The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, refused to grant bail to Olamide Thomas, the nurse and activist, who was detained over her social media remarks against President Bola Tinubu, his son, Seyi Tinubu, and others.
Judge moves the bail hearing for Nurse Olamide Thomas to Tuesday 31st December as Police counsel denied receiving copy of defence application for bail yesterday.
The Police has levelled allegation of cyberbullying against the Nurse for cursing Tinubu’s son, others and concerned citizens are awaiting whether the bail application will be granted today.
The defence lawyers had earlier pleaded with the judge to grant bail to Ms Thomas, who was already held for more than a week, on the grounds of her “long detention and poor health. Rejecting to the request, the judge said he would only entertain a formal, written bail application, which the prosecution would have the opportunity to reply to.
Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, has named Anthony Joshua, former world boxing champion, a “sports ambassador” for the state.
The governor honoured Joshua, whose parents hailed from Sagamu in Ogun, during a visit to the government house in Abeokuta on Monday.
The 35-year-old arrived in Nigeria a few days ago for an end-of-the-year vacation.
In a video of the visit shared by Abiodun on X, Joshua could be seen prostrating for the governor before the two held each other in an embrace.
The governor says the boxer’s visit demonstrates the “bond we share as a people and our collective pride in the success stories that emerge from Ogun State”.
“As a gesture of our collective pride and recognition of his contributions to sports, we were delighted to present him with a letter appointing him as a Sports Ambassador for Ogun State. This appointment underscores our commitment to celebrating excellence and supporting individuals who bring honour and pride to our state.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of new Federal University in Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State.Vice President, Kashim Shettima made the announcement on behalf of federal government during a condolence visit to Bishop Mathew Kukah in Kaduna.
President Bola TinubuSenator Shettima said during the visit that the aim of establishing new University is to expand educational opportunities in the Northeast region.
During the visit, Shettima mentioned ongoing efforts to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, also in Kaduna.
Shettima acknowledged the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, describing it as part of broader efforts to address the region’s security needs.
Shettima praised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for promoting inclusive governance and reiterated that the Federal Government would collaborate with the state to improve infrastructure, particularly roads, in Southern Kaduna.
The Olota of Ota Awori Kingdom, Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege, has returned from the United Kingdom to address a reported clash between Egungun worshippers and military personnel in Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, December 27, reportedly sparked tension in parts of the town for three days.
A viral video, which captured the aftermath of the fracas, showed a military personnel lamenting an attack on a military base in Ota.
Sounds of gunshots were heard in the background, while broken glass and stones littered the premises.
The soldier in the video said, “See our base o, see how they destroy soldiers’ barracks for this Otta o.”
A top military source, speaking anonymously, confirmed the incident on Sunday.
The source explained that the clash began when some yet-to-be-identified military personnel allegedly confronted a masquerade during a festival in the community.
“On December 27, some personnel reportedly attacked the Egungun worshippers during their festival. In retaliation, the masquerade worshippers attacked the Nigerian Navy School of Music in Ota with bottles, stones, and other dangerous weapons,” the source said.
The source added that naval personnel fired warning shots to disperse the mob attempting to storm the military base.
Another senior military official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that some community leaders had reached out to the naval authorities to resolve the matter amicably.
The official said, “The people thought some soldiers they had issues with were from our school and mobilized themselves to attack us. We exercised restraint, but the shots fired were to prevent the mob from forcing their way into the premises.”
The source disclosed that the military personnel who appeared in the viral video had been detained for breaching the rules of engagement.
Oba Obalanlege, who spoke to journalists on Sunday, said he cut short his UK holiday to address the situation.
“I was in the UK when the incident happened. I had to cut short my holiday and return this morning. I can assure you that normalcy has returned to Ota,” the monarch said.
The Olota explained that he had visited the naval base and found that the altercation was a minor misunderstanding that had been blown out of proportion.
“The issue has been resolved amicably, and peace has returned to Ota and its environs,” he assured.
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and the nation’s leading opposition figure, has strongly condemned the recent military parade involving Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu.
He has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, labelling it a gross violation of military tradition.
In a statement released by his media office on Sunday, signed by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed outrage over the event, calling it an aberration for any branch of the Armed Forces to organize a formal parade for a non-designated public figure.
“It is with utter dismay and concern that Nigerians were subjected to a nauseating video circulating online, where a group of young men, armed and in full military procession, bestowed upon the President’s son unwarranted military honours,” the statement read.
Atiku further questioned the legitimacy of the military-like outfit involved, stating that the so-called group, the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” is not a recognized entity within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He emphasized the disturbing fact that the name “Cadet,” associated with young, formally trained military personnel, was exploited by civilians to tarnish the esteemed traditions of the military.
“In an effort to uncover the truth behind this shameless procession, we instructed our legal team and military experts to investigate the so-called ‘Nigeria Cadet Network.’ To no one’s surprise, it was revealed that the group is not a legally registered entity,” Atiku noted. “What is even more alarming is the brazen use of firearms by civilians in this so-called parade — at a time when illegal arms proliferation is at a dangerous high in our country.”
Atiku has now called for an urgent investigation by all relevant security agencies to address the critical concern surrounding the ‘military Honours’.
In a show of unity, over 100 traditional rulers (Obas) from the four local governments of Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo federal constituency of Osun State have endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term in office.
The endorsement was made at an end-of-year summit convened by Representative Bamidele Salam, member representing Ede north, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal constituency in the National Assembly.
The summit, which took place today, Friday, 27th December 2024, saw the Obas formally endorse Governor Adeleke and commend Rep. Salam for his exemplary leadership and dedication to the development of the constituency.
During the summit, Rep. Salam briefed the Obas on the numerous developmental programmes implemented by Governor Adeleke over the last two years.
He explained key achievements in areas such as road infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, and human development, all of which have positively impacted the lives of the people in the state.
According to Salam, these efforts reflect the Governor’s commitment to sustainable growth and his focus on uplifting the state.
Rep Salam said Governor Ademola Adeleke will embark on more landmark projects in the 2025 fiscal year which will enhance the socio-economic development of the four local governments in the constituency.
He promised that other special intervention projects in rural electrification, construction of school buildings, roads rehabilitation and various empowerment programmes will be facilitated through the 2025 Federal budget.
The lawmaker also asked for continuous prayers and counsel from the royal fathers in the years ahead.
At the conclusion of the summit, the communique was read by the Alawo of Awo, Oba Abdulrasak Taiwo Adegboye, who praised Governor Adeleke for his inclusive approach to governa
A group of health practitioners under the aegis of Joint Health Outreach Team has embarked on medical outreach in Iseyin Local Government.
The medical outreach was carried out yesterday at the Palace of Aseyin where several residents of Iseyin especially the aged were given free medical checkup and provided advice where necessary.
The programme was initiated by a group of voluntary medical practitioners drawn from various lines of health care system.
The Coordinator of the Group, Moshood Jimoh Abiola spoke to Oduduwa News correspondent on the significance of the medical outreach.
According to him, they embarked on the initiative to bring medical assistance closer to the people at the grassroots especially the downtrodden in our society.
He said the initiative was borne out of the desire to give back to their community and that they birthed the initiative during their medical training in their various higher institutions of learning.
“We have started this programme and we hope to spread it across all towns and villages in Oke-Ogun. What we do is to offer free medical checkup for our people as you know that ‘health is wealth’.
“We understand that various people find it difficult to check the status of their health due to the harsh economic realities and some are battling one ailment or the other which they do not take into cognizance. We felt the need to offer assistance and check them free of charge while providing drugs for brief ailment and directing them to visit hospital for serious medical attention.
“We are using this medium to advise the government to prioritize health sector and provide proper funding for health care system to be able to function adequately. As we can see several people have been trooping here, this shows that people are concerned about their health status but they are incapacitated due to financial constraint”, said Jimoh.
At least five persons were reportedly abducted by gunmen on Saturday at Obbo-Ayegunle in Ekiti LGA of Kwara State.
The victims were returning to their Odo-Owa base from a marriage ceremony held at Ope town in neighbouring Kogi State when they were abducted at about 4pm.
They include Oloye Oyewole Abolarin, the head of hunters in Odo-Owa, and his wife, Funmilayo Abolarin, Tunde Oladipo and his wife, and one other person identified as Bose, all of Agbele Igbede compound in Odo-Owa community.
The abductors have reached out to the family demanding a N100m ransom for their release.
According to reports, family members and the community have started contributions towards meeting the demand of the kidnappers.
They have also appealed to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and security agencies to come to the rescue of the family.
An unconfirmed report indicated that another kidnap incident occurred on Monday along Omu-Aran highway.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the state police command headquarters, in Ilorin, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, on Tuesday, were not successful as phone calls and a text message sent to her were not responded till the time of filing this report
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, says no fewer than 13 people were burnt to death along Ikare-Akoko/ Owo Road on Saturday in the state.
Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Akure.
“FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today Dec.28, at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.
“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 a.m. claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.
“A total of 14 people were involved, out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.
“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.
“This was resultant in a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.
The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, the Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abass, the Chief of Staff to President Tinbu, Gbajabiamila among other dignatories attended Ode Remo Annual Day.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the Remo Day celebration held at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, Governor Abiodun said Remoland has achieved many breakthroughs in the area of agriculture, education, science and technology through a united front
“Over the past years, Remoland has made significant progress, from advancements in agriculture and industrialization to breakthroughs in education and technology. These achievements highlight what a united and visionary community can accomplish.
“Remoland is home to Ogun State Gateway International Airport and is also a reference to the Gateway Agro-cargo Special Processing Zone,” he said.
Prince Abiodun said the Remo Day celebration would continue to be a shining example of how culture could help bring the people together and foster a sense of pride and identity, observing that it would grow to become a major tourism activity that would attract people from around the world.
The celebration, the governor added, is a testimony to the unity, resilience, and progressive spirit of Remoland, adding that it holds a central place in the government agenda for tourism potential and the socio-economic development of the state.
The governor also promised that Community Development Associations whose projects engender growth and enhance development would receive funding from the state government.
He noted that his administration was committed to ensuring that the grassroots experience accelerated development.
He said: “I want to assure all the citizens of Ogun State that our administration will continue to support meaningful community development projects proposed by our Community Development Associations.
“As a government, we are committed to ensuring that all our citizens, especially those at the grassroots, are actively involved in the development process. We will continue to provide the enabling environment for community initiatives and self-help projects.”
Governor Abiodun said his administration has worked diligently to enhance public service, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainable development, noting that the promotion and sustenance of cultural and tourism potential in Remoland for future generations would be intensified.
While noting that the government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of development, Prince Abiodun called on individuals, corporate organizations, and the private sector to partner with the state government in its Building Our Future Together Agenda.
The Chairman of this year’s Remo Day Celebration and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbass, noted that the House of Representatives is committed to advancing the cultural aspirations of all Nigerians.
He said as the representatives of the people and the custodians of democratic ideals, it is their duty to ensure that every voice and community is heard, adding, “Our work in the House is driven by the understanding that the strength of a nation lies in the well-being of its people and the preservation of its heritage.”
The Speaker reminded the people of the need to uphold their shared identity and communal spirit, as well as the foundation on which they must build a stronger nation, emphasizing that the values of unity, collaboration, and respect for diversity that define Remoland should prepare them to work towards a nation that is united, prosperous, and forward-looking.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, in his contribution, said with more than 250 ethnic groups, each with its unique tradition, Nigeria remains a beacon of rich culture, celebrated through festivals like Arugungu, Osun-Osogbo, and the new Remo Day celebration.
He said the establishment of the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy and the efforts of the National Council for Arts and Culture underscore the importance of culture as a driver for growth and national cohesion, as it provides platforms for local artisans, encourages cultural exchange, and ensures that Nigeria’s rich heritage is celebrated globally.
He urged the people to take cognizance of the importance of preserving their culture while embracing innovations that the globalized world offers, calling for the empowerment of the youth to explore creativity through workshops, mentorship, and artistic platforms.
In his remarks, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, stated the desire of the Remo and Ijebu people to have a state out of the old Ijebu Province but emphasized, however, that the structure and shape of the new state must be deliberated to ensure transparency, equity, and equality.
He said the Remo Day celebration, which would be held every 27th of December, offers an opportunity to celebrate the spirit, culture, unity, and rich heritage of Remoland, noting that it is not only a festival but a call to celebrate the achievements of the sons and daughters of the land.
While commending Governor Abiodun for being a true representative of Remoland, the monarch lauded him for bringing development to the area and the state in general, urging the people to rededicate themselves to the preservation of their culture and ensure that the zone continues to be the investors’ destiny of choice.
The event was attended by prominent personalities, including members of the national and state legislatures, past governors and deputy governors, traditional rulers, and captains of industry, among others, and featured displays by cultural and age groups.
