FCT projects: Don’t switch off your phones – Wike warns FCDA officials
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Friday, warned officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, against switching off their phones amid the ongoing execution of projects in the nation’s capital. The minister issued the warning during the flag-off of the construction of Transit Way, N2, connecting the Central Area
FCT projects: Don’t switch off your phones – Wike warns FCDA officials
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Friday, warned officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, against switching off their phones amid the ongoing execution of projects in the nation’s capital.
The minister issued the warning during the flag-off of the construction of Transit Way, N2, connecting the Central Area to Wuse District with two bridges.
Wike warned that officials who switch off their phones are not prepared for their job.
Wike said: “The Executive Secretary of FCDA does not sleep, day and night his phone does not go off, the Coordinator of FCDA, his phones are not off, they know the implication of their phones being off.
“If their phones are off, it means that you are not prepared for the job.
“Their phones must be on because I may call you at any time, and that’s the way it is. In education, it’s the same thing.
“When we were doing the bus terminals the mandate Secretary of Transport was looking for excuses to travel to the US for medicals but I said no medicals.
“You will finish your job before going for medicals, he said if he dies and i said if he dies the population is too high, so you better do your work.
“So if you know that you want your job and your own area to be noticed by this country and administration, keep your phones on 24 hours.”
FCT projects: Don’t switch off your phones – Wike warns FCDA officials
Counsel cautions against hasty installation of monarch in Araromi Obo-Ekiti
Legal counsel to the Olowokere royal family of Araromi Obo in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Adedotun Ajulo, Esq., has condemned attempts by rival claimants, the Ogundipe family and certain chiefs in the community to bypass judicial processes in the bid to hurriedly install a new king. Ajulo confirmed that while the opposing
Counsel cautions against hasty installation of monarch in Araromi Obo-Ekiti
Legal counsel to the Olowokere royal family of Araromi Obo in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Adedotun Ajulo, Esq., has condemned attempts by rival claimants, the Ogundipe family and certain chiefs in the community to bypass judicial processes in the bid to hurriedly install a new king.
Ajulo confirmed that while the opposing family had secured a judgment at the Court of Appeal, the matter had since been taken before the Supreme Court in suit no: SC/CV/837/2023.
According to him, “Once a case is before the apex court, the law requires that all actions connected to it be put on hold until final determination. Moreover, there is a pending motion for Stay of Execution equally pending at the apex Court in this regard.”
The lawyer added, “The information available to us indicates that the Ogundipe family, in concert with certain influential persons within the Government and higher traditional institutions, are making concerted efforts to undermine and subvert due process.
“It has further come to our notice that the said family has been parading and publicly asserting the support and backing of the Deputy Governor of the State, Hon. Monisade Afuye, as a basis to proceed with the purported coronation.
“It is, however, both contradictory and deeply concerning that the State Government itself is a party to a pending appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria in Suit No: SC/CV/1108/2024, instituted against the Ogundipe Family, over the very same subject matter.
“We acknowledge that they obtained a judgment at the appellate court, but the case is now pending at the Supreme Court. That automatically suspends any move toward installation. Why the rush to install a king when the dispute is still before the highest court of the land?”
In the same vein, Paul .O. Akomolafe, Esq. has expressed dismay at the conduct of the Ogundipe Family and, by extension, the possible complicity of the State Government in proceeding with a planned coronation, notwithstanding the pendency of triable cases in Suit Nos: HAD/40/2025; HAD/113/2025; and HAD/07/2023 presently before the High Court of Justice, Ado-Ekiti, all relating to the revered traditional stool of Araromi-Obo.
The lawyer has accordingly urged the government to refrain from any action that may amount to disrespect for the rule of law, particularly any step that may be construed as contempt of Court.
The dispute originated when the opposing family challenged the legitimacy of the late monarch’s ascension to the throne. They argued that his ruling lineage should no longer be entitled to the kingship, insisting that their own family holds the rightful claim.
Ajulo maintained that respecting judicial authority is the only way to preserve peace, order, and the integrity of traditional institutions in Araromi Obo and across Ekiti State.
Counsel cautions against hasty installation of monarch in Araromi Obo-Ekiti
2027: Don’t even imagine it – Okonkwo warns Jonathan against running for President
A veteran Nollywood actor, lawyer and politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has advised former President Good Jonathan to stay away from the 2027 presidential race for his own good. He said the Bayelsa-born politician should not even consider or contemplate entering the race. Okonkwo, in a video shared on X on Friday evening, noted that Jonathan had
2027: Don’t even imagine it – Okonkwo warns Jonathan against running for President
A veteran Nollywood actor, lawyer and politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has advised former President Good Jonathan to stay away from the 2027 presidential race for his own good.
He said the Bayelsa-born politician should not even consider or contemplate entering the race.
Okonkwo, in a video shared on X on Friday evening, noted that Jonathan had served as a President and during this period of almost six years, went against certain conventions and norms.
The former Labour Party chieftain believes that giving Jonathan another four years would mean that the former Bayelsa State governor would be President of Nigeria for about ten years, having ruled for almost six years.
There are speculations about Jonathan coming back to contest for the presidency in 2027 and the former president has not come out to publicly debunk or validate the rumours.
Earlier in the week, the Presidency, through Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu, kicked against the idea and added that the court will decide Jonathan’s fate.
“My own advice is that Jonathan should not consider contesting for the presidency in 2027. He should not contemplate it,” Okonkwo said.
“The same forces that nearly destroyed his name when they were not in power are now in power, they will take his name to toilet.”
2027: Don’t even imagine it – Okonkwo warns Jonathan against running for President
Court refuses Kachikwu’s motion against INEC, David Mark-led ADC leadership
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, refused to hear an application filed by the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Dumebi Kachiku against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and David Mark-led leadership of the ADC. DAILY POST reports that Kachikwu is seeking an order compelling INEC to, forthwith, withdraw
Court refuses Kachikwu’s motion against INEC, David Mark-led ADC leadership
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, refused to hear an application filed by the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Dumebi Kachiku against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and David Mark-led leadership of the ADC.
DAILY POST reports that Kachikwu is seeking an order compelling INEC to, forthwith, withdraw the publication of Mark and Rauf Aregbesola’s names as national chairman and secretary of the party, pending the determination of the suit.
Justice James Omotosho, however, declined to hear the motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1331/2025, which was brought by Dayo Akinlaja, SAN, on Kachikwu’s behalf.
“This court is not inclined to nullify anything at this stage whether done before or now. This is a political case.
“I am not taking any interlocutory matter,” he said.
Instead, Justice Omotosho held that all the processes filed by the parties, including the preliminary objections of the defence,would be taken together with the substantive suit.
All efforts by Akinlaja to have his application heard were rebuffed by the judge.
Recall that INEC had, recently, recognised Mark, the former senate president, and Aregbesola, ex-governor of Osun, as ADC’s national chairman and national secretary.
Kachikwu and others had, on July 7, filed the originating summons to challenge the purported appointment and declaration of Mark and Aregbesola as national chairman and secretary of the party.
Others in the suit include Adikwu Elias, Etimbuk Umoh, Muhammed Khala, Alaku Godwin William as 2nd to 5th plaintiffs.
They named INEC, ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu, Mark, Aregbesola as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.
When the case was called on Friday, Akinlaja informed the court that the matter was adjourned for hearing.
The lawyer, however, told the court that a motion was filed on Sept. 19 by the plaintiff.
He said the motion was hinged on the fact that despite the pendency of the suit in court, INEC chose to recognise the leadership of Mark and Aregbesola.
In the motion, the plaintiffs sought an order setting aside the purported recognition and publication of Mark and Aregbesola’s names as chairman and secretary of ADC.
They argued that the action, having been done during the pendency of the suit and in violation of the doctrine of lis pendens.
They also sought an order of injunction restraining Nwosu, Mark and Aregbesola from continuing to deal or relate with INEC in the capacity of national officers of the party.
Akinlaja, therefore, pleaded with the judge to have the motion taken but to no avail.
Shaibu Aruwa, SAN, who appeared for ADC, and other lawyers for the defence, opposed the application.
Justice Omotosho, who granted an application for joinder filed by Nkemakolam Ukandu, the deputy national secretary of ADC, made a consequential order for amendment of the suit to accommodate Ukandu’s name as a defendant.
The judge gave 48 working hours to the plaintiff’s to file their consequential amendment and seven days to the defence to respond.
He adjourned the matter until October 23 for hearing.
Court refuses Kachikwu’s motion against INEC, David Mark-led ADC leadership
Cardoso: Nigeria must embrace cryptocurrency regulation as market matures
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has called for a pragmatic and collaborative approach to regulating cryptocurrency in Nigeria, acknowledging its rapid growth and the need for a structured framework to manage its impact on the financial system. The post Cardoso: Nigeria must embrace cryptocurrency regulation as market matures appeared first on Nairametrics.
Military operations alone won’t end Boko Haram – Bishop Kukah
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, says Nigeria cannot defeat insurgency through military operations alone. Kukah made this statement while reviewing ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’, a new book authored by Lucky Irabor, former Chief of Defence Staff. The Bishop stated that Nigeria’s reliance on military doctrines and
Military operations alone won’t end Boko Haram – Bishop Kukah
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, says Nigeria cannot defeat insurgency through military operations alone.
Kukah made this statement while reviewing ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’, a new book authored by Lucky Irabor, former Chief of Defence Staff.
The Bishop stated that Nigeria’s reliance on military doctrines and repeated counter-insurgency operations had failed to produce lasting peace because Boko Haram represented an ideology, not just an armed threat.
“For years, we have had Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Restore Order, Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Safe Haven, and many others.
“Yet, when one operation fails, another is launched. These operations have not ended the insurgency because you cannot fight an idea with weapons alone,” he said.
Military operations alone won’t end Boko Haram – Bishop Kukah
Taraba Govt partners arms control agency to curb illicit weapons proliferation
In a bid to tackle the growing threat of illegal arms, the Taraba State Government has pledged to collaborate with the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, NCCSALW. The announcement came during a courtesy visit to the state by the NCCSALW North-East Zonal Coordinator, Major General Abubakar. Representing the governor,
Taraba Govt partners arms control agency to curb illicit weapons proliferation
In a bid to tackle the growing threat of illegal arms, the Taraba State Government has pledged to collaborate with the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, NCCSALW.
The announcement came during a courtesy visit to the state by the NCCSALW North-East Zonal Coordinator, Major General Abubakar.
Representing the governor, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, John Kizito Bonzena, emphasized the urgency of addressing arms proliferation, particularly given Taraba’s strategic location bordering other states and countries affected by cross-border arms smuggling.
Governor Kefas, through the Speaker, reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security through targeted partnerships and initiatives.
“We recognize the danger posed by the unchecked flow of illegal arms. Taraba is ready to work closely with the NCCSALW to restore peace and ensure the safety of our people,” he stated .
Gen. Abubakar commended the state government’s ongoing security efforts and stressed the importance of collaboration between all stakeholders.
He described the unchecked proliferation of small arms and light weapons as a major threat to Nigeria’s national security and stability.
“The Centre is not just here to regulate arms but to also raise awareness about the dangers posed by illegal weapons,” he said, calling for active participation from security agencies, traditional institutions, youth groups, and religious leaders.
Established in 2021 under the Office of the National Security Adviser, the NCCSALW is tasked with the responsibility of developing policies and coordinating efforts to control arms trafficking across Nigeria.
Taraba Govt partners arms control agency to curb illicit weapons proliferation
Ex-FCTA Finance Director Duku jailed 24 years for money laundering
A former Director of Finance and Administration with the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Garuba Mohammed Duku, has been sentenced to 24 years imprisonment. He was on Friday jailed by the Federal High Court in Abuja which found him guilty of the six-count money laundering charges brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and
Ex-FCTA Finance Director Duku jailed 24 years for money laundering
A former Director of Finance and Administration with the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Garuba Mohammed Duku, has been sentenced to 24 years imprisonment.
He was on Friday jailed by the Federal High Court in Abuja which found him guilty of the six-count money laundering charges brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.
Justice James Omotosho pronounced Duku guilty and sentenced him accordingly after reviewing the evidence and exhibits tendered during trial by ICPC and the testimonies of witnesses in the trial.
The judge convicted Duku on the six counts, sentencing him to four years for each count.
Following the passionate plea for leniency by the convict, and being a first offender, Justice Omotosho ordered that the sentence should run concurrently meaning that the convict will only serve four years in jail, beginning from October 3, 2025.
However, the convict may not serve time in jail as the judge gave him an option of N1.6 billion fine, to be paid to the Federal Government in place of the jail term.
Duku who served as Director of Finance and Administration under Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, AMMC, was found guilty of unlawfully taking possession of N318 million belonging to his employer.
He was convicted under Section 18 (2) of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act after the judge rejected his defense.
Justice Omotosho ordered that the convict should serve his jail term at Kuje Prison in Abuja.
Ex-FCTA Finance Director Duku jailed 24 years for money laundering
Presidential visit: Mutfwang urges Plateau residents to give Tinubu rousing welcome
Ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has called on residents to come out en masse and give him a rousing welcome. The DAILY POST reports that the President will be visiting the state on Saturday for the burial of the late mother of the National Chairman of the All
Presidential visit: Mutfwang urges Plateau residents to give Tinubu rousing welcome
Ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has called on residents to come out en masse and give him a rousing welcome.
The DAILY POST reports that the President will be visiting the state on Saturday for the burial of the late mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
Mutfwang made the call on Friday in his remarks at the Distinguished Alumni Lecture of the University of Jos, delivered by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
The lecture, titled, ‘The Nigerian Justice System in a Digital Age: Opportunities, Challenges and the Road Ahead’, attracted a cross-section of eminent personalities from the legal and academic communities.
The governor stressed the importance of unity, peace, and harmony in advancing the development of the State and the country at large.
He said, “Tomorrow, we will be receiving Mr. President in Jos, Plateau State, as he comes to honour our late mother, the mother of my dear brother, the National Chairman of the APC.
“I am confident that Plateau people will give Mr. President a warm and rousing welcome. I believe that his visit will afford him a deeper appreciation of Plateau and its people.”
Mutfwang reiterated his conviction that Plateau State remains one of the best places to live in Nigeria, endowed with rich human and natural resources yet to be fully harnessed.
“We cannot realise our full potential if we continue to pull one another down. We must remain our brothers’ keepers and work collectively to bring Plateau to the place of honour that God has destined for us,” he remarked.
The governor also commended Fagbemi for delivering a thought-provoking lecture, which he said offered valuable insights into how technology is shaping justice delivery in Nigeria.
Earlier in his lecture, Fagbemi underscored the transformative role of technology in the legal system, describing it as a necessity for ensuring swift, accurate, and accessible justice.
He recalled that the turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic when the Chief Justice of Nigeria introduced practice directions for virtual hearings. Since then, some state judiciaries have adopted innovations such as e-filing and digital cause lists, while others still rely on traditional paper processes.
According to him, the legal profession is gradually embracing a hybrid model where physical and virtual processes complement one another.
“The lesson is clear: technology in justice is not a luxury but a necessity in today’s interconnected world. However, its adoption must be deliberate, inclusive, and rooted in the core values of justice. Nigeria must not copy blindly, but adopt wisely,” he emphasized.
Presidential visit: Mutfwang urges Plateau residents to give Tinubu rousing welcome
Court extends freeze on Osun LG funds in 30 bank accounts
The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has extended its interim injunction restraining the United Bank for Africa, UBA, from allowing withdrawals on 30 bank accounts into which withheld Osun State local government allocations were lodged by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. Justice Ladiran Akintola, in a ruling on Friday, prolonged the order, first
Court extends freeze on Osun LG funds in 30 bank accounts
The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has extended its interim injunction restraining the United Bank for Africa, UBA, from allowing withdrawals on 30 bank accounts into which withheld Osun State local government allocations were lodged by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.
Justice Ladiran Akintola, in a ruling on Friday, prolonged the order, first issued on September 26, until October 9, 2025.
The extension, he said, was necessary to give all parties in the case, including the Attorney-General of Osun State, the Osun State Local Government Service Commission, and UBA Plc, an opportunity to be fully heard.
While counsel to UBA was not present in court, senior lawyer Kazeem Gbadamosi, SAN, representing former All Progressives Congress, APC, council chairmen, appeared after filing applications seeking to join the matter and to contest the court’s jurisdiction.
Counsel to the plaintiffs, Musibau Adetunmbi, SAN, requested additional time to respond, noting that the applications were only filed late Thursday and Friday.
He also argued that the ex-council chiefs lacked the legal standing to raise jurisdictional issues since their request to be joined had not been granted.
Gbadamosi countered that his clients were directly affected by the interim order and therefore had the right to be joined. He also contended that the court lacked the authority to extend what he described as an “expired” order.
In support of the plaintiffs’ position, a fresh affidavit filed by Mrs Rachael Abidemi, Head of Local Government Administration in Boluwaduro LGA, alleged attempts to illegally withdraw council funds in breach of the subsisting order.
She pointed to a letter purportedly sent to UBA directing the diversion of 15 percent of statutory allocations into the account of a private law firm, insisting the instruction was unlawful as it did not come from recognised council officials.
The plaintiffs maintained that the question of who the legitimate council chairmen are is still before the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/CV/773/2025, warning that any disbursement of the funds could prejudice the apex court’s decision.
Speaking with journalists after the session, Adetunmbi said the extension was a safeguard to prevent the possible diversion of billions of naira under questionable claims.
“The essence of this preservation order is to secure the funds pending the Supreme Court’s hearing on Tuesday, October 7,” he explained. “Without it, the money in dispute could easily vanish under the guise of legal fees or other deductions.”
The case has been adjourned to October 9, 2025, for further hearing.



