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CSOs, lawyers warn Olukoyede against Banana peels, say many contradictions in EFCC’s allegations against Yahaya Bello reflect clear persecution

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CSOs, lawyers warn Olukoyede against Banana peels, say many contradictions in EFCC's allegations against Yahaya Bello reflect clear persecution

CSOs, lawyers warn Olukoyede against Banana peels, say many contradictions in EFCC’s allegations against Yahaya Bello reflect clear persecution

. Advise EFCC boss to shut out selfish politicians, concentrate on genuine struggles

 

 

Civil Society Organisations and human rights lawyers have called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to save the image of Nigeria by not prioritising political battles that are counterproductive to the robust anti-corruption policy of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

 

CSOs, lawyers warn Olukoyede against Banana peels, say many contradictions in EFCC's allegations against Yahaya Bello reflect clear persecution

 

 

The scores of acitivists and lawyers, under the broad umbrella of the Committee for The Defence of Democracy and Rule of Law,
particularly noted that the seeming fixation of the anti-graft agency on particular targets, fierce media trial and the network of opposition figures publicly displaying their affinity with the Commission on particular matters easily reflected political hatchet jobs that must be discouraged.

The Co-Convener of the Committee, Barrister Kayode Mogbojuri, who spoke on behalf of the over 100 CSOs at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, said the EFCC could not afford to become a tool of political witchunt in the hands of every disgruntled politician seeking political retribution against opponents or perceived enemies and advised the helmsman, Ola Olukoyede, to shut out real enemies of the Commission.

“For instance, the way it (the EFCC) is handling the current corruption allegations against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is becoming a case of clear political witchunt by his political opponents for whom the EFCC seems to be a ready tool to be manipulated into fighting their proxy wars.

“In every country that the fight against corruption has been politicized, corruption has not only thrived but also imploded. Politics and law enforcement should be water and oil that cannot mix,” he stated.

The activists said the fact that the ammended charge read that the former Governor committed the said offence sometime in September 2015, when he had not even become Governor, also showed that it was a hurried attempt to nail him without due dilligence, adding that saying it was an error would only compound the embarrassment this had earned for the nation’s anti-corruption struggle.

The CSOs also made particular reference to the EFCC’s statement that the former Governor was at large, stating that it was the greatest evidence of political persecution, considering the fact that there had been no prior publication that he had been invited.

According to them, curious statements against the former Governor and the state government, credited to one JS Okutepa SAN, a counsel to the Social Democratic Party candidate in Kogi State, already gives political colouration to the fresh EFCC allegations.

The CSOs said that their suspicion of political persecution was aroused by the particular elements of EFCC’s method of handling the matter in question.

“First, the EFCC is attempting to stand the rule of law on its head by violating a clear Court order that it is yet to vacate by a counter Court order. The High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division has given a restraining order on the EFCC to stay any action either to arrest, prosecute or persecute the former Governor or any of his appointees pending the hearing and determination of the substantive originating motion for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

“The EFCC may not agree with that order, but it cannot violate it unless the subsisting order is vacated…The question is why the desperation to disobey an unambiguous and subsisting Court order if political persecution is not involved? Corruption cannot fight corruption. There is no greater corruption than disrespecting an express order by a Court of competent jurisdiction,” the Activists said.

According to them, the slant of the EFCC’s operations, if not checked, could attract unnecessary local and international suspicion as to the real intentions of the Commission if it becomes obvious that it is tending towards political persecution rather than legal prosecution and trampling on the sacred principles of the rule of law.

The Co-Convener said, “No sensible Nigerian would oppose the fight against corruption considering its horrible effects on the socio-economic wellbeing of the country. It is a phenomenon that must be decisively fought, no doubt. We support the anticorruption drive of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has clearly stated and so far demonstrated its total intolerance for corruption of any sort.

“However, the agencies constitutionally charged with fighting corruption must have to avoid fighting corruption with corrupt means of political compromises and means that are against it as this will surely run counterproductive to the robust anticorruption policy of the Tinubu administration.”

“We advise the Commission to leave politicking to politicians and concentrate on professionalism and delivery of its constitutional anti-corruption mandate without political pollution which has the potential to make it lose local and international support,” the activists concluded.

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Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

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Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos By Ifeoma Ikem

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

A property dispute within the Omotayo-Ojo family has taken a dramatic turn following a controversial demolition exercise at a residential building in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State, which reportedly left tenants displaced and led to the detention of some police officers allegedly involved in the operation.

 

 

The property, located at 23B Loveall Street, Ikosi-Ketu, has been the subject of a prolonged ownership tussle since the death of its owner, Chief Oludola Omotayo Ojo, the Babaalaje of Imesi-Ile, Osun State, in 2019.
Residents said tension erupted when a group of individuals, accompanied by security operatives, stormed the premises and commenced demolition activities.

 

 

According to eyewitnesses, portions of the building were pulled down while tenants rushed to salvage their belongings from affected apartments.

 

 

The residents alleged that windows, doors and roofing sheets were damaged during the exercise, exposing parts of the building to the elements and causing significant losses to occupants.

 

 

At the centre of the dispute is Mrs Mojisola Omotayo Ojo Alolagbe, who claimed that the property was allocated to her by her late father during his lifetime as a source of financial support.

 

She alleged that some family members had persistently challenged her ownership claim despite ongoing legal proceedings relating to the administration of the deceased’s estate.
Alolagbe further claimed that the latest incident was part of a series of attempts to wrest control of the property, citing previous cases of alleged vandalism and partial demolition in November 2025, January 2026 and February 2026.

 

 

The situation escalated further when reports emerged that police officers allegedly involved in the demolition were later apprehended and conveyed in a Black Maria vehicle over questions surrounding the legality of their participation in the operation.

 

Sources familiar with the matter said those behind the demolition had initially claimed to be acting on approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Lands. However, the authenticity and extent of such approval could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

 

 

The development has generated concern among residents and community members, who questioned the involvement of security personnel in what they described as a civil matter.

 

 

Some tenants, who said they had recently renewed their tenancy agreements, lamented the destruction of their property and appealed to the authorities for protection and possible compensation.

 

They also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition, insisting that the rights of all parties involved should be protected.
Stakeholders have urged the Lagos State Government, security agencies and the judiciary to intervene and ensure that the dispute is resolved through lawful means to prevent further escalation.

 

 

The controversy has continued to draw public attention, raising concerns over property rights, estate administration and the role of law enforcement agencies in civil disputes.

 

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

 

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

 

 

 

 

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

 

 

 

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

 

 

 

 

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

 

 

 

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

 

 

 

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

 

 

 

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

 

 

 

 

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

 

 

 

 

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

 

 

 

 

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

 

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

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