Legal Nigeria

The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has promised to collaborate with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to bring peace to Nigeria.

Oluyede made the pledge when he appeared before the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Defence and Army at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Wednesday.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s security architecture calls for a united effort on the part of the nation’s citizens.

Oluyede further urged strong bilateral and multilateral alliances with neighbouring countries alongside joint efforts from security agencies.

“I am honoured this evening to be considered worthy to play a part in these efforts and I look forward to contributing my utmost best by working with the National Assembly and other stakeholders in bringing lasting peace to the length and breadth of our dear country Nigeria.

“I humbly appear before you today to be confirmed as the 24th Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army simply because tragedy befell our Army and Armed Force, and as a nation in total when the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja passed after a brief illness.


“Although before his passing, I had been appointed by Mr. President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed, to act in his place pending his expected full recovery and resumption of duty as the Chief of Army Staff then.

“After Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s demise and state funeral on 15 November 2024, Mr. President, in his wisdom, found me worthy to fully continue the excellent job the Army has been doing here and get confirmed by the National Assembly.

“I have served this great nation as an officer of the Nigerian Army for over 30 years. My exposure to national security issues at the junior, middle, and senior cadres of the military profession has prepared me adequately for the assignment I am being screened for here today.

“In the past five years or thereabout, I have operated at the senior operational and management levels of the Nigerian Army and I have somewhat been part of the running of the service in its entirety.

“Thus, I cannot completely distance myself from the successes or setbacks of our great army in the past couple of years. However, I see my nomination as the Chief of Army Staff as a privileged opportunity to be in the driver’s seat and bring about more positive changes to the Nigerian Army to enable it to fulfil its
constitutional responsibilities.

“Thus, if confirmed by this joint committee and given the common mandate to lead the Nigerian Army during this period, I promise to do my best to justify the confidence imposed in me by the appointing authority which is His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the confirming authority which is you members of the National Assembly and the generality of Nigerians.

“Let me underscore that the security environment will find ourselves as a nation requires a united effort on the part of every Nigerian. We also need strong bilateral and multilateral alliances between our country and our neighbours, as well as deep collaboration and joint efforts by the services and other security agencies.

“I am glad that this administration of His Excellency Bola Tinubu is on the right path to providing the enabling security environment for socio-economic activities to thrive and restore a dear country to the path of pride and success,” he stated.

Source: Daily Sun

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, preferred against him.

Bello was docked before trial Justice Maryann Anenih of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting at Maitama, alongside two other defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.

The defendants were accused of complicity in a N110billion fraud.

It will be recalled that the erstwhile governor’s whereabouts remained unknown till yesterday when he surrendered himself after a protracted hide-and-seek game between him and the anti-graft agency.

Dressed in white caftan and blue cap, Bello, mounted the dock around 9:45am.

The charge against the defendants, marked: CR/7781, borders on conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and possession of unlawfully obtained property.

Specifically, the EFCC alleged that the former governor misused state funds to acquire properties, including No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (N950 million), No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (N100 million), and No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million).

Other properties the defendants allegedly acquired with funds stolen from the Kogi state treasury, included Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million), Hotel Apartment Community: Burj Khalifa, Dubai (Five Million, Six Hundred and Ninety-Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Eight Dirhams), Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million), and No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million).

More so, the defendants were accused of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and possessing unlawfully obtained property, including N677.8 million from Bespoque  Business Solution Limited.

Source: Vanguard

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

Nigerian youths under the umbrella of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, (CONYL) has reacted to the comments of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Lagos State chapter rubbishing the alleged governorship bid of the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu describing his aspiration as ” a family affair”.

President General of the group,Goodluck Ibem who reacted in a press conference he addressed in Owerri on Tuesday said he has confidence that PDP and other parties will vote for him if he declares.

He said “We want to remind the PDP that the people of Lagos State love and appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which inform why the voted for him and his party the Alliance For Democracy, AD, in 1999 in Lagos State.

“The people of Lagos State rejected the PDP and embraced President Bola Tinubu and what he stands for. The PDP have never won the governorship election of Lagos State even when the party was in control of the federal government which confirms that Lagos people don’t accept or tolerate any form of imposition from any quarters but rather believe in true democracy.

“True leadership are sustained via transformational performance and Tinubu has proved to Lagosians that he came into governance to serve the people and not to be served by Lagos State as claimed by the PDP Lagos State Chapter”. Ibem said.


He also added “President Bola Tinubu is into politics to serve and not as a family business. He is just happy and fulfilled rendering selfless service to the people who elected him. He has supported others who have no blood ties with him into high positions of authority.

“In 2015, he personally gave up his opportunity of becoming a Vice President to President Mohammadu Buhari to Professor Yemi Osinbanjo and has also being instrumental to the rise of So many persons into high political offices without asking for anything in return. This shows true leadership in his person.

“In United States of America, USA, from where we borrowed our system of governance, Prescott S. Bush the father of President George H. W. Bush was elected a senator from Connecticut in 1952 to 1963.

“President George Herbert Walker Bush served as the 41st President from 1989 to 1993. President George Walker Bush first served as the 46th governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000 and later President of United States from 2001 to 2009 after his father George served as the 43rd President.

“Jeb Bush one of the sons of Bush also served as the Governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007.

“The spokesperson of the Lagos PDP, Mr Hakeem Amode and his likes should be reminded that governance and leadership all over the world is by capacity and not given as a gift.

President Tinubu have never been given political power as a gift but have always won his election through hard work and the qualities he possess which the people see in him and vote for him.

“We call on all and sundry to disregard the antics of some detractors and support Mr Seyi Tinubu who is capable and eminently qualified to lead Lagos State as her Governor come 2027”. Ibem stated.

Source: Daily Sun

US and British authorities say one of the FBI’s most wanted terrorists was arrested in Wales after more than 20 years on the run on Tuesday.

Daniel Andreas San Diego, who has ties to animal rights extremist groups, is wanted by US authorities for his alleged involvement in two 2003 bombings in the San Francisco area.

Britain’s National Crime Agency said on X that the 46-year-old was detained on Monday in an operation supported by UK counterterrorism police and North Wales police.

He now faces extradition to the US to face charges.

FBI Director, Christopher Wray in a brief statement that Daniel San Diego’s arrest after more than 20 years shows that no matter how long it takes; the FBI will find you.

“There’s a right way and a wrong way to express your views in our country, and turning to violence and destruction of property is not the right way,” he concluded.

According to the FBI, on August 28 2004, two explosive devices went off about one hour apart on the campus of a biotechnology corporation in Emeryville, between California, Berkeley and Oakland.

Less than a month later, a bomb strapped with nails exploded at a nutritional products corporation in Pleasanton, east of San Francisco.

No deaths or injuries have resulted from the blasts.

A federal arrest warrant was issued for San Diego in October 2003 and 2009.

The bureau said that he was added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorist List, making him the first domestic terrorist placed on this list.

The FBI had offered a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to his arrest.

(dpa/NAN)

Source: PM News

Expectedly, ahead of the April 18 NEC meeting, the gladiators returned to the trenches. While Wike’s loyalists were pushing for the continuation of Damagum as acting  national chairman, Atiku supporters were pushing for the replacement of the acting chairman with a candidate from the North Central; with both  groups in the opposition party, jostling to outwit each in the quest to decide the leadership of the PDP.

The chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees ( BoT), Adolphus Wabara, while speaking at the NEC meeting, noted that Damagum has overstayed as acting national chairman.

Wabara said:  “I must address a matter that weighs heavily on our collective conscience, the leadership of the party as it stands. Recalling the events that led to the ousting of the former Chairman of the party in person of H.E., Senator Iyorchia Ayu, the current Acting Chairman has spent over a year in office;  whereas as the usual practice of the party, the region from whence the national officer hails from should have produced a viable candidate to complete the tenure of the former national officer. “

governor, Caleb Muftwang, has not been forthcoming with the zone’s nominee for the chairmanship of the opposition party.

Nevertheless, as gladiators in the party continue the battle for the soul of the PDP, the crisis in the opposition party is deepening.

Last month, the PDP  NWC broke into two, after Damagum faction  suspended the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade for alleged  disloyalty.

On the flipside, Ologunagba, in a statement announced the sack of Damagum and Samuel Anyanwu as national chairman and national Secretary respectively. The PDP spokesman announced the appointment of the national treasurer, Ahmed Yayari as the new acting national chairman of the opposition party.

Representatives, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, said the incessant postponement of the meeting is a ploy to keep Damagum as acting chairman until the 2027 general elections.

Ugochinyere said, “They have perfected a plan to ensure that the NEC meeting to choose a chairman from North Central where the position is originally supposed to come from is not possible. They want Umar Damagum to continue to parade as the National Chairman and stay in office till 2027, so they can foist on us a weakling that will be presidential candidate. “

The 2027 dimensions

Inside sources say the tussle  for the control of the opposition party is motivated by the politics of the 2027 general elections. This is because whoever emerges as national chairman will preside over the December 2025 National Convention of the PDP, where new members of the NWC will be elected. And the NWC will in turn decide the issue of zoning for the next general election, as well as preside over the nomination of the presidential candidate.

Daily Sun gathered that owing to the perceived failures of the President Bola Tinubu administration, gladiators take it for granted that the electorate will naturally gravitate towards the PDP in 2027.

The Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, while speaking at the unveiling of the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI), had noted that Nigerians were looking up to the PDP for succour in 2027. Nevertheless, Makinde stated that the opposition party needed to be fixed, so that it can fix the country.

According to him,  “as we approach 2027, it is clear that the PDP has to provide real hope for Nigeria. And by revitalizing the PDI, that real hope is being provided for our people. Our country needs direction. Nigerians are looking up to the PDP to provide an ideological foundation.

“The PDP can, and will do everything in its power to fix Nigeria. We can fix Nigeria. We’ll fix PDP and then PDP will fix Nigeria. And that will be the basis of real hope for the people of Nigeria.”

However, not a few party leaders believe that the crisis in the opposition party, especially, as it concerns disregard for the rules of the party, will militate against the ability of the PDP to re-organise itself for the 2027 polls.

A member of the PDP NEC, who does not want his name in print, told Daily Sun that in as much as Nigerians are looking up to the PDP for succour, the crisis is robbing the party of the opportunity to provide effective opposition and galvanize Nigerians for the  next general election.

According to him,  “for me, party is about whether we actually want to be a party of law and constitution or a party of individual prejudices or personal interests that often will obliterate our own capacity to even abide and stay within our  laws  and constitution.


“We expected that people holding position should recognize that the interest of the party should supersede individual interest. If we must continue to have supremacy of party constitution.”

He added that the resolution of the power tussle in the PDP,  “is important not just for the party, even for democracy. When you don’t have a virile opposition, then the government in power can do whatever they like. An example of that is that the President just got up to say they are taking a loan of N2. 2billion dollars.  Nobody discussed that. In a matter of hours, they passed it. What is the caucus of the opposition doing there. “

Source: Daily Sun

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has pleaded not guilty to 16 count charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The anti-graft commission arraigned Bello in person before Justice Maryann Anenih of the High Court of the FCT on Wednesday months after declaring him wanted.

He was arraigned on fraud charges to the tune of N110 billion. However, when the charges were read to him, Bello pleaded not guilty.

After the defendant’s plea was taken, his Counsel, Joseph Daudu SAN, moved an application for bail, which EFCC Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro SAN opposed on the grounds that it had expired in October.

Responding, the defendant’s counsel clarified that the only relevant application before the court was the motion for bail in respect of the first defendant (Bello), which was filed on November 22.

Relying on all the paragraphs of the affidavit, he argued that the bail application was also supported with a written address.


He added that the appearance of the defendant in court today shows he has respect for the law.

While emphasising that Nigerian law presumes an accused innocent until proven guilty, the defence counsel noted that it was within his client’s rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial.

The EFCC had moved for trial to commence immediately and was ready to call its first witness.

But defence counsel argued that they were served with the charge at 11 pm on November 26 and that he would need time to prepare his client.

Source: Daily Sun

From Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said its fighter jets, attached to the air component of Operation Hadin Kai, have dealt a crushing blow to terrorist elements in Jubillaram, a notorious enclave in the Tumbuns area of the Lake Chad Basin.

The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Akinboyewa, disclosed this, stating that the fighter jets destroyed structures used as storage facilities and killed several terrorists on-site.

In a statement, Akinboyewa said: “This strategic location, identified through meticulous intelligence efforts, served as a critical food storage site and a sanctuary for terrorist commanders and fighters. Intelligence had previously linked terrorists in this location to recent attacks, including the assault on troops in Kareto on 16 November 2024.

“In response, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets launched a robust air interdiction mission, destroying identified structures used as storage facilities and neutralising terrorists on-site. Mop-up operations using cannons ensured the complete elimination of fleeing hostile elements. The operation’s success was made possible by extensive Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions conducted over several days, confirming the presence of active terrorist structures camouflaged under dense vegetation.

“The destruction of the terrorist enclave, including food storage facilities, severely disrupted their logistical operations, while the neutralisation of a significant number of fighters diminished their capacity to launch future attacks.

“This mission demonstrates the NAF’s unwavering commitment to defending our nation and people, acting singly and supporting surface forces in counterterrorism operations. The NAF will sustain these robust independent and joint operations until all enemies of Nigeria’s prosperity and well-being are brought to justice.”S

Source: Daily Sun

Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has stated that almost 500 government vehicles are still missing.

The update was given on Monday after a committee set up to recover vehicles and other assets belonging to the state had earlier said 200 vehicles were missing.

According to information from the committee led by Kelly Okungbowa, Itua has now disclosed that the figure is higher.

“So far, the committee set up to recover vehicles, as of this morning from findings that I made, they had recovered about 10 vehicles,” he said on Channels TV’s Lunchtime Politics.

“From the conversation I had with the chairman of that committee, he said that the initial figure of 200 was understated that there are almost 500 vehicles that are still missing and as of yesterday, they had traced about 21 of those vehicles to the house of a very top appointee of the last government.”

Speaking further, Itua shared that some of the missing vehicles were traced to a former official in the immediate past Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.

“Then, another – about 15  – traced to the house of another [top appointee of Obaseki’s government], and in the coming days, they intend to legitimately recover these vehicles and other assets belonging to the state so that is being held in private hands which ordinarily should not have happened,” he added.

Source: Daily Sun

*As CJN, others pay tributes to late Justice Ayoola

FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has described corruption as a great monster that the country has to conquer before any meaningful achievements can be made.

He said this at the celebration of life of the former Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Justice Emmanuel Olayinka Ayoola(rtd) which held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Agodi, Oke Ado, Ibadan.

The legal icon died on August 20,2024 at the ripe age of 90.

The former President who alluded to efforts he made in checking corruption during his tenure said, “Corruption is a great monster that is still battling with us in the country. It’s not that ICPC and Justice Ayoola had not done their job or that even, I who appointed him had not done what I could have done, it was the pressure of this great cancer of corruption”.

Speaking about the departed former ICPC boss, he added, “today, I’m standing before you to appreciate the life of this great man, great Nigerian, great African and man of the world and what he had done in our midst.”

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, while giving her tributes, said, “I think all of us gathered here should ask ourselves the role we want to play in this place we found ourselves. What will be said of us when the time comes”.

“He has left indelible footprints in the sand of time. We treasure him and all the things he had done to give Nigeria a befitting name. In all the places that he worked, he raised the flag of Nigeria high. He would be sorely missed. He left a legacy we should be proud of”.

While delivering the sermon entitled, “Serving God’s purpose in our generation”, the Bishop of Diocese Agodi, Revd Simeon Onaleke, advised that there should be legislation that bars all corrupt politicians from re-contesting” charging all to avoid living a vindictive life.

Anchoring his message to Acts 13:36, he said out of many people God gave the opportunity to serve, many of them didn’t do well.

“Do things that will make people remember you. Don’t bother yourself looking for enemies. Justice Ayoola fought many battles not with guns or swords. He did well.”

While commiserating with the family of the deceased, he advised the children to live well like their father.

Several dignitaries attended the ceremony including former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun;

Chief Registrar Supreme Court, Hajo Sarki Bello, Justice Akintola Ladiran, Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, Hon Justice Ogunwumiju; Hon Justice Adamu Jauro; Hon Justice Chidiebere Uwa, Hon Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru and other Justices of the Supreme Court.

Others included Dr Emmanuel Olanrewaju Ayoola; Amb. Godwin Adama, Dr wale Babalakin, and Mr Folu Olamiti, former Spokesperson of ICPC.

Source: Vanguard

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has reiterated that its December 1 deadline for all states to implement the new minimum wage still stands.

DAILY POST recalls that on July 29, 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed the minimum wage bill into law.

The legislation increased the country’s minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.

Also on November 11, NLC announced November 30 as the deadline for all state governments to implement the new minimum wage for their workers.

The union mandated its members to embark on an indefinite strike in states where the new minimum wage is yet to be implemented after the deadline.

However, several states have signed the new minimum wage scheme into effect, with over 30 governors agreeing to set the lowest monthly salary for workers at N70,000 and above.

Zamfara, Sokoto, Cross Rivers, and Nasarawa, among others, have yet to reach an agreement on improved payment for their workers.

NLC spokesman, Benson Upah, while speaking on the deadline, said nothing has changed as per the directive despite the majority of the states implementing the new minimum wage.

“Majority is not everybody. All states must heed the union’s directive or we’ll carry out our threats,” he said.

Source: Daily Post