Melaye Slams Tinubu Over Wale Edun’s Removal, Raises Allegations

Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, questioning the rationale behind the recent cabinet reshuffle.

The Presidency had earlier announced a minor restructuring of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which affected two cabinet members and led to new appointments in key ministries. The announcement was contained in a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

According to the statement, Edun and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, were relieved of their duties as part of efforts to improve coordination within the cabinet and strengthen delivery of the government’s economic and development agenda under the Renewed Hope framework.

The Presidency also explained that the reshuffle was aimed at enhancing efficiency and aligning ministries with current national priorities.

Following the changes, Taiwo Oyedele was elevated to oversee the Finance Ministry portfolio, while Muttaqha Darma was named minister-designate for Housing, pending completion of administrative processes. Outgoing officials were directed to conclude handover procedures on or before April 23, 2026.

Reacting via his verified Facebook page, Melaye questioned the decision, arguing that in “civilised climes,” governments are expected to provide clear reasons for the removal of senior officials.

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“Mr President, when ministers are sacked in civilised climes, government must explain why they are sacked,” he wrote.

He further alleged possible financial misconduct linked to Edun’s removal, claiming without evidence that it could be connected to issues involving diverted public funds.

“Was the Minister of Finance removed because he could not cover up the stolen 24 billion dollars (34 trillion naira) diverted from our revenue? World Bank no dey lie,” he stated.

Melaye’s comments triggered widespread reactions online, with critics and supporters engaging in heated exchanges over his claims and public record.

Some social media users accused him of hypocrisy and challenged him to account for his time in public office, while others dismissed his allegations as politically motivated.

One user, Abdul Abdulsalam, wrote: “Tell us how you get money to acquire the exotic cars in your garage too. Be honest, are they not from stolen money?” Another commenter, Ibrahim Badamassi, added: “Birds of the same feather flock together.”

Other users referenced his legislative tenure and past controversies, with some mocking earlier incidents associated with his public image, while others defended the need for transparency in government decisions.

Wale Edun, who was appointed in August 2023, previously served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance between 1999 and 2004 and was seen as a key figure in Nigeria’s economic management under the current administration.

During his tenure as Finance Minister, he oversaw fiscal policy coordination amid concerns over budget implementation delays, capital project funding gaps, and slow disbursement of government expenditures.

The National Assembly had previously criticised aspects of budget execution, alleging weak implementation of capital projects and outstanding obligations to contractors, while raising concerns over the pace of economic reforms.

In response to such criticisms, Edun had defended government fiscal strategy, stating that Nigeria was prioritising debt servicing and moving away from what he described as unsustainable monetary practices.

He also maintained that significant portions of the national budget had been implemented, with efforts ongoing to improve capital expenditure performance.

The latest political controversy adds to growing debate over Nigeria’s economic management and the transparency of high-level government decisions.

Melaye Slams Tinubu Over Wale Edun’s Removal, Raises Allegations

Court Approves Email Service on Tonto Dikeh in ₦200m Fundamental Rights Suit

A Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted permission for substituted service of court documents via email on Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh in a ₦200 million fundamental rights suit arising from an alleged exorcism involving a minor.

The case was filed by human rights lawyer Barrister Ikechukwu Obasi on behalf of a Junior Secondary School 1 pupil from Durumi II in Abuja, originally from Rivers State. The suit alleges that the actress subjected the child to degrading treatment during a religious deliverance session on March 6, 2026.

According to court filings, the incident was captured in a video and photographs that were later shared on the actress’s Facebook page. The plaintiff claims the child was placed on bare ground and pressed against a rough surface, resulting in public humiliation, stigma, psychological trauma, and a violation of her rights to dignity and privacy under the 1999 Constitution and the Child Rights Act 2003.

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The matter is being heard at High Court No. 3 in Maitama before Justice Maryann E. Anenih. During proceedings on Tuesday, the court granted the application for substituted service after it was established that personal service on the defendant had not been successful.

The court ordered that all relevant court documents may now be served on the defendant through two verified email addresses or by publication in a national newspaper, ensuring that the case can proceed without further delay.

Counsel C.E. Okoro informed the court that attempts to serve the actress personally had been unsuccessful. Justice Anenih held that sufficient grounds had been established and approved the application for alternative service.

The suit was filed in March under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, with an ex parte motion for substituted service submitted on March 31.

The case has now been adjourned for hearing on May 11, 2026, when the court is expected to consider the substantive issues in the matter.

Court Approves Email Service on Tonto Dikeh in ₦200m Fundamental Rights Suit

Lagos Police Ban Officers From Searching Citizens’ Phones During Operations

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has issued a firm directive prohibiting officers from searching citizens’ mobile phones during stop-and-search operations, stressing that such practices are not permitted under existing policing rules.

The directive was issued in a video statement shared on Tuesday, outlining new operational standards for officers of the Nigeria Police Force deployed across Lagos State. The move is aimed at improving professionalism, strengthening accountability, and reducing public complaints during police encounters.

The police chief made it clear that officers are strictly barred from inspecting or searching civilians’ mobile phones during any operation. He stated that enforcement duties must remain within legal limits and focus only on approved procedures.

“Our men have been warned not to search any phone from any individual. We are there to search vehicles,” he said.

He explained that stop-and-search operations are primarily designed to check vehicles and verify passengers to prevent citizens from unknowingly entering vehicles operated by criminals. According to him, the focus of policing should remain on security threats and not personal digital devices.

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The Commissioner also addressed concerns about public recording of police officers, stating that officers should not be afraid of being filmed while carrying out lawful duties. He emphasised that transparency is part of modern policing.

“When we know that what we are doing is the right thing, we shouldn’t entertain any fears of anybody recording us. You can record us. We can record you as well,” he said.

He added that accountability must be mutual, noting that both officers and citizens are entitled to record interactions during official engagements as long as operations remain lawful.

The directive forms part of broader reforms within the Nigeria Police Force aimed at improving professionalism and reducing allegations of misconduct, harassment, and abuse of power during routine stop-and-search operations.

Security analysts say the decision aligns with growing calls for stronger police accountability in Nigeria and better respect for constitutional protections, especially regarding digital privacy rights in Nigeria.

Under the new directive, officers are prohibited from searching citizens’ phones, stop-and-search duties must focus strictly on vehicles, citizens are allowed to record police officers on duty, and officers are required to operate within approved legal boundaries at all times.

The Commissioner said the policy is also intended to build trust between the police and the public, particularly in Lagos, where stop-and-search operations are common due to heavy traffic flow and urban security challenges.

He urged officers to remain disciplined and professional, stressing that effective policing must balance security responsibilities with respect for human rights and the rule of law.

The development is widely seen as part of ongoing efforts to reform policing standards in Nigeria, improve public confidence in law enforcement, and reduce friction between officers and citizens during field operations.

Lagos Police Ban Officers From Searching Citizens’ Phones During Operations