Oduduwa News

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has confirmed that Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has condemned the arrest and detention of social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.

Adeyanju, who is also VeryDarkMan’s legal counsel, revealed this in a post shared Wednesday morning on his 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account.

He said Falana had made several calls to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), questioning the legality of the activist’s continued detention.

The groundswell of support for the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke expands today with fresh endorsement from Osun State Butchers Association and the Nigerian Union of Teachers(NUT) for the forthcoming 2026 governorship election.

In separate courtesy calls, the two groups applauded delivery of democratic dividends by Governor Adeleke in ways and manners never done before in the history of the state, pledging support for second term election of the governor.

The NUT state chairman, Comrade Babalola Isaac accompanied by top officials of the union reviewed the state of governance in Osun state and affirmed that the delivery of dividends of democracy in the last two years is unprecedented, adding “we are enjoying fruits of a responsible and people -oriented leadership.

“We can affirm that Osun is moving forward. In the education sector, we are recording successes on several fronts. The latest is the rating of Osun as number 7th in National Examinations from number 33rd in 2022. This is a testimony of good governance of good governance”, the chairman noted.

The Chairman of Butchers Association, Mr Amoo Adeowo
who came with hundreds of his members declared that Osun would not go backward in growth and development, insisting that the re-election of Governor Adeleke is a unanimous decision of all butchers in the state.

Speaking in Yoruba language, the chairman said no stone will be left unturned to ensure the re-election of the governor in 2026 and vowing that “nobody would be allowed to drag Osun back to under-development”

Meanwhile, the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has described teachers as the bedrock of civilization in the world, which evidence has now placed Osun in 7th position in national examinations from 33rd in 2022, commending teachers for their resilience and commitment for making it possible.

The Governor eulogises teachers for their support for his government from 2022, especially in the education sector, thanking workers including all affiliate unions for his endorsement for his second term bid in office and stressing that the endorsement has challenged him to further intensify the implementation of his five point agenda of which workers’ welfare is number one.

Governor Adeleke therefore promised to re-commit himself to the service of the state, assuring Osun workers, most especially the teachers that all areas in need of attention will be looked into.

He also promised to prioritise their welfare by doing everything humanly possible to improve working conditions and the learning environment in schools.

He however, directed the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Sunday Eluwole and the Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina to look into all the areas of request for immediate implementation.

The President of Inner Galaxy Group, Mr. Li Shuang, on Tuesday disclosed that his company was ready to set up a $400 million hot rolled coiled steel factory with the capacity to employ about 6,500 direct and indirect workers in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Shuang made this known while leading a delegation of principal officials of the organization at the Governor’s office located at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He added that the company is expected to commence operations in April 2026, saying the organization, a multinational company with vast investments in Asia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and some African countries like Ghana and Angola, entered the Nigerian market in 2005, producing iron rods for the building industry.

Meanwhile, Governor Dapo Abiodun, in his remarks, expressed delight in the huge investment, as he ascribed the success to his administration’s deliberate and intentional move to make the state the leading industrial hub in Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region.

“This is a $400 million investment; this aligns with the President’s vision to ensure that we grow this economy to a trillion dollars, and I think that you will be contributing your quota in achieving that. We are excited that you will also be employing people.

“I will be commissioning a multimillion-dollar diagnostic equipment facility during the week. This administration has managed to attract quite a lot of industries in the last six years,” Abiodun said.

The Governor noted that the state is blessed with abundant human and natural resources, adding that alluvial gold had been discovered in large quantities, just as the state has the highest quality of lithium.

He continued, “I think it may interest you to know that we also have lithium in Ogun State; the lithium in Ogun State is meant to be the highest quality in Nigeria. So, it may be something you might want to also discuss.

“We are number one in non-oil revenue in Nigeria because two-thirds of the state sits on limestone. We have a lot of limestone here; we are actually number one in cement production in Sub-Saharan Africa, and we are number three in all of Africa,” the governor explained.

Governor Abiodun explained that his administration had put in place an integrated ecosystem of infrastructure to support investments coming into the state, emphasizing that required infrastructure like roads, rail, air, affordable housing accommodations, medical infrastructure, and schools have been made available in the state.

Tragedy struck in Ode-Irele, Ondo State, on Monday when 22-year-old tenant Joy Tale was reportedly hacked to death during a heated argument with her landlord’s son, 41-year-old Odunayo Olomolatan. The Ondo State Police confirmed the incident and said Olomolatan is now in custody at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ode-Irele.

Police spokesperson DSP Olayinka Ayanlade said investigations are ongoing to uncover what led to the deadly clash. “The suspect has been arrested, and we are working to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the lady’s death,” he stated.

The local government chairman, Olajide Akinfe, urged calm in the community, warning residents not to take the law into their own hands. He assured that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure justice is served and the suspect does not escape.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the need for peaceful conflict resolution and respect for the law.

Popular actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo, along with comedian Ayo Makun, better known as AY, were recently invited for questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The invitations followed reports of money spraying at Ojo’s daughter’s wedding. Both individuals were later granted bail under stringent conditions.

Ojo confirmed her invitation by the EFCC in a public statement, stating that it was related to the spraying of both Naira and foreign currencies at the wedding.

The actress explained that during her visit to the EFCC office on May 5, 2025, she was questioned about various aspects of her personal and professional life, including her career and businesses.

In an Instagram post, Ojo elaborated on the details of her interaction with the EFCC, clarifying that she had not been arrested but was questioned about the wedding video, where guests, including friends and colleagues, were seen spraying money.

She noted that while she believed only the mutilation of Naira currency was illegal, the EFCC officials informed her that spraying any currency—whether Naira or foreign—is prohibited.

Ojo wrote in an Instagram post: “Following the recent media publication on social media and numerous calls and texts messages from different quarters seeking to hear from me on the EFCC invitation and to ascertain my welfare, I find it expedient to release this briefing.

“I recently had an experience with the EFCC in Nigeria after receiving an invitation letter while I was in the UK. Upon my return, I visited the EFCC on the 5th day of May 2025, where I was asked several questions relating to my personal bio data, career, work experience, and companies, amongst others.

“The EFCC officials showed me videos extracted from my daughter’s wedding where guests, including colleagues and friends, were spraying Naira and foreign currencies.

“I was asked if I knew this was illegal, and I explained that I thought only abuse or mutilation of the Naira was an offense.

“The EFCC officials clarified that spraying money, including on people’s bodies, is prohibited. I was surprised to learn that spraying any currency, including Dollars, is also not allowed.

“After questioning, I was allowed to leave the same day, but my personal lawyer, O.I. Salami stood in for me as I may be called upon again.

“Given this experience, I strongly advise against spraying any currency in Nigeria to avoid issues with the EFCC.

“Perhaps it’s time to reconsider this long-standing tradition. Let’s prioritize caution and avoid any potential problems.”

Comedian AY, who also confirmed his EFCC invitation, dismissed reports of his arrest, clarifying, “If you know that much about EFCC, you can’t be arrested and still have your phone,” he said. “An invitation and visit to the commission do not translate to arrest.”

Oduduwa News has just gathered that an accident involving commercial Micra vehicle and heavy truck has just occured at Ojoo-Agbowo Express Road, Ibadan.

According to an eyewitness who spoke to Oduduwa News under the condition of anonymity said, the Micra vehicle collided with a truck which led to the death of several people including secondary school students while several others were injured.

The accident said to have occured as early as 8am this morning.

The official number of casualties has not been revealed to the public but unverified report said all the passengers in the vehicle gave up the ghost immediately.

As at the time of filing this report, official statement on the accident is yet to be made public by Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC.

Details later.

The Joint Admission Matriculation Board JAMB has announced the statistics results of the recently held UTME examination across the country. The statistics of the results is as highlighted below:

1. Out of the 40,247 underage candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), only 467 , which is 1.16 percent scored high enough to be classified under the exceptional ability category, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has revealed.
2. Total results processed, 2025 – 1,955,069.

A total of 97 candidates were involved in examination infractions,” JAMB stated, adding that “2,157 others are currently undergoing investigations for suspected malpractices.”

Also concerning is the large number of students who failed to appear for the exam altogether.

“71,701 candidates were absent, the Board confirmed, offering no immediate breakdown of reasons for their non-participation.

3. JAMB says: “Candidates facing biometric challenges are under investigation, and those who are cleared will be rescheduled for examination at designated centres,” it announced.

In addition, some results remain unavailable as processing continues for certain categories

“A few of the results, including those of blind candidates and others in the JEOG group, are still being processed,” the post further read.

4. Meanwhile, a statistical breakdown of the 2025 UTME results has revealed that a majority of the candidates scored below the 200 mark, with only 0.63% achieving scores of 300 and above.

5. Only 4,756 candidates (0.24%) scored 320 and above, considered top-tier performance.

7,658 candidates (0.39%) scored between 300–319, bringing the total for those who scored 300 and above to 12,414 candidates (0.63%).

6. In the more competitive range: 73,441 candidates (3.76%) scored between 250 – 299.

334,560 candidates (17.11%) scored between 200–249.

6. The core of the result distribution sits in the mid-to-low range:

983,187 candidates (50.29%) scored between 160–199

488,197 candidates (24.97%) scored between 140–159.

57,419 candidates (2.94%) scored between 120–13

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said that the country’s economy can no longer afford to maintain electricity subsidies. He advised Nigerians to prepare for the introduction of tariffs that reflect the true costs of electricity.

At a meeting with the Chairmen of Nigeria’s Generating Companies in Abuja, Adelabu emphasized that, “We have to understand that our economy cannot sustain subsidies indefinitely.”

He, nonetheless, emphasized the government’s commitment to offering targeted subsidies to support economically disadvantaged Nigerians.

The Federal Government presently has an outstanding debt exceeding N4 trillion owed to Generating Companies (Gencos) for overdue subsidy payments.

In its performance report for February, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) indicated that the average real tariff stands at N116.18 per kilowatt-hour, whereas consumers are charged N88.2 per kilowatt-hour.

In February, the subsidy cost per kilowatt-hour was represented by the gap between the real tariff and the average collection, which amounted to N27.97 kWh.

All NESI customers, except for the 15 percent classified as Band A, benefit from a subsidy.

Mr. Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu’s spokesperson, reported that the minister emphasized to the power generation companies that, “Citizens must pay the appropriate price for the energy consumed. The Federal Government will continue to provide targeted subsidies for economically disadvantaged Nigerians.”

Adelabu mentioned that the Federal Government is committed to addressing a significant portion of the N4 trillion debt that is hindering power generation in the country. This will be done using cash and financial tools like promissory notes.

He said, “There is a need to pay a substantial amount of the debt in cash. At the minimum, let us pay a substantial amount, then ask for a debt instrument in promissory notes to pay the rest.

“We recognise the urgency of this matter. The government is committed to resolving this debt to stabilise the sector and prevent further crisis.”

Justice Yellin Bogoro of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 2, 2025, convicted and sentenced the duo of Folake Adeoti and Modupe Adewuyi to one year imprisonment, each for hawking Naira notes.

They arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos on a separate one-count charge, bordering on illegal hawking of Naira notes.

The charge against Adeoti reads: “That you, Folake Adeoti, on the 21st day of March, 2025, opposite Regency Hall, Jobi Felé,Way, Ikeja, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, hawked the sum of N3,850,000.00 (Three Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(4)) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”

That of Adewuyi reads: “That you, Modupe Adewuyi, on the 21st day of March, 2025, at Jobi Fele Street, opposite Regency Event Center, Alausa Ikeja, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, engaged in hawking the total sum of N1,600,000 (One Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira) of N500 and N1000 denominations, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 21(4) and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2007.”

They pleaded “guilty” to their charges, following which prosecution counsel, Z.B. Atiku tendered their confessional statement as well as the money recovered from them in evidence and urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. The prosecution counsel further informed the court that Adeoti was an ex-convict, having been prosecuted before Justice Ibrahim Kala and convicted on the same matter of Naira abuse.

Justice Bogoro sentenced Adeoti to one year imprisonment without an option of fine. In addition, her POS machine as well as the money recovered from her were forfeited to the federal government. Adewuyi also bagged one year imprisonment or to pay N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, her POS machine and money recovered from her were also forfeited to the federal government.

Adeoti and Adewuyi were intercepted on March 21, 2025 along Jobi Fele Way, Ikeja, Lagos, while hawking Naira notes to the tune of N3,850,000.00 and N1,600,000, respectively.

The former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Governor of Ogundoyin State, Prince Dapo Abiodun among several other signatories that were in attendance during the funeral ceremony of the late Afenifere Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo,

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, while eulogizing the late Afenifere leader stated that the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayodeji Adebanjo’s selfless service for an egalitarian society and the preservation of human dignity would remain fresh in the minds of Nigerians for years to come.

The governor stated this on Saturday at the funeral service for Pa Adebanjo, held at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Isanya-Ogbo, Ijebu, Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Pa Adebanjo, Governor Abiodun noted, played prominent roles in the politics of Nigeria from the colonial period and remained unwavering in the struggle for the restoration of democracy and true federalism in the country.

He said: “Baba’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to shape Nigeria’s democratic evolution and federalist ideals. This statesman and politician remained an unwavering opponent of military dictatorship, a staunch supporter of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), and a vocal advocate for the return to civilian rule, particularly when democracy hung in the balance after the annulment of June 12.

“Beyond politics, Baba was deeply committed to the promotion of Yoruba culture and unity. His role in defending the socio-political rights of the Yoruba people earned him reverence across traditional and contemporary institutions, as BBC News reported. He stood as a symbol of Yoruba resistance to marginalization and cultural erosion.

“His advocacy transcended ethnic boundaries, reflecting the ethos of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose words he embodied: ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’

“He denounced corruption and nepotism wherever they showed their heads, becoming a moral compass in Nigeria’s turbulent political landscape.”

Abiodun described the late Afenifere chieftain as a good man who did everything in his power to ensure the triumph of justice, fairness, and progress, adding that he also feared, loved, and served God till the end.

He called on Nigerians to emulate the deceased by living an impactful life and being at peace with all manner of people, noting that Pa Adebanjo loved, respected, and coexisted with people irrespective of political affiliations.

In his sermon, the Bishop of Remo Anglican Diocese and the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, Most Rev. Olusina Fape, said every man and woman has a purpose in life, and it is left for individuals to fulfill their purpose while alive.

Speaking on the topic “The Glory of a Purposeful Life” and taking his Bible text from John 28, verses 37 and 38, Most Rev. Fape noted that Jesus’ purpose on earth was to show the light and to make God’s truth known to man, urging the people to discover their purpose and work towards realizing it.

Death, the clergyman stated, is inevitable, as every man born of woman would surely die, calling on Nigerians to emulate the late Pa Adebanjo, who lived a purposeful life by contributing to the development of the nation, state, and community.

He called on those in leadership positions to serve the people diligently and avoid selfishness, as they would give account to the Almighty on how they led while alive.