Author: GANUX

 

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has filed a no-case submission in response to the N6.9bn fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

 

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos heard the no-case submission and subsequently reserved a ruling on it.

 

Fayose was represented by a former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), while Olalekan Ojo (SAN) reprsented Spotless Investment Limited joined as the second defendant.

 

The EFCCm through its lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), pressed 11 counts, bordering on stealing and money laundering, against Fayose and the firm.

 

At Monday’s proceedings, Fayose’s counsel, Agabi, argued the no-case submission dated July 16, 2025, insisting the EFCC had failed to establish a prima facie case against the ex-governor.

 

Agabi also pointed out that a central figure in the alleged transactions, Abiodun Agbele, was not charged alongside Fayose.

 

“The predicate offences on which these charges are based do not hold water,” Agabi said. “Criminal breach of trust and conspiracy are distinct charges, and no co-conspirator was docked with the defendant.”

 

The second defence counsel, Ojo, adopted the no-case submission filed on March 21, 2025, and supported by further documents on May 16.

 

He argued that the credibility of the prosecution’s 13th witness, former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, had been seriously eroded.

 

Ojo noted that Obanikoro had admitted under cross-examination that there was no direct communication between Fayose and the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, undermining the prosecution’s narrative.

 

In response, EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the no-case submissions.

He cited a counter-affidavit and written address dated May 8, 2025, arguing that the defendants had failed to explain suspicious financial transactions.

 

Jacobs questioned why Fayose did not use his personal bank account for the transactions if they were legitimate.

 

He cited the testimony of EFCC investigator Abubakar Madaki, who stated that Fayose used associates to purchase properties both in Nigeria and abroad — associates who later denied ownership of the properties, even though Fayose had claimed them in his statement.

“If the money was clean, why didn’t he acquire the properties in his name?” Jacobs asked.

 

He added that Obanikoro’s testimony that Fayose personally requested the funds in cash and introduced Agbele to handle the delivery required a defence from the accused.

 

Following the conclusion of arguments, the court granted Fayose permission to travel abroad for medical treatment, as requested by Agabi.

 

Justice Aneke adjourned the matter to July 10, 2025, for ruling on the no-case submission.

 

Fayose was initially arraigned in 2018 before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, who later retired. The case was subsequently reassigned to Justice Aneke.

 

The EFCC alleges that Fayose received N1.2bn to finance his 2014 election campaign and took $5m in cash from Obanikoro, bypassing financial institutions.

 

He was also accused of laundering over N1.6bn through proxies and companies including De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd — all in contravention of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

 

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), says his administration is laying a solid foundation for good governance in the state, driven by strong institutions, a results-oriented public service, and sustained capacity building.

 

Ibas stated this on Monday in Port Harcourt while declaring open a 4-Day Transformational Leadership Training Workshop for Sustainable Development, organised by the Rivers State Government in collaboration with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies.

 

The training, which began on Monday, brought together Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Administrators, and Directors from various ministries across the state.

 

Ibas, in his speech, said the workshop represented a major step in repositioning Rivers State’s public service to meet the rising expectations of citizens in a fast-changing world.

 

“This administration is committed to building strong institutions, promoting efficiency, and fostering a results-driven public service,” Ibas said.

 

“We are laying the foundation for a culture of good governance—one that will serve not just the present generation but also those to come.”

Describing the essence of the programme, Ibas said the goal was beyond mere system improvement but sought to inspire a cultural shift within the public service, anchored on excellence, accountability, and innovation.

 

“This training is designed to equip you with the tools and insights necessary to lead through complexity, champion reforms, strengthen local government autonomy, and deliver meaningful results to our communities. I urge you to embrace it fully with open minds and a clear commitment to translate learning into action,”he said.

 

He stressed that only regular and relevant training can break the cycle of stagnation in governance and prepare public servants to adapt, grow, and transform service delivery.

 

The Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, described the workshop’s theme, “Transformational Leadership for Sustainable Development”, as both timely and strategic.

 

“This course is meticulously designed to bridge leadership gaps and equip participants with contemporary strategies for collaborative governance,” he said.

 

“We commend the Rivers State Government for its commitment to sustainable economic growth, infrastructural renewal, and social development—all of which require leadership excellence at all levels.”

 

The women’s football team of Chelsea FC were seen dancing to the popular 2015 Nigerian hit song Shake Body, written by Nigerian artiste Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, widely known as Skales.

 

In a video shared via the team’s official X.com page on Monday, the players were captured celebrating their win against Manchester United on Sunday by dancing to the upbeat track.

 

PUNCH Online previously reported that the song resurfaced and went viral again in April, ten years after its initial release.

 

The renewed popularity of Shake Body is largely credited to recent DJ remixes, particularly one by Dutch DJ Onderkoffer, and a viral TikTok dance by 17-year-old FC Barcelona football sensation, Lamine Yamal.

 

Credit: X | (C)helsea FC Women

 

Watch the video below:

 

𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐚 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐂 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐒𝐤𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬’ 𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐭 ‘𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲’

 

The women’s football team of Chelsea FC were seen dancing to the popular 2015 Nigerian hit song Shake Body, written by Nigerian artiste Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, widely… pic.twitter.com/ushqcdmJT1

 

The Director General of the World Health Organisation, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, on Monday, said the organisation is facing a salary gap for the next biennium of more than $500 million.

 

Hence, it is taking a range of measures to curtail costs in travel, procurement, recruitment, early retirement and more.

 

Ghebreyesus made this known at the high-level welcome at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, themed “One World for Health.”

 

The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of the WHO.

 

It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda.

 

While stating that the organisations have made many positive strides, he added that there is a salary gap.

 

“This week, I ask you to approve the next increase, to make another step towards securing the long-term financial sustainability and independence of your WHO. Already, the first increase has made a huge difference. If it had not happened, our current financial situation would be much worse – $300 million worse.

 

“Even so, we are facing a salary gap for the next biennium of more than $500 million. The Secretariat has taken a range of measures to curtail costs in travel, procurement, recruitment, early retirement and more. These measures have helped to narrow the gap, but still, there is no alternative but to reduce the size of our workforce.

 

“We are doing this reduction carefully, to protect the quality of our work, and ensure that we are positioned to emerge from this crisis stronger, more empowered and more independent.As you know, we have been engaging in a major structural realignment, guided by an in-depth analysis of priorities, deliberate and conscious,” he emphasised.

The WHO boss noted that the prioritisation exercise has informed the development of a new streamlined structure for headquarters, which reduces the executive management team from 14 to seven, and the number of departments from 76 to 34.

 

“Some Member States called the new structure ‘lean and mean’. I think it’s more focused and it could be more impactful as well.

 

“Last week, I announced our new executive management team, and in the coming weeks, we will decide which directors will lead which departments.

 

“This was an extremely difficult decision for me, as it is for every manager in our organisation who is having to decide who stays, and who goes,” he added.

 

Ghebreyesus thanked the outgoing executive management team -Dr Mike Ryan, Dr Samira Asma, Dr Bruce Aylward, Dr Catharina Boehme, Dr Li Ailan and Dr Jérôme Salomon- for their dedication.

Explaining further, he said, “Let’s be clear: a reduced workforce means a reduced scope of work. The Organisation simply cannot do everything Member States have asked it to do with the resources available.

 

“This week, you will consider a reduced programme budget of $4.2 billion for the 2026-2027 biennium. This represents a 21 per cent reduction on the original proposed budget of $5.3 billion.

 

“Assuming you approve the increase in assessed contributions, and thanks to the Investment Round, we are confident that we have already secured more than $2.6 billion, or 60 per cent of the funding for the next biennium. That leaves an anticipated budget gap of more than $1.7 billion. We know that in the current landscape, mobilising that sum will be a challenge.”

 

The Nasarawa State Government has received a refund of N9.75 billion from the Federal Government following the takeover of the former Lafia Cargo Airport.

 

Governor Abdullahi Sule announced this development during a special meeting with selected stakeholders from across the state, held at the Government House, Lafia, on Monday.

 

According to Governor Sule, after the Federal Government assumed control of the airport-renamed Usman Dan Fodio Airport in 2022-his administration persistently pursued a refund totalling N9.75 billion. He convened the meeting to express gratitude to stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly and traditional rulers, who played pivotal roles in securing the reimbursement.

 

The Governor added that the meeting would also provide participants with the opportunity to deliberate on the best use of the funds received.

 

While thanking stakeholders for attending the meeting, particularly on a Monday, he outlined three agenda items, emphasising the importance of collective decision-making for the state.

 

“The first item concerns the Lafia Cargo Airport, now named Usman Dan Fodio Airport by the Federal Government of Nigeria. I would like to begin by expressing my deep appreciation to His Excellency, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, for initiating the construction of this airport, which has significantly enhanced the state’s investment prospects.

 

“If you recall, we completed the airport and invited the former president to commission it in 2022. From the outset, we also discussed the possibility of transferring the airport to the Federal Government for optimal utilisation.

 

“I must take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Finance, our Revenue Chairman, the former Accountant General, and especially our National Assembly members-Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, as well as the member representing Awe/Doma/Keana Federal Constituency-for their significant contributions to this achievement,” he stated.

 

Governor Sule revealed that the state government had initially sought the refund to finance the completion of the Kwandere-Sabon Gida Road, another project initiated by former Governor Al-Makura.

“The motivation for requesting the refund was to use the funds to complete the road between Kwandere and Sabongida. The amount we sought-approximately N9.75 billion-was precisely what was needed to finish the road, which was also initiated by Senator Al-Makura.

 

“Unfortunately, we did not receive the funds until last week, when the Federal Government finally released the N9.75 billion.

 

“It took considerable effort to secure this refund, and I must commend all our leaders-from the National Assembly to the ministries and revenue service, as well as our elders who provided invaluable counsel. We shall further discuss the details of the refund and collectively determine the best course of action,” he added.

 

Governor Sule also announced the completion of the over N16 billion Lafia Flyover and Underpass, projects conceived and commenced by his administration.

 

He noted that, although minor works remain, the projects are now ready for use.

“The underpass and flyover in Lafia were technically completed yesterday. By ‘technically’, I mean they are ready and can be used immediately,” he said.

 

The Governor informed stakeholders that he had invited them to join him in making history by collectively opening the road for public use.

 

He explained that, ahead of the official commissioning of the project by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June, it was necessary to open the road to traffic for a trial period.

 

“We want to open the road so it can be used extensively before the official commissioning. This will allow us to identify and address any issues, such as cracks, over the next two or three weeks. We are hopeful that Mr President will be present in June to commission it,” he concluded.

 

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has began plans to convene a royal dialogue on national reputation and values reserve for traditional rulers in the country.

 

The president and Chairman of council of the NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku disclosed this in Uyo on Monday during a Public Relations Stakeholders forum with Royal fathers as part of activities marking a weeklong NIPR 2025 celebration programme.

 

He highlighted the roles royal fathers played in the development and peace building of their communities in the past, empathizing that there was need to go back to the status quo where the royal fathers can work in collaboration with government to foster development and good leadership.

 

“From time, it was the Royal fathers that gave direction to leadership, they brought development to their kingdoms before even government of today came. So, we need to go back to the days where our royal fathers will continue to bring development in partnership with government at the grassroots.

 

“We are just consulting, we resolved that arising from this event, we are going to convene in partnership with honourable commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, a Royal Dialogue on National reputation and values Reverse.

 

“This, we believe is very deserving, we are taking it to the national but we are going to have the first one here in Akwa Ibom as where the idea was initiated.” he said.

 

Neliaku said the proposed royal dialogue would restore the reputation as a nation and bring about ideal leadership and development.

In his remarks, the President General, Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council, Ntenyin Etuk, appreciated the NIPR for including the Royal fathers in their event and choosing Akwa Ibom as the host state.

 

The Paramount ruler who stated that one of the roles of traditional rulers is to disseminate information particularly of government programmes to the people at the grassroots noted that partnering with the NIPR would empower them to effectively manage all information for peace and development of their communities.

 

“Day in day out things are changing, we are no longer analog, systems have changed and we have to change as well and I believe very strongly that today the council will teach us new ways of managing information so that we will be able to pass this information to the people.” He added.

 

In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong said successive governments in Akwa Ibom had ensured that traditional institutions were made up of educated and enlightened individuals who would understand the dynamics of change.

 

He stated that NIPR is trying to expose the traditional rulers to tools of public relations which when carefully deployed and utilized for grassroots governance, would go a long way in fostering peace and managing crisis.

 

One of the resource persons, Rev Francis Asuk in his presentation, said the relationship management skills of traditional rulers is important to navigate through difficult situations.

 

He called for training of traditional rulers on deployment of public relations strategies in dousing of tensions and conflicts in their communities as well as getting things from government for the welfare and development of their people.

 

Adeola, the daughter of popular Nollywood actress Jumoke George, has returned to Nigeria from Mali after four years.

 

This was disclosed by the chairperson, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Monday.

 

According to her, the commission received Adeola from Mali, where she was trafficked.

 

She wrote, “Breaking! Adeola, daughter of popular actress Jumoke George, who cried out that she had not heard from her daughter in four years, is back home from Mali, where she was trafficked.”

Recall that the veteran actress had opened up in an emotional interview on how she started living in a church six years ago while battling illness and the heartbreak of a missing child.

Speaking in tears on the TalkToB show hosted by fellow actress Abiola Adebayo, Jumoke said she hid her predicament out of shame and fear of public ridicule.

 

The veteran actress explained that her health began to deteriorate earlier this year, which forced her to cancel scheduled acting jobs.

She said, “There are some things that are embarrassing to say, but at this point, I have no choice. I want to speak out. I am working, but it’s not like I get jobs every time.

 

“My first child, Adeola, has been missing. I’ve been looking for her for the past four years. Any small amount of money I got from work was spent looking for her.

 

“She was in Ibadan, where she was working and living with my mother. So my mother just called me one day to say that she hadn’t seen Deola, who said she was coming to meet me in Lagos. I said I haven’t seen her.”

 

She disclosed that Adeola, however, called one day to beg for forgiveness and informed her that she had migrated with some friends in search of a better life, but they had encountered something different.

 

Meanwhile, Dabiri commended Actress Bola Adebayo for breaking the story about the veteran actress’ daughter and actor Niyi Johnson.

 

“Just received her, with Biola Adebayo, who broke the story, and Niyi Johnson. Details later!”

 

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Monday, announced that it has almost completed the rehabilitation of 11 out of 22 Personnel Armoured Cars brought by the administration of Rauf Aregbesola.

 

This was contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo.

 

But Ismail Omipidan, who served as the Chief Press Secretary to the immediate past governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced on his Facebook page that the government was merely repainting the armoured vehicles.

 

Omipidan’s post had read partly, “Another fraudulent act loading…After painting the Omoluabi buses, they are now repainting the APCs from red to black. Later, they will present them as being purchased by them to support security agencies in the state. O ma wa gaa o!”

 

Olawale, in his statement, however, claimed that Oyetola abandoned the vehicles during his four-year reign as governor.

“The governor, worried by the abandonment of the PACs which are rusting away, directed rehabilitation in batches with the first 11 carriers now nearing the final stage of rehabilitation.

 

“On the carriers are boldly written ‘rehabilitated by Governor Ademola Adeleke’ with the Governor waiting to launch the second phase immediately after the final rehabilitation and upgrade of the first 11.

 

“In line with my vow never to abandon any inherited projects, I have approved the rehabilitation of the Armoured Personnel Carriers in phases. This will strengthen state security and surveillance,” Olawale quoted Adeleke as saying.

 

He declared that the Adeleke administration was not interested in politics with bitterness, adding that its goal remains to develop Osun and never allow any state assets to waste away.

 

Spain government on Monday said it had ordered tourist rental platform Airbnb to take down more than 65,000 illegal adverts as it tries to balance the flourishing sector against a housing crisis.

 

The consumer rights ministry said it had “urged” the US company’s Irish-based subsidiary to remove 65,935 adverts for “breaching the advertising rules for this type of tourist accommodation”.

 

The infractions included failing to provide a licence number, not indicating whether the leaser was a professional or a private individual, and giving licence numbers that did not match those granted by the authorities.

 

Airbnb had appealed previous government requests to remove the illegal adverts, but a Madrid court has backed the authorities and urged the California-based firm to “immediately” withdraw 5,800 ads, the ministry said in a statement.

 

A company spokesperson said Airbnb would continue to appeal and criticised the “indiscriminate methodology” of the ministry, which it said was not competent to enforce tourist accommodation rules.

 

The ministry “has deliberately ignored” Spanish Supreme Court rulings that meant not all adverts on Airbnb required a registration number, added the spokesperson.

Spain, the world’s second most-visited country, hosted a record 94 million tourists in 2024, making the lucrative sector a driver of its buoyant economy.

 

But residents of tourist hotspots such as Barcelona have blamed short-term rentals for scarce and unaffordable housing and changing the fabric of their neighbourhoods.

 

According to the latest figures published by the National Statistics Institute, 368,295 properties were dedicated to tourist accommodation in November 2024.

 

Consumer rights minister Pablo Bustinduy will work “to stop the chaos and widespread illegality of tourist accommodation, as well as to promote access to housing and safeguard consumers’ rights,” his ministry added.

 

AFP

 

A former Enugu State House of Assembly Leader, Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, accusing the party of promoting “mediocrity and deceit” over merit.

 

In his resignation letter, Ezeugwu cited internal discontent with the party’s operations, alleging that the party leadership had betrayed its values.

 

“Merit was frequently sacrificed on the altar of mediocrity and deceit.

 

“For me, trust is a fundamental aspect of any relationship, and without it, relationships can become challenging to maintain,” Ezeugwu wrote in his resignation letter addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Udenu Local Government Area.

 

Reacting to the resignation, Professor Victor Nnam, former Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development in Enugu State, slammed Ezeugwu, accusing him of hypocrisy, and questioning why he only spoke out after leaving office.

 

“He is just a sycophant who shouldn’t be taken seriously. If not, why is he crying foul now? Why didn’t he tell the world since 2022?” Nam said.

Nnam also challenged Ezeugwu’s legislative record, highlighting that during his 12-year tenure in the Enugu State House of Assembly, his constituency projects were limited to the construction of just two bus stops in Udenu Local Government Area.

 

“As a former leader of the state assembly, what was his track record?” Nnam asked.

 

“So a third-term House member needs to be deceived before he can empower his own people? That’s laughable,” Nnam responded to Ezeugwu’s claim that the PDP deceived him into undertaking constituency projects.

 

Nnam further accused Ezeugwu of personal frustration, saying, “His recent resignation from the PDP is driven by personal frustration after being denied a fourth term in the House, an ambition that would have extended his stay to 16 years.”

 

Ezeugwu represented Udenu Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly from 2011 to 2023 and served as the Assembly Leader from 2015 to 2023.