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Ekiti CP defends Farotimi’s arrest in Lagos

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Ekiti CP defends Farotimi’s arrest in Lagos

Ekiti CP defends Farotimi’s arrest in Lagos

 

The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeniran Akinwale, has defended the arrest of the Lagos-based human rights activist, Dele Farotimi for alleged cyberbullying and defamation.

In an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday, Akinwale said the alleged offences committed by Farotimi included “defamation of character, cyberstalking and other things” noting that those two allegations were “fully established.”

He said, “We are investigating him (Farotimi). If the suspect is arrested, we will bring him for investigation. We will conduct our investigation and will be able to know his level of culpability or otherwise.”

Reacting to the arrest in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Tuesday, the Director General of the Labour Party presidential campaign council, Akin Osuntokun, condemned how the lawyer was arrested.

 

 

He expressed concerns about the alleged involvement of Chief Afe Babalola whom he described as an illustrious personality.

Osuntokun said, “I know Dele Farotimi as a junior I was a bit disturbed about the fact that the police commissioner in Ekiti state would come to Lagos to come and arrest someone about cybercrime which is always a euphemism for whatever grouse the police has. Chief Afe Babalola is an illustrious citizen of Nigeria, his name being attached to what has happened.

“I am sure that Babalola will not get involved in something like this. Something is missing somewhere. The method with which he was apprehended, I won’t know how that is consistent with due process.”

 

 

Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 elections, Omoyele Sowore, condemned the arrest of Farotimi stressing that the process was undemocratic.

Sowore in a tweet on Tuesday demanded the release of the lawyer while noting that the police should avoid being used to settle personal scores.

He tweeted, “I just spoke with Kunle Akinwale, the Commissioner of @PoliceNG Ekiti State Command. He admits that they arrested @DeleFarotimi and that he’s being driven from Lagos to Ekiti by road.

“I told him categorically that this constituted an abuse of @PoliceNG’s powers and that this was a civil case that ought not to have warranted police intervention. When he admitted to me that they were driving him from Lagos, I asked him repeatedly, “Did he kill someone?”

“He even said he was still under investigation for “cybercrime.” This illegal arrest was staged by one of Nigeria’s most senior lawyers, Afe Babalola SAN. This is just despicable.’

Recall that Farotimi had in a press statement on Monday accused some police operatives suspected to be from Ekiti of planning to arrest him over an issue regarding the content of a book he published.

 

He also alleged that the police deployed several antics that suggested an attempt to abduct him rather than invite him for questioning on any matter.

 

The statement read in part, “I must reiterate that I am a law-abiding citizen. I have consistently honoured every lawful invitation by the Nigeria Police Force. However, these recent developments – targeting my associates, tracking my phone, and harassing innocent individuals-are deeply concerning.

“It has therefore become clear, and it is no longer hidden, that there are policemen from the Ekiti State Police Command who are currently working out of Zone 2 Police Station on a mission to abduct me. Now, this leads me to ask a question: if I faithfully attended the police station as invited, why not invite me in the same manner again?

“Assuming there is even a charge, it does not take a lawyer to point out that law enforcement officers going around arresting people connected to me and intimidating them is not the proper way to carry out a lawful arrest. So, I have good reason to be fearful for my life, my liberty, and even the well-being of those around me.”

PUNCH Online reported on Tuesday that Sowore had in a post on his X handle announced the arrest of Farotimi.

Sowore, who disclosed that Elumelu filed a petition accusing Farotimi of defamation, called for the lawyer’s immediate release, emphasising that the police should not be used to settle personal disputes.

Sowore wrote, “I just learned that Dele Farotimi was arrested by the Nigerian Police over a petition by Tony Elumelu of UBA Group alleging Dele defamed him.

“It is pertinent that the Nigerian police are notified that the institution cannot continue to be used to settle personal scores, and we, the citizens of Nigeria, would no longer tolerate such a situation.

 

Therefore, the police at Zone 2 in Lagos are advised to release Barrister Dele Farotimi immediately.”

Meanwhile, the Zone 2 Public Relations Officer, Umma Ayuba, in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Tuesday, disclosed that contrary to claims that Farotimi was arrested by operatives of the Zone, the human rights lawyer was not in their custody.

She however confirmed that Farotimi was invited about two weeks ago over an allegation and that he honoured the invitation and was since released.

“I have checked our records, he is not in our custody. He was invited about two weeks ago and was released after honouring our invitation,” Ayuba said.

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Alaketu-Designate Visits Ooni of Ife, Secures Royal Blessing for Kingship

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Alaketu-Designate Visits Ooni of Ife, Secures Royal Blessing for Kingship

Alaketu-Designate Visits Ooni of Ife, Secures Royal Blessing for Kingship

The Alaketu-designate of Ketu Land in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Prince Adekoya Babajide Adefowora, on Wednesday, paid a historic visit to the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at his palace in Ile-Ife.

The visit, which is a significant step in his journey to the throne, was marked by the royal father’s blessings and prayers for a peaceful and prosperous reign.

This comes after the formal presentation of Prince Adefowora, who hails from the Ateshimara Ruling House, by the traditional authorities of Ketu Land on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

His visit underscores the deep-rooted ancestral ties between Ketu Land and Ile-Ife, reaffirming the sacred traditions that bind Yoruba monarchs to their spiritual and historical source.

Prince Adefowora was accompanied to the Ooni’s palace by prominent members of his family, high-ranking chiefs, and kingmakers from Ketu Land, all of whom played key roles in his selection and endorsement as the next Alaketu.

Speaking at the palace, Prince Adefowora described his visit as a homecoming and an essential part of his ascension process.
have come home to pay homage to my father, the Ooni of Ife. My deep love for my people motivated me to accept the call to the throne of Ketu. This journey is not just about me; it is about upholding our rich heritage and leading my people towards greater progress,” he said.

Addressing controversies surrounding his ascension, he condemned attempts by some individuals to manipulate the process with fraudulent documents.

I am aware of certain fraudulent documents being submitted by some individuals to the authorities. I use this opportunity to urge them to desist from such illegal activities. The Supreme Court has already affirmed my right to the throne, and I call on the government to thoroughly investigate this matter. It is crucial for everyone to respect the rule of law and uphold due process,” he stated.

On the delay in filling the Alaketu throne after the demise of the previous ruler, Prince Adefowora explained that Yoruba tradition necessitates a period of transition.

“In Yoruba tradition, when a king joins his ancestors, a period of interregnum is observed before selecting a successor. This allows the community time to reflect, ensure stability, and make the right choice for the future. My people made their choice long ago, and today, they have formally presented me to our ancestral father, the Ooni of Ife. I am honored to have received Kabiyesi’s blessings,” he added.

In his response, the Ooni of Ife congratulated Prince Adefowora on his journey to the throne and prayed for a successful reign filled with peace, wisdom, and development for Ketu Land.

You are about to embark on a sacred duty, one that requires wisdom, patience, and commitment to the welfare of your people. I pray that your reign brings prosperity, unity, and growth to Ketu Land. May the ancestors guide you, and may your leadership be marked by justice and progress,” the Ooni prayed.

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Unity in Generosity : Prophet Genesis Unites Faiths at Ibafo Ramadan Lecture (See Video) – Alhaji Arems

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Unity in Generosity : Prophet Genesis Unites Faiths at Ibafo Ramadan Lecture (See Video) – Alhaji Arems

 

On March 12, 2025, during a spirited Ramadan lecture in Ibafo, Prophet Genesis once again demonstrated that faith and generosity know no boundaries. In a moment captured on video that has since resonated with audiences far and wide, the Prophet called an elderly woman to the stage. With warmth and conviction, he declared, “Mama, I’m the one people have blessed with this cash – open up your bag, and you can as well get extra nylon bags – take it all.” He went on to reassure her that his personal driver and security team would ensure she got home safely, eliminating any worries about carrying the money.

The heartfelt gesture was part of a lecture themed “Truthfulness brings success,” a mantra that clearly underpins Prophet Genesis’ approach to ministry. Notably, he reiterated that his annual Ramadan gatherings are unique in that he never collects money. According to the Prophet, God has made it clear that accepting money on these occasions would sever his divine connection—a conviction that has guided his practice for years.

What makes this event particularly striking is its interfaith significance. Held during Ramadan—a time when millions of Muslims around the world are fasting—the lecture underscored Prophet Genesis’ commitment to inclusivity. His actions sent a powerful message that genuine compassion and kindness transcend religious labels, uniting communities in shared celebration and mutual respect.

In a world often divided by differences, Prophet Genesis’ demonstration of unconditional generosity and his call for truthfulness serve as a reminder of the unifying power of faith and goodwill.

Watch Video Here : https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMBY9RPus/

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Fake Testimony Lands Woman in Court Over Five-Bedroom Duplex Fraud

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Fake Testimony Lands Woman in Court Over Five-Bedroom Duplex Fraud

Fake Testimony Scandal: Woman Who Falsely Claimed Ownership of Duplex Arraigned in Court

The Enugu State Police Command has arraigned Loveth Helen Alo, the woman who falsely claimed ownership of a five-bedroom duplex, before the Enugu North Magisterial District Court. This development follows her sensational but fraudulent testimony at Zion Prayer Ministry in Lagos, where she alleged that divine intervention had gifted her the property.

Spokesperson for the Enugu State Police Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed her arraignment in a statement on Tuesday, March 11. According to Ndukwe, Alo was arrested on February 1, 2025, after a petition was filed against her for falsely claiming ownership of a luxury home located in WTC Estate, Enugu.

“The suspect was apprehended by detectives from the Legal Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department following investigations into the fraudulent claims,” Ndukwe stated.

Alo had previously gone viral after storming the Zion Prayer Ministry Movement Outreach in Lagos with an emotional testimony, claiming that God had miraculously blessed her with the house. However, her story unraveled under scrutiny, and she later confessed to fabricating the entire narrative.

Authorities have charged her with five criminal offenses, including fraud, defamation, and attempted property theft. Despite her confession, Alo was granted bail, with the case adjourned to April 9, 2025, for further proceedings.

The incident has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many condemning the misuse of religious platforms for deceit and personal gain. Meanwhile, legal experts warn that Alo could face serious legal consequences if found guilty of attempting to fraudulently claim another person’s property.

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