Category: cover

Osun court jails six for electoral offences, firearms possession

 

An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo has sentenced six people arrested during the 2023 general election in the state to two-year jail terms for offences bordering on conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms.

 

The defendants, dragged before the court by the Federal Government represented by its counsel, Fatima Adesina, were arraigned on 3 counts of conspiracy to be in possession of firearms, unlawful possession of firearms, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

 

The offences committed were said to be contrary to and punishable under Sections 121 & 126 (1)(F); 126 (1) (f) and 125 (1) (i), respectively of the Electoral Act, 2022.

 

Justice M. Awe, in his judgement, Certified True Copy dated July 11, 2025, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, found Yinusa Rahmon, Moshood Hamzat, Awotunde Gbenga, Adebayo Mutiu, Femi Taiwo and Najeem Omotuntun guilty of offences bordering on conspiracy and possession of firearms.

 

They were, however, discharged on count three, for engaging in conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

 

Going over the history of the case, Justice Awe said the 6 defendants, under cross-examination, admitted that they were arrested in the premises of a hotel on March 18, 2023, while the House of Assembly election was going on in Ila Orangun, Osun State, by men of the Department of State Service.

 

The Judge also held that the prosecution witnesses during the trial told the court that the defendants were arrested in possession of firearms that included: 2 locally made barrel guns, 2 cutlasses, one battle axe, one Fulani sword, and six cartridges on the day of the House of Assembly election in Ila Orangun.

Justice Awe, however, held that the prosecution could not prove that the defendants conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace in any public place.

 

“In the circumstances, the prosecution has failed to prove the offence alleged in count 3 of the charge. Each of the defendants is accordingly discharged and acquitted on same,” the Judge said.

 

He continued, “In the circumstance, each of the defendants, having been found guilty and convicted on counts l & 2 of the charge, are accordingly sentenced as follows: On Count l of the charge, 1st defendant is sentenced to l year imprisonment with hard labour or

to a fine ofN100, 000:00 in lieu.

 

“The 2nd defendant is sentenced to one-year imprisonment (IHL) or N100,000:00 fine in lieu: The 3rd Defendant to 1-year imprisonment (IHL) or N100,000:00 fine in lieu: 4th defendant is sentenced to l year imprisonment (IHL)or N100,000:00 fine in lieu:

5th defendant is sentenced to l year imprisonment (IHL) or a fine of N100,000:00 in lieu: 6th defendant is sentenced l year imprisonment (IHL)or a fine of N100, 000:00 in lieu:

 

“On Count 2 of the charge, each of the defendants is sentenced as follows: The 1st defendant is sentenced to 2 years imprisonment (IHL) or a fine N200,000:00 in lieu: The 2nd defendant is sentenced to 2 years imprisonment (IHL) or N200,000 fine in lieu: The 3rd defendant is sentenced to 2 years imprisonment (IHL)or a fine of N200,000:00 in lieu: The 4th defendant is sentenced to 2 years imprisonment (IHL) or to a fine of N200,000:00 in lieu: The 5th defendant is sentenced to 2 years imprisonment (IHL)or to a fine of N200,000:00 in lieu:

 

“The 6th defendant is sentenced to 2 years imprisonment (IHL) or to a fine of N200,000:00 in lieu: The terms of imprisonment are concurrent, while the fine is cumulative.”

Disregard unauthorised skill acquisition training, NDDC warns public

 

The Niger Delta Development Commission has alerted members of the public to a fake skills acquisition training purportedly sponsored by the commission.

 

The commission urged the public to disregard such claims by a group that is accusing the NDDC of not keeping to its promise to pay trainees for the said training.

 

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the NDDC stated that it had never engaged anyone or group to organise such training and urged the public, especially youths, to be cautious to avoid falling prey to swindlers.

 

The statement was signed by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, and sent to newsmen.

 

The commission said its skills programmes are well-advertised and open to scrutiny.

 

It reads, “The attention of the Niger Delta Development Commission has been drawn to a report circulating in the media, claiming that the NDDC has failed to fulfil its promise to pay trainees for a purported skill acquisition programme.

 

“The supposed skill acquisition programme, said to have been organised by a religious group, Victorious Prayer Network, allegedly took place in Bayelsa and Rivers states.

 

“The self-appointed organisers claimed that the NDDC promised to sponsor over 2,000 trainees and give them starter packs. They accused the NDDC of reneging on that promise.

 

“We wish to clarify that the NDDC approved no such training programme, and whatever training was organised under suspicious circumstances did not have the blessings and approval of the Commission.”

The statement continued that the individuals behind these allegations against the NDDC were never engaged by the Commission to carry out skills training.

 

“We wish to state unequivocally that the NDDC is not behind this particular skill acquisition training. Our programmes are usually well-advertised and open to scrutiny.

 

“We recently launched a comprehensive technical skills acquisition programme to equip participants with practical, in-demand skills in Port Harcourt.

 

“Members of the public, especially our youths, are advised to be cautious and circumspect in dealing with some questionable persons claiming to be acting on behalf of the NDDC.

 

“It is disturbing that some mischievous individuals are trying to take advantage of our youths who are genuinely eager to be gainfully engaged in legitimate activities,” the statement added.

The NDDC assured our stakeholders of its commitment to transparency and fairness in all its activities, including youth empowerment and skill acquisition programmes.

 

“In light of this unfortunate development, we urge our youth to be wary of desperate people seeking undeserved financial gains.

 

“All inquiries about our youth empowerment programmes should be channelled through our official communication platforms. We also encourage beneficiaries of our programmes to verify facts on the NDDC’s official website and our social media handles,” the statement said.

Osinbajo, Atiku, Amaechi, others arrive Kastina for Buhari’s burial

 

Dignitaries, former government officials, and political heavyweights on Tuesday began arriving in Katsina State, for the final burial rites of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

 

A heavy security presence was observed in and around the town, with personnel of the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigerian Army stationed at strategic locations.

 

Traffic diversions and crowd control measures were also in place to ensure smooth movement as thousands of mourners thronged Daura to pay their last respects.

 

Among the early arrivals were former Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar; former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi; and former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

Also present were former Governors Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), and Ali Modu Sheriff (Borno), who also served as a one-time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party.

 

Others in attendance include billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote; former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami; and former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen.

 

More dignitaries including the President Bola Tinubu, religious leaders, and traditional rulers are expected in the coming hours as the funeral proceedings continue.

Buhari was firm but fair – Ex-Naval chief

 

A former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd.), has mourned the passing of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a leader who was firm yet fair.

 

Gambo, who served under Buhari from 2021 to 2023, in a statement on Tuesday, stated that the former president embodied discipline, integrity, and a deep commitment to national service.

 

According to him, Buhari as a soldier, stood tall with courage, unwavering discipline and an incorruptible spirit.

 

Gambo added that as a statesman and former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he embodied the highest ideals of public service, personal sacrifice and national commitment.

 

While he recounted how Buhari appointed him as naval chief in January 2021, Gambo stated that the decision was one of the greatest privileges of his life.

 

“His journey through Nigeria’s turbulent political and security landscape remains a testament to his resilience, fortitude and selfless patriotism.

 

“I recall with immense gratitude and humility his entrusting me with the honour of serving our nation as Chief of the Naval Staff, in January 2021.

 

“That appointment, which lasted until the end of his tenure in 2023, remains one of the greatest privileges of my life.

 

“I have very fond memories of hosting him at the Navy’s Presidential Fleet Review in Lagos, a week before he left office.

“It was his last major military assignment as President and Commander-in-Chief, and an opportunity to commemorate the transformation of the Nigerian Navy under his leadership.

 

“In him, I found not only a Commander-in-Chief, but a father figure who was firm yet fair, deeply principled and constantly invested in the well-being and professional growth of those under his leadership,” the statement read in part.

 

Gambo hailed the late president’s efforts in reforming the military, especially in improving personnel welfare, modernising military hardware, and giving the service chiefs operational autonomy.

 

He further acknowledged his impact on his life and the lives of countless others in the military and civilian spheres, stating that it would remain indelible.

 

The retired admiral also praised Buhari’s austere lifestyle, anti-corruption stance, and compassion for the less privileged, describing him as “a man of honesty, simplicity, and unshakable patriotism.”

He recalled how his mother, a longtime admirer of the former president, was elated when he was appointed naval chief and later had the chance to visit Buhari after he left office.

 

“Though his physical presence is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in every institution he strengthened, every reform he championed, and every life he touched.

 

“His legacy is a light that will never fade, Insha Allah,” Gambo concluded.

No written pact for Buhari to hand over power to me, Bakare clarifies

 

The founder of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has revealed that there was no formal written agreement for the late former President Muhammadu Buhari to hand over power to him.

 

Bakare had a history with Buhari, serving as his running mate in the 2011 presidential election under the Congress for Progressive Change, an election they lost.

 

File Photo: Pastor Tunde Bakare, during a visit to the late ex-President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.)

Buhari later went on to become president from 2015 to 2023, following an earlier stint as military head of state from 1983 to 1985.

 

Despite their political past, Bakare had publicly hinted at succeeding Buhari.

In 2019, he suggested he would be Nigeria’s 16th president, following Buhari whom he referred to as the 15th.

 

At the time, the preacher and lawyer also mentioned he was cultivating a global political network for his future aspirations.

 

Bakare’s political ambitions weren’t new; he had stated in January 2018 that he wasn’t done with politics. However, his bid for the presidency in 2022 was unsuccessful as he lost the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket.

 

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Monday, Bakare said Buhari gave every presidential aspirant in the APC a fair opportunity to contest for the party’s ticket.

 

He said, “There was no written pact between us. He is late. I will never say anything unfair about him.

 

“He did his best. One night before the primary, he invited all the presidential aspirants. We sat with him in the conference hall of the villa.

 

“He said, ‘I have allowed the governors to choose who will succeed them or to go for a second term if they are going for a second term. I am asking you today to allow me to also freely choose the person I desire to succeed me.’”

 

Bakare said the move was accepted by other aspirants present at the meeting, including Yemi Osinbajo, former vice-president; Mohammed Badaru, governor of Jigawa; and Ogbonnaya Onu, former minister of science and technology.

 

Buhari died on Sunday at the age of 82 in a London clinic.

 

His death has continued to attract tributes from across the country and worldwide.

Enugu adopts new strategy to streamline health sector budgeting

 

The Enugu State Government has embarked on developing Annual Operational Plans that would be integrated into the state’s 2026 health sector budget.

 

This initiative is part of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, a comprehensive program aimed at transforming Nigeria’s health system by improving healthcare infrastructure and expanding health insurance coverage.

 

Speaking at a Four-day training workshop on NHSRII Leadership and Health Systems Strengthening for Managers, which began on Monday in Enugu, the State Commissioner for Health, Emmanuel Obi, said the NHSRII is a sector-wide programme that seeks to bring together every single player in the health sector under one coordinating umbrella to monitor the sector indices across the board.

 

The training is themed, “Towards Rational, Realistic, Pragmatic and Comprehensive Plan that informs Health Budget for the People of Enugu State”.

 

According to Obi, “Through the State-Wide Approach (SWAp) reform, the Federal Ministry of Health is trying to bring together every single player in the health sector under one coordinating umbrella to monitor the sector indices across board.”

 

He explained that the SWAp approach will give the country’s health sector one plan, monitoring and evaluation, and a coordinated network.

 

“This workshop is the beginning of the step down of a capacity building for master trainers who are involved in the entire health sector of Enugu State towards producing a one-sector annual operational plan that will be integrated into the 2026 health sector budget for Enugu State,” Obi added.

 

The participants in the training are made up of senior and programme managers, officials of different agencies, and health sector stakeholders in Enugu State.

 

Obi expects a high level of seriousness from the participants, as they work towards producing a comprehensive plan that will inform the state’s health budget.

 

Francisca Ewoh, SWAp Desk Officer, Enugu State, explained that the essence of SWAp programme is to ensure coordination and uniformity in the health system in Nigeria.

 

“What is happening in the health sector, unlike before, is no longer business as usual, whereby the partners come in with their own activities. SWAp wants to ensure that states prioritise activities based on evidence-based,” she said.

 

The Head of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Enugu State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Ann Oguejioffor, said the training would streamline the state’s planning process towards the 2026 health sector budget.

 

“With the SWAp programme, the state is going to have one plan in the sense that what the partners are offering should not duplicate with what the state government is doing,” she added.

 

The development of Annual Operational Plans is expected to improve the state’s health sector by ensuring that all stakeholders work together towards a common goal.

It was learnt that the plan will also help to avoid fragmentation and duplication in the health system, and ensure that resources are allocated effectively.

Late Awujale was an exemplary monarch – Afenifere 15th July 2025

 

The Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, on Tuesday, described the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, as an exemplary monarch who made a significant positive impact during his 62-year reign.

 

He stated this in his tribute to the highly revered monarch, who joined his ancestors on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 91.

 

The National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Jare Ajayi, in a statement in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, quoted Afenifere leader as saying that the late monarch was one of the Obas in Yorubaland who exalt the position of royalty.

 

Fasoranti disclosed that right from the time the late monarch started his public service in the defunct Western Region, his conduct on his return from the United Kingdom where he studied Accountancy and all through his years on the throne, the late Awujale led a life that is worthy of emulation in terms of integrity, focus and dedication to serving the people.

“The then Prince Adetona was crowned as Awujale on April 5, 1960.

 

“He became a member of the Western Region House of Chiefs immediately thereafter.

 

“Records have it that he conducted himself well just as he did when he headed various bodies, including the Traditional Rulers Council in Ogun State.”

 

The Afenifere leader recalled the patriotic role played by the monarch, particularly in the imbroglio brought about by the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election.

 

“His reign was characterised by wisdom, dexterity, an enlightened and admirable leadership style, commitment to the Yoruba cause and the national interests,” he added.

 

Also commending the late Oba’s dedication to the culture and tradition of Yorubaland, the statement recalled that his reign brought Ojude-Oba celebration not only to the limelight but made it a cynosure of everyone, including the international community.

 

He, therefore, commiserated with the Ogun State Government, the people of Ijebuland, Yorubaland, and the royalty in Nigeria, of which late Adetona was a distinguished member and prayed for his soul to rest in perfect peace.

US citizen who spied on Ukraine gets Russian passport

 

An American who spied on Ukrainian troops to help Moscow’s military offensive in the country has been granted Russian citizenship, Moscow-installed authorities said Tuesday.

 

Daniel Martindale spent two years in Ukraine after Russia launched its offensive, transmitting coordinates of military facilities to Russia’s secret services, according to reports in Russian state media.

 

“By decree of our President Vladimir Putin, a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation was awarded to Daniel Martindale,” Denis Pushilin, the head of the Russian-occupied part of Ukraine’s Donetsk region said on Telegram.

 

Pushilin said that Martindale had “long since proven with his loyalty and actions that he is one of us.”

 

“He spent more than two years in the territory under enemy control. And not only did he survive — he helped. He supported our guys, passed on important information to our special services, risked his life,” he added.

 

Martindale received his passport from interior ministry officials at a ceremony in Moscow, according to state media and a video published by Pushilin.

 

Martindale thanked Russia for “accepting me”, and said becoming a Russian citizen was a “dream”.

 

“Russia is not only my home, but my family,” he said in Russian on the video.

 

After two years spying on Ukraine, he was extracted in “a complex evacuation operation” after Moscow started to fear his life was in danger if he stayed any longer, Pushilin said.

 

In November 2024, state media reported Russian security forces had taken him to Russia and Martindale lodged his application for Russian citizenship.

 

A Telegram account purporting to be his posted that same month: “Hello, I’m Daniel Martindale, the guy that Russian soldiers risked their lives to evacuate from the village where I had lived for two years.”

 

AFP

Buhari could have long died if he had used Nigerian hospitals — Ex-spokesman Adesina

 

A former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina, has said the former Nigerian leader may have not survived his health challenges if he had relied solely on Nigerian hospitals for treatment.

 

Adesina stated this on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television ahead of the state funeral for the late ex-president.

 

Responding to criticisms over Buhari’s repeated medical trips to the United Kingdom while in office, Adesina defended the decision, saying it was a matter of survival.

 

“Buhari always had his medicals in London, even when he was not in the office. So it was not about the time he was president alone. He had always had it there,” Adesina explained.

 

According to him, the UK doctors had been managing Buhari’s health before his election in 2015 and were well acquainted with his medical history, making it unwise to change medical teams mid-treatment.

 

He argued that the decision to continue treatment abroad was based on professional expertise and the limitations of Nigeria’s healthcare system at the time.

 

“One has to be alive first to get certain things corrected or changed in the country. If Buhari had said he would do his medicals here as a show of patriotism or something, he could have long been dead because there may not be the expertise needed in the country,” he said.

 

Adesina added that Buhari’s survival and ability to lead the country were directly linked to the quality of care he received abroad.

 

He maintained that the former president’s choice of overseas treatment should be seen within the context of necessity rather than luxury or disregard for local healthcare.

 

“He needed to be alive to be able to lead the country to a point where we would have that expertise. So those who complained about his frequent medical trips abroad don’t know that the man needed to be alive first before you can make a change,” he stated.

After Oba Adetona, race for next Awujale begins

 

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, a chapter closed in Ijebu royalty, as 91-year-old Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, passed on, after reigning for 65 years.

 

On Monday, the deceased monarch was buried according to Islamic injunction at his Igbeba GRA residence.

 

Oba Adetona, who ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, at barely 26 years of age, succeeded Oba Daniel Adesanya, Gbelegbuwa II.

 

He was from the Anikilaya family, one of the royal ruling houses in Ijebu Ode.

With his passage after a very successful reign and his interment on Monday, attention shifted to the Fusengbuwa ruling house, which is the next ruling house to produce the successor to the late Awujale.

 

It was gathered that many members of the ruling house eyeing the exalted throne have been making moves to enhance their visibility within their respective royal family.

 

The PUNCH gathered that the next ruling house, which is the Fusengbuwa, consists of four ruling houses: Jadiara, being the eldest followed by Fusengbuwa, Bubiade and then Tunwase.

 

The four royal families have the right to present candidates to contest for the Awujale’s throne as soon as the government gives the green light.

 

The royal families were said to have waited for this time to produce the next custodian of the Ijebu land cultural heritage.

 

Speaking with our correspondent on Monday after the burial of Oba Adetona, the Secretary of Tunwase ruling house and Under-Secretary of Fusengbuwa ruling house, Prince Kazeem Ahmed, confirmed that some members of the family were already warming up to start from where the late monarch left it off.

 

Prince Ahmed said that even before the demise of the Awujale, some members of the ruling family who had shown interest in the throne never hid their intentions.

“We have four royal houses and they are Jadiara, being the eldest followed by Fusengbuwa, Bubiade and then Tunwase.

 

“After the mourning of our highly revered king who has just been interred, this could be three months or more, people who have an interest in becoming the next Awujale from the four ruling houses of Fusengbuwa, Jadiara, Tunwase and Bubiade will begin to make known their intentions.

 

“We shall then take a look at those who have shown their intentions, check out their characters and influence in the community before we recommend them to the kingmakers.

“We have been seeing some of them showing interest before the demise of the king. Many people don’t want interregnum, so, left for me, I would suggest that maybe after we mourn the king for four months, then the floor can be declared open in preparation for the next king.

 

“We will have many people who will declare interest, but the family committee will prune and screen them down to a sizeable number of candidates to be presented to the kingmakers,” he said.

 

Another ranking chief from the palace, whose reaction was sought on the selection of the next Awujale, said it was too early to begin to talk about getting a replacement for the late monarch when the entire Ijebu land was still mourning the passage of the highly revered traditional ruler.

 

The palace chief who spoke anonymously to our correspondent, however, said the next Awujale would have the challenge of matching up to the exemplary leadership shown by Oba Adetona.

 

He added that he was sure that the system would not be allowed to throw up just anybody who would not consolidate on several developmental strides and efforts of the late monarch.

 

Pending the emergence of the new Awujale, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land, Olorogun Sunny Kuku, is to hold forth as the reagent and temporary Awujale.

 

He would see to the day-to-day administration of Ijebu land and help coordinate and midwife the process of emergence of the next Awujale.

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