General
SDP Candidate Natasha Akpoti Escapes Assassination in Kogi
A Social Democratic Party (SDP) senatorial candidate, Barrister Natasha Akpoti, on Wednesday urged the Inspector General of Police to invite the administrators of Okehi and Adavi Local Government Areas, Abdulraheem Ozovehe Ohiare and Mr Joseph Omuya Salawu respectively for questioning over an alleged assassination plot, destruction of campaign posters and billboards.
She accused the duo of instigating series of criminal activities leading to violence, civil unrest, vandalism and threat to life in Kogi State.
In a petition to the inspector General of Police, Akpoti urged the police chief to arrest and prosecute some political thugs identified to be members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kogi State chapter.
Akpoti alleged that Ismaila Kashim, Ajinodu Ojo, Adams Kabiru, Ozovehe Lawal, Hamidu Jamiu, Adullahi Suleiman, Ahmed Fatai, Ojo Ebo, Ibrahim Kuroko, Wahab Ozuwaya, Mumuni, Baba, Itopa, Aloma, Aje, Daddy Ozi Eti, Momoh Jimoh Yakubu, Gwancy Adino Jimoh, Shuaibu Muhammed and Otori Jimoh were responsible for the destruction of her election materials and beating of her supporters in Kogi State.
Entitled The destruction of our candidate’s campaign posters, banners, billboards, intimidation of our members and destruction of our gatherings, Akpoti gave details of how APC candidate and supporters allegedly destroyed her billboards and posters.
She accused the APC senatorial candidate, Alhaji Yakubu Oseni, Ojo Egbo, Wahab Ozuwaya, Onujabo Idanuha, Abdulmumuni Jegenyi, Adavize Jagaban, Dollar Igayi and Ajinodu Ojo of removing and destroying her campaign materials and chasing her supporters away from the venue of their meetings.
“On Sunday, December 9, 2018, some hoodlums closely associated with the Adavi Local Government Administrator, Hon Joseph Salami stormed the venue of our ward meeting at Alhaji Badams Compound, Inorere in Adavi Local Government Area with arms and ammunitions.
“They chased our members with their weapons, stoned some of the women, set ablaze the plastic chairs they were seated on and destroyed some properties belonging to our coordinator and host, Mr Badams Abdulrahaman.
“This happened in the presence of four policemen after we have written officially to the Divisional Police Officer to notify him of the meeting in our letter dated December 7, 2018 which was acknowledged and the same notification was conveyed to the Area Commander in charge of Adavi Local Government,” she claimed.
Akpoti also accused Abdulraheem Ozovehe, Kamuche, Liedown, Ocha, Dollar, Sule Director, Fatai Commander, Okenykenyi, OZ, Ogunje, Ahi, Mado, Tutunkunu, Okubaibai, Janku, Adams Ozi Ganyi, Topgel, Adoke and Arisa of plotting to assassinate her.
“On September 22, 2018, our candidate, Natasha Akpoti averted attack as APC thugs invaded Ihima Youth Summit organized by the youths of Ihima Community when hoodlums allegedly under the sponsorship of Kogi State Government aided by the Okehi Local Government Administrator invaded the Ihima Youth Summit.
“They destroyed some of the items prepared for the events while the organizers were putting plans together to set the venue before the arrival of their guests among which was the Ajaokuta Steel Company Advocate, Barrister Natasha Akpoti,” the lawyer said
The Kogi Central SDP senatorial flag bearer recounted that “on October 22 in Okehi, a reported case was instituted by our party to the DPO and the Zonal Area Commander in charge of Kogi Central Senatorial District where our supporters {Enimire Ojo, Bello Mohammed Sadig and his wife Hajarat Adams) were beaten, maimed while Abdulazeez Abdulkareem, Abubakar Salami and Adamu Yusuf were arrested by Okehi Division Police Officers allegedly on the order of Okehi Local Government Administrator, Hon Abdulraheem Ozovehe Ohiare.
“On subsequent days after the incident, we had some of our supporters which include Haruna Bashiru, Onimisi Ahaad, Habib Adinoyi Umar, Haruna Babana being threatened by thugs especially one Abdullahi Suleiman who is associated to the Okehi Local Government Administrator.”
Akpoti averred further that Adams Kabiru, Ismaila Kashim, Hamidu Jamiu and Ozovehe Lawal on October 30, invaded the residence of the Okehi LG SDP Chairman, Hon James Segun Onimisi.
“They issued threats of unleashing mayhem on him and his family. They also destroyed Akpoti’s banner while shouting songs of war against anybody who identifies with Akpoti. On the 20th of October, some police officers in company of Ismaila Kashim and APC Obeiba ward 1 chairman, Abdulwahab Koto allegedly under the instruction of the Okehi LG Secretary, Hon Ibrahim Sheidu came to remove the banner of the SDP candidate on the claim that the banner was mounted too close to the venue of the APC Obeiba Ward 1 meeting.”
“One Ajinodu Ojo led his gang to destroy Akpoti’s banner mounted opposite Ihima Community Secondary School Street, Obeiba Ihima, Okehi LGA. On December 2, some alleged APC armed thugs attacked the women wing of the Akpoti Campaign Organization during their weekly ward meeting at Enyi Dudu Primary School, Ebogodo.”
She advised that the ruling party in the state should write undertaking on peaceful campaign and elections.
“That henceforth, the APC agents and other political parties should be refrained from tampering with SDP/Natasha campaign materials and rallies or any other constitutional gatherings of our members and supporters.
The senatorial hopeful urged security agents to hold Kogi State Government and Alhaji Yakubu Oseni responsible for whatever happens to her and SDP faithful in the state.” She also urged the Inspector General to investigate the actions of these APC chieftains and bring them to book.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Tunji Disu, has been charged to do everything within his powers to restore peace and strengthen security across the nation.
This task was given to the new police chief by President Bola Tinubu after being decorated at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.
Mr Disu was chosen to succeed Mr Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday. His appointment is expected to be approved by the Nigeria Police Council and confirmed by the Senate next week.
President Tinubu described Mr Disu’s appointment as coming at a critical moment, urging him to rebuild public confidence in the police’s capacity to do their job in collaboration with other security forces.
“I made this decision for you to assume this responsibility. I know your record. I saw the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor,” the President said.
“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that the safety of lives and property remains our highest priority. It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word, you have my full support,” he added.
Mr Tinubu urged him to advance the security pillars of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He expressed confidence in the Acting IGP’s discipline, operational experience and leadership capacity.
“Nigeria is challenged with banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities. You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them,” the President said, reaffirming his belief that Nigeria would prevail under a committed leadership.
The President also paid tribute to Mr Egbetokun, who was present with his spouse, saying, “We are a grateful nation. Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order.”
He urged Egbetokun to be ready to offer useful advice to his successor and wished him and his family peace, good health and success in future endeavours, noting,
“You have not succeeded without a good successor. His success will also be part of your legacy.”
Mr Tinubu urged all security stakeholders to work collectively to safeguard lives and property during this critical period.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has lamented how “people now defraud the government and individuals and invest in real estate.”
He raised this concern when he received the executives of the Association of Real Estate and Property Managers (AREAPM) in Edo State on Wednesday.
The EFCC chief, represented by the acting Zonal Director and Deputy Commander of the Commission, Mr Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, warned real estate managers against money laundering.
“We have noted with grave concern that fraudsters are laundering money and hiding proceeds of crime through real estate and property. People now defraud the government and individuals and invest in real estate,” he stated.
He noted that the agency would continue to discharge its statutory mandate of bringing those who seek to circumvent the system to book.
“As a commission, we recognise the role of Real Estate and Property Managers. Property Managers are designated non-financial businesses and professions.
“So, we expect them to be professionals and uphold the relevant rules and regulations in the discharge of their duties,” he stated, adding that, “The commission will apply the laws when there is a breach of relevant rules and regulations.”
He assured the AREAPM executives of the organisation’s willingness to collaborate with them in dealing with fraud and criminality in the sector.
“We have a unit, the Land and Property Fraud Section, which attends to issues in that regard. So, when you have challenges, you can report to us,” he stated.
In his remarks, the chairman of AREAPM in Edo State, Mr Akpesiri Michael Egbonoje, stated that the essence of the visit was to seek areas of collaboration with the commission and work out ways of combating real estate financial crimes and fraud in the state.
“Part of our strategy is to familiarise ourselves with law enforcement agencies in the state and seek for collaborative relationships. As a body, we cannot do it alone; we need help in the areas of financial crimes.
“We have tried to sanitise the space, but we realised that your agency is at the apex when it comes to dealing with financial crimes.
“We believe that structured collaboration between AREARM and the EFCC will promote financial transparency, investor confidence, and accountability within the real estate sector.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Coroner’s Court sitting at the Yaba Magistrate Court has announced April 14, 2026, for the commencement of an inquiry into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege.
Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji fixed the date on Wednesday when the matter came up before the court.
The twin child, Nkanu, died on January 7, 2026, after receiving care at Atlantis Hospital and undergoing medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos.
The child was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness.
The family had sought initial care as arrangements were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States. Atlantis referred him to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic procedures, including an MRI, lumbar puncture, and insertion of a central line.
However, the child passed away following the procedures.
His parents have alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with his death.
According to a leaked internal message sent privately to family members and close friends at the time, Ms Adichie blamed the staff of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, located in Victoria Island, Lagos, for causing the demise of the lad.
“My son would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6th,” she wrote in a broadcast message confirmed later on.
“We have now heard about two previous cases of this same anesthesiologist overdosing children. Why did Euracare allow him to keep working? This must never happen to another child,” she also wrote in the lengthy message.
The 48-year-old writer had her first child, a daughter, in 2016. In 2024, her twin boys were born using a surrogate.
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