Leadership Crisis: Lagos Assembly Absolves Remi Tinubu of Involvement, , Meets With APC Excos

By Dansu Peter 

The Lagos State House of Assembly has strongly denied any involvement of Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in the ongoing leadership crisis within the legislative body.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the House spokesperson, Olukayode Ogundipe, the lawmakers distanced the President's wife from speculation suggesting she was backing the ousted Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.

"The Lagos State House of Assembly categorically dissociates all its members from this false and baseless claim. The report is purely a fabrication and has no basis in truth,” the statement read.

The lawmakers emphasized their deep respect for the First Lady, acknowledging her past role as First Lady of Lagos State and her current contributions to national development.

"It is, therefore, inconceivable that any member of the Assembly would accuse her of involvement in legislative matters or seek to tarnish her reputation. We firmly state that the First Lady has no role in any internal disagreements within the House. Any attempt to link her to these issues is entirely unfounded,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, some lawmakers on Tuesday met with the executives of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to provide updates on the situation in the Assembly.

The State Chairman of the APC, Cornelius Ojelabi, confirmed the meeting in a post on X, stating that the party’s State Working Committee received members of the Assembly to discuss recent developments.

Speaking further, the party's Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, described the meeting as a routine briefing.

"It was just a courtesy visit to brief the party about what’s happening at the House, nothing more than that. And whatever is going on in the House, our position remains that it has to be resolved by the House,” Oladejo stated in a telephone interview.

The Lagos Assembly’s firm stance on the issue aims to quell any misinformation and reaffirm its autonomy in handling internal matters.

47 Rifles, other Cache of Arms Discovered in Ex-Speaker Obasa's Office by DSS - Photos

By Our Reporter 

A significant cache of firearms has been reportedly discovered in the office of the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, following a security sweep conducted by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), multiple media reports have claimed 

According to Street Journal, the shocking find comes just a day after heightened tensions at the Assembly complex, with the presence of DSS operatives fueling speculation. According to insider sources, security personnel conducting routine checks stumbled upon a stockpile of weapons, including 47 pump-action rifles and live cartridges, carefully concealed within the ex-Speaker’s office.

Following the discovery, the security team promptly alerted the DSS, who swiftly intervened, documented the firearms, and secured them for further forensic analysis. Emerging images depict DSS operatives cataloging the weapons, sparking widespread speculation regarding their intended use, report by TheNigerian Voice detailed 

According to National Daily, assembly insiders suggest that the revelation casts new light on Obasa’s apparent desperation to retain his position, raising concerns over possible illicit activities linked to his tenure. A senior Assembly official disclosed that the former Speaker’s Chief Security Officer, Baruwa Idris Okeowo, a retired service officer, oversaw security operations in the office, further deepening the intrigue surrounding the cache.

The discovery has triggered speculation that Obasa may have been involved in arms trafficking, as no reasonable explanation has yet been provided for the presence of such a substantial arsenal in a political office.

“We now understand why he was so determined to reclaim his seat. There appears to be unfinished business that was disrupted by his removal,” an Assembly insider stated. Another source raised the question of whether Obasa had been preparing for a forceful return to power, with concerns mounting over the possibility of additional weapon stockpiles at his private residence.

Security operatives are now probing potential accomplices, as it is suspected that the former Speaker may not have acted alone. “The DSS must not only investigate the presence of these weapons but also uncover the network behind them,” a senior security source emphasized.

A lawmaker, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the investigation, expressed alarm over the implications of the discovery. “This is an unprecedented scandal for the Lagos State House of Assembly. The public must demand accountability, and we hope this case will not be buried by political interference.”

The lawmaker further suggested that the presidency is unlikely to support Obasa’s actions, stating, “We believe President Bola Tinubu does not endorse his excesses. This discovery underscores the scale of what we are dealing with.”

Although the DSS has yet to release an official statement, reports indicate that the seized firearms remain in custody, and a formal inquiry is underway. However, concerns persist that influential figures may attempt to obstruct the investigation.

“This is a valid concern,” a source close to the investigation admitted. “But we must acknowledge the professionalism of some security personnel who refuse to compromise their integrity. The truth will eventually come to light.”

AYF condemns malicious attack on NSA, Ribadu

By Jumoke Owoola 

The Arewa Youth Federation, AYF has strongly condemned the malicious and Vicious Media Attack against the person of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu

The AYF President, Kabir Matazu said the Unfounded, Mindless and Vicious Media Attack and Campaign of Calumny Against NSA, Nuhu Ribadu by Politicians is because they are not happy with the progress recorded in terms of tackling insecurity in Nigeria.

"By targeting Nuhu Ribadu, the failed Politicians aim to divert attention from the tremendous gain recorded in the fight against terrorism and banditry in order to create a bad narrative against the government of President Tinubu in the build up to 2027 election.

"Some unpatriotic elements are also investing in hybrid information warfare characterised by disinformation and outright falsehood against the person and character of the NSA whose integrity is legendary and second to none in the history of public officers in Nigeria.

"In this regard, the Arewa Youth Federation call on the NSA to remain focus and dedicated to achieving the President Tinubu agenda of fighting insecurity and ensuring stability in Nigeria. He should not give in to detractors and desperate political actors who seek to burn Nigeria in order to achieve their political objectives.

"The Nigerian people must remain vigilant and discerning and reject the divisive tactics of these unpatriotic politicians who are hellbent in undermining the country's progress" he said

15years After, CSO Seeks Probe Report, Prosecution of Asabe Waziri Over Death Of Pregnant Woman

By Dansu Peter 

A civil society organisation, Justice and Equality For All Movement has staged a peaceful protest to the Federal High Court, Abuja, to demand the release of a probe report and prosecution of Ms Asabe Waziri, over the death of a pregnant woman, Mrs Shitua Aso. 

The movement, led by Barrister Moses, Aham Akano, said the incident which took place in 2010 cannot be statue barred. 

He said it's a criminal matter amd the long arm of the law is always ready to catch up with anyone that runs foul of the law. 

We are here to call on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun to release an investigative report of the  murder allegedly committed by one Asabe Waziri in 2011.

"According to the letter of demand for the report written to the IGP,  we are asking the him to release its investigative report on the matter.  

"We have as long asked the court to order the IGP to release police report on the matter. 

"Apart from being in court, we also want to bring the attention of the public to this because for 15years, family of the late Shitua Aso, who was pregnant at the time of the! Incident needs justice.  

"We are in court to ensure the law takes its course and to get justice for the late pregnant woman, Shitua Aso.  We are in court to follow the legal way to mandate the police to release its investigative report which was carried out 15years ago. We are saying justice must be done because an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. 

"Asabe Waziri should not frustrate the process of the court with her application to join in the matter. What we need is justice for late Shitua Aso, who was pregnant at the time of her death. 

"Nigerias are crying, the world is crying amd all we want is justice. The case is not statue bar, we are crying for justice for the late pregnant woman".

In May 2024, Global Integrity Crusade Network, GICN, also wrote the IGP, asking for the report saying the investigation in the matter must not be swept under the carpet.

The petition, signed by the Publicity Secretary of GICN, Leticia Omeiza, stated that failure of the police to make public the report, GICN shall institute an action in court to compel the IGP to release the report.

According to GICN, the case should be re-open for the family of the victim to get justice.

Parts of the petition reads, “Research took us to the National Library of Nigeria where we uncovered a story tagged “Woman hit with car by opponent” on Page 57 of the Sunday Trust newspaper dated 30th May. 2010. Certified True Copy (CTC) of the newspaper is attached as APPENDIX 1.

According to the story, a woman named Mrs. Shitua Aso had accompanied her sister Mrs. Nonto Ogunyinka to the FCT Police Command, Garki 2, Abuja in a controversy involving Mrs. Ogunyinka and one Miss Asabe Waziri. It was reported that Police had settled the dispute between Mrs. Ogunyinka and Miss Asabe Waziri, whereupon both women left with the intention of going to their respective houses but exchanged unpleasant remarks along the stairway.

Binance Allegations Provide Evidence or Face Consequences- Agbese

By Dansu Peter 

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives and Honourable member representing Ado. Okpokwu and Ogbadibo federal constituency of Benue State, Philip Agbese has told the finance executives to provide evidences of the 150 million dollars bribe he and two other lawmakers demanded from them or face the consequences.

Agbese in a statement he personally issued and signed in Abuja said he was outraged by the false allegations made by Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of the controversial crypto firm Binance, claiming that he was among those who demanded a $150 million bribe from him. 

Agbese said the allegations are false.

"I  was not part of any meeting with any Binance executive regarding money for any purpose. The leadership of the Committee took the matter to court, and Binance has already apologized.

"Let it be on record that I am not a member of the Committee on Economic and Financial Crimes. I visited my colleague, Hon. Peter Ankpanke, in his office, where he was meeting with some visitors about an activity of his Committee, with Hon. Peter Anakwe, a member of the Committee present. We exchanged pleasantries and, in character with my person as an avid pursuer of knowledge, discussed Binance's activities that did not include any demand from anyone. 

"It was during this visit to the office of Hon. Peter Ankpanke, with Hon. Peter Anekwe present, that he told me they were interfacing with Binance Team from abroad over a referral to their Committee. What transpired between the two of them and the Binance executive after I left the office is left to them. I never saw those visitors again after that chance meeting and did not afterwards attend any meeting with Binance executives, the EFCC, or the DSS. 

"I am aware that when this issue was first raised, the Chairman of the Committee went to court and Binance apologised. So, all inquiries should be directed to the Committee, not to Hon. Philip Agbese. 

" I have never used any cryptocurrency as I do not have a crypto wallet anywhere in the world, so I could not have asked for funds to be credited to a non-existent wallet.

"Gambaryan and his associate, who escaped from prison, should return to the EFCC and defend themselves. Instead of trying to implicate me, they should focus on addressing the allegations against them.

As a consequence of the foregoing, I demand that Tigran Gambaryan publishes any evidence that links Hon. Philip Agbese to the issue. The man has spewed many other lies in his report about the government demanding information on opposition elements and other outrageous claims.  I further demand that, failing to provide evidence as stated, Tigran Gambaryan must cause a retraction of his malicious claims and publication and apologise to me within the next 7 days or face legal action from my lawyers.

"This is not the first allegation against me by a foreign entity. The first was that I work for the past government and the Armed Forces to promote Nigeria’s agenda, which shows the extent of desperation by entities that are interested in undermining public office holders they perceive as nationalistic" he said

Cardoso's Women Scandals: A Tale of Two Most Powerful Women Consultants Who Earn More Than 15 CBN Directors Combined With Impunity

By Our Reporter

A storm is brewing within the hallowed halls of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), one that has set tongues wagging and raised eyebrows in disbelief. At the heart of this tempest is Governor Olayemi Cardoso and two women whose unchecked influence and staggering earnings have turned the nation’s apex bank into a stage for financial impunity.

Meet Nkiru Balonwu and Daphne Dafinone, two consultants whose monthly take-home pay eclipses the combined salaries of more than 15 CBN directors. Their extraordinary remuneration and unprecedented access to power have left career bureaucrats sidelined and senior officials grumbling in frustration.

A New Power Structure in the CBN

When Cardoso assumed office on September 22, 2023, he brought with him—or was quickly joined by—these two influential women. Since then, they have entrenched themselves in the highest decision-making circles of the bank, wielding authority that even deputy governors now acknowledge with uneasy deference.

While Nigeria’s economy struggles with inflation, naira devaluation, and dwindling investor confidence, Balonwu and Dafinone operate from plush offices on the eleventh floor of the CBN headquarters, issuing directives that override long-established bureaucratic channels. Their consultancy roles, nebulous in nature but extravagant in compensation, have raised serious concerns about governance and transparency within the apex bank.

Unprecedented Earnings and Questionable Appointments

The sheer scale of their remuneration is staggering. Ms. Balonwu, a communications consultant, reportedly earns N50 million monthly—an amount that dwarfs even the governor’s salary. Meanwhile, Ms. Dafinone, a chartered accountant, rakes in N35 million per month, despite the bank having an array of qualified professionals already handling its financial operations.

Balonwu’s appointment is particularly perplexing given that the CBN already has a robust corporate communications department led by a seasoned director. Yet, she has been handed a role that not only overlaps with existing structures but also significantly outpays them.

Dafinone’s position is even more contentious. Lacking clear deliverables, she has allegedly taken on roles beyond her remit, most notably spearheading the bank’s controversial ‘early exit programme,’ which forced over 1,000 employees into premature retirement. Her actions, bypassing the bank’s Human Resources Department, have raised serious ethical and procedural concerns.

A Bank in Disarray

A once-respected institution, the CBN is now a battleground of discontent, with insiders lamenting the erosion of due process.

“They are the real power behind the throne,” a senior director confided. “Cardoso is merely a figurehead—these women run the show.”

Even under the controversial tenure of former Governor Godwin Emefiele, the bank maintained a semblance of procedural order. However, Cardoso’s leadership has seen a breakdown of accountability, with favoritism and unchecked privilege taking center stage.

Flouting Procurement Laws

Beyond the ethical concerns, these appointments appear to violate the Public Procurement Act of 2007, which mandates competitive and transparent hiring processes for government agencies. The Act requires advertisements, clear terms of reference, and proper vetting of candidates—none of which were seemingly followed in these consultancy appointments.

Further complicating matters, one of these powerful consultants, Daphne Dafinone, is currently embroiled in a N100 million fraud case, facing allegations of duping a real estate buyer in Lagos. Yet, despite this legal cloud, she continues to enjoy unrestricted access to CBN’s highest levels of decision-making.

A Crisis of Confidence

The implications of this unfolding scandal extend beyond the CBN’s walls. As Nigeria’s financial sector grapples with policy instability and regulatory uncertainty, confidence in the nation’s apex bank is rapidly eroding.

“It sends the wrong message,” noted a leading economist. “If the regulatory body is itself mired in financial recklessness and cronyism, what hope is there for enforcing discipline within commercial banks?”

With over 29 directors, 170 deputy directors, and 400 PhD holders on its payroll, why does the CBN require these high-priced consultants with questionable impact? The answer, many believe, lies in a culture of impunity that has allowed a privileged few to profit at the expense of the institution’s credibility.

A Call for Accountability

The CBN is not a private estate to be carved up by a select few—it is a national institution tasked with upholding Nigeria’s monetary stability. If Governor Cardoso cannot rein in this financial recklessness and restore credibility, many believe his time at the helm should be cut short.

“This cannot continue unchecked,” declared a veteran banker. “If Cardoso cannot restore order, then he must go.”

As whispers of discontent turn into demands for accountability, one question looms large: will Nigeria allow its apex bank to remain a playground for financial excess, or will those responsible be held to account? The nation watches and waits.

Culled from The CapitalNG

Court Fixes April 15 To Hear Fraud Case Against Olusanya, Oak Homes CEO

By Dansu Peter 

Justice Musa Kakaki of a Federal High Court sitting g in Lagos, has fixed April. 15, 2025 for the fraud and attempted murder case against the Chief Executive Officer of Oak Homes Limited, Olukayode Olusanya. 

The. court fixed the date after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence Counsel over the admissibility of the defendant’s statement and a petition against him.

Olusanya and his company are facing four count-charge brought against them by the police, including conspiracy, threat to life, obtaining money by false pretense, and stealing.

He was arraigned on November 26, 2024, but pleaded not guilty.

According to the police, Olusanya conspired with Lynda Umeh, the company’s head of sales and marketing, who is currently at large, to defraud a Nigerian-American engineer, Anthony Ugbebor.

The police said that between November 8, 2017, and August 4, 2020, both allegedly deceived Ugbebor into paying N152m, for two units of three-bedroom apartments at the Oak Residence, Victoria Island, with a promise to hand over possession by February 28, 2019.

However, they failed to deliver the property.

The police prosecution counsel, M.A. Omo-Osagie, further alleged that Olusanya stole the funds and later conspired to murder Ugbebor for reporting him to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other authorities.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Omo-Osagie called the first prosecution witness, Assistant Superintendent of Police Egho Amiebelomo.

The officer testified that the police received a petition from Ugbebor, which led to an investigation.

Amiebelomo recounted how Olusanya initially refused to cooperate with police inquiries, claiming the Assistant Inspector General’s office was “too small” for him.

According to the witness, he was eventually arrested at his office and later released on bail. However, he absconded for months before being re-arrested and brought to court.

The prosecution attempted to submit Olusanya’s statement and the complainant’s petition as evidence, but defence counsel, Agboola Adeleke (SAN), objected, arguing that the statement was not taken in the presence of a lawyer or video-recorded, as required under Section 9 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

In response, Omo-Osagie countered that the defence’s objection was misplaced, citing Section 15(4) of the Act, which allows for statements to be recorded with or without video evidence.

He also argued that the petition was a public document and, therefore, admissible in court.

“Sections 100-104 of the Evidence Act 2011, particularly Section 103, stipulate that any document in the possession of a public officer is a public document,” Omo-Osagie stated.

“The petition originated from a private citizen but was officially received and acted upon by the AIG, with official stamps and directives. That makes it a public document, admissible under the law.

“The key question here is whether this document is relevant to the trial of the defendant. Since it is, we urge the court to dismiss the objections raised by the defence and admit the evidence,” he added.

After listening to both sides, Justice Kakaki adjourned the case to April 15, 2025, for ruling on the objections and continuation of trial

1,000 PDP Groups Throw Weight Behind Senator Anyanwu As National Secretary

 ... Warn Against Influence of Desperate Power Mongers

By Akonasu Gbedozin 

Over 1,000 groups within the People's Democratic Party (PDP) have rallied behind Senator Samuel Anyanwu, reaffirming their support for him as the National Secretary of the party. This move comes amidst the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP.

The PDP Youth Frontiers Network, representing progressive-minded youth groups within the party, made this known at a press briefing in Abuja to address the crisis.

They emphasised that Senator Anyanwu remains the legitimate National Secretary, and any attempt to remove him and replace him with Sunday Udeh-Okoye, Deputy National Secretary, is unacceptable.

In his address, national coordinator Hon. Henry Owolabi said PDP Governors' Forum and the Board of Trustees (BoT) have overstepped their bounds by advising the National Working Committee (NWC) to swear in Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary.

This decision, Owolabi argue, is at variance with the party's constitution and ignores the fact that Senator Anyanwu was elected at a convention.

The group also pointed out that Senator Anyanwu has appealed the judgment at the Supreme Court, and therefore, the status quo should be maintained pending the determination of the substantive application.

They warned against the influence of desperate power mongers, stating that the actions of the Governors' Forum and the BoT are "illegal, deliberately mischievous, and uncomplimentary" to the party.

The group also threatened to mobilize their members and supporters to block judicial premises and take civil actions if the warning is ignored.

Owolabi added: "We consider it an imperative and dire need of the hour that, as a Party we must begin by building consensus and form once more a united, formidable and strong Party, striving to preserve the PDP as a veritable platform for good governance in Nigeria and not continue in the path of self-interest, self-distraught, myopic divisiveness and pristine bickering which has not helped us but has become viable and fertile ground for the opposition to hatch inroads and poach into us destroying our very fabrics.

"We, therefore, join our voices and affirm unequivocal, unflinching and unwavering support and loyalty of our organization and that of all party supporters to the ideals of the party and by extension to the office of the National Secretary.

"That Senator Anyanwu remains the National Secretary and the attempt to remove him and replace him with a judiciary-imposed secretary, without any Congress or legitimate procedural ratification of any organ of the party is hereby totally rejected.

"We warn all detractors and perpetrators and indeed the Judiciary to steer clear of the internal workings of our great party and henceforth refrain from issuing illegal, baseless, porous, judgments that lack legal foundation and are immoral.

"We are poised to mobilize all our members and teeming supporters to block all judicial premises and ensure civil actions that will lead to compliance with this warning if it is flaunted."