BREAKING: “I’ve Never Met Him”: Gbajabiamila Files ₦15bn Defamation Suit Against PFIPC DG

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has initiated a high-stakes legal battle against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, the self-acclaimed Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), demanding ₦15 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements. The lawsuit, filed before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, represents the latest escalation in a controversy that has gripped Nigerian political circles since late June 2026.

In the court filings, Gbajabiamila is seeking ₦10 billion in general damages, ₦5 billion in aggravated damages, and ₦200 million to cover the cost of the legal action. Additionally, the Chief of Staff is requesting a court order compelling Adeyemi to publish a full retraction and unreserved apology in five national newspapers, alongside an order directing Adeyemi to pin the apology on all social media platforms and online channels where the disputed statements were circulated, for a period of 30 days.

The lawsuit stems from a press conference Adeyemi held on June 25, 2026, during which he made explosive allegations against Gbajabiamila. According to court documents, Adeyemi claimed that Gbajabiamila demanded a 48 per cent kickback from a purported ₦27.3 billion take-off grant approved for the PFIPC, that ₦400 million had already been paid through a proxy on behalf of the Chief of Staff, and that an additional ₦200 million was required to secure presidential approvals. Furthermore, Adeyemi alleged that Gbajabiamila was involved in the suspicious death of one Babatunde Tanimola, whom Adeyemi described as an intermediary between himself and the Chief of Staff, and that the Chief of Staff orchestrated an assassination attempt against him along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in September 2025.

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In his witness statement filed in support of the suit, Gbajabiamila categorically denied all allegations, stating that he has never met, communicated, or had any relationship with Adeyemi. “The claimant has never met the defendant, never held any meeting with him and has never authorised any intermediary, representative, agent or proxy to demand or receive money on his behalf,” the court filing stated. Gbajabiamila also denied demanding or receiving any financial benefit from Adeyemi or his associates, abusing his office or manipulating security agencies, interfering with investigations or intimidating media organisations, or having any involvement in the death of Babatunde Tanimola or the alleged assassination attempt.

According to court documents, Gbajabiamila’s legal team from Pinheiro LP, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kemi Pinheiro, issued a cease-and-desist letter dated July 6, 2026, demanding an immediate withdrawal of the allegations and a public apology. The letter was published in several national newspapers, including THISDAY, on July 7, 2026. However, rather than comply, Adeyemi proceeded to grant further media interviews, including an interview with social media influencer VeryDarkMan and an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on July 13, 2026. Gbajabiamila argued that during the VeryDarkMan interview, Adeyemi made admissions that contradicted his earlier categorical allegations: Adeyemi admitted he had never met Gbajabiamila in person, had never conducted a video call or any verification to confirm the identity of the person he believed to be the Chief of Staff, that all communications were conducted through the late Babatunde Tanimola, and that he could neither say Gbajabiamila was lying nor affirm that he was telling the truth. Despite these admissions, Adeyemi allegedly repeated the allegations during the Channels Television appearance.

Court filings also disclosed that Adeyemi is already facing a separate criminal trial before the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/652/2026. The charges relate to allegations of forged presidential documents and forged appointment letters, which the Chief of Staff’s legal team said formed the basis of Adeyemi’s public claims against Gbajabiamila. The PFIPC itself has been described by the Presidency as not a recognised government agency, with officials stating it was established using forged documents, although Adeyemi has maintained that the council is legitimate and was listed in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

The FCT High Court has directed Adeyemi, whose address was listed as unknown but who is deemed to be within the court’s jurisdiction, to enter an appearance within 14 days after being served with the originating processes. The court warned that judgment may be entered against him in default if he fails to respond within the stipulated period.

In his witness statement, Gbajabiamila told the court that the allegations had caused grave damage to his personal and professional reputation, which he had built over several decades of public service. He said the repeated publications generated widespread public discussion and prompted enquiries from friends, associates, and professional colleagues within and outside Nigeria. Gbajabiamila stressed that while public officers must expect scrutiny, the allegations against him went beyond legitimate criticism and amounted to false accusations of corruption, bribery, abuse of office, and other criminal misconduct presented as established facts. He said he deliberately refrained from responding through the media because he believed the courtroom was the proper forum for resolving the dispute.

BREAKING: “I’ve Never Met Him”: Gbajabiamila Files ₦15bn Defamation Suit Against PFIPC DG

Court jails man seven years for advertising cannabis on social media

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has sentenced 28-year-old Ashiru Idris to seven years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine for advertising and offering cannabis sativa for sale on social media, in a judgment that underscores Nigeria’s growing crackdown on online drug trafficking.

The conviction followed a successful prosecution by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after investigators tracked the defendant through a viral social media video in which he openly promoted cannabis to prospective buyers.

According to the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, Idris was arrested on April 22, 2026, following intelligence gathered from the widely circulated video. The operation was carried out on the directive of the Kano State Commander, CN DY Lawal, who ordered a swift investigation into the incident.

Following his arrest, the suspect was charged before the Federal High Court No. 1, Kano, where prosecutors presented evidence linking him to the unlawful promotion and sale of cannabis.

Delivering judgment, Justice S.M. Shuaibu found Idris guilty of the offences and sentenced him to seven years in prison without the option of a fine, directing that the jail term commence from July 14, 2026.

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In a statement issued after the judgment, NDLEA Media and Advocacy Officer in Kano, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, described the ruling as a landmark decision that sends a strong warning to individuals using social media and other digital platforms to advertise or distribute illicit drugs.

The agency said the conviction demonstrates that security agencies are increasingly deploying intelligence and digital surveillance to identify and prosecute offenders who exploit online platforms to facilitate drug trafficking.

Reacting to the judgment, Kano State Commander CN DY Lawal said the conviction has strengthened the command’s resolve to tackle drug-related crimes and dismantle criminal networks operating through social media.

“This judgment reinforces our determination to confront drug offenders who brazenly promote illegal substances on public platforms. We will continue to act swiftly on credible intelligence and ensure offenders are brought to justice,” Lawal said.

He also commended NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), for providing strategic leadership and operational support that have enhanced the agency’s anti-drug operations across Kano State and the country.

The conviction comes amid intensified efforts by the NDLEA to curb the growing use of digital platforms for the marketing and distribution of prohibited substances. The agency has repeatedly warned that traffickers are increasingly turning to social media to recruit customers, coordinate sales and evade detection.

In recent months, the Kano Strategic Command has stepped up enforcement operations, leading to the seizure and destruction of large quantities of illicit drugs, the arrest of hundreds of suspects and the successful prosecution of numerous drug-related cases.

The anti-narcotics agency urged parents, schools, community leaders and social media users to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activities, stressing that public cooperation remains essential in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

The NDLEA reiterated that anyone involved in the cultivation, trafficking, sale or online promotion of illicit drugs will continue to face investigation, prosecution and stiff penalties under Nigeria’s drug control laws.

Court jails man seven years for advertising cannabis on social media

Senate donates ₦50m to families of teachers, soldiers killed in Oriire school abduction

The Senate has approved a ₦50 million donation to the families of five individuals who lost their lives during the Oriire school abduction in Oyo State, describing their deaths as a painful sacrifice in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insecurity.

The donation was announced on Wednesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, where lawmakers also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for successfully rescuing abducted pupils, teachers and caregivers after 56 days in captivity.

According to Akpabio, ₦10 million will be presented to each of the families of the two teachers murdered by the kidnappers and the three soldiers who died during the rescue operation, bringing the total support package to ₦50 million.

He said the financial assistance is intended to provide some relief to the bereaved families while recognising the courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the line of duty and in service to education.

“Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. This support reflects the Senate’s appreciation of their courage and our solidarity with their families during this difficult period,” Akpabio said.

The victims were among those affected by the May 15, 2026 attack on two schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where armed kidnappers abducted more than 45 pupils, teachers and caregivers, triggering nationwide outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of schools, particularly in rural communities.

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According to reports, one teacher was shot dead during the attack on the school premises, while another was later killed by the abductors during captivity. Three soldiers also lost their lives while participating in the intelligence-led military operation that eventually secured the victims’ freedom.

The abductees spent 56 days in captivity before they were rescued through a coordinated operation involving the Nigerian Army, intelligence agencies and other security operatives.

Security authorities have described the operation as an intelligence-driven mission that relied on sustained surveillance and coordinated tactical operations rather than the payment of ransom, resulting in the safe rescue of the remaining victims.

During plenary, senators praised the professionalism, resilience and bravery displayed by the Armed Forces and other security agencies throughout the rescue mission, noting that the successful operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led security strategies against kidnapping and terrorism.

The Senate had earlier observed a minute’s silence in honour of the slain teachers and soldiers and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the military high command and all security personnel involved in the rescue operation.

Lawmakers reiterated their commitment to supporting policies, legislation and adequate funding aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, improving intelligence gathering and enhancing the protection of schools under the Safe Schools Initiative.

The upper chamber also urged the Federal Government to improve welfare packages, insurance benefits and compensation for military personnel and other security operatives deployed to high-risk operations across the country.

The donation comes amid growing calls from education stakeholders, security experts and civil society organisations for increased investment in school security, surveillance infrastructure and stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies to prevent future attacks on educational institutions.

The Senate maintained that while the successful rescue brought relief to many families, the deaths of the teachers and soldiers underscore the enormous sacrifices being made by educators and security personnel in safeguarding lives and protecting the nation’s future.

Senate donates ₦50m to families of teachers, soldiers killed in Oriire school abduction