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Galadima Knocks Ganduje, Says He Has No Political Clout

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Engr. Buba Galadima, a prominent stakeholder in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has dismissed the political relevance of All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, claiming that the former Kano State governor has no political value and owes his current position solely to President Bola Tinubu.

Galadima made the remarks in response to reports that the NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was considering a return to the APC.

In an interview with the Guardian, he accused Ganduje of using the NNPP and Kwankwaso’s name to remain in the public spotlight.

“I’m hearing this from you. So, if we go to the APC, would Nigerians hear this from Ganduje? Even because of him, nobody wants to go to APC,” Galadima told The Guardian.

He also attacked the APC national chairman, stating, “Only Tinubu can make a Ganduje chairman of a party. “How can Ganduje be the chairman of anything?”

Read Also: NSCDC Arrests Seven and Seizes 7 Illegal Oil Dumps in Abuja

Galadima criticized the APC leadership as disoriented and attempting to remain relevant by circulating misleading information about the NNPP and its members.

“They’re the ones that keep us in the news because they’re confused. “Everything is coming apart across the country,” he remarked.

“These are the same folks that use social media and propaganda to disparage us in the NNPP. If they are not alleging Kwankwaso is working for President Tinubu, they would spread rumors that he is heading to France to lobby Mr. President.

He categorically refuted any talks or plans of Kwankwaso or the NNPP returning to the APC, saying, “There is nothing like that. “I can tell you for a fact.”

Galadima also criticized the APC’s fixation on the 2027 elections, claiming that only leaders who have failed their constituents resort to politicking midway through their tenure.

“Only political failures talk about the next election in the middle of their terms,” he said, emphasizing that the NNPP is still focused on providing responsible and responsive governance.

His statements were in response to Ganduje’s earlier remarks at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, in which the chairman stated that Kwankwaso was expected to return to the ruling party following the collapse of the NNPP after the 2023 elections.

NSCDC Arrests Seven and Seizes 7 Illegal Oil Dumps in Abuja

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In Jahi/Katampe, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, seven people have been taken into custody by the CG Special Intelligence Squad, or CG SIS, on suspicion of running seven illicit oil dumps.

In a statement, National Public Relations Officer CSC Afolabi Babawale of the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja said that this was in accordance with the directive of Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to conduct a vigorous campaign against oil thieves throughout the federation.

According to CG SIS Commander AS Dandaura, who conducted a thorough questioning with him, the operation that resulted in the arrests was a well-planned raid in response to a reliable intelligence report that certain suspected vandals were illegally refining petroleum products.

After receiving the intelligence, my team and I acted quickly, discovering five of the seven illicit oil dumps that were busted.

During the sting operations, the following suspects were taken into custody: Bello (M) 33 years, Anas Usman (M) 33 years, Jonathan Onekutu (M) 45 years, Uchenna Kelechi (M) 44 years, Chukwuma Solomon (M) 37 years, Monday Israel (M) 34 years, and Akande Olusola (M) 48 years aged.

The items listed below were recovered from the crime scene as exhibits: There was a white truck with registration number GYA-777XA that had three compartments and was fully loaded with 45,000 liters of AGO; a Mercedes Benz Short Peddler Truck 1202 model with registration number FST-425XB; four (4) Short Peddler Trucks with registration numbers RSH-197ZAN and SR-27YW; and two more that were not clearly marked with their registration numbers; A white-colored DAF CF KSF-161XQ; MAN Diesel Short Truck KWL-241XA; Volkswagen Bus RBC-140XF; red and white-colored DAF CF Short Peddler Truck with Reg. No. RBC-431XG; two (2) counting machines; Toyota Matrix (blue) with Reg. No. KWL-644ZY; two (2) Toyota Corolla cars with Reg. Nos. AWE-717AA and ABJ-893BE; roughly 25 locally constructed metal tanks; various hose sizes; more than 50 calibrated rubber surface tanks; two (2) Volkswagen Faragon buses with built-in tanks; container shelter; Mikano generator; two metal funnels; numerous plastic buckets; and Short Peddler Tankers without heads.

Read Also: Adebayo: Peter Obi to Join Social Democratic Party (SDP)

In an attempt to prevent others, Commandant Dandaura, the head of CG SIS, made a suggestion that the NSCDC would use its Legal Department to approach a court with the necessary authority and that due diligence would be followed throughout the investigation and prosecution process.

Adebayo: Peter Obi to Join Social Democratic Party (SDP)

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Adewole Adebayo, a former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, revealed that Peter Obi will join his party prior to the 2027 election.
According to reports, Adebayo stated that the flood of powerful opposition politicians joining the SDP did not bother him.
The previous candidate for president stated in an interview with the Daily Independent that he was told the former Labour Party candidate would be joining the SDP.

“Getting his party’s ticket depends on his party members,” he said when asked if the influx of powerful opposition politicians will not hinder his ability to win.

“The SDP guys are responsible for getting the ticket. I am known to them. We’re welcoming other people to join my party. I welcome them with much activity, as you can see. The only small problem we have with some of them is that we need to change their culture. You will need to acclimate to a setting with rules if you have never been in one where rules are respected. Some of them are involved in clandestine Boy Scout activities. That’s what we’re working on. They are welcome to join the party, though.

Their arrival, in our opinion, will make the party stronger. The fact that you indicated Nasir El-Rufai, Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other individuals are coming doesn’t bother me in the least. Indeed, I was informed that Governor Peter Obi would also be attending. A large crowd is expected. We greet them. “There isn’t a problem,” he stated.

Speaking further, he clarified that Obi’s people had been in communication with his party regarding the former governor of Anambra State joining the SDP.

Read Also: UCL: Arsenal’s Stunning Win Over Real Madrid Sparks Reactions from Onanuga, Saraki, Kagame

If Obi and Atiku Abubakar join, Adebayo said, they have to follow the party’s guidelines.

He emphasized the need for transparency in order to defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

“We don’t know until someone joins, but supposedly Peter Obi is joining. We’re having conversations with his folks, and I’m welcoming everyone. As we did in our 2022 convention, they must abide by the rules when they arrive, allowing one person to emerge openly, without dishonesty or illegal activity. We can provide Nigerians with a viable alternative if they embrace our culture and get over their fear of cheating or bribery to win. “We’ll take care of Nigerians from the first day, defeat the APC, and retire President Tinubu,” he continued.

UCL: Arsenal’s Stunning Win Over Real Madrid Sparks Reactions from Onanuga, Saraki, Kagame

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Prominent individuals celebrated Arsenal’s victory over Real Madrid on their various 𝕏 pages, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s special adviser of information and strategy.
On Wednesday, April 16, Arsenal astonished football fans worldwide by defeating Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. They finished with a strong home and away record to guarantee their spot in the semi-finals, 5-1 overall.
Arsenal defeated Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Wednesday to complete a double over the 15-time Champions League winners after defeating them 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
Prominent people joined supporters in celebrating the historic outcome after the surprise victory. “No miracle at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Arsenal overpower Real Madrid home and away, ending the La Liga team’s Champions League dream,” said Bayo Onanuga, a Nigerian journalist and presidential advisor, in admiration of the Gunners’ performance.

Read Also: Nollywood Star Angela Okorie Lashes Out at Ex, Calls Him ‘Damaged Man’

Prominent Arsenal fan and former Nigerian Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki also added his voice to the avalanche of acclaim, writing on his 𝕏 page, “Fantastic match, people! To all of the Arsenal supporters in Nigeria, congratulations! We’ve advanced to the semifinals!

“M. Arteta & All Arsenal Team done us/fans & partners proud,” wrote Paul Kagame, the president of Rwanda and a well-known Arsenal supporter, on his 𝕏 page, to praise the team’s efforts. You are deserving of everything. Congratulations.

Keep in mind that on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Arsenal will play Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals.

Nollywood Star Angela Okorie Lashes Out at Ex, Calls Him ‘Damaged Man’

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Angela Okorie, a Nollywood actress, has resolved not to flaunt her partner on social media until after marriage.
According to reports, on Thursday, April 17, 2025, the movie star posted on Instagram, venting about her failed romantic connection.
Angela disclosed that she and her lover just split up because of his suspected infidelity with other Nollywood women.

Given that the man is not who he claims to be, the actress claimed that she was seeing a “enemy.”

Write, “Make that crazy guy stop posting my picture,” she wrote. Casanova was prohibited for a long time; I don’t go out with Nollywood females and other people. You will never again see my man or even know what he looks like till I get married. Don’t be a legitimate queen; I’m a carry-am. I refuse to marry a man who has eyes on other women; I will marry in Jesus’ name. A real king who is well-versed in his duties, rather than an efulefu who is easily manipulated, is the man I will marry. He’ll merely respond if you type “I’m not.” He witnessed true fame come and go. When he started using me to gain ladies and relevance, I blocked him and took his pictures off my page. I was furious when he informed me that I had overheard him talking to a Nollywood girl, even though he had promised to make sure he had sex with all the wealthy ladies in Lagos and Nollywood eventually.

I asked myself, “Who does that? The problem is, I discovered him early and removed anything that resembled him from the world. I actually believed that I was dating my enemy at one time because he is not who he says he is. The sound of discarded Selfridge bags, inexpensive food in eateries, and a broken man.

FCCPC Raids Abuja Market Over Fake Foreign Rice

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has intensified its efforts to protect Nigerian consumers by launching a decisive enforcement operation at Utako Market in Abuja. On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, officials from the commission stormed the market to dismantle a widespread scheme involving the deceptive rebagging and sale of locally produced rice as premium foreign brands.

Led by Boladale Adeyinka, Director of Surveillance and Investigation at FCCPC, the raid followed a series of complaints from residents and brand owners about fraudulent rice packaging and branding practices. These deceptive activities, the FCCPC revealed, have been carried out by some rice traders who repackage Nigerian rice to mimic long-discontinued foreign brands such as Royal Stallion and Mama Gold, thereby misleading consumers into paying inflated prices.

Adeyinka addressed the media at the scene, confirming that the FCCPC had received credible intelligence regarding the reappearance of brands that have been off Nigerian shelves for nearly a decade. “We received actionable information that some market operators are reintroducing brands like Royal Stallion into circulation despite their official withdrawal from the Nigerian market years ago,” she stated. “What they are doing is taking locally milled rice, packaging it in branded bags of well-known imported rice, and selling it to unsuspecting consumers at higher prices.”

According to the FCCPC, the high demand for foreign rice continues to influence market behavior, creating a fertile ground for dishonest traders to exploit consumer preferences. The ongoing scarcity and price volatility in the rice market have made it easier for counterfeiters to push off local rice as imported, banking on brand recognition to drive sales.

During the enforcement sweep, several shops in Utako Market were sealed, and large quantities of fraudulently labeled rice were confiscated. The commission also cautioned traders against participating in such illicit practices, emphasizing that rebagging and misrepresentation of products is not only unethical but a criminal offense under Nigeria’s consumer protection laws.

Read Also: NOA Accuses Schools and Banks of Sabotaging NELFUND, Alerts Anti-Corruption Agencies

“This is outright deception,” Adeyinka stressed. “These traders are not just cheating consumers financially; they are eroding trust in the food supply chain. Nigerians deserve to know exactly what they are buying and to get value for their money.”

The FCCPC noted that this raid is just one part of a broader crackdown on unfair trade practices across the country. The commission has pledged to increase market surveillance and continue carrying out similar operations in other regions to ensure compliance with product labeling standards and to uphold consumer rights.

“Our mission is to ensure transparency, honesty, and fairness in Nigeria’s markets,” Adeyinka concluded. “We will not relent in our duty to protect consumers from deceptive business practices and safeguard the integrity of the market.”

The operation underscores the FCCPC’s ongoing commitment to its mandate and sends a strong warning to dishonest traders that the era of unregulated deception in the Nigerian marketplace is drawing to a close.

El-Rufai Builds Opposition Alliance Ahead of 2027 Elections

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As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is reportedly taking significant steps to form a strong opposition coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

On Tuesday, El-Rufai held a series of strategic meetings in Katsina State with prominent leaders from opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Among those in attendance was Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, a former Secretary to the State Government. While details of the meetings were not made public, political analysts see the move as part of a broader effort to create a united front against President Bola Tinubu and the APC.

This latest development follows El-Rufai’s resignation from the APC on March 10, citing a loss of alignment with the party’s current direction. “At this point in my political journey, I must seek another political platform to pursue the progressive values I cherish,” he stated at the time.

Read Also: NOA Accuses Schools and Banks of Sabotaging NELFUND, Alerts Anti-Corruption Agencies

Despite current resistance from PDP governors to formal coalition talks, El-Rufai is quietly engaging in behind-the-scenes diplomacy to build cross-party consensus. Now affiliated with the SDP, he appears to be positioning himself as a central figure in the evolving political realignment.

During his visit to Katsina, El-Rufai also paid a condolence visit to Governor Dikko Radda following the death of his mother. He was accompanied by former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, another influential figure believed to be instrumental in the potential coalition.

El-Rufai’s recent political maneuvers suggest he is preparing for an active role in the 2027 elections, with ambitions to lead a broad-based opposition movement that could pose a serious challenge to the ruling APC.

NOA Accuses Schools and Banks of Sabotaging NELFUND, Alerts Anti-Corruption Agencies

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has raised concerns that some tertiary institutions in Nigeria, in collaboration with banks, are undermining the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) student loan program. The NOA’s intervention comes after NELFund accused several higher education institutions of failing to inform students when their tuition fees were paid directly by the fund.

According to Akintunde Sawyerr, the managing director of NELFund, certain institutions are withholding information about loan disbursements, leaving students unaware that their tuition had already been covered. This has led to students being asked to pay fees again, causing confusion and frustration.

Sawyerr described this practice as unethical and a direct violation of NELFund’s guidelines, warning that legal actions would be taken against institutions found guilty of such practices. He called for transparency from all institutions and urged them to collaborate with NELFund to ensure the success of the student loan scheme.

Read Also: Kaduna Refinery Rehabilitation Reaches 81% Completion – NMDPRA Confirms

Following these revelations, the NOA, through its Deputy Director of Communications, Paul Odenyi, confirmed the issue, highlighting concerns about the transparency and accountability of the student loan scheme. In a statement, NOA’s DG, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said that the agency’s investigations corroborated the findings from NELFund.

Issa-Onilu further explained in an interview with Arise Television that some schools had been charging students processing or “so-called” fees for accessing the loans, despite having no role in the disbursement process. He stated that many students only discovered that NELFund had paid their fees after they had already made payments themselves, a situation that created significant confusion.

He revealed that the issue had been brought to the attention of anti-corruption agencies, which are now monitoring the situation. Issa-Onilu also mentioned that students can now track the entire loan process—from application to disbursement—directly, making it more difficult for schools to manipulate or withhold information.

The NELFund student loan program, which was first announced by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, was designed to provide interest-free loans to students. While the program was initially slated to begin in October 2023, its implementation was delayed until April 2024, when the scheme was relaunched. The loan application portal opened in May 2024 as part of a pilot phase targeting federal tertiary institutions. Despite the rollout, there have been reports of delays in loan disbursement, causing difficulties for students approaching academic deadlines. Additionally, discrepancies between the amounts disbursed and the actual tuition fees have led to confusion regarding repayment obligations.

Kaduna Refinery Rehabilitation Reaches 81% Completion – NMDPRA Confirms

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The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has announced that the Kaduna Refinery rehabilitation project is now 81.1% complete. This milestone brings Nigeria closer to reducing fuel imports and strengthening domestic refining capacity.

Speaking on Tuesday, NMDPRA CEO Farouk Ahmed emphasized that the ongoing work at the Kaduna Refinery is critical to the country’s long-term energy security and economic resilience.

“While Kaduna’s refinery is nearing full rehabilitation, the connected pipeline infrastructure must also be addressed to ensure seamless operations,” Ahmed said.

Boosting Nigeria’s Refining Capacity

Ahmed noted that the project aligns with NMDPRA’s broader mission to improve local petroleum refining and reduce dependency on imported refined products. This is part of a national effort that includes the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, as well as private sector contributions like the Dangote Refinery.

He added that the current upgrades will help protect the Nigerian economy from the volatility of international crude oil prices, especially as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect supply and demand.

Economic Impact of Local Refining

With Nigeria producing around 1.4 million barrels of crude oil per day, Ahmed explained that global oil price drops—while favorable to consumers—can negatively impact government revenues, which are heavily reliant on oil exports.

Increasing refining capacity locally, he noted, will help reduce foreign exchange pressure and improve energy cost stability.

“Rehabilitating the Kaduna Refinery not only helps meet local fuel demand but also supports the value of the Nigerian Naira,” he said.

Refinery Projects and Regulatory Oversight

NMDPRA currently oversees all licensed crude refineries, modular plants, petrochemical facilities, and distribution infrastructure in the country. Of Nigeria’s 10 licensed refineries with a combined capacity of 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd), only about 57.8% are operational, largely due to infrastructural and funding challenges.

In 2023, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, confirmed that work on the Kaduna Refinery would begin in Q4 2024. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has also reaffirmed its commitment to reviving both the Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries to international standards.


BREAKING: Police Hunt DSS Officer Over Alleged Lawyer Assault and Escape

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A Department of State Services (DSS) operative, Mr. Anyim Chukwudi Christian, has reportedly escaped from police custody in Ebonyi State, several months after being arrested in connection with a violent attack on a legal practitioner.

According to information obtained by SaharaReporters, Mr. Chukwudi, who is attached to the DSS office in Cross River State, allegedly assaulted Chief Okeke Decency Onu (Esq.) on April 6, 2024, during an incident at DEJAS Restaurant in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area. He was accompanied by his brother, Mr. Anyim Eugene Anyata, during the attack, which was reportedly linked to a land dispute already under legal review.

Chief Okeke was representing the John Igwo Chukwu Okavor Otti family in a land trespass case involving Mr. Eugene. Sources say that while the lawyer was dining and holding a business meeting with two colleagues, the suspects stormed into the restaurant armed with a pistol and broken beer bottles.

Eyewitnesses alleged that Mr. Chukwudi smashed a beer bottle on Chief Okeke’s head, while Eugene did the same. A third individual attempted to stab the lawyer with a broken bottle. Chief Okeke managed to flee the scene and hide behind a nearby building. Photographs later showed the victim with deep lacerations on his scalp and ear, requiring extensive stitches. He reportedly suffered a fractured skull and remained in intensive care for months.

Read Also: Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Brutally Murder Young Graduate in Abuja

Family and legal associates believe the assault was a targeted retaliation for Chief Okeke’s involvement in the land case. A family source noted that following the issuance of a Pre-Action Notice by Chief Okeke in June 2023, threats began to escalate—culminating in a vow by Eugene in March 2024 to kill the lawyer in broad daylight.

Despite multiple complaints to the Ivo Divisional Police Station, no protective action was taken. After the April 6 assault, Mr. Chukwudi was briefly detained and released on bail the next day, April 7. He subsequently jumped bail, ignored repeated police invitations, and reportedly boasted of immunity, claiming that the DSS is superior to the Nigerian Police.

He is also alleged to have threatened to “make Chief Okeke disappear and nothing would happen.”

Multiple formal requests by the Ebonyi State Police Command for DSS cooperation in producing the suspect for further interrogation were reportedly ignored. However, on January 9, 2025, police re-arrested Mr. Chukwudi at his residence, where he allegedly resisted arrest and called on family members to assault the officers.

He was detained at the Ebonyi State Police Command, but reportedly escaped again before arraignment.

Chief Okeke has since submitted a formal complaint to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), requesting urgent protection for legal practitioners and immediate action against the suspects.

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In an official letter dated January 13, 2025, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (CID), Ebonyi State Command, DCP Marvelous P. Ikoriovbe, wrote to the Director-General of the DSS seeking confirmation of Mr. Chukwudi’s identity as a serving operative. The letter, titled “Arrest of Member of the Force – Re: Anyim Chukwudi ‘M’,” confirmed that the suspect claimed to be a DSS operative serving in Cross River State and requested official verification.

The police assured the DSS of professional handling of the case and expressed readiness to collaborate further.


Police Investigation Report Summary

A formal complaint of conspiracy and attempted murder was lodged on June 13, 2024, by Barr. Okeke Decency Onu against three individuals:

  • Ayanta Kingsley Ayim (43)
  • Chukwudi Christian Ayim (34) – a DSS officer
  • One Nnamdi (surname unknown, 41) – currently at large

The incident, which took place on April 6, 2024, at Dejas Hotel in Ishiagu, occurred while Chief Okeke and colleagues—Prof. Barr. Uchenna J. Orji and Barr. Arochukwu Paul Ogbonna—were holding a private meeting.

Kingsley allegedly confronted Barr. Ogbonna over a legal notice he received concerning a land dispute. This escalated into a physical attack, during which the three suspects assaulted Barr. Okeke using broken beer bottles. Witnesses confirmed the sequence of events, including an attempted stabbing.

Another witness, Mr. Orji Lawrence Ovia, corroborated that the suspects issued threats and initiated the violence without provocation.

According to Inspector Alimezie Collins, the investigating officer, evidence including witness statements, medical reports, and photographs was collected. The Ivo Police Division initially arrested and released Kingsley and Chukwudi on bail, but due to the gravity of the incident, the case was transferred to the Commissioner of Police and assigned to the X-Squad.

Although Kingsley was presented for further investigation, Chukwudi and Nnamdi failed to appear. The DSS was contacted multiple times with no response.

During a review meeting with all parties, the CP ordered the production of the remaining suspects. Witness testimonies continued to support the complainant’s account.

In his defense, Kingsley Ayim claimed he could not clearly identify the complainant due to poor lighting and denied intent to harm anyone.

As of the latest report, Nnamdi remains at large, and Mr. Chukwudi Ayim, despite being re-arrested, has evaded justice once again, stalling the investigation and raising significant concerns about inter-agency cooperation and the safety of legal professionals in Nigeria.

 

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