Saudi authorities have barred and deported prominent Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, despite initially granting him a visa.
Sheikh Gumi confirmed the development on Monday, May 26, 2025, by posting on his official Facebook page. He explained that although he received a visa for Hajj, he was denied entry into Medina, where he was scheduled to commence his religious rites.
According to findings, Gumi was among a group of clerics sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission to offer religious support during the pilgrimage.
“Due to some reasons related to my views on world politics, the authorities in Saudi Arabia do not want me to be present at Hajj even though they have granted me a visa,” Gumi stated on Facebook.
Officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration, under the leadership of Minister Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have sealed the National Headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party.
At exactly 2:06 pm, a group of FCTA staff locked the entrance gate of Wadata Plaza, the PDP’s national secretariat located in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
This action follows the FCTA’s recent announcement on Sunday, stating its intention to reclaim properties affected by the revocation of 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of ground rent spanning 10 to 43 years.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service has condemned the Federal Capital Territory Administration for shutting down one of its offices in Abuja.
The agency described the action as “malicious” and “unprofessional.”
In a statement released via X (formerly Twitter), Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the FIRS Executive Chairman, accused the FCTA of unfairly targeting the agency.
“It is highly unprofessional of the Wike-led FCTA to close our office, disrupting staff from performing their duties when we have done nothing wrong, especially during a crucial week as we prepare to sign the Tax Reform Bills. FCTA, you have erred gravely; FIRS owes you nothing,” Atoyebi asserted.
She further accused the FCTA of attempting to use FIRS as a scapegoat, adding, “If you are looking for a fall guy, look elsewhere. We should not be your scapegoat when you know full well that the falsehoods you spread in the media and your malicious, illegal actions will harm our operations.”
Atoyebi maintained that the agency has no outstanding rent payments to the FCTA for the past 25 years and insisted that all obligations had been settled up to 2023.
“We have the evidence,” she emphasised, pushing back against claims of indebtedness.
According to her, the incident comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s tax system, with major reform legislation expected to be finalised soon.
She warned that such disruptions could undermine public confidence and delay the implementation of key fiscal policies.
Analysts caution that escalating tensions between federal agencies may affect service delivery and create institutional instability.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly indicated that it might pass the harmonised Tax Reform Bills by Tuesday, following a successful review of contentious clauses.
James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and leader of the House delegation for the bills’ harmonisation exercise, disclosed this via his official X account on Sunday.
He tweeted, “The Conference Committee set up by the House and the Senate on the Tax Reform Bills has successfully concluded its work. The joint committees thoroughly reviewed all sections, addressed grey areas in the four Bills, examined each clause strategically, and resolved contentious issues.”
Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that the FCTA sealed the FIRS office in Abuja for similar violations alongside an Access Bank branch and a Total petrol station in Zone 6, Wuse, Abuja, over non-payment of ground rent spanning 34 years.
The Nigerian police have arraigned an Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Giwa, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, over allegations of forgery and impersonation.
The defendants in a three-count charge marked CR/150/25, filed by the Inspector General of Police, are accused of conspiring to forge a legal document purportedly issued by the chambers of Chief Awa Kalu (SAN), with the intent to mislead the Attorney General of the Federation.
According to the charge, the alleged offence took place on June 28, 2024.
The prosecution claims that Giwa and Bukola forged and signed a letter on the official letterhead of Awa U. Kalu (SAN), requesting the AGF to suspend a scheduled arraignment.
The contentious letter, titled “Urgent and Solemn Appeal to Suspend the Arraignment of Our Colleague Victor Giwa on Charge Number: CR/222/2023”, was allegedly addressed to the AGF. It purported to originate from the SAN’s chambers and sought intervention to halt the arraignment scheduled before Hon. Justice Bature of the High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on July 2, 2024.
The supposed authors of the letter argued that the charges against Giwa should be withdrawn in the interest of “natural justice, equity, and fair play.”
Giwa, alongside property developer Cecil Osakwe and others, was to be arraigned on a nine-count charge relating to alleged illegal eviction, criminal intimidation, threats to life, and property damage amounting to N300 million.
The charges against Giwa and Bukola include conspiracy to commit forgery and impersonation (punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Act, 2004), dishonest execution of a fraudulent document (Section 364), and false personation of a legal practitioner (Section 179).
The case, involving allegations of professional misconduct, is being prosecuted by Rabiu U. Usman, Esq., of the Legal/Prosecution Section under the authority of the Inspector General of Police.
At the scheduled arraignment on Monday, the case came before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court in Apo. However, proceedings were stalled due to the absence of both defendants.
Prosecution counsel J.K. Kolawole appeared on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, while U.J. Udo represented the defendants.
Addressing the court, Udo informed Justice Onwuegbuzie that the first defendant, Victor Giwa, was bereaved and had travelled to his village for his sister’s burial. He, therefore, requested an adjournment.
Justice Onwuegbuzie granted the request and adjourned the matter to 15 September 2025 for arraignment. The judge, however, warned that no further excuses would be entertained at the next sitting.
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested two principal suspects in connection with the brutal murder and burning of a young woman on Saturday in the ‘Gangare’ area near the canal behind Mile 12 Market, Lagos.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this in a statement released on Monday.
Hundeyin stated that the victim, originally from Nasarawa State, was allegedly attacked and set ablaze in a premeditated act orchestrated by her estranged boyfriend and accomplices.
The police clarified that, contrary to widespread misinformation, no blasphemy was involved in the incident.
He noted that the deceased had been living in the area with relatives from the northern part of the country, and her exact occupation remains unknown.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that she is from Nasarawa State and not a Yoruba woman.
“The prolonged dispute between her and her boyfriend, who is currently at large and had attempted to forcefully rekindle their relationship, led to the conspiracy.
“The boyfriend, along with other suspects, two of whom are now in custody planned and executed the attack,” he said.
According to Hundeyin, the investigation is being intensified to apprehend the boyfriend and other suspects still at large.
The suspects are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department, where they are assisting detectives and investigators in efforts to apprehend other perpetrators involved in the murder.
The PPRO assured the public that normalcy has been fully restored in the affected slum and surrounding areas of Mile 12.
“Residents of Lagos are encouraged not to panic and to continue their lawful activities peacefully without apprehension while awaiting the outcome of the investigation, which will be made public.
“People are urged to exercise restraint and refrain from spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary fear,” he added.
The spokesperson confirmed that the command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and will continue to provide timely updates as the investigation progresses.
The Nigeria Police Force, on Monday, said that coordinated operations resulted in the arrest of 12 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, the rescue of an 80-year-old kidnap victim, and the recovery of a cache of arms.
In a statement released on Monday via X, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the operations were carried out by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command and the Jigawa State Police Command, respectively.
In the FCT, police operatives dismantled a notorious armed robbery and carjacking syndicate operating across the capital.
Acting on credible intelligence, the team intercepted the gang as they prepared to launch an attack in Maitama. A gun battle ensued after the suspects opened fire, leading to the death of one of the gang’s most wanted members, Abdulmininu Bello, also known as Babanle.
“One of the gang’s most wanted suspects, Abdulmininu Bello a.k.a. Babanle, was neutralized during the encounter, while seven other suspects were apprehended at the scene, including Ibrahim Muhammad, 22 years and ex-convict; Abubakar Abdullahi, 22 years; Sarajo Yusuf, 20 years; Sanusi Ali, 51 years; Abubakar Sani; Isiaka Adamu, another ex-convict and Abdullahi Isah.
“Exhibits recovered from the scene include Four AK-47 rifles, two locally made pistols with ten rounds of live 9mm ammunition, eleven rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, one locally made shotgun, a 2004 Toyota Camry LE, and a red boxer motorcycle,” the statement added.
In a separate operation, police in Jigawa State rescued an octogenarian woman, Hajiya Hajara, who had been abducted from Sarbi Village, Minjibir Local Government Area of Kano State. Intelligence revealed that a group of about twelve armed bandits had kidnapped the elderly woman and were attempting to move her through Jigawa State.
Police, in collaboration with local security outfits, stormed the criminals’ hideout between Danzomo and Medi villages. A gunfight ensued, leading to the death of five kidnappers and the arrest of five others, including the gang’s alleged leader, Yahaya, 35.
“A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the arrest of five suspects, including the gang’s kingpin, Yahaya, 35 years and five other suspects were neutralised during the exchange of fire.
“The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt and taken to the Hospital for medical evaluation, after which, she was discharged. Exhibits recovered in the operation include two AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated LAR rifle, fourteen live rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles, and two mobile phones,” the statement said.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised the operatives for their bravery and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities in their communities.
A case of alleged police brutality has sparked public outrage after a woman identified as #torty_mercy on X.com shared an account of her brother being assaulted by a police officer near Wuse Market in Abuja.
According to her post, the victim was returning from church on Sunday when a police officer reportedly attacked.
In the video she shared on Sunday, her brother said, “I’m just coming back from church at Wuse Market receiving a very big police assault. A policeman flogged me for over 30 minutes with a very big stick and I have injury on my leg, I can’t do anything, I can’t run.
“People gathered, without me involved in the matter, just a passenger in the vehicle. This is police headquarters, I came to lay complaint. Bruises are all over my body.”
Further detailing the incident, #torty_mercy wrote, “Nigerian Police has done it again! My brother was coming back from church, driver packed along Wuse Market junction, opposite Zenith Bank, a police officer approached the driver as he was about to move and started dragging the steering with him, people in the vehicle started pleading, this guy left the steering, came round the vehicle and spat on my brother sitting by the window unprovoked!
“My brother came down to ask him what he did to him, this guy carried a stick and started hitting him, his colleagues were asking him to stop but did absolutely nothing to stop or restrain him, instead they were asking my brother to run, someone who recently had an accident and can’t even walk fast.”
She claimed the police officer was under the influence of alcohol and questioned what could have happened if he had a gun with him.
“This police officer was smelling of alcohol and obviously didn’t act in his right mind,” she wrote. “What would have happened if he had a gun? We will record another loss from police in a space of days? Someone will go to church and come back injured or in a body bag because we are Nigerians?” She asked.
According to #torty_mercy, the officer also attempted to destroy her brother’s phone and repeatedly hit him on his injured leg.
She wrote, “This police man broke his glasses, repeatedly tried to smash his phone, hit him on his bad leg repeatedly. What is the life of a Nigerian worth? This hurts more than a heartbreak, I’m deeply hurt.
“A boy you saw who cannot run or resist, you kept hitting him, he told you he had an accident, you went ahead to hit the leg.”
In response to the video, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Federal Capital Territory, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the officers involved had been identified and that disciplinary procedures had commenced.
“The officers have been identified and disciplinary proceedings have already commenced. The individual has also been contacted for more details,” Adeh wrote.
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have rescued two individuals who were kidnapped on Thursday at Ijede Creekside in the Ikorodu area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement released on Monday.
Hundeyin stated that the operatives stormed the scene after receiving a distress call about the incident at 10:00 pm on Thursday.
He said, “A distress report was received at Ijede Division indicating gunshots in the vicinity of Ijede Creekside settlement.
“Acting swiftly, combined teams comprising more than 15 police tactical squads, detectives, conventional policemen, local vigilantes, hunters, and residents were immediately mobilised to the scene.
“Upon arrival, it was confirmed that two individuals whose homes are located within the creek had been attacked and abducted by unidentified hoodlums who escaped via the creek and adjoining forest.”
The police spokesperson added that, on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, a robust and comprehensive rescue operation was launched.
He continued, “The 15 policemen, local vigilantes, hunters, and residents were strategically deployed in various directions to block all entry and exit points to the surrounding creek and forest.
“This coordinated rescue operation led to the successful release of the victims, unharmed, at 10:00 pm on Sunday. The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families.”
He stated that the police, in collaboration with vigilantes, hunters, and locals, are still combing the creek and adjoining forest to apprehend the kidnappers, prevent further attacks, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Hundeyin commended the bravery of the officers and the cooperation of local vigilantes, hunters, and community members, whose swift response was instrumental to the success of the operation despite the challenges posed by the difficult terrain.
The spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of the state.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and security conscious at all times, particularly those residing in the Ijede Creek and other remote areas.
He also advised residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
A viral video has sparked outrage after it captured the moment a policeman demanded either ₦5,000 or five litres of fuel from motorists for failing to provide a proof of Electronic Central Motor Registry.
Recall that in July 2024, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, suspended the enforcement of ECMR registration for vehicle owners in the country after an outcry from Nigerians, who accused the police of creating an opportunity to extort vehicle owners.
The footage, shared on Sunday by X.com user Teniola (@Teeniiola), shows the officer confronting a group of travellers along the Benin Bypass, asking for the ECMR.
In the video, one travellers firmly told the officer that demanding ECMR enforcement was illegal.
The officer responded, saying, “You can make call now.”
When the traveller declined to call anyone, asking instead, “What do you want us to do?” the officer demanded five litres of fuel, stating, “We’ll go and buy it, that’s 5k.”
“You want 5k from each of us abi?” The traveler asked, as the policeman was seen telling another traveller to bring three litres of fuel.
The video has reignited concerns over extortion and misconduct by law enforcement officials, despite prior directives from police leadership.
Reacting to the video, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Edafe Bright, condemned the officer’s actions, posting on X, “My God. Thanks for recording this. Little by little, all the moles will be taken out of the system.
“All these Policemen bringing shame to us, one by one, they will be sent out of the organisation. Maybe when they become jobless, they will go into content creation. This is embarrassing and the force is on it.”
A viral video has sparked outrage after it captured the moment a policeman demanded either ₦5,000 or five litres of fuel from… pic.twitter.com/SvbdJlLJt8
Adron Homes Refutes FIJ’s Misleading Report, Sets Record Straigh
Adron Homes & Properties Ltd. has recently become aware of a serious allegation published by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) on May 22, 2025. The report claims that our company failed to refund a land payment to a client, Mr. Solomon Oludare Akinbo, after he allegedly made full payment for a plot at our Treasure Park and Garden, Phase 2, located in Shimawa, Ogun State.
We would like to express our strong disappointment that FIJ did not take the necessary steps to reach out to us for verification of these claims before making such serious allegations. The report contains significant misrepresentations that we categorically reject as malicious, defamatory, and misleading. It is imperative that we clarify the facts not only for the benefit of the public but also for our esteemed clients who trust us.
First and foremost, Adron Homes has at no point denied Mr. Akinbo his rightful plot allocation or refused his request for a refund. In fact, land was provisionally allocated to him, aligning with his initial expressed intent to construct a building on the plot. Our allocation policy, which is explicitly detailed in the Contract of Sale that Mr. Akinbo signed, stipulates that clients must formally indicate their readiness to build through a written notice before the allocation is finalized. This policy is designed to facilitate a well-planned development process and to prevent the occurrence of undeveloped or abandoned plots across our estates.
Additionally, it is crucial to point out that Mr. Akinbo voluntarily requested that Adron Homes manage the construction of his building project. Following his request, he selected a design for his building, and we prepared a detailed Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for his review. At no point were either Mr. Akinbo or his legal representative coerced into accepting this proposal, as they have inaccurately claimed. We uphold a policy of allowing all our clients the freedom to engage any registered builder or construction engineer of their choice.
The allegations that Adron Homes solicited additional payments from Mr. Akinbo are entirely unfounded. Such statements are simply untrue and reflect a blatant intent to defame our company. We encourage the public to disregard these inaccurate claims in their entirety.
Concerning the matter of the refund request, it is important to highlight that Adron Homes has a transparent refund policy explicitly outlined in the same contract signed by Mr. Akinbo. This policy requires him to submit a written refund request. Upon receipt of such a request, Adron Homes will provide a Refund Form for him to complete, sign, and return. Moreover, Mr. Akinbo is expected to return all contractual documents currently in his possession before we can proceed with the closure of his account and the issuance of his refund cheque. Regrettably, despite multiple official communications reminding him of these requirements, both he and his legal representative have not complied.
It is particularly disheartening that FIJ chose to publish the report without giving space for Adron Homes to present its side of the story. Despite their claim of prior outreach, the publication did not reflect our official position nor did it verify the facts before going to press. This one-sided approach contradicts the principles of ethical journalism and has resulted in the propagation of false and damaging narratives about our company and its reputation.
In light of these developments, we formally demand the immediate removal of the misleading article from all FIJ platforms. We also request a formal retraction along with a written public apology. Additionally, we seek the publication of a follow-up article that accurately presents our perspective and rectifies the misinformation that has been circulated.
Adron Homes & Properties Ltd. remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and upholding the highest standards of service for all our clients. We will continue to work diligently to protect our reputation and to serve our clients with integrity and trust.
For further media enquiries or clarification, please contact clientservice@adronhomesproperties.com or publicrelations@adronhomesproperties.com
