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Agbekoya warns protesters to stay away from Lagos, South-West

Published

2 years ago

July 30, 2024

Agbekoya Parapo

Agbekoya warns protesters to stay away from Lagos, South-West

Agbekoya Parapo, a Yoruba socio-cultural and farmers organisation, has warned those who are allegedly inciting violent protests in Lagos and other southwest states against the consequences, saying that those with ulterior motives should steer clear of the zone.

Agbekoya Parapo spoke in a statement titled, ‘Agbekoya Parapo’s position on the upcoming nationwide protest by youths and opposition against President Bola Tinubu’s government,’ made available to reporters in Ibadan on Tuesday.

The statement was issued after a meeting attended by its President General, Aare Kunle Oshodi; the Secretary General, Chief Kunle Adelakun Eruobodo; Chairman, Elders Council, Agbekoya Parapo, Prof. Ademola Onibonokuta, Prof. Amusa, Pastor Benson Olayanju, Comrade Adebayo Balogun and Chief Remilekun Oyelami.

While saluting the Nigerian youths for their courage and commitment to throw their weight behind the quest for a better country, Agbekoya Parapo advised those with ulterior motives to “reconsider their plans and move their protests to Abuja and their respective states of origin” rather than pressing their points in the South-West, insisting that “We shall never allow what happened in Lagos during #EndSARS to repeat itself.”

According to the statement, it is very sad and pathetic that the current generation of youths has waited for so long to address the inefficiency, injustice, oppression, and lack of equity from the ruling class and constituted authorities.

The statement read in part: “We are very much aware that Nigeria belongs to every one of us and that the dividends of democracy should and must be felt by every Nigerian. In view of the impending protests, there are a few salient questions and fundamental issues that the present youths, the opposition, and the organizers of the August protests need to understand to grasp the nature and complexity of the Nigerian state:

“What was the reason behind the removal of history from the secondary education curriculum? Why did the Nigerian military take over the civilian government in the January 1966 coup? And, why was there a counter-coup in July 1966?

“Why and who imposed the unitary system of government on Nigeria’s regional structures designed by the British colonialists? What were the causes of Nigeria’s military coups/rules in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, especially after the civil war of 1967-1970, and who were the beneficiaries of those coups?

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“Is there any official reason why the freest, fairest, and most transparent June (12) 1993 Presidential election was annulled? Whose interests were served, and who benefited from the June 12 annulment? Why have the coupists/perpetrators not been prosecuted to this day? Lastly, is Nigeria free from neo-colonialism?

“The fundamental truth is that Nigerians have been struggling since the military took over civilian administration in the First Republic in the January 1966 coup and the July 15 counter-coup. Furthermore, the 1999 Constitution, which was drafted by General (Sanni) Abacha’s stooges under Prof Yadudu, does not help matters.

“There is no doubt that the 1999 Constitution is a fraudulent and corrupt document, full of lacunae. This is the fundamental reason why the country is in shambles and without peace. The ruling elites exploit these constitutional deficiencies to milk the country dry, while the masses and youths are left at the mercy of God.

“Things have deteriorated in Nigeria, and there’s no magic wand under the less-than-two-year government of President Tinubu. We are all gradually approaching the end of these games. Nonetheless, the solution is bitter and hard to say, but something will surely lead to something. We can’t build something on nothing.

“We are using this medium to warn those who are hell-bent on destroying Yoruba land, including the promoters, organizers, and opposition to President Tinubu’s administration, to reconsider their plans and move their protests to Abuja and their respective states of origin, not Lagos and Yoruba land.

“Protesters should direct their grievances to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. We will not condone any action that may destroy our heritage in Lagos State or any of the Yoruba states. Despite Lagos being the commercial hub of Nigeria, it holds deeper significance for every Yoruba person; it is the hope of the average Yoruba man.

“The destruction and agony caused by the #EndSARS saga still linger. Who could have imagined that the palace of the revered Oba of Lagos could be attacked, a sacrilege on our temple, by uncouth, uncivilized, and irresponsible people of other tribes?

“Our experience during the last #EndSARS protest is enough for our decision. The Southwest has yet to fully recover. The properties destroyed during that single attack were estimated to be worth billions of naira, with no compensation from the federal authorities.

“Most of our farmlands have been destroyed by herders, resulting in billions of naira worth of agricultural products being lost. Many of our farmers have been killed, and many could no longer go to their farms for fear of being killed.”

It urged the governors in the zone to be more sensitive and proactive by showing greater commitment to the plights of the people in line with the ethos of Omoluabi being attributed to the region.

Agbekoya warns protesters to stay away from Lagos, South-West

Related Topics:Agbekoya Lagos protesters South west

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Kimberly Daniels Accuses Nigeria’s Matawalle of Alleged Bribery Attempt

Published

2 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle

Kimberly Daniels Accuses Nigeria’s Matawalle of Alleged Bribery Attempt

A United States lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, has accused Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of allegedly attempting to influence a US official with money in a bid to counter findings contained in a controversial international security report.

Daniels, a Democrat representing Florida’s District 14 and chairperson of the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), made the allegation in a video posted on her verified Facebook page, which has since circulated widely across social media platforms.

Allegation linked to UN-WCD report on Nigeria security

Daniels said the alleged inducement was connected to a report issued by the UN-WCD, which raised concerns about insecurity in Nigeria and alleged attacks on Christian communities in parts of the country.

She claimed the report, which called for greater scrutiny of Nigeria’s security leadership, triggered attempts to influence public perception and counter its findings in the United States.

The report reportedly referenced violent incidents in states such as Plateau, Benue, and Kaduna, and questioned the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security response in addressing ongoing attacks.

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Claims of financial inducement to US official

In the viral video, Daniels alleged that a US elected official was approached with a financial offer to publicly oppose the report and defend Nigeria’s defence establishment.

“A US elected official was offered money by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to change the narrative of the UN-WCD Christian genocide in Nigeria report,” she said.

She did not provide documentary proof in her public statement but insisted that she had seen communications and materials she described as evidence of a coordinated effort, including drafted statements and promotional content.

Alleged pressure campaign after report release

Daniels further alleged that following the release of the UN-WCD report, she faced pressure from individuals she linked to Nigerian authorities. She claimed these actions were aimed at discrediting her findings and influencing US political discourse.

She also alleged that an unnamed American legislator was encouraged to publicly challenge her position and support Nigeria’s defence leadership, describing the alleged move as an attempt to divide US lawmakers.

Calls for review of Nigeria’s defence leadership

The US lawmaker had previously urged President Bola Tinubu to consider the removal of Matawalle, citing concerns raised in the UN-WCD report regarding insecurity in several Nigerian states.

She said her position was based on findings related to attacks in parts of northern and central Nigeria and called for stronger accountability within Nigeria’s security structure.

Nigerian government response awaited

As of the time of filing this report, Bello Matawalle has not publicly responded to the allegations. There has also been no independent verification of the claims made by Daniels, and the Nigerian government has not issued an official statement on the matter.

Broader security and diplomatic implications

The allegations come amid ongoing international debate over Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly reports of violence in rural communities and concerns about insurgency and armed attacks.

While Nigerian authorities maintain that security forces are actively addressing threats across the country, the latest claims have added a diplomatic dimension to the broader conversation on Nigeria security situation and international perceptions.

Analysts say such allegations, if unproven, risk heightening diplomatic sensitivity between Nigeria and international stakeholders, especially regarding narratives on human rights and internal security.

For now, the controversy remains unresolved, pending responses from Nigerian officials and further clarification from involved parties.

Kimberly Daniels Accuses Nigeria’s Matawalle of Alleged Bribery Attempt

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Troops Arrest Five Suspects in Ebonyi Over Killing of Police Officer

Published

2 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Troops Arrest Five Suspects in Ebonyi Over Killing of Police Officer

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation UDO KA (Operation Eastern Sanity) have arrested five suspected members of a criminal network linked to the killing of a police officer in Delta State, following a coordinated intelligence-led raid in Ebonyi State.

The operation was carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at a suspected hideout in Nwofe, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, where soldiers reportedly acted on credible intelligence tracking the movement of fleeing suspects involved in violent crimes against security operatives.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, who said the raid was part of ongoing military counter-terrorism and internal security operations aimed at dismantling armed criminal networks across the region.

According to the Army, the suspects are linked to a deadly attack on police officers on February 26, 2026, at Okuku-Igbo in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, where one officer was killed, another injured, and two AK-47 rifles were allegedly stolen during the incident.

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Military authorities said intelligence reports revealed that the group responsible for the attack fled Delta State following intensified security pressure and later established a new operational base in Ebonyi State to continue their activities.

The Army further alleged that the arrested suspects include a key commander of the group, described as a notorious IPOB/ESN-linked kingpin known as “Calamity,” alongside four other members of the network.

During the raid, troops reportedly surrounded and secured the hideout, arresting all five suspects without resistance. At the time of arrest, the suspected leader was found with a black handbag containing five mobile phones and several keys, while a motorcycle believed to have been used by the group was also recovered.

Security sources said the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to uncover further details about their operations, collaborators, and possible weapons caches linked to the group.

The Nigerian Army stated that the operation reflects its continued efforts under Operation Eastern Sanity to neutralize violent criminal groups, restore security, and prevent further attacks on law enforcement personnel and civilians.

Military authorities added that investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider network allegedly connected to the group and recover weapons believed to have been hidden in different locations.

The Army also called on residents to support ongoing security operations by providing credible and timely intelligence that can assist in identifying criminal hideouts and preventing future attacks.

According to security officials, sustained collaboration between the public and security agencies remains critical to improving security in Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions, where sporadic attacks on security operatives have persisted.

Troops Arrest Five Suspects in Ebonyi Over Killing of Police Officer

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Nigeria Police Begins Probe of 167 Senior Officers Over Misconduct

Published

3 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu

Nigeria Police Begins Probe of 167 Senior Officers Over Misconduct

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced the sitting of its internal disciplinary panel to review pending cases involving 167 senior officers over alleged professional misconduct and related offences, in a move aimed at strengthening accountability within the institution.

The exercise, currently underway at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, was confirmed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, who described it as part of ongoing reforms to enforce discipline and uphold professional standards across the Force.

According to him, the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC)—a key internal mechanism of the police—is responsible for reviewing cases involving officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and above. The committee is mandated to ensure a thorough, transparent, and fair hearing process, in line with existing laws and regulations, before forwarding its recommendations to the Police Service Commission for final decisions.

Placid noted that the large number of officers facing review underscores the Force’s renewed determination to address issues of misconduct, ethical violations, abuse of office, and breaches of professional codes that have, in recent years, drawn public criticism.

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He added that the process is not only punitive but also corrective, designed to reinforce discipline and restore confidence in policing institutions. Observers say cases typically handled by the committee may include allegations ranging from dereliction of duty and improper conduct to corruption-related infractions and violations of operational procedures.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to discipline, integrity, and professionalism, stressing that no officer found guilty would be shielded from due process.

He emphasized that the disciplinary exercise forms part of broader institutional reforms targeted at:

Strengthening internal control systems
Promoting ethical behaviour among senior officers
Enhancing operational accountability
Rebuilding public trust in the police

Security analysts describe the review of 167 senior officers simultaneously as one of the most significant internal disciplinary actions in recent times, signaling a more aggressive approach by the police leadership toward internal cleansing and reform.

At the conclusion of the proceedings, affected officers may face a range of sanctions depending on the severity of findings. These could include warnings, suspension, demotion, compulsory retirement, or dismissal, subject to approval by the Police Service Commission.

The development comes amid sustained calls from civil society groups and the public for improved professionalism, transparency, and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in light of past concerns over misconduct and abuse of authority.

Authorities say the outcome of the committee’s deliberations will play a crucial role in shaping public perception of ongoing police reforms and the credibility of efforts to reposition the Force as a more accountable and service-driven institution.