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Osun Govt ‘withdraws’ suit over withheld LG funds

Published

6 months ago

October 17, 2025

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke

Osun Govt ‘withdraws’ suit over withheld LG funds

The Osun State Government on Friday filed a notice to withdraw its suit against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Counsel to the state government, Musibau Adetumbi (SAN), informed Justice Emeka Nwite that the case had become redundant.

Adetumbi explained that the matter, which sought to protect local government funds allegedly withheld, had been overtaken by events since the allocation in question had already been moved from the CBN by the defendants.

Osun Attorney General filed the suit on behalf of the state government against the CBN, the AGF, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

However, on Sept. 22, Justice Nwite struck out the name of the Attorney-General of the Federation from the case after the plaintiff discontinued action against him, noting that a similar case was already before the Supreme Court.

The suit sought to restrain the Federal Government from releasing local government allocations to sacked chairmen and councillors elected during the tenure of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

“On September 29, 2025, when the matter was heard, I told the court that our primary aim was to safeguard the money.

“Between then and now, we are sure that, notwithstanding the pendency of the case and order of status quo, the money was moved out of the CBN,” Adetumbi said.

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He told the court that the notice of discontinuance was filed in line with Order 51 Rule 2 of the Federal High Court Rules, arguing that continuing with the matter would amount to “an academic exercise.”

Counsel for the CBN, Muritala Abdulrasheed (SAN), and for the AGF, Tajudeen Oladoja (SAN), did not oppose the application to discontinue the case but disagreed with some claims in the affidavit of facts attached to it.

Abdulrasheed argued that the plaintiff’s affidavit contained “damaging depositions” about individuals who were not parties to the case and urged the court to have the affidavit withdrawn alongside the notice of discontinuance.

“Somebody can approach the court any day with a request for a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the process and may decide to use it against the persons mentioned in the plaintiff’s affidavit of facts,” the CBN’s lawyer said.

He maintained that the grounds for the discontinuance were made in bad faith and disputed the plaintiff’s claim that the first defendant had no competent defence, pointing out that a 12-paragraph counter-affidavit had been filed in May.

He asked the court to strike out paragraphs five to eleven of the plaintiff’s affidavit for being inaccurate and referring to non-parties.

Counsel to the AGF, Oladoja, also did not oppose the withdrawal but objected to the grounds supporting it.

“However, we are in vehement opposition to the 2nd ground upon which the application is predicated.
“The plaintiff is not under any obligation to predicate his application on any ground,” he said.

Oladoja argued that the plaintiff was wrong to state that the AGF had no valid defence, urging the court to strike out the first and second grounds of the discontinuance notice. He also requested a cost of ₦10 million against the plaintiff for initiating the suit and wasting the court’s time.

In response, Adetumbi maintained that a notice of discontinuance under Order 50 Rule 2 of the Federal High Court Rules does not attract costs, stressing that the defendants had failed to file their processes within time.

“It is their default to have filed their process out of time. They cannot approach the court to ask for cost or expunging any of the grounds in the notice of discontinuance,” he said.

Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to Oct. 29 for ruling on the plaintiff’s application for discontinuance and other related motions.
NAN earlier reported that the court had dismissed objections by the CBN and the AGF, ruling that the Osun Attorney-General had the locus standi (legal right) to institute the action on behalf of the local government authorities.

Osun Govt ‘withdraws’ suit over withheld LG funds

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Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack Borno Police Station, Kill Four Officers, Hunter

Published

18 minutes ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack Borno Police Station, Kill Four Officers, Hunter

Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have killed at least four police officers and a local hunter in coordinated attacks on security posts in Borno State, underscoring the persistent threat of insurgency in the region.

The attacks occurred in the early hours of Saturday, April 4, 2026, targeting the Nganzai Divisional Police Headquarters and a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/Hunters duty post at the Malam Fatori IDP Camp in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area.

According to ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, Police Public Relations Officer in Borno, the Nganzai police station came under fire at about 1:00 a.m., with terrorists deploying Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and other sophisticated weapons in an attempt to overrun the town. Police officers, supported by the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Crack Squad, military personnel, CJTF members, and local hunters, engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle, ultimately repelling the attack and restoring normalcy.

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Despite the successful defense, four police personnel “paid the supreme price”, while a section of the police station was damaged, and an unserviceable Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was partially burnt.

Almost two hours later, at around 2:40 a.m., insurgents attacked the CJTF/hunters’ post at the entrance of the Malam Fatori IDP camp. One hunter, Atom Abua, 40, was killed, and about 20 thatched houses and properties were destroyed. Combined security teams prevented further loss of life and property.

Following the attacks, Commissioner of Police Naziru Abdulmajid deployed additional personnel and operational assets to the affected areas to strengthen security and prevent further incidents. He commended the bravery of officers and local defenders, extended condolences to the families of the deceased, and reassured the public of the command’s commitment to bringing the attackers to justice.

Security experts note that the attacks highlight the enduring insurgency threat in Borno State, where Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to target security installations and vulnerable communities despite ongoing counterterrorism operations. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.

Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack Borno Police Station, Kill Four Officers, Hunter

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NDLEA Arrests Lagos Pastor, Wife With 11kg Skunk Cannabis

Published

32 minutes ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Pastor Afolabi Hodonu and his wife, Mrs. Success Hodonu

NDLEA Arrests Lagos Pastor, Wife With 11kg Skunk Cannabis

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Lagos-based pastor and his wife after discovering 11 kilogrammes of skunk cannabis concealed in specially modified compartments of their vehicle.

The suspects, Pastor Afolabi Hodonu, 45, in charge of the Celestial Church of Christ, Agonvi Sea Beach, Sakpo area of Seme border, Badagry, and his 35-year-old wife, Mrs. Success Hodonu, were apprehended on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Seme border, Lagos.

According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, the couple was intercepted during a search of their Honda Pilot SUV, where officers recovered blocks of highly potent skunk cannabis hidden in secret compartments. Babafemi revealed that the arrest was linked to a previous seizure on March 30, 2026, when a suspected fake security agent, Sunday Samuel, was caught transporting 24.5 kilogrammes of skunk through the same checkpoint. Subsequent investigations led to the pastor and his wife.

“The arrest of Pastor Hodonu and his wife is part of our ongoing intelligence-driven operations against drug traffickers hiding behind legitimate businesses, religious titles, or elaborate concealment methods,” Babafemi said.

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The NDLEA has simultaneously conducted several other operations across Nigeria, including:

Seizure of 3.10 kilograms of cocaine at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, hidden in tins of palm kernel extract bound for the UK, leading to multiple arrests, including syndicate leaders in Lagos.
Arrest of a female drug supplier in Borno State, 28-year-old Aisha Adamu, with 4.3 kilograms of Colorado cannabis linked to bandit groups operating in the North East.
Recovery of 48,000 tramadol pills in Adamawa State and 1,378 kilograms of skunk in a warehouse in Edo State.
Arrest of a suspected drug dealer in Ibadan using her 11-year-old daughter to distribute drugs.

NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers for the successful operations, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks nationwide regardless of the traffickers’ status.

The pastor and his wife are currently in NDLEA custody and will face prosecution as investigations continue. Authorities have warned that drug trafficking in Nigeria carries severe legal penalties and that no individual is above the law.

NDLEA Arrests Lagos Pastor, Wife With 11kg Skunk Cannabis

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Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, Wife of Former INEC Chairman, Dies in Abuja

Published

45 minutes ago

April 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega and former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega

Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, Wife of Former INEC Chairman, Dies in Abuja

Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega, wife of former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, has passed away in Abuja, officials confirmed on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

The news was announced by Bayero University Kano through its official social media channels.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. With total submission to the will of Allah, we announce the passing of Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega,” the statement read, expressing sorrow and prayers for her family.

Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega

According to the university, her Janazah (funeral) prayer is scheduled to take place immediately after Zuhr prayers at the National Mosque, Abuja, on Sunday, with burial proceedings to follow.

The institution prayed that Allah grant her Aljannatul Firdaus, forgive her shortcomings, and give strength to her grieving family.

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The university’s Director of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, also confirmed the death, urging the public to offer prayers and support to the Jega family.

“Yes, it’s true. May the Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her family patience to bear this loss,” he said.

Hajiya Hadiza was widely respected for her contributions to education, community service, and support for her family, especially in northern Nigeria.

Her death has drawn condolences from friends, colleagues, and public figures across the country, highlighting her influence and the respect she commanded in social and academic circles.

Her husband, Prof. Attahiru Jega, is a distinguished academic and public servant, known for his tenure as chairman of INEC; president of Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) and his contributions to national policy and governance.

The passing of Hajiya Hadiza Attahiru Jega marks a significant loss for both her family and the broader Nigerian academic and civic community, with funeral arrangements reflecting her standing and the high regard in which she was held.