News

Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Oyebanji, Obasa to Be Honoured at Awo-UK

Published

2 years ago

March 17, 2024

Eric

Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Abayomi Oyebanji and Dapo Abiodun of Lagos, Ekiti and Ogun states respectively, will, in addition with the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudasiru Obasa, be given Special recognitions for their roles in supporting the creative industry and leveraging on it as a strong vehicle for socio-polictal development.

The Honours would be presented to the deserving awardees at the premium show of Awo, the Musical, which would be taking place at The Shaw Theatre in Euston London in May, 2024.

In a statement, made available to The Boss, the Executive Producer of the Play, Mr Joseph Edgar, who doubles as the Chairman of the Duke of Shomolu Productions, opined that the awardees through a very well thought out policy initiatives, continue to explore the full potentials of the Creative industry in achieving significant milestones, especially in the areas of job creation, infrastructural development, education, tourism among others.

He further stated that Governor Sanwo-Olu has remained a strong driving force for theatre in Lagos.

“Gov Sanwo-Olu has remained a main backer of theatrical productions, and even attended a few including the debut showing of Awo at the Glover Hall in Central Lagos.

Prince Dapo Abiodun, on his own part, has also remained a driving force in the artistic renaissance Arts and culture is receiving in Ogun State.

Governor Oyebanji of Ekiti State was the main backer of the phenomenally successful play – Fajuyi, which depicted the life of the late Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. Under his administration, Ekiti State has won several international laurels in arts and culture which could be traced to his administrations direct involvement in the sector.

Rt. Hon. Obasa also leads the most visionary sub-national legislative house, providing secure legislative framework for the continued delivery of cohesive dividend of democracy to the people of Lagos.

Awo is a descriptive musical that traces the life of the great Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, through the eyes of his beloved wife, the divine Chief (Mrs.) HID Awolowo. In very well curated song and dance sequences, the Play takes audiences through the life of one of the greatest African political stories.

Awo has been shown twice in Lagos and was recently unveiled in Ikenne during celebrations to mark the 115th post houmous birthday of the late Sage.

Dr. Mrs Tokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu, the last surviving daughter of Chief Awolowo and Executive Director of the Awo Foundation, was in attendance with other dignitaries like Mr Kunle Soname of BLFA Football Academy.

Other dignitaries expected at the London showing include Khalifa Mohammad Sanusi II, Chairman, Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Segun Awolowo among others.

Awo is written by influential theatre director, Makinde Adeniran fta, but will be produced for the London market with an all Nigerian cast by Dr Lookman Sanusi’s Heavy winds Media Limited under franchise from the Duke of Shomolu Foundation.

News

IGP Disu Removes Benjamin Hundeyin As FPRO

Published

16 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

17 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

23 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.