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Kashamu files fresh suit in U.S. to stop ‘forceful abduction’
Embattled Nigerian Senator, Buruji Kashamu, has filed a fresh suit at the United States District Court seeking an injunction ordering the U.S. to cease all efforts to abduct him from Nigeria or any other country.
In the suit dated April 9, 2015, Mr. Kashamu said if his relief is not granted, he is likely to be abducted and possibly killed or injured.
“The threatened abduction violates the treaty between the United States and Nigeria and due process under the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution,” Mr. Kashamu said through his lawyers, Robert Cohen and Scott Frankel.
Mr. Kashamu, a Senator representing Ogun East, is wanted in the U.S. for his alleged involvement in an international cartel smuggling heroin into the country.
In 1998, Mr. Kashamu and 14 others were charged by a federal grand jury. 11 of the suspects pleaded guilty and were sentenced to various jail terms – most of them have finished their prison sentence.
KASHAMU VERSUS AMERICA
In his latest suit in the court for the Northern District of Illinois, Mr. Kashamu stated that he obtained a recent information about his imminent abduction by Nigerian officials working under the direction of U.S. law enforcement agents.
Joined in the suit are Eric Holder, Attorney General of the United States; The U.S. Department of Justice; James Comey, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the FBI; Jeh Johnson, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“This is an action for preliminary and permanent injunctive relief based on the information received by Plaintiff Kashamu leading him to believe that he will be subject to an imminent illegal abduction in Nigeria by United States law enforcement officials acting with Nigerian officials designed to transport him to the United States to stand trial on pending alleged drug offenses without going through the extradition procedures,” Mr. Kashamu’s lawyer said.
“Kashamu’s belief that he will be subject to imminent illegal abduction is based on specific information that he has received indicating that his political opponents are conspiring with the United States government to illegally abduct him and transfer him to the United States to ensure that he does not take his democratically elected position as Senator.”
Mr. Kashamu further argued that his abduction would be in violation of his right to be free from unlawful seizure and arrest and from the deprivation of life and liberty without due process of law, as set out in the extradition treaty between Nigeria and U.S.
In May, the senator had filed a similar suit at the Federal High Court in Lagos alleging that Nigerian security agencies were plotting to abduct him and forcibly transport him to the U.S.
Two previous efforts by Mr. Kashamu to get American courts to quash his indictment had been unsuccessful.
In 2009, Mr. Kashamu had, through an attorney in the U.S., filed a motion to quash his arrest warrant and to dismiss the indictment against him on the ground that an English court had found that he was not the one charged with smuggling drugs into the U.S.
Two years later, he filed a follow-up motion arguing that his Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial had been violated and that the U.S. government had violated his Fifth Amendment right to due process because it lacked personal jurisdiction over him.
The U.S. District Court dismissed Mr. Kashamu’s suit, accusing him of doing everything within his power, including document forgery as well as political pressure, to frustrate his trial in the U.S.
Mr. Kashamu’s appeal was also dismissed the U.S. Court of Appeal, with the judges noting that the law maker did not want to be extradited to the U.S. to stand trial on the “very serious criminal charges” against him.
The Lagos State Government, in its continued effort to promote cultural heritage and deepen tourism footprints, has concluded plans to host the Lagos Cultural Weekend.
A three-day cultural extravaganza, scheduled to take place across multiple strategic locations, including the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Freedom Park, National Theatre, Badagry Heritage Museum, Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, and Tafawa Balewa Square, from November 14th to November 16th, 2025.
This weekend-long celebration will spotlight the richness of Nigeria’s traditions through curated events that blend history, culture, and local artistry.
Speaking on the initiative, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, noted that the event is a key part of a broader framework of the Lagos Cultural Mission.
“We aim to use the Lagos Cultural Weekend as a true reflection of Lagos culture, a herescope for tourists and visitors from across the globe to witness just how rich our culture is.
“The three days will be a cultural baptism, a deep, meaningful introduction to who we are. As a government, we now understand prioritising cultural representation as a driver for economic growth.
”On the initiative’s impact, the Special Adviser explained that it goes beyond showcasing culture, but investing in cultural artisans, talented enthusiasts, and key stakeholders to foster real engagement and growth.“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration values collaboration and inclusiveness, which is why we want to work closely with Lagosians who truly understand our culture to help us achieve these goals.
“From the historians, to creatives, curators, artisans, culinary experts, performers, fashion designers, community leaders, and traditional institutions, we need them to join us in making a lasting impact.“So that, in the end, our guests and friends from many nations will carry home an authentic story of Lagos and enriched cultural literacy,” Mr. Aregbe said.
Attendees will enjoy array of activities, including live music performances, DIY sessions, contemporary art exhibitions, traditional dance showcases, fashion shows, culinary tastings, and craft demonstrations.
Also lined up are symposiums and cultural lectures designed for tourists and enthusiasts who wish to dive deeper into the Lagos cultural identity.
The weekend will be animated by diverse local performance groups representing the rich ethnic landscape of Lagos, with a special emphasis on language, literature, and indigenous storytelling.
Lagos Cultural Weekend 2025 reaffirms the state’s commitment to building a thriving creative economy while celebrating the depth of Nigerian traditions.
Through strategic partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and community engagement, this initiative will set a new benchmark for inclusive cultural programming in Lagos and Africa at large.
Lagos Cultural Mission….Preserving Our Heritage, Advancing The Future
Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just-concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”
He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.
“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.
The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.
Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84
Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.
Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.
According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.
He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.
” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.
All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.
Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.
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