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N4.7bn Fraud Trial: Court Discharges, Acquits Ladoja

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The Federal High Court in Lagos has discharged and acquitted a former governor of Oyo State, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, of the N4.7bn fraud charges pressed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in 2008.

Delivering judgement in the 11-year-old trial on Friday, Justice Mohammed Idris said the evidence brought to court against Ladoja and Waheed Akanbi, a former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, was “too low on credible evidence.”

The judge said the EFCC failed to call relevant witnesses that could have helped it to prove its case, adding that the six witnesses it called gave inconsistent and contradictory testimonies.

The judge said most of the documents which the EFCC tendered in support of its case were lacking in probative value since relevant witnesses were not called to speak to them.

He noted also that the prosecution was inconsistent with the amount of money it claimed that the defendants diverted and laundered.

Justice Idris described the handling of Ladoja’s case by the prosecutor, Mr Olabisi Olufemi from the law firm of Festus Keyamo, as an example of how a criminal case should not be handled.

Describing the prosecution of Ladoja and Akanbi as unjust, Justice Idris said he found that if anyone was to be prosecuted for the alleged fraud, it should have been the persons whom the EFCC fielded as prosecution witnesses two, three and four.

The judge said, “There is a thin line between success and failure; that thin line is called credible evidence. The case of the prosecution is too low on credible evidence. For this reason, I agree with the 1st defendant when he stated that to sustain the 11 counts, the prosecution called six witnesses, three of whom, being PW2, PW3 and PW4, are participles criminis, who adduced material evidence.

“The court, therefore, warns itself of the danger of believing the evidence of PW2, PW3, and PW4, who are participles criminis, without collaboration of same by an independent witness.”

The judge said there was no way government would succeed in its anti-corruption fight, where real offenders were shielded as in Ladoja’s case.

He said, “This country cannot sustain the fight against corruption in the manner in which this case has been prosecuted, where those that should be proper defendants in the case were shielded away from prosecution. This is injustice and this court will not partake in an injustice.”

“Prosecutors must be committed to promoting a justice system founded on fairness, equity, compassion,” he added.

Justice Idris said as the prosecution failed to prove any of the 11 counts against Ladoja and Akanbi, he was unable to convict them as requested by the EFCC.

Reacting to the judgment, Ladoja said, “I’m grateful to God. It shows that the judge actually understood the issue. What interests me about the judgement was the fact that the judge made some fundamental observations. That if you want to fight corruption in Nigeria, the prosecution should work better.

“He pointed out that the people who were supposed to be charged were shielded from prosecution. Which means that they were only looking for big names; they wanted to prosecute Ladoja because he was a former governor; whereas the people who stole the money were there, shielded by the prosecution.”

The former governor said the 11-year trial took a toll on him.

“11-year-old trial, it has taken a toll on me. But I only hope that this will be a lesson to the prosecution.”

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Wike-led PDP Faction Expels Makinde, Mohammed, Lawal, Others

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike-controlled faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has announced the expulsion of the governors of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, and Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal.

The development, which came Tuesday afternoon during the faction’s Board of Trustee meeti is seem as a retaliation to last week’s expulsion of the former Rivers governor and others

The factions had earlier in the day, engaged each other in a fight to gain possession of Wadata Plaza headquarters of the party.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that ratified the expulsion of the governors of Oyo, Bauchi and Zamfara States, Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Senator Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, who was elected Chairman at the Ibadan Convention, Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, Chief Bode George and others, accused them of anti Party activities.

The NEC also ratified the dissolution of State Executive Council of Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, Edo, and Ekiti States.

These decisions were taken at the 103 NEC meeting of the party held in the party national secretariat in Abuja today.

Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, who presented the memo for the expulsion, said it was as result of the affected party members’ disregard for court judgements, an action he said put the party in disrepute.

The NEC meeting’s Communique was read by the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who was earlier expelled at the Ibadan convention.

It reads; “The National Executive Committee (NEC) met on 18 November 2025 to address recent developments affecting the unity, stability, and constitutional order of our Party. At a time when Nigerians look to the PDP for leadership, NEC convened to uphold truth, justice, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.

“NEC expressed deep concern over the actions of some members who violated subsisting court orders by organizing and attending a purported and unauthorized convention. This act triggered confusion, factionalisation, and the defection of governors and legislators nationwide.

“NEC reaffirmed that the PDP draws its legitimacy from strict adherence to its Constitution and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not from impunity.

“NEC received the report of the Acting National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, detailing breaches of Articles 58(1) and 59(1), including anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and conduct bringing the Party into disrepute.

“NEC approved the commencement of disciplinary procedures against the following; Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben N. Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Bala Mohammed, Oluseyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel and Emmanuel Enorden.

“NEC further resolved that Chief Ali Odefa must refund all salaries and allowances collected after his expulsion on 12 December 2024. These actions are taken to preserve order and discipline within the Party.

“NEC ratified the dissolution of State Excos in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos and Ekiti. The NWC is directed to constitute caretaker committees and begin fresh congresses immediately while the Edo State Exco led by Barr. Nosa Ogieva has been approved.

“NEC directed Deputies in all National Working Committee positions now vacant owing to expulsion to assume the substantive positions in acting capacity and function as NWC members.

“NEC also formally ratified the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, as the Acting National Chairman of the party.

“NEC directed the legal team and NWC to commence immediate constitutional action to recover seats of all elected officials who defected from the PDP, in line with Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.

“NEC approved a Party-wide reconciliation initiative to heal divisions and rebuild trust, while ensuring that reconciliation does not undermine discipline. A nationwide membership audit and revalidation will begin ahead of the 2027 elections.

“NEC acknowledged the anxieties among members but assures the Party faithful that these decisions are aimed at stabilising and strengthening the PDP.

“The NEC affirms that the era of indiscipline is over. The PDP will not bow to lawlessness or personal ambition.

“With unity, discipline, and renewed purpose, the PDP will rebuild stronger and restore public confidence ahead of the next electoral cycle.”

Earlier in their opening remarks, the BoT Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman urged the party members to remain steadfast, expressing confidence that the PDP will surmount its problems.

Source: oyoinsights

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Wike, Seyi Makinde Factions Clash at PDP Headquarters

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A dramatic confrontation erupted at the Peoples Democratic Party National Secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday as Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and the governors of Oyo and Bauchi states, Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, clashed in a fierce struggle for control of the party’s headquarters.

Mary Chinda, reporting for ARISE News, said that security operatives loyal to both camps engaged in a free for all over who would take possession of the secretariat, with heavy teargas fired around the Wuse Zone Five premises as tensions boiled over.

Governor Makinde arrived at the venue with the newly elected National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, while Wike remained firmly positioned inside the building with Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary who maintains that his tenure remains valid until December 8, 2025.

The intense standoff deepened concerns within the party, with several PDP leaders accusing the Police of failing to demonstrate neutrality in the escalating leadership crisis.

Source: Arise News

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Police Confirm Abduction of Secondary School Girls in Kebbi

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Tension has engulfed the Maga community in Kebbi State after terrorists launched a deadly pre-dawn attack on the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, reportedly abducting 25 students and killing a staff member.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar Kotarkoshi, the armed attackers, wielding sophisticated weapons, invaded the school at about 4:00 am and opened fire as they forced their way in.

“The police tactical units deployed in the school engaged them in a gun duel,” the PPRO said. “Unfortunately, the suspected bandits had already scaled through the fence of the school and abducted twenty-five students from their hostel to an unknown destination.”

He confirmed that one staff member, Hassan Makuku, was shot dead, while another, Ali Shehu, sustained a gunshot injury to his hand.

Following the attack, Abubakar said the command swiftly deployed additional police tactical squads alongside military personnel and local vigilantes to track the movement of the terrorists and rescue the abducted girls.

“They are currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forests with a view to rescuing the abducted students and possibly arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act,” he said.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, had reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

“The Commissioner reiterates the Command’s unwavering determination to safeguard the people of Kebbi State,” Abubakar stated. “He appeals to the public to remain calm, vigilant, and continue supporting police operations to maintain peace and stability.

Also confirming the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, said the state government was closely monitoring developments.

“The exact number of abducted students is still being verified,” Idris told our correspondent.

“The deputy governor, Senator Umar Tafida, has been dispatched to the school to assess the situation on behalf of Governor Nasir Idris, who is currently out of the state.”

He assured residents that the government was working hand-in-hand with security agencies to secure the safe return of the students and restore normalcy to the community.

Parents and residents of Maga remain in anguish as they await further updates on the fate of the abducted girls.

In June 2021, bandits abducted some students of Federal Government Girls College, Birnin Yauri, Kebbi State.

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