Category: Local

Abuja – In a dramatic turn of events that has gripped the political elite, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is said to have distanced himself from his longtime ally and confidant, Prince Dapo Eludoyin, as controversy deepens around the embattled Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari. According to insider sources, the President’s cold shoulder towards Eludoyin stems from a series of missteps and allegations surrounding Ojulari, who is facing scrutiny over what critics describe as poor judgment and questionable political alignments. Ojulari first came under fire over his ill-timed NNPC executive retreat in Kigali, Rwanda, which drew criticism given the country’s pressing economic challenges. However, the pressure mounted further following unconfirmed reports that he allegedly facilitated travel arrangements for key opposition figures, using NNPC aviation contracts in a manner seen by some as politically subversive. What appears to have drawn President Tinubu’s ire even more is the fact that Ojulari was reportedly nominated for the top NNPC role on the strong recommendation of Prince Eludoyin. Sources within Aso Rock suggest the President now feels blindsided, particularly after revelations of Ojulari’s alleged ties to businessman Bashir Abdulahi Haske — a figure currently under investigation over alleged fraud and corruption. Observers say Tinubu’s silence and visible detachment from Eludoyin signal a deep sense of disappointment. One senior official described the fallout as “a classic case of political self-preservation,” suggesting that the President may be trying to shield his administration from further reputational damage. Political analysts note that while Tinubu is known for rewarding loyalty, he is equally swift to reposition when allies become political liabilities. “This may be more of a strategic retreat than a permanent fallout,” said one source familiar with the situation. “The President is pragmatic — he distances himself when necessary but rarely closes the door completely.” As Abuja’s political circles continue to buzz, questions remain: Is Eludoyin’s influence within the Tinubu camp permanently diminished? Will Ojulari survive the mounting pressure? Or is this the beginning of a broader shake-up within the nation’s oil sector? What is clear, however, is that the episode has sent ripples through the upper ranks of government, laying bare the high-stakes calculations and shifting alliances that define Nigeria’s political theatre.

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Professor Yusuf Muhammad Yusuf as a commissioner of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission (NLRC), replacing Professor Fatima Alkali, who declined her earlier nomination. The nomination was conveyed to the Senate in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary. Tinubu urged the lawmakers to confirm Yusuf swiftly, citing Section 2(1) of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Act, 2022. “Professor Yusuf Muhammad Yusuf is to replace Professor Fatima Alkali, whose nomination was earlier presented through my letter dated 22nd June 2025, but did not appear for screening and confirmation,” the President explained. Akpabio referred Yusuf’s nomination to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for further legislative action. In June, Tinubu had appointed Dakas Dakas as chairman, alongside Uchenna Okolocha and Alkali as commissioners of the NLRC. Alkali, who was meant to represent the North-East, later turned down the appointment.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to two promoters of Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX), Awerosuo Otorudo and Chukwuebuka Ehirim, in the sum of N10 million each, with two sureties in like sum. Justice Mohammed Umar, who issued the ruling, ordered that the sureties must own properties worth the bail sum within the court’s jurisdiction and have their residences verified by the court registrar. The trial has been adjourned to October 13. The two were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a three-count charge bordering on illegal financial operations and unlicensed investment activities, including promises of up to 88% returns on public funds without regulatory approval. In a related case, Justice Umar reserved ruling on July 25 for the bail application of Adefowora Abiodun, Managing Director of ST Technologies International Limited, accused of using CBEX to perpetrate an alleged N1 billion investment scam. Abiodun’s lawyer cited his voluntary cooperation with the EFCC and medical needs, while the anti-graft agency opposed bail, citing flight risk. CBEX is among several failed digital platforms accused of defrauding unsuspecting investors through false promises of high returns.