News From Nigeria
President General of Okpe Union Worldwide, Professor Igho Natufe, recently held an interactive session with newsmen in Lagos on a wide range of issues.
The illustrious son of Okpe Kingdom in Delta State, Nigerian-born Sovietologist, alumnus of the Peoples Friendship University, specialist in International Relations and Soviet/Russian Foreign Policy says he will not rest until he gets a distinct nationality for the Okpe Nation.
The former Professor of Political Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana (1978-1980), the University of Benin, Benin-City (1980-1989), and Senior Advisor to the Government of Canada (1970-1978, 1989-2011), knows where the problems of the Okpe Nation lie and how to keep solving them.
The Professor of International Relations at the Institute of Africa, Russian Academy of Sciences (2013-2015 and 2018-2025), Director, Ukraine-Africa Centre, Institute of World History, echoes the place of democratic tenets in Okpe Kingdom.
Currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Stratepol Consultants INC and author of Soviet Policy in Africa: From Lenin to Brezhnev and Russian Foreign Policy in Search of Influence, Natufe underscores the main thrust of Okpe Union’s ideological construct.
What does it feel like having a son of Okpe Kingdom as governor of Delta State, in the person of His Excellency Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori?
It is gratifying to have one of your own as the Governor of any state, especially for us in Okpe Nation. We are elated; and pray for his success. Fundamentally, we hope that he will uplift Okpe Nation and recognize Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality; just as his predecessor, H.E. Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa did for his Ika and Ndokwa people. By doing this, Okpe Nation will become an equal partner with other ethnic nationalities in Delta State to benefit from the Governor’s MORE/RENEWED HOPE agenda. A recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality will allow us to be included as a direct participant and stakeholder in DESOPADEC, for example.
The Okpe Union talks of the defense of democratic tenets and good governance in Okpe Nation. Realizing that Okpe is a kingdom, with a Monarch, what is the place of democratic tenets in the kingdom? And what does Okpe Kingdom is not an absolute monarchy imply?
The first part of your question: “what is the place of democratic tenets in the Kingdom?” suggests that democracy is alien in a kingdom. We do not subscribe to this thinking. We firmly believe that the observance of democratic tenets is fundamental for the growth and development of any system, whether monarchical or otherwise. Our position that Okpe Kingdom is not an absolute monarchy derives from the founding principles of the Okpe Kingdom by the four princely brothers – Orhue, Orhorho, Evbreke, and Esezi. Even though they were the great grandchildren of Oba Ozolua of Benin Kingdom (reign: 1481 – 1504), they established a democratic principle of electing an Orodje of Okpe Kingdom. The choice of the first Orodje of Okpe Kingdom was a marked deviation from the Benin tradition where the first son is crown king. In choosing the first Orodje of Okpe, the four Brothers settled on the youngest via a unique democratic formula. The eldest, Prince Orhue was too old and proposed that the youngest, Esezi ascend the Throne. This was because the two middle brothers, Orhorho and Evbreke were too quarrelsome. In a unique display of a novel democratic practice, the brothers decided to crown their youngest brother, who ascended the Throne as Esezi I, the first Orodje of Okpe Kingdom. It was a democratic experiment in contradiction to the absolute monarchical system of the Benin Kingdom. The four princely Brothers all agreed that the Orodjeship would rotate among the four Ruling Houses. The election of an Orodje is undertaken in two stages. Firstly, delegates from the particular Ruling House whose turn it is to produce an Orodje will vote for their candidates. The second stage is at the Udogun Okpe (Okpe Traditional Council) to ratify the election. On the other hand, it is incongruous to have an “absolute monarchy” in a democratic republican polity. It is contradictory for a monarchy to coexist with a republican system in the bowel of the same polity. This contradiction is exacerbated when a monarch attempts to rule a polity in which he possesses no defined constitutional authority to rule. When Nigeria became a Republic on October 1, 1963 it retained a House of Chiefs in each of the then four federating regions, in an attempt to replicate the British House of Lords, as the upper house in each of the regions. This gave the chiefs, who were traditional rulers in their respective domains, a constitutional role as parliamentarians. Thus, they saw themselves as both parliamentarians in the House of Chiefs and as monarchs in their respective kingdoms. This admixture was a conceptual blunder infused into the political system by the Nigerian political leaders in 1963. This blunder has been aggravated by the continuous failures of succeeding political leaders to resolve the contradiction resolutely by deciding on this crucial issue: Remain a Federal Republic of Nigeria and abolish traditional rulership OR declare the country a United Kingdoms of Nigeria. In the former, traditional rulers will be extinguished as their existence contravenes the diktat of a Republic, while the latter recognizes their constitutional role as heads of states of their respective kingdoms. Even as a head of state of a given kingdom, if we were in a United Kingdoms of Nigeria, the role of a Monarch, like the Orodje of Okpe, will be defined by whether the system is a constitutional monarchy (like the United Kingdom) or an absolute monarchy (like Saudi Arabia). If Okpe Nation were a constitutional monarchy the Orodje would reign but cannot rule. Conversely, if Okpe Nation were an absolute monarchy the Orodje will possess and exercise an unquestioned political and legislative power and authority to reign and rule as he pleases in accordance to the mediaeval concept of the divine right of kings, whose pronouncements are considered law, final and binding on all citizens. Constitutionally speaking, Nigeria is not a monarchy. Therefore, it is severely injurious to the political system to speak of monarchies in the polity. This injury is exemplified by the way several political leaders have used and abused traditional rulers across the country since 1960.
As the President – General, Okpe Union that is the mouthpiece of Okpe Nation, what is the ideological construct of the Union?
The main thrust of Okpe Union’s ideological construct is to promote, propagate, and defend the interests of the Okpe Nation in a multi-ethnic Delta State and in Nigeria. Towards this end, we consider it existential for the Government of Delta State to recognize Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality, a distinction which was extinguished by the British Colonial Government by wrongly classifying Okpe as Urhobo. Phrased differently, we are demanding the rights of Okpe Nation to self-determination. Fighting for freedom, the liberation of a people, a Nation, is a noble but risky venture which only a conscious minority is called upon by History to undertake. Historically, not all enslaved peoples want or understand freedom. Harriet Tubman, one of America’s most revered abolitionists of the 19th and early 20th centuries risked her life so that Black Americans can be free. Her “underground railway” project led to the freedom of millions of Black Americans, and defined the self-determination movement of Black Americans in the 20th century. The Okpe Union is playing a similar role in Okpe Nation.
2025 is said to be a landmark year for the Okpe Nation, with the commemoration of the 95th Anniversary of the Union on May 16. What does it portend to you as President- General?
It gave me great joy to preside over the 95th Anniversary Celebrations of the Okpe Union on May 15 – 16, 2025, at Obalende, Lagos. For those who may not know, Okpe Union is the oldest ethnic organization in Nigeria. We paid tribute to the following founding fathers who had the foresight to establish Okpe Union and served in the first National Executive Council of the Union: Thomas O. Ake of Mereje Town: President. M. A. Ero of Ughoton: Vice President. Inspector Odeghe (later known as Chief Odeghe) of Oha: General Secretary. J. K. Ogodo of Sapele: Auditor. Uweriavwe Ake of Mereje Town: Treasurer. J. U. Igberiewe of Okuokpokpor: Assistant Treasurer. J. E. Uwerhievwe of Esubi: Member. Uko of Jeddo: Member and J. E. Ewhiewhie: Member.
What is our message to those who made the anniversary a successful one?
I do not have sufficient words to thank all our members across Nigeria and in the Diaspora who made the 95th Anniversary a huge success, considering that they graciously provided the resources as their altruistic contributions to the growth and development of the Okpe Nation. Members of the National Planning Committee and the Local Planning Committee were marvelous. They are the pillars of the Okpe Union that did the heavy lifting.
In your capacity as PG of the Okpe Union (Worldwide), what would you say were the landmark achievements of the Union in 2025, and what are your projections, and expectations in 2026?
Keeping the Union focused on our goals and objectives. The celebration of the 95th Anniversary of the Founding of the Okpe Union definitely was the highlight of 2025. We registered new branches and members across Nigeria and the Diaspora. In 2026, we shall intensify our sensitization and outreach programme to various Okpe organizations and leaders (traditional and political) in pursuit of the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality. We shall, simultaneously, intensify our advocacy for the renaming of Okpe LGA and Sapele LGA to Okpe East LGA and Okpe West LGA, respectively.
On the issue of political restructuring of Nigeria, what is the position of the Okpe Union, and what measures is the Union putting in place to firm up its position in 2026.
Okpe Union strongly supports the restructuring of Nigeria’s federalism. We are working collaboratively with other ethnic nationalities in different national organizations across Nigeria to affect this restructuring. For example, we actively participated in the drafting of an Executive Bill on the subject which was submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as a submission to the Federal House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee. We are working with other ethnic nationalities and national organizations to ensure the success of these initiatives in 2026.
On the issue of Okpe identity and visibility, what measures do you have in place to consolidate on what the Union had achieved in 2025?
As stated above, we shall intensify our sensitization and outreach programme to various Okpe organizations and leaders (traditional and political) in pursuit of the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality.
The Okpe Union floated a bursary programme for Okpe students in higher institutions. What is the motive behind this, and what has been the size of the beneficiaries?
The motive is simple: we initiated a bursary programme for Okpe students in higher institutions as part of our efforts to actualize the vision of the Founding Fathers of the Okpe Union and to provide less privileged but talented Okpe nationals with higher education. The 2025 Bursary was awarded to 12 (twelve) Okpe sons and daughters, in line with the vision of the Founding Fathers of the Okpe Union to establish a base for human capital and economic development of the Okpe Nation. Recall that the Founding Fathers offered scholarships to FOUR Okpe sons to study overseas in their individual field of endeavor. This laudable policy initiative of our Founding Fathers should not and must not be allowed to die due mainly to the present economic hardship in pervading in Nigeria today. Hence, for the past three years, the Okpe Union has limited the award to Bursary in the meantime.
What is the relationship between the Okpe Union and the Media? There was once an allegation that some media organizations were engaged in deliberate distortion of facts regarding Okpe identity. What is your view about this?
We do not want to recast any distortion of facts regarding Okpe Identity that emanated from some media houses in the past year. We have moved forward beyond that. We are in a democratic political system where freedom of speech is highly recognized. But be rest assured that we are vigilant in reviewing all publications regarding Okpe Nation and we remain resolute in defending Okpe national interests and territorial integrity.
The Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, on Saturday urged the Orodje of Okpe to restrict his authority and confine his activities to the said 510 acres granted in the judgement of Chief Ayomanor V. Ginuwa 11 JELR81222 (W.A.C.A).
“I sincerely hope that the said proposed foundation laying ceremony of the sub-palace by the Orodje of Okpe is within the said 510 acres granted to the Okpes in the judgement of Chief Ayomanor V. Ginuwa 11 JELR81222 (W.A.C.A), as anything outside this will be far reaching and would be an invitation to communal crisis by the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and this will be resisted by every legal means possible”
In response to the foundation laying ceremony of the sub-palace in Sapele Town by the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Uduaghan said that the issue of the ownership of Sapele by the Itsekiri Nation has been corroborated by the Intelligence Report of the Colonial Authority as far back as 1930 on the Okpe Sobo Clan wherein they listed all Okpe villages, sub-clans and communities.
“The Intelligence Report by L.E.A. Fellows listed the notable Okpe villages to be Amukpe, Elume, Orerokpe and Gbukurusu”
Uduaghan who is the administrator of Ugbekoko, Utonyatsere, Ajimele, Aji Dore, Irakpa and other notable Itsekiri communities within Sapele under the over lordship of the Olu of Warri, Atuwatse 111 said the judgement in Chief Ayomanor V. Ginuwa 11 JELR81222 (W.A.C.A) that the Okpe often rely on to claim the ownership of Sapele does not confer ownership of Sapele on the Okpes.
‘”The judgement in Chief Ayomanor V. Ginuwa 11 JELR81222 (W.A.C.A) did not grant the ownership of Sapele to the Okpes; rather it granted 510 acres of land to the Okpes. The area of land granted is well known”
“Sapele is not the exclusive town of the Okpe people. Sapele from the time immemorial belongs to the Itsekiri people” he added.
Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 frowned at the antics of the defence counsel to waste time in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman.
Mamman and seven others, namely, Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, Ben Nsikak, Stephen Ojo, Oladipo Adebowale, Michael Achua and Ogunjobi Olusila are standing trial on a nine-count charge, bordering on conspiracy, false pretence and intent to defraud to the tune of N31,070,541,349.64 (Thirty-one Billion, Seventy Million, Five Hundred and Forty-one Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty-nine Naira, Sixty-four Kobo).
Reacting to the counsel to the second defendant, Temitayo Sonuyi, SAN’s objection to the commencement of trial, owing to his application before the court on the issue of jurisdiction which he wanted to be determined before going ahead with the trial, Justice Anenih stated that the prayers in the affidavit, brought by the counsel were not ripe for hearing as she will need time to read it before delivering her ruling.
“I have listened to both parties, however, reading the prayers, I cannot take the prayers in the application when I have not seen or read it. It is not ripe for hearing at this point and the final process is not in the case file before me. If you want the application to be processed today, the proper thing has to be done earlier because I have to go through the application. I cannot come here and sit down and waste time for nothing to be done today. Counsel please let’s proceed with the trial. When we come during the next adjourned date I can deliver my ruling,” she said.
Earlier in the proceedings, Sonuyi drew the attention of the court to two applications filed on December 5, and 10, 2025, challenging the appropriateness of the charge, and the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter.
Responding, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN informed the court that the second defendant was served with a counter-affidavit on January 6, 2026, noting that moments ago, his attention was again drawn to the second defendant`s counsel’s response to his January 6, 2026, counter-affidavit. Oyedepo urged the court to commence trial as he was ready to go ahead with the business of the day and with his witnesses in court, adding that in order not to waste the time of the court, the court can hear the application at a later date.
Upon hearing the position of the court, Sonuyi sought the leave of the court to withdraw his affidavit in response to the prosecution’s counter-affidavit, stating that he will do the needful by putting his house in order.
Counsel to the 6th defendant, J. A. Egwaede, informed the court that the counter-affidavit of the prosecution was only served to him in the court and urged the court to grant an adjournment to enable him go through and file his reply.
In her ruling on the matter, Justice Anenih held that since the 6th defendant was only served with the copy of the prosecution’s counter-affidavit, she will grant an adjournment in the interest of justice, as the court is also bound to hear the application for jurisdiction to determine the proceedings of the case.
The matter was adjourned till February18, March 11, 25, 2026 for ruling and continuation of trial.
Media & Publicity
January 20, 2026
President Bola Tinubu congratulates the Nigerian national team, Super Eagles, for Saturday’s bronze medal victory at the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
The President commends the Super Eagles for putting behind them the disappointment of the semi-final loss to host nation Morocco last Wednesday.
The Super Eagles overpowered Egypt, defeating the seven-time AFCON winner, in a penalty shootout after the regular time, in which the Nigerian team dominated.
President Tinubu states that the Super Eagles players, through their victory, have once again demonstrated the determination, persistence, and can-do spirit associated with our country.
The President remarks: “Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.
“Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold.”
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
January 17, 2026
SERAP sues governors, Wike ‘over failure to account for security votes spending’
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike “over their failure to account for the spending of billions of naira of public funds in the name of ‘security votes’ by them since 29 May 2023 to guarantee and ensure the security of life and property of Nigerians.”
The suit followed reports of the Benue massacre and well-documented ongoing cases of insecurity in several states and FCT, despite the over N400 billion budgeted yearly as ‘security votes.’ 10 governors reportedly budgeted about N140 billion as security votes in 2026.
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/95/2026 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is asking the court to “direct and compel the governors and Mr Wike to disclose the details of the spending of security votes by them since 29 May 2023 to date, which are intended to ensure the security of life and property of Nigerians.”
SERAP is also asking the court to “compel the governors and Mr Wike to provide detailed reports on the allocation and spending of security votes by their states and the FCT, including the information on implementation status and completion reports, and the plans, if any, for improving the security infrastructure in the states and FCT.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that, “Nigerians ought to know in what manner public funds including security votes meant to ensure the security of life and property of Nigerians, are spent by the governors and FCT minister.”
SERAP is arguing that, “the escalating insecurity in several states and FCT is taking a devastating toll on socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians, driving up extreme poverty, intensifying hunger and leading to other grave human rights violations.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Several state governors and FCT minister continue to fail to effectively discharge their primary and constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of the Nigerian people.”
According to SERAP, “The framers of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] never contemplated opaque spending of public funds as security votes.”
SERAP said, “The constitutional principle of democracy also provides a foundation for Nigerians’ right to know the spending details of the money collected in the name of security votes meant to ensure the security of life and property of Nigerians.”
SERAP is arguing that, “Citizens’ right to know promotes openness, transparency, and accountability that is in turn crucial for the country’s democratic order.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Oluwakemi Agunbiade, Andrew Nwankwo, and Valentina Adegoke, read in part: “There is a significant risk of embezzlement, misappropriation or diversion of public funds collected by the states and FCT as security votes.”
“Despite the billions of naira yearly budgeted as security votes, many governors and FCT ministers are grossly failing to guarantee and ensure the security and welfare of the Nigerian people, contrary to section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution.”
“Directing the governors and FCT minister to account for security votes spending would serve to engage Nigerians in an honest conversation about the security problems and what the governors and minister are doing to respond to them.”
“The intense secrecy and lack of meaningful oversight of the spending of security votes by governors have for many years contributed to large-scale stealing of public funds.”
“Years of secrecy in the spending of security votes have also limited the ability of the people to hold high-ranking public officials to account for their constitutional responsibility to ensure the security and welfare of the people.”
“There is a legitimate public interest for the governors and the FCT minister to explain how they have spent the security votes they have so far collected.”
“The obligations of state governors and FCT minister to guarantee and ensure the security and welfare of the Nigerian people is interlinked with their responsibility under section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution to ‘abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of office’.”
“While authorities may keep certain matters of operational secrets from the people in the name of national security, there is no constitutional or legal basis to hide basic information on public spending from the people.”
“The Supreme Court in a groundbreaking judgment declared that the Freedom of Information Act ‘is applicable and applies to the public records in the Federation’, including those on security votes spending kept by the states and FCT.”
“With the landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has made clear that state governors can no longer hide under their unfounded claim that the Freedom of Information Act does not apply to them.”
“As the Supreme Court has eloquently stated, any freedom of information law by the state is subject to the Freedom of Information Act.”
“The failure by state governors and FCT minister to disclose and account for the spending of security votes is a grave violation of the public trust and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, national anticorruption laws, and the country’s international human rights and anticorruption obligations.”
“Pervasive tendency by governors to regard or treat security votes as their personal entitlement or funds is antithetical to the Nigerian Constitution and international standards. Security votes should be used for improving the security situation in the states or returned to the public treasury.”
“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution further imposes clear responsibility on the states and FCT to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.”
“The public interest in publishing the information sought outweighs any considerations to withhold the information.”
“The World Bank recently classified Nigeria as ‘economy in fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCS)’, which explains why the country continues to face severe and persistent development challenges.”
“Other 38 countries classified as FCS alongside Nigeria include Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Libya, Mali, and Sudan. The World Bank noted that insecurity is contributing to extreme poverty in Nigeria.”
“According to the Bank, ‘the outlook for poverty in Nigeria is sobering. Millions of people are currently experiencing acute food insecurity. Severe gaps in education and health undermine human development in the country.’”
“Weak state capacity, insecurity, and conflict-related disruptions contribute to poor outcomes across basic services. Insecurity is escalating and inflicting grave economic damage while contributing to violations of human rights across several states and FCT.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
18/01/2026
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
DELTA SOUTH: ORETTE THROWS HAT IN THE RING
. Family medicine physician in Houston, Texas, Dr Austin Orette, on Friday made up his mind to run for the 2027 National Assembly election in Delta South Senatorial District.
‘’Our politics should be a battle of ideas that will move our people and our nation forward. Great nations utilize ideas to empower the people. The people are equipped with the necessary knowledge to push the frontiers of progress. For every child that is not educated, there is an idea that was not implemented. For every youth that is unemployed, there is an idea that was never implemented. For every elderly person living in poverty, it represents an idea that was never taken. The lack of electricity in the country is as a result of lack of ideas. No modern society can function without electrical power. I would like to participate in the contest of ideas that will solve our perennial problems. I am humbly asking the citizens of Delta-South to join me in this quest. I will represent them well and be the guild post for their aspiration. Let us begin to ask the questions that will define us as a people’’.
In a strongly worded statement, Orette assured individuals and organizations working vigorously for his senatorial ambition that he will contest in 2027.
‘’I am running because I want to use my skills to create opportunities for my people’’.
The renowned medical expert stated unequivocally that the touted senatorial ambition was to create enlightened citizenry who will use their knowledge to solve the prevailing problems in the country, particularly Delta South Senatorial District.
‘’The leadership in Nigeria has always seen the people as the problem. I see the people as solutions. If the people are appropriately equipped, they will provide solutions to the myriads of problems’’
Orette asserted that the people have a stake in their country.
‘’The people will reject the current office holders. They will be made to understand through my pronouncements that the present leaders are doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results’’.
He reasoned that by focusing on education, health care, legal reforms and active citizenship, concrete development could be achieved in the country.
‘’My town hall meeting is to reintroduce myself to the people. We have to make people acquire skills for the jobs of tomorrow. What is happening now is underemployment. The present crop of leaders doesn’t know how to utilize labour so we have a lot of unemployment issues. We will teach the youth how to be job creators by assisting them to set up businesses’’.
Dr. Austin Orette graduated from the University of Nigeria in 1985 and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the Memorial Hermann Health System between 1992 and 1995.
He is also a frequent contributor of opinion pieces to various Nigerian publications.
His writings often focus on Nigerian politics, national security, democracy, and ethnic relations.
At EUC homes exuding excellence in realtors & customer service is a goal.
The climax of the EUC homes weekly recruitment sessions yesterday the 16th of January 2026, became more intense and exciting as consultants were recognized and rewarded for their efforts.
Mr Peter Ifeanyi was rewarded with 1,000,000 (cash) for his direct sales commission.
The Chairman/CEO of EUC Homes, Chief Uche Ben Odunzeh, joined by the Executive Director, Mr. Bankole Omotayo, encouraged the consultants to remain focused and steadfast. They assured everyone that the cash reward initiative would continue, and every qualified consultant would be duly rewarded.
The Awardee Mr Peter Ifeanyi appreciates EUC homes for the commitment in meeting clients’ demands. He further Thanks the management for EUC homes for maintaining the words (30% structured commission), and further urged fellow consultants to remain committed and focused at EUC homes.
The CEO EUC homes maintained that the goal is to groom realtors that will deliver excellence in the industry and encourage hard working.
EUC Homes remains undeterred in her penchant to excellence and will continue to live up to expectations. The satisfaction of clients remains our priority.
The counsel to Henry Omoile, E.N Offial, who is standing trial with a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele,over an alleged $4.5bn fraud, , on Thursday, January 15, 2026, told Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, that his client was never harassed by the EFCC during interrogation.
Emefiele is currently facing a 19-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), bordering on receiving gratification and making corrupt demands during his tenure as CBN Governor.
His co-defendant, Omoile, is facing a three- count charge bordering on unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent.
Both defendants have pleaded “not guilty” to all charges.
At the resumed sitting on Thursday, Omoile’s lawyer, during cross-examination by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo ,SAN, admitted that the defendant was cautioned in his presence and that he signed the caution.
He also admitted participating in the process and that he knew what the second defendant wrote could be used against him in court.
When asked by Oyedepo whether he had complained or filed a petition regarding the investigative team’s alleged conduct, the witness answered in the negative
He also admitted that the Judge who heard the fundamental rights enforcement case did not find the EFCC guilty of any misconduct and that his client was never harassed in his presence.
Earlier in the proceedings, he had falsely accused the EFCC of attempting to pressure his client into implicating the first defendant, Emefiele.
Offial, who was testifying in the trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness of Omoile’s statement to the EFCC, had claimed that the investigators made various promises to him in exchange for indicting Emefiele.
Offial stated that Omoile told him that the Head of the EFCC team that interrogated him assured him that he would get bail and might not be charged at all if he cooperated by revealing incriminating evidence against the first defendant. All these were later found to be unfounded.
The witness also testified that the Interrogation was conducted in a question-and-answer format, and that his client was required to answer the questions satisfactorily before being allowed to write them on the statement sheet.
Consequently, Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter till January 16 for the continuation of the hearing.
.
Media & Publicity
January 15, 2026
Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of $150,000 Linked to Vetifly Global Boss
Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, ordered the interim forfeiture of the sum of $150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars) linked to one Emmanuel Okoh, Director, Vetifly Global Inc.
The Judge gave the order, following a motion ex parte filed and argued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,through its counsel, A.M.Dambuwa.
Moving the application for the interim forfeiture, Dambuwa stated that the petitioner, sometime in February, 2022, invested the sum of $1,500,000.00 ( One Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) in the aviation business of Vetifly Global Inc.
He stated that the parties agreed that Return on Investment (ROI) would be 100 percent of the investment sum, which would be paid exactly 365 calendar days from the date of issuance.
He also told the court that Okoh, however, reneged on the terms of agreement and also travelled out of the country, with the investment sum of $1.5m.
According to him, “ All efforts by the petitioner to reach Okoh were unsuccessful, hence he approached the EFCC.
“ Investigation conducted on the “Aircraft Service Agreement” between Velifly Limited and Zejet Limited led to the invitation of the Managing Director of the Xejet Limited, and one Emmanuel Ayuba Iza, who reported and volunteered a statement.
“ In his statement to the Commission, Iza said that Okoh needed Air cargo and he approached Xejet Limited for a partnership through a letter written in July, 2021 for the purpose of cargo air service.
“An agreement named “Aircraft Services Agreement” was later executed between Vetifly Limited and Xejet Limited.
“The aircraft service agreement between Emmanuel Okoh and Xejet Limited is to the effect that Vetifly Limited will provide funding for an air cargo service operation while the Xejet Limited is to provide cargo aircraft and handle the regulatory, operation and technical aspect of the service.
“ On March 2, 2022, the sum of $1,499,990.00 One Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Nine Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety Dollars) was lodged by one REMX Capital Limited belonging to Vetifly Limited.
“The lodgement made to the First Bank account of Vetifly Limited on March 2, 2022 ( the sum of $1,499,990.00 (One Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Nine Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety Dollars) is in correlation with the Swift document submitted by the petitioner.”
He, therefore, prayed the court to grant the application seeking an interim forfeiture of the property, which is reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
In her ruling, Justice Bogoro granted the application, and also directed the Commission to publish the interim order in a national newspaper for any interested party to show cause why the final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The Judge adjourned the case till February 11, 2026 for a report of compliance.
Media & Publicity
January 15, 2026
Alleged ₦110.4bn Kogi Fraud: EFCC Tenders More Bank Records in Trial of Yahaya Bello
The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello before Justice Maryanne Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja continued on Thursday, January 15, 2026 with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC tendering more bank records as evidence.
The EFCC is prosecuting Bello, alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of 1N10.4 billion.
At the resumed trial on Thursday, the prosecution team, led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court that the case was slated for further cross-examination of Prosecution Witness Six (PW6), Mashelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, who was present in court.
Cross-examining the witness, counsel to the first and second defendant J.B Daudu SAN requested for Exhibit S1 and asked the witness to clarify his earlier testimony that the statement of account had eight columns. “At the beginning of your testimony, you said there are eight columns in the statement of account. By ‘description,’ what do you mean?” Daudu asked.
Responding, the witness said, “It is the description of the transaction, my Lord. ”Referring to page three of Exhibit S1, the witness explained that the first column showed an entry dated January 20, 2016, with the description: “Cq 158 Abdulsalami Hudu for ₦10,000,000.”
He further pointed out another entry which read: “ZB chq 155 paid Halims Hotels and Tours, Lokoja, ₦2,454,400, my Lord.”
When asked if he knew the purpose for which the ₦10 million collected by Abdulsalami Hudu or the amount paid to Halims Hotels and Tours was used, the witness replied, “I won’t know the purpose the ₦10,000,000 collected by Hudu and equally that of Halims Hotels, how it was spent and for which purpose.
Daudu then requested for Exhibit X1 and asked the witness to confirm whether his attention had been drawn to certain entries in the account.
The witness replied that it was the account opening document of a company with account number 1014878995, domiciled at the Lokoja branch of Zenith Bank.
Daudu further asked the witness to confirm whether there were 21 transactions between March 10 and March 12, 2016. The witness, however, responded that the entries he started with were from November 14, 2016. Directing the witness to December 6, 2016, Daudu asked him to read the entries. The witness stated that the first entry was a transfer from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, a credit of ₦74,378,483.20.
“The second entry on December 6, 2016 is a cheque paid to Mohammed Jami’u Sallau in the sum of ₦10,000,000, my Lord,” the witness said.
When asked whether the column stated the purpose of the payment, the witness answered, “No, my Lord. Sorry, my Lord, looking at the narration, I would not decide the reason for the payment.”
He added that the same applied to another credit entry of ₦10,000,000 in favour of Mohammed Jami’u Sallau.
Z.B. Abbas then cross-examined the witness on behalf of A.M. Aliyu, SAN, counsel to the 3rd defendant.
Abbas asked whether all withdrawals made by the 3rd defendant were by cheque. The witness answered, “Yes, my Lord, they were cheque withdrawals. He further confirmed that the cheques were duly signed by the authorised signatories. Abbas also asked if Exhibit X1 was the statement of account of the Government House account, to which the witness responded in the affirmative.
On Exhibit X2, Abbas asked whether the 3rd defendant had been introduced to the bank as a civil servant and accountant. The witness answered, “Yes, my Lord, he is an accountant.”
Abbas then suggested that the 3rd defendant was merely carrying out his duty as an accountant. This drew an objection from prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, who argued that the witness was not a civil servant working for the Kogi State Government and therefore could not testify to that fact.
Justice Anineh sustained the objection.
When asked about the signatories to the account, the witness listed three individuals: Chris Onyepola, Permanent Secretary; Onyechukwu Daniel L., Chief Accountant; and Abdulsalami Hudu, Accountant.
“These three individuals are the signatories to the account,” the witness confirmed.
Pressed further on transactions dated February 19, 2016, the witness stated that there was an inflow from UBA for a Police Reform Programme or payment of security fund amounting to ₦10,000,000 per tranche, made in six tranches, totalling ₦60,000,000.He further explained that on May 3, 2016, there was an inflow with the narration “payment of sec/fund” dated February 24, 2016, amounting to ₦50,000,000, followed by another transfer for payment of “sec fund” in the same amount.
The witness confirmed that after these inflows, the 3rd defendant made withdrawals. He also testified that on September 14, 2016, there were two inflows of ₦50,000,000 each, totalling ₦100,000,000, and that the 3rd defendant made a withdrawal the following day.
On September 20, 2016, he said there were two tranches of ₦10,000,000 and ₦15,000,000 described as “His Excellency Special Sec Vote.”
Similarly, on September 22, 2016, there was an inflow of ₦50,000,000 followed by a withdrawal by the 3rd defendant. Asked to confirm whether Exhibit X1 originated from Zenith Bank, the witness replied, “It came from our bank.”
He added that while abbreviations are standard in banking, he did not know the meaning of “sec” as it was not a term used by their bank.
On August 9, 2016, the witness confirmed there was an inflow of ₦50,000,000, after which the 3rd defendant made withdrawals. He also stated that on August 18, 2016, six withdrawals were made by one Umar Comfort, and that another withdrawal by the same individual occurred on August 23, 2016. When asked whether the first defendant was the only person operating the Government House account, the witness answered, “No.” Following the conclusion of the cross-examination, Pinheiro said the prosecution had no re-examination and applied that the witness be discharged. He also informed the court that the prosecution had a short witness from Keystone Bank to be called as Prosecution Witness Seven (PW7).PW7, Mohammed Bello Hassan, was thereafter sworn in. Led in evidence by Kayode Enitan, SAN, the witness identified himself as an executive trainee with Keystone Bank. He told the court he appeared pursuant to a subpoena.
The prosecution tendered the subpoena, certificate of identification, and the statement of account of Dantata and Sawoe Construction covering January 1 to December 31, 2021. Counsel to the 3rd defendant objected, stating that reasons would be given later.
The documents were admitted in evidence and marked accordingly.
Referring to Exhibit Z1, Enitan asked the witness to confirm whether the statement had columns and narrations. The witness said it had seven columns. Drawing his attention to page two, the witness confirmed that on February 17, 2021, there were several credit entries of ₦10,000,000 each. He further confirmed that entries on February 18, 21 and 22, 2021, were also credits of ₦10,000,000 each.
Explaining the narrations, the witness said that on February 17, 2021, Maigari Murtala transferred ₦10,000,000 in six tranches, totaling ₦60,000,000.
He added that Yusuf Mubarak transferred ₦10,000,000 on February 17, another ₦10,000,000 on February 21, and ₦10,000,000 on February 22. “In total, there were nine transfers of ₦10,000,000 each by Maigari Murtala and one transfer of ₦10,000,000 by Yusuf Mubarak, making ₦100,000,000,” the witness confirmed.
Under cross-examination by J.B. Daudu, SAN, the witness said he had been an executive trainee for two years and worked in the marketing department. He admitted that he was not the account officer of Dantata and Sawoe and that he was sent by the bank to comply with the subpoena. He also said he did not personally know Maigari Murtala or Yusuf Mubarak.
Under further cross-examination by counsel to the 3rd defendant Aliyu, the witness stated that he had never encountered the name Abdulmumini Hudu, did not know when the account was opened, and was unaware of the account signatories.
With no re-examination, PW7 was discharged. Enitan then called Prosecution Witness Eight (PW8), Gabriel Ocha, a compliance officer with FCMB, No.4, Gwani Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja. He also appeared under subpoena, bringing along a certificate of compliance and other documents covering the period from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2024, in respect of Kunfayakun Global Limited.
Counsel to the 3rd defendant objected to the admissibility of the documents, reserving reasons for later. Nevertheless, the court admitted them and marked them as Exhibits AA (subpoena), AB1 (certificate of identification) and AB2 (account opening package).
Led by Enitan, the witness explained that the statement of account had seven columns, representing date, reference, description, value date, deposit, withdrawal and balance. Referring to page seven of the statement, the witness read an entry dated November 1, 2021, showing a debit of ₦30,000,000 from Kunfayakun Global Limited in favour of the American International School for Abdul Bashir.
He further testified that on November 1, 2021, there were three web transfers of ₦10,000,000 each, credited from Haruna Gana and Haruna Gaddafi, totalling ₦30,000,000.
He also confirmed a NIBSS transfer on the same date from Behamas Global Ventures in the sum of ₦25,959,000.
On November 2, 2021, the witness said there were transfers of ₦10,000,000, ₦10,000,000 and over ₦8,000,000 to Zadakkayak Global.
After cross-examination by counsel to the defendants, the prosecution called Prosecution Witness Nine (PW9), A.D. Ojoma, a compliance officer with Sterling Bank. He also appeared under subpoena with a certificate of compliance and the statement of account of Bespoke Business Solutions Limited.
While counsel to the 1st and 2nd defendants did not object to the admissibility of the documents, counsel to the 3rd defendant objected, reserving reasons for later.
Led in evidence by Pinheiro, the witness identified several credit entries, including a transaction of over ₦57 million on March 5, 2019.
On April 3, 2019, he identified a credit entry described as “NAFFS Kogi State payment commission for March 2019,” from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, amounting to ₦138,492,215.91.
He also identified another credit entry on May 3, 2019, described as “NAFFS Kogi State 2019,” from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, in the sum of ₦136,809,102.70.
On August 6, 2019, the witness said there was a credit entry from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service for payment of contractors amounting to ₦183,645,647.31. He further testified that on August 15, 2019, there was a credit entry of ₦242,250,000 for the purchase of OBPEH.
Justice Maryanne Anineh thereafter adjourned the matter till Friday, January 16, 2026, for continuation of trial.
Media & Publicity
January 15, 2026
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of renowned journalist and one of the founders of Newswatch Magazine, Yakubu Mohammed, as a colossal loss to the media industry in Nigeria.
Yakubu Mohammed, a one-time pro-chancellor and chancellor of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, died on Tuesday at the age of 75. He was a well-celebrated journalist, author, columnist, and publisher.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, said the death of the renowned journalist is painful and heartbreaking. He said the rich experience and knowledge of Yakubu Mohammed will be sorely missed.
He said: “The death of former Managing Editor of Newswatch and ex-Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Newswatch Communications Limited, Yakubu Mohammed, is a great loss to journalism and the media industry in Nigeria, his family and friends. The journalism icon, who was a role model to many media practitioners in Nigeria, would be greatly missed.
“Yakubu Mohammed was a bold, courageous and uncompromising journalist, editor, columnist and publisher who spent his lifetime to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria.
“He was a role model to many journalists in Nigeria, having nurtured and provided platforms for media practitioners who have become leading voices in the noble profession and leaders in different sectors.
“On behalf of the people and government of Lagos State, I sympathise with Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, the Mohammed family and the people of Ologba in the Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State over the demise of the veteran journalist.
“I also commiserate with the deceased’s friends, colleagues, and the media industry in Nigeria over the passing of the accomplished journalist. I pray that God will grant Yakubu Mohammed eternal rest and those he left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY
14 JANUARY 2025
. Contract validates Juilius Berger’s expertise – MD
Amidst fanfare and excitement, Delta state Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori flagged off the Otovwodo flyover in Ughelli North area of Delta state early in the week saying that the project is a permanent solution to the chronic traffic congestion at one of the state’s busiest junctions.
According to the governor, the project aligns with his administration’s infrastructure renewal agenda, focusing on durable road construction, prudent resource use, and improved connectivity across urban and rural areas.
He said rapid population growth in the local government has overstretched Ughelli’s road network, particularly at the Otovwodo Junction along the East–West Road, turning it into a notorious traffic bottleneck that costs commuters several productive hours daily, adding that he had personally experienced the gridlock at the junction.
Before now, he said as an interim measure, his administration constructed alternative routes, including Uduere, Okogbe, Oru, and Edo streets, as well as Royal Avenue linking Agbarha-Otor Road to ease traffic ahead of the flyover.
The Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch thanked the state government for the confidence reposed in the company, describing the contract as a validation of its technical expertise and partnership with Delta State.
We sincerely thank you for the confidence reposed in us by awarding this significant contract to Julius Berger. We do not take this trust for granted. We see this award not just as a contract, but as a validation of our technical expertise and a testament to the strong partnership between our company and this great State, the Managing Director said.
He commended the governor’s vision and commitment to infrastructure development under his administration‘s M.O.R.E. Agenda of Delta State – the BIG HEART, adding that Julius Berger is privileged to be the partner of choice in this collective journey towards progress and prosperity.
Lubasch continued, having started with the construction of landmark roads and flyovers in Warri, we are eager to continue this transformation here in Ughelli. The project features a 15-span flyover designed as a 2-lane dual carriageway, complete with a connecting road network, a roundabout, specific drainage systems, and modern solar street lighting.
The Julius Berger Chief Executive did not mince words in saying that, at Julius Berger, we deliver our projects to the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. Our teams work diligently to ensure timely completion while minimizing disruption to daily life in the area, even as he asked for the full cooperation of the good people of Delta State and the host community throughout the construction period, saying that, your support is vital to help us achieve success and deliver a project that will serve generations to come.
The Otovwodo Flyover project in Ughelli, Delta State, is a significant infrastructure development initiative aimed at alleviating traffic congestion at one of the state’s busiest junctions. The project, valued at ₦39.3 billion, is expected to be completed within 12 months and includes a multispan reinforced concrete bridge with dual carriageways, roundabouts and associated road works. It is designed to improve connectivity across urban and rural areas, reduce travel time, enhance safety, and boost economic activities in the region.
The event which assumed the semblance of a carnival that seized the entire expanded area of the project had in attendance, royal fathers, community leaders, members of the state executive council, as well as members of the state Assembly, the Senate and Federal House of Representatives representing constituencies in Delta state. Apart from the Managing Director who led Team Julius Berger to the flagoff ceremony, the Regional Manager, Region South and East, Engr Friedrich Wieser and the Project Manager, Engr. Thomas Haug, among others, witnessed the event.