metro
Alleged Fraud: Judge’s absence stalls Fayose’s trial
The money laundering trial of a former Governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, was on Monday, stalled before a Federal High Court Lagos as the trial court did not sit.
The trial which was fixed for continuation on Monday, could not proceed as the trial judge Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke was said to be attending a conference.
A new date will now be agreed on by the parties in due course
Fayose is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for N6.9billion fraud and money laundering charges.
He was first arraigned on Oct. 22. 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatotegun, alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on 11 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering offences.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on Oct. 24, 2018, in the sum of N50 million with sureties in like sum.
The defendant, was, however, subsequently, re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, on July 2, 2019, after the case was withdrawn from Justice Olatoregun, following EFCC’s petition.
He had also pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to continue on the earlier bail granted, while the case was adjourned for trial.
The commission has since opened its case before Justice Aneke, and is still leading witnesses in evidence.
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In December 2021 EFCC had called its 11th witness, one Mrs Joanne Tolulope, who had narrated how Abiodun Agbele, an associate of Fayose, bought properties worth several millions.
Trial will now continue on the next adjourned date.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during trial before Justice Olatoregun. the prosecution had called witnesses, from several commercial banks, as well as a former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro.
According to the charge, on June 17, 2014, Fayose and one Abiodun Agbele were said to have taken possession of the sum of N1.2 billion, for purposes of funding his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti, which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.
Fayose was alleged to have received a cash payment of the sum of five million dollars, (about N1.8 billion) from the then Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution.
He was also alleged to have retained the sum of N300 million in his account and took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million which sum he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.
Fayose was alleged to have procured De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd, to retain the aggregate sums of N851 million which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.
Besides, the defendant was alleged to have used the aggregate sums of about N1.6 billion to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja, which sums he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.
He was also alleged to have used N200 million, to acquire a property in Abuja, in the name of a family member.
The offences contravene the provisions of sections 15(1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2)(b), 16 (d), and 18 (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.
VANGUARD
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metro
“You’re Not Sensible” — Daddy Freeze Fires at Yul Edochie in Viral Row
“You’re Not Sensible” — Daddy Freeze Fires at Yul Edochie in Viral Row
Media personality Daddy Freeze has reacted strongly to comments made by Nollywood actor Yul Edochie after he mocked broadcaster Roby Ekpo over his emotional breakdown while discussing his failed marriage.
The controversy started after Roby Ekpo appeared on a podcast where he became emotional while speaking about his marital crisis and separation from his ex-wife. The interview sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians divided over whether men should openly express emotional pain in public.
Reacting on X, Yul Edochie criticised Ekpo for crying during the interview, arguing that men should not display such emotions over a relationship. He went further to suggest that instead of mourning a breakup, a man should “move on” by taking multiple wives and getting them pregnant at once.
His comments immediately triggered backlash, with many social media users accusing him of being insensitive and promoting unhealthy views about relationships and masculinity.
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In response, Daddy Freeze released a video where he questioned Yul’s reasoning, describing his remarks as illogical and insensitive. Speaking partly in Pidgin English, he mocked the actor’s suggestion about polygamy and childbearing, saying it was unrealistic and out of touch with reality.
He also criticised the idea that men should be shamed for showing emotion, arguing that public figures should be more thoughtful when discussing sensitive personal struggles like divorce and heartbreak.
Daddy Freeze’s reaction has intensified the online debate, with users now split between those supporting emotional openness for men and others defending Yul’s belief that men should handle relationship issues privately.
The exchange has continued to trend across social media platforms, with many also referencing both men’s previous public statements and controversies as part of the wider conversation on masculinity and mental health.
“You’re Not Sensible” — Daddy Freeze Fires at Yul Edochie in Viral Row
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metro
Ruto Sparks Outrage Over Comments on Nigerian English Accent
Ruto Sparks Outrage Over Comments on Nigerian English Accent
Kenyan President William Ruto is facing a wave of criticism across Africa after comments suggesting that Nigerians speaking English are difficult to understand and may require a “translator”.
The remarks were made during a diaspora engagement event with Kenyans living in Italy, where the president praised Kenya’s education system and highlighted what he described as strong English language proficiency in Kenya.
“If you listen to a Nigerian speaking, you don’t know what they are saying — you need a translator,” Ruto said, adding that Kenyans speak “some of the best English in the world.”
The statement immediately triggered a social media backlash, with many users across Nigeria and other African countries accusing the Kenyan leader of being disrespectful and reinforcing stereotypes about African accents and identity.
The controversy sparked wider discussions about the role of English as a colonial language in Africa, with critics arguing that fluency or accent should not be used as a measure of intelligence or national progress. Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono said English should not be tied to ability or development, stressing that it is a colonial inheritance rather than a cultural standard of superiority.
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The incident also reignited long-standing Nigeria–Kenya online debates, where users often clash over politics, economy, sports, and cultural identity. Nigeria’s English usage is shaped by its linguistic diversity, with more than 500 local languages influencing accent, tone, and expression. Kenya also has multiple language groups, including Bantu, Nilotic, and Cushitic influences, which shape its English variation.
Social media users defended Nigerian speech patterns, arguing that differences in accent do not affect communication clarity or intellectual ability. Former Nigerian senator Shehu Sani also reacted, referencing Nigeria’s global literary contributions, including Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka and writers Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Some critics urged the Kenyan president to shift attention to pressing domestic challenges such as cost of living, unemployment, and economic development, rather than comments seen as fueling online controversy. Others described the remarks as part of recurring political social media tensions between African nations, often amplified on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
While the comments drew widespread condemnation, some Kenyans defended Ruto, arguing that his statement was either misinterpreted or intended as light-hearted commentary during the engagement. There has been no official clarification from the Kenyan presidency regarding the remarks as of the time of reporting.
Analysts say the incident reflects how accent politics, language perception, and digital nationalism continue to shape online interactions among African countries.
Ruto Sparks Outrage Over Comments on Nigerian English Accent
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metro
CJN, AGF Warn Journalists Against Misreporting Court Cases Ahead of Elections
CJN, AGF Warn Journalists Against Misreporting Court Cases Ahead of Elections
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, have called for professional and responsible judicial reporting, warning that accurate communication between the media and the courts is critical to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Both officials spoke through representatives at the 2026 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) held in Abuja, where stakeholders examined the theme: “The Role of the Judiciary in Deepening Democracy in Nigeria.”
Justice Babatunde Adejumo, representing the CJN, described the judiciary as the guardian of constitutional order, stressing that court decisions only achieve full democratic value when they are properly understood by the public. He warned that misrepresentation of court rulings and sensational journalism could weaken public trust in the justice system, especially at a time when Nigeria is preparing for a critical electoral cycle. According to him, journalists must avoid acting as “parallel courts” by independently interpreting judgments outside legal context or presenting incomplete judicial narratives.
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He further cautioned that inaccurate reporting of court proceedings could attract legal consequences, including contempt of court. Justice Adejumo also referenced past experiences where he summoned editors over what he described as false reports, urging journalists to prioritise accuracy over sensationalism. He warned: “Before you publish any sensational news that may put you behind the bar for years, be careful,” adding that lawyers who hold press briefings outside court premises in a manner that influences media coverage could also face sanctions.
Hussein Oloyede, who represented the AGF, stressed that the media must avoid being used as a tool for division, misinformation, or political manipulation. He said political actors must not be allowed to use the press to “tear the fabric of the nation,” insisting that national stability and unity must come before political competition. He added that government would not tolerate hate speech or incitement capable of undermining public peace, warning that Nigeria must remain stable before political contests can be meaningfully pursued.
The CJN’s address also emphasised the judiciary’s critical role in handling electoral disputes, noting that upcoming elections will test the strength of democratic institutions. She stressed that accurate and balanced judicial reporting is essential to maintaining public confidence in court decisions, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections.
The conference brought together judges, legal practitioners, and journalists to explore how the judiciary and media can jointly strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria. Participants highlighted the importance of continuous engagement between the courts and the press to improve understanding of judicial processes and reduce misinformation in public discourse. Analysts say the discussion reflects growing concern over the impact of media narratives on rule of law, election credibility, and public trust in the judiciary as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections.
CJN, AGF Warn Journalists Against Misreporting Court Cases Ahead of Elections
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