Nelson Ugwuagbo

A former deputy governor of Oyo State, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, is among those currently displaced from their residences due to an explosion that occurred on Tuesday in a section of Ibadan, the state’s capital city.

The Oke-Ogun politician deputised the late Governor Lam Ona-Olapo Adesina from 1999–2003 under the Alliance for Democracy Party.

According to a local news platform, it was gathered that Barrister Oladokun, a close associate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a respected member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, and his family are presently being accommodated by a relative.

A source close to the politician hinted that Oladokun’s storey building, located not too far from Dejo Oyelese Street, was badly affected.

The source said, “He must vacate the building because “nobody is sure if the foundation of the building will still be okay after being jolted by the unexpected explosion.”

Another source informed us that the home of the former Attorney General of the Federation, the late Chief Bola Ige, was also affected.

An independent source disclosed that he observed that most of the windows of the building had been shattered.

The platform noted that other popular residents of the state living around Wole Oyelese Street whose properties were reportedly affected by the explosion included Oba Kola Adegbola, Comrade Kunle Famoriyo of Afenifere Renewal fame, actress Bimbo Osin, interim Oyo NAWOJ chairperson, Bola Okanlawon, and others.

The state government, through its information commissioner, noted in a statement that “all security service chiefs, including paramilitary chiefs and fire operatives, have been deployed by the governor to rein in the spillover from the explosion.”

The Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, visited the scene of the explosion late Tuesday night.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, said preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that the explosion that rocked the Bodija Area of Ibadan, the state capital on Tuesday was caused by explosive devices stored by illegal miners.

No fewer than 10 persons were feared killed and 15 others hospitalised following the explosion that also affected a section of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, the residence of the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, some buildings at Ologuneru, Apete, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo, Sango and Eleyele.

Makinde, who visited the scene of the explosion Tuesday night, said though further investigations were still ongoing, anyone found culpable would be brought to book.

“Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book,” he tweeted on Wednesday

One of our correspondents, who was at the scene of the explosion, reported that no fewer than 10 bodies were recovered from the site and taken away in ambulances.

But the governor said two people died while 77 others were injured in the explosion

“In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged, and two fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Makinde added.

The governor also revealed that the “medical bills of victims will be picked by the government” while promising to ensure that all those whose houses were affected were ‘supported to rebuild their lives”

The governor urged residents to be calm, noting that rescue operations had already started at the scene of the incident.

“Earth-moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident. The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan.

“Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident.

“I urge all residents to please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference,” he added.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has shunned an invitation by the Code of Conduct Bureau over an ongoing investigation bordering on alleged breach of the Code of Conduct for public officers.

Our correspondent who was at the CCB headquarters, Federal Secretariat, Abuja on Tuesday, observed that the minister, who was scheduled to meet with interrogators at 11am, did not show up at the bureau between 10am and 1pm.

Confirming the development in a telephone interview on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the CCB, Veronica Kato, said the minister’s interrogation would be rescheduled for a later date following his memo to the bureau citing national assignment.

“Yes, the minister’s interrogation has been rescheduled. He wrote, asking that it be rescheduled because he has a national assignment, so it has been rescheduled for a later date,” Kato said.

When asked about the next scheduled date, she said there was no specific date yet.

“We don’t have a precise date now, but it has been rescheduled to another day,” she said.

The CCB had invited the embattled minister over the involvement of his company in a ₦438 million contract with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The company, New Planet Projects, allegedly belonging to the minister, benefitted from a contract from the ministry.

A document exclusively obtained by our correspondent on Monday revealed that the CCB invited the minister to appear before it on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the CCB headquarters, Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja.

The document signed by Gwimi S.P, the CCB Director, Investigation and Monitoring, on behalf of the CCB Chairman, Murtala Aliyu, revealed that the bureau’s invitation is hinged on its mandate and powers as enshrined in the Third Schedule, Part 1, 3 (e) of the 1999 Constitution.

The letter addressed to the minister, read, “The bureau is investigating a case of alleged breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers in which your name featured prominently. Consequently, you are invited for an interview scheduled as follows:

“Date: Tuesday, 16th January, 2024. Time: 1100hrs prompt. Venue: CCB Headquarters on 5th Floor, Annex III, Phase I, Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja.

“This invitation is pursuant to the mandate and powers of the Bureau as enshrined in the Third Schedule, Part I, Paragraph 3 (e) to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. Please be properly guided.”

Interest groups defend Tunji-Ojo, allege media trial 

Meanwhile, some interest groups, the Coalition of Civil Rights Organisations and Elite Africa, have defended the allegations against the embattled minister, while alleging media trial and accusing his opponents of being unhappy with his ‘growing popularity’.

In a statement on Monday, CCRO said, “The Coalition of Civil Rights Organisations unequivocally wishes to debunk the purported invitation of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, by the Code of Conduct Bureau over alleged corruption.

“This latest report by a section of the media is another in the series of the campaign of calumny which has recently been orchestrated by sponsored propagandists who are mainly out to discredit the radical transformation, being undertaken by Tunji-Ojo, and by extension, to undermine the achievements of President Bola Tinubu.

“There is no doubt that the timing and nature of these allegations appear suspicious and politically motivated, aiming to tarnish the reputation of a public servant known for his commitment to transparency and accountability.

“We have thoroughly examined the circumstances surrounding the purported invitation by the CCB and find them to lack credible evidence, resembling a smear campaign rather than a genuine pursuit of justice. We want to strongly believe, that if perhaps, there is a need for any conversation or interrogation to be conducted by the CBB, how did such become a media affair, if it is not a smear campaign, like we suspected?”

The second group, Elite Africa, in a statement, attacked the South West Integrity Group for demanding the suspension of Tunji-Ojo over alleged corruption.

The statement read in part, “The South West Integrity Group, in a publication, had stated that Tunji-Ojo should resign over his alleged involvement in the recent controversy in the award of contracts at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

“The timing of these allegations, coupled with the sweeping reforms he has instituted, raises eyebrows. It seems certain elements within the political landscape are uneasy with Tunji-Ojo’s unyielding stance against corruption.

“His track record of dismantling established systems of exploitation has made him a thorn in the side of those who thrived on malfeasance.”

President Bola Tinubu, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), were among dignitaries who attended the unveiling of a book titled ‘Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser Media and Publicity, 2015-2023’ on Tuesday.

Also in attendance were former President Muhammadu Buhari; former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The book, written by Buhari’s former spokesperson, Femi Adesina, was presented alongside five volumes of another book titled ‘Muhammadu Buhari, The Nigerian Legacy, 2015 to 2023.’

The book launch which held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, marks Buhari’s first official visit to the federal capital since May 29, 2023 when he handed over to Tinubu.

The event was also the first time that Tinubu and Buhari will appear together in public since the handover of May 29.

One week after her suspension, a leaked memo indicated that the president approved the release of ₦3 billion for which Edu is being investigated among other allegations.

Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, President Bola Tinubu and Beta Edu, the suspended minister of Humanitarian Affairs. [Sahara Reporters]

Amid the allegation of financial misappropriation against Betta Edu, the suspended minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, there’s been an indication that President Bola Tinubu indeed authorised her to spend from the COVID-19 palliative fund.

A leaked memo allegedly emanating from the Office of the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, indicated that the president released ₦3 billion to Edu for the verification of the National Social Register.

The memo showed that the president directed Gbajabiamila to approve the release of the fund on September 14, 2023.

The social register compiled during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari was created for cash transfers and other social investment programmes.

However, the alleged misappropriation of the fund has been one of the controversies and allegations of financial wrongdoings against Edu and her ministry, as nine companies allegedly secured contracts from the fund.

Subsequently, Tinubu suspended the minister over an alleged ₦585m scandal in her ministry and ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to “Conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder.”

However, one week after her suspension, a leaked memo, which has now gone viral, indicated the president approved the release of ₦3 billion for which the suspended minister is being investigated among other allegations.

The memo signed by Gbajabiamila reads, “President has approved the expenditure of N3,000,000,000.00 (Three Billion Naira) only, from the Covid-19 Palliative Fund for verification of the National Social Register.

“Please accept the assurance of my highest regards.”

A leaked memo indicating that Femi Gbajabiamila approved the release of N3billion to Beta Edu.

However, there has been an insinuation that the president was not aware of the release of the ₦3 billion fund with sources in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs saying Gbajabiamila has no business approving the release of funds to anyone.

To confirm the veracity of this claim, this writer called and sent a message to the president’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, but he did not respond to the message.

Meanwhile, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has called for restraints on the matter, saying the EFCC is already doing something about the memo that allegedly emanated from the office of the Chief of Staff.

LeadingReporters gathered that Onanuga said, “The President has directed the EFCC to investigate the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and all these matters are under investigation already.

“I am sure that the EFCC had seen that memo from the Office of the Chief of Staff and they are doing something about these findings.”

He urged Nigerians to be patient, adding that when the EFCC finalises its finding, the president would act on the result of the investigation.

The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, reserved judgment in the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party against the appeal court judgment reinstating the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule.

The five-member panel led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun adjourned the matter for judgment after listening to the counsel’s arguments on the appeal.

Kekere-Ekun noted that parties would be notified when judgment is ready.

The state election petition tribunal had sacked the governor and declared David Ombugadu, candidate of the PDP the winner of the March 18, 2023 election.

The tribunal led by Ezekiel Ajayi, in a split decision of two-to-one, held that having evaluated the evidence before the panel, the PDP candidate substantiated his claim that the poll results were manipulated in favour of Sule.

But the appeal court reinstated Sule and held that the tribunal wrongly relied on the evidence of eight of the PDP witnesses, whose statements on oath were not front-loaded alongside the petition.

Ombugadu, however, appealed the judgment at the apex court.

The Nasarawa State Police Command has signed a peace agreement with the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state ahead of the judgment of the Supreme Court judgment on the 2023 governorship election in the state.

During the signing of the peace agreement in Lafia, the state capital on Monday, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Umar Nadada, vowed to deal decisively with anyone who gets involved in any form of trouble before, during and after the apex court judgment.

Recall that the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal on October 2, 2023 sacked Governor Abdullahi Sule of the APC and declared David Ombugadu of the PDP as winner of the March 18, 2023 governorship election.

But the APC and its candidate were not satisfied with the tribunal judgment, hence, they filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal to set aside the Tribunal judgment.

The appellate court upturned the tribunal judgment and affirmed the election of the APC candidate, but the PDP candidate approach the Supreme Court for the final verdict on the matter.

LeadingReporters gathered that while speaking at the peace according meeting on Monday, the Commissioner of Police said, “This meeting is aimed at ensuring peace before, during and after the Supreme Court judgment. 

“It is also expected that the party leaders would bring this peace agreement to all their loyalists and supporters across the state.

“The joint security committee has also resolved to work together towards ensuring a sustainable peace in the state.

“Information at the disposal of the command reveals that some faceless individuals are planning to stage a violent protest in the state.

“Whoever goes against this peace agreement, no matter how highly placed in society, will regret his or her action.”

The Police Commissioner further assured the APC and the PDP representatives that the joint security forces would be neutral in carrying out their activities. The peace accord was signed in the presence of other security agencies in the state.

At the peace accord meeting, the APC was represented by the party’s state chairman, Aliyu Bello, and state secretary, Yarus Dakusa while the PDP was represented by the state Organising Secretary, Yahaya Bunu, state secretary, Adamu Bako, Woman Leader, Stella Oboshi, and PDP Zonal Chairman, Isa Sule.

A human rights body, Global Rights, has said the administration of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, was characterised by threats or intimidation of journalists and protesters.

The organisation added that Buhari during his time in government suppressed access to information, curtailed freedom of expression, and monitored how and for what purposes citizens assembled.

Global Rights stated this in its report titled, “Shege! A scorecard on the Buhari administration’s impact on Nigeria’s civic space,” which was published on January 13, 2024.

The organisation said in the report, “In the eight-year term of President Buhari’s administration, Nigeria witnessed a notable decline on all frontiers of the civic space and basic freedoms. The administration was characterised by a suspicious relationship with the media, a frosty relationship with civil society organisations, and a clear desire to control access to information, curtail freedom of expression, and monitor how and for what purposes citizens assembled.

“There were also several legislative attempts made by the administration with regard to the civic space. If all these attempts made it into law, it is safe to say Nigeria would have emerged as one of the most repressive democracies globally.”

The report added that no fewer than 69 protesters were killed during the Buhari-led administration.

The organisation also said that an estimated 250 protesters and 189 journalists were arrested, detained, or harassed under the former president.

“The number of peaceful protesters killed: at least 69. Number of arrests made during peaceful protests: 250 (estimated based on available data)

“Instances of government interference in the activities of CSOs: At least four. Number of journalists arrested, detained, or harassed: more than 189,” it said.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the former President, Garba Shehu, declined comment on the issue, saying former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, was the appropriate person to speak.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Charles Ugwu, for alleged conspiracy and loan fraud to the tune of N3.6bn.

The spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, in a statement on Monday, said the ex-minister was arrested alongside one Geoffrey Ekenma on January 11, 2024, at No.2, Musa Yar Adua Way, New Owerri, Imo State, following a petition received from a new generation bank.

Ugwu was appointed minister by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua and was sacked after a cabinet reshuffle that affected 19 members of the cabinet.

Revealing details of his arrest on Monday, the EFCC spokesman said the petitioner accused the ex-minister of failing to meet his obligations to the bank, adding that all efforts to get him to repay the loan facility proved abortive.

Oyewale said, “Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC have arrested a former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Charles Ugwuh, for an alleged conspiracy and fraud to the tune of N3.6bn.

“Ugwuh was arrested alongside Geoffrey Ekenma on January 11, 2024 at No.2, Musa Yar Adua Way, New Owerri, Imo State, following a petition to the commission from a new generation bank on the alleged fraud perpetrated through a company, Ebony Agro Industries Ltd., linked to the ex-minister.

“Investigations revealed that Ugwuh and Ekenma, Managing Director, Ebony Agro Industries Ltd., allegedly obtained a loan facility from the bank for the purchase and production of polished rice.

“However, the suspect, according to the petitioner, failed to meet his obligations to the bank and all efforts to get him to repay the loan facility proved abortive. The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”