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WHO ALLEGES MUST PROVE: Defending the Integrity of Hon. Philip Agbese

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WHO ALLEGES MUST PROVE: Defending the Integrity of Hon. Philip Agbese

The recent allegations of bribery involving some lawmakers in the House of Representatives over the Binance case have sparked widespread discussions. However, it has become necessary to set the record straight and reaffirm the integrity of Hon. Philip Agbese, a dedicated representative of the Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.

Hon. Agbese is not just a lawmaker; he is the biggest political export of his constituency, a man whose rise to leadership is rooted in the collective mandate of his people. His tenure has been marked by a relentless pursuit of justice, accountability, and national progress, making him a beacon of hope for his constituents. Given his track record, the purported bribery scandal appears to be nothing more than a politically motivated smear campaign aimed at tarnishing his hard-earned reputation.

Baseless Allegations and the Principle of Evidence

In every democracy governed by the rule of law, the principle remains clear: “He who alleges must prove.” The claims of bribery against Hon. Agbese and other lawmakers lack credible evidence, making them unfounded and speculative at best. Until verifiable proof is presented, such accusations must be treated as nothing more than an attempt to distract the public from the real issues at hand.

The Binance case itself is a matter of national concern, with the company being accused of economic sabotage against the Nigerian state. It is, therefore, questionable that an entity under investigation for such serious offenses would seek to deflect attention by making counter-accusations against lawmakers, including Hon. Agbese. Furthermore, the attempted escape of a Binance official raises serious questions about their credibility. How can an individual or organization that has tried to evade justice now expect to be taken seriously when making claims against a respected lawmaker?

A Smear Against the Entire Constituency

Beyond attacking Hon. Agbese as an individual, these allegations are an insult to the people of Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo. His representation in the House of Representatives is not personal—it is a symbol of the collective aspirations of his constituents. Any attempt to falsely implicate him in corruption is, therefore, a direct attack on the mandate of the people who trust him to represent them.

The Need for Unity and Progressive Leadership

In times like this, political differences must be set aside in defense of a leader who has consistently worked for the common good. Expecting or celebrating the downfall of a leader based on unverified allegations is not patriotism. Instead, true patriotism lies in standing firm against external and internal forces seeking to derail the progress of a dedicated public servant.

Hon. Philip Agbese remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the development of his people. Any attempt to smear his reputation must be rejected unless credible evidence is provided.

As his constituents, we must rally around him and continue to support progressive leadership. May Enone succeed under Hon. Philip Agbese.

Osun King Arrested in US by FBI for Alleged $4.2M Fraud

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Osun King Arrested in US by FBI for Alleged $4.2M Fraud

According to the FBI, Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State’s Ife North Council Area, has been detained for allegedly defrauding the US government of $4.2 million in COVID-19 fraud.
The US government reportedly accused the Apetu of Ipetumodu of fabricating documents in order to obtain loans for COVID-19-affected enterprises.
Sahara Reporters reports that the monarch, who is also a citizen of the United States, is presently fighting a 13-count fraud accusation in the Northern District of Ohio U.S. District Court.

Oba Oloyede was taken into custody on May 4, 2024, following the issuance of a warrant for his arrest, according to US court records that the platform referenced.
He allegedly obtained the financing through his six registered companies, according to the FBI. The loan applicants had to provide wage statements, tax returns, and other financial evidence attesting to their eligibility.

Investigations allegedly revealed that Oba Oloyede violated federal law by allegedly falsifying these documents and misusing the money for personal needs, according to the newspaper.

For four of his six businesses—available tax services, available tutors, available financial, and available transportation—Mr. Oloyede obtained more than $100,000 in loans in June 2020 alone, according to FBI data. He was given a $500,000 loan for JO&A on October 7, 2021, and another $500,000 loan for Available Transportation two days later,” the statement stated.

According to reports from additional investigations, the monarch charged co-conspirators a portion of the loan amount upon disbursement, allegedly helping them carry out similar fraud schemes.

Read Also: PDP BoT Chairman Praises Gov Otti, Says ‘They Can Expel Me’ Amid Suspension Threat

The report said, “Oloyede helped co-conspirators and confederate borrowers submit and cause to be submitted PPP and EIDL loan applications that contained false information.”

A grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio indicted Oba Oloyede and Edward Oluwasanmi on April 3, 2024, for conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering, the article further stated.

The two were accused by the prosecution of fraudulently obtaining more than $4.2 million in SBA-guaranteed relief funding between April 2020 and February 2022.

In addition to filing fictitious applications for co-conspirators, the Oba allegedly earned $1.3 million and $1.7 million for his own companies.

According to Sahara Reporters, “the FBI, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG) are conducting the investigation as part of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force.”

PDP BoT Chairman Praises Gov Otti, Says ‘They Can Expel Me’ Amid Suspension Threat

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PDP BoT Chairman Praises Gov Otti, Says ‘They Can Expel Me’ Amid Suspension Threat

Governor Alex Otti’s efforts to Abia State have once again been commended by Senator Adolphus Wabara, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) board of trustees.
When Dr. Godswill Okoro, a former Secretary to the State Government during the first term of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, celebrated his 80th birthday on Sunday at the International Conference Center in Umuahia, Wabara made this statement.
The former Senate President made it clear that he is an Abia State native before joining the PDP.
Recall that on Tuesday, February 11th, the party’s Abia State branch suspended Wabara and prohibited him from serving in any party capacity.

Amah Abraham, the head of the State Executive Council (SEC), presided over the meeting that led to the decision.

Wabara was charged by the Abia State PDP of anti-party activities and of not apologizing when he was given the chance to do so.

Wabara’s actions are inappropriate for a former Senate president and party chairman of the Board of Trustees, it was stated.

Wabara, however, reaffirmed his position in front of the crowd, saying that following elections, governance should come before party politics.

He declared, “I, Adolphus Nduneweh Wabara, was first and foremost an Abia citizen before I became a PDP card-carrying member and then an NRC card-carrying member in this state.”

After elections and campaigns, politics comes to an end, and you begin to consider government. What is going on in Abia is visible even to a blind man! And once more, I repeat it! They may be able to eject me now that they have said that I was suspended.

“But, having said so, sir, continue with the works; our ancestors in Abia are with you,” Wabara continued, urging Otti to keep up his efforts. Perhaps the state’s PDP leadership would suspend Dr. Emelike Okoro, whom Governor Otti came to honor, on television the next day.

Breaking: DSS Closes Offices of Lagos Assembly Speaker, Deputy

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Breaking: DSS Closes Offices of Lagos Assembly Speaker, Deputy

Early on Monday morning, security officers from the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Security (DSS) forcibly stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly, essentially closing the offices of Speaker Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the assembly clerk.
It was discovered that around 10 a.m., armed guards had taken over the Alausa, Ikeja, property and were thoroughly inspecting everyone who passed.
Lasbat Mojisola Meranda came with her entourage at around 11:15 a.m., according to Vanguard, the Speaker.
Notably, Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker who is currently dealing with legal issues, has filed a lawsuit against the state lawmakers, arguing that he should not have been removed from office.

According to reports, Obasa has filed a motion with the State High Court’s Ikeja Division, asking for an accelerated hearing on his case.

On January 13, 2025, while in the United States, 32 of the 40 members of the state Assembly dismissed Obasa from his post in absentia.

Read Also: Obi Appeals to Authorities: Rethink Onitsha Head Bridge Market Closure

Members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the main political decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, have expressed differing views on Obasa’s removal, sparking a great deal of controversy.

Obi Appeals to Authorities: Rethink Onitsha Head Bridge Market Closure

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Obi Appeals to Authorities: Rethink Onitsha Head Bridge Market Closure

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for the Head Bridge Market in Onitsha to reopen so that those in need can survive and earn a living.
He claims that the move by security and regulatory organizations to completely shut down the market is having an impact on the innocent merchants who depend on it for their livelihood.
Obi said he recognizes and agrees that some parts of the market should be free of illegal, hard, and expired medications, but he urged the relevant authorities to do so without closing the market altogether.

Read Also: Katsina Village Hit by Military Jet Bombing, Six Civilians Dead

He claimed that the complete closure of the market has cut off the means of subsistence for some innocent dealers who deal in other legitimate materials.
According to reports, Obi submitted the information on Monday through a post on his 𝕏 account.

Due to suspected drug trafficking in the Ogbo Ogwu area of the Head Bridge Market in Onitsha, security and regulatory authorities have shuttered the entire market.

“While it is clear that such illegal drug trading is wrong and that the government should do everything in its power to stop the sale of counterfeit goods, particularly drugs, and bring those responsible to justice for the sake of public health and safety, I am concerned about and call for the immediate reopening of nearby markets that were also negatively impacted by the closure.

The closure of other nearby markets that are not engaged, such as Rod, Allied and Tools, Plumbing Materials, Timber, Surgical, and Provision Markets, in addition to the Ogbo Ogwu Market, appears excessive and unwarranted.

Given that their ongoing closure is negatively impacting millions of people’s livelihoods, particularly during this trying time in our nation, Peter Obi argued, “I therefore appeal for their immediate reopening.”

We Handled Similar Problems Further, when I was governor, Obi suggested that the state and other relevant authorities handle the situation in a more transparent and balanced manner because they must remember the financial impact of their actions on those who have been excluded from the market due to circumstances that are not their fault.

Additionally, the search should be transparent, with store owners present as the law and due procedure are followed to inspect their establishments and remove any materials.

Why open up additional marketplaces to the closure if the intention is to carry out a valid search? What offenses do they have?

In my stint as governor of Anambra state, we encountered similar circumstances on several occasions.

“We worked cooperatively and deliberately with the appropriate agencies to address any public health issues that we came across. We ensured fairness and due process by collaborating closely with security agencies and regulatory bodies in cases that required market interventions.

The livelihoods were protected and needless interruptions were avoided.

“To avoid causing unnecessary hardship to merchants, their families, and the state economy, the current approach should be reevaluated.

“Economic stability and security will both be improved by a more transparent and balanced approach.

“We should constantly keep in mind the collateral economic implications of nearby market closures while working toward the goal of improved public health. “-PO,” Obi said.

Katsina Village Hit by Military Jet Bombing, Six Civilians Dead

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Katsina Village Hit by Military Jet Bombing, Six Civilians Dead

A military airstrike in Katsina State’s Safana Local Government Area’s Zakka ward struck the Yauni hamlet, killing six civilians.
Three other security guards, including two police officers and a member of the state-owned Community Watch Corps (CWC), were slain in a gunfight with bandits earlier, according to Daily Trust.
According to a local who talked to the aforementioned website on condition of anonymity, the incident happened as a result of Saturday’s local government election.

According to reports, the bandits intended to attack Zakka village voters.

Read Also: NDLEA Official Newlywed Burnt Alive in Kaduna

But after learning of their scheme, the security personnel apparently took action to stop it from being carried out, which resulted in a gunfight with the bandits that claimed the lives of a police officer and a CWC agent. A third police officer was wounded and ultimately passed away.
Six family members were killed and one woman was injured when a military fighter plane, which was probably there to provide reinforcement, dropped a bomb at Yauni settlement, south of Zakka, following that incident, according to the source.

Residents of Katsina have previously died as a result of unintentional bombing.

A military fighter plane launched a bomb in Kunkunni hamlet, which is located in the same Safana Local Government Area, in July 2022, killing at least two people.

NDLEA Official Newlywed Burnt Alive in Kaduna

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NDLEA Official Newlywed Burnt Alive in Kaduna

In Kaduna State’s Igabi Local Government Area, a mob cruelly killed Aliyu Imran, a recently married National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) agent.
It was discovered that a vengeful crowd in the Gadan-Gayan area of Igabi LGA set Imran, the Assistant Superintendent of Narcotic 1, on fire.
According to reports, this incident happened after a car that Imran and his coworkers were chasing was involved in a crash that claimed lives.

At least three people were killed when the culprit tried to elude capture by reversing his car while the cop and his crew were pursuing him, according to reports.
Imran apparently stepped in to defuse the situation, but the mob attacked him after he did so.

While the Officer in Charge (OC) sought for help, he was stabbed.

According to accounts cited by the media outlet, a brave police officer took him to a nearby hospital, but the crowd then stormed the hospital, dragged him out, and burned him.

The grieving family of Imran has voiced their displeasure and accused the NDLEA of failing to release a statement, offer them condolences, or provide them with compensation.

“Some NDLEA agents conducted an operation in Gadan-Gayan on Friday. They’re hiding it. This is our organization. Are you aware of what they typically do? In the event of an accident such as this one in which an officer is killed or involved, the NDLEA will attempt to conceal the incident in order to avoid providing the deceased family with compensation.

The suspect reversed and began driving away from the patrolling officers while some of them were on patrol.

The officers then pursued the car that was attempting to flee from them using their own vehicle. As a result, four individuals were killed in an accident involving the car they were pursuing.

Aliyu Imran, one of our policemen, descended to try to defuse the situation when they arrived. Then he began to be attacked. I have personally been in a similar circumstance in the past.Usually, you leave right away if you notice that things are becoming tense.

The OC (Officer-in-Charge), who oversaw the operation, began to say, “Okay,” when he came down to try to defuse the situation. You should all inbox each other. As in, let’s go. Saying “inbox” indicates that you should get into your car and let’s go.

Thus, they left Aliyu Imran there during the process. He was stabbed by those people. According to the report, one of the police officers there stabbed him and then rode him to a nearby hospital for treatment.

He claimed that the crowd dragged the NDLEA officer out and burned him alive after following the officers to the hospital.

The tragic development was further conveyed by the source: “You know what’s heartbreaking? Last December, he got married. Yesterday (Saturday), while they were burying him, his wife passed out.

“The mob became aggressive as Aliyu got out of the car to try to defuse the situation. I’ve been in similar mob scenarios during operations, so I know how these things get out of hand. The best course of action as tensions increase is to depart right away.

They abandoned Aliyu Imran in the confusion. He was repeatedly stabbed by the mob as they attacked him.

In an attempt to save his life, a policeman rode his bike to a neighboring hospital. However, when Aliyu was still struggling to survive, the same crowd broke into the hospital, pulled him out, and set him on fire.

“His family has received no assistance from the agency. The incident has not even been formally addressed by them. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, and NDLEA has previously concealed them.

According to the source, this is not the first time a cop has died while performing their duties.

He pointed out that these incidents frequently go unreported, leaving the families with little to no compensation.

Following the tragic incident, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi denied allegations that the organization fails its fallen officers.

He confirmed that the agency chairman is speaking with the dead officer’s family directly.

Read Also: Matawalle Responds to Babachir Lawal, Insists Northerners Will Support Tinubu in 2027

“A delegation from the agency’s headquarters, headed by the director of operations and general investigations, is currently in Kaduna to visit with the family as I speak with you. Furthermore, the chairman had already sent another commander. Therefore, the allegation that the family has been abandoned is untrue.

“The management has suspended the commander in question as a further indication of how seriously the organization takes this issue. Do you get it?

“The probe is still ongoing. The agency is still in constant communication with the family and is conducting a full investigation into the incident. He was cited as saying, “We are working hard to find out what happened after the tragedy.

Matawalle Responds to Babachir Lawal, Insists Northerners Will Support Tinubu in 2027

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Matawalle Responds to Babachir Lawal, Insists Northerners Will Support Tinubu in 2027

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal’s recent remarks about President Bola Tinubu’s prospects in the 2027 election have been rejected by Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defense.

In a statement released by Henshaw Ogubike, the Ministry of Defense’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Matawalle said that Lawal and his colleagues would be taken aback by the massive amount of support Tinubu would get from the North in 2027.
“Despite only having been in government for 19 months, President Bola Tinubu has significantly improved all parts of Nigeria, especially the North. The North’s populace will support Mr. President in building on the reforms and accomplishments he has started,” Matawalle said.

According to the minister, Tinubu had implemented significant reforms that called for ongoing support from the north, especially in the areas of defense and security.

Nigerian security forces apprehended 11,600 criminals, destroyed over 8,000 terrorists and bandits, and retrieved over 10,000 weapons in 2024. The North’s security has greatly improved as a result of this strong effort.

Approximately 8,000 abduction victims were successfully rescued, demonstrating the government’s dedication to guaranteeing everyone’s safety. Additionally, the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC), which was established in December 2024 in partnership with the UK’s National Crime Agency, has improved strategic cooperation in the anti-kidnapping effort,” he said.
He added that Lawal’s assertions of northern discontent with Tinubu were unfounded and an effort to create division.
“The North is unwavering in its backing of President Tinubu. The minister went on to say, “Any suggestion to the contrary is an intentional attempt to erode our national unity.”

In order to harness the agricultural potential of the North, empower millions of farmers, and enhance food security, Matawalle cited the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development as a crucial economic effort.

It is anticipated that this project will improve food security and change rural communities. The efficiency of the government’s agriculture policies is demonstrated by the recent drop in grain prices nationwide, he said.

He also pointed to the administration’s emphasis on building roads and enhancing the transportation system as evidence of Tinubu’s dedication to the North.

“Moreover, Tinubu’s enactment of local government autonomy enables local administrations to operate efficiently, guaranteeing accountability and improved governance at the local level,” he said.

Instead of discounting Tinubu’s accomplishments, Matawalle urged detractors like Lawal to conduct an unbiased assessment of his leadership.

We in the North must evaluate the observable advantages of the president’s initiatives. “The progress being made should not be overshadowed by the cries of dissent,” he said.

I Rather Die In Detention Than Get Tried By A Partial Court – Nnamdi Kanu

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I Rather Die In Detention Than Get Tried By A Partial Court – Nnamdi Kanu

Nnamdi Kanu, the President of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), has declared that he will not stand trial in any court that does not uphold the rule of law.
Kanu was said to have revealed this in an open letter to address the matter of his court trials following his incarceration in Kenya.
In a letter titled “Open Letter to the General Public,” which his attorney, Aloy Ejimakor, published on Friday, the IPOB leader denounced the Federal Government’s purported decision to use the legal system to achieve its goals.

According to his account, Justice Binta Nyako, who had recused herself from his case, was forced to sit on the same case without appealing the court ruling that had done so.

Read Also: CBN Ordered to Reverse ATM Fee Increase Within 48 Hours

“Greetings from Nigeria and around the world to all good-willed men and women. After my extraordinary rendition in 2021, I have been subjected to a series of executive and judicial frauds, which have compelled me to take the unusual step of writing this Open Letter with the sole purpose of drawing the public’s attention to them,” he said.

Kanu stated that he would rather die in custody than be denied a fair trial. There are plenty of competent attorneys in the country who prefer to base their rulings on the Constitution, he said.

When I wrap up this open letter, I want to be clear that it should not be interpreted as indicating that there are no good Nigerian judges who can be relied upon to administer fair justice in my case. It’s not the problem.

Rather, the problem is that my case is purposefully being avoided by justices and judges who are thought to be dedicated to upholding the rule of law, even if it means that the federal government must lose. Regardless, if it means I have to spend the rest of my life in custody before I can appear before a fair and unbiased court, then so be it. Let me state this for everyone’s benefit, though: I will not submit to a trial run by a judge or court whose authority does not meet constitutional requirements. He said, “Never, never now.”

CBN Ordered to Reverse ATM Fee Increase Within 48 Hours

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CBN Ordered to Reverse ATM Fee Increase Within 48 Hours

In response to criticism from the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been under pressure to remove the transaction fees it recently implemented for Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

The advocacy group demands that the CBN governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, immediately reverse the policy, which it calls “unlawful, unfair, unreasonable, and unjust,” and has given him a 48-hour ultimatum.

Concerns that the hike in ATM fees would disproportionately affect low-income Nigerians and exacerbate the already poor economic situation were raised by SERAP in an open letter dated February 15, 2025, written by Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization’s deputy director.

The group stressed the need for the CBN to reevaluate the policy. According to the statement, “The exercise of CBN’s statutory powers and functions should not cause suffering to impoverished Nigerians and contribute to violations of human rights.”

The CBN recently announced the contentious fee increase as a component of its revised banking regulations. A fee of N100 will now be applied for every N20,000 withdrawn from ATMs controlled by a bank but situated outside of its branch locations under the new policy. A further fee of up to N500 would be applied for ATM withdrawals of N20,000 at shopping malls, airports, and standalone cash points. These fees are scheduled to go into effect on March 1, 2025.

SERAP vehemently opposed the program, claiming that it puts commercial banks ahead of regular people. “Wealthy banks and their stockholders should have paid the higher ATM transaction fees, not the general public. The letter claimed that while this approach helps the CBN and financial institutions, it makes life more difficult for Nigerians who are struggling.

Additionally, the group emphasized that banks still report enormous profits, frequently at the expense of their clients. The poor should not be disproportionately disadvantaged by CBN policies, which significantly favor banks that generate trillions of naira in profits. This choice stands in stark contrast to the numerous pledges made by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to combat poverty.

Read Also: IGP’s Committee Review Forces Over 340 Police Officers Into Retirement

SERAP threatened to challenge the policy in court if the CBN did not take action within the allotted 48 hours, as part of its ultimatum. “Within 48 hours of receiving and/or publishing this letter, we would appreciate it if the suggested actions were taken. SERAP will take all necessary legal steps to force you and the CBN to abide by our request in the public interest if we don’t hear back from you by then.

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