society
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.
society
Ahead of 2027: BSA Diaspora Vanguard Backs Sarafadeen Alli for Oyo State Governor
Ahead of 2027: BSA Diaspora Vanguard Backs Sarafadeen Alli for Oyo State Governor
Support for APC chieftain Barrister Sarafadeen Alli’s 2027 governorship ambition is growing both at home and abroad, with the BSA Diaspora Vanguard in North America throwing its weight behind him.
The group, led by Chief Dr. Olayinka Afolabi, Chief Coordinator of the BSA Diaspora Vanguard North America Chapter, said it is committed to mobilizing resources and awareness to ensure Alli emerges as Oyo State’s next governor.
“Barrister Sarafadeen Alli is tested, trusted, and understands what the people of Oyo State need,” Chief Afolabi said. “We in the BSA Diaspora Vanguard North America are determined to complement his efforts by enlightening Oyo indigenes in the diaspora and rallying support to bring this vision to reality.”
The group added that it would intensify outreach across North America to inform the Oyo community about Alli’s track record and plans for the state.
society
Banwo Law Offers Lifeline as New USCIS Policy Threatens Immigrants With Re-Entry Bans
Banwo Law Offers Lifeline as New USCIS Policy Threatens Immigrants With Re-Entry Bans
A major immigration policy shift being considered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) could place thousands of immigrants at risk of severe re-entry penalties, according to renowned immigration attorney Ope Banwo, whose law firm, Banwo Law, says it is already helping affected individuals navigate the evolving situation.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Octopus News, Banwo warned that the policy memo issued by USCIS on May 22 could dramatically alter the pathway many immigrants currently use to obtain permanent residency in the United States.
According to him, USCIS is signaling that Adjustment of Status inside the United States may no longer be treated as the standard route to obtaining a Green Card, but rather as an “extraordinary” form of relief.
If fully implemented, the policy could require many immigrants to complete their Green Card processing through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad instead of remaining in America during the process.
Banwo explained that the potential policy change could affect a broad category of immigrants, including H1B workers, F1 students, B1/B2 visitors, exchange visitors, temporary workers, and even some immigrants currently maintaining lawful status in the United States.
“For decades, Adjustment of Status has protected many immigrants from dangerous immigration consequences tied to leaving the United States,” Banwo stated.
“The danger now is that some immigrants could unknowingly trigger automatic three-year or ten-year re-entry bans the moment they depart America for overseas visa processing.”
He noted that many immigrants are unaware that prolonged unlawful presence in the United States can activate severe immigration penalties once they leave the country, even if their departure is tied to official immigration processing.
According to Banwo, marriage-based Green Card applicants, employment-based immigrants, visa overstays, and temporary workers transitioning to permanent residency may all face significant legal complications under the proposed policy direction.
However, Banwo urged immigrants not to panic, stressing that proper legal guidance and strategic planning remain critical.
He warned immigrants against relying on unverified social media information or “TikTok lawyers” when making life-changing immigration decisions.
Banwo disclosed that Banwo Law, accessible through SpeakWithOpe.com https://speakwithope.com, is already providing consultations to immigrants across the United States by reviewing immigration histories, assessing waiver eligibility, and developing legal strategies tailored to individual cases.
The experienced immigration law firm is also helping clients understand whether they may still qualify for Adjustment of Status inside the United States or whether alternative legal pathways may be available.
Banwo stressed that immigrants should seek experienced legal counsel before traveling outside the United States or taking any immigration steps that could jeopardise their ability to return or secure lawful permanent residency.
“Immigration law is changing rapidly,” he said. “This is not the time for guesswork. People need experienced legal guidance now more than ever.”

society
EWMCN Congratulates SK Sensation On Third-Term Re-Election As FUMAN National President ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV
EWMCN Congratulates SK Sensation On Third-Term Re-Election As FUMAN National President ~ 1ST ELEVEN9JA TV
By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)
The President of the Elite Women Musician Club of Nigeria (EWMCN), Alhaja Queen Isimot Abake Abiola, popularly known as Omo-Opeki, has extended warm congratulations to Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Agboola, widely known as SK Sensation, following his successful re-election for a third term as the National President of the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN).
In a congratulatory statement issued on behalf of EWMCN, Omo-Opeki described the victory as well-deserved, noting that the continuous support SK Sensation enjoys from members of the association is a clear reflection of his impact, leadership style, and dedication to the advancement of Fuji music in Nigeria.
According to her, his re-election for another term represents not only a personal achievement, but also a sign of stability and continuity for the Fuji music community at a time when unity, structure, and strong leadership remain important within the entertainment industry.
She further commended SK Sensation for his efforts in promoting peace, cooperation, and development among Fuji musicians across different regions of the country, while also acknowledging his role in sustaining the relevance and visibility of FUMAN over the years.
Omo-Opeki stated that under his leadership, the association has continued to witness growth and stronger representation within the cultural and entertainment space, adding that many stakeholders in the industry recognize the consistency and commitment he has brought to the office.
“Leadership is earned through service, and this third-term victory clearly shows the confidence and trust members have in him,” she noted while praying for greater wisdom, strength, and success for the FUMAN President as he begins another tenure.
The EWMCN President also urged members of the association and the wider Fuji music community to remain united and supportive in order to ensure continued progress for the genre and its practitioners.
Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Agboola, popularly known as SK Sensation, remains one of the respected figures within the Fuji music industry and currently serves as the National President of FUMAN, the umbrella body representing Fuji musicians across Nigeria.
-
news5 months agoWHO REALLY OWNS MONIEPOINT? The $290 Million Deal That Sold Nigeria’s Top Fintech to Foreign Interests
-
society3 weeks agoSOCIAL MEDIA IS NOT A BATTLEFIELD COMMAND – WHY THE NIGERIAN ARMY’S ACTION AGAINST JUSTICE CRACK IS A NATIONAL SECURITY IMPERATIVE
-
celebrity radar - gossips4 months agoDr. Chris Okafor Returns with Power and Fire of the Spirit -Mounts Grace Nation Altar with Fresh Anointing and Restoration Grace on February 1, 2026
-
celebrity radar - gossips5 months agoProphet Kingsley Aitafo Releases 2026 Prophecy: ‘Nigeria Will Rise, but the World Must Prepare for Turbulence’





