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Court grants bail to actress arraigned for stepping on new naira notes

Published

3 years ago

February 15, 2023

Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin

The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted bail to an actress, Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, who was arraigned before the court on Monday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly spraying new naira notes at a party.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke who admitted the actress to bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety in like sum also ruled that the surety must be a public servant in the service of the Federation or the Lagos State Government not below the rank of Grade Level 12, or a holder of a genuine statutory certificate of occupancy of a developed landed property within the Lagos State Municipality.

The court also held that the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the original statutory certificate of occupancy of the landed property is to be deposited with the Registrar of the court and in the case of the public servant, an official letter from his or her head of department stating the status and salary level of the surety.

The surety is to also produce to the court, two copies of his recent passport photograph and evidence of payment of tax.

The judge also ordered that the actress be further remanded in the Kirikiri correctional facility pending the perfection of the bail terms, before adjourning the matter till April 3, for trial.

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Igboho Launches Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara, Vows to Reclaim Forests from Bandits

Published

2 minutes ago

July 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Igboho Launches Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara, Vows to Reclaim Forests from Bandits

Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, officially launched the Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara State on Thursday, declaring that the outfit would flush bandits out of the state’s forests and prevent criminal groups from using the areas as safe havens.

The inauguration ceremony, held at Igbomina House in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, marked a significant step in Igboho’s efforts to establish a regional security framework to complement the work of conventional security agencies.

Speaking at the launch, Igboho announced that the Iru Ekun Security Network would immediately commence operations in Babanla, a community he described as a “stronghold of bandits,” and later return to Eruku, which the group had passed through on its way from Kogi State. “The presence of the Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara has already unsettled the criminals. We are heading to Babanla, which many people now describe as a stronghold of bandits,” Igboho declared. “We also passed through Eruku on our way from Kogi State, and we will return there. This is our ancestral land, and no criminal can force us to abandon it. Those hiding in our forests cannot intimidate us into surrendering our communities,” he added.

The activist stressed that the security outfit was established not to replace the Nigeria Police Force, military, or other security agencies but to strengthen ongoing efforts to restore peace across the state. “Our mission in Kwara is to complement the efforts of the government and security agencies. While local communities can contribute to protecting themselves, that alone is not enough. We must work hand in hand with the police, the military and other security agencies. If we unite, we can drastically reduce kidnapping, banditry and every other form of terrorism in our society,” he said.

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Igboho alleged that the activities of bandits and kidnappers had persisted largely because of information and support provided by local collaborators within communities, and he urged residents, particularly young people, to assist in exposing criminal elements. “Bandits are not spirits. They have continued to operate because some people within our communities provide them with information and support. It is time for us to hold ourselves accountable. Our youths must rise to defend their communities because, with unity and cooperation, we can confront these criminals,” he said. He issued a stern warning to those involved in aiding criminal groups: “If you know you are involved in activities that encourage banditry or threaten the peace of our state, this is the time to stop or leave. Anyone found participating in such crimes will face the consequences.”

The activist firmly dismissed claims that the Iru Ekun Security Network was established to target Fulani people, insisting that its operations are directed solely at criminals irrespective of their ethnic background. “Some people have been spreading the false narrative that Sunday Igboho has come to Kwara to fight the Fulani. That is completely untrue. We have no problem with innocent Fulani people or any other ethnic group. Our fight is against criminals, regardless of where they come from. We are all Nigerians,” he stated. He advised residents not to take the law into their own hands but to report suspected criminals to the police, adding: “If you suspect anyone of aiding bandits and the person is unarmed, hand the suspect over to the police. Do not take the law into your own hands. However, anyone carrying sophisticated weapons in our forests or attempting to invade our communities poses an immediate threat to innocent lives and must be stopped before carrying out any attack.”

Igboho commended the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, for what he described as his professionalism and willingness to collaborate with local security initiatives, recalling a previous operation around the Oyo-Kwara boundary where police personnel were deployed to support rescue efforts. “The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, is a hardworking and dedicated officer. During one of our rescue operations, we combed the forests linking Oyo and Kwara states. When we crossed into the Kwara axis, I informed him of our movement, and he immediately deployed police personnel to support us on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police,” Igboho said. He also dismissed reports that Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had opposed his visit to the state, saying he believed the governor shared the concerns of residents over the worsening security situation. This followed earlier allegations from his aide that the governor, being Fulani, had stopped the visit. “I should have arrived in Ilorin much earlier, but there were rumours that the governor did not approve of my visit. I found that difficult to believe because I know Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq would not make such a decision. I also believe he is deeply concerned about the persistent killings and kidnappings in Kwara. If that were not the case, he would not have deployed security agencies to protect the people,” he said.

The activist attributed the establishment of the Iru Ekun Security Network to President Bola Tinubu and offered prayers for the President’s continued good health and successful tenure. “All the praise being showered on the Iru Ekun Security Network belongs to President Bola Tinubu. May God grant him good health and the grace to successfully complete his eight years in office,” he said. Igboho added that members of the outfit had been directed to operate in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other recognised security agencies while carrying out their activities in Kwara State.

The inauguration comes amid heightened insecurity in parts of Kwara South Senatorial District, where recurring attacks by armed groups have displaced residents and forced some traditional rulers to abandon their communities. The launch followed days of controversy over Igboho’s planned visit after reports claimed the Kwara State Government had barred him from entering the state. Despite the speculation, the event went ahead in Ilorin, with Igboho reaffirming that the Iru Ekun Security Network would collaborate with existing security agencies in efforts to tackle insecurity across the state. The launch also comes amid growing concerns among Fulani residents in the South-West, who have expressed fear over the profiling of their community in connection with criminal activities, while security experts have called for proper regulation of non-state security outfits to prevent ethnic witch-hunts and ensure accountability.

Igboho Launches Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara, Vows to Reclaim Forests from Bandits

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Trackers, Profiling as FG Unveils Special Guards to Secure Coastal Highway

Published

4 hours ago

July 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Trackers, Profiling as FG Unveils Special Guards to Secure Coastal Highway

By Dada Jackson

The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to safeguard the multi-billion-naira Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway from vandalism by profiling all 40 newly inaugurated Coastal Road Guards, documenting their guarantors and installing tracking devices on their patrol motorcycles to ensure they are used strictly for official duties.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mr. Olufemi Dare, disclosed this on Thursday during the inauguration of the specially trained guards, saying the initiative was designed to provide round-the-clock surveillance and protect the strategic highway from criminal activities and infrastructure vandalism.

According to Dare, the decision followed repeated cases of vandalism along the highway, where newly installed manhole covers, directional signs and other road facilities were stolen or damaged shortly after installation, even after being replaced.

He said the persistent destruction of public infrastructure made it imperative for the Ministry of Works to establish a dedicated security outfit focused solely on protecting the highway and preserving the huge investment committed to the project.

Dare explained that the 40 guards underwent specialised training conducted by the Nigeria Police Force and were equipped with motorcycles, helmets, walkie-talkies, flashlights and other operational tools to enhance their efficiency on patrol.

He stressed that every member of the team had been properly profiled, with guarantors documented, while trackers had been fitted to their motorcycles to ensure accountability and prevent misuse of government property.

The controller urged the guards to discharge their responsibilities with discipline, professionalism and integrity, warning that any misconduct would attract appropriate sanctions.

He outlined their responsibilities to include preventing the use of motorcycles and tricycles on the highway, stopping indiscriminate parking of trailers and trucks, checking illegal U-turns, curbing vandalism of road facilities, preventing illegal grazing, street trading, unlawful occupation of the highway corridor and indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

“The guards are expected to monitor the highway day and night, arrest offenders where necessary and hand them over to the appropriate security agencies,” Dare said.

He also commended the supervisors, administrative officers and guards for their dedication throughout the training programme and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Speaking on behalf of the team, the Deputy Team Lead of the Coastal Road Guards, Mr. Kelvin Okereke, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Omahi, for creating the initiative, describing it as a valuable source of employment and empowerment for many Nigerians.

Okereke noted that beyond opening up economic opportunities through the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the project had also reinforced the need for Nigerians to protect critical national infrastructure.

He appealed to members of the public to regard the protection of government assets as a shared civic responsibility.

Also speaking, the Chief Security Officer of the Coastal Road Guards, Mr. Paul Mbam, said the initiative had not only provided him with gainful employment but also equipped him with valuable security training and operational skills that would enhance his effectiveness on the job.

The Administrative Officer of the Coastal Road Guards, Mr. Augustine Usumero, assured that the team would maintain proper operational records, ensure prudent management of government assets entrusted to it and work closely with relevant authorities to achieve the programme’s objectives.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would deliver the desired results, noting that the guards had already demonstrated a high level of commitment during their training and preliminary assessments.

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68 Lawyers Elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rank in 2026 Exercise (Full List)

Published

14 hours ago

July 23, 2026

Trends Admin

68 Lawyers Elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rank in 2026 Exercise (Full List)

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee approves 67 advocates and one academic for Nigeria’s highest professional honour following its 174th plenary session in Abuja.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has approved the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on 68 legal practitioners following the conclusion of its 2026 selection exercise. The approvals were granted at the LPPC’s 174th plenary session held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Abuja under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. According to the list released by the committee, the successful candidates comprise 67 advocates and one academic, Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri. The swearing-in ceremony for the new SANs is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 12, 2026.

In a statement signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Akanbi, the committee described the SAN rank as the highest professional distinction available to legal practitioners in Nigeria. The honour is reserved for lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional excellence in courtroom advocacy or made outstanding contributions to legal scholarship. The LPPC said all successful applicants must participate in and successfully complete the mandatory Pre-Swearing-In Induction Programme. The committee said the programme will be organised in line with directives of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), adding that attendance and successful completion are mandatory conditions for the formal conferment of the rank. The date for the induction programme will be communicated in due course.