Category: Featured

Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, June 19, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Olukeye Adedayo to 76 years imprisonment.

Adedayo was arraigned sometime in 2024 on an 18-count charge bordering on transmission of child pornography, fraudulent impersonation, and sextortion to the tune of N721,500.00 (Seven Hundred and Twenty One Thousand, Five Hundred Naira ) by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Count one reads: “That you, Olukeye Adedayo Olalekan (a.k.a hrm87, charlotte 708 and harlilott_ 716), on or about the 13th February, 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, intentionally used the Instagram virtual network to create a group ” Expose Janjua Robin Nudes” to distribute child pornography and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 23(1)(C)and punishable under Section 23(1)(e) of the of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015”.

He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him, thereby leading to his full trial.

During the trial that began on June 5, 2024, the prosecution counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, presented two witnesses, Wahid Hamidi, a Police Sergeant with the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, RCMP, and Saidu Yakubu, an operative of the EFCC.

Buhari also presented several evidence to prove the prosecution’s case against the defendant.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Owoeye found Olukeye guilty of the 18 counts and sentenced him accordingly.

The Judge sentenced him to two years imprisonment on counts one to four of procuring, distributing of child pornography and cyberstalking; four years imprisonment on counts five to 14 of retention and disguising the origin of proceeds of fraud, without an option of fine; seven years imprisonment on counts 15 to 18 of obtaining property under false pretences, without an option of fine.

The sentences are to run concurrently.

The convict bagged his imprisonment when he was arrested for intentionally using the Instagram virtual network to create a group ” Expose Janjua Robin Nudes” to distribute child pornography. Local and international witnesses testified against him and the court found him guilty and convicted him accordingly.

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a resilient economy, improving the quality of life for the people and securing the future for generations to come.

The governor said this on Friday while presenting a State of the State Address, held at the Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

He noted that through several policies being implemented by the state government and its simple approach to solving complex governance issues, Oyo State has become an investment destination.

Governor Makinde stressed that the government’s efforts have yielded many positive results, including the designation of the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub as Nigeria’s first agricultural transformation centre by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the ongoing construction of the Eruwa Agribusiness Industrial Hub and the admittance of Oyo State into the World Union of Wholesale Market, the first sub-national in Africa to achieve such feat.

Others, the governor noted, are the ongoing upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, which first phase will be commissioned in October 2025, the fixing of the state’s infrastructure deficit, with major arterial roads across the state, inner roads in Ibadan already done and dusted and the ongoing construction of 87 kilometres of rural roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), while efforts are also on to complete the 48 kilometres Ido-Eruwa Road.

Drawing a comparative analysis, the governor submitted that the cost of servicing debt inherited from the previous administration is subjected to the exchange rate available at the period.

He added that the state is currently grappling with a steep increase in its foreign debt repayment obligations, which have ballooned from ₦70 billion to over ₦300 billion, due to exchange rate volatility.

Makinde who traced the root of the debt to a $200 million loan obtained from the World Bank during the twilight of the administration of his predecessor, the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi disclosed that at the time the loan was secured, the exchange rate stood at ₦350 to a dollar, bringing its naira equivalent to approximately ₦70 billion.

“Today, because of the steady depreciation of the naira since 2019, we are now servicing the same loan at a valuation of over ₦300 billion.

“When we assumed office, our monthly repayment stood at ₦700 million. But as of now, we are compelled to pay ₦3 billion monthly.”

The governor expressed concern over the state’s helplessness in the face of foreign exchange fluctuations, emphasizing that matters of currency and exchange rate fall strictly under the Federal Government’s exclusive legislative list.

“As a subnational, Oyo State has absolutely no influence on exchange rate decisions. Yet, we bear the consequences in our fiscal planning,” Makinde lamented.

Despite the financial strain, the governor announced a major development in the area of state security and strategic infrastructure.

He revealed that the government had concluded plans for the procurement of two aircraft for aerial surveillance and security operations.

“These aircraft will not only support our security architecture but will also commemorate Oyo State’s 50th anniversary since its creation from the old Western Region,” he stated, adding that the acquisition aligns with his administration’s broader strategy to ensure the safety of lives and properties across the state.

Governor Makinde’s speech drew mixed reactions from the Assembly, with lawmakers commending the transparency in financial disclosures while also urging the Federal Government to devise mechanisms to cushion the effect of exchange rate shocks on state obligations.

The State of the State address comes at a critical time, as states across Nigeria contend with dwindling federal allocations and rising operational costs due to macroeconomic shifts.

Veteran Nollywood actor Ganiyu Nofiu, widely known as Alapini, has voiced his deep disappointment over what he called the neglect of Yoruba entertainers who actively campaigned for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 general elections.

In a heartfelt interview shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Alapini accused the Tinubu-led government of turning its back on those who toiled tirelessly to secure electoral victory, particularly entertainers who mobilized grassroots support across difficult terrains.

“Will Seyi Tinubu say he’s blind and didn’t see us, the elders, when we campaigned?” Alapini questioned, his voice heavy with frustration. “We were over 100 that campaigned. We were going around both old and young filmmakers. Where others could not enter, we campaigned there. We were entering marketplaces as if we were mad patients.”

The veteran actor described how he and others visited markets, rural areas, and remote communities without funding, recognition, or security driven solely by loyalty to the Yoruba cause and belief in Tinubu’s candidacy.

His comments reflect growing resentment among grassroots campaigners and aging entertainers who feel sidelined despite their visible contributions. According to Alapini, many of his colleagues expected appointments, financial support, or at the very least, public acknowledgment, none of which has materialized more than a year after the elections.

The video has since sparked debate online, with some netizens echoing Alapini’s sentiments while others argue that political support should not come with expectations of compensation.

The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has nullified the final forfeiture order granted against properties linked to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, handing a major legal victory to the embattled former apex bank chief.

In a split judgment delivered on April 9, 2025, and obtained by Lagos Reporters on Sunday, the appellate court ruled two-to-one in favour of setting aside the Federal High Court’s earlier decision that allowed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to permanently seize Emefiele’s assets.

The court also ordered a fresh trial of the matter at the lower court, citing procedural and legal concerns.

Back in November 2024, the Federal High Court in Lagos had approved the EFCC’s request for the final forfeiture of several high-value properties allegedly linked to Emefiele. These included:

Two fully detached duplexes at No. 17B, Hakeem Odumosu Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos;

A 1,919.592-square-metre undeveloped plot on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive (formerly Queens Drive), Ikoyi;

A bungalow at No. 65A Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi; and

A four-bedroom duplex at No. 12A, Probyn Road, Ikoyi.

The appellate court’s ruling reopens the legal battle surrounding Emefiele’s alleged assets and the EFCC’s efforts to tie them to financial crimes during his time in office.

Legal analysts say the retrial could either reinforce or unravel the government’s case, depending on how the evidence is re-presented in court

Governor Ademola Adeleke has warned radio stations in the state to desist from allowing incitement to violence and constant breach of the national broadcasting codes.

The Governor also cautioned opposition figures against inciting the public to violence on the recent judicial pronouncement on the local government leadership question.

In a statement on Sunday, the Governor expressed displeasure at the activities of some radio stations who allowed guests to incite the public to violence and also manifest disdain for lack of fair hearing to affected stakeholders.

The statement condemned refusal to caution guests who made libelous and sedition allegations against public officials while at the same time blocking the right to fair hearing for affected people.

The Governor has therefore directed the Commissioner for Information to summon the General Managers of all affected stations for a briefing before further action will be taken.

While drumming support for freedom of press, the governor said observance of broadcasting codes is key to responsible broadcast journalism, vowing to impose sanctions on any station that refuses to obey broadcast rules and codes.

Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has cautioned opposition politicians against current trends of promoting violence in the wake of the recent pronouncement of the Court of Appeal.

He frowned at the recent interviews by some opposition politicians to take laws into their own hands, warning that law enforcement agencies will descend heavily on any trouble makers.

According to the Governor, the commitment of the administration to rule of law is unwavering, warning that those threatening violence to achieve political goals are enemies of the people.

The governor noted that the judicial process is the panacea to resolving political disputes, urging people of Osun state to remain peaceful and reject calls to violence by some opposition figures.

“We task our people to be law abiding. The local government question is being resolved without any further bloodletting. Those promoting violence will face the law at the right time”, the Governor was quoted as saying.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has suspended its controversial plan to hold national prayer and fasting sessions as a response to the worsening hunger crisis in Nigeria, Lagos Reporters can confirm.

The spiritual programme, revealed in a leaked circular dated June 11, 2025, had directed ministry staff—including directors and desk officers—to gather for weekly fasting and prayer sessions at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The initiative, titled “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development,” was scheduled for June 16, 23, and 30.

“This is to invite all staff… to a solemn prayer session for God’s guidance and supporting the Government’s effort to achieve food security,” read the memo signed by the Director of Human Resource Management, Mrs. Adedayo Modupe O.

However, a follow-up memo from the same official announced the indefinite postponement of the programme without providing any reasons.

The move follows public outrage and online criticism that condemned the idea as tone-deaf and inadequate in the face of soaring food prices and deepening hardship across the country. Many Nigerians demanded concrete policy actions rather than religious symbolism.

Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, food inflation has surged to over 40% year-on-year as of May 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The prices of essential staples like rice, yam, garri, and maize have more than doubled, worsening the living conditions of already struggling households.

Oyetola Vows to Revitalize APC in Osun, Despite Past Electoral Losses

Former Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, has expressed his determination to return the All Progressives Congress (APC) to power in Osun, despite the party’s previous losses in the state.

Oyetola’s resolve comes after his own defeat in the governorship election to Ademola Adeleke. The APC’s losses in Osun also led to the suspension of Aregbesola, allegedly for anti-party activities.

Undeterred, Oyetola pledged to provide leadership for the APC and work towards reclaiming power in 2026. He urged party members to engage in robust mobilization efforts and rally support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The Ondo Police Command spokesperson, Olushola Ayanlade, on Wednesday, announced the arraignment of nine suspected cultists linked to recent violent clashes in Ondo City that resulted in the deaths of two individuals.

The development follows a previous arrest of 46 suspects during a coordinated anti-cult operation by the state command.

Ayanlade said the screening and identification processes led to the arraignment of nine individuals before the Chief Magistrate Court of Ondo State in Akure.

The suspects identified as Akinrimade Ayomide (23), Olanrewaju Adejuwon (31), Kunle Johnson (29), Sodiq Ibrahim (25), Franklin Akinrinsola (29), Adebusoye Sunkanmi (30), Fadayomi Ayoola (45), Akingbesote Eric (31), and Akomoleyin Akin (29) are facing a six-count charge related to cultism, homicide, and illegal possession of firearms.

The charges brought against them include:

“Conspiracy to commit a felony, including cultism, murder, and unlawful possession of firearms — contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006.

“Membership of banned cult groups such as Eiye, Ave, and Aiye confraternities — an offence under Section 1(1) of the Cultism and Similar Activities Prohibition Law of Ondo State, 2006.

“Culpable homicide, linked to the deaths of Fagbemi Guna Ayomide (25) and Sunday Adeyemi (32), stemming from violent rival cult clashes — as defined under Sections 316 and 319(1) of the Criminal Code.

“Unlawful possession of firearms, specifically by suspect Adebusoye Sunkanmi — in violation of Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, 2006.”

Olushola stated that intelligence gathered during investigations linked one of the deceased individuals, 52-year-old Akinsiku Olabode, to both cult activities and drug trafficking.

“He had been using proceeds from his illicit drug trade to finance cult activities, sponsor initiations, and supply arms to his group — thus fueling the violence that has rocked Ondo City in recent weeks,” the statement said.

In response to the growing threat of cultism, the state command has reinforced its security efforts by deploying the Anti-Cultism Squad and Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS).

The teams are working alongside local police units to deepen the crackdown on cult-related violence and to ensure those behind Olabode’s killing are apprehended.

The Commissioner of Police applauded residents for their vigilance and cooperation. He reassured the public that other suspects still under investigation would face legal consequences.

“The Command remains committed to restoring public confidence and safeguarding lives and property in Ondo State,” the statement read.

The police urged citizens to continue reporting suspicious movements or criminal activities at the nearest station or via emergency line: 07032358284