A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has convicted and sentenced a 55-year-old man, John Nwawuto Anoruo, for impersonating a legal practitioner and using a counterfeit Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) seal.

Justice A.M. Lawal convicted Anoruo on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, following his guilty plea to a two-count charge filed against him by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Anoruo, who operates a legal and educational consultancy in the Ikorodu area of Lagos, was arrested by EFCC operatives on April 20, 2026, after investigations revealed that he had used a forged NBA seal on a petition and a subsequent letter of withdrawal submitted to the Commission.

The case originated from a petition Anoruo submitted to the EFCC on behalf of clients against the management of Global West Vessel Specialist Nigeria Limited. However, investigations revealed that the NBA seal attached to the documents carried a Supreme Court enrolment number belonging to another legal practitioner.

During investigations, Anoruo reportedly admitted obtaining the counterfeit seal from an undisclosed business centre in Lagos. He also disclosed that although he obtained a law degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 2018 through evening classes, he never attended the Nigerian Law School and was therefore not called to the Nigerian Bar.

One of the charges accused him of fraudulently using a counterfeit NBA seal with intent that it be acted upon as genuine, contrary to the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. The second count alleged that he falsely represented himself to the EFCC as a duly qualified legal practitioner entitled to practise law in Nigeria.

Following his guilty plea, EFCC prosecution counsel, Saadatu Mahmud Yabo, called an investigating officer, Umar Faruk Ahmad, who reviewed the facts of the case before the court.

The prosecution told the court that investigations showed that the Supreme Court enrolment number on the forged NBA seal belonged to another lawyer. The defendant also admitted that he was not called to the Nigerian Bar.

The court further heard that Anoruo received N7.5 million from the legal brief in question. He reportedly paid N1.5 million to a qualified lawyer to handle the matter on his behalf, while he disclosed during allocutus that he also paid N2.5 million to the person who introduced the legal brief to him.

The EFCC also told the court that Anoruo appeared at the Commission’s office wearing legal practitioner’s attire. A subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of the counterfeit NBA seal bearing the Supreme Court enrolment number of another lawyer.

The prosecution tendered several exhibits, including the petition, the defendant’s extra-judicial statement, correspondence between the EFCC and the Body of Benchers and Supreme Court of Nigeria, the legal practitioner’s attire, the counterfeit NBA seal and evidence of a N300,000 recovery payment made by the defendant.

The defence counsel, G.E. Demkemefa, did not object to the admissibility of the exhibits, which were admitted and marked as Exhibits 1 to 9.

In his plea for leniency, the defence counsel described Anoruo as a first-time offender and appealed to the court to impose a fine instead of a custodial sentence. He also told the court that the defendant was the breadwinner of a family comprising his wife and five children.

Delivering judgment, Justice Lawal said, “In view of the plea of the defendant, the defendant is hereby convicted on the two counts.”

The court subsequently sentenced Anoruo to a N120,000 fine on count one and N150,000 on count two, bringing the total fine to N270,000, payable to the Lagos State Judiciary.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of the legal practitioner’s attire and the forged NBA seal recovered from the defendant to the Federal Government of Nigeria through the EFCC.

The conviction was announced in a statement signed by EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on August 4, 2026.

The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has criticised the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying they have worsened hardship and increased the cost of living for many Nigerians.

Makinde said the country was facing serious economic challenges, including rising food and transportation costs, inflation, hunger and widespread uncertainty about the future.

The Oyo State governor, who emerged as the APM presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election, said Nigerians deserve a new direction focused on practical reforms that would directly improve their welfare.

According to Makinde, Nigeria cannot continue with policies and leadership approaches that fail to deliver meaningful relief to ordinary citizens. He argued that the country has abundant resources but must adopt policies that ensure Nigerians benefit directly from them.

He particularly criticised the impact of rising transportation costs and the difficulties faced by workers, students, traders and families, stressing the need for practical interventions to reduce the burden on citizens.

Makinde also called for reforms in the oil and gas sector, including the restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the development of a transparent and fair pricing framework for petroleum products.

He said Nigerians, as citizens of an oil-producing country, should be able to benefit from the nation’s natural resources and should not be subjected to arbitrary pricing.

The APM presidential candidate further identified food security as a major priority, arguing that no country blessed with abundant resources should have millions of its citizens going to bed hungry.

He promised that, if elected president in 2027, his administration would focus on practical economic reforms, food security, transportation support, institutional reforms and policies designed to improve the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

Makinde said his proposed agenda was aimed at resetting the country and restoring confidence in government, promising leadership based on competence, accountability, transparency and compassion.

“Our nation is hurting. Millions of Nigerians are weighed down by hunger, insecurity, rising transportation costs, and uncertainty about tomorrow,” Makinde said in his acceptance speech as the APM presidential candidate.

He maintained that Nigeria has the capacity to rebuild its economy through honest leadership, discipline and practical reforms that directly address the challenges confronting citizens.

Makinde’s criticism comes as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with the APM positioning him as an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu.

The Secretary of the Oloolu compound in Ibadan, Oyo State, Oluwo Ishola Akeem, has debunked reports circulating on social media that Wasilat, the TikToker at the centre of the recent Oloolu festival controversy, has died.

Akeem, speaking during an interview at the Oloolu family compound on Monday, said Wasilat is alive, has completed the traditional rites performed following the controversy and has returned to her family.

The clarification followed reports on social media claiming that the young woman had died after she was taken through traditional cleansing rites for allegedly recording activities connected to the annual Oloolu masquerade festival.

According to the Oloolu family secretary, the reports of her death are false, stressing that Wasilat is currently at home and recovering.

“She is not dead. Wasilat is alive. She is now in their house at Oremeji. She has been redeemed. Nothing will happen to her again. She is free now,” Akeem said.

He added that Wasilat had expressed regret over the incident and promised not to repeat the action.

The controversy began after a video believed to have been recorded by Wasilat circulated on social media during the Oloolu festival. The incident generated widespread reactions, with the Oloolu family maintaining that the recording violated longstanding traditions surrounding the revered masquerade.

Akeem explained that Wasilat was taken away from her home to prevent possible violence and that she was subsequently taken to the police station before the traditional rites were conducted.

He said the TikToker had admitted to recording and sharing the footage, deleted the video and apologised for her actions.

The Secretary further stated that the traditional rites had been completed and that Wasilat had since returned home.

The Oloolu family has urged members of the public to respect the customs and traditions associated with the annual festival, while the clarification is expected to put to rest the false reports concerning Wasilat’s alleged death.

The development was also reported by major Nigerian news outlets, which quoted the Oloolu family secretary as confirming that Wasilat is alive and has returned home.

The Ogun State Executive Council has approved a series of major infrastructure and institutional development projects, including the construction of 450 housing units, new official quarters for members of the State House of Assembly, strategic road projects across the three senatorial districts, and the reconstruction of the Ogun State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.

The Council also approved the upgrading and recognition of several traditional stools as part of efforts by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun to promote sustainable development, urban regeneration and the preservation of the state’s cultural heritage.

The approvals include the construction of 450 units of two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows with basic infrastructure, as well as 28 new official quarters for members of the Ogun State House of Assembly.

Also approved is the construction of 28 sellable duplexes at the Ibara Government Reservation Area (GRA) Scheme II and the reconstruction of the Ogun State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.

The Executive Council further approved the reconstruction of several strategic roads across the state to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, facilitate economic activities and enhance residents’ access to markets, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and industrial hubs.

The approved road projects include the reconstruction of the Okun-Owa–Ijebu-Ode Road in Odogbolu and Ijebu-Ode Local Government Areas; the Ago-Iwoye–Ijebu-Igbo–Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic Road in Ijebu North Local Government Area, covering 19.05 kilometres; Phase One of the Odeda-Olugbo Road in Odeda Local Government Area, spanning 5.5 kilometres; the Ayobo (Mopol Junction)–Lafenwa Junction Road in Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, measuring 3.6 kilometres; and the Agbala Road in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area, covering 2.78 kilometres.

In the area of traditional administration, the Council approved the upgrading and appointment of the Akoko of Tongeji Island as a recognised chieftaincy, the declaration of the Onitafin of Orile Itafin as a recognised chieftaincy, and the appointment of the Olu of Orile Itori-Odo as a recognised chieftaincy.

The Council also approved the creation and upgrading of certain coronet stools under the Ijebu, Egba and Yewa Traditional Councils, in line with established procedures for the recognition and development of traditional institutions in the state.

Announcing the decisions in a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, said the approvals reflected the administration’s commitment to sustaining its infrastructural transformation and institutional reforms.

Akinmade said the reconstruction of the House of Assembly quarters and the Governor’s Lodge was aimed at providing conducive environments for governance, preserving government assets and ensuring seamless transitions for future administrations.

He noted that the projects were in line with the administration’s policy of replacing obsolete public infrastructure with modern, functional and durable facilities capable of meeting the growing needs of the state.

According to him, several government buildings inherited by the present administration were over 50 years old, structurally distressed and had deteriorated beyond economical rehabilitation. He said their reconstruction was part of the government’s broader urban regeneration programme, which had transformed several ageing and derelict public structures across the state.

On the 450-unit housing project, Akinmade said the development would complement the administration’s affordable housing programme by expanding access to decent accommodation and stimulating economic activities through the construction sector.

He added that the 28 sellable duplexes at Ibara GRA Scheme II would enhance the value of the estate, encourage private investment and strengthen Ogun State’s position as a preferred destination for residential and commercial development.

Speaking on the road projects, the Special Adviser said the approvals demonstrated the government’s determination to open up communities, improve transportation networks and drive socio-economic development across the state.

He further said the chieftaincy approvals reaffirmed Governor Abiodun’s commitment to preserving Ogun State’s cultural heritage and strengthening traditional institutions as key partners in promoting peace, security, grassroots governance and community development.

Akinmade reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to delivering enduring infrastructure, preserving public assets, strengthening governance institutions and building a modern Ogun State capable of attracting investments, promoting inclusive growth and improving the well-being of its residents.

The Presidential Candidate of the Accord Party Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has expressed deep concern and sadness over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s remarks during his meeting with Catholic Bishops at the State House, recently.

Hashim, who is the Co-Chairman of Movement for Democratic Renewal, said the president’s public communication left him saddened rather than angry; adding that he listened repeatedly to the president’s remarks and came away with the impression that the Tinubu he heard was markedly different from the man he interacted with on several occasions between 2018 and 2021 .

“I listened to the recording over and over again. That was not the Bola Tinubu I knew between 2018 and 2021 . I left deeply concerned. I am not making a medical diagnosis, but the President’s public communication gives me the impression that he may require genuine help .”

He said his interest was not political, but human.

“Unlike many Nigerians who are angry with him, I genuinely feel pity for President Tinubu. My greatest worry is that those around him appear more interested in securing another election than in giving him the attention that he deserves. If they truly love him, they should put his comportment, wellbeing and the national interest above politics,” Hashim added.

The issue-based politician warned that whatever challenges the President may be facing, they must never become an excuse for undermining Nigeria’s democracy and stability

“While we express concern over the President’s recent public communication, let us also make one thing unmistakably clear, Nigeria must never return to the dark era when elections were won by every means necessary.”

He recalled that Nigeria set a historic democratic benchmark in 2015, when then President Goodluck Jonathan accepted defeat, conceded the election and peacefully transferred power to the opposition.

“That election elevated Nigeria’s democratic standing before the world. Ironically, the beneficiary of that democratic maturity was the party that produced President Tinubu. History must not now be reversed.”

Hashim declared that the 2027 general election must meet and surpass the 2015 standard of credibility.

“Let it be heard loudly across Nigeria and beyond: any election that falls short of the 2015 democratic standard will not be acceptable to the Nigerian people or to Nigeria’s friends across the world.”

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and all democratic institutions to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with absolute neutrality and professionalism.

“The credibility of 2027 will determine the future of our democracy. Nigeria needs free and fair elections, not coronations. Our institutions must serve the Constitution, not any individual or political party.”

Hashim maintained that Nigeria’s democracy is bigger than any government, political party or individual ambition selfish interest of some politcal cabals. This is a defining moment. We owe future generations a democracy stronger than the one we inherited. Nigeria must move forward, not backwards.”

Popular Juju and Highlife musician, Iyun Ayilore, widely known as Saint Janet, has died after a brief illness.

The veteran singer reportedly passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, bringing an end to a music career that earned him recognition across Nigeria’s Juju music scene.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed regret over his decision to choose Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election, saying he would not have picked him had he known what he later came to learn about him.

Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s president from 1999 to 2007, made the remark while reflecting on his political journey and the decision-making process that shaped his administration.

According to the former president, his choice of Atiku as vice-president was based on the information and circumstances available to him at the time. However, he said subsequent experiences and developments changed his perception of his former deputy.

Obasanjo and Atiku served together for eight years under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but their relationship became strained towards the end of their administration.

The disagreement between the two men later escalated into a major political rift, with Atiku eventually leaving the PDP and joining the Action Congress (AC) to contest the 2007 presidential election against the PDP candidate, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

Reflecting on his decision, Obasanjo said he would have made a different choice if he had been aware of what he later discovered about Atiku.

The former president’s comments have renewed attention on the long-standing political relationship between the two former leaders, whose partnership was once considered one of the most influential political alliances in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

Atiku, a former vice-president, has remained a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and has contested the presidency several times since leaving office in 2007.

Veteran journalist and multiple-time Press Secretary to former Governors of Oyo State, Chief Lekan Alabi, has passed away at the age of 76.

Alabi, who was the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, reportedly died on Saturday morning in Lagos.

According to a press statement from the Olubadan Palace, family sources disclosed that the deceased would be buried on Sunday in accordance with Islamic rites.

Lekan Alabi was a respected journalist and public affairs commentator who served as Press Secretary to former Oyo State Governors, contributing significantly to the state’s media and public communication landscape.

His death is expected to be mourned by the journalism community, traditional institution, political class, and the people of Oyo State.

Professor Segun Aina has officially assumed office as the new Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), succeeding Professor Ishaq Oloyede, whose 10-year tenure came to an end on Friday, July 31, 2026.

Aina, a 40-year-old professor of Computer Engineering, took over the leadership of the nation’s tertiary admissions agency during a handover ceremony held at JAMB’s national headquarters in Bwari, Abuja.

His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the examination body after the successful completion of Oloyede’s two-term tenure, during which JAMB recorded significant reforms in its admissions process, examination administration, financial transparency, and adoption of technology.

Speaking during the transition, Aina expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the board and pledged to consolidate on the achievements recorded by his predecessor. He assured staff and stakeholders of his commitment to transparency, innovation, professionalism, and continuous improvement in the conduct of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and other statutory responsibilities of the board.

The new registrar is expected to leverage his background in computer engineering and information technology to further strengthen JAMB’s digital infrastructure, enhance examination security, and improve service delivery for candidates, tertiary institutions, and other stakeholders.

On his part, the outgoing Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, thanked members of staff, government officials, tertiary institutions, and Nigerians for their support throughout his decade-long administration. He urged the workforce to extend the same level of cooperation to his successor in order to sustain the board’s progress.

Oloyede’s tenure, which began in 2016, was widely noted for introducing far-reaching reforms that improved the credibility of the UTME, increased internally generated revenue remittances to the Federal Government, strengthened the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), and enhanced public confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process.

The assumption of office by Professor Segun Aina signals the commencement of a new era at JAMB, with expectations that the board will continue to deepen technological innovation and uphold integrity in the nation’s tertiary admissions system.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, CON, FCA (YAYI), has empowered 3,000 market women and men across Ogun East Senatorial District with grants of ₦75,000 each, amounting to a total of ₦225 million, under the fifth edition of his Market Women/Men Support Fund Empowerment Programme.

Speaking at the programme held at the Ojude Oba Pavilion, Awujale Palace, Ijebu Ode, Senator Adeola said the “Oloja YAYI” initiative was created to provide direct support to traders, strengthen small businesses, and improve livelihoods across Ogun State. He noted that the intervention, implemented in partnership with the National Productivity Centre, aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, by stimulating grassroots economic growth through grants rather than loans.

The Senator explained that the programme has grown from an initiative for traders in Ogun West into a statewide empowerment scheme, following its positive impact on beneficiaries. He also highlighted his efforts to improve market infrastructure through the construction of modern markets, solar-powered boreholes, and solar streetlights across major markets, particularly in Ogun East.

Urging beneficiaries to invest the grants in their businesses, Senator Adeola reaffirmed his commitment to expanding economic opportunities for market women and men while continuing to implement people-centred programmes that promote enterprise, create jobs, and improve the welfare of the people of Ogun State.