Headlines

The new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly officially occupied her office on Monday, amid heightened security and a looming confrontation over the speakership seat.

Reports indicate that security was significantly bolstered at the assembly complex due to concerns over a possible showdown, following the ousting of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

Obasa, who was removed from office by 32 out of 39 lawmakers two weeks ago, returned to the state over the weekend, insisting he remains the legitimate Speaker. He was welcomed by supporters at his Ikeja residence, where he reiterated his claim to the position, stating, “I remain the Speaker until due process is followed.”

The Monday plenary session marked the third presided over by Speaker Meranda since Obasa’s removal. Obasa, however, has been absent from all sessions held under her leadership, raising concerns about his potential attendance today.

Security was visibly tight at the assembly complex, with at least three police vehicles stationed at the main gate and additional security personnel deployed inside. Journalists and visitors were thoroughly screened before gaining entry.

The enhanced security measures were reportedly implemented to prevent any disruption or escalation of tensions during the plenary session.

As the lawmakers prepare for today’s sitting, the assembly remains on edge, with both sides standing firm in the ongoing leadership tussle.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that his health has significantly improved since leaving office on May 29, 2023.

Buhari, who handed over to President Bola Tinubu after completing two terms in office, attributed the improvement to reduced pressures of leadership. While in office, the former president faced health challenges that required him to seek medical attention abroad.

Speaking during an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting at the Katsina State Government House, Buhari reflected on the demands of governing Nigeria, suggesting they had taken a toll on his health.

“Those outside the corridors of power do not understand the complexities and difficulties facing Nigeria,” Buhari said.

The former president also noted that visitors have remarked on his improved appearance since his departure from the presidency.

“People who visited me told me I look better than before,” he added.

Buhari’s comments highlight the immense strain that comes with leading Africa’s most populous nation.

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four suspects, including a 21-year-old woman, Chinyere Ekwenugo, in connection with the murder of a 74-year-old wheelchair user in Ifitedenu.

Ekwenugo was identified as the girlfriend of the prime suspect, Ifeanyi Igwe, who remains at large. Three other suspects, Uzochukwu Okeke (47), Fidel Anayo (60), and Ikenna Anene (54), all from Abagana, were also detained for their alleged involvement in the crime.

State police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the arrests on Sunday, revealing that the incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. Police operatives from the Abagana Divisional Headquarters recovered the victim’s charred remains, a wheelchair, and a casket from the crime scene.

Ikenga disclosed that the suspects had confessed to the crime during interrogation. “Chinyere Ekwenugo confessed that her boyfriend, Ifeanyi Igwe, along with three others, set the victim ablaze. They had brought a casket to bury her before police intervened,” he stated.

The victim’s body has been deposited in a morgue for autopsy, while efforts to apprehend Igwe are ongoing. The Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, has urged calm and directed the immediate transfer of the case to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation.

Police Arrest Cultist in Abagana, Recover Ammunition

In a separate operation, police operatives from the Anti-Cult Unit in Enugwu Ukwu arrested a 25-year-old man, Maduka Okoye, in Abagana on Saturday around 1:30 p.m. Acting on credible intelligence, officers recovered three spent cartridges from a pump-action gun at the Ezichike community shooting scene.

Ikenga stated that Okoye, a member of the Baggars Confraternity, confessed to being attacked by members of the Axe Men Confraternity while drinking at a beer parlour.

“The police’s swift intervention likely averted a potential cult clash in the area,” Ikenga said, adding that the suspect is cooperating with investigators to track down fleeing gang members and other rival cult members involved in the incident.

The police assured residents that calm has been restored to the community as investigations continue.

Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), appeared at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday following a police invitation.

Sowore arrived at the headquarters at 9:45 a.m., accompanied by his lawyer and supporters. The Nigeria Police Force had summoned him over a viral video accusing officers of extortion on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Access Road in Lagos.

The invitation, dated January 23, 2025, was signed by CP Ibitoye Rufus Alajide on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID). It cited allegations of resisting and obstructing public officers, disobedience to lawful orders, reckless acts, and cyberstalking. Sowore was directed to report to Room 212 of the FID Complex by 10 a.m. The letter affirmed the police’s investigative authority and informed Sowore of his right to legal representation.

The video in question, widely circulated on social media, shows Sowore confronting officers accused of extorting motorists and causing traffic. In the footage, officers demanded Sowore park his vehicle, leading to a heated exchange. Despite the officers initially blocking his car, they eventually allowed him to proceed after a standoff. The video also captured one officer muttering, “God punish you,” to which Sowore retorted, “God punish you too.”

Public outrage over the video prompted the police to summon Sowore, reportedly after Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi urged Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to act.

The incident has sparked fresh debates on police accountability and the treatment of activists in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Sowore is scheduled to appear in court on February 4, 2025, over a separate cybercrime case filed by Senator Ned Nwoko, who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Security at the Lagos State House of Assembly was heightened on Monday ahead of the plenary session, following the controversy surrounding the impeachment of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

Reports indicate that assembly officials have been directed to present valid identity cards to access the premises. A notice to staff, signed by Omotayo Adekemi on behalf of the Acting Clerk of the House, Taiwo Ottun, emphasized the enforcement of the directive.

“Regarding management directives, all staff members and legislative aides must present valid identity cards to access the House premises,” the notice stated. Ottun further warned that individuals without proper identification would be denied entry.

The Lagos State Police Command has reportedly assured its readiness to maintain order during the proceedings, regardless of how events unfold.

Meanwhile, Obasa, who has contested the validity of his removal, insisted that due process was not followed, maintaining that he remains the speaker.

“I am not disturbed or perturbed, and I am not afraid. I will debunk all the allegations leveled against me by the House,” Obasa said.

He added, “I have not done anything wrong. I have been a lawmaker for over two decades and I am the longest-serving lawmaker in the House.”