The Oyo State government has commenced the demolition of an abandoned structure popularly known as De Castle Inn in Ibadan over the weekend, citing it as a safety measure for the area.
The structure located at the Total Garden Area along the ever-busy Mokola-Agodi Gate road was previously used as a hotel in the metropolis, before it was abandoned.
PUNCH Online learnt that the property within the premises had been removed a few days before the demolition, with the inspection of security personnel.
The Commissioner for Lands, Housing, Survey and Urban Development, Mr William Akin-Funmilayo, disclosed that the building had been abandoned by its owner for years, and recalled that the state government had earlier warned owners of abandoned structures in the state to put them to use.
The government claimed that such abandoned structures constituted security threats as they were being used by criminals to perpetrate evil acts.
According to Akin-Funmilayo, the government had, in a statement issued in February this year, cautioned that it would take over any abandoned structures posing a threat to the public.
The statement said,”The government got information from the public and security agencies that the structure had been constituting a security threat to the environment, as criminals and hoodlums usually hid there.
“They go on the streets to snatch telephones, bags, and other valuables from passersby. In addition, it has become a home for illicit drug users, who trade in illicit drugs as well as smoke different kinds of things.
“We are here to confirm what we heard and what we have seen, and this place has been abandoned for the past 10 to 13 years.
“We are here to ensure the safety of the people living in this environment. So, we have seen for ourselves that this is a completely abandoned building.
“The government will work within the ambit of the law to take possession of the building to stop what is constituting a threat.”
According to our correspondent, the demolition of the structure was ongoing as of the time of filing this report.
The Nigerian Medical Association, Katsina State branch, has expressed “grave disappointment” and “unequivocal condemnation” over a circular purportedly issued by the Federal Government to address salary adjustments for medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria.
The NMA described the circular as “grossly inadequate, misleading and a flagrant violation of the spirit and letter of agreements reached during the collective bargaining process between NMA and the government of Nigeria.
This is contained in a communique arising from its SEC meeting on Saturday in Katsina.
The circular noted, “NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects national salaries, incomes and wages commission’s (NSIWC) circular (SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) dated 27th June, 2025 on review of allowances for medical/dental officers in the Federal public service: Demands urgent government withdrawal action and fulfillment of all the demands.”
The communique was jointly signed by the Chairman, NMA Katsina, Dr. Muhammadu Sani, as well as the Secretary, Dr. Yahya Salisu and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Katsina.
The association warned that it cannot guarantee non-disruption of health services if its demands are not met.
The Katsina NMA said it expects the government to address their demands as outlined by the NOC on July 2nd, 2025 just as it noted that the healthcare sector is on the brink due to unfulfilled promises and poor welfare for Doctors.
The communique read, “The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Katsina State Branch expresses grave disappointment and unequivocally condemns the circular purportedly issued to address the consequential adjustment of allowances under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria.
“The circular is grossly inadequate, misleading and constitutes a flagrant violation of the spirit and letter of the agreements painstakingly reached during the collective bargaining (CBA) process between the NMA and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“With the immense and urgent Brain drain experience across the nation and the debilitating effect of Work burnout, our members are exposed to on a daily basis, the government ought to have improved the welfare, remuneration and social services that will boost the morale of the remaining Doctors who have sacrificed to serve our dear fatherland. Instead, the silent and unfulfilled promises made by successive governments have pushed the healthcare sector to the brink. The biting economic crisis and reduction in purchasing power have made the income nothing to show for.
“Our members are dedicated and hardworking, and it is only right for the government to leave up to their responsibilities of ensuring a healthier society. With the Expiration of the 21-day grace period and the upcoming EDM a week from now, we are solidly behind the National Official Committee (NOC) stance and decisions.
“We hereby expect that attention will be given to our demands as earlier released by the NOC on the 2nd July 2025. We cannot guarantee non-disruption in the health services rendered to the Nigerian People at the expiration of such”, the communique concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Abuja for Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State to attend the eighth-day prayer ceremony in honour of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
This was disclosed on Sunday in a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has left Abuja for Ijebu-Ode to attend the eighth-day prayer ceremony for the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona,” he wrote.
The revered monarch passed away on July 13 at the age of 91 and was buried the following day in Ijebu-Ode, according to Islamic rites.
His death marked the end of a 65-year reign, one of the longest in Nigerian traditional history.
Ahead of the eighth-day prayer, security has been tightened across Ijebu-Ode, particularly along roads leading to key venues such as Dipo Dina Stadium, the Awujale’s Palace, and his Igbeba private residence.
The prayer is scheduled to hold at the Dipo Dina International Stadium and will be attended by dignitaries including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and other top officials.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Abuja for Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State to attend the eighth-day prayer ceremony in honour of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba… pic.twitter.com/f7ZQ89BN5D
The New Nigeria Peoples Party and the All Progressives Congress have conducted their primary elections for the forthcoming by-election for the House of Representatives, representing Garki/Babura Federal Constituency in Jigawa State.
PUNCH Online reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission scheduled August 16, 2025, for the by-election for the constituency following the death of Isa Dogon Yaro, the constituency member, on May 9, 2024.
The NNPP primary election was held on Saturday at the party’s local government secretariat in Babura, while the APC primary took place at the Duplex in Babura.
Declaring the results shortly after all the delegates completed casting their votes, the Chief Returning Officer for the NNPP primary election sent by the party, Muhammad Gako, declared Salisu Sabo the winner, saying he scored a total of 114 votes cast during the election.
“Salisu Sabo emerged as the NNPP flag bearer after winning unopposed with 114 votes,” the Chief Returning Officer said.
In his acceptance speech, Sabo promised to work with all party members and the good people of Garki/Babura constituency to enhance secondary education.
He also encouraged voters to prioritise merit and the quality of candidates who will effectively address their needs.
On the other hand, the APC primary election, held at the Duplex in Babura saw Rabiu Garki emerging as the party’s flag bearer.
Announcing the winner shortly after the primary election, the chairman of the APC Primary Election Committee, Ismaila Gadaka, declared the election peaceful, free, and fair.
He declared that Garki emerged as the party’s flag bearer as he received all 110 votes cast by delegates from the 22 wards of the constituency.
Garki, while speaking after announcing him as the flag bearer, commended Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, party leaders, and members for placing their trust in him.
He pledged to prioritise youth employment and job creation to improve the livelihoods of his constituents, if elected.
In his remark at the occasion, the APC state chairman, Aminu Gumel, expressed satisfaction with the election’s process and conduct.
He noted that despite their confidence in winning, the APC will campaign across all 22 political wards in the constituency, assuring the people that their candidate will work in line with the APC manifesto and the administration of Governor Umar Namadi.
PUNCH Online reports that both parties in the state have emphasised the importance of working with the people and representing their interests in the National Assembly, as the by-election is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both parties vying for the support of the electorate.
The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has cleared aspirants for its July 21, 2025, party primaries ahead of the August 16, 2025, National Assembly bye elections for Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency.
According to a statement by the Publicity Secretary of the state caretaker committee, Chris Nehikhare, on Sunday, those cleared for the Edo Central Senatorial ticket include John Yakubu, Friday Itulah, and Joe Okojie.
He noted that for the Ovia Federal Constituency seat, only one aspirant, Johnny Aikpitanyi, was cleared as the party’s sole candidate.
Festus Edogun was, however, not cleared by the party to contest for the Edo Central Senatorial District ticket.
Edogun was said to have bought the form from PDP headquarters in Abuja, and he was asked to bring the proof of purchase of the form to the appeal committee.
The aspirants were screened on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the state party secretariat in Benin by a five-man panel appointed by the PDP National Working Committee.
The committee is chaired by Prof. Okumoko Tubo Pearce, with Chinomso Odoemelan as secretary.
Other members include Inemo Dede, Evelyn Promise, and David Omare.
Members of the committee presented the certificates of clearance to the aspirants on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Edo PDP Secretariat.
Speaking on behalf of other aspirants, Aikpitanyi, after receiving his clearance certificate, commended members of the committee for their professionalism, diligence and fairness in the discharge of their duties.
He noted, “I want to sincerely thank members of the screening committee for their professionalism, fairness, and diligence in discharging their duties. With this clearance, we are set for the task ahead.
“I’m fully prepared to carry the PDP flag in Ovia, and with the overwhelming support of our people, we will secure victory and ensure the delivery of quality, purposeful representation to our constituents.
“I am confident of winning. Together, with the support of my people, we will make Ovia shine again, and shine even brighter.
“We will focus on grassroots development and Ovia the envy of all.”
The University of Maiduguri Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has promised to make its decision on the renaming of the institution after late President Muhammadu Buhari by President Bola Tinubu known soon.
In a telephone interview on Sunday with PUNCH Online, the chairman of the university ASUU, Dr. Abubakar MShelia, said their position will be disclosed to the public after the next congress meeting.
He said, “Our members will be meeting, and we shall make our position known to the public.
“We will make our position very clear by the time the congress meets. The excos have met, and the veterans have met.
“We have collectively decided that soon, we will make our position public and convey the message to whom it may concern.”
He, however, declined to comment on what the public should expect.
On his part, the President of the Student Union Government of the university, Yahaya Maigari, said a significant percentage of the students are against the renaming.
“We cannot say all of our students, or 100 per cent of the students, have accepted the change of the university name, but a certain percentage rejected the renaming because of its long reputation.
“As a matter of fact, we will be celebrating UNIMAID at 50 soon, that’s five decades, so you know it’s not easy for some of the students to accept that sudden change,” he said.
He, however, commended Tinubu for renaming the institution, saying Buhari has contributed significantly to education in Nigeria.
“For me as the SUG President, I truly support the decision to rename the university after the late President, particularly in recognition of his lifelong contribution to Borno and Nigeria at large,” he added.
Also, the immediate past SUG President of the institution, Muhammad Bello, hailed the name change, while stating that the former President has made a remarkable impact in the country that is worth recognition
“The renaming of the UNIMAID is a tribute to the late President’s contribution to Nigeria. Though, some may debate the renaming, but for me, it is a gesture that reflects his impact on the nation, not only the nation but the world in general,” Bello said.
PUNCH Online had reported that Buhari died in a London hospital last Sunday after a brief illness.
The Medical Director and Provost of Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Abeokuta, Dr Paul Agboola, on Saturday debunked reports of injustice over an alleged case of physical and verbal assault levelled against the Head of Clinical Services of the hospital, Dr Olayinka Majekodunmi, by a Post Basic Psychiatric Nursing student, Seyi Ogunjobi.
Agboola stated that Majekodunmi has, however, been handed a strongly worded warning letter for admitting to having used foul language such as “You’re stupid, you’re a bastard” on Ogunjobi during the altercation, which reportedly occurred on June 30, 2025.
He stated that the panel that sat over the case, which he chaired, also found the student nurse very inconsistent and evasive, as he could not prove the allegation that the senior consultant hit him with a chair and also pushed him and was therefore was suspended as a corrective measure.
Agboola said that the father of the student nurse had also reached out to him, appreciating him for his fatherly approach to the matter and pleaded that the hospital management temper justice with mercy.
The Medical Director disclosed this on Saturday while addressing journalists over the alleged assault case.
Recall that the hospital chapter of the National Association of Nurses and Midwives, led by its chairman, Narcissus Oluwalegan, had led other nurses on a peaceful protest over the alleged assault of the student nurse.
Oluwalegan had stated that while Majekodunmi had been left to walk freely, Ogunjobi was suspended, claiming that the hospital management had decided to close their eyes to the injustice meted out to one of them.
He had threatened that the nurses would not hesitate to withdraw their services if the hospital management did not lift the suspension placed on the students within 24 hours, while also addressing other concerns of the health workers.
Addressing journalists on Saturday, Agboola said that having received the petition of the alleged verbal and physical assault, a panel which was chaired by him and also had as members Mrs Florence Oladeji, Head of Administration of the hospital, Dr Sunday Amosu, Head of Research and Training, Dr Taiwo Omirin, Principal of School of Psychiatric Nursing, her Vice, Mr Olorunisola, Dr Nurudeen Ibrahim, Head of Servicom and others looked into the allegation.
He explained that the incident reportedly occurred on June 30 during the ward round led by the Head of Clinical Services, Dr Majekodunmi and his team.
Agboola said, “On getting to the ward, there was said to be challenge of lack of chairs as some nursing students had already occupied the seats. The student nurse, Seyi Ogunjobi, reportedly went to get a chair but insisted on giving the chair to another student nurse and not the Head of Clinical Services.
“In the ensuing altercation, Dr Majekodunmi allegedly engaged in physical and verbal assault against Ogunjobi, hit the student and also used some foul language on him.
“During the panel sitting, Dr Majekodunmi came with 12 witnesses and also admitted that out of annoyance, he used the words ‘you’re stupid, you’re a bastard’ but denied ever hitting the student, and his witnesses also corroborated.”
He revealed further that the student nurse who came with one staff nurse as a witness was, however, unable to substantiate the allegation that he was hit because his witness also said that she could not confirm whether the senior consultant hit the student nurse or not.
Agboola continued, “For admitting to have used such foul language on the student nurse, Dr Majekodunmi had been given a strongly worded warning letter to serve as a deterrent, while the nurse was suspended for his inconsistencies and inability to substantiate his claim against the medical doctor.”
He explained that the suspension was not a punitive but a corrective measure, which is aimed at ensuring that the student prioritises integrity, which is a hallmark of nurse training
Agboola said that the suspension is just may be for one or two days and not a kind of suspension that will ensure that the student is sent out of the school for a long time, such that will jeopardise his academic pursuit, adding that “we just wanted to mould the boy to become responsible and a nurse that prioritises integrity.”
The Medical Director also said that the management has met with other unions of the hospital over the ugly incident and will meet with the nurses’ union on Monday to further resolve the crisis.
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud, a Saudi royal widely known as the “Sleeping Prince,” has died at the age of 36, nearly two decades after a car accident left him in a coma.
The prince was just 15 years old when he suffered a brain haemorrhage and internal bleeding in a devastating car crash in London in 2005.
He never regained full consciousness and was kept on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, until his death.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, confirmed the passing in a post on X on Saturday.
“With hearts believing in Allah’s will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, we mourn our beloved son: Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him, who passed away today,” the post read.
Prince Al-Waleed was a student at a military college in London at the time of the accident.
Despite the grim prognosis, his father remained devoted to his care and consistently rejected calls to withdraw life support, holding out hope that his son would one day recover.
The announcement of his death has triggered an outpouring of sympathy on social media, with the hashtag “Sleeping Prince” trending widely.
“May Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled, Rest In Peace. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones,” one user wrote.
Another post read, “Your time on earth was a blessing to your family and the world in general.”
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” added a third.
Funeral prayers for the late prince are scheduled to take place at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.
Political activist, Omoyele Sowore, speaks with ISMAEEL UTHMAN on the claim that the late former President Muhammadu Buhari left behind a legacy of integrity
The late former President Buhari was said to have left a legacy of integrity. Do you agree with that?
Absolutely not. The myth of Buhari’s integrity was one of the most dangerous propaganda projects ever sold to the people. For decades, a carefully curated image of a disciplined, incorruptible soldier-statesman was peddled, essentially to justify his return to power in 2015. But the reality, as Nigerians experienced it, was entirely different. Buhari didn’t just fail the integrity test; he also shattered it.
Under his watch, corruption was not only tolerated but institutionalised. Individuals under investigation or with established records of theft and abuse of office found refuge within his cabinet. His government protected some of the most corrupt figures in Nigerian history. Buhari’s so-called “integrity” never translated into accountability, transparency, or moral leadership.
How well did the former President rule the country?
Buhari ruled with a combination of detachment, arrogance, an iron hand and incompetence. He was never really present—physically or mentally—for the job. When he wasn’t abroad receiving medical treatment on public funds, he was absent from decision-making that affected millions. His regime was marked by economic collapse, growing insecurity, rising debt, and unprecedented suffering.
His idea of governance was nepotism, placing unqualified loyalists in key positions based on ethnic and religious identity. The result was paralysis across all sectors. Buhari ruled as if the nation were a military barracks, not a democracy. He failed to modernise Nigerian institutions, was unable to secure lives, and failed to provide any economic direction. The people bore the brunt of his cluelessness.
The former President respected the rule of law, according to his aide. Do you agree with this?
That statement is not just false, it is insulting. Buhari was one of the worst violators of the rule of law and human rights in the country’s democratic history. Under his watch, court orders were routinely disobeyed. Journalists, activists, and political opponents were jailed without trial. His regime criminalised dissent and weaponised security agencies against the people.
Let’s not forget his infamous statement that “national security is superior to the rule of law.” That alone tells you everything. The Department of State Services became his private Gestapo. Judges were assaulted in the middle of the night. I was also abducted first from my hotel room and also from a courtroom in 2019, after being granted bail. So, if Buhari respected the rule of law, it was only the law he made for himself.
The naira redesign was said to be done to guarantee a free and fair election. How do you react to this?
The naira redesign was never about free and fair elections; it was an economic disaster masquerading as electoral pretence. Beyond that, it was a corruption conduit for Buhari’s Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele. It plunged millions into hardship, destroyed small businesses, and created a chaotic cash crisis that didn’t stop vote-buying. It only changed the players.
If the policy was meant to stop rigging, then why did the same rigged system produce a deeply flawed 2023 general election?
Buhari’s regime weaponised that policy not to protect democracy but to manipulate political outcomes. It was a cynical, ill-thought-out move that brought untold suffering to ordinary Nigerians who couldn’t access their own money. And in the end, the people who had access to the new naira notes were still the ruling elites. So, what exactly was achieved?
Do you agree that Buhari achieved success in his anti-corruption war?
There was no war. There was no battle, just propaganda. Buhari’s so-called anti-corruption campaign was selective, vindictive, and deeply hypocritical. His friends and cronies were protected. His political enemies were hunted. That’s not a fight against corruption; it was a weaponisation of anti-graft rhetoric.
Even the Economic and Financial Crime Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission lost credibility under him. Major scandals like the Maina pension case, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company contracts, and his Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, were openly and brazenly accused of corruption. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s opaque operations under Godwin Emefiele were swept under the rug until Buhari left office. He enabled corruption on a scale so vast that it will take generations to fully trace.
So no, he didn’t fight corruption. He fertilised it.
You have been criticising the former President even in death. Do you think that is fair to the dead?
Fairness is owed first to the living. Nigeria is filled with mass graves dug by Buhari’s failures and wickedness for victims of extrajudicial killings, banditry, hunger, poverty, terrorism, and neglect. Are we to pretend that the man who supervised so much suffering deserves silence now that he is dead? That would be a greater injustice. History doesn’t stop when a person dies. Memory doesn’t take a break. Those who hold public office, especially at the highest level, must know that their legacy belongs to the people, not their family or fan base or the graveyard.
Buhari betrayed the trust of a nation, and no amount of funeral diplomacy can change that.
I have no personal hatred for Buhari, but I do have a deep responsibility to speak the truth. We must stop canonising failed leaders simply because they are no longer here to defend themselves. Let their actions speak for them. Buhari’s own record is enough indictment.
Buhari came to power on the wings of hope and left on the wings of despair. His tenure was not marked by transformation, but by regression. He used Nigeria to prolong his own life while shortening the lives of millions. He ran a government where empathy died, where dreams were crushed, and where mediocrity reigned supreme.
Now that he is gone, Nigeria must have the courage to tell the truth, if not for the dead, then for the living and the unborn. We owe it to ourselves to stop recycling false legacies. Let Buhari’s story be a warning, not a model.
The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Saturday backed the position of Governor Monday Okpebholo warning Peter Obi from coming into the state without security clearance.
The state chairman of the party, Jarrett Tenebe, stated this on Saturday shortly after Joseph Ikpea and Omosede Igbinedion were announced as the senatorial candidate and the House of Representatives candidate for the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency.
Tenebe said also said that the party would campaign “rigorously to prove to all that we actively won the 2024 governorship election.”
“The party also believes that the governor was right warning Peter Obi to get security clearance before coming into the state because of the opinion people have about Obi in the state especially when the last time he came here, three people were killed,” he added.
On the election, he said, “Now that we have our candidates, we will hit the ground running, we are going to campaign as if we have never won elections in this state. We want to let the people know that we actually won the last governorship election.”
Earlier, the Chairman and Chief Returning Officer of the APC Edo Central Primary Election Committee, Ugboaja Stanley, said election was conducted in the 51 wards in the five local government areas in Edo Central and Ikpea emerged the winner with the 255 delegates from the zone affirming the outcome.
His counterpart for the Ovia Federal Constituency, Lucky Ajokperiniovo said Igbinedion emerged the candidate of the party for Ovia Federal Constituency after other aspirants stepped down for her.
