Category: Nigeria

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Sanwo-Olu, Otti, Kefas mourn Buhari, recount legacy

Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Alex Otti of Abia, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba have expressed grief over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his death as a significant loss to the nation.

In a condolence message issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu described Buhari as a transparent, courageous and honest leader who dedicated his life to Nigeria’s growth.

“On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, the people and government of Lagos State, I mourn the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, one of Nigeria’s most prominent military and political leaders.

“He was a courageous, disciplined, respected and passionate leader.

“His commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria is worthy of emulation because he provided honest and transparent leadership in the country,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor recalled Buhari’s long record of service, noting that he served as Military Governor, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Head of State, and ultimately President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

“He sacrificed the greater part of his life in the service of our dear country… and served passionately,” he said.

He extended condolences to Buhari’s family, President Bola Tinubu, members of the All Progressives Congress, and the people of Katsina State.

In Taraba, Kefas also paid tribute, describing Buhari’s death as a monumental national loss.

A statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, noted Buhari’s lifelong dedication to public service, national unity, and the anti-corruption fight.

“Taraba State joins the rest of the country in mourning a leader who, despite criticisms, remained steadfast in his convictions and love for Nigeria,” the statement said.

Kefas praised Buhari’s austere lifestyle, discipline, and devotion to integrity and national security, urging Nigerians to uphold his legacy through unity and selfless service.

Otti, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, said he received the news of the former president’s death with sadness.

Otti extended condolences to the Federal Government, Tinubu, and the family of the deceased.

“Governor Otti, on behalf of his family and the good people of Abia State enjoins the ex-President’s family and loved ones to bear his demise with fortitude, while praying that God grants his soul eternal repose,” the statement read.

(Punch)

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Buhari’s Kaduna home wears solemn look

The Kaduna residence of Nigeria’s former President, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) wore a solemn and deserted look on Sunday following news of his death in London.

Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s civilian president between 2015 and 2023 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, died at about 4:30 pm in a London clinic, according to a statement issued by his former spokesman, Garba Shehu.

When our correspondent visited the former president’s home located on Sultan Lane, along Sultan Road in Kaduna, there were no signs of mourning sympathisers trooping in or out of the premises.

The usually quiet street remained subdued, save for the presence of security operatives.

Two military trucks were stationed in front of the house at the time of filing this report. Armed personnel on guard duty politely turned away journalists who had thronged the area, directing them to move further down the main Sultan Road.

Efforts by reporters to catch a glimpse of any family member were futile, as the heavy security presence kept all non-residents at bay.

The late Buhari’s Kaduna residence is located in a neighbourhood known for its association with Nigeria’s political elite.

Among his neighbours are the family of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, former Chief of Staff, Supreme Military Council, and former Minister of Finance and Labour Party chieftain, Nenadi Usman.

General Buhari’s political journey remains remarkable. He was first Nigeria’s military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985 following a coup d’état.

Decades later, after several unsuccessful attempts at the presidency, he was elected as Nigeria’s democratic president in 2015 and re-elected for a second term in 2019. He handed over power in 2023. (Punch)

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Awujale of Ijebuland, Adetona, dies at 91

The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has passed away at the age of 91.

The respected monarch reportedly died on Sunday, just hours after the announcement of the death of his longtime friend and former President, Muhammadu Buhari.

Mourning his passage, a prince of Ijebu, Prince Adedoyin Alatishe wrote on X, “Baami Ogbagba agbatewole 💔. Erin wo. Omo anikilaya saagbu.”

Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960, was one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional rulers and widely revered for his contributions to the sociopolitical development of Ijebuland and Ogun State at large. (Punch)

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Court sentences two to death for ritual killing in Ogun

Justice Olugboyega Ogunfowora of Ogun State High Court, Abeokuta, on Friday sentenced the duo of Mustakeem Balogun and Soliudeen Majekodunmi to death by hanging.

At the same time, Lukmon Abdulgafar bagged life imprisonment over the murder of 16-year-old Sofia Okeowo at Kugba area, Abeokuta, on January 28, 2022.

The state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr Oluwasina Ogungbade, disclosed this in a statement sent to journalists on Friday.

Recall that Sofia had gone to visit her boyfriend, Mustakeem, who had sexual intercourse with her, after which he was said to have viciously attacked and strangled the deceased with the support of Soliudeen and then beheaded her.

They subsequently cut parts of Sofia’s thighs and stuffed her headless body into a sack, after which the deceased’s head was taken to Lukmon’s house to be burnt with a local burner.

In a viral video that surfaced on the internet in January 2022, the trio were caught by community guards with Sofia’s head burning in the local burner.

They were also seen reciting incantations over her corpse.

The commissioner’s statement read, “Today, July 11, 2025, the trio of  Mustakeem Balogun, Soliudeen Majekodunmi, and Lukmon Abdulgafar faces the full wrath of the law over the gruesome killing of Sofia Okeowo.

“The dastardly act which occurred on January 28th 2022, around Kugba, Abeokuta saw Mustakeem Balogun lure 16-year-old Sofia to have canal knowledge of her and later kill her in preparation for a premeditated money ritual charms.

“The two other culprits are Soliudeen Majekodunmi and Lukman Abdulgafar.

“Justice Olugboyega Ogunfowora of the Ogun State High Court has, however, found the trio guilty of the crime committed and has therefore sentenced Mustakeem Balogun and Soliudeen Majekodunmi to death by hanging while Lukman Abdulgafar received a life sentence.”

The commissioner further stated that the present administration does not allow crime to thrive, prompting the state to secure the conviction of the three criminals, which will serve as a deterrent to other ritualists. (Punch)

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Nigeria lost a selfless leader, Mark mourns Buhari’s death

The Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria’s immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement released through his media aide, Paul Mumeh, Mark noted that Buhari died at a crucial moment when his fatherly guidance was greatly needed to help steer the nation through its challenging leadership landscape.

President Bola Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu, announced the death of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday.

The former President reportedly died in London at about 4:30 p.m. after battling a prolonged, undisclosed illness.

Buhari served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023 and was also the country’s military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985.

In response to his passing, President Tinubu directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the UK to bring Buhari’s remains back for burial. He also ordered all national flags to be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect.

Mark, who served as the military governor of Niger State from 1984 to 1986 during Buhari’s tenure as Military Head of State, described the former President’s love for Nigeria as unmatched.

The ADC chieftain stated, “Nigeria has lost a hero, an uncommon patriot and a selfless leader who gave his all for the good of our nation.

“The greatest sacrifice which would be difficult to fault was his love for this country, particularly, her unity”.

“It is sad that President Buhari transitioned to the great beyond at this time but we are consoled that his legacy of keeping the nation united will endure.” (Punch)

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Tinubu mourns, sends Shettima to accompany Buhari’s remains from UK

President Bola Tinubu has announced the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the development as a national loss.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.

“President Buhari died today in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness”, the statement partly read.

Onanuga added that Tinubu has since reached out to the bereaved family.

“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences”, he stated.

To facilitate preparations and arrangements for the return of the late president’s remains, Onanuga revealed that the President has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel immediately.

“President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria,” he added.

The statement concluded that as part of the nation’s mourning, Tinubu ordered a symbolic tribute, stating, “President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.” (Punch)

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Lagos LG election peaceful, says EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has described Saturday’s local government election in Lagos State as peaceful and orderly.

The Acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, ACE I Ahmed Ghali, gave the assessment while monitoring the election process across various polling units in the state.

He said, “From the report and information we have gathered; because our people are everywhere monitoring the situation; everything is going peacefully, and you can see the area is so calm.

“There is no incident report yet, and we are happy with that development.”

He acknowledged minor delays in some areas due to the movement of election materials but described them as understandable.

Ghali also commended the conduct of voters, electoral officials, and security personnel, noting that no signs of malpractice had been observed.

“Everyone is conducting very well. People are coming and going. I have not seen any sign of malpractice and you can see the conduct of the officials is also professional. The security men are alert and doing their job,” he said.

The anti-graft agency said it will continue to observe the election process until voting is concluded. (Punch)

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JAMB rectifies FUTA graduate’s status after fake admission claim

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has reactivated the portal of Jamiu Basola, a Civil Engineering graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, after he was previously flagged for possessing a fake admission.

PUNCH Online had reported that Basola, who graduated in 2024 with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.41, said he sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in 2017 and was admitted into FUTA in 2018.

However, an issue surfaced during his final clearance when the school’s Student Affairs Division informed him that his mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps had been rejected.

“I was advised to verify my details on the JAMB matriculation list, which indicated fake admission,” he said.

Basola added that after several failed attempts to access his JAMB portal, he wrote letters to various officials at FUTA, including the registrar, vice-chancellor, and chairman of the admissions committee, urging them to intervene.

In a telephone interview with our correspondent on Monday, Basola exclusively confirmed that his previously locked JAMB portal had been unlocked and his name had now appeared on the matriculation list, a requirement for NYSC mobilisation.

“We are still in the process because I have not been mobilised for NYSC.

“My portal was locked. But now, I am able to log in; I can now reprint.

“Though I had some of the documents before, I was able to reprint my documents again.

“My name was not on the matriculation list, but now it has changed,” Basola said.

This development was also confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the National Association of Nigerian Students’ National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, he described the resolution of the case as a significant victory for justice and student welfare.

“This positive development is a direct result of the decisive intervention by the NANS national leadership, led by the astute President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja,” Ajasa said.

He confirmed that Basola’s JAMB portal has now been restored and his name added to the official matriculation list, following sustained pressure from the national leadership and NANS South-West Zone D.

“Jamiu’s academic dedication was regrettably challenged by a ‘fake admission’ flag after years of diligent study.

“His fight was indeed our fight, and his victory is a triumph for every Nigerian student,” the statement added.

Ajasa also acknowledged the role played by the FUTA Civil Engineering Department in writing to JAMB to clarify Basola’s admission status.

“This resolution underscores the power of collective action and NANS’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of Nigerian students,” he said.

NANS said it would continue to monitor the case to ensure Basola’s inclusion in the next NYSC mobilisation batch.

“We reaffirm our commitment to holding institutions accountable and ensuring that such avoidable predicaments do not recur.

“The lives and academic pursuits of Nigerian students are not bargaining chips,” Ajasa stated. (Punch)

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Police arrest man with woman’s body part, rescue kidnapped driver

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, identified as Samuel Eze, for being in possession of a woman’s breast part.

The police also rescued a kidnapped driver and recovered a truck loaded with custard powder worth N9.5 million and arrested three suspects involved in the criminal act.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the command spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, on Sunday.

Ikenga added that joint security teams attached to various police divisions, including vigilante operatives, carried out the arrest at different intervals, adding that the suspects are currently undergoing interrogations.

The statement read, “The Joint Security Team comprising Police attached to the Awada Police Station and Anambra Vigilante Operatives on patrol along Jude Onyekwere Street, Awada, Obosi on July 6, 2025, by 3.30 pm arrested a male suspect, Samuel Eze aged 25 years with a woman’s breast.

“It was recovered immediately and deposited at the morgue for preservation, while the suspect is undergoing police interrogations for necessary Police investigative actions and prosecution.

“In another development, the police officers attached to the Rapid Response Squad, acting on credible information, rescued a kidnapped driver at 12.45 pm on July 4, 2025.

“The team also recovered a truck loaded with Custard powder worth N9.5 million only and arrested three suspects involved in the criminal act.

“The suspects, all males: Udegenyi Ugochukwu aged 38 years, Anayochukwu Okonkwo aged 47 years, and Good Odigili aged 47 years confessed that the goods were to be delivered to a Warehouse at Asaba, Delta State before they abducted the driver tied him in the bush, and diverted the goods to Enugwu Ukwu.”

Ikenga informed members of the public of a suspected stolen and abandoned, but recovered custom colour Toyota Sienna, Reg No: 736 JP with an inscription on the body “Forum of Accountants Delta State” by police operatives from Obosi Division by 4.30 pm on July 5, 2025, while on patrol along Okpuno – Umuota Village, Obosi.

“Given the above, the Command invites anyone or any group looking for any of the vehicles as highlighted above to come with valid proof/evidence of ownership for verification and possible collection, please.

“The Anambra State Police Command is committed to sustaining Safety as the Joint security surveillance and patrols comprising the police , the military, the Civil Defence, Immigration Service, DSS, and the AVG operatives continue in the State,” the statement added. (Punch)

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Olubadan: Olakulehin promoted unity, development, ADC pays tribute

The African Democratic Congress has expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Olubadan, the Oyo State Government, the people of Ibadanland, and the entire Yoruba nation over the death of Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on Monday at the age of 90.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described Olakulehin’s reign as one characterised by outstanding leadership, unity, and unwavering dedication to the development and prosperity of Ibadanland.

The statement read in part, “Oba Olakulehin was a distinguished monarch, a beacon of wisdom, and a custodian of Yoruba culture and traditions. His reign was marked by exemplary leadership, unity, and a commitment to the progress and well-being of Ibadanland.

“His legacy as a peace-loving and visionary king will forever be etched in the hearts of his people and beyond.

“We mourn the loss of this great icon, whose life exemplified service, humility, and dedication to the development of his people. As we share in this moment of grief, we pray that Almighty God grants his family, the Ibadan Traditional Council, and the people of Oyo State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“May the soul of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations.” (Punch)