FACE OF A FORGER! 

Former Rep Member Lands In Trouble Over Alleged WAEC Certificate Forgery

Hon. Rita Odichi Orijifor, who represented Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency between 2015 and 2019, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police over allegations of presenting a fake WAEC certificate during her tenure in the House of Representatives.

According to sources, Orijifor was apprehended earlier yesterday at her residence in Wonderland Estate, Abuja, after police officers had waited for over five hours for her to come out. She reportedly locked herself in her bedroom and made calls to influential political figures in a bid to avoid arrest. 

However, none of the figures offered assistance in this high-profile scandal, and despite some attempts to intervene with the police, Orijifor eventually emerged from her hideout and was taken into custody.

Before her arrest, Orijifor had reportedly been hiding in Akure to evade law enforcement agents, only returning to Abuja after believing the situation had cooled. However, unknown to her, the police were still on her trail.

Her troubles began when a judge in the Federal Capital Territory dismissed her application to stop the ongoing police investigation. The judge ruled that Orijifor failed to demonstrate that her rights had been violated by the authorities.

Orijifor is currently being detained at the Force Headquarters in Abuja as investigations continue. The case is expected to be a significant development in Nigerian politics, given her previous role as a federal lawmaker.

This is a developing story, and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.

 Olubadan Storms Genesis For Askari Fuji

Top Fuji singer, Alhaji Adeyinka Ishola Isiaka aka Askari has concluded plans to release a new single titled 'Ibadan'.

The single, according to Ishola is to promote Ibadan ,Oyo State as a town and to share some historical perspectives about the town with his audience and to correct a lot of misconception and misrepresentation about the town.

Askari a native of Ibadan and a respected Chief,  Mogaji Alare from the Agbejonku Royal Dynasty Aremo Ibadan, Askari to nko Fuji is the first police officer to play  Fuji music in Nigeria; the first ibadan- born Fuji artist to be installed a Mogaji; first Ibadan born Fuji artiste to released and  dedicate a full album to propagate and eulogize Ibadan virtues as the largest warlord city in Africa. 

He is so passionate about the song because as a Royal Ambassador of Ibadan, he sees it as a right to protect the ancient town of Ibadan and to live his mark on the sands of time for yet unborn generations.

Continuing, he said the single will be released after the  Listening Party scheduled for Genesis HAll, Molete Road, Ibadan, Oyo State on Sunday 8th December 2024 and  will be released on all online digital platforms,. There will  be limited hard copy (CD)  for the purpose of launching at the venue.

He added that the single is a  result of serious research and composition. 'it is not just a song but a statement of fact which is a must for every body irrespective of his or her town.'

 Mogaji Adeyinka said because of the importance he  attached to  the single, he has invited the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as Father of the Day, to be supported by High Chiefs, the Mogajis and other big wigs in Ibadan and other parts of Nigeria 'We are releasing the single with all the glamour it deserves "because its not just a song  but an historical research laced with best of compositions  and good musical work"

Other guests include the CEO of Ilaji Farms and  Resorts, Engr Jubril Dotun Sanusi; the Jagun Olubadan, Chief Osuolale Akeem;  Senator High Chief Sharafadein Alli; Hon Rasheed Akogun; members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII,) led by Barister Ajewole; Ambassador Club of Ibadan; Indigene for Social Awareness Club Ibadan, Azakhope Integrated Ventures led by Olori Ishola Asisat Opeyemi; Barrister  Sanni Odu; Mr Yemi Dollar; Oloye Abiola Gbonka the Balogun of Ibadan, top notch business moguls and  who is who in Ibadan and Lagos. 

Askari informed that after releasing the teaser on all social media platforms, he has been receiving lots of accolades from fans, friends and well-wishers who told him to release the single as soon as possible 'now that the D-Day is here, nothing will stop the release of the master piece.'

 

 

SIMON EKPA RECANTS!

Tells Finland Court: ‘I’m Just A Content Creator’

 Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in exile, has denied allegations of sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria.

Appearing before a Finnish court in the Päijät-Häme district on November 21, Ekpa described his involvement with the Biafra movement as a “mere joke” and insisted he is primarily a content creator.

The Finnish Central Criminal Police arrested Ekpa in Lahti, Finland, as part of an Ekpa Recantsongoing investigation into allegations of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. Authorities also detained four other suspects accused of financing activities linked to the charges against Ekpa. The arrests were confirmed in a statement on the Finnish police website, which detailed international collaboration during the investigation.

Ekpa’s alleged crimes date back to 2021 and center on accusations of incitement that may have contributed to the enforcement of “sit-at-home” orders in southeastern Nigeria. These orders, associated with the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have significantly disrupted economic activities and created tensions in the region.

While the court proceedings continue, Ekpa has faced growing international criticism and calls for accountability. His alleged role in influencing separatist actions in Nigeria has drawn attention, with observers highlighting the impact of his activities on the South East’s stability and economy.

The Finnish court is expected to evaluate the evidence presented by the prosecution and determine the next steps in the legal process. Meanwhile, Ekpa and his legal team maintain his innocence, dismissing the allegations as unfounded.

 MC Oluomo Expelled From NURTW Over Protocol Breach

MC Oluomo, former NURTW Lagos State chairman, was declared ineligible for membership by the South-west Zonal Chairman, Olalekan Salami. The decision follows a breach of NURTW protocols, including tearing his union ID and failing to submit a rejoining application. The court upheld Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa’s leadership.

The controversy surrounding Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo, took a new turn this week as the Southwest Zonal Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Olalekan Salami, announced that Oluomo is no longer a member of the union. 

The statement, made on November 19, clarifies that MC Oluomo forfeited his membership in 2022 after he publicly tore up his union identity card in defiance of a disciplinary query from the national leadership.

Salami, while addressing the press, emphasized that the NURTW constitution is explicit about the process for rejoining the union. 

According to the rules, a returning member must submit a formal application for approval and spend at least two years at the grassroots level before being eligible for any office. MC Oluomo reportedly failed to follow these protocols, making him ineligible to hold any position within the union.

Salami also reaffirmed the leadership of Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, whose presidency was recently upheld by the Appeal Court. The court's decision has further intensified the ongoing power struggle within the NURTW, with factions still contesting Baruwa’s authority.

Salami warned that the government must recognize the legitimate leadership and resist condoning any acts of disorder, especially gangsterism, which has plagued the union in recent years.

  

It’ll Be Unjust To Deny Ogun West 2027 Governorship – Ex-CPS Odunaro

Chief Kayode Odunaro served in Ogun State as Chief Press Secretary to two military administrators and Chief Olusegun Osoba at the dawn of Nigeria’s  nascent democracy. He was later Special Adviser on Communications to Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt.Hon. Dimeji Bankole. The highly revered journalist journalist was also the Chairman of the annual Federal Government-endorsed Oronna Ilaro Festival Planning Committee for four years. Currently, he is the Chief of Staff to Senator Solomon Adeola, the Chairman of Senate Committee of Appropriations. He expresses his opinion on the power equation in Ogun State in this short but enthralling chat with LANRE OLALEYE

 

 There is this notion that power has always rotated between the Egbas and the Ijebu/Remo since the inception of Ogun State in 1976. Do you subscribe to this notion?

It is not a matter of subscription but a fact of history that under democratic dispensation and indeed some part of military era, leadership of the state has always rotated between the Egbas in Ogun Central Senatorial District and the Ijebu/Remos in the Ogun East Senatorial district. From the first democratic administration of Chief Olabisi Onabanjo to Chief Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and now, Prince Oladapo Abiodun, ultimate political power in Ogun State since its creation have oscillated between the two aforementioned senatorial districts and their major ethnic configuration of Egbas, Ijebus and Remos to the exclusion of Ogun West senatorial district of Yewa and Awori. But if your question relates to my view or support for such an arrangement, I will out rightly states that it is an unjust and inequitable situation that something must be done to redress urgently in the over 48 years history of Ogun State. And of course, the situation has its implication for the uneven development of the state as a whole and the underdevelopment of Ogun West in particular. For the state, it is clear that whatever development the fact of political leaderships has conferred on the two ruling senatorial districts, is detracted by the low-level development of the remaining senatorial district. More like a man keeping his courtyard and living rooms clean while the kitchen and backyard is left in a state of squalor. The total outlook is negative for such a household. Holistic development of all parts of Ogun State is ultimately in the interest of all Ogun State indigenes and the earlier power is allowed to rotate among all the senatorial districts and its people the better for its development and the sense of equity, fair play and justice.

Has Yewa/Awori been part of the power bloc in Ogun State?

Unfortunately, the Yewa and Awori people of Ogun West were always at the fringes of real power in Ogun State. Effectively, the closest they got to the seat of power was deputy governor under Otunba Daniel and now, under Prince Abiodun. But effectively the highest elective position attained by Yewa and Awori was the senatorial seat. And from time to time they are appointed to such workaholic positions as Secretary to State Government as perhaps the highest tokenistic position available. This absence from the power equation is a great injustice against Yewa and Awori and contradicts the national outlook of prominent Ogun State citizens like the Soyinkas, the Ransome Kutis, the Williams etc who are/were noted for fighting injustices at the national level while injustice is festering in its backyard in Ogun State. The situation should be a source of worry for any genuine lover of equity, justice and fair play among brothers and sisters.

Do you think Yewa/Awori clamour for governorship in 2027 is realistic?

I will like to think it is now more realistic than it has been in the previous years when Yewa and Awori people had contested for a lot of reasons. One reason is that people learn from experiences of previous attempts and can see through mistakes, flaws and conspiracies that saw Ogun West coming second or third place in the race. Another reason is the possible desire of the party leadership at the national level to redress decades of political injustice among its members in a state. The calculation here for the party is to be seen as a party of equity and justice for its members. It is therefore not inconceivable for all political parties to decide that for equity and justice sake, the governorship ticket should be ceded to Yewa and Awori aspirants after almost five decades since the creation of the state. The ruling political party in the state and at the national level, All Progressives Congress, (APC) are likely to buy this argument not only for its justiciability and equity but its electoral value and calculations. From the records, this was one of the major considerations of the party in the recently conducted and won election in Edo State. The candidate of APC that won the election and now sworn in as governor Senator Monday Okpebholo was chosen for the simple reason of redressing an albatross in the power equation of Edo State as his senatorial district has been shut out of the power equation for decades. Ogun state happens to be about the only state in Nigeria that is afflicted with this albatross and it is realistic to think that come 2027, the situation will be remedied. 

There are speculations that top politicians in Ogun Central (Egbas) are not ready to concede the governorship to Ogun West (Yewa) in 2027. If this is true, would this not affect Yewa/Awori's gubernatorial ambition in 2027?

 Well, as it is individuals cannot be prevailed upon not to exercise what is their rights under the constitution. But such individual ambition must not be cloaked under any overarching ethnic, religious or any other colouration when the basis for such is negated by the fact of history and a sense of justice, equity and fair play. In this instance, any ambitious person from Ogun Central have to contend with the fact of history that Egba sons had occupied the position of governor for upward of 14 years in the state’s history of democratic rule under Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ibikunle Amosun with Senator Amosun handing over to the incumbent from Ijebu/ Remo in Ogun East. And the speculation that top politicians from Ogun Central are not ready to concede the governorship to Ogun West remains in the realm of speculation. I am aware that majority of the key political players in Ogun Central have not made any public utterance indicative of opposition to concession to Ogun West. And they are unlikely to as this may question their integrity with many of them having rooted unsuccessfully for Ogun West to become governor in the past. Doing so at this point with additional years of injustice to Ogun West may question their initial belief and support for same. So as said, anyone from Ogun Central aspiring to contest for governorship is doing so on the strength of his ambition and not on the basis of justice and equity.

Again, the Aworis are also reportedly showing strong interest in the governorship in 2027. Don't you think there is need to harness shades of interest as far as Yewa/Awori governorship ambition is concerned?

Aworis are major stakeholders not only in Ogun West politics but indeed in the politics of Ogun State. Any aspirant from Aworis in Ogun West is welcome to contest provided the aspiration is backed by capacity, credibility and antecedents that are acceptable to all Ogun State at large for the occupation of the Government House in Abeokuta. As stated, the time is now ripe for Ogun West to redress an unbalanced situation with the experience of hindsight of yesteryears. At every event all the people of Ogun West will jointly put out their best hands to govern Ogun State based on proven antecedents and performance. But certainly, Ogun West is not in short supply of aspirants from Yewa and Awori and efforts are on to present a candidate that will inspire confidence of the two other senatorial districts to concede to Ogun West.

 

Iheanachor Arrested For Ingesting 90 Wraps of Cocaine

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 50-year-old businessman, Osuoha Iheanacho, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu for ingesting 90 wraps of cocaine.

A press statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said Osuoha was intercepted last Wednesday at the arrival hall of the Enugu Airport during the inbound screening of passengers arriving from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on an Ethiopian Airlines flight following months of intelligence and surveillance on him.

Babafemi said he was subsequently placed on excretion observation during which he egested 90 pellets of cocaine weighing 2.019 kilogrammes in seven excretions.

He said investigation revealed that the suspect, who operates phone and accessories business in Lagos and Gabon, travelled by road from Gabon to Douala, Cameroon from where he took a flight to Addis Ababa where he swallowed the pellets of cocaine while in transit and thereafter continued his journey to Enugu with Lagos as his final destination.

He was said to have deliberately complicated his movement to distort traces of his travel history unknown to him that he has been on NDLEA watch-list for the past three months.

In his statement, Osuoha was said to have confessed that he desperately needed the money from the criminal drug trade to boost his declining phone and accessories business.

In another well-coordinated operation carried out by a Special Operations Unit of the agency last Thursday, head of a cocaine distribution cartel, 42-year-old Ndive Obinna was arrested along with five of his associates at Ago Palace Way in Okota, Isolo, Lagos with a total of 2.412 kilogrammes of cocaine recovered from them.

Babafemi noted that other members of the drug trafficking organisation arrested along Obinna include: Okeke Ifeoma who is the syndicate’s stash keeper; Ikechebelu Chibuzor; Okorie Onyedikachi; Okonkwo Nnabugo; and Okafor Anita.

In a related development, another drug syndicate operated by a Chinese man, 58-year-old Tianzhen Yen (alias Jackie) has been dismantled by NDLEA operatives following his arrest at his hotel in Ikeja area of Lagos. Officers of the Seme Special Area Command of the agency had last Thursday intercepted a 40-year-old suspect, Yakubu Mark in a commercial bus going to Ghana at the Gbaji checkpoint along Badagry-Seme Expressway based on credible intelligence.

Babafemi said when he was searched, a total of 750 grammes of cocaine were found in his bag. A swift follow up operation was organised to trace and arrest the kingpin behind the trans-border drug trafficking syndicate, who turned out to be a Chinese citizen, Tianzhen Yen.

He was eventually traced to MC Hotel behind Alade market, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos. When his hotel room was searched, 4.3 grammes of cocaine; a gramme of methamphetamine; two electronic weighing scales; and Chinese National Identification Number Card, among other exhibits were recovered while he was arrested in the vicinity of the hotel.

At the Tincan seaport in Lagos, NDLEA operatives last Friday intercepted 92 parcels of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis with a combined weight of 23.25 kilogrammes concealed in two vehicles imported from Canada: a Nissan car and a GMC bus. The discovery was made during a joint examination of a container from Canada by NDLEA officers, men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other stakeholders.

In Rivers state, NDLEA operatives at the Port Harcourt Ports complex, Onne last Thursday intercepted two containers of imported opioids during a joint examination with men of Customs Service and other security agencies.

He said a total of 168,000 bottles of codeine based syrup worth about N1.2 billion in street value were recovered from one of the containers while the second one contained 4.5 million pills of super royal tramadol 225mg valued at about N3.2 billion bringing the combined value of both the codeine and tramadol consignments to over N4.3 billion.

In Ekiti state, NDLEA operatives on Sunday 17th November arrested a 50-year-old physically challenged woman, Mustapha Boja, with 286 grammes of Colorado and Loud strains of cannabis at Araromi street, Ikere-Ekiti, while 64 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa recovered at Akinyele motor park, Ibadan, Oyo state last Thursday.

Not less than 1,200.5 kilogrammes of same psychoactive substance were seized during raids by NDLEA officers in parts of Edo state. At Utese forest in Ovia North East local government area, 463.5 kilogrammes was recovered last Thursday; while 507 kilogrammes was seized at a compound in Owan village, Ovia local government area where the duo of David Ederin, 60, and Afoje Frank, 24, were arrested on Friday 22nd November. Another suspect, Godwin Okhoya, 40, was nabbed with 230 kilogrammes of same substance at Okpuje, Owan West local government area.

In Kano, four suspects: Usman Sani, 25; Abdul Mohammed, 28; Bunu Ali, 27; and Umar Musa, 30, were last Tuesday arrested by NDLEA operatives at Gadar Tamburawa, Zaria- Kano road, with 100 blocks of cannabis weighing 45 kilogrammes while Ayuba Zaranda, 55, was nabbed with 124 kilogrammes cannabis at Pengana village, Toro local government area, Bauchi state.

Babafemi said with the same vigour, commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitisation activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

Meanwhile, while commending the officers and men of AIIA, SIU,Tincan, Onne, Seme, Ekiti, Oyo, Kano, Bauchi, and Edo commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.

 

 

 Isheri Olofin: Who Is Afraid of the Oba-elect?

By Lanre Olaleye

Isheri-Olofin, an ancient Awori town tucked in the centre of modern civilization in Egbe Idimu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State is currently troubled following the demise of Oba Ayinde Wahab Balogun at the ripe age of 95 years.

For almost two years after the passage of the nonagenarian monarch on February 8^th 2022, the town has been without a king with controversy trailing the selection of a new king as candidates are locked in fierce battle for the throne.

Though, Isheri Olofin has had its own fair share of tussles among princes to the throne like other Awori towns and communities but that of Isheri stool seems more intensed. The Onisheri of Isheri stool carries a more influential toga as the monarch by custom and tradition of the ancient town is the major land owner. “The king exercise authority far above everything including land. Hence, who so ever becomes king exercise absolute authority and control on all lands in Isheri. And this is why the battle for the throne has become fierce among the candidates,” a source confided in The Snoop during a recent visit to the town.

Poignantly, such absolute authority played out during the reign of the late Oba Balogun when he became the only land owner in Isheri as no family exercise ownership of any land in the town. In the process, Oba Balogun became more influential and wealthy, profiting mostly from the sale of land across the length and breadth of the town, 

The sale of land soon became a legacy for the Balogun Family as his first son, Prince Idris Balogun a.k.a Oluomo Kafata successfully rode on his father’s influence to annex acres of lands in the community. With his deep pocket, he became a fearsome terror, terrorizing the community with thugs and miscreants recruited to do his biddings. However, the untimely demise of his father meant Oluomo is about to lose his influence with a new king ascending the throne.

But the fiery prince has chosen to dine with the devil by seeking to influence his own choice, Prince Hakeem Akanji Ogundeyi as the new king as against the choice of the Kingmakers who had selected Prince Ibrahim Olasunkanmi Lawal-Bello from the Olanwa Ruling House as the Oba-elect of Ishreri-Olofin town.

Indeed, the emergence of Prince Lawal-Bello followed a rigorous selection process instituted by the Kingmakers in accordance with the guidelines of the Chieftaincy Law of Lagos State. As custom demands, the Ifa Oracle was consulted and Prince Lawal-Bello was most favoured among the contestants. He beat four other contestants which include Prince Hakeem Akanji Ogundeyi, Prince Atobatele Adebowale Ojunnu, Prince Sulaiman Raji Adebiyi and Prince Lukman Jaiyeola Adebiyi. Nine Kingmakers took part in the election out of which five voted in his favour, three others voted for Ogundeyi while one voted for another candidate.  

 

But the emergence of the Oba-elect did not go down well with the embattled Oluomo  who allegedly plotted schemes to thwart the installation of the new king. He in connivance with the Regeant of the town and his brother, Chief Biliaminu Kolawole Balogun made a counter announcement of Prince Hakeem Ogundeyi as the new king much to the chagrin of the entire community.

But Kingmakers rejected the subterfuge imposition by denouncing Ogundeyi’s choice through a letter addressed to the Executive Chairman of Egbe/Idimu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon.Kunle Sanyaolu Olowoopejo stating emphatically that Prince Ibrahim Olasunkanmi Lawal-Bello remain the authentic Oba-elect.

The development prompted the council boss to send out circular for fresh election to be conducted among the Kingmakers at the council secretariat on December 13^th 2023 to choose the new king. However, a day before the election, it was reportedly cancelled indefinitely due to ‘security report’. Sources say the council chairman reportedly bowed to pressure from powerful forces as Prince Lawal-Bello was certain to gain the Kingmakers approval if the election was to hold again.

After much persuasion from prominent indigenes and critical stakeholders across the state, Hon. Olowoopejo eventually bowed to good reasoning by forwarding a letter recognizing Prince Lawal-Bello as the Oba-elect to the Ministry of Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Matters and Rural Development for further action. This came as a rude shock as Prince Ogundeyi backed by the late Oba’s son, Idris Balogun headed to the court to stop Prince Olasunkanmi Ibrahim Lawal-Bello from being installed as the new monarch of Isheri-Olofin Kingdom.

 The current litigation over the royal stool has, therefore, negatively impacted on the socio-economy of the town as both indigenes and non-indigenes have become restive as hired thugs continue to unleash terror on those opposed to the choice of Prince Ogundeyi. Many have been arrested and detained by the police while opponents have been forced to flee the town for fear of being attacked by hired thugs.

However, some residents spoken to by our correspondent during a recent visit to the town, however, remained calm and hopeful that truth will eventually prevail over falsehood. “We have chosen to remain patient and calm if that is the prize we have to pay for freedom from slavery. Prince Lawal-Bello is our new king; the Oracle said so and we all want him. We are prepared to wait for him to be pronounced as the rightful king of Isheri-Olofin Kingdom,” says Muftau Obanibashiri, a carpenter in the town.

Other residents, however, appealed to the state Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu  to show keen interest in the selection of a new king to maintain peace and bring development to the town.

 

  Finnish Court Detains Biafan Warlord, Simon Ekpa

Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian municipal politician, has been detained by the Päijät-Häme District Court on probable cause for incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. The alleged offense occurred in Lahti on 23 August, 2021.

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is also seeking the detention of four additional men on terrorism-related charges.

Ekpa, who has represented Finland's National Coalition Party (NCP) in local roles, currently serves on Lahti's public transport committee. He is also known for leading a separatist group in Nigeria advocating for the establishment of an independent Biafran state in the country's southeast.

According to the NBI, Ekpa is suspected of using his leadership position in a Nigerian separatist group to promote actions that have led to violence against civilians and authorities in south eastern Nigeria. These efforts are believed to have been coordinated from Finland, including through Ekpa's social media channels.

"This activity has been carried out, among other means, via social media channels," said Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen in a statement.

The NBI stated that its investigation focuses on a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, suspected of publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent. The police also suspect four other individuals of financing terrorism. All five were apprehended earlier this week.

Among the suspects, Ekpa resides in the Lahti region, while two others have addresses in Helsinki. One suspect has no registered address in Finland.

History of controversy

Ekpa has previously been implicated in criminal activities. In 2023, Finnish police detained him on suspicion of fundraising fraud but released him later the same evening.

Ekpa's separatist activism has drawn global attention, particularly his calls to boycott Nigerian elections.

"No elections will be held! Nigerian elections will not be allowed in Biafran territory in 2023," he declared in a video on social media.

Ekpa has also publicly justified the use of violence.

"I support violence against Nigerian government forces. This is self-defence. They constantly attack us and have committed numerous war crimes. We have no choice but to defend ourselves," he stated.

Party responds

​​NCP Secretary Timo Elo declined to comment on Ekpa's possible membership of the party.

"We never say who is and who isn't our member. That is confidential information," Elo told Yle.

Elo did however say that if a member of the party was suspected of terrorism offences, that would likely lead to their expulsion.

According to Elo, Ekpa's role on the public transport commission, for example, should be assessed locally.

 

2027: I Am Qualified, Ex-Lagos Governors Not Better Than Me - Obasa

Obasa clarified that his primary goal was to help advance the APC through the Mandate group, emphasising that his ambition to become governor was secondary.

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has stated that he's qualified to be Governor of Lagos state.

This is as he attacked those claiming that he's not qualified to become the Governor of Lagos State.

Speaking after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented his ₦3 trillion budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year, Obasa addressed allegations from political opponents who had misconstrued his efforts to promote the All Progressives Congress (APC) as part of a personal agenda to run for the governorship in 2027.

Obasa clarified that his primary goal was to help advance the APC through the Mandate Group, emphasising that his ambition to become governor was secondary.

However, he reaffirmed that he was fully qualified for the position.

“May I use this medium to sensitise us more on the need to build and sustain our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), regarding our focus for 2027. We need to continue to mobilise people just as I do frequently,” Obasa said.

He continued, “I have made it a personal task to mobilise people on the platform of Mandate, which has been misconstrued by some political detractors as being a selfish aspiration on the ground for me to become governor of the state. There is the need, however, to correct this wrong impression. My concern is about building our party, and whatever we do is mainly for this cause.”

Addressing his critics directly, Obasa stated, “To the blackmailers who have embarked on the mission to distort and redefine our mission, let me state it unequivocally here, our intention is to promote our party on the platform of Mandate.”

He added, “Also, becoming governor is secondary; it is something that I have not given serious consideration. Nevertheless, that does not mean I am too young or lack experience to run; whereas, those who have been before me are not better off.”

Obasa also took the opportunity to counter claims from critics who had suggested that he sought to validate his candidacy by paying for a blood relation in Ojo.

 

“Of course, I have never denied the fact that I am OBASA,” he said. “But rather, I have never claimed to be related to Onikoyi, Oniru, or any of the other popular Lagos families as the case may be. I can indeed never run from the fact that I am related to my Obasa family in Ojo. But I do not need local validity to contest or run. If eventually I am contesting, I will do so from Agege!”

The Speaker further emphasised that, under democracy, the legislative arm of government must remain independent.

“This House, of course, recognises this and will always be so, even though we work hand-in-hand with other arms of government. It is also important to state here that this House is a sanctuary and temple, just like every other temple anywhere where we all worship.”

Obasa warned, “No one will violate any temple and expect the gods to accept his or her sacrifice. And if such happens, there must be an appease to the gods to accept such atonement. No amount of intimidation or coercion will disintegrate or change the belief of all the members of this institution!”

He assured Governor Sanwo-Olu that the House would carefully scrutinise the budget, as is customary, but also made it clear that the legislature would remain resolute in its role. “We will never be disgraced, abused or ridiculed in the name of creating a seamless working ambiance.”

Obasa concluded with a proverb, saying, “Let me also emphasise that those who live in glass houses must not throw stones as the saying goes. This also brings to my mind, according to our people: eni ba yara logun ngbe. Meaning, the god of iron recognises the swift ones. In other words, those who are facilitating or planning to interfere in this House or destroy the cohesion of this institution should also be prepared for the same fate.”

 

 

Simon Ekpa  Arrested In Finland 

Self-acclaime9d Prime Minister of Biafra Government in exile, Mr Simon Ekpa and four others, have been arrested by Finnish government over terror-related activities. 

“International cooperation has been carried out during the preliminary investigation,” the statement added

Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa and four other individuals have been arrested in Finland over terror-related activities.

In a Thursday statement published on its website, the Central Criminal Police in Finland said it arrested five persons on suspicion of terrorist crimes

The police said the main suspect was arrested “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent”, while four others were arrested “for financing a terrorist crime

The police added: “Claims will be heard in Päijät-Häme district court today, November 21.”

The statement reads, “The detention demands are related to the preliminary investigation, in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian background, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

The statement quoted the head of the investigation, Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen from the Central Crime Police as saying that “the man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels”.

“Four other persons are suspected of financing the aforementioned activity. All five suspects of the crime have been arrested during the beginning of the week.

 

Lack Of Education Almost Ruined Me

- Olajumoke the Bread Seller

Bread seller turned model Olajumoke Orisaguna popularly known as Olajumoke Onibread has shared her struggles after years of hiatus from the public.

Olajumoke shared her journey during a press conference organised by the Cardinal Foundation led by Doja Allen, CEO of City 105.1 FM on Wednesday in Ikeja, Lagos.

The event which also had Azuka Ogujiuba of Mediaroomhub, OAP Ibukun Adeoye and TVC MD Morayo Afolabi-Brown in attendance marked Olajumoke’s official announcement of her comeback.

Olajumoke who rose to fame after being discovered by photographer TY Bello in 2016, recounted how she made critical mistakes that strained her relationships with her benefactors, including Azuka.

“I have suffered a lot,” she confessed.

“But I thank Azuka and TY Bello for not giving up on me. My advice to those coming behind me is to work hard and never bite the finger that feeds them. I made many mistakes, but I’ve learned my lessons and want others to learn from my story.”

She described how her decision to leave Azuka’s mentorship for a new manager, Victoria led to financial mismanagement and exploitation.

According to Olajumoke, Victoria handled all her earnings, often underpaid her and left her struggling despite lucrative modeling gigs.

“I want to be educated. If I was educated my former handler Victoria wouldn’t have taken advantage of me the way she did.

“If we got a job, she was the one that would tell me how much was to be paid. I didn’t know anything. I had a lawyer who was supposed to help me but things just didn’t go well.

“I travelled to South Africa for Soweto Fashion Week and was paid a lot of money. I didn’t know exactly how much but Victoria just told me we were travelling. I was happy but when we returned from the trip, Victoria said I would pay for my accommodation, return ticket and feeding in South Africa

'She gave me just N200,000 naira at the end of the trip. We travelled to South Africa for another trip and Victoria only gave me N50,000 naira. I accepted it because I didn’t know how much I was actually paid by the organisers of the event we went for.

“I finally realised she was not helping me, but setting me back. I had two children to cater for. When the two-year contract I signed with her ended, I told her I wasn’t working with her again and she should give me my Instagram account password but she refused.

“I told Azuka about it and she assured me we would get the Instagram account from Victoria but still refused.”

“If I had been educated, I wouldn’t have fallen victim to people taking advantage of me. Parents should ensure their children go to school. Whatever you do, let your children be educated because that’s why we struggle.”

She also expressed gratitude to her supporters, particularly the renowned TY Bello who played a pivotal role in her rise to fame.

After reconciling with Azuka, Olajumoke has been given another chance to rebuild her career. Azuka revealed that despite warnings from colleagues, she chose to forgive Olajumoke and help her restart her life.

“When she apologised, many advised me not to take her back, but she had already earned a place in my heart. Everyone makes mistakes,” Azuka said.

Through Azuka’s connections, Olajumoke is currently interning at City 105.1 FM where she is preparing to host her show, Kílón Shéle.

Born in 1989 in Osun State, Olajumoke worked as a hairstylist before moving to Lagos to sell bread and support her family.

While she was working in Lagos, she was caught in the background of a picture taken by TY Bello while she was photographing the British rapper Tinie Tempah.

While later reviewing and editing the images she had taken, Bello decided that Olajumoke had potential as a model.

 Isolo Throne: Assembly Intervention Suffers Setback

. As Committee Advises Litigants To Withdraw Case From Court

The intervention of the Lagos State House of Assembly in the lingering Isolo throne crisis has suffered setback.

The Snoop gathered yesterday that the House Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Matters and Rural Development which is tasked with the responsibility of unravelling the selection process of a new Oba could not proceed with its deliberation upon revelation that the matter is currently a subject of litigation at the Ikeja Division of the Lagos High Court.

Committee Chairman, Hon Sanni Okanlawon who briefed the Kingmakers expressed his disappointment that the committee's commitment to resolve the matter is being hampered by litigation.

He reportedly promised his committee would reach out to litigants with a view to advising them to withdraw the matter from the court as a first step towards resolving the matter.

He maintained the committee cannot continue with the matter for fear of prejudice adding that once the matter is free of litigation, it then become easy to intervene.

Hon. Sanni said the invitation of the Kingmakers to appear before the committee came in response to a petition written by right aggrieved candidates to the vacant throne of Isolo Kingdom.

The petitioners had alleged lack of transparency in the selection process; no consultation of candidates before the rumoured selection and non-adherence to traditional rites and due consultation.

The petitioners therefore request the House to disregard the selected candidate; the Kingmakers should retract statement suggesting a candidate had been selected even as a fresh selection process involving all the candidates should be conducted.

The petitioners include Saheed Adekunle Aregbe, Shakiru Adeola Sadiq, Alhaji Kolawole Goloba, Prince Kazeem Faronbi, Chief Ganiu Mustapha O, Prince Yahya Lawal-Arowooye, Aremo Abeeb Adeshina Faronbi and Moroof Ajala Goloba.

Dr Adesegun Agbabiaka who led the Kingmakers to the Assembly said he embraced any peaceful move to resolve the matter even as he posited that the Kingmakers had done a thorough job in accordance to the guidelines of the Lagos State Chieftaincy Law.

It would be recalled that one of the aggrieved candidates Prince Saheed Adekunle Aregbe and some members of the Alagbeji Royal Family had sued the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olushola Sanwo-olu and seven other defendants including Prince Jimmy Adetokunbo Yekini-Goloba over an alleged shoddy selection process to the throne of Isolo Kingdom.

 

 

Ogun 2027: Yayi Walking On A Tight Rope?

. As Egbas Lay Claim To Governorship

By Lanre Olaleye

Despite his overwhelming popularity, Ogun West senator, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola may be walking a tight rope in his ambition to win the state governorship election in 2027.

Since his incursion into the political space more than two decades ago, Senator Adeola has consistently won competitive parliamentary elections at state and federal levels across two states on six consecutive occasions. To political analysts, that is no fluke by any standard as only a few politicians in Nigeria can boast of such variegated and progressive political success and across states acceptability.

As political scheming and calculations are gradually tilting towards the 2027 governorship elections in Ogun State, Senator Adeola’s name has continued to reverberate across the political landscape of the state as the most likely successor to Gov. Dapo Abiodun.

 Yayi as he is fondly called by his admirers seems to have what it takes to become governor in 2027. A fat financial war chest, an octane political connection and outstanding popularity seem to place him in good stead to realize this ambition.

Expectedly, Yayi would throw his hat into the gubernatorial ring as a bonafide son of Ilaro in Ogun West Senatorial District, the only senatorial district yet to produce an elected governor since the creation of the state on February 3^rd 1976. This singular sentiment is gravitating the whole of Ogun West to a first ever governorship slot in the history of the state and they are rooting for Yayi to make this happen in 2027.

However, this dream appears daunting as Ogun Central predominantly populated by the Egbas are reportedly mounting a spirited opposition that would upset the political arithmetic leading to the governorship poll in 2027. The Snoop exclusively gathered from multiple sources that the Egbas are keen on producing the next governor come 2027. Their quest for power to return to the centre, according to sources is premised on the claim that power oscillates between Ogun Central (Egbas) and Ogun East (Ijebu/Remo) in democratic dispensation. They ventilate their position on the fact that Ogun East has produced three governors in Olabisi Onabanjo, Gbenga Daniel and now Dapo Abiodun while Ogun Central have had two governors in Olusegun Osoba and Ibikunle Amosun, positing that power should naturally return to the centre after Gov. Dapo Abiodun completes his two terms.

Shedding light on the development, a source close to Egba power-brokers who pleaded anonymity said it is not a misnomer for the Egbas to produce the next governor in 2927. ‘We all know that power rotates only between the Egbas and the Ijebu/Remo. Yewa/Awori are not part of the power blocs and that is why no one has ever emerged as governor from that bloc,’ our source begins.

‘From inception, the Egbados (Yewa) were part of Egba until they broke away from Egba for fear of being dominated. Then, they decided to stand alone as Yewa/Awori. But they are not politically strong enough to become power-brokers in Ogun State because that would upset the power sharing formula between the Egbas and the Ijebu/Remo which has been sustained since the birth of democratic governance in Ogun State.’

Continuing, our source added: ‘The Ijebu/Remo were almost faced with similar problem in the past when Remo people agitated for self-determination in power sharing but they quickly aligned with the Ijebus and since then Remo has produced two governors (Gbenga Daniel and Dapo Abiodun) from the Ijebu power bloc.

‘I honestly expect the Yewa/Awori people to tow the same line with Remo if they ever want to produce governor unless the Egbas accommodate them to become part of them.  Otherwise, the Yewa/Awori governorship dream is dead on arrival because it is not happening. The Egba cannot wait for another eight years to produce governor’, our source maintained.

He further disclosed that the Egbas have patiently waited for eight years to taste power again after the Ijebu/Remo complete their own share of power rotation. ‘Hence, the Egbas are vigorously pursuing the Egba Agenda come 2027,’ he posited.

To realize their ambition, the Egbas are reportedly searching for their best candidate from among the array of top politicians in their midst across the seven local governments areas of Ogun Central senatorial district. Notable names being touted include the current Ogun Central senator, Sen. Shuaibu Afolabi Salisu; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and current Minister for Finance, Wale Edun.

Among the possible choices, Shuaib Afolabi Salisu and Olawale Edun’s name reverberate more t among the likely contenders. A surprise inclusion, Afolabi Salisu is the senator representing Ogun Central District in the Upper Legislative House. He served as the immediate past Chief of Staff to Gov. Abiodun, holding the second most powerful position after the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi.

He secured his senate seat on the strength of his close relationship with Gov. Abiodun. Speculation suggests he may well become the next Governor on the same strenght. He has reportedly maintained extraordinary closeness and loyalty to the Governor, even after transitioning to the senate. His unwavering loyalty, coupled with the fact that he hails from a high-voter area which expectedly would produce Gov. Abiodun’s successor, is said to be working in his favour.

 Aside being a prince from Ake, Abeokuta, Wale Edun, former Lagos State Commissioner for Finance and the current Minister for Finance is the most influential and a key member of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. A member of the inner caucus and remains the highest ranking political office holder from Ogun State. Many top politicians in the state are reportedly inclined to support the Ake prince due to his closeness to the president whom they believe  may likely support his governorship ambition. 

Though, yet to officially signify his intention to vie for the governorship seat in 2027, close watchers revealed that he has begun surreptitious political moves ahead of the 2027 governorship election by holding strategic consultative meetings with stakeholders from Ogun Central senatorial district.        

Expectedly, the ambitious scheming from these prominent Egba sons is facing strong opposition from likely quarters as Ilaro-born former Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Gov. Olusegun Olusegun Osoba and Chief of Staff to Senator Yayi, Chief Kayode Odunaro has vehemently opposed the suggestion of ceding the governorship to Ogun Central. In an exclusive interview with The Snoop, the trained journalist dissuade the notion that power only rotates between the Egbas and Ijebu/Remo, noting that it is a fact of history that Yewa/Awori have been largely short changed since the inception of democratic rule in the state.

’From the first democratic administration of Chief Olabisi Onabanjo to Chief Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and now, Prince Oladapo Abiodun, ultimate political power in Ogun State since its creation have oscillated between the two aforementioned senatorial districts and their major ethnic configuration of Egbas, Ijebus and Remos to the exclusion of Ogun West senatorial district of Yewa and Awori,’ he begins.

Chief Odunaro declared such arrangement is unjust and unequitable and detrimental to equal development across the state. ‘I will out rightly state that it is an unjust and inequitable situation that something must be done to redress urgently in the over 48 years history of Ogun State. And of course, the situation has its implication for the uneven development of the state as a whole and the underdevelopment of Ogun West in particular. For the state, it is clear that whatever development the fact of political leaderships has conferred on the two ruling senatorial districts, is detracted by the low-level development of the remaining senatorial district.

‘More like a man keeping his courtyard and living rooms clean while the kitchen and backyard is left in a state of squalor. The total outlook is negative for such a household. Holistic development of all parts of Ogun State is ultimately in the interest of all Ogun State indigenes and the earlier power is allowed to rotate among all the senatorial districts and its people the better for its development and the sense of equity, fair play and justice,’ He declared.

Despite past failures and conspiracies, Chief Odunaro is however optimistic Yewa/Awori’s clamour for governorship is more realistic now than ever before. He insisted that the desire of the current administration to remedy decades of political injustices would make it imperative for power to shift to Ogun West in 2027. ‘The possible desire of the party leadership at the national level to redress decades of political injustice among its member states will work in our favour. The calculation here for the party is to be seen as a party of equity and justice for its members. It is therefore not inconceivable for all political parties to decide that for equity and justice sake, the governorship ticket should be ceded to Yewa and Awori aspirants after almost five decades since the creation of the state.’

He continued: ‘The ruling political party in the state and at the national level, All Progressives Congress, (APC) are likely to buy this argument not only for its justifiability and equity but its electoral value and calculations. From the records, this was one of the major considerations of the party in the recently conducted and won election in Edo State. The candidate of APC that won the election and now sworn in as Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo was chosen for the simple reason of redressing an albatross in the power equation of Edo State as his senatorial district has been shut out of the power equation for decades. Ogun state happens to be about the only state in Nigeria that is afflicted with this albatross and it is realistic to think that come 2027, the situation will be remedied.’   

In similar vein, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ado Odo-Ota constituency, Hon. Tunji Akinosi, has warned political leaders from Yewa/Awori in Ogun West Senatorial district against what he called monolithic agenda and divisive politics.

He blamed repeated failures of the region in the past governorship elections on divisive politics, urging political leaders to purge themselves from the same tendencies if Ogun West must break the jinx in the next election.

Akinosi in a press statement reportedly said this while speaking as a guest at Yewa Day 2024, in London. The former commissioner for Forestry also called for caution against the impression that the Awori people have no ambition to become governor in 2027.

While alluding to the imperative of Ogun West producing its first governor since the creation of Ogun State, he called for a genuine and inclusive process in identifying and delivering such a person.

The federal legislator gave a historical trajectory of the plagued Ogun West governorship agenda starting from 2011, and said it will amount to repeated failure if the approach is not reviewed.

He highlighted how the divisive politics among the Yewas had botched the plan that would have easily been achieved a long time ago. Akinosi therefore warned towing the same path ahead of 2027, no matter what is invested, would not deliver a different result.

He said, ‘If the Yewas are genuinely concerned about the Ogun West agenda and its development, it must start with jettisoning the idea that only they can represent the Ogun West governorship agenda.’

The lawmaker said the Aworis, which he represents, have not sat or signed with anyone or having no ambition to occupy the seat in 2027. He further suggested that ‘an ethno political agenda such as this starts with unity and cooperation from home and a more nuanced understanding and participation across the board.’

This, he added, must involve and include the traditional leaders, the politicians, professionals, and other critical and key players in the Ogun West region.