society
LICENSED LOTTERY OPERATORS FORUM DISAGREES WITH HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OVER SUPPOSED INDICTMENT
We are solicitors to The Licensed Lottery Operators Forum which comprises most of the registered lottery operators in Nigeria.
Our clients have briefed us that at the proceedings of the House of Representatives on the 21st of May, 2018 certain comments were made by members of the House of Representatives Committee on Governmental Affairs with reference to lottery operations in Nigeria. The relevant conclusions to be deduced from the totality of the comments are as follows:
1. All licenses issued from 2008 till date were not validly issued and all lottery operators including our clients are operating illegally as only one lottery company is legally authorized to practice in Nigeria.
2. That Lottery Operators including our clients fraudulently diverted Government funds and are therefore indebted to the Federal Government to the tune of N1.3trillion naira only.
3. That the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will be mobilized to recover the said N1.3trillion Naira from the Lottery Operators.
It has become necessary to issue this Press Release to create the correct impression as most members of the public will give serious attention to the above comments coming from an institution as respectable as the House of Representatives.
As a preliminary point, our clients are not a Department or Agency of Government charged with the responsibility of disbursing or administering moneys appropriated by the National Assembly and cannot by any stretch of interpretation be the subject of investigation by the National Assembly. Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides as follows:
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, each House of the National Assembly shall have power by resolution published in its journal or in the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation to direct or cause to be directed an investigation into –
(a) any matter or thing with respect to which it has power to make laws; and
(b) the conduct of affairs of any person, authority, Ministry or government department charged, or intended to be charged, with the duty of or responsibility for –
(i) executing or administering laws enacted by the National Assembly, and
(ii) disbursing or administering moneys appropriated or to be appropriated by the National Assembly.
(2) The powers conferred on the National Assembly under the provisions of this section are exercisable only for the purpose of enabling it to –
(a) make laws with respect to any mater within its legislative competence and correct any defects in existing laws; and
(b) expose corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws within its legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it.”
A cursory reading of the above constitutional provision clearly shows that in seeking to investigate our clients, the House of Representatives have obviously stepped outside their constitutional roles.
With respect to the first issue raised by the House of Representatives, the procedure for the issuance of licenses to Lottery Operators is clearly set out in the National Lottery Act. The provisions of the Act were duly complied with in the issuance of lottery licenses to our clients by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission. In any event, it is not the duty of the House of Representatives to determine the validity of the licenses and it is ultra vires the House of Representatives to revoke the licenses of Lottery Operators by proclamative fiat.
We do not want to assume, despite its probability, that these proclamations made by the House of Representatives are targeted at eliminating perceived competitors in the lottery industry and entrenching a monopoly as such a move will be resisted being contrary to the Federal Government’s policy on liberalization of businesses.
On the issue of the indebtedness of our clients to the Federal Government to the tune of N1.3trillion naira, it is important to point out that the House of Representatives is not in the proper position to assess the workings of the lottery industry. The fact remains that the lottery industry is bedeviled with many challenges and the revenue projected by the House of Representatives is unrealistic and far from the present state of affairs. As law abiding citizens, the Lottery Operators are willing to submit their books to scrutiny to the relevant agencies as evidence of the transparency of the Nigerian Lottery Scheme.
We would have thought that the House of Representatives would have devoted this time and effort into looking for ways to solve the problems bedeviling the lottery industry like multiple taxation, excessive regulation, high import duties and irregular cost template than dissipating energy on the present course.
While we recognize the oversight and investigative powers of the legislature under sections 88 & 89 of the 1999 Constitution, the said powers like we pointed out above are not at large and have been circumscribed by judicial decisions, the most recent of which is FESTUS KEYAMO V. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (SUIT NO. FHC/ABJ/CS/163/2009) By necessary application, the position of the court is to the effect that the House of Representatives of any of its Committees does not have the powers to accuse private citizens of companies of unwholesome or fraudulent conduct neither are they empowered to make recommendations or pass any resolution concerning the conduct of any private persons or company who is not charged or intended to be charged with the duty of administering laws enacted by the National Assembly or disbursing funds appropriated by the National Assembly.
The general public and investors are therefore alerted not to be misled by the so-called Resolution of the House of Representatives as it relates to the operations of our clients as the so-called Resolutions do not reflect the true position of facts and the law.
Thank you.
JOHN AINETOR, ESQ.
Assistant Head of Chambers
society
Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos
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.
society
UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin
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.
society
Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements
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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