Author: Tribune Online

A retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and Fuji musician, Alhaji Ishola Adeyinka, popularly known as Askari To Nko Fuji, has criticised the Contributory Pension Scheme for personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, describing it as inadequate and unfair to retired officers. Adeyinka, who retired alongside members of the April 1, 1991 Police Cadet Inspector […]

A Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced twin brothers, Ojomo Taiwo and Ojomo Kehinde, alongside two others, Emmanuel Bamidele (also known as DPO) and Peter Samuel (also known as Mogaji), to 14 years’ imprisonment each for armed robbery. 

The trial judge, Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe, delivered the sentence following a plea bargain agreement entered into by the defendants on an amended two-count charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery, contrary to Section 298(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. 

The convicts—Taiwo, a driver; Kehinde, a security guard; Bamidele, a technician; and Samuel, a cobbler—were initially arraigned in 2020 and pleaded not guilty. They later changed their plea to guilty after entering into a plea bargain agreement filed on April 14, 2026, which reduced their potential sentence from 21 years to 14 years’ imprisonment. 

Justice Abike-Fadipe confirmed that the defendants consented to the plea bargain voluntarily but noted that the court was not bound by its terms. 

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on June 5, 2020, at about 11:30 p.m. at Oshodi Bridge, Lagos. The defendants, under the pretence of being stranded, boarded a blue 2005 Toyota Sienna with registration number LSR 771 GG, driven by Sadiq Abiodun Ezekiel. 

Once inside the vehicle, they allegedly produced firearms, forced the driver into the back seat, assaulted him, and dispossessed him of his belongings, including an Android phone, an iPhone, an ATM card, and N15,000 in cash. The group then drove off with the vehicle. 

They later abandoned the victim at Charley Boy bus stop in the Gbagada area before fleeing towards Oshodi. 

The stolen vehicle was recovered the same day at Ikeja Shopping Mall and returned to the victim. 

 This is a statement issued by former Senate President 

“Ordinarily, my attitude to this insidious move by the incumbent Governor of Kwara State to initiate a case of criminal liability against me in the unfortunate incident of armed robbery which happened in Offa community eight years ago should be to shrug it off and say that we will meet in court since I know I have nothing to do with the incident or any other crime for that matter. 

However, I have been inundated with calls from many well-meaning Nigerians who were surprised by this turn of events. Thus, for the benefit of the general public, let me categorically state that I have nothing to do directly or indirectly with any case of armed robbery or any criminal matter, whatsoever. The Offa robbery incident was designed under the Buhari administration with the connivance of some individuals from Kwara State as an instrument of blackmail to seize political power from our group in 2019.

The case was investigated by the police team from the office of the Inspector General of Police. However, following the investigation, in two separate legal advices dated June 22nd, 2018, and August 23rd, 2018, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) stated that there was no evidence directly or indirectly linking me to the robbery incident.

The DPP in his first legal advice stated that “For the Senate President and the Kwara State Governor, this office is unable to establish from the evidence in the interim report a nexus between the alleged offence and the suspects”. In a second report, the DPP stated that “With regards to the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, since there is no departure from the earlier findings in the interim report, this office is still unable to establish any prima facie case against him for any offences of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and culpable homicide”.

Based on the DPP’s advice, four suspects were charged in court by the Kwara State Government. They were convicted at the trial court and the conviction was upheld by the appellate court. The matter is now before the Supreme Court. 

Suddenly, the governor woke up after I granted my interview to Channels TV where I commented on the insecurity in the state and thought he could resurrect these baseless charges against his two predecessors. 

I noticed that in his propaganda plan to circulate his frivolous charges and other skewed documents as paid advertisements in the national newspapers, even before serving the defendants, he intentionally hid the DPP reports and other documents which put a lie to the charade he is perpetuating. These are deliberate efforts to mislead the media and induce them to give purchased publicity to the frame-up. 

Therefore, I am under no illusion that this case was a frivolous move and an abuse of court process to embarrass my person. 

My legal team will definitely meet this governor in court. I believe that Abdulrahman just feels that he could still use this case to harass and defame my person by abusing the judicial process. He had tried to induce the families of the victims to initiate civil litigations against the other respondents and me, but he seemed not to be making progress with that mischievous effort because the families backed out.

I need to remind him that this vicious attack on my reputation because he enjoys the immunity of a governor is a huge joke on him. A sitting governor who is accusing his two immediate predecessors of armed robbery is only making a mockery of the institution. 

He is only taking the governorship of our dear state to the gutter. This is an example of dirty politics taken too far and too low. He ought to know that nobody at the national or state level is buying his claim. 

He is the butt of a crude joke. Many of those involved in the plot to blackmail me with the Offa robbery case have since faced the judgments of the law of karma. I do not doubt that this governor will end up the same way.

One would have thought that a governor whose state has lost over 400 lives to banditry between January 2025 and March 2026, with over 100 others kidnapped in the worst cases of insecurity since its creation, would concentrate efforts and focus attention on taming the menace by getting the bandits arrested to face justice. No. 

He is fixated on filing frivolous and politically motivated charges against his predecessors. This shows the dark mindset of the man who is the governor of Kwara State today. 

A man who emphasises dirty politics over development and security of lives and properties of the citizenry. He started working on this plot immediately after my interview on Channels TV where I flayed his lack of capacity in tackling the security crisis in the state. 

He thought this case would erase his record as the governor with the worst cases of insecurity under his watch in the state’s history. It is an unenviable record he has sustained by his lack of capacity and ability to tackle serious issues of the state.

This is a mere act of a desperate politician who is losing control in his party and knows that his days in governance are numbered. It is the reason why Nigerians should always take into consideration the level of education of those we elect into office. For a man who never completed secondary school education, it is difficult for him to appreciate the issues involved in any matter. His level of education is definitely affecting his judgment.

Let me however reiterate my unflinching belief and confidence in the ability of the judiciary to give justice at all times and to all categories of persons, no matter who their accusers are and whatever the motivation is. I believe the judiciary will always sort out the chaff from the wheat in the various cases before it. My legal team have been fully briefed and I know this case against me will collapse like a pack of cards.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Aviation Africa, Toni Ukachukwu has said that there is a manipulation going on in the Nigerian petroleum industry.

Speaking on Arise News, Ukachukwu said that Nigerian should not suffer the adverse effects of the US-Iran war, as currently the case.

He noted that the country refines and produces crude locally, admitting that the disruptions could have effects, but not up to 300%.

DAILY POST reported that domestic and foreign airlines operating in Nigeria may begin shutting down services from April 20 as the cost of aviation fuel, JetA1, increased to about N3,000 per liter.

Reacting, Ukachukwu said, “I think by and large, there is some kind of manipulation going on with the marketers.

“Ordinarily, Nigeria should be insulated from whatever has happened from the issues of the Iran US war, because we have a refinery…Dangote refinery locally.

“We refine locally and produce crude locally. But having said that, I mean, we are part of the geopolitics.

“The disruption should have had some effect on the Nigerian market, but not to 300%, so it’s not acceptable.

“And I think there are some manipulations going on.”

Fuel price hike: Marketers manipulating Nigerians – Ukachukwu

Ten high-profile scientists and military officials connected to U.S. nuclear and aerospace programs have mysteriously died or disappeared since 2024.

President Trump confirmed Thursday he’s been briefed on the subject and is reviewing the cases, saying more clarity could come within a week and a half.

Fox News

 A Nigerian pastor, Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi of The Faith on the Rock Ministry International, was arrested by the EFCC after allegedly defrauding vulnerable members of about ₦1.3 billion in what is believed to be one of the biggest Ponzi schemes recorded this year.

He reportedly deceived victims by claiming that the Ford Foundation was offering a $20 billion grant to support the poor in Nigeria, but required interested individuals to make payments before accessing the funds.

Using Theobarth Global Foundation, he promoted the scheme and persuaded people to register as beneficiaries by paying for forms and joining “clusters.” Each participant was asked to pay ₦1.8 million with the promise of receiving a ₦1 billion grant.

Through this method, Mr. Ebonyi allegedly amassed ₦1.39 billion from unsuspecting individuals and organizations.

He then used the funds to acquire several assets, including a 23-room hotel and event center, a warehouse, a sachet water factory, and multiple office buildings in Nasarawa State.

About ₦1 billion was discovered in his First Bank account.

He was arrested in 2023 after the Ford Foundation denied any involvement in the scheme.

Recently, the ₦1 billion in his account, along with the properties in Nasarawa State, were forfeited to the Federal Government after being confirmed as proceeds of crime.

A former federal lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has cautioned Kwara State government against the move to file criminal charges against former Senate president, Bukola Saraki over the deadly 2018 Offa robbery.

Sani reminded Governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrasaq that such a move could be counter-productive.

On April 5, 2018, several banks were subjected to raids, and a police station in Offa, located in Kwara state, was attacked, leading to 33 deaths, which included a pregnant woman and 12 police officers.

In September 2024, a High Court in Kwara convicted five defendants for illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide.

The individuals found guilty are Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez, and Niyi Ogundiran.

On Thursday, April 9, 2026, the state government initiated a 20-count charge against Saraki and a former governor of the state, Abdulfatah Ahmed, concerning allegations of providing arms to individuals convicted of robbery in Offa.

Additional defendants in the case include Yusuf Abdulwahab, who previously served as chief of staff to Ahmed, and Alabi Olalekan, another aide.

Saraki has characterized the government’s actions as a “desperate ploy by a drowning politician” and as “dirty politics taken too far and too low.”

And in reaction to this, Sani wrote on X, “I wish to appeal to the Governor of Kwara State my Friend and Brother, His Excellency Abdulrahaman Abdulrasaq to drop the idea of filling a Criminal Charge against Senator Bukola Saraki and others over the 2018 Offa Robbery Incident.

“In the past, I had the experience of being framed and dragged to 5 different High Courts in Kaduna, and slammed with Civil and Criminal Charges,and The Lord saved me.Power should be exercised with caution.Tomorrow is not far from today.”

Offa robbery: Shehu Sani cautions Gov Abdulrasaq over criminal charges against Saraki, others

Former Germany midfielder, Toni Kroos, has said it would be hard for Atletico Madrid to win the Champions League this season.

Kroos, speaking with DAZN, claimed Diego Simeone’s men need to change their style of play.

Atletico qualified for the semi-finals thanks to a 3-2 aggregate victory over Barcelona.

They will now take on Arsenal over two legs for a place in the final.

“It’s just a personal opinion, but I think Atlético Madrid won’t win the Champions League. There are teams in the competition that play better than them.

“Atleti always knows how to defend a result very well, and with the advantage from the first leg, plus the sending-off, they had a significant advantage to advance to the semifinals.

“If they don’t change their style of play, they’re not going to win a Champions League.”

UCL: Toni Kroos names team that won’t win trophy

Once in a while, there is always a flurry of foreign-born footballers who want to play for Nigeria.

In the recent past, we have had players like Alex Iwobi, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Ademola Lookman, among others choose to wear the white and green.

These players have, however, opted for the Super Eagles for different reasons. Some because it has always been a dream to represent their fatherland. Others because they were rejected by the countries of their birth or residence.

“Personally, I have no problems with that,” Adava OluwaGbenga Festus, OAP at Midas Radio and Football Analyst, tells DAILY POST.

“There are players born abroad who will never feel comfortable in that setup until they come back home to represent their fatherland, either talented or not.

“There are just some like that and I also think parents play a huge role in this situation.

“Over the years, players like Carl Ikeme, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, etc have come from the English system and become Super Eagles mainstay.

“Can you look anyone in the eye and say for example players like ex-Boro defender Luke Young, ex-Bolton Kevin Davies, ex-Portsmouth David Nugent, etc and some others who have all played for England.

“Are anything better or more talented than Iwobi or Aina? Hell No.

“Remember both of them actually represented England at U16/U17 levels. I think they most definitely would still have still gotten a call up if they stayed the course.

“But they came over to Nigeria and became a part of a very solid Eagles team.”

The recent names to be linked with a switch of allegiance are Wrexham’s Arthur Okonkwo and Chelsea defender, Tosin Adarabioyo.

Okonkwo is now eligible to represent Nigeria after his international transfer from England was approved by FIFA.

But Adarabioyo appears to be waiting on a last-minute chance from the Three Lions.

“Arthur Okonkwo is a goalkeeper and I don’t think this a problematic role for the Super Eagles,” Adava said.

“Until recently when Nwabali became clubless, I think Maduka is beyond capable – he plays in a top five league in Europe.

“Arthur is having a good season, but I can’t remember the last black Three lions goalkeeper.

“As for Tosin, I just don’t think he’s good enough to displace Calvin (Bassey) and Benjamin (Fredericks) in the heart of our defense.

“So, I really don’t see the upside of his call-ups except the fact that he plays for Chelsea,” he added.

Adarabioyo’s reluctance to commit to Nigeria brings the comments of former captain, John Mikel Obi, back to fore.

Mikel Obi, speaking on his podcast, slammed players who waited until their preferred countries sufficiently ignored them, before flirting with the Eagles.

In his words, Nigeria “will not be a dumping ground.”

Adava said: “His comments are specifically targeted at those players who waited for years for other country’s call ups.

“They eventually gave up when it wasn’t forthcoming and then presented themselves as available to the Super Eagles when the desirable wasn’t available.

“Let’s take the example of Shola Ameobi and the 2014 World Cup. He had no business being in that squad after turning down invitations for years and waiting for Three Lions.”

Arthur Okonkwo, Tosin Adarabioyo: Super Eagles witness influx of foreign-based players

Afrobeats continues its global dominance as the American Music Awards (AMAs) have announced their nominees for the “Best Afrobeats Artist” category, spotlighting some of the genre’s biggest names and rising international stars. Leading the 2026 nominations are Nigerian heavyweights Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Rema, three artists widely credited with pushing Afrobeats from a regional sound […]