News

APC: Crisis Looms as Governors Reject Direct Primaries

Published

8 years ago

August 30, 2018

Eric

Six governors of the All Progressives Congress may be heading for a collision course with the leadership of the party over their alleged rejection of the direct primary option to elect candidates of the APC at all levels ahead of the 2019 general elections.

A source, who is a chieftain of the party, told our correspondent on Thursday that the six governors, on Wednesday night, met with the Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, and held a private discussion with him on the issue ahead of today’s meeting of the National Executive Committee of the party.

The source who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the issue, explained that two of the governors who met Oshiomhole are from the North Central, one from the North West, and one each from the South East, South West and North East.

The party chief said, “They told Oshiomhole that they were opposed to direct primary election. All of them, except the governor from the North East, said they have problems with their people and that there is a possibility that they and their candidates may not get the party’s ticket if they should embrace the direct primary election.

“They also expressed fears that the APC may lose their states if the party adopts the direct primary approach to pick the candidates.”

The source however said that, “The APC chairman, Adams Oshiomhole was firm and resolute on the issue.”

According to him, Oshiomhole told the governors that President Muhammadu Buhari and the national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu are also in full support of direct primary.

The source said that the governors therefore threatened that they may not allow direct primaries in their state and that they would restate their position at today (Thursday’s) NEC meeting of the party.

“Oshiomhole told them that if they will not allow direct primary, the party will write INEC and send the list of aspirants who are ready for the election. You can see that the battle line has been drawn as they have vowed to restate their stand at the NEC of the meeting today,”The source added.

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News

IGP Disu Removes Benjamin Hundeyin As FPRO

Published

3 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Eric

The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has reportedly removed Benjamin Hundeyin as the Force Public Relations Officer (PRO) and replaced him with a new appointee, though the name hasn’t been officially announced.

Hundeyin was previously serving as the Lagos Command PRO before being promoted to the national role.

This move comes as part of Disu’s efforts to revamp the Nigeria Police Force and improve its public image.

As the 23rd IGP, Disu has emphasized professionalism, accountability, and transparency, warning officers that there will be no tolerance for misconduct or abuse of power.

News

Assets Declaration: Court Dismisses NDLEA’s Case Against Abba Kyari

Published

4 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Eric

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, dismissed a case filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), against suspended DCP Abba Kyari on allegations bordering on non-disclosure of assets.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the suit, filed against Kyari and his younger brothers, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari, for failure of the anti-narcotic agency to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge held that the burden of proving a case beyond reasonable doubt falls in the prosecution which it had failed to do so.

The ruling covers only asset declaration allegations. Other cases including drug related offences are still ongoing.

News

NDLEA Nabs UK-wanted Drug Lord after 15-Year Hunt

Published

10 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Eric

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 58-year-old fugitive drug lord, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been on the wanted list of Nigerian and British authorities for over 15 years.

His arrest was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by spokesman of the agency, Mr. Femi Babafemi.

Ilomuanya, according to the agency, was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, February 23, 2026, following what officials described as a high-stakes, well-coordinated operation by officers of the Agency’s Special Operations Unit.

He was first arrested in February 2003 in the United Kingdom and later convicted for drug trafficking.

He was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment but released after serving two years following a successful appeal.

In July 2011, Ilomuanya was again arrested in the UK for drug-related offences.

Though granted administrative bail, he absconded and fled to Nigeria, evading further prosecution.

In November 2018, NDLEA operatives arrested him in Nigeria after uncovering two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories — one at his country home in Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, and another at his residence in Lagos.

During the operation, officers recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine and extensive drug production equipment.

He was subsequently charged before a Federal High Court in Lagos but later jumped court bail, remaining on the run until his latest arrest.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s sustained crackdown on drug trafficking networks.

“This arrest serves as a stern warning to those who think they can hide behind borders to escape justice. Whether you jump bail in London or set up clandestine labs in your village, the long arm of the NDLEA will eventually catch up with those who choose to undermine the health, security, and future of our nation,” Marwa said.

He added that the Agency remains committed to strengthening intelligence-led operations and deepening international collaboration to prevent Nigeria from becoming a safe haven for global drug cartels.

Marwa commended officers of the Special Operations Unit for their professionalism, resilience, and diligence in tracking down the fugitive, stressing that the NDLEA remains unwavering in its resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within the country.

The agency is expected to proceed with legal action against Ilomuanya in the coming days.