Category: News

As the Easter season approaches, marking a time of reflection, renewal, and celebration for Christians across Nigeria, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2 Command, Adegoke Fayoade, has reassured residents of Lagos and Ogun States of comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful and crime-free festive period. This commitment, announced on April 18, 2025, comes as part of a broader effort by the Nigeria Police Force to safeguard lives and property during the holidays. Below, we explore the details of AIG Fayoade’s assurance, the strategies outlined, and the broader context of security during festive seasons in Nigeria. AIG Fayoade’s Assurance: A Commitment to Safety In a statement issued by the Zonal Public Relations Officer, CSP Umma Ayuba, on April 18, 2025, AIG Adegoke Fayoade extended warm Easter greetings to Christian faithful in Lagos and Ogun States while emphasizing the Zone 2 Command’s dedication to ensuring a secure environment. The announcement, reported by outlets like Platform Times and Freedom Online, underscores the police’s proactive approach to maintaining law and order during the Easter celebrations, a period often marked by increased social activities and travel. Fayoade directed the Commissioners of Police in both states to enhance security measures across their jurisdictions. His directive specifically called for intensified patrols and strategic deployments to key areas, including worship centers, relaxation spots, train stations, bus terminals, and critical national assets. The goal is to prevent crime, ensure free-flowing traffic, and provide residents with the confidence to celebrate without fear of violence or harassment. “Go about your celebrations without fear,” Fayoade urged, reinforcing the police’s commitment to public safety. Strategic Security Measures The AIG’s plan for Easter 2025 is comprehensive, focusing on both visible and proactive policing strategies. Key elements include: These measures align with broader directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who has consistently prioritized robust security during major holidays. Similar assurances were made for the 2024 Easter celebrations, where the IGP tasked Commissioners of Police and AIGs with intensive patrols at worship centers, highways, and public spaces. Context: Security During Festive Seasons in Nigeria Easter, like other major holidays such as Christmas and Eid-el-Fitr, is a time of heightened activity in Nigeria. Families travel to reunite, churches host large gatherings, and recreational centers see increased patronage. However, these periods also present security challenges, including risks of robbery, kidnapping, and traffic-related incidents. The Nigeria Police Force has a history of ramping up security during such times, with AIGs and Commissioners of Police across various zones issuing similar assurances in recent years. For instance, during the 2024 Yuletide season, AIG Fayoade assured Lagos and Ogun residents of improved security, emphasizing professionalism and the “fear of God” among police officers. Similarly, other zones, such as Zone 10 (Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara) and Zone 17 (Ondo, Ekiti), have implemented robust deployments during festive periods, focusing on visibility patrols and crowd control. These efforts reflect a national strategy to address the spike in criminal activities often observed during holidays, as noted by Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji in December 2024. In Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria, and Ogun, a rapidly growing industrial state, the stakes are particularly high. Lagos’s dense population and economic significance make it a focal point for security operations, with AIG Fayoade previously stating, “Once Lagos is calm, Nigeria as a whole can be said to be calm.” The Zone 2 Command’s proactive measures during Easter 2025 build on this legacy, aiming to maintain the region’s reputation as a secure environment for residents and visitors alike. A Call for Responsible Celebration Beyond security deployments, AIG Fayoade’s statement included a call for responsible behavior among residents. He urged youths to avoid actions that could disrupt the peace, aligning with similar appeals from other police commands, such as Gombe State’s, which emphasized celebrating responsibly and cooperating with law enforcement. This message is particularly relevant given Nigeria’s ongoing challenges with youth-related unrest and cultism, as highlighted by past AIG assurances in Lagos addressing cult activities in areas like Agege. The AIG also extended goodwill to the Christian community, acknowledging the spiritual significance of Easter as a time of “peace, sacrifice, and renewal.” This sentiment echoes messages from other police leaders, such as Gombe’s CP Bello Yahaya, who urged residents to reflect these values in their conduct during the festive period. Broader Implications AIG Fayoade’s assurance is more than a routine holiday announcement; it reflects the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing efforts to build public trust and address security concerns in a country grappling with multifaceted challenges. From insurgency in the northeast to kidnapping and armed robbery in various regions, the police face immense pressure to deliver safety. The emphasis on community collaboration underscores a citizen-led policing model, where public cooperation is critical to success. This approach has been championed by other AIGs, such as Jonathan Towuru of Zone 6, who urged residents of Akwa Ibom and Cross River to share information with security agencies. Moreover, the focus on professionalism among police officers—evident in Fayoade’s directive to Commissioners and past warnings against extrajudicial actions by Zone 2 AIGs—signals an effort to address criticisms of police conduct. By prioritizing strategic deployments and public engagement, the Zone 2 Command aims to create a secure environment that allows residents to celebrate Easter without fear. Conclusion As Lagos and Ogun States prepare for Easter 2025, AIG Adegoke Fayoade’s assurance of adequate security offers a beacon of confidence for residents. With tactical units deployed to key locations, traffic management prioritized, and a call for community cooperation, the Zone 2 Command is taking proactive steps to ensure a peaceful festive season. This commitment builds on a national tradition of heightened security during major holidays, reflecting the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to protecting lives and property. As residents join in Easter celebrations, they are encouraged to remain vigilant, cooperate with security operatives, and embody the spirit of peace that defines the season. For updates on security measures or to report suspicious activities, contact the Zone 2 Command via emergency…

In a dramatic turn of events, a faction of the Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria has publicly distanced itself from controversial statements made by its former vice-presidential candidate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as “questionably constitutional.” The remarks, made during a meeting on April 9, 2025, and reiterated in a television interview, have sparked significant backlash, prompting the LP to issue a strong rebuttal. This blog post delves into the details of Baba-Ahmed’s statements, the Labour Party’s response, the political context, and the broader implications for Nigeria’s political landscape. The Controversial Remarks On April 9, 2025, at a meeting held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, reportedly organized by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and former LP presidential candidate Peter Obi, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed made headlines by questioning the legitimacy of President Tinubu’s government. Speaking at the Labour Party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, Baba-Ahmed reiterated his long-held stance that the Labour Party won the 2023 presidential election and that Tinubu’s administration remains “questionably constitutional” despite the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming Tinubu’s victory. In a subsequent interview with a national television station, Baba-Ahmed escalated his rhetoric, stating, “The appointments they are making are fake, the appointments they are making are illegal. The paraphernalia of government they are enjoying, destroying our country, spending our money is only for a little time.” He further described Tinubu’s presidency as a temporary phase, implying that the Labour Party would continue to challenge its legitimacy. These comments were perceived by many as a call for mass action against a constitutionally recognized government, raising concerns about their potential to incite unrest. Labour Party’s Swift Disavowal The Labour Party, under the leadership of National Chairman Julius Abure, wasted no time in condemning Baba-Ahmed’s remarks. In a statement issued on April 19, 2025, in Kaduna by National Publicity Secretary Dr. Arabambi Abayomi and National Secretary Umar Ibrahim, the party labeled the comments as “undemocratic” and “inciting.” The LP emphasized that it had accepted the Supreme Court’s ruling on the 2023 presidential election, despite its initial objections, for the sake of national peace and the finality of the court’s judgment. Dr. Abayomi expressed astonishment at Baba-Ahmed’s persistence in questioning Tinubu’s presidency, particularly given the Supreme Court’s validation of the election results. He stated, “For us in the Labour Party, this statement is clearly inciting and a call for mass action against a constituted authority. We think there should be a limit to whipping up public sentiments against a legitimate government.” The party explicitly dissociated itself from any actions or statements that could be seen as surreptitiously inciting Nigerians against the current administration. The LP also referenced historical examples to underscore the dangers of inflammatory rhetoric, citing the Arab Spring, which began with subtle grievances and escalated into widespread unrest across the Middle East. Abayomi warned, “The Arab Spring that rattled the entire Middle East started when the Arab leaders paid no attention to Bouazizi’s subtle [actions].” This analogy highlighted the party’s concern that Baba-Ahmed’s statements could galvanize public discontent and lead to instability. Context: Baba-Ahmed’s History of Contention This is not the first time Datti Baba-Ahmed has challenged the legitimacy of Tinubu’s presidency. Since the 2023 presidential election, where he served as Peter Obi’s running mate, Baba-Ahmed has consistently maintained that the Labour Party was robbed of victory. In March 2023, he urged then-President Muhammadu Buhari and Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola not to swear in Tinubu, arguing that the All Progressives Congress (APC) failed to meet constitutional requirements under Section 134 (2)(a) and (b). He described Tinubu’s certificate of return, issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as “reckless” and tantamount to ending democracy. In November 2023, Baba-Ahmed went further, calling for the resignation of Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, suggesting that Senate President Godswill Akpabio should oversee a fresh election. He labeled Tinubu’s swearing-in as “unconstitutional” and refused to recognize the administration’s legitimacy, accusing it of delivering “nothing but disaster” in its first six months. These statements reflect Baba-Ahmed’s unwavering stance, which has put him at odds with the Labour Party’s current leadership. Internal Party Tensions The Labour Party’s disavowal of Baba-Ahmed’s remarks also sheds light on internal divisions within the party. The statement criticized the April 9 meeting, organized by Governor Otti and Peter Obi, as “illegal and unconstitutional,” suggesting a rift between factions led by Julius Abure and those aligned with Otti and Obi. The Abure-led faction accused Otti of issuing threats against the party’s national leadership, prompting a call for security agencies to protect LP executives. This factionalism is not new. The Labour Party has faced leadership crises since the 2023 elections, with competing factions vying for control. Baba-Ahmed’s alignment with the Otti-Obi faction, as evidenced by his participation in the NEC meeting, appears to have deepened the divide. The Abure-led faction’s swift response suggests an effort to maintain political relevance and avoid being associated with rhetoric that could alienate moderate supporters or provoke government backlash. Public and Political Reactions Baba-Ahmed’s remarks have elicited mixed reactions. On platforms like X, posts from outlets such as @SaharaReporters and @NAT_ACCORD amplified the Labour Party’s condemnation, framing Baba-Ahmed’s statements as a potential threat to national stability. Some users expressed support for the LP’s decision to distance itself, arguing that such rhetoric risks destabilizing Nigeria’s fragile political environment. Others, however, sympathized with Baba-Ahmed, citing ongoing economic hardships and governance challenges as justification for questioning the administration’s legitimacy. The broader political context adds complexity to the situation. Nigeria continues to grapple with economic difficulties, insecurity, and public dissatisfaction with governance. Baba-Ahmed’s comments tap into a vein of frustration among some Nigerians, particularly Labour Party supporters who believe the 2023 election was flawed. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling and the LP’s acceptance of it have shifted the narrative for many, making Baba-Ahmed’s persistence a point of contention. Implications for Nigeria’s Political Landscape The Labour Party’s disavowal of Baba-Ahmed’s remarks carries significant implications. First, it signals an attempt to reposition the…

In a shocking blow to investors, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has confirmed that the agency is unable to provide restitution to approximately 600,000 Nigerians impacted by the massive Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) fraud. The scheme, orchestrated by ST Technologies International Ltd, disappeared last Monday, wiping out an estimated ₦1.3 trillion in public investments. Here’s a closer look at the scandal and the SEC’s response. The CBEX Collapse: A Devastating Scam The Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) lured thousands of Nigerians with an irresistible promise: double your investment in just 30 days. Marketed as a legitimate cryptocurrency platform, CBEX gained widespread trust before abruptly vanishing, leaving investors in financial ruin. The scam, now exposed as a Ponzi scheme, has sparked outrage across the country, with victims grappling with losses totaling ₦1.3 trillion. SEC’s Hands Are Tied In an interview with Sunday Vanguard, Dr. Agama expressed profound sympathy for the victims but clarified that the SEC is powerless to offer financial relief. “There is nothing the Commission can do,” he stated, explaining that CBEX operated under the radar, evading regulatory oversight until it was too late. The agency was not alerted to the scheme’s activities in time to intervene, highlighting a critical gap in early detection. A Call for Vigilance Dr. Agama emphasized the importance of public cooperation in preventing such frauds. “We are intensifying our public awareness campaigns and encouraging people to speak up early,” he urged. He called on Nigerians to report suspicious investment schemes promptly to enable the SEC to take swift action. The Director General stressed that early detection is key to dismantling fraudulent operations before they can inflict widespread harm. Warning Against “Too Good to Be True” Schemes Citing the Investments and Securities Act of 2025, Dr. Agama warned that promises of unusually high returns, like those offered by CBEX, are hallmark traits of Ponzi schemes. He advised Nigerians to exercise caution and skepticism when approached with investment opportunities that seem too good to be true. “If it sounds unrealistic, it probably is,” he cautioned, urging investors to verify the legitimacy of platforms before committing funds. Moving Forward: Protecting Nigerian Investors The CBEX scandal has exposed vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s investment landscape, prompting renewed calls for stronger regulatory measures and public education. While the SEC works to bolster its awareness campaigns, the loss of ₦1.3 trillion serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by unregulated schemes. Dr. Agama’s message is clear: vigilance and timely reporting are critical to safeguarding the public from future scams. As the fallout from CBEX continues to unfold, affected Nigerians are left seeking answers, while the SEC doubles down on its mission to protect investors through education and early intervention. Stay informed and report suspicious schemes to the SEC to help prevent future fraud.

On April 17, 2025, Lagos, Nigeria, became the epicenter of glamour, culture, and love as Priscilla Ojo, daughter of Nollywood icon Iyabo Ojo, tied the knot with Tanzanian music sensation Juma Jux in a traditional wedding that has been dubbed the “wedding of the year.” Tagged #JP2025, this vibrant celebration was a breathtaking fusion of Nigerian and Tanzanian traditions, star-studded guest lists, and jaw-dropping fashion that set social media ablaze. Here’s a deep dive into the magical moments that made this wedding an unforgettable spectacle. A Cross-Cultural Love Story The love story of Priscilla Ojo and Juma Jux is nothing short of a modern fairy tale. Their romance, which blossomed after a chance meeting in Rwanda in 2024, has captivated fans across Nigeria and Tanzania. From their first viral moments together to Juma’s heartfelt second proposal with a 5.2-carat diamond ring, the couple’s journey has been a whirlwind of romance and intentionality. Their wedding festivities, which began with an intimate Nikkah and civil ceremony in Tanzania in February, culminated in this grand Lagos traditional wedding, with two more ceremonies planned—one in Lagos and another in Tanzania on May 28. A Star-Studded Affair The #JP2025 wedding was a magnet for high-profile personalities, turning Five Palms in Oniru, Lagos, into a hub of celebrity sightings. The guest list read like a who’s-who of Nigerian and Tanzanian entertainment, with names like Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who stole the show with a surprise performance, singing and dancing to the delight of the crowd. Nollywood heavyweights such as Mercy Aigbe, Toyin Abraham, Odunlade Adekola, Femi Adebayo, and Nancy Isime graced the event, alongside influencers like Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Chioma Good Hair, and Hilda Baci. Tanzanian megastars, including Diamond Platnumz, Zuchu, and Nandy, added an East African flair, making the event a true Pan-African celebration. The presence of such luminaries wasn’t just a flex—it was a testament to the couple’s influence and the deep connections of Iyabo Ojo within the entertainment industry. Social media buzzed with clips and photos, with posts like @Glamcityz declaring, “Priscilla Ojo & Juma Jux’s Wedding Shut Down Lagos — And Instagram Too!” Fashion That Stole the Show If there’s one thing #JP2025 will be remembered for, it’s the fashion. The official color palette of olive green, pink, maroon, and gold was interpreted with unparalleled flair. Priscilla and Juma set the tone in regal purple traditional attire, with Priscilla dazzling in a long-sleeved Asooke blouse and skirt, complemented by Juma’s embroidered maroon velvet agbada. Their second look—a sparkling silver lace gown for Priscilla and a matching agbada for Juma—was pure royalty. Guests didn’t hold back either. Iyabo Ojo turned heads in a green-and-gold Mubrik Luxury dress with intricate beadwork and later in a vibrant orange, red, and coral ensemble. Mercy Aigbe’s lime-to-beige gradient gown and monochrome pink look were showstoppers, while the bridesmaids stunned in uniform pink lace dresses with striped asooke geles. The women, in particular, embraced the olive-green aso-ebi theme with corset styles, flowing gowns, and bold embellishments, as noted by BellaNaija: “The ladies absolutely understood the assignment.” The massive wedding cake, designed to resemble a village, was another highlight, sparking reactions across social media for its sheer grandeur. Emotional Moments and Family Unity Beyond the glitz, #JP2025 was deeply emotional. One of the most touching moments was Iyabo Ojo’s heartfelt prayer over her daughter before the ceremony, a video that went viral for its raw emotion and maternal love. Iyabo, visibly moved, blessed Priscilla’s union with intensity, embodying Nigerian tradition. Another standout moment was the reunion of Iyabo Ojo and her ex-husband, Ademidun Ojo, who sat side by side to bless their daughter. This rare public appearance together, years after their marriage ended, was praised as a display of maturity and family unity. Juma Jux added to the warmth by pledging to care for both of Priscilla’s parents, humorously noting, “I love you, but I love my wife more!” A Cultural Spectacle The wedding was a masterclass in cultural fusion. Yoruba traditions like talking drummers and kneeling rituals blended seamlessly with Swahili music and Bongo Flava hits. Juma Jux himself took the stage to serenade his bride, a moment that had guests on their feet. Custom souvenirs combining Nigerian Adire and Tanzanian prints symbolized the union of two cultures, while speeches in Yoruba, English, and Swahili underscored the cross-continental connection. Social Media Frenzy and Mixed Reactions The #JP2025 hashtag dominated Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, with fans gushing over the couple’s chemistry and the event’s opulence. Posts like @ncelebrityblog’s described the reception as a “breathtaking wonderland, dripping in elegance,” while @voptvlive noted the mixed reactions, with some praising the extravagance and others questioning the need for multiple ceremonies. Indeed, Iyabo Ojo’s announcement that two more weddings are planned—one in Lagos and another in Tanzania on May 28—sparked both excitement and debate. Some fans, like Instagram user Uzor Amenike, commented, “David own sef no reach this one,” referencing the scale of the festivities. A Legacy of Love and Intention What sets #JP2025 apart is its intentionality. Iyabo Ojo, who raised Priscilla to navigate fame and find love early, emphasized the importance of family and purposeful relationships. Juma Jux echoed this sentiment, saying, “I knew Priscilla was my wife the first day I saw her.” Their story, from a missed flight in Rwanda to a multi-country wedding extravaganza, is a testament to love that transcends borders. As the couple prepares for their next ceremonies, #JP2025 continues to inspire with its blend of culture, fashion, and heartfelt moments. For now, Priscilla and Juma Jux have given us a wedding that’s not just a celebration but a cultural milestone, uniting Nigeria and Tanzania in style and love. Stay tuned for more updates on #JP2025 as the festivities continue! explore wedding traditions celebrity wedding trends