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AGF Denies Abusing Court Process in Alleged Criminal Defamation Suit against Akpoti-Uduaghan

*As court adjourns to December 1 for hearing objection motion

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has denied allegations of abuse of court process in the trial of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The federal government had on June 19, 2025, arraigned Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama Abuja, on a three-count criminal charge bordering on defamation against the Senator President, Godswill Akpabio, and the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello.

But, the senator in her response to the charge, accused the federal government of abuse of court process, following the filing of a similar charge against her at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Recall that the court had at the last sitting fixed October 27, for hearing in the defendant’s objection to her trial based on the alleged abuse by the prosecution.

But, at Monday’s proceedings, the AGF faulted Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim that the charges filed against her before the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court, Abuja, amounted to an abuse of court process.

The prosecution stated that contrary to the defendant’s claim the charges were duly filed upon comprehensive and conclusive investigations and after a prima facie case has been established against the defendant.

In its counter affidavit to the senator’s Notice of Preliminary Objection, the federal government also denied claim that the defendant’s petitions were not investigated.

While at the FCT High Court, the federal government had filed criminal defamation charge against the Kogi Central senator, at the Federal High Court, she is standing trial on alleged cybercrime offences, for accusing Akpabio and Bello of plans to have her killed.

But, in the counter affidavit, the prosecution stated that contrary to her claim, the three-count charge before the HIgh Court of the FCT was filed against her “after a thorough investigation of the case and a prima facie case was established.

“The three-count charge was preferred against the defendant pursuant to the Penal code Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in the bonafide exercise of the prosecutorial powers of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended) and in the best interest of justice.

“The actions and conducts of the defendant/applicant (Natasha) contravened the penal code law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The criminal charge against the defendant is borne out of the comprehensive and conclusive investigation of the case, including all petitions and parties related to the case by the Nigerian Police Force.

“All the petitions filed by the defendant were duly investigated and charges filed at the FCT High Court against her colleague senator.

“The Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation filed the criminal charge against the defendant after due regard to the public interest, the interest of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process.

“The charge against the defendant is consistent with the extant laws and does not constitute an abuse of the legal and prosecutorial powers of the Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation,” the prosecution said.

At Monday’s proceedings, FG’s lawyer, Mr David Kaswe, from the Federal Ministry of Justice, observed that the case was slated for the hearing of the defendant ‘s preliminary objection, but the prosecution filed a counter affidavit, which it was unable to serve on the defendant.

Kaswe accordingly prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable the prosecution properly serve the defendant with its response to her preliminary objection.

He said: “It will not be fair for the prosecution to insist that the matter goes on as the defence team has indicated that it will respond to our counter affidavit.

“In the circumstance, we are asking for a short adjournment to enable us (prosecution) to effect proper service on the defence.”

Responding, Natasha’s lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN) confirmed that the defendant was not served with the prosecution’s counter affidavit.

West-Idahosa said his client would respond once she is properly served and prayed the court for a long adjournment on the grounds that members of the defendant’s legal team plan to attend this year’s Internation Bar Association’s meeting in Canada.

In a short ruling, the trial judge, Justice Chizoba Oji, granted the request for adjournment and fixed December 1 for hearing in the preliminary objection and the counter affidavit.

*As court adjourns to December 1 for hearing objection motion Alex Enumah in Abuja The office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has denied

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Ex-Governor Lamido Kicks After Being Denied PDP Chairmanship Nomination Form

The party has scheduled its Elective National Convention for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. ArticlesRead More

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October 27, 2025
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Tinubu Meets New Service Chiefs at State House

*Swearing in, decoration with new ranks to hold after Senate confirmation

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Monday met with the newly appointed service chiefs in his office at the State House, Abuja.
The meeting was the first known meeting between the President and the service chiefs since their appointments last Friday.
The Service Chiefs arrived the Forecourt of the State House at about 3:55p.m with the new Chief of Defence Staff, Lt General Olufemi Oluyede, who until his new appointment served as Chief of Army Staff leading the service chiefs to the President’s office upstairs.
Although details of the meeting was not made public, THISDAY learnt that the meeting served as an opportunity for the service chiefs to meet one on one with the President and get the necessary brief from their Commander-in-Chief.
It was gathered that the swearing-in of the service chiefs and decorations with new ranks will be after they have been confirmed by the Senate in line with constitutional provisions.
The CDS will become a full General (four- star general) while the three service chiefs will be promoted Lt General or its equivalent in Navy and Air Force (three-star General).
Already, the President has forwarded the names of the service chiefs to the Senate for screening and there are indications that the Red Chamber may confirm the appointees at plenary this week.
President Tinubu had last Friday afternoon announced sweeping changes in the military hierarchy naming Lt General Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff to replace General Christopher Musa.
Major General W. Shaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke became Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas took over as Chief of Naval Staff.
Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, however, retained his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
The Presidency had while announcing the service chiefs change charged the new appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them by enhancing professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship within the Armed Forces.

*Swearing in, decoration with new ranks to hold after Senate confirmation Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu on Monday met with the newly appointed service chiefs in his office

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FG Sets Up Committee to Clear GenCos’ Outstanding Debts

The Federal Government has constituted a committee to address the payment of outstanding debts owed to Power Generation Companies (GenCos) and to establish sustainable payment mechanisms to prevent future accumulation.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Mr. Mahmuda Mamman, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Association of Power Generation Companies of Nigeria (APGC).

The event, themed ‘A Decade of Powering Progress, Driving Nigeria’s Energy Transformation,’ brought together key stakeholders from across the power sector to reflect on achievements and challenges over the past decade.

Mamman, represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mrs Evangeline Babalola, said the committee’s mandate was not only to clear existing debts but also to ensure financial sustainability in the power sector.

“In recognition of the critical importance of resolving this issue for the sustainability of our power sector, Mr. President has constituted a committee specifically mandated to address the payment of outstanding debts owed to the GenCos,” he said.

He praised the GenCos for their resilience and patriotism despite being owed billions of naira, noting that their continued operations have kept the nation’s lights on and the economy running.

“You have not abandoned your posts in spite of severe liquidity challenges that would have forced closure in any other industry. This is not just business; this is patriotism in action,” Mamman said.

He added that President Bola Tinubu was aware of the liquidity constraints facing the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and was committed to finding lasting solutions to the debt burden.

“As we work to resolve the debt situation, I encourage you to maintain the same spirit of resilience and commitment that has characterised your operations over the past decade,” Mamman said.

He commended GenCos for their contributions to job creation, training of Nigerian engineers and technicians and for supporting local economies where their plants operated, describing their efforts as “invaluable and recognised”.

On his part, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said the transformation witnessed in the power sector over the past decade had been both challenging and inspiring.

He commended APGC for navigating complex regulatory environments and serving as a bridge between GenCos and key stakeholders across the electricity value chain.

“Through persistent engagement and strategic advocacy, the association has shaped discourse around energy security, investment attraction and operational sustainability within the power generation landscape,” Abaribe said.

He added that in spite of persistent challenges such as infrastructure deficits, tariff issues and gas supply constraints, APGC had continued to provide a platform for collective problem-solving and unified advocacy.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of APGC, Mrs Joy Ogaji, said the association had over the past 10 years built strong partnerships and advocated policies that promoted sustainability and transparency in the power sector.

“From humble beginnings, APGC has grown into a respected, results-driven association that unites generation companies under a common purpose, to power Nigeria’s future sustainably and responsibly,” she said.

Ogaji noted that in spite of recurring liquidity challenges, gas shortages and grid limitations, GenCos remained determined to drive Nigeria’s energy transformation through persistence, collaboration and reform advocacy.

“This anniversary is not just a celebration of where we are, but a call to action for where we must go, towards a viable, transparent, and truly market-driven power sector,” she added. (NAN)

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Nigeria’s Democracy Risks Collapse Without Electoral Integrity, Jega Warns

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy risks eventual collapse unless urgent measures are taken to restore integrity and public trust in the nation’s electoral process.

He stated this in Abuja Monday, while delivering a keynote address titled ‘Electoral Integrity as a Panacea for Democratic Development in Nigeria’ at the 9th Convocation Ceremony of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in affiliation with the University of Benin.

Jega said democracy cannot thrive where elections are manipulated, institutions are compromised and citizens lose faith in the process that determines their leaders.

Quoting former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, Jega said: “Power and the competition for power, must be regulated. It is not enough for governments to create institutions; politicians must respect and safeguard the independence and professionalism of election officials, judges and courts.”

The former INEC boss lamented that 25 years after Nigeria’s return to civil rule, the nation’s democratic journey has remained “challenging, if not disappointing,” because the electoral process has consistently failed to inspire confidence or produce truly representative leadership.

He said: “For a quarter of a century, Nigeria has been muddling through democratic development with aspirations for consolidation. But these aspirations have been constrained by enormous challenges, chief among them, the question of electoral integrity.”

Jega, who oversaw the 2011 and 2015 general election, argued that periodic elections alone do not make a democracy.

According to him, “Elections that lack integrity undermine democracy, weaken public trust and lead to governance failure.”

He warned that when politicians manipulate the process, the outcome inevitably produces unresponsive leaders who fail to deliver good governance.

“Only elected officials who truly reflect the genuine choices of the electorate can drive governance that protects citizens’ rights and aspirations,” he added.

While acknowledging modest progress in the conduct of elections, Jega said systemic flaws, ranging from voter registration irregularities to result collation manipulations, continue to erode confidence.

“Every stage of our electoral process remains susceptible to abuse, and until this is addressed comprehensively, our democracy will remain fragile,” he cautioned.

He defined electoral integrity as the “absence of malpractices and fraudulent activities in the preparation, management and conduct of all aspects of elections”.

According to him, credible elections must reflect fairness, equity and justice, ensuring that outcomes are both legitimate and acceptable.

“No election anywhere in the world is perfect. But what differentiates mature democracies from weak ones is the level of compliance with ethical standards and the minimization of malpractice. The fewer the manipulations, the higher the integrity,” he said.

Jega stressed that the political elite must stop treating elections as warfare and instead view them as contests of ideas and service.

“Elections are not about capturing power but about offering citizens a genuine choice. Leaders who emerge from credible processes are more likely to be accountable,” he said.

To strengthen credibility, Jega called for continuous electoral reforms and stronger institutions.

He insisted that independent electoral management bodies and the judiciary must be insulated from political interference.

“Without independence, impartiality and professionalism of these key institutions, democracy becomes hollow,” he said.

The former INEC boss urged the National Assembly and civil society to prioritize laws that enhance transparency in campaign financing, voter registration and result management.

Jega added that: “Legal frameworks must guarantee fair competition, effective redress for grievances and citizens’ confidence that their political rights can be exercised without fear.”

He also drew a direct connection between good governance and electoral integrity and defined good democratic governance as governance that is inclusive, participatory, transparent and accountable, anchored on citizens’ trust and legitimacy.

“Only elections imbued with integrity can confer legitimacy, stability and responsible governance,” he said, citing international evidence linking credible elections to sustainable democratic development.

He further emphasized that civic and voter education, conflict resolution and peacebuilding are essential to improving the integrity of Nigeria’s elections.

He said: “Democracy is not only about periodic elections; it is about governance that protects citizens’ rights and promotes human dignity. Anything less is a betrayal of the people’s mandate.”

Jega stated: “Improving the integrity of elections is the key to democratic development. Regular elections are not enough; only elections conducted with integrity can deliver the dividends of democracy Nigerians yearn for.”

The event, which also doubled as a celebration of academic excellence, was attended by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by Senator Aminu Iya Abass; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, who was represented by the Hon. Julius Ihonvbare; and Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman.

In his remarks, Akpabio reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening governance through effective legislation and oversight.

He said the 10th Senate had already increased federal revenues through fiscal interventions and urged state legislatures to ensure that increased allocations translate to improved welfare for citizens.

Speaker Abbas highlighted recent economic gains under the Tinubu administration, saying inflation had dropped below 20 per cent, while the naira was appreciating against major global currencies.

He assured the audience that the 10th House was reforming the budget process to enforce fiscal discipline and timely implementation.

Prof. Sulaiman, in his welcome address, reiterated NILDS’ role as Nigeria’s foremost institution for democratic research and legislative capacity building.

He announced that 79 students graduated from various programmes, including Master’s degrees in Legislative Studies and Elections and Party Politics.

He appealed for increased funding for education in the 2026 fiscal year, warning that underinvestment continues to undermine human capital development.

“Low funding translates to poor-quality graduates,” he said, urging the federal and state governments to find lasting solutions to recurrent university strikes.

The NILDS-UNIBEN convocation once again underscored the link between electoral integrity, education and democratic stability, reaffirming Jega’s warning that without credible elections, Nigeria’s democracy stands on shaky ground.

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy risks eventual collapse unless urgent measures are taken

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Underaged Candidates: JAMB Approves Admission for 85 Exceptional Students

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has approved the admission of 85 underage candidates, whose ages were below 16 years as at September 2025, after a rigorous and comprehensive screening conducted under its exceptional admission policy.

According to the Board, in a statement by its Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the 85 candidates were adjudged qualified following a meticulous evaluation and have been duly notified to proceed to their respective institutions to complete their admission process and print their individual JAMB admission letters.

JAMB explained that the exceptional admission policy aligns with global best practices, where underage cases are treated as rare exceptions rather than the norm.

In the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), a total of 2,031,133 candidates applied for admission, out of which 41,027 sought consideration under the special underage category.

Of these, 599 candidates scored at least 80 per cent in the UTME and were subjected to further scrutiny, including verification of their school certificates and post-UTME performance.

Following this phase, 182 candidates (178 plus 4) were shortlisted for the final stage of interviews and documentation. Upon completion of the process, 85 candidates were found to have met all required criteria and were subsequently cleared for admission.

JAMB further advised any of the 182 finalists who, for valid reasons, missed the final interview to submit a formal request through the JAMB Support Ticketing System under the category ‘2025 Underage Complaint.’

The Board said such complaints would be reviewed individually and treated strictly on merit.

Additionally, candidates who scored 320 and above in the UTME but were disqualified for failing to upload their O-Level results have been given a two-day grace, ending Wednesday, 29th October 2025, to complete the upload and notify the Board through the same ticketing system.

Reaffirming its commitment to fairness and academic integrity, JAMB stated that its admission process will continue to be credible, transparent and inclusive, while upholding the standards of tertiary education in Nigeria.

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has approved the admission of 85 underage candidates, whose ages were below 16 years as at September 2025, after

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Senate Leader, Bamidele, Restates Support for Oyebanji

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Leader of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, has donated a white coaster bus to the State Executive Council of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Ekiti State.

Speaking during while presenting the bus to the party at the weekend in Ado Ekiti, Senator Bamidele restated his earlier position that the incumbent Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, remained the consensus candidate of the party in the state ahead of today’s Monday, October 27, 2025’s primary election.

Bamidele used the opportunity to inform the gathering that Engineer Kayode Ojo will soon collapse his structures to join the campaigns of the Oyebanji to secure victory for the party ahead of 2026 governorship poll.

Kayode Ojo was disqualified by the National Working Committee of the party for not meeting up with some requirements.

However, Bamidele said Kayode Ojo confidentially told him that President Bola Tinubu summoned him and advised to work with the incumbent governor of the state.

His words: “Kayode Ojo told me that Tinubu has talked to him to stay down, go back home and make peace.

“He told me that he didn’t go to court to seek redress because of the president’s advice and I gave him a hug. Ojo will come home as advised by Tinubu to ensure smooth campaign.

“I’m convinced he’s going to work closely with the party to ensure that we get what we want and give the Governor the honour he deserves.”

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti The Leader of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, has donated a white coaster bus to the State Executive Council of the All Progressives Congress,

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Gombe Politics: The Travails of a Diminishing Godfather

By Khalil Kashere

In a rare media appearance, former governor of Gombe State and senator representing Gombe central, Danjuma Goje, was in the news last weekend. It thus appears the senator has for a while been consigned into obscurity in the politics of Gombe, a state he once bestrode and held sway in like a colossus.

It was an opinion article titled “Senator Goje: The Mistake APC Must Avoid” written by Louis Achi. The article bemoans the diminishing leadership status of senator Goje, the erstwhile strongman of Gombe politics casting him as a victim of political subterfuge and betrayal.

The article presented a pitiable scenario, yet, describing him as “a winning candidate (sic) Danjuma Goje, becoming a pariah in his own party simply because he commands the loyalty of the electorate.” A paradox of some sort that exemplifies the illusion of power and overrated influence of a yesterday man. How can a man that commands the loyalty of the electorate become a pariah in party politics. In the American fantasy drama television series, Game of Thrones, created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, power is aptly described as an illusion, a shadow on the wall. It resides where people believe it resides, not necessarily in the hands of the powerful. The game of power, like in other climes, is ever dynamic. This is the current reality of Gombe politics where power has since changed hands.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is apt to state the fact in order to correct the misinformation and disinformation in the said article. Curiously, the article concocted some half-truths, half-falsehood narratives in a futile attempt to dress Senator Danjuma Goje in a borrowed robe as the main factor in Gombe politics. Here is a state where there is a sitting second term APC governor, who has not only performed excellently well across indices to the admiration of all and sundry but has demonstrated leadership and unwavering loyalty to the party as being led by President Bola Tinubu.

In 2023, at a time when the wave of opposition was blowing across the north, especially the north east states, Senator Goje was aloof, only concerned about his own senatorial seat. He lifted no finger in support of the party.

Unashamedly, the revisionist article corroborated the fact of Goje’s absence in APC victory in Gombe when it wrote: “While the APC suffered humiliating defeats in Gombe, losing all two other Senate seats and five out of six House of Representatives seats to the PDP, Goje alone stood tall. Without stepping out for a single campaign rally, his constituents overwhelmingly re-elected him.” Yet, with this obvious fact, the writer still naively ascribed to the same man, a messianic role which Providence has since taken away from him. He wrote: “Despite his loyalty and proven electoral value, the APC and the Presidency seem relunctant to tap into Goje’s political capital to strengthen the party in Gombe state.”

Even after the emergence of President Tinubu and in furtherance of his disdain for the president and the party, Goje chose to work against the party’s position in the choice of the leadership of 10th senate by siding with the opponent. Where he could not visibly be absent, he arrogantly maintain aloofness. Only recently, APC stakeholders in the north east gathered on self assessment to review the party’s two years scorecard. Everyone that matter rose at that meeting to express satisfaction and voiced their position to pass a vote of confidence on President Tinubu-led federal government. Again, Senator Goje was conspicuously absent. How then can anyone in good conscience blame the people of Gombe for his declining political fortune.

Let it be known that in the present Gombe, there is no question at all as to where the lever of power resides. Putting it in its proper context, the 2023 elections, federal and state in Gombe, offered a clue as to when the rain started beating the ex-godfather. That was when the people spoke in unambiguous terms with the election of Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya for a second in office. Goje who choose to play double standard by remaining in the All Progressive Congress (APC) but working against the party’s interest was soon to realise that without him, the people could resoundingly vote governor Inuwa Yahaya based on his performance.

Without doubt, Goje’s previous records vis-à-vis his commitment to party loyalty bear eloquent testimony of his lack of interest in Tinubu presidency. It cannot be overstated that Senator Goje refused to work for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential elections. There is nothing suggesting that he is ready to work for his reelection in 2027. After all, he did not support the re-election of Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya as governor. Neither did he supported, Usman Bello Kumo, the only APC member of the House of Representatives from Gombe and now Chief Whip who despite the obstacles placed before him has continued to win elections courtesy the power of the people. It is on record that Goje spared no effort to undermine Hon. Kumo, his former political son, whose only sin lies in his bourgeoning popularity among his people. But for providence and the determination of Gombe electorate, the state would have lost the chance of producing a ranking member with the attendant benefits for the state. Similarly, the three members of the Gombe State House of Assembly within the Gombe Central senatorial district emerged without any support from Goje who instead worked against the interest of the ruling APC where he now seeks relevance.

Let it be clearly stated: Senator Danjuma Goje is not a victim of political persecution but the architect of his own misfortunes. He is reaping the consequences of a long pattern of double standards, self-serving politics and quiet sabotage against the very party that made him what he is today. You cannot claim to love the APC and at the same time undermine its leadership at every turn. While loyal party members were on the field defending the party’s mandate and selling the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Goje and his loyalists were openly fraternizing with the opposition. In fact, his actions and silence during that period emboldened the opposition and weakened party morale. No true party man behaves that way and still expects to be treated as a hero.

For someone who claims to be the leader of the North-East Senators’ Caucus, it is rather ironic that Senator Goje shunned a major APC stakeholders’ summit convened to strengthen the party and take key decisions, including the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. At a time when genuine party men were rallying around the President and consolidating unity ahead of 2027, Goje chose to stay away. That singular act exposed his double standards and confirmed that his commitment to the APC begins and ends where his personal interests are served, which is a sharp contrast from the image the vexed article is trying to portray.

Also, it is inconceivable that a man like Senator Goje who could be rightly be described as an elder statesman would seek to justify his verbal misadventure on the floor of the senate on the so-called lop-sidedness in funding for the north east, when in fact it was a case of an undisguised outpour of long concealed venom and bitterness.
As a ranking senator, Goje is not new to budgeting processes. What elders like him does in that circumstance is to use his influence to lobby his colleagues for more allocation rather than speaking to the gallery.

To rationalize his action as “Senator Goje was simply doing what a statesman should – speaking truth to power,” is to debase statesmanship.

Lastly, the article’s attempts to paint a picture of a Gombe APC that cannot survive without Goje is another fallacy and a joke taken too far. Here was a man that was suspended by APC at the Ward level and was later expelled for his anti-party activities; the expulsion was ratified by the party at local government level and approved by the party at the state level. It was on record that Goje, rather than defending himself and seek appeasement rushed to the High Court where to his amazement his expulsion was further affirmed. The matter is currently before the Court of Appeal. Needless to say, this speaks volume. The point is no party does that to a valuable stakeholder. It is a treatment reserved only for a spent force.

Let it be known that with or without Goje, the APC in Gombe will continue to be stronger, united, and more vibrant. The party is better positioned for future victory than it has ever been, precisely because it has moved beyond personality politics.

*Khalil Kashere writes from Gombe

By Khalil Kashere In a rare media appearance, former governor of Gombe State and senator representing Gombe central, Danjuma Goje, was in the news last weekend. It thus appears the

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60-year-old Orphanage Owner, Others Arrested for Child Trafficking

. Police Burst Baby Factory, Kidnapping Rings in Ondo

Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Fidelis David in Akure

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested a 60 years old prominent member of the orphanage owners umbrella body in Nigeria and founder of an internationally recognised civil society organisation, National Council of Child’s Right Advocates of Nigeria (NACRAN), based in Benue State, (name withed), in connection with an alleged large-scale case of child trafficking, child sale, and illegal adoption.

In a similar development, operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have uncovered a baby factory and human trafficking syndicate in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area, and arrested members of a notorious kidnapping gang terrorising travelers along major highways in the South-west.

A statement by the National Press Officer of NAPTIP, Vincent Adekoye, yesterday read: “In a major breakthrough led by operatives of the agency, Markudi Command, the agency rescued 26 children, out of the over 300 suspected to have been trafficked and sold to different persons within Benue, Enugu, Lagos, Nasarawa, and Abuja, while about 274 others are still being traced, as investigations intensify to unravel the full extent of the syndicate’s activities.”

He said also arrested with the suspect is a suspected 34-year-old female accomplice, and two other orphanage operators in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and Nasarawa State, where some allegedly trafficked children were recovered.

The sad development came a few weeks after the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, expressed concern over the unwholesome activities of some operators of orphanages in Nigeria and called on the various state ministries of Women Affairs to beam searchlights on the centres to checkmate their operations.

He said the latest operation by the agency was a continuation of the renewed crackdown on orphanages and care homes across the country ordered by the DG of NAPTIP following a series of reported cases of alleged infractions and illegal activities by the operators of the orphanages.

He revealed that the detail of the case indicates that on 1st May 2025, a complaint was lodged by a man who reported that his four-year-old son was given out by his mother-in-law to an NGO without his consent. When he demanded the return of his child, he was told he could only see him after three years.

He noted that this prompted a petition to NAPTIP, leading to the arrest of several suspects and the uncovering of a wider network involved in trafficking and illegal adoption of children.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects feasted on the vulnerability of the rural communities in Benue State through a voodoo initiative called “Back to School Project” to recruit children from crisis-ridden communities in Guma Local Government Area, especially in areas affected by farmer–herder conflicts such as Daudu, Yelwata, and, and trafficked them to Abuja, Nasarawa, Enugu, and Lagos States.

He revealed that the suspects organised meetings with villagers and traditional leaders, convincing them that the project would sponsor children’s education. Parents were deceived into signing consent forms or verbally agreeing to release their children, with promises that they would see them again after three years, adding that over 300 children were reportedly handed over to the suspects. Some parents were unaware or did not sign any consent forms.

He said the children, aged between one and 13 years, were transported to orphanage homes in Abuja and Nasarawa States, where they were allegedly sold to interested couples under the guise of adoption, for amounts ranging from N1 million to N3 million per child.

He revealed that some of the orphanages identified were used as holding centres where children awaited “adoption” or sale, include four orphanage homes located at Kaigini, Kubuwa Expressway, Abuja; Masaka Area 1, Mararaba, by Abaca Road; and Mararaba, behind the International Market, have been linked to the syndicate and are currently under investigation.

He said one complainant alleged that he paid N2.8 million as an adoption fee and N100,000 consultancy fee to a member of the syndicate.

He alleged the identities of many rescued children had been changed, complicating tracing efforts.

Speaking on the development, the DG of NAPTIP, Bello, described the situation as unbelievable and mind-bugling.

She said: “Arising from the case at hand, I wish to say that issues of child trafficking and adoption are becoming a national crisis that requires urgent attention from all relevant stakeholders.

“A few weeks ago, based on credible intelligence, I expressed concern and alerted the State Ministries of Women Affairs on the unpatriotic and illegal activities of some Orphanage Operators across the Country.

“It is painful that some unpatriotic elements with recognised entities and status, now use their social class to deceive the already vulnerable people in the crisis-prone communities, traffic their children, most of whom narrowly escape death in the wake of communal or farmer–herder clashes, and sell them to challenge parents in the name of adoption without the valid legal consent of the parents.

“This is unacceptable, and those already arrested in connection with this wicked act shall be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“Our children are not commodities to be displayed in Orphanages and sold at will to the highest bidders. This must stop.”

Meanwhile, operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have uncovered a baby factory and human trafficking syndicate in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area, and arrested members of a notorious kidnapping gang terrorising travelers along major highways in the South-west.

In the first operation, a swift response from the Police followed the escape and report of a 17-year-old girl, Vivian Peter, who revealed that she had been trafficked from Akwa Ibom State to Ore under the pretext of a job offer but on arrival, she was taken to what appeared to be a clinic but later turned out to be a baby factory where several pregnant girls were allegedly held for exploitation.

A statement issued yesterday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Ayanlade Olusola, revealed that the girl managed to escape after being instructed to undergo a medical scan at another hospital where she swiftly ran to the Ore Division and narrated her ordeal to operatives.

“However, acting on her tip-off, detectives from the Ore Division and the Command’s Gender-Based Violence Unit stormed the facility, rescuing five pregnant girls and a baby boy. One of the victims was discovered to have already delivered and is currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Ore.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the operator of the facility, one Ada Clement and her accomplices, allegedly used the centre as a baby factory, where pregnant teenagers were confined until delivery. The babies were reportedly sold for N400,000 and above for girls and N600,000 and above for boys.”

He said the State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the syndicate’s activities and directed that all fleeing members be tracked and brought to justice.

In a related development, operatives of the State Command also recorded another success with the arrest of a 20-year-old suspect, Abdullahi Ibrahim, believed to be a member of a notorious kidnapping gang responsible for several abductions along the Benin–Ore Expressway.

“The suspect was apprehended in Ore following credible intelligence linking him to multiple kidnap-for-ransom operations across the South-west. During interrogation, he confessed to being part of a gang operating across Ondo, Edo, and Lagos States, using forested routes to evade security surveillance.”

He noted that his confession led the State Anti-Kidnapping Section (SAKS), Akure, to Benin City, where two additional suspects were arrested, stressing that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members still at large.

Commending the operatives for their diligence and professionalism, CP Lawal assured residents that the Police would sustain aggressive intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal networks across the state.

He urged citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant, while reaffirming the Command’s readiness to protect lives and property. “Ondo State will continue to remain unsafe for criminals but secure for law-abiding residents,” the CP assured.

. Police Burst Baby Factory, Kidnapping Rings in Ondo Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Fidelis David in Akure The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested a 60

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Demolition Protest: Stay Out of Lagos, Police Warn Sowore

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has warned activist Omoyele Sowore and others against mobilising protests over recent demolitions in the state.

Jimoh gave the warning while addressing newsmen in Iyana-Oworo axis of the Third Mainland bridge, Lagos on Monday.

The police boss said that the command had made massive deployments across the city to forestall any planned demonstrations that could lead to public disorder.

He emphasised that the command would not tolerate any attempt to block major highways or disrupt the peace currently being enjoyed in Lagos.

“We want to warn Sowore and his group to stay away from Lagos or face the full weight of the law.

“The Third Mainland Bridge is too vital to the Nigerian economy and the safety of lives and property for anyone to think of blocking it.

“Every day, thousands of people depend on that route for their livelihood and medical emergencies,” he said.

The police chief said officers had been stationed at strategic points including the Third Mainland Bridge, Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga Lekki Toll Gate, and other areas to ensure peace and order.

According to him, while the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, protests must follow due process and must not infringe on the rights of others.

“Anyone who wishes to organise a peaceful protest must follow laid down procedures.

“What we have seen in recent times is not protest but attempts to disrupt public peace. Anyone who engages in such will be dealt with according to the law,” he said.

On the recent Oworonshoki demolition, CP Jimoh defended the government’s action, describing the affected areas as illegal structures and hideouts for criminals.

“Those areas were being used by criminals to launch attacks on innocent Nigerians.

“The government is justified in clearing them. Genuine residents have been compensated and this was documented and covered by the media two days ago,” he said.

He accused some individuals of attempting to exploit the situation for political or criminal purposes, warning that the police would not allow anyone to use the guise of protest to cause mayhem.

“Anyone hiding under activism to cause chaos is complicit in a conspiracy to commit crime, we will not permit that,” he said.

The commissioner assured law-abiding residents of adequate protection, urging them to go about their daily activities without fear.

“Every Nigerian is entitled to protection, safety and freedom of movement.

“We will continue to ensure that Lagos remains peaceful, but criminality under the cover of protest will not be tolerated,” he said. (NAN)

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has warned activist Omoyele Sowore and others against mobilising protests over recent demolitions in the state. Jimoh gave the warning while