirees and expand access to the contributory pension system.

The new measures are expected to be a game-changer for millions of retirees, especially those at the lower end of the income scale, who have long awaited reforms to make their retirement more secure and dignified. Read More

Zenith Bank Rewards D’Tigress with N200m for Historic AfroBasket Win, Vows Continued Support for Women’s Basketball

Basketball

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August 6, 2025

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Zenith Bank Rewards D’Tigress with N200m for Historic AfroBasket Win, Vows Continued Support for Women’s Basketball

To honour their remarkable feat, Zenith Bank hosted the team at its Maitama, Abuja, head office on Tuesday

Zenith Bank Rewards D’Tigress with N200m for Historic AfroBasket Win, Vows Continued Support for Women’s Basketball

In a grand celebration of sporting excellence, Zenith Bank has awarded Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, a whopping N200 million following their historic triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket championship.

The reigning African queens secured their fifth consecutive and seventh overall title, defeating Mali 78-64 in the finals held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire—cementing their status as the most successful team in AfroBasket history.

To honour their remarkable feat, Zenith Bank hosted the team at its Maitama, Abuja, head office on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in a colourful reception attended by top executives, sports officials, and members of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).

Speaking during the event, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dame Adaora Umeoji, praised the team’s resilience, talent, and dedication, noting that their victory is a symbol of African excellence.

“Your victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket is not just a win for Nigeria—it is a win for African sports,” Umeoji said.

“At Zenith Bank, we celebrate your victory not just as supporters, but as longstanding partners in the development of women’s basketball in Nigeria.”

She also reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting the Women’s National Basketball League, which it has sponsored consistently for 18 years.

“I hereby reaffirm Zenith Bank’s steadfast commitment to advancing women’s basketball and promoting sports development across Nigeria,” she added.

Zenith Bank, recently named Nigeria’s Best Bank at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025, has built a strong legacy of sports development, especially in empowering female athletes.

Findings show that the N200 million reward will see each player receive N10 million, with the rest shared among the coaching crew and support staff.

Responding on behalf of the team, Amy Okonkwo—D’Tigress captain and Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament—thanked Zenith Bank for its continuous support and generous reward.

“We are deeply grateful to Zenith Bank for believing in us and supporting women’s basketball all these years. This gesture motivates us to keep pushing boundaries,” Okonkwo said.

The event was graced by Zenith Bank Executive Directors Adobi Nwapa, Akin Ogunranti, Henry Oroh, and Louis Odom, alongside NBBF President Musa Kida and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko—all of whom applauded D’Tigress for bringing glory to the nation.

Zenith Bank’s reward stands as one of the most significant financial gestures towards a female national team in recent history and reaffirms the growing recognition of women’s sports in Nigeria. Read More

Appeal Court Reinstates EFCC’s Seizure of 14 Properties Linked to Yahaya Bello, Says Immunity Doesn’t Cover Suspected Proceeds of Crime

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August 6, 2025

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The Court of Appeal in Lagos has reinstated the EFCC’s interim forfeiture order on 14 properties linked to former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, ruling that constitutional immunity does not protect assets suspected to be proceeds of crime

Appeal Court Reinstates EFCC’s Seizure of 14 Properties Linked to Yahaya Bello, Says Immunity Doesn’t Cover Suspected Proceeds of Crime

The Court of Appeal in Lagos has reinstated the interim forfeiture order granted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over 14 properties allegedly traced to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

In a unanimous virtual judgment on Wednesday, Justice Yargata Nimpar, backed by Justices Danlami Senchi and Paul Bassi, overturned an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court which had struck out the EFCC’s application. The appellate court ruled that the lower court erred by invoking constitutional immunity without first addressing the legitimacy of the assets in question.

“The trial court erred in striking out the case rather than proceeding to determine whether the properties should be finally forfeited,” Justice Nimpar said.

The judgment revives EFCC’s bid to permanently seize the properties, which include high-end real estate in Lagos, Abuja, and even a luxury apartment in the iconic Burj Khalifa, Dubai. The court ordered the anti-graft agency to move forward with final forfeiture proceedings.

EFCC’s legal team was led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, with Bilkisu Buhari-Bala and Hanatu Kofanaisa as co-counsels.

The dispute traces back to an interim forfeiture order granted by Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos. Based on an ex parte application, the EFCC had secured the temporary seizure of the properties, which it believes are proceeds of unlawful activities. The court also mandated publication of the order in two national dailies to allow any interested party to contest the forfeiture.

In response, Bello contested the seizure, claiming that the properties were acquired before his tenure as governor. His legal team invoked Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, arguing it shields him from legal proceedings. They also cited a restraining order from a Kogi State High Court and questioned the jurisdiction of the Lagos court, given that Bello resides in Lokoja and many properties are located outside Lagos.

But EFCC counsel Oyedepo argued there was no valid court order barring the agency from fulfilling its statutory duties.

“We maintain that the assets in question, including the luxury apartment in Dubai, are strongly suspected to be proceeds of crime,” he said. Oyedepo also requested the forfeiture of an additional N400 million allegedly linked to the investigation.

Justice Oweibo had initially ruled in Bello’s favour, stating the court lacked jurisdiction due to the constitutional immunity clause. However, the Court of Appeal has now clarified that such immunity does not extend to property suspected to be linked to corruption.

With the interim forfeiture order restored, the EFCC is now poised to press forward with final forfeiture proceedings against the embattled former governor. Read More

“Awori Nation is Proud of You” – Olota of Ota Hails CP Lateef Ahmed’s Elevation to Rank of Commissioner of Police

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Lukman Omikunle

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August 6, 2025

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The Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, congratulates Dr. Lateef Ahmed on his promotion to Commissioner of Police, praising his dedication and describing him as a pride of the Awori Nation

“Awori Nation is Proud of You” – Olota of Ota Hails CP Lateef Ahmed’s Elevation to Rank of Commissioner of Police

The Olota of Ota, His Majesty Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Abdukabir Obalanlege, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Lateef Ahmed on his recent promotion to the rank of Commissioner of Police in the Nigeria Police Force.

In an official statement signed by his Principal Secretary, Prince Adeyemi Sulaimon Olusesi, the revered monarch described the elevation as a “well-merited” recognition of Dr. Ahmed’s outstanding service, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to duty.

Oba Obalanlege, who is also a professor and a fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), hailed the new police commissioner as “a beacon of honour, discipline, and integrity” and a “true ambassador of the Awori people both at home and in the diaspora.”

“This noble attainment reflects your unwavering dedication, professional excellence, and distinguished service,” the statement read. “Your rise through the ranks brings great pride to Otta-Aworiland and the entire Awori Nation.”

The Olota praised the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for promoting professionalism and merit within the Force, noting that such visionary leadership strengthens institutions and inspires confidence in public service.

“As you assume greater responsibilities, we pray for divine wisdom, enduring strength, and continued distinction in service,” Oba Obalanlege added.

The royal commendation underscores the pride and celebration across Aworiland following the elevation of one of its brightest sons to a position of greater national responsibility. Read More

‘We Endorsed Tinubu, Not Dapo Abiodun-Led Failing APC’ – Ogun PDP Clarifies, Vows Victory in Remo Bye-Election

Politics

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August 5, 2025

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Ogun PDP denies endorsing APC ahead of August 16 bye-election, affirms support for Bolarinwa Oluwole, criticizes Governor Dapo Abiodun’s leadership, and warns against election interference

‘We Endorsed Tinubu, Not Dapo Abiodun-Led Failing APC’ – Ogun PDP Clarifies, Vows Victory in Remo Bye-Election

The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has debunked claims circulating on social media that it has endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the August 16 bye-election, describing the reports as “a concoction of falsehood” and “a desperate attempt by a drowning party to confuse the public.”

In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, August 5, by the PDP Publicity Secretary in Ogun State, Otunba Arc Kayode Adebayo, the party emphasized that it remains fully committed to the candidacy of Asiwaju Bolarinwa Oluwole and has no alliance or endorsement deal with Governor Dapo Abiodun or the APC.

“What a blatant lie!” Adebayo exclaimed, reacting to the rumored endorsement. “We are too focused on winning the August 16 bye-election to be distracted by fabrications cooked up by politically idle minds.”

According to the PDP, any suggestion of endorsement is an intentional distortion of recent campaign statements in which the party acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2023 electoral victory as a national power shift to the South, and not a reflection of the APC’s performance in Ogun State.

“Our endorsement of President Tinubu in 2023 was a strategic national decision. It does not translate into support for Dapo Abiodun or the Ogun APC, whose governance record is abysmal,” Adebayo clarified.

Citing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) figures, the PDP noted that Governor Abiodun even lost his own polling unit and ward in the 2023 general election.

“The records are clear. Abiodun lost his polling unit at Ita Osanyin and his ward, Iperu III, to the PDP. Rather than reflect on this humiliation, his supporters are busy twisting our campaign flag-off remarks,” Adebayo said.

The statement described attempts to leverage President Tinubu’s image to sway voters as “a mirage,” warning that the upcoming bye-election is not about Tinubu’s reelection, but about the failed leadership in Ogun State.

“This bye-election is a referendum on bad governance and Mr. Abiodun’s manifest cluelessness. The people of Remoland will use the ballot to punish the APC,” Adebayo declared.

The PDP also raised concerns over alleged plans by the ruling party to intimidate voters and disrupt the process.

“Mr. Abiodun should focus less on imaginary PDP collapse and more on dismantling the machinery of terror he intends to unleash during the election,” the party warned.

Reaffirming its confidence in the people of Remo, the PDP maintained that it remains the party of the people and will not be deterred by “lies, intimidation, or propaganda.”

“APC stands no electoral chance in Remoland. Our candidate, Bolarinwa Oluwole, is ready. Our party is united. And our people are resolved. No amount of twist or deceit can stop the PDP from victory on August 16,” Adebayo concluded.

The Ogun PDP’s statement comes as tensions continue to rise in the build-up to the bye-election, which is expected to serve as a litmus test for the popularity of both major parties in the state. Read More