News

Contempt of Court: Court Orders Arrest of EFCC Chair

Published

2 years ago

January 24, 2024

Eric

An FCT High Court presided by Justice Abubakar Musa has ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), to arrest the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, for disobeying court order.

The court also ordered arrest of Aliyu Yusuf, the Head, Proceeds of Crime Unit at the EFCC.

Chief Emenike then approached the court seeking order for the EFCC to allow him exercise the right of first refusal for the purchase of the house.

He claimed that the EFCC planned to sell the property to a third party without allowing him, “who is a sitting tenant exercise first right of refusal,” describing it as oppressive and unfair,.

However, the court ordered EFCC to leave the property and ordered it not to prevent Chief Emenike and his household from moving in and out of their residence.

But the commission allegedly disobeyed the order and Chief Emenike initiated contempt proceedings against both the chairman of EFCC and the head of the asset recovery team.

According to the court documents obtained, EFCC had disobeyed the first order that was made on the 9th November 2023 which was an interim order. It also disobeyed the interlocutory order made on 6th December 2023, and had proceeded to arrest both Chief Eminike and his wife.

The APC chieftain then approached the court seeking for the conviction of both Olukoyede and Yusuf for failing to comply with the court orders.

However, according to the court ruling on Tuesday (23th January 2024), Justice Musa ordered the arrest of the EFCC Chairman and the head of Proceeds of Crime Unit.

The judge ruled that ” after listening to Adeyemi Pitan esq counsel for the claimant argue in favour of the application, and Hadiza Afegbu esq counsel for the defendant informing the court that she has no response to the application;

“It is hereby ordered as follows: that an order is hereby made directing the Inspector-General of police to arrest Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Aliyu Yusuf, Head, Proceeds of Crime Unit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the purpose of committing them to prison for disobeying the orders of this Honourable Court contained in the ruling of the court delivered on the 6th day of December 2023.

“That an order is hereby made directing Ola Olukayode, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Aliyu Yusuf, Head, Proceeds of Crime Unit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to appear before this court on the date mentioned in this order to show cause why an order for their committal to prison should not be made.”

After the ruling, the judge adjourned the sitting 25th January 2024 for hearing.

Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesman, promised to get back to our correspondent when he was contacted for a response on Wednesday afternoon but didn’t respond as at the time of filing this report.

The Whistler

News

Ex-Cross River Gov Donald Duke Joins ADC

Published

3 days ago

January 30, 2026

Eric

Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), formally pitching his tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Duke registered as an ADC member in Ward 5 of Calabar Municipality, where he collected his party membership card, marking his official entry into the opposition party.

His move comes amid recent internal concerns within the ADC in Cross River State. Former ADC governorship candidate, Dr Effiong Nyong, had written to the party’s National Chairman, protesting the inclusion of some individuals from the state in the ADC’s 50 Wise Men and Women Policy Manifesto Committee.

Nyong faulted a statement by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, which listed persons who, according to him, neither resigned from the PDP nor made contributions to the ADC, calling for their removal.

Political observers believe Duke’s swift formal registration may be linked to the controversy, as the former governor had earlier been named among prominent figures associated with the party.

Recall that Duke previously left the PDP for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he emerged as the party’s presidential candidate under controversial circumstances.

Meanwhile, ADC leaders in Bakassi Local Government Area have intensified calls on Cross Riverians to identify with the party, describing it as a credible alternative ahead of future elections.

Rising from a stakeholders’ meeting involving chapter executives, ward chairmen, and secretaries, party leaders accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of misrule and urged Nigerians to reclaim the country.

In a statement signed by the Bakassi Chapter Chairman, Emmanuel Asuquo, and Secretary, Eko Boco, the party reaffirmed its loyalty to the ADC national leadership, pledging support for the National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, while urging undecided citizens to join the party’s “transformative agenda.”

News

Police Nab Suspect Behind Dummy Bomb Threat to Lagos Schools

Published

3 days ago

January 30, 2026

Eric

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man over alleged fake bomb threat messages to two private schools in Ikeja Government Reserved Area (GRA).

The suspect was tracked and arrested on January 24 in the Okota area of Lagos State following digital investigations.

According to the sources, the suspect allegedly sent WhatsApp messages threatening a fire explosion to the Human Resources Manager of AVI–CEENA School and the Chief Security Officer of Grange School, both located in Ikeja GRA.

Although the messages were sent from an unknown phone number, police said digital tracking led to the identification and arrest of the suspect, identified as Kosisochukwu Chukwuekenyem Ogbumuo.

The suspect is currently in police custody and will be charged to court on conclusion of investigations.

Police said inquiries are ongoing to determine the motive behind the threats and whether other individuals were involved.

The Lagos State Police Command reassured parents, school authorities and residents of Ikeja GRA of its commitment to maintaining security and preventing panic or disruption within the education sector.

News

Court Nullifies PDP National Convention Held in Ibadan

Published

3 days ago

January 30, 2026

Eric

The Federal High Court in Ibadan has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention held on November 15, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The court also barred Turaki and others from presenting themselves as national officers of the party.

Despite internal disputes, the PDP went ahead with its highly anticipated two-day 2025 Elective National Convention at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan. Tagged #Ibadan2025, the convention drew thousands of party delegates and leaders.

The convention was expected to elect a new National Working Committee (NWC), including a National Chairman, who would steer the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The court’s ruling casts uncertainty over the legitimacy of the leadership and raises questions about the party’s preparations for the next electoral cycle.

Party members and legal experts are now awaiting further clarification on the implications of the judgement for the PDP’s national leadership structure.