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Oyo Govt Withdraws Case Against Ooni’s Former Wife, Journalist Oriyomi Hamzat, and Principal

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Oyo Govt Withdraws Case Against Ooni’s Former Wife, Journalist Oriyomi Hamzat, and Principal

The criminal charges against Abdullahi Fasasi, the head of Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, have been formally dismissed by the Oyo State Government.
According to reports, the three were first charged after a terrible stampede at a children’s celebration in December 2024 that claimed the lives of at least 35 youngsters.
Following Thursday’s trial, which marked their release from the charges, the defendants were clearly relieved, grinning and mingling.

Speaking to the media following the court session, Abiodun Aikomo, the attorney general of Oyo State, affirmed the ruling.

“It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many,” Aikomo said during a live Facebook broadcast by SaharaReporters. As you can see, the law will take its course anytime a death occurs under conditions that are not natural. In response, the state filed charges against those involved in the inquiry.

We truly intended to file charges during that process, but the impacted parties demonstrated compassion. They were sympathetic. And to the best of their abilities, people attempt to change the sentiments of those who are impacted. Furthermore, we believed that the goal of prosecution was not to murder or persecute individuals. Stopping these charges is in the interest of justice, and that is what took place today.

This ruling comes after a protracted court proceeding. Before this, Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi had all been granted bail by the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan. Following the defendants’ presentation of their bail applications, Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin rendered the decision.

While Hamzat and Fasasi were also granted bail on identical circumstances, Naomi was given N10 million with two sureties. Along with prohibiting the suspects from conducting interviews and limiting their public appearances, the court also mandated that they submit their passports with the court.

The case started after hundreds of young children were killed in a frenzied rush after a terrible stampede that occurred during a children’s festival at Islamic High School, Bashorun, in December 2024. One of the most horrific events in Oyo State’s recent history, the tragedy devastated the people and the relatives of the victims.

Read Also: NYSC Budget: N307.6 Billion Set Aside for Corps Members’ Allowances

In order to emphasize the gravity of the accusations and the necessity for justice for the victims, the prosecution team, headed by the Attorney General of Oyo State, had first opposed granting bail to the defendants. The defense team countered that the accused did not represent a flight danger and had cooperated with the inquiry.

In the past, Governor Makinde had stated that the stampede’s perpetrators must stand prosecution, but he was also willing to grant bail while the case was pending.

NYSC Budget: N307.6 Billion Set Aside for Corps Members’ Allowances

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NYSC Budget: N307.6 Billion Set Aside for Corps Members’ Allowances

An estimated ₦307.6 billion would be spent by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on recruiting and compensating corps members.
According to reports, this prediction is predicated on the NYSC’s announcement in September 2024 that corps members’ monthly stipends will grow from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000.

The increase came after the new minimum wage laws was approved and enacted in May 2024.

Three batches of corps members—A, B, and C—are mobilized by the NYSC annually throughout the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. During each orientation exercise, the program usually recruits 1,200 to 1,500 corps members each camp.

This leads to an average of 55,500 corps members per batch, which raises the annual mobilization to 333,000.

Since each corps member is now eligible for ₦77,000, a batch’s total compensation comes to ₦25.64 billion. It is anticipated that ₦307.6 billion will be spent on corps members’ allowances over the course of a year.

Read Also: Tragedy in Abuja: Tanker Explosion Leaves 6 Dead, 14 Vehicles Burnt

The Federal Government gave the NYSC ₦430.7 billion in the 2025 budget proposal that President Bola Tinubu gave to the National Assembly in December 2024. This was the largest budgetary allocation for the program in five years.

Of this sum, ₦372.9 billion, or 86.5 percent, was set aside for the payment of allowances to corps members.

Nevertheless, the Federal Government has not yet started making payments at the updated rate, five months after the new allowance structure was announced on September 25, 2024.

Caroline Embu, the acting Director of Press and Public Relations, explained that the NYSC was still seeking the necessary financial support after the raise was not implemented in February.

“The financial support is still pending,” Embu said succinctly to a reporter for The Punch.

Additionally, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, the recently appointed Director-General of the NYSC, reportedly promised that the new payment structure will go into force in March in a WhatsApp message obtained by The Punch on Wednesday.

Tragedy in Abuja: Tanker Explosion Leaves 6 Dead, 14 Vehicles Burnt

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Tragedy in Abuja: Tanker Explosion Leaves 6 Dead, 14 Vehicles Burnt

On Wednesday night, a terrible tanker explosion near Abuja’s Karu Bridge destroyed numerous vehicles and sent commuters and locals into a state of widespread terror.
Six people were killed and 14 vehicles were entirely burned in the event, which happened at around 7:14 p.m., according to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
The tragedy was described as a severe motor vehicle crash that occurred prior to Nyanya Bridge in an official statement by SP Josephine Adeh, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer.

Six people were recovered from the wreckage but were later pronounced dead at the hospital, according to the police, although some witnesses saying that the death toll approached ten.
According to SP Adeh, Karu Division received a distress call about the terrible scene.

She claimed that a Dangote trailer carrying a lot of cement had lost control and collided with traffic-stuck immobile cars as it approached Nyanya Bridge from AYA.

Read Also: PRP Warns Tinubu Against Impeachable Moves in Rivers Crisis, Calls for National Assembly Action

Fourteen vehicles were caught in a blazing fire as a result of the incident. As drivers and bystanders frantically sought refuge, panic and mayhem ensued.

“Emergency responders raced to the scene to rescue those trapped, fighting against dense smoke and extreme heat.”

She said, “Sadly, the on-duty medical staff confirmed the deaths of the six victims after they were rescued from the wreckage and taken to the hospital.” The Karu General Hospital Morgue is now home to their remains.

“Normal traffic flow has been restored after police officers, along with firefighters, other security agencies, and brave individuals on the scene, contained the fire.”

Here are some pictures showing the explosion’s aftermath:

PRP Warns Tinubu Against Impeachable Moves in Rivers Crisis, Calls for National Assembly Action

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PRP Warns Tinubu Against Impeachable Moves in Rivers Crisis, Calls for National Assembly Action

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has warned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State may be grounds for impeachment and has urged the National Assembly to examine it.

The PRP denounced the President’s decision as unlawful in a statement released on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ishaq.
According to reports, the party contended that Tinubu’s activities seriously violate the 1999 Constitution, which forms the basis of the country’s government, and threaten Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The party denounced as an abuse of presidential power that must not be allowed to continue the president’s decision to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and every member of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The President’s acts, according to the PRP, represent a risky and unlawful abuse of presidential authority. The Nigerian Constitution’s Section 305 permits the president to declare a state of emergency under certain, strict guidelines. However, according to the statement, “this provision does not grant the authority to unilaterally suspend or remove elected state officials.”

The party also underlined how suspending state officials erodes Nigeria’s laboriously cultivated democracy and rule of law.

It said that the extreme remedy was not warranted since political tensions in Rivers State did not escalate to the point of a constitutional crisis.

Read Also: ISWAP Militants Kill Three Soldiers in Yobe, Publish Shocking Video

The PRP asked for a legislative review of President Tinubu’s decision and requested that Governor Fubara be reinstated immediately. It called on lawmakers to look into whether the president’s actions are grounds for impeachment.

The statement added, “We take note with great concern that the political tensions and purported problems that led to this declaration do not amount to a constitutional crisis that would call for the suspension of an entire state government.”

The party emphasized that constitutional processes, like the judiciary, should be used to settle internal conflicts rather than executive decree. It also served as a reminder that the National Assembly must approve any declaration of emergency.

A democratically elected individual being removed under emergency powers creates a risky precedent that could result in other abuses by the executive branch, the PRP cautioned.

It reaffirmed that respecting the electorate’s choice is a fundamental democratic principle and that no citizen should have to live in constant fear of being arbitrarily removed by the presidency.

Demand Action from the National Assembly
To guarantee accountability and constitutional observance, the PRP has demanded a thorough examination of the President’s activities.

Additionally, it called on the National Assembly to look into and possibly lift the suspension in order to protect the democratic process.

“The President’s alleged declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State should be carefully examined in light of our current constitutional provisions to see if it constitutes an impeachable violation.

“If so, the appropriate course of action should be taken,” the party said.

The PRP concluded by restating its dedication to preserving Nigerian democracy and the Constitution. It called on the foreign community, civil society groups, and all citizens to condemn what it described as an executive overreach and support the return of democratic governance to Rivers State.

“We remain steadfast in our resolve to defend Nigeria’s democracy and enforce the Constitution. The PRP closed by urging the foreign community, civil society organizations, and all individuals to condemn this governmental overreach.

ISWAP Militants Kill Three Soldiers in Yobe, Publish Shocking Video

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ISWAP Militants Kill Three Soldiers in Yobe, Publish Shocking Video

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a Boko Haram faction that is associated with the Islamic State, has allegedly released a video showing the execution of three Nigerian soldiers.
According to reports, a segment of the video clip obtained by the media platform showed the moment the Nigerian soldiers were shot by the insurgents using firearms.
Apparently, the horrific incident happened on March 15, 2025, in Yobe State, which is in northern Nigeria.

It is said that the soldiers were taken in the state’s Azare and Kamuya regions.

Read Also: Dokubo Condemns Fubara’s Ouster, Says Rivers’ Economy is at Stake

Before being shot at by masked attackers dressed in military garb, the three people were seen kneeling in a field and identifying themselves as Nigerian security forces members in the aforementioned video.

According to reports, ISWAP has been stepping up its presence in the communities around Lake Chad since the passing of JAS leader Abubakar Shekau.

Many Boko Haram fighters who were loyal to Shekau defected, greatly expanding the group’s numbers.

Frequently downplaying reports of casualties, the Nigerian Army has maintained that the insurgency has been mainly contained.

The terrorist organization has been responsible for nearly 100,000 fatalities and has displaced millions, mainly in the states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe.

Dokubo Condemns Fubara’s Ouster, Says Rivers’ Economy is at Stake

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Dokubo Condemns Fubara’s Ouster, Says Rivers’ Economy is at Stake

The Labour Party member and Nollywood actress Hilda Dokubo has denounced President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State.

Siminalayi Fubara, the state governor, and all state parliamentarians were suspended by the president, which Dokubo said was unjust and an assault on the state’s citizens.
She claimed that because of the military personnel and their vans present throughout Rivers State, operations have been severely hindered.

In a video released by News Central, Dokubo, who organized a group of women to oppose recent events in the state, stated repeatedly that “what is happening in Rivers State is not Siminalayi Fubara, it is a combat for the economic soul of Rivers State.”
“The economic heart of Rivers State is being targeted by someone. Our money was flying all over our heads for twenty-four years because they continued to take advantage of us. It’s here now, it’s there tomorrow, and it’s full of stupidity,” she remarked.

According to her, Rivers State has enjoyed the benefits of good administration since Fubara took office and has been peaceful with its citizens, particularly its government personnel.

“This is the first time that civil servants have been paid on the thirteenth month; for the past two years, civil servants have been paid on Christmas,” she said.

“The roads that connect the riverine settlements have never been paid in full, and civil servants have received their full salary for the first time. Our terrain is not as bad as they claimed, despite their deception.

He (Fubara) assured us that an election could be held here in whatever manner, but it had to take place without any violence, bloodshed, or shootings.

Read Also: Falz Confronts Tinubu: “Is Rivers State at War?” Over Fubara’s Suspension

Dokubo remarked, “You told everyone to leave today, and he said yes.”

Dokubo went on to say that although Fubara has complied with all of the Supreme Court’s recent directives, interference from unseen forces has persisted in causing problems in the state.

Additionally, she accused members of the House of Assembly of undermining Rivers State residents’ interests in order to forward their own agendas.

Falz Confronts Tinubu: “Is Rivers State at War?” Over Fubara’s Suspension

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Falz Confronts Tinubu: “Is Rivers State at War?” Over Fubara’s Suspension

Folarin Falana, also known as Falz, is a Nigerian musician and Nollywood actor who has criticized President Bola Tinubu for suspending Sim Fubara, the governor of Rivers State.

President Tinubu reportedly proclaimed a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday night, citing the necessity of reestablishing law and order in the region.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for the first six months following the announcement, which was made via a national broadcast.

Tinubu designated retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the administrator to oversee state business as part of the emergency measures.

Falz responded via his 𝕏 handle, emphasizing that a governor is elected to office and can only be removed through impeachment, and that no legislation permits a president to suspend a governor.

The singer also asked whether there is a real breakdown of public order, a threat to the Federation’s existence, or whether Rivers State is engaged in a war.

“There is absolutely no law that permits a president to suspend a governor,” he wrote. A governor can only be removed via impeachment after being elected to office.

Read Also: Breaking: Tinubu to Address Nation on Rivers Crisis in Live Broadcast at 7 PM Today

Is Rivers State at war as well? Does a “real breakdown of public order” exist? Does the federation’s existence face any threats?

Breaking: Tinubu to Address Nation on Rivers Crisis in Live Broadcast at 7 PM Today

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Breaking: Tinubu to Address Nation on Rivers Crisis in Live Broadcast at 7 PM Today

Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will speak to the country via national broadcast on the worsening circumstances in Rivers State.

The announcement coincides with mounting worries about recent pipeline disasters and their possible effects on the environment, the oil and gas sector, and security.
Starting at 7 PM, the presidential broadcast will be televised live by the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the National Television Authority (NTA). All radio and television stations nationwide have been asked to connect to the broadcast in order to guarantee widespread coverage.

Read Also: Breaking: Governor Fubara Accused of Guiding Militants to Attack Pipelines – AGF

The occurrences are being looked at by security services, and officials have already detained people to question them.

Breaking: Governor Fubara Accused of Guiding Militants to Attack Pipelines – AGF

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Breaking: Governor Fubara Accused of Guiding Militants to Attack Pipelines – AGF

Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, charged Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Wednesday with directing militants by teleconference to destroy vital national infrastructure in Rivers State.
According to reports, the AGF said this in order to defend President Bola Tinubu’s recent proclamation of a state of emergency in the state, which was based on the ongoing political instability.
According to Fagbemi, the governor might have unintentionally encouraged the attacks in addition to failing to take action against the extremists.

“We live in a democracy,” he claimed, “so there was what I will call telegraphing of the militants by the governor.” I mentioned that because he started out by saying, “Oh, he will let them know when it was time to act to the militants.”
Furthermore, the AGF asked if the governor had ever disassociated himself from the militants’ activities, asking, “Did he come out to disown them? The response is no. And they took immediate action a week later, as seen by the destruction of oil pipelines.

Fagbemi also underlined how crucial it is to safeguard the country’s oil infrastructure, pointing out that Nigeria is mostly dependent on oil earnings.

The seriousness of the attacks on such vital national resources was highlighted by Fagbemi’s statement that “anyone who touches the pipeline is not only an enemy of Rivers but also of Nigeria.”

The AGF said that President Tinubu’s move was legally justified by the Supreme Court’s ruling, which he connected to the declaration of state of emergency.

The suspension of Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly was required due to the political instability in the state, namely the governor’s and the legislature’s incapacity to create a stable environment for government, according to Fagbemi.

Fagbemi responded to those who criticized the president’s prompt action by refuting claims that the declaration of a state of emergency was hurriedly made.

Read Also: Just In: Timeline for Ibas to Take Over from Fubara as Rivers Administrator Emerges

He added, “People were living in fear while others were dying,” and that the unique situation called for such an extreme response.

He further argued that the circumstances in Rivers State were distinct and necessitated prompt action, rejecting analogies to earlier instances in which the Supreme Court rendered decisions on comparable declarations of state of emergency.

Last but not least, the AGF proposed that Rivers State’s proclamation of a state of emergency also acted as a warning to other states.

He hinted that if comparable security issues and political unrest occurred elsewhere in the nation, the government might apply harsher penalties.

Just In: Timeline for Ibas to Take Over from Fubara as Rivers Administrator Emerges

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Just In: Timeline for Ibas to Take Over from Fubara as Rivers Administrator Emerges

Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd), who was appointed as Rivers State’s only administrator, is reportedly not going to assume leadership of the state’s operations until the National Assembly has approved the state of emergency that President Bola Tinubu has declared.
Following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and every member of the Rivers State House of Assembly due to the growing political crisis, Tinubu declared in a nationwide speech on Tuesday that Vice Admiral Ibas would assume leadership of Rivers State.
President Tinubu’s move to suspend important state officials and impose a state of emergency coincides with a political impasse between former Governor Nyesom Wike, who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Governor Fubara.
The declaration attempts to bring the state’s government back to normal and end the protracted crisis.

Despite the President’s announcement, Vice Admiral Ibas has not yet taken over as Rivers State’s leader, according to individuals who talked to TheNation. Only after the state of emergency is approved by the National Assembly is he anticipated to take this action.

Lack of Military Presence At the Government House
Curiously, TheNation reports that no military personnel have been stationed at the gate of Government House in Port Harcourt in spite of the declaration of a state of emergency.

No military personnel or tanks were positioned at the Government House gates on Wednesday, contrary to earlier rumors that suggested military deployment, according to investigations.

Department of State Security (DSS) officers were seen patrolling the grounds instead. Two armored personnel carriers (APCs), which the police frequently post at Government House, were spotted close to the entrance.

Read Also: Just In: Tinubu and Rivers Administrator Ibokette Ibas Hold Talks at Presidential Villa

There were no extra military forces on hand to implement the state of emergency, though.

Fubara, meantime, has left Port Harcourt’s Government House.

According to information obtained, the governor apparently left on Wednesday morning before Ibas, the recently appointed state’s new sole administrator, was expected to arrive.

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