Author: oduduwanews

The Corps Commander of Amotekun in Ogun State, Brig. Gen. A.I. Adedigba (rtd), has dismissed as pure fiction, the story by controversial online news platform, SaharaReporters, alleging that the outfit was being underfunded by the Ogun State government.

Adedigba, who averred that the security outfit’s collaborative frameworks with various security agencies and local stakeholders to foster intelligence-sharing and strategic responses to security challenges in the state are second to none, said Amotekun is being well funded by the Governor Dapo Abiodun administration, describing the report by Sahara Reporters as malicious, misleading, and lacking in substance.

Brig. Gen. Adedigba noted that since the inception of Amotekun in 2020, the administration had been steadfast in meeting its commitment to providing the necessary resources to ensure the effectiveness of this vital security initiative.

“Governor Abiodun was one of the governors who promptly inaugurated and empowered Amotekun in the state. He has prioritized the safety and well-being of Ogun residents, giving the security outfit 10 brand new Toyota Hilux patrol vehicles and also deploying a comprehensive approach to security through robust funding and other logistical support for Amotekun,” he said.

The Commander noted that contrary to Sahara Reporters’ false claim, substantial allocations to the tune of ₦731,770,793.53 were made to the outfit in 2024. This is against the sum of ₦103 million quoted by the newspaper in its report.

He added: “I can proudly say that our budget has been increased from this initial figure to ₦1.5 billion with the approval of the Ogun State House of Assembly for the year 2025.

“It is very unfortunate that the writer’s sense of judgment was beclouded with mischief to the extent that he couldn’t remember that it is during the same year under review that Ogun Amotekun moved to its newly constructed and well-furnished State Headquarters office accommodation, while the meager amount of ₦10 million claimed to have been spent on services is low compared to the monthly running cost specifically allocated for the operational costs of Amotekun, which includes funds designated for maintaining vehicles, office supplies, and essential operational resources.

“Such allocations ensure that our security personnel are well-equipped to protect our communities effectively,” he added.

Adedigba also noted the significant investments of the state government in providing the necessary equipment to the outfit, which had enabled its personnel to carry out their duties effectively.

“The renovation of the old secretariat office complex with drilling of a borehole to address water challenges, and training programs were aimed at enhancing the skills of our security personnel were all executed.

“Furthermore, in the year 2024, the present administration, in its continued efforts at building a resilient and combative force, approved the recruitment and training of an additional 750 personnel to strengthen the numerical figure of the outfit. In his generous tendencies, the governor approved the payment of salaries for the new recruits counting from their days in camp, as well as two pairs of uniforms for each new operative with other kits to complete their attire.

“It is imperative to note that claims suggesting a lack of logistics are unfounded and do not reflect the truth of ongoing government support.

“With the current status of Amotekun in Ogun State, our collaborative frameworks with various security agencies and local stakeholders to foster intelligence-sharing and strategic responses to security challenges are second to none, as numerous training programs and workshops approved by the Governor have improved the operational capacity of our personnel.

“Also determined to make Ogun State a safe haven for businesses to thrive and residents to live without fear, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, two weeks ago, again handed over an additional operational vehicles and power bikes to Amotekun. With this, the Agency now have over 45 serviceable operational vehicles and 70 motor bikes in its inventory to conduct its daily activities.

“The operational vehicles clearly symbolize the government’s unwavering dedication to a safer Ogun State.

“Additionally, the Governor has graciously approved the first batch of 500 additional personnel, barely two months after graduating 750 new operatives, with approval for two pairs of full kits (uniform and others), while their salaries have already received the kind approval of the governor with cash backing.

“I wonder how an unserious government that neglects security would have invested this much in an outfit like Amotekun.

“Let it be on record that the Ogun State Government remains committed to transparency and accountability in its dealings. As such, we encourage all stakeholders and members of the public to engage with official sources of information rather than rely on sensationalist reports. The budget documents and allocations are publicly accessible for scrutiny to affirm the government’s commitment to the security of the State,” the Corps Commander said.

The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has strongly opposed a proposed bill seeking to convert 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) into Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos State, calling it unfair and detrimental to national unity.

In a statement released on Thursday, the National President of NYCN, Isah Abubakar, criticized the bill, which was passed for a second reading by the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Abubakar argued that the move disproportionately benefits Lagos State at the expense of other regions, threatening equity and fairness in governance.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), if the bill successfully navigates the legislative process, Lagos State will see an increase in its LGAs from 20 to 57. This change would raise the total number of local governments in Nigeria from 774 to 811.

Abubakar warned that such a move could lead to fragmentation and national division. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of local governance structures to ensure equitable representation across all states.

The NYCN president urged governors, particularly those from the northern region, to actively oppose the bill. He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to promoting national unity, equity, and fairness and called on lawmakers to carefully reconsider the broader implications of the proposed legislation.

Governor Seyi Makinde has affirmed that the recently established Sharia Panel in Oyo Town can serve as an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism, helping to ease the burden on conventional courts.

In his statement, the Governor emphasized that both Muslims and non-Muslims are welcome to use the panel for resolving disputes amicably.

This move aligns with efforts to promote peaceful conflict resolution and legal accessibility within the state.

Earlier, it was widely reported that Makinde had instituted a legal case against the founder of the Shariah Court in Oyo State. However, while responding to reacting publicly to the development, Makinde debunked the statement credited to him that he has instituted litigation against the operations of Shariah Court in Oyo State.

A hunter, Taiwo Bolugbe, has succumbed to the gunshot injuries he sustained during a group hunting expedition at the Ajinawo community, in the Yewa North Local Government area of Ogun State.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday, said five of Bolugbe’s colleagues had been arrested in connection with the incident.

She explained that Bolugbe and his colleagues were on the hunting expedition in the area near Dangote Cement Company in Ibese when they shot an animal.

According to the PPRO, Bolugbe was attempting to retrieve the hunted animal from the ground when he flung the gun around his shoulder to enable him to pick up the animal, and in the process, the butt of his gun hit the ground and accidentally discharged.

She said, “His Dane gun reportedly slipped from his shoulder, discharged accidentally, and fatally struck him in the neck and lower jaw. He succumbed to his injuries despite efforts by fellow hunters to save his life.

“The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the tragic shooting incident that claimed the life of the hunter during the group hunting expedition at Ajinawo area, Yewa North Local Government, Ogun State.

“At around 4.30 pm on Sunday, March 23, 2025, the police received a report that a hunting trip had turned fatal when a hunter, Taiwo Bolugbe, was accidentally shot. Five hunters were arrested in connection with the incident.

“The accident occurred around 3 pm when the victim, Taiwo Bolugbe, attempted to retrieve a hunted animal. All the arrested hunters are in police custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department, which will conduct further investigation.”

Odutola urged members of the public to exercise caution while handling firearms, even in hunting activities, to prevent tragic incidents.

She also noted that anyone found culpable in the events that led to the hunter’s death would be charged in court for prosecution.

Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have begun investigation of the sum of CFA 7m intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, along the Idiroko Border in Ogun State.

The investigation of the CFA 7m, which is about N17m ( Seventeen Million Naira) commenced on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 after it was handed over to the EFCC by the Customs’ Area Comptroller for the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu at Idiroko in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Speaking during the handing over, Shuaibu said the foreign currency stashed in 5,000 denomination was being smuggled from Nigeria en route the Idiroko border to the neighbouring Republic of Benin.

According to him, the bag containing the cash was uncovered by operatives of the NCS along the Baggage Road in Idiroko where it was left at a corner by a yet-to-be-identified courier.

“On March 20, 2025, our officers on duty at outward Baggage Hall spotted a bag suspected to be carrying an unlawful content. On thorough examination, it was discovered to contain new mint foreign currency notes.”

“Our officers conducted a search on the bag, in line with the provisions of the Section 6 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and discovered the bag to be containing foreign currency.

“On examination; it was discovered to contain 7,000,000 CFA.

“It might interest you to know that failure to declare any cash amounting to the seized currency runs contrary to the Anti-money laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995,” he said.

He added that handing over the cash to the EFCC for further investigations was part of the Service’s efforts at fostering inter-agency collaboration, particularly in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

While receiving the exhibit, Head, Investigations, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Moses Oguzi, commended the Management of the NCS for its vigilance and commitment towards safe-guarding the nation’s borders.

Ogunzi, who spoke on behalf of the acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Assistant Commander of the EFCC , ACE1 Ahmad Ghali, assured that the Commission would conduct a thorough forensic investigation of the cash found by officers of the NCS.

“ This is a reminder that no effort will be spared in holding accountable those who seek to undermine the integrity of our financial systems”, he said.

The Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU), has dismissed 13 staff members for offences including sexual misconduct, abandonment of duty, and other violations.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Joseph Ayodele announced this on Monday during a press briefing ahead of the university’s 29th convocation ceremony. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to maintaining discipline among staff and students, stating that misconduct would not be tolerated.

“The University under my leadership has raised the bar of discipline of staff and students to an admirable level,” Ayodele said. “Our administration detests all forms of malfeasance, and those involved in any form of indiscipline have been appropriately dealt with in accordance with the University’s rules and regulations.”

Providing a breakdown of the disciplinary actions, Ayodele revealed that three staff members were dismissed for abandoning their duty posts, one for sexual misconduct, and nine had their appointments terminated. Additionally, three employees were barred from holding leadership positions for three years, while 21 received warnings for various infractions.

During the convocation ceremony set for Saturday, March 29, 2025, EKSU will award first-class honours to 200 graduates from the 2022/23 and 2023/24 academic sessions.

Ayodele shared further statistics, noting that 5,406 students would graduate with second-class upper division, 9,076 with second-class lower division, 1,295 with third-class, and four with a pass. The university will also confer 162 PhD degrees, 242 master’s degrees, and 61 postgraduate diplomas.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji for increasing the university’s monthly subvention from N260 million to N410 million, which has helped clear outstanding salaries and accumulated staff allowances.

“We also congratulate the Governor of Ekiti State and Visitor to the University, His Excellency, Omoluabi Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, in whose tenure these great things are happening,” Ayodele said. “It is reasonable to connect the improvement in the fortunes of the University to the historical upward review of the monthly subvention, which has significantly boosted staff morale and ensured stability in the academic calendar.”

The university will also confer honorary doctorate degrees on Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman Dr. Zacch Adedeji, and Board Chairman of the Bank of Industry Dr. Mansur Muhtar in recognition of their contributions to society.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has warned traditional rulers in Osun State that they risk dethronement if communal clashes between Ifon and Ilobu persist.

The conflict has resulted in three d+aths, over 30 injuries, the displacement of 100,000 residents, and property lisses exceeding N2 billion.

To restore order, Adeleke imposed a 24-hour curfew on the affected areas and met with the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Akinyooye, and the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, issuing them warning letters.

Security forces, including the military and DSS, are enforcing the curfew. High Chief Leke Ogunsola of Ilobu confirmed that an attempted arson attack was swiftly thwarted. Oba Akinyooye called for peace, urging displaced residents to return home.

Meanwhile, Federal Housing Authority Executive Director Oluremi Omowaiye criticized the state’s delayed aid response and appealed to Vice President Kashim Shettima for urgent intervention.

With growing pressure for relief efforts, stakeholders are watching closely to ensure peace is restored and victims receive necessary support.

The Ogun State Police Command on Saturday said that its operatives have arrested eight students of Ifo High School for allegedly engaging in cult activities.

Those picked up were Omolaso Waris (16 years) Bennett Bolawatife (15 years)Aluko Taiwo (15 years) Akinola Ifeoluwa (16 years) Azeez Hassan (16 years) Kilani Babatunde (aka Soldier) (16 years) Kehinde Aluko (15 years) and Fasedemi Samuel (16 years).

They were reportedly arrested after the Principal of the secondary school, Mr Alako Oluwole, alongside a teacher, Mr. Akinseku Oloruntoba Julius reported the activities of these teenagers to the police on Friday.

The students during interrogation were said to have disclosed to the police that two students in Senior Secondary School one, Ebenezer Ope and Ebenezer Tobi allegedly initiated them into the cult group called Future Guys.

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has criticized the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, stating that imposing a state of emergency goes against the principles of federalism.

Speaking to an international news outlet, Soyinka argued that the 1999 Constitution grants excessive power to the president, emphasizing the need for a national dialogue to address the issue.

“If the action is constitutionally valid, then it is time to amend the constitution to ensure true federalism,” he said. “The government is overly centralized, and while the debate will continue on whether this decision was wise, it fundamentally contradicts the spirit of federalism.”

Soyinka reiterated his long-standing position that Nigeria’s system of governance is unsuitable for a diverse society.

“The federal spirit of association is crucial & that’s why some of us have repeatedly called for a national conference to create an authentic people’s constitution. As it stands, this action violates federal principles,” he added.

Operatives of the Lagos Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have commenced investigations of a suspect, Okorie Sylvernus Sunday, arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, with $578,000( Five Hundred and Seventy Eight Thousand United States of America Dollars)

The investigations commenced on Friday, March 21, 2025 when the Area Comptroller in charge of the NCS at the airport on Friday, March 21, 2025, handed over Sunday to the EFCC for false currency declaration.

The suspect was arrested by the Customs upon arrival in the country from Johannesburg , South Africa, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

On arrival, he had approached the Currency Declaration Desk and declared the sum of $279,000( Two Hundred and Seventy-nine Thousand United States Dollar).

However, an additional sum of $299,000( Two Hundred and Ninety-nine Thousand USD) was found to be neatly concealed in different packages, thereby totaling $578,000 (Five Hundred and Seventy Eight Thousand USD).

During further examination, the suspect was found to have also concealed the sum of 100 Euros (One Hundred Euros) as well as a counterfeit $250 (Two Hundred and Fifty USD).”

Speaking during the handing over, Harrison said: “ This is in contravention of the provisions of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011, which stipulates that any currency or other forms of negotiable instruments , where the value exceeds $10,000 threshold or its equivalent must be properly declared for inbound and outbound passengers.”

Harrison, who spoke on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, added that “ The Command will be handing over a total sum of Five Hundred and Seventy-eightThousand, United States Dollar ($578,000) to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for false currency declaration.”

While receiving the suspect, the acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Okotie Eboh, Ahmed Ghali, commended the NCS for its cooperation with the EFCC.

He stated that inter-agency collaboration was very crucial to achieving a common goal, adding that “We are here today to take over one passenger coming from South Africa for falsely declaring the cash he was carrying along . I want members of the public to be weary of this kind of act . It is incumbent on each and every person going out or coming into the country to declare any cash in excess of $10,000. It is mandatory by virtue of the provisions of our laws, especially the money laundering law”.

He also appealed to the members of the public to desist from the act of false declaration or non-declaration, adding that the long arm of the laws would always catch up with anyone involved in the criminal act.

“ We will not allow anyone to sabotage the economy or the nation’s financial system. This is because this kind of act exposes the country to a lot of risks, in terms of money laundering; it also makes the country to be seen as a haven of fraud. We will continue to synergise to make sure we have a better country , a stronger economy and a more functional financial system”, he said.