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  • Kwara Files 20-Count Charge Against Saraki, Ahmed Over Alleged Offa Robbery Links

    Kwara State Government has filed a 20-count criminal charge against former Senate President Bukola Saraki and ex-governor Abdulfatai Ahmed over alleged links to the 2018 Offa armed robbery, with the defendants set to be arraigned on June 4 before a state High Court in Ilorin.

    What led to the charges

    The case, marked KWS/114C/26, also names Yusuf Abdulwahab, a former Chief of Staff, and aide Alabi Olalekan.

    According to the state government, the charges followed developments after the Court of Appeal upheld earlier convictions tied to the Offa robbery incident.

    The robbery, which occurred in April 2018, led to multiple arrests and prosecutions, including that of Ayo Akinnibosun, who allegedly made key confessional statements during trial.

    Key allegations in court

    Prosecutors claim that some weapons and exhibits linked to the robbery were recovered from the Government House and a state ministry in 2018.

    These items were later tendered in court and formed part of the evidence that secured previous convictions.

    Akinnibosun was also said to have claimed he led a group of armed operatives connected to political figures, alleging they received financial and logistical support.

    He further alleged that firearms and a vehicle bearing Saraki’s name plate were made available through a senior government official.

    Saraki denies involvement

    Saraki has rejected the allegations, describing the case as politically motivated and aimed at damaging his reputation.

    The defendants are expected to challenge the claims in court as the trial begins.

    What happens next

    The prosecution is expected to rely on confessional statements and recovered exhibits as proceedings commence in June.

    All the accused persons have maintained their innocence ahead of the arraignment.

  • Court Grants Blord Bail Amid Allegations Of Police Misconduct, Video Leak Scandal

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to cryptocurrency entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejirika, popularly known as Blord, after days of uncertainty surrounding his detention.

    The decision, which has attracted widespread attention, comes amid allegations of misconduct by security operatives handling his case.

    Court grants bail with conditions

    Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore confirmed the development on Friday, stating that the court approved bail on self-recognisance.

    He added that the defendant is required to submit his international passport as part of the bail conditions.

    “Bail has been granted… on self-recognizance. The court, however, ordered that he deposit his international passport,” Sowore said.

    Earlier, Sowore had indicated he was present in court during the hearing, expressing cautious optimism about the outcome.

    Allegations trail detention process

    The case has been overshadowed by claims of misconduct involving officers of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly those attached to the National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.

    Some officers have been accused of abusing their authority and mishandling the detention process.

    Reports also alleged that a video recorded during Blord’s detention was leaked to social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan.

    Claims of leaked and staged footage

    Sources claimed the video was shared deliberately to humiliate the businessman, raising concerns about professionalism within the force.

    “One of the officers… leaked a detention video… for the sole purpose of humiliating him,” a police source alleged.

    There were also claims that parts of the footage may have been staged, with officers reportedly creating scenes inside the detention facility.

    Another source described the incident as “cruelty, intimidation, and collusion.”

    Transfer to Kuje prison

    The situation reportedly shifted after the court declined to remand Blord at the NCCC facility, instead ordering his transfer to Kuje Correctional Centre.

    Sources said this move disrupted alleged plans tied to the earlier handling of his detention.

    Eyewitness accounts also claimed that VeryDarkMan followed the prison van conveying Blord to Kuje while livestreaming the movement online.

    Public scrutiny grows

    The case continues to generate reactions, with growing calls for accountability and transparency in how high-profile detainees are treated.

     

     

     

  • Pastor Bags Life Jail for Raping Church Member’s Daughter

    A 63-year-old cleric, Chris Douglas, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja for raping a church member’s daughter.

    What happened

    Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Rahman Oshodi held that Douglas, the General Overseer of Peculiar Generation Assembly Church, Oshodi, grossly abused his position of spiritual authority and trust to exploit the victim.

    “The convict occupied a position of spiritual authority and was regarded as a father figure by the victim and her family,” the judge said.

    Instead of protecting that trust, the judge added, Douglas “betrayed it in the most reprehensible manner.”

    The court heard that the abuse took place in a hotel on several occasions while the victim and her family looked up to the cleric for spiritual guidance.

    Victim’s trauma

    Justice Oshodi noted that the victim suffered severe psychological trauma as a direct result of the abuse.

    “The court accepts the evidence that the victim suffered depression and recurring suicidal thoughts as a direct consequence of the convict’s actions,” he said.

    Prosecution’s case

    The prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecution Dr Babajide Martins, called five witnesses, including the victim, her mother, and a medical doctor.

    The victim testified that Douglas drugged and raped her in September 2017.

    “I trusted him like a spiritual father. I never imagined he could do this to me,” she told the court.

    Her mother recounted confronting the cleric at his church, where he allegedly cried and blamed the devil before begging for forgiveness in the presence of church elders.

    The matter was later reported to a human rights organisation, the police at Makinde Division, and the Mirabel Centre for medical examination.

    Defence and court ruling

    Douglas denied the allegations, claiming the relationship was consensual.

    However, Justice Oshodi rejected the consent defence, ruling that the prosecution proved rape beyond reasonable doubt.

    “The defence of consent is not supported by the totality of the evidence before the court,” the judge held.

    The court discharged Douglas on six counts of defilement and sexual assault but found him guilty on three counts of rape.

    Sentence

    Justice Oshodi sentenced the convict to life imprisonment on each of the three counts, with the sentences to run concurrently.

    “The law must protect the vulnerable, and this court will not hesitate to punish abuse of trust in the strongest terms,” the judge said.

    The court also ordered that Douglas’ name be entered into the Lagos State Sexual Offenders Register.

    This is a clear case of betrayal of trust by someone who was supposed to provide spiritual leadership. The judgment has sparked discussions on the need for stricter oversight in religious institutions.

  • Mohbad’s Father Breaks Silence on Burial Delay, Insists DNA and Justice Must Come First

    The father of late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has explained why his son’s burial has been delayed, insisting that uncovering the truth behind his death remains his top priority before any final rites can take place.

    Why Mohbad has not been buried

    Speaking in a recent interview with Channels Television, Mr. Joseph Aloba said the decision to delay burial was deliberate, stressing that the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death must be fully established first.

    He maintained that justice and clarity are more important to him at this stage than immediate burial arrangements.

    DNA controversy over grandson Liam

    Mr. Aloba also addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the paternity of his grandson, Liam, noting that he needs clarity on the situation before taking any final position.

    According to him, resolving the matter is tied to his willingness to reconcile with Mohbad’s partner, Wunmi, and formally accept the child.

    “My vision is to know exactly what killed Mohbad. Once I have the answers, I’ll work on reconciling with Liam and Wumi. I’ll even go on any media platform to claim Liam as my grandson. But now, I can’t do all that because we are still at the war front,” he said.

    “Body is evidence” — Mohbad’s father insists

    He further argued that Mohbad’s remains are still central to the investigation, saying the body must not be buried yet due to the need for DNA testing.

    “The reason his remains haven’t been reburied is that his body is evidence, and a DNA test is necessary. If we bury him now, the DNA evidence will be compromised,” he added.

    Calls for transparency in investigation

    Mr. Aloba also expressed dissatisfaction with how the case has been handled, calling for a more transparent and impartial investigation.

    He urged the Inspector General of Police to reassign new officers to the case, alleging compromise in the current process.

    “They can change the nature of that environment with just a bottle of wine and 100,000 Naira. That means they are compromised. They should help me change them. They should investigate this case,” he pleaded.

    The case continues to generate public attention, with renewed calls for clarity and closure surrounding Mohbad’s death.

    https://www.instagram.com/channelstelevision/?utm_source=ig_embed

  • 744 Repentant Terrorists Graduate from FG De-radicalisation Programme, Face Fresh Debate Over Reintegration

    A total of 744 repentant terrorists and victims of violent extremism have graduated from the Federal Government’s De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration programme under Operation Safe Corridor, reigniting national debate over Nigeria’s strategy for handling former insurgents.

    What happened

    The graduation ceremony was held on Thursday in Gombe State, where military officials and government representatives confirmed the completion of the programme by the 744 participants drawn from different parts of Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

    A breakdown shows the majority, 597 participants, are from Borno State, while others came from Yobe, Adamawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Plateau, and several other states.

    Foreign nationals from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, and the Niger Republic were also part of the cohort.

    Military explains programme

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, described the initiative as a strategic security tool rather than a reward for violence.

    Represented by Rear Admiral Kabiru Tanimu, he said the programme addresses the root causes of extremism while supporting long-term peacebuilding efforts.

    “This is not a reward but a deliberate strategy to reduce violence, weaken extremist recruitment and promote long-term stability,” he said.

    He added that while military operations remain essential, rehabilitation and reintegration are necessary for sustainable peace.

    Training and rehabilitation process

    Officials said participants underwent extensive rehabilitation, including psychosocial therapy, vocational training, civic education, religious reorientation, and behavioural reform.

    According to Brig. Gen. Yusuf Ali, the programme is designed not just for disengagement, but for rebuilding identity and reintegration into society.

    “Some were abducted, others were forced, and many were drawn into the conflict due to circumstances beyond their control,” he said.

    Call for community support

    Authorities stressed that reintegration will require cooperation from state governments, communities, and families.

    The Defence Headquarters warned that acceptance and monitoring of the graduates will be critical to sustaining peace gains.

    “Nigeria is giving you a second chance; do not waste it,” the CDS told the graduates.

    Concerns and criticism

    Despite government backing, Operation Safe Corridor has continued to face criticism from sections of the public and political figures.

    Critics argue that some beneficiaries may return to insurgency, raising concerns about national security and accountability in the programme.

    Senator Adams Oshiomhole has previously called for the suspension of the initiative, citing fears of recidivism among repentant fighters.

    Wider security context

    The programme was introduced as part of Nigeria’s broader counter-insurgency strategy in the North-East, combining military action with non-kinetic approaches aimed at reducing radicalisation and encouraging reintegration.

    While supporters say it helps weaken extremist recruitment networks, debates continue over its long-term effectiveness in addressing insecurity.

  • Court Orders Arrest of Ex-Minister Sadiya Farouq, Permanent Secretary Over Alleged ₦2.4bn Fraud

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, and a Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali, over alleged involvement in a ₦2.4 billion fraud case linked to public funds.

    What happened

    Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie issued the arrest order on Thursday, April 16, 2026, following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is prosecuting the defendants on a 21-count charge bordering on alleged breach of trust, abuse of office, and diversion of funds.

    The third defendant in the case, Sani Nafiu Mohammed, was present in court when the proceedings took place.

    EFCC’s argument in court

    EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs told the court that the first and second defendants had repeatedly failed to appear in court despite being served.

    “They were served, my lord, but failed to appear. Only the third defendant reported when his surety was contacted,” he said.

    Jacobs also informed the court that Farouq had previously been granted permission to travel abroad for medical treatment but had not returned her passport or submitted any medical report.

    “Since that passport was released, she has not returned it. We do not have any medical report till date,” he added.

    Defence plea rejected

    Counsel to the former minister, Abdul Ibrahim, told the court that her absence was due to ill health and attempted to submit an affidavit in support of the claim.

    However, the court declined the application.

    The defence also requested a six-week extension to produce the defendants in court, but the prosecution opposed the request, insisting on stricter enforcement.

    Court’s ruling

    Ruling on the matter, Justice Onwuegbuzie granted the EFCC’s application and issued a bench warrant for the arrest of both Farouq and Alkali.

    The judge subsequently adjourned the case to May 18, 2026, for arraignment and trial.

    Allegations against defendants

    According to the charge sheet, the defendants are accused of diverting funds linked to the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office, including money meant for refunds from contractors.

    One of the counts alleges that excess payments meant for beneficiary validation were allegedly converted for personal use.

    The alleged offences are said to contravene provisions of Nigeria’s Penal Code.

    Background

    Sadiya Umar Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs from 2019 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, and has remained under investigation over financial activities linked to the ministry’s programmes.

  • Police Foil IED Attack Plot in Ondo, Arrest Six Suspects in Akure

    The Ondo State Police Command has foiled a planned attack involving Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) targeting government infrastructure in Akure and other parts of the state, arresting six suspects during a swift intelligence-led operation.

    How the operation unfolded

    Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence on the activities of a suspected criminal syndicate.

    Acting on the tip-off, operatives were deployed to a strategic location in Akure, where the suspects were intercepted before carrying out the planned attacks.

    The arrests and recovery were made on April 15, 2026.

    What police recovered

    A search of the scene and the suspects’ residence led to the recovery of several items believed to be linked to the planned operation.

    Recovered exhibits include 217 bottles, a bag of sugar, criminal charms, 17 mobile phones, ₦187,000 cash, two HP laptops, eight slings, a knife, an external hard drive, identity cards, a National Identity Number card, and two motorcycles.

    Police said some of the items are suspected components for assembling explosive devices.

    What investigators found

    Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects were actively involved in assembling IEDs intended for attacks on government facilities.

    Authorities also revealed that the group’s operations may not be limited to Ondo State, raising concerns about a wider network.

    “Early findings show the group was engaged in assembling IEDs for deployment on government infrastructure,” Lawal said.

    Security concerns

    The development highlights ongoing security threats across parts of the country, with authorities continuing to monitor activities of criminal groups operating across state lines.

    The police command said it remains committed to preventing attacks and protecting lives and property.

    Police assurance to residents

    CP Lawal urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security agencies.

    He assured that sustained operations are underway to dismantle criminal networks and prevent further threats in the state.