Category: Featured

The Nigerian Police Force has advised Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke to suspend the local government elections in the State hinging its decision on the intelligence report that there might be violence and bloodshed if the election is held.

The statement was made available today by Nigeria Police Force via its official Twitter handle as read in part:

“The Nigeria Police Force has received credible intelligence indicating a high likelihood of violence and significant security threats should the planned Local Government elections proceed in Osun State. These reports gathered from joint intelligence gathering reveal that various groups, including political elements and other interest parties, are mobilizing to instigate unrest, disrupt public peace, and undermine the democratic order. Given this imminent threat to security, the NPF strongly advises the Osun State Government to suspend the planned elections forthwith in the interest of public safety and national stability.

“The Force has assessed the current security landscape and determined that proceeding with the elections under these volatile conditions could escalate into widespread unrest, endangering lives and property. The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, is fully prepared to take decisive action to prevent any breakdown of law and order. However, to avert unnecessary confrontation and safeguard the democratic process, it is in the best interest of all stakeholders that the elections be stood down.

“Beyond the security concerns, it is also imperative to consider the legal clarification by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice on the extant judicial pronouncements concerning Local Government administration in Osun State with regards to the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on the 10th of February 2025 which stands to have nullified the Federal High Court’s previous decision and reinforces the position that the elections, as presently contemplated, lack a firm legal foundation.

“In light of the combination of heightened security threats and the existing legal complexities, the Nigeria Police Force advises the Osun State Government to reconsider and suspend the planned elections immediately. The NPF reiterates its unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that Nigeria’s democratic processes are upheld in accordance with the law.

“We urge all stakeholders, including political parties, to act with restraint and prioritize the well-being of citizens during this period”.

An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo has directed the State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to proceed with the local government election set for Saturday, February 22, 2025.

The order came after a legal suit brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against OSIEC and its Chairman, Hashim Abioye. The court, led by Justice A. Aderigbigbe, ruled that there is a vacancy in all 30 local government areas of the state, a decision that followed a prior ruling by the Federal High Court.

The court found that the local government election held on October 15, 2022, was invalid and had been voided by the Federal High Court in case FHC/CS/OS/103/2022 (ACTION PEOPLES PARTY VS. INEC). The verdict was further upheld by the Court of Appeal in Appeal No: CA/AK/226M/2024 (ALLIED PEOPLE MOVEMENT VS. ACTION PEOPLES PARTY) in January 2025. This ruling confirmed that the elected officials from the invalidated election were to be removed, leaving vacancies in the local councils.

The court also ordered that security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, the Army, the DSS, the Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante Group, and other agencies, provide full security during and after the election to ensure a smooth process.

The Oyo State Government has sealed an industrial facility over its incessant violation and noncompliance to Environmental regulations.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Architect Abdulmojeed Olawale Mogbojubola, gave the directive for the sealing of the facility, on the heels of several complaints and petitions received on the health Hazzard incured by the residents around the facility.

Reports revealed that the unhealthy fumes, emitted from Fountain Manufacturing Company Ltd, located in Oluyole, Ibadan, has caused great uproar in the area.

The Ministry had for years wadded into the matter, for amicable mediation among residents, but the facility owner had invariably failed to either respond or comply with government directives on the matter and obeying the State environmental laws.

Likewise, the Ministry sealed a popular lounge along Akala Express, Casta De Lounge, for dumping its waste on the highway median.

The Ministry also revealed that after necessary investigations, the lounge refused to patronize the government assigned waste collectors and is culpable of several environmental offences.
Oyo Govt Declares State of Emmergency on Waste Disposal in Markets, Public Places

Meanwhile, the Oyo State government has declared a state of emergency on inappropriate waste disposal, in all markets and public places.

The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Architect Abdulmojeed Olawale Mogbojubola, made this known, during a scheduled meeting with heads of markets across the State in the Ministry’s Conference room.

The Honourable Commissioner stated that the government had commenced the distribution of skip bins, to major markets in the State, affirming that the waste disposal containers would put an end to the era of indiscriminate refuse dump on road medians and unauthorized places.

He assured that the skip bins would be evenly distributed across all markets and public places.

Mogbonjubola however charged the market executives, the “Baba and Iya Lojas” to ensure proactiveness and cleanliness in the markets, to avoid preventable cases of market closure.

While narrating the efforts of the Ministry at promptly evacuating wastes, which he personally supervised, Mogbonjubola reiterated the commitment of government to end indiscriminate refuse dumps in all markets and public places.

Former military head of state, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has confirmed that the late Chief Moshood Abiola won the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.

Babangida made the revelation in his autobiography, A Journey in Service, launched in Abuja on Thursday. Through the book’s reviewer, former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, he acknowledged that Abiola, who contested under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), secured the majority of votes and the required geographical spread to emerge as president.

Describing the annulment as the most challenging decision of his life, Babangida stated:

“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements.”

He, however, expressed satisfaction that former President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously honoured Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), a title reserved for presidents.

President Bola Tinubu has given his assent to bills establishing two new federal universities.

The institutions are the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, and the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State.

The announcement was made by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, following the signing of the two legislations at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

The Senate had passed both bills—sponsored by Bamidele in 2023 and 2024—before securing concurrence from the House of Representatives and eventual presidential approval.

In a statement released on Thursday, titled “NASS Secures Presidential Assent to Federal Universities in Ekiti, Osun”, issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Office of the Senate Leader, Bamidele emphasised the critical role of the universities in national development.

“These universities will bridge the knowledge gap in science, technology, and innovation, promote environmental sustainability and climate action, and enhance agricultural innovation and food security in Nigeria,” he
stated.

He described the presidential assent as a “defining and significant milestone” in the administration’s efforts to tackle food insecurity and climate change challenges.

Before the presidential approval, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, had strongly recommended the establishment of both universities in a letter to the presidency dated 19 February.

Regarding the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, Alausa highlighted its specialised focus on technology-driven education and research.

“The university will specialise in technology-driven education and research, producing graduates equipped with 21st-century skills in engineering, digital innovation, and applied sciences.

“It will drive Nigeria’s industrialisation by fostering homegrown technological solutions for economic growth and job creation.

“The institution will focus on environmental sciences, offering programmes that address climate change, renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable urban development.

“It will serve as a research hub for developing policies and solutions aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to global environmental sustainability goals,” the statement noted.

For the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Alausa outlined its role in advancing agricultural research and innovation, essential to addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges.

“The university will serve as a centre for advanced agricultural education, research, and innovation, contributing to the country’s food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

“It will develop improved farming techniques, agro-processing methods, and climate-smart agriculture solutions to boost productivity and resilience.

“The university will integrate agricultural sciences with development studies, training professionals to address socioeconomic challenges in rural areas.

“It will foster entrepreneurship and agribusiness, equipping students with skills for self-employment and wealth creation.

“The university will also stimulate economic activities in Iragbiji and surrounding communities, creating employment and business opportunities.

Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has turned himself in to the police after being declared wanted.

The singer, who was declared wanted on Monday, February, 17, 2025 voluntarily reported to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, Yaba, earlier today. He is currently being transported to Ogun State, where he will be handed over to the police.

It would be recalled that on Tuesday, February, 18, 2025, Portable claimed he was a “madman” undergoing treatment at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, while pleading for leniency from Nigerians and the Ogun State Government.

The police had declared him wanted following allegations that he assaulted three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ota Zonal Office.

A 23-year-old man, Solomon Fabiyi, from Ayedun in Kwara State, has been exposed while attempting to use his six-year-old nephew for money rituals.

Fabiyi had taken the young boy to a herbalist in Ekiti State, hoping to perform a ritual in exchange for wealth. However, in a twist of fate, the herbalist refused the request and immediately alerted the police, leading to Fabiyi’s arrest.

This shocking incident comes just days after another disturbing case in which a man identified as Abdulrahman from Ilorin, Kwara State, was allegedly involved in a similar ritual-related crime involving a young girl named Hafsat.

The growing trend of ritual-related crimes has raised concerns among citizens and authorities, prompting calls for stricter measures to curb such activities. Security agencies have reiterated their commitment to tackling ritual killings and other related crimes.

Amid the crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has insinuated that President Bola Tinubu is behind security operatives’ invasion of the assembly.

The state assembly has been enmeshed in an unresolved crisis since the lawmakers impeached former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and replaced him with Mojisola Meranda in January.

On Monday, February 17, 2025, the House of Assembly was thrown into commotion as Department of State Services (DSS) officials and police operatives stormed the assembly premises.

The security operatives sealed off the Speaker’s office, but her colleagues and staff members forced the door open.

Reacting to the drama, Atiku issued a statement via his official X handle condemning the presence of security personnel in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Attributing the crisis to President Tinubu, Atiku asked the president to focus on bringing Nigeria out of its lingering economic crisis rather than “interfering in the state matters.”

“The viral video of armed security operatives invading the Lagos State House of Assembly is utterly reprehensible and stands condemned. It must be subjected to a full and thorough investigation. It is bewildering that the invading operatives reportedly have a mandate to enforce a leadership change in the House.

“It is appalling that it is those who claimed to have fought for democracy that decided to sanction this crass desecration of the state’s foremost legislative body, and by so doing, putting our hard-earned democracy in jeopardy,” Atiku said.

The statement reads further, “This act is an attack on the sanctity of democracy and a landmark of indignity to the Nigerian electorate, especially the people of Lagos. Whatever may have caused the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly is an undercurrent that is not abnormal in a system of democracy.

“The purported invitation of armed security operatives for a conflict resolution in a parliament is an anathema that should be frowned upon and interrogated with all sense of urgency. Tinubu should focus on bringing Nigeria out of the mess he plunged the country into rather than interfering in the state matters.”

Meanwhile, the security operatives have debunked the claim that they invaded the assembly complex, saying they were invited to prevent an alleged move to reinstate Obasa as speaker.