Iyabo Obasanjo Vows To Win Ogun State Governorship

Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has officially thrown her hat into the race for Ogun State governor, expressing confidence in her ability to win. Speaking on Wednesday during the “Frontline” programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Obasanjo said, “I’m going to win,” signaling her return to active politics after a 15-year break. She recently joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and announced her intention to contest the governorship election. Obasanjo previously served as senator for Ogun Central from 2007 to 2011. She also held the position of Ogun State Commissioner for Health and is a respected epidemiologist. After losing her 2011 re-election to Senator Gbenga Obadara of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), she returned to the United States to focus on academia, eventually attaining the rank of professor. On the radio show, Obasanjo said her campaign is centered on bridging governance gaps and improving the lives of Ogun citizens. “The position I’m going to run for is governor, and I believe it fits the skills I bring to the table. As Ogun citizens, I hope that when I’m governor, I will touch your life either directly or indirectly in a way that will improve your lives,” she stated. She addressed concerns over the call for power to shift to Ogun West, noting that although the region has not produced a governor in 50 years, constitutional law does not mandate power rotation. Highlighting the distribution of past governors, she said, “We’ve had three from Ogun East and two from Ogun Central. So, is Central to blame for West? Personally, I assisted late General Olurin during his PDP candidacy, but it did not work.” On gender politics, Obasanjo said she will not leverage her gender in the campaign, but pledged to support the rise of an Ogun West governor after her term. “Yes, after me, because I’m going to win,” she affirmed. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, she cited limited campaign time and resources as obstacles, but expressed confidence in voters’ judgment. “Time is a disadvantage because I came in a little late. I don’t think money makes elections. I believe that people are good people, and they know who will do right by them,” she said. Obasanjo also addressed her chances of securing the APC ticket against other prominent party members, saying, “Everybody is politicking. There is no reason why I shouldn’t be out there politicking with them if I want the post. Is it 100%? It’s not 100% for anybody, and it’s not 100% for me. But I will do everything I can to make sure I’m the candidate.”

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Sheikh Gumi Condemns Calls To Abolish Sharia Law In Nigeria, Cites Global Double Standards

Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has defended the implementation of Shariah law in Nigeria, emphasizing that it is the rightful prerogative of Muslims, just as the United States protects Christian interests. Gumi’s remarks came in response to reports that some U.S. Congress members submitted a petition to former President Donald Trump calling for the abolition of Shariah and blasphemy laws in Nigeria. In a post on his verified social media account, Gumi stressed that Muslims have the right to be governed by their religious principles. “Shariah Law is the Muslims’ prerogative just as the US found it only necessary to protect the Christians,” he said. He also claimed that Muslims have suffered from what he described as “occult terror” introduced into the country by hidden forces. “At the same time, Muslims are more victims of this occult terror imported into the country by hidden forces they very well know,” he added. Gumi further highlighted what he sees as a global double standard in religious governance. “It’s ok for US evangelical Christians administration for Israel to live by biblical stories yet Haram for Muslims to live by the Quranic injunctions,” he wrote. Shariah law coexists with the conventional legal system in several northern Nigerian states, mainly overseeing personal and family law for Muslims.

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Federal High Court Adjourns Nasir El-Rufai’s Arraignment To April 23

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled the arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to April 23. The Development Support Services (DSS) had brought a three-count charge against El-Rufai, accusing him of illegally intercepting communications following statements he made in a television interview. The arraignment was originally set for February 25. El-Rufai did not appear in court on Wednesday. DSS lawyer Oluwole Aladedoyin told the court that the former governor is still in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he is being investigated for alleged misappropriation of funds. In light of this, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to April 23 to allow for El-Rufai’s arraignment.

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Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo Denies Ordering Attack On Peter Obi During State Visit

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has denied allegations that he directed any state agency to attack former Anambra State governor and 2027 presidential aspirant Peter Obi during his recent visit to Edo. In a statement issued Tuesday night by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, Governor Okpebholo said neither he nor any arm of the Edo State Government issued orders targeting members of any political party. “The Edo State Government has noted with concern the allegation by former Anambra State governor and Labour Party figure, Peter Obi, claiming that members of his political camp were attacked by government officials in Edo State,” the statement read. The governor stressed that his administration does not engage in attacks on citizens regardless of political affiliation. “No directive was at any time issued by the Governor or any organ of the Edo State Government to target members of any political party. These allegations lack credible evidence and appear calculated to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension,” the statement added. Okpebholo also reiterated his earlier stance that politically exposed persons are required to notify relevant authorities ahead of major public engagements to ensure proper security arrangements. He warned that attempts to misrepresent this advisory as intimidation or attacks are politically motivated and misleading. The statement addressed a specific incident on Monday, February 23, when a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate Chief Whip Roland Owie was denied access to a meeting at the residence of former Edo governor John Odigie-Oyegun due to internal party disputes. The matter was later resolved with police intervention. Governor Okpebholo accused the ADC and Peter Obi’s camp of attempting to cast aspersions on his administration, urging political actors to verify facts before making statements that could escalate tensions. He emphasized that his government’s focus remains on governance, public safety, and economic development—not political persecution. In a separate comment, the governor condemned the assault on ADC members, describing it as an escalation of internal party conflicts and warning against the importation of thugs from outside the state under the guise of political activity. “While the precise motive behind this attack remains unclear, I believe its primary aim is to discredit Edo State,” Okpebholo said, reaffirming his commitment to protecting residents and visitors while upholding constitutional rights.

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CAN Lagos Names Secretariat After First Lady Oluremi Tinubu

The Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has officially named its permanent secretariat after First Lady Oluremi Tinubu The announcement was made by CAN National President, Daniel Okoh, who inaugurated the “Senator Oluremi Tinubu CAN Lagos State Secretariat” in Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday. Okoh praised the Lagos chapter for its perseverance and commitment in bringing the secretariat project to fruition, noting that the new building finally provides a permanent home for the organization’s operations. “I urge all members to remain united and dedicated to the work of Christian leadership in Lagos State,” he said. Representatives of the First Lady described the completion of the secretariat as a resolution to years of land disputes and a milestone for Christians in the state. A floor of the new complex was dedicated to Iya Aladura General, Dr Oluwaseye Yomi-Sholoye including the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins. The facility houses multiple structures named after notable personalities, including the main office block honoring Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Bishop Stephen Adegbite Hall and Event Centre, and the CAN Chairman’s office named after Senator Tokunbo Abiru. Adegbite described the secretariat as a symbol of unity and administrative strength, urging all members to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance.

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DSS Arrests Sixth Suspect In Owo Church Attack, Linked To ISWAP Operations

Nearly four years after the horrific attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo that plunged the nation into grief, the Department of State Services (DSS) has apprehended the alleged sixth member of the terror cell responsible for the massacre. The suspect, Sani Yusuf, was arrested in Edo State following years of intelligence-led tracking and surveillance by security operatives. Sources described him as a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) who had successfully avoided capture since the June 2022 attack, moving across states before settling in a rural community. His arrest came as part of ongoing covert operations targeting the network behind the church attack, which shocked Nigeria and drew international condemnation. The DSS is currently prosecuting five other suspects—Idris Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47)—for their alleged involvement in the massacre. According to security sources, Yusuf initially fled to Kano after the Owo attack before relocating to Edo State. Investigators say he has admitted to participating in planning and executing the church massacre. Yusuf also reportedly confessed to other ISWAP operations, including the July 2022 Suleja military barracks attack, the Zuma Rock checkpoint assault that left five soldiers dead, and multiple kidnappings in Kaduna State and surrounding areas. “He admitted his role in the Owo church attack, the Zuma Rock checkpoint assault, and several ISWAP kidnappings,” a source said. Another source added that Yusuf had served under top ISWAP commanders, including Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested by the DSS in 2024. Officials described Yusuf’s arrest as a major breakthrough in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Owo church massacre and soldiers killed at Zuma Rock, underscoring the DSS’s continued fight against terrorism in Nigeria.

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ICPC Denies El-Rufai Suffered Nose Bleeding In Custody

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has rejected reports that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, developed nose bleeding while being held by the agency. Reacting to the allegation circulated by his spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, the commission insisted that El-Rufai did not suffer any health complications throughout his detention. El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18, shortly after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, where he had spent two nights. His continued detention and the circumstances surrounding his transfer have stirred legal arguments and political reactions. In a statement released on Tuesday, Adekeye said members of El-Rufai’s legal team had not been provided with any court order authorising his detention beyond the 48 hours permitted by law without formal charges. He also claimed that both lawyers and family members were being restricted from accessing the former governor. As of now, the ICPC has not disclosed the exact allegations that led to his arrest, even as associates and supporters continue to call for transparency and strict compliance with due process. Analysts say the situation reflects broader concerns about detention procedures and the rights of suspects within Nigeria’s law enforcement framework.

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FG Files Fresh 12-Count Charge Against Mike Ozekhome Over Alleged UK Property Fraud

The Federal Government has instituted a fresh 12-count charge against senior lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, over his alleged role in a scheme linked to the disputed ownership of a property in the United Kingdom. The new charge, filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja, accuses him of forgery and aiding the commission of an offence. According to the charge, the government alleged that in 2020, Ozekhome conspired with Ponfa Useni, also known as Tali Shani, and the late General Jeremiah Useni to carry out an unlawful act. He was accused of facilitating the creation of a forged Nigerian International Passport No. A07535463 bearing the name Tali Shani. The prosecution claimed the passport was presented as having been issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service and was intended to support a claim over a property located at No. 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2, United Kingdom. The alleged act was said to contravene Section 96 of the Penal Code Law, 2009, and is punishable under Section 364 of the same law. The charge further stated that Ozekhome allegedly assisted in cheating by personation through the joint execution of an irrevocable power of attorney dated May 30, 2020, alongside Tali Shani, described as a fictitious individual. The document was allegedly used to advance the claim to the UK property, in violation of Sections 83, 84, and 321 of the Penal Code Law, 2009, and punishable under Section 322. In Count 9, the government alleged that the senior lawyer assumed control of the UK property, which authorities suspect was unlawfully acquired by the late General Useni under the false identity of Tali Shani. Count 10 further accused him of receiving £18,000 in rental income generated from the said property within the period under review. The late General Useni, who was alleged to have impersonated the fictitious Tali Shani, was listed as the second defendant in the charge signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN. The fresh charge was filed shortly after the same high court dismissed an earlier three-count charge brought against Ozekhome by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

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