News

Buhari’s Backing of Giadom Marks End of Tinubu’s Dominance in APC, Says Fani-Kayode

Published

6 years ago

June 25, 2020

Eric

A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode said Bola Tinubu’s dominance in the All Progressives Congress (APC) has come to an end after President Muhammadu Buhari declared that he was backing Victor Giadom as the acting National Chairman of the party.

Mr Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos state, is highly regarded as the ‘national leader’ of the APC.

Mr Fani-Kayode said the former governor has been thrown under the bus and retired from politics.

Mr Giadom, from Rivers State, is an ally of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

Both Mr Tinubu and Mr Amaechi have been engaged in an intense and devastating power struggle within the APC, one which led to the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as the party’s national chairman.

Mr Giadom was suspended from office as the deputy national secretary of the APC by the National Working Committee (NWC) to ward off his attack on the party structure which is dominated by Mr Tinubu’s loyalists.

The NWC appointed Abiola Ajimobi, the deputy national chairman (South) of the APC, as acting chairman.

But that did not stop him (Giadom) from pursuing his claims that he is the authentic party chairman, after the Court of Appeal upheld the suspension of Mr Oshiomhole recently.

Mr Giadom said he is backed by a court order.

President Buhari in a statement from his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Wednesday afternoon, said he would attend the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting convened by Mr Giadom because “the law is on the side of Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman.”

Mr Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) said on Wednesday on Twitter, “First Oshiomole is kicked out by the Court of Appeal. Then his preferred replacement, Ajimobi, falls into a coma. Then his arch rival, Giadom, is recognised by Buhari as Nat. Chairman.

“Conclusion: it is over for Tinubu. He has been thrown under the bus & retired from politics!”

News

IGP Disu Removes Benjamin Hundeyin As FPRO

Published

8 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

9 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

15 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.