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Sunday Igboho’s arrest: “Work going on behind the scenes” – Sanwoolu reveals

Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwoolu has revealed that some people are ‘working-behind-the-scenes” to address the arrest of Chief Sunday Adeyemo alias Sunday Igboho.

Igboho was arrested in a Cotonou airport last week by Beninoise officials over ‘immigration’ issues.

It will be recalled that Igboho was declared wanted shortly after operatives of the Department of State Security Services, DSS, uncovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from his Soka, Ibadan residence during a raid.

Speaking on the development, while fielding questions from Journalists, at the Polling Unit 019 Ward 08, Ikoyi II, where he cast his vote during the Local Government/Council Areas election on Saturday, Sanwoolu disclosed that ‘people’ are working behind the scenes. He added that the case doesn’t have to be a public conversation.

“These are very difficult times for all of us. I can assure you that people are working behind the scenes. At occasions like this, it’s not by how many Press people you call”.

“I’m aware that a lot of people have responses that they are doing quietly and privately and it doesn’t have to be a public conversation.”, he said.

Nigeria Can Not Remain One – Wole Soyinka Reveals

Playwright and novelist, Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, popularly known as Wole Soyinka, said Nigeria can not remain as one unless there is decentralisation.
According to the Nobel laureate, there is no hope of Nigeria continuing together as one nation if the incumbent government under President Muhammadu Buhari fails to do the needful with urgency.

Society gazette understands that Soyinka said this during a recent interview with Arise TV.

When asked if he thinks that Nigeria can continue as one, the 87-year-old poet said, “Not if it continues this way. Not if it fails to decentralise. Some people use the word restructure, some people use the word…whatever. Not if it fails to decentralise.

“If Nigeria fails to decentralise and I mean, decentralise as fast as possible, manifestly not rhetoric, then Nigeria cannot stay together.

“Again this is not Wole Soyinka saying this. Generals have said it. Everybody has said; ex-heads of state have said it; analysts have said; economists have said it and that’s what is happening to the people on the streets; that’s why they’re moving; that’s why they’re demonstrating; that’s why they’re defying even threats from the police; from the government “if you demonstrate, you’re traitors, we’ll deal with you…we’ll speak to you in language which you’ll understand.”

According to Soyinka, Nigeria is on a suicide slide and the people feel that they do not deserve that kind of suicidal plunge and they have the right to say “sorry o, I’m getting out of this plane before it nose-dives.”

Meanwhile, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state has assured Nigerians that the Muhammadu Buhari administration will end insecurity in the north and return the region’s lost glory.

Naija News reports that the governor stated this while speaking to reporters on Friday, July 24.

Why We Are Yet To File Extradition Charges Against Sunday Igboho – AGF Malami

The Federal Government has given reasons why it is yet to officially file extradition charges against Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo also known as Sunday Igboho.

It was reported that Sunday Igboho was on Monday arrested In Benin Republic alongside his wife, Ropo, which trying to board a flight to Germany.

The Court D’Apeal in Cotonou, Benin Republic, had on Thursday adjourned the trial of Sunday Igboho till Monday, July 26.

This was to allow the Nigerian Government to file extradition charges and bring up whatever evidence they may have.
The court however ordered the immediate release of Ropo, a German citizen, and ordered the return of her passport.

Speaking to ThePUNCH through his media aide, Dr Jibrilu Gwandu, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, stated that it would use the “beneficial approach” in the extradition of the activist.

He noted that the government was “not bound by time limitations” in its moves to bring Igboho back to Nigeria.

When asked why Malami was yet to file extradition charges against the activist, Gwandu replied, “The Attorney General is considering and I believe, he is not bound by time limitations in exercising that discretion and considering the beneficial approach.”

He explained that the federal government at the appropriate time would do the needful.

NYSC Announce Changes On Graduation Certificate – To Start With 2021 Batch ‘A’

Henceforth, requests for changes in the date of graduation and Courses of study by National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members would no longer be welcomed.
The service management announced this in a statement signed and released by the NYSC Director, Corps Mobilization, Mrs Ango V. on behalf of the Director-General of the scheme, Brigadier Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim.

It was noted in the communique that the course of study and date of graduation will henceforth be included on the NYSC Certificate of National Service and Certificate of Exemption.

According to Ango, the decision was in line with the management’s resolve to standardize records and it will kickstart with the 2021 Batch ‘A’ service year.

“I am directed to remind you that, management has approved the inclusion of Course of Study and Date of Graduation on NYSC Certificate of National Service, and Certificate of Exemption.

“This decision is in line with earlier resolve to standardize records and will take effect from the 2021 Batch “A” Service Year which commenced in March 2021.

“You are to note that, in order to avoid deviation from Senate/Academic Board Approved uploads, request for changes in the date of graduation and Courses of study would no longer be entertained.

“Kindly give this circular the widest publicity it deserves. Please, accept the assurances of the Director-General’s warm regard,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State has revealed why the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme should be a two-year programme.

During an appearance on a programme on Channels Television on Wednesday, Ishaku said extending the scheme will allow corps members can undergo military training.

The Taraba governor said at the end of the military training, ex-corps members would be able to carry guns to defend themselves against bandits, insurgents, and other criminal elements.

Sunday Igboho May Face 21 Years Imprisonment Over ‘Fake Beninese Passport’

Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho may face 21 years imprisonment for allegedly tendering a Beninese passport before he was arrested in Cotonou on Monday.
Recall that the Yoruba activist and his wife, Ropo were arrested on Monday at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou.

Igboho who has been declared wanted in Nigeria was said to have presented a fake travelling document to Immigration officials in Benin.

The Nigerian Immigration Service had earlier alerted Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) that Igboho was planning to acquire a new Nigerian passport as part of plans to flee.

The decision of NIS saw the activist allegedly plans for an unofficial Beninese passport.

A lawmaker in Benin, Mr Tolulase in an interview with BBC Yoruba, said the situation is not looking good for the agitator.

The legislator explained that though Benin is a small country, the laws are strictly enforced.

“On this passport issue, take me for instance, I’m from Benin but married an Ijebu woman. We have five kids. She gave birth to two in Nigeria, three in Benin.

“Only the three have Beninese passports, the two others and my wife do not have. She can only apply if we marry legally in Benin.

“Even after the court wedding, the passport is not issued immediately. She will wait for some years and must go through the processes.

“The first thing you must have is National Identity Card. Now, if you’re not a citizen, the only way you can get a passport is if you legally marry a Beninoise.

“You can see it’s not easy. So, if you procure a fake one, you’ll be uncovered because you don’t have a National Identity Card. The details are linked.

“The card must have a family name. About three to five of your relatives must conform to the government they know you and your early years.

“It is after they testify that the court will issue the card, which can then be used to apply for a passport. If such is doctored, the punishment is 21 years imprisonment. It’s a serious offence.

“And it’s not just the owner of the fake passport that will be prosecuted, all those who know about it will be charged to court.

“On Chief Sunday Igboho, the Beninese government will carry out a detailed investigation that will expose everyone involved in his passport obtainment”, Tolulase said.

Sunday Igboho’s Trial Adjourned Till Monday

The Court D’Apeal in Cotonou, Benin Republic, has reportedly adjourned the trial of Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Igboho till Monday.

Society gazette reports that this was made known in a statement on Friday by the Communications Manager of Ilana Omo Oodua, Maxwell Adeleye.

According to the group spokesperson, Sunday Igboho’s case has been adjourned till Monday 26th July to allow the Nigerian Government to bring up whatever evidence they may have.

He said: “What Nigerian Government came up with were mere allegations against Ighoho such as trafficking in arms and inciting violence that could result in the social disturbance without evidence which the Government of Benin Republic considered spurious and untenable, and insufficient to warrant extradition.

“Lastly, the case has been adjourned till Monday 26th July to allow the Nigerian Government to bring up whatever evidence they may have, and Mr. lgboho has been taken back to the police custody.”

Sunday Igboho is currently being tried for immigration-related offences and obtaining a Beninise passport without being a citizen.

Recall that the Benin Republic police on Monday night arrested Igboho at Cardinal Bernardin International Airport in Cotonou, while trying to fly from the country to Germany.

Jonathan Bags Fresh International Appointment

Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has been appointed as the Chairman of the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP-Africa).
Society gazette understands the ISCP-Africa is an association of incumbent and former heads of state and their deputies, established in 2019 by the Universal Peace Federation UPF, an organization in general consultative status with the United Nations (UN).

Reacting to the fresh appointment, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan has congratulated the former Nigerian leader.

The PDP statement expressed confidence in the abilities of Jonathan and wished him well in his new international assignment.

The party noted that Jonathan’s appointment as ISCP-Africa chairman “is in recognition of his leadership qualities as a democrat as well as his resounding success in peacekeeping efforts across the world.”

It added that “our party is assured that former President Jonathan, will deploy his wealth of experience strengthened by the democratic tenets and principles of our great party, in his new mandate of providing direction for the essentials of peace, security, and development in Africa.

“The party also congratulates President Jonathan on his appointment as the Chancellor of Cavendish University, Uganda, CUU.

“The PDP is elated that former President Jonathan is so honoured to hold the position previously held by late President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia as well as late President Benjamin Mkapa of the Republic of Tanzania, because of his commitment to education and human capital development, in line with the ideals of the PDP.

“Our party congratulate Dr. Jonathan and urged him to use the positions to further the advancement of peace and development in Africa and the world at large.”

Meanwhile, the Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, has revealed why Bola Tinubu nominated Professor Yemi Osinbajo to be Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate in 2015.

Naija News recalls that the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) merged to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking to newsmen on Thursday, Okechukwu said Bola Tinubu could not run with Buhari as it would have been a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

The VON DG also dismissed speculations of a succession pact between Buhari and Tinubu.

Lagos Announces Movement Restriction For Local Government Elections

The Lagos State government has announced the restriction of human and vehicular movement on Saturday to facilitate the conduct of the planned local government polls in the state.
According to a statement on Thursday by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the restriction of movement will be in place between 8:00am and 3:00pm.

He explained that this will enable the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to conduct elections in the 20 LGAs, and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

He urged all eligible voters to participate in the exercise.

“The restriction is to enable the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) conduct hitch-free elections into positions of Chairmen and Councillors in all the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas.

“The restriction will facilitate the ease of movement of the electorate, election materials and LASIEC officials for the sanctity of the election, effective monitoring and enhanced security.

“All eligible voters are urged to participate in the elections, which require the cooperation of all residents,” the statement noted.

Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has refuted claims by former presidential media aide, Reuben Abati that a drug dealer is financing the group’s operations and activities.

IPOB on Thursday said Abati has insulted members of the group by suggesting a drug dealer is bankrolling their activities.

Earlier, Abati had reportedly said the group’s finances are linked to a drug dealer who was recently arrested by security operatives in Imo State.

In response, IPOB publicity secretary, Emma Powerful in a statement said the group’s activities are not funded by a drug dealer or any single individual but with voluntary contributions from members of the group.

Breaking: Yoruba Nation Agitator Sunday Igboho Arrives Court De’appal De Cotonou Ahead Of Trial

Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho, has arrived at the Cour De’appal De Cotonou, ahead of his arraignment by the authorities of Benin Republic for immigration-related offences.
A source that spoke with SaharaReporters on Wednesday said, “Igboho may be arraigned for passport-related offences in the Benin Republic tomorrow. His Nigerian lawyers are here already. Yoruba leaders in the Benin Republic have been supportive as well.”

It was gathered that the Yoruba Nation agitator was accused of illegally owning a passport of the Benin Republic.

Recall that Igboho was arrested at Cardinal Bernardin International Airport, Cotonou, Republic of Benin, with his wife on their way to Germany on Monday night.

Igboho had been declared wanted by the Department of State Services in July after the secret police attacked his residence in Ibadan.

Some Yoruba people resident in and around Cotonou on Thursday matched to the court ahead of Igboho’s trial.

They called for Igboho not to be returned to the country, saying that he had committed no offence.

Blasphemy: Sheikh Abduljabbar Seriously Ill, Bleeding From Anus In Detention— Lawyer Cries Out

Sheikh Abduljabbar Nasiru Kabara, recently arrested and detained by the Kano State Government over alleged blasphemy is reportedly experiencing medical issues in detention.
The lawyer to the Kano based cleric, Rabiu Abdullahi noted that his client’s health condition has been confirmed by a medical consultant from a government hospital in the state.

It was gathered that the cleric will undergo some tests before the exact ailment can be determined.

Abdullahi while speaking with newsmen on Wednesday confirmed that he has been placed on some medications by health personnel to manage the situation.

“Yes, he is not healthy. He is in a serious health situation because he is even bleeding from the anus.”

“A medical personnel has confirmed that he is not healthy. He asked if he was having health issues before he was arrested and he said no. If he was diagnosed with a stomach ulcer and he said nothing was wrong with him before his detention. He was also asked if he had ever had this type of bleeding before and he said he never experienced it in his life.”

“The doctor then advised him on what to do and prescribed some drugs. This is pending the outcome of some tests that will confirm his exact condition,” he stated.

Concerning whether they are suspecting any foul play from anywhere to get him eliminated, the lawyer said, “Even if there is any foul play, we cannot say it because we have no proof. We only want the world to know what is happening and judge for themselves.”