Category: General News

Osun LG crisis: IGP wants to assassinate Gov Adeleke – PDP cries out

The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun of planning to assassinate the governor of the state, Ademola Adeleke.

The Osun PDP also accused the IGP of attempting to destabilise the state through orchestrated violence.

The Osun PDP chairman, Sunday Bisi, made the allegations during a world press conference in Osogbo on Wednesday.

Bisi claimed that Egbetokun had deployed Police Special Forces to escort miscreants into local government council secretariats in a bid to cause unrest.

The allegation is coming amid the ongoing local government crisis in the state.

“This was nothing but a blatant coup. The move is part of a broader plan to assassinate the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke,” the Osun PDP chairman said.

Bisi further stated that Governor Adeleke had been engaging with the IGP to restore peace after violent clashes erupted on Monday.

DAILY POST had reported on Monday that the crisis stemmed from attempts by sacked local government chairmen and councillors of the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, to regain control of council secretariats.

In the aftermath of the violence, six persons were confirmed dead by the Osun State Police Command.

Among the dead were Remi Abass, the ousted chairman for Irewole Local Government Area who was killed in Ikire town.

Bisi added, “The whole world must warn and prevail on Mr Kayode Egbetokun to desist from enabling these attempts on the life of our governor.

“The desperation to take over the state through any means possible has been clear since they (APC) lost the election.”

He described the situation as a continuation of the APC’s desperation to reclaim power after being voted out in 2022.

According to Bisi, the PDP has evidence suggesting that APC elements in Osun have been plotting Adeleke’s removal.

The PDP leader questioned why the IGP allegedly bypassed the state governor in responding to the security crisis.

“Why did Egbetokun sidetrack Governor Adeleke before taking a position on the court judgement?” he asked.

He also accused the police boss of violating security protocols and creating an atmosphere of fear.

He claimed that nearly ten people had died in violent confrontations within 48 hours of the unrest.

“The blatant disregard for due process by the IGP is suspicious and dangerous. Rather than reinforcing security to protect lives, Egbetokun’s actions have emboldened troublemakers,” he asserted.

Bisi suggested that the police intervention was designed to disrupt the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025.

“The IGP is ready to bend the rules and allow killings of our people just to prevent the elections from taking place.

Osun State will not be intimidated by anyone, not even by an IGP whose tenure has been controversially extended.”

February 19, 2025
ECOWAS MEDIA EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2025 -SUBMIT YOUR ENTRIES!

Are you a Journalist or Media Professional in the West African region?

In celebration of 50 years of regional integration and development, ECOWAS is pleased to announce the ECOWAS Media Excellence Awards 2025 to celebrate outstanding Journalists and Media Professionals whose work has significantly contributed to informing, educating and shaping public awareness on ECOWAS achievements and impact in the region and globally.

ECOWAS invites you to submit your work portfolio for the ECOWAS Media Excellence Awards 2025.

The award ceremony will recognise impact stories, news publications, video films and photography that highlights the achievements and milestones of the ECOWAS Commission.

Award Categories:
✔ Television |
✔ Radio |
✔ Print Media|
✔ Online Media |
✔ Photography |
✔ Videography

*Dates for Submission of Entries: February 20th – March 20th, 2025*

Please submit your entries via email to : *ecowasprizeexcellence@ecowas.int*

*Who can apply* ?
Journalists and media professionals from ECOWAS Member States with original, impactful and professionally produced content in English, French, or Portuguese.

*Why Apply* ?
• Gain regional recognition.
• Showcase your work portfolio to ECOWAS, ECOWAS partners, member states and governments.
• Celebrate excellence in journalism that promotes regional integration and development in West Africa!

For inquiries, click on this link : https://ecowas.int/publication/final-concept-note_ecowas-journalist-award-2025/
or visit our website : www.ecowas.int

*Or contact* : jahofodji@ecowas.int | snogueira@ecowas.int

“ *Shaping the future of our region through media and impactful journalism!*

“ *Celebrating 50 years of ECOWAS through impact-driven Journalism!* ”

#ECOWASExcellenceAward
#MediaForChange
#WestAfricaJournalism.

February 18, 2025
Customs intercept 142 wraps of loud cannabis at Lagos airport, arrest suspect

Flowerbudnews

Lagos: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a suspect with 142 wraps of Canadian loud cannabis valued at N290 million at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The drum seizure and suspect were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Tuesday by the MMIA Customs Command Comptroller, Mr Effiong Harrison.

He said that the Customs collaborated with other sister agencies in ensuring unwanted substances that could affect the health, security and economy of citizens did not pass through them.

Speaking at the handing over, Harrison said that the suspect and the seizure were intercepted at the point of arrival at the airport on Tuesday.

“The suspect was arrested on his arrival to Nigeria from Canada.

The Duty Paid Value of the intercepted Canadian loud cannabis is over N290 million, and we don’t want this kind of thing to enter our society because it will definitely affect our youths.

(Picture of Canadian loud intercepted by Muritala Muhammed Airport Command of Customs in Lagos on Tuesday.)

“We are handing over the illicit drugs to our sister agency for further action so that the society will be safe,” Harrison said.

He warned perpetrators of unwanted substances to desist from the criminal activities because the Customs were determined to stop entry of such illicit items into the country.

Receiving the suspect with intercepted drugs, Muhammad-Tukur Ahmad, Commander of Narcotics and Head of Operations, MMIA Command, NDLEA, commended Customs on behalf of the Director-General of the agency, Rtd. Col. Buba Maruwa.

Ahmad appreciated the Customs for continuous collaboration with the NDLEA and ensuring that the Nigerian economy remained safe from saboteurs.

( A picture of the suspect in connection with the seizure)

He thanked the comptroller for the marvellous seizure alongside arrest of the suspect.

“We are assuring the public of a thorough investigation to find out all the people connected with the seizure.

(The MMIA Customs Command Comptroller, Mr Effiong Harrison, handing over illicit drugs to the Commander of Narcotics, Mr Muhammad-Tukur Ahmad, Head of NDLEA Airport command of National Drug Law Enforcement)

“We know interception of drugs have been happening at the Muritala Muhammed Airport command at the same time interception is taking place here.

“By the special grace of God, we will inform the public of the outcome of the investigation in due time,” Ahmad said.

February 18, 2025
TSF commends FG’s strategy to enhance food production

By Danladi Ahmed

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has applauded the Federal Government’s strategic decision to prioritize increased agricultural production as the key solution to reducing food prices across Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its Chairman Ahmad Sajoh and Secretary Afolabi Josiah, the group argued that the approach reflects an unwavering commitment to market-driven solutions to stabilize prices naturally without the need for price controls.

It said: “By focusing on empowering the agricultural sector to produce more, the government is fostering an environment where supply meets growing demand, leading to lower costs for consumers.

“This strategy moves away from short-term fixes and embraces a sustainable path to food security, ensuring that the agricultural sector remains a vital pillar of the nation’s economy. This is for us a good move.

“It is, therefore, not surprising that notable local and international companies are already supporting this vision through significant investments in agricultural development.

“We are aware that ‘ThriveAgric’ is spearheading a pioneering program that integrates agriculture with climate action, training thousands of farmers and expanding its reach across Nigeria and beyond. Farmcrowdy continues to bridge the gap between small-scale farmers and investors, enhancing productivity and contributing to food sufficiency.

“Also, Pandagric Novum, in collaboration with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, is driving large-scale agricultural projects that strengthen the entire value chain while Coca-Cola’s planned $1 billion investment in Nigeria over the next five years further underscores the growing confidence in the nation’s agricultural potential, with a focus on boosting production capacity and supporting the supply chain.

“These initiatives reflect the increasing collaboration between the government and the private sector, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. We commend the Tinubu administration for creating an enabling environment that encourages such investments and remain confident that this market-driven approach will lead to lasting food security and economic resilience. ”

TSF also reaffirmed support for the government’s policies in the agricultural sector and urged continued efforts to build a self-sustaining sector for the benefit of all Nigerians.

End

February 18, 2025
COAS says training schools remain bedrock of army operational successes

Flowerbudnews
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, says Divisional training schools remain bedrock of Nigerian Army operational successes and positive operational attitude of troops.

Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Training, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Sadiq Ndalolo, said this on Tuesday while declaring open the Division Training Officers’ Training Week 2025 at the 82 Division Dragon Officers’ Mess Abakpa Cantonment.

The weeklong workshop, which runs from Feb. 17 to Feb. 21, is themed: “Capacity Development of Division Training Officers’ to Meet Contemporary Challenges in a Joint Environment.”

The COAS commended officers in-charge of various divisional training schools for the operational successes witnessed in the previous years as well as the hard work and sacrifice they put to get officers and soldiers fit for various operations.

According to him, training and retraining has become imperative due to the asymmetric nature of the security threats we have in the country today and for the Nigerian Army to move ahead of these challenges.

“The workshop is aimed at providing a veritable platform for Division Training Officers to compare notes and come up with modalities to enhance training in their respective divisions,” he said.

The COAS commended the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for his continuous support to the Nigerian Army and all its operations to keep the nation and her people safe and secured.

On the theme of the workshop, Oluyede said it was relevant and timely as it would ensure that army mandate on training is maintained and the tradition sustained as well as ensure troops work in synergy with other members of the Armed Forces.

“You have to strive for greater heights and the Nigerian Army Headquarters will continue to support all its Divisional Training Schools.

“The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of various divisions must support and ensure optimal functionality of Divisional Training Schools in their Divisions,” he said.

He said that the Nigerian Army would continue to perform its role professionally in accordance to the details of its mandate.

Earlier, the GOC of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, said that the workshop would prepare the participants for the next training year putting into consideration lessons learnt from past training activities.

Olatoye noted that the challenges of current time had placed it on the Nigerian Army to ensure constant capacity building among its training schools and training officers.

“I commend the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his approval and support for this workshop at 82 Division and other numerous supports he had been giving the Division to remain outstanding in its operations.

“I implore the participants to participate fully and take notes; as I believe that at the end of the training workshop, you all must have been equipped to meet operational challenges in the schools and field of training,” he said.

February 18, 2025
Court rejects ex-minister’s plea to stop use of DNA test result against him

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, declined the application filed by Mr Kabiru Turaki, former Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs Minister, seeking to stop the police from presenting the DNA test result in the paternity dispute with a lady, Hadiza Baffa.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a ruling on an ex-parte motion, moved by Turaki’s lawyer, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, SAN, held that he could not grant the relief sought by the former minister without hearing from the respondents.

“Upon studying the motion ex-parte and the averments in the affidavit in support, including the affidavit of urgency, I am of the opinion that the prayers cannot be granted without hearing from the respondents,” Justice Ekwo said.

The judge therefore ordered Turaki to put all the respondents in the application on notice within two days of the order.
Justice Ekwo directed the respondents to show cause in the next adjourned date why the prayers sought by the former minister should not be granted.
The judge, who ordered Turaki to serve the respondents with all the processes filed in the suit within two days of the order, adjourned the matter until Feb. 24 for the respondents to show cause.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Turaki, in the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/244/2025, had sued the Nigeria Police Force (NPF); Inspector-General (I-G) of Police; DCP Rita Oki Oyintare, who is Deputy Commissioner of Police for Gender and Hadiza Musa Baffa as 1st to 4th respondents respectively.
In the motion dated Feb. 11 but filed Feb. 13 by Ibrahim, the ex-minister sought one relief.
He sought an order of interim injunction restraining the respondents from presenting, using, or relying on the purported DNA paternity test result procured from the DNA Labs Limited or any other DNA laboratory on Nov. 5, 2024, or any other date thereafter.
Giving a 13-ground argument why his application should be granted, Turaki said he instituted an action against Hadiza (4th respondent) vide suit No CV/35/2024 on June 24, 2024.
He said in the suit, he sought declaratory reliefs, including but not limited to a perpetual injunction restraining her from parading that the she was married to him and that her child is from him.
He said that Hadiza caused several petitions to be written to the office of the 1st to 3rd respondents in connection with the subject matter in suit no CV/35/2024 and the petitions were consolidated upon application for consolidation by him vide the letter dated Sept.19, 2024.
He said the case was then assigned to the office of Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police on Intelligence for proper and unbiased investigation.
He said that inspite of the consolidation of the petitions and assignment of the investigation to the Deputy Inspector General of Police Intelligence, the 3 respondent (DCP Oyintare) continued to harass, intimidate and send invitations to the applicant (ex-minister).
“Traumatised with the continuous harassment by the 3rd respondent, the applicant vide a letter dated 1st November, 2024 further complained to the 2nd respondent (I-G) against abuse of power and harassment by the 3rd respondent,” he said.
Turaki alleged that the act continued despite I-G’s earlier directive transferring the investigation to the DIG on Intelligence and against the court order in suit number: CV/35/2024, restraining the respondents from interfering with the subject matter of the said suit or carrying out any investigation relating to same pending the determination of the suit.
“That the 3rd respondent who had shown too much inclination to meddle in the investigation against the applicant invited the applicant on the 5th November, 2024.
“Upon honouring the 3rd respondent’s invitation on the 5th November, 2024, the 3rd respondent insisted that she must take a swab from the applicant and conduct a DNA.
“The applicant protested that he was not going to submit any of his swab sample for DNA by force.
“Thereupon, the 3rd respondent said he was under arrest and can therefore not leave their premises.
“Consequently, the applicant was detained in the respondent’s cell at the Force Criminal Investigation Department Area 10, Garki, Abuja for about 6 hours from 12 noon till 6pm.
“At about 9pm, the applicant’s swab sample was collected by a purported scientist at the behest of the 3rd respondent, after which only, he was allowed go home at about 10pm on Nov. 5, 2024.
“A criminal charge has been filed against him before the Federal Capital Territory, Magistrate Court, Abuja.
“The respondents intend to rely on the purported DNA test paternity result procured in violation of his fundamental human rights in the said criminal charge.
“Unless this honourable court promptly intervenes, the respondents will rely on the said purported DNA test paternity result, the validity or otherwise being the subject matter of the instant suit.
“Unless the application ex-parte is heard expeditiously, the DNA test paternity result procured by the respondents would be relied upon and used against the applicant who will suffer irreversible injury even if the instant suit is determined in his favour,” Turaki said.
When the matter was earlier called on Tuesday, brahim, who appeared for Turaki, informed the court that the motion ex-parte sought an interim injunction against the respondents from presenting the DNA test result before an FCT High court.
“What you are asking me to do is to stop them from making use of the result against the applicant?
“Can I stop anybody from going to court? Or can I stop them from tendering it in court? Justice Ekwo asked Ibrahim.
The senior lawyer responded that the judge could make the order “because of the way and manner the test was obtained in violation of the applicant’s fundamental right.”
After Ibrahim moved the motion, the judge, who refused the application, held that it would be appropriate to hear from the other parties

February 18, 2025
IFC’s $50m equity investment in Lagos Free Zone is vote of confidence on Tinubu reforms -TMSG

By Majeed Ishola

The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described the $50 million equity investment in the Lagos Free Zone investment by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as a vote of confidence in the ongoing reforms in Nigeria.

According to the group, it is an affirmation of Nigeria’s demonstrated readiness for big business under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG said that the equity investment which is for the expansion of Nigeria’s first deep-sea port-based private special economic zone is a major indicator that the country’s conducive business environment is gaining interest across the investment world.

“That a reputable body like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) deemed it fit to commit a whopping $50 million equity investment in a private business initiative in the country is no mean feat.

“Clearly, it is a stamp of approval by the international community that Nigeria is a good place to invest, a place where there is a guarantee of returns on investments.

“But for us, it is a signal that the country is truly ready for big business as a result of ongoing reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration contrary to a few misconceptions in purely partisan quarters about the policies.

“It is interesting that IFC’s equity investment is for the development and expansion of Nigeria’s first deep-sea port at the privately-run Lagos Free Zone, which presently occupies 860 vast hectares of land.

“The investment, which is the largest single financial commitment by IFC in recent years, is designed to address critical infrastructure gaps, attract local and global businesses, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

“We are convinced that the decision to invest in the free zone will unlock new opportunities for businesses in the deep sea port that is already acknowledged to have world-class facilities

“We agree with President Tinubu that it is a testament to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda as well as the ongoing efforts by his administration to attract foreign direct investment.

“We also commend Tolaram, the owners of the Port-based industrial zone, which recently acquired Guinness and turned its financial fortunes around in just 6 months, for their continued efforts at showing that Nigeria is a good place to invest,” it added.

The group noted that Nigeria’s business environment has recorded incremental improvement in the last few months in response to the federal government’s policies, maintaining that Nigeria remains Africa” ‘s biggest investment capital.

End

February 18, 2025
Breaking: Elder statesman Edwin Clark is dead

Flowerbudnews

Former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Edwin Clark, is dead.

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) leader died at 97 on Monday night, according to a statement signed by Prof. C. C. Clark for the family.

The statement read, “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday 17th February, 2025.

The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”

Marry a Canadian Woman and Immigrate To CanadaCanadaij

This comes days after Afenifere leader Ayo Adebanjo’s death. Adebanjo was aged 96.

Details later…

February 18, 2025
Osun Local Govt. Election Will Hold as Scheduled – OSSIEC

-Unveils Voting Materials

The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has stated that all is now set for the local government election.

OSSIEC had fixed Saturday, February 22, 2025 for the conduct of local Government election in the state.

The commission on Monday officially unveiled voting materials during a press briefing held at its headquarters in Osogbo, Osun State capital.

The event was led by OSSIEC Chairman, Barr. Hassim Abioye, who assured the public of the commission’s readiness.

Abioye said, “We are fully prepared to conduct a free, fair, and credible election. All necessary materials have been secured, and we are working closely with security agencies to ensure a smooth process.”

The unveiled specimen voting materials included ballot papers, result sheets, and other essential election materials. Abioye also said the commission made cubicles for the election.

According to the OSSIEC boss, the distribution of materials to various local government areas would commence immediately.

“For the first time, we have a voting cubicle which will allow two persons to vote at a time to reduce long queue. Our ballot boxes are ready and the ballot papers are bar coded in a way that the one meant for a local government can not be used in another local government.

“As I am talking to you now, all the 18 political parties who registered are participating. We have not heard of any political party withdrawing from the election. We have not received any communication to that effect and that will not in anyway hamper the process of the election,” he said.

Representatives of political parties, the Inter Party Advisory Council, civil society organisations and National Orientation Agency, were present at the briefing.

Victor Akande, Osun IPAC chairman who spoke on behalf of the body, commended OSSIEC for the innovations it brought into the process, urging him not to allow external influences to distract him from delivering transparent and credible council polls.

“We appreciate the transparency of OSSIEC in this process and expect a level playing field for all candidates,” Akande said.

Speaking, Adebiyi Stephen, Acting State Director, NOA Osun State, and a representative of National Youth Council of Nigeria urged the commission to provide adequate security before, during and after the elections.

“Sensitive and train your party members so that they will know what to do. If they are not pleased with the situation of things, they should approach the court,” Stephen told political parties present at the unveiling.

February 18, 2025