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EFCC Pushes for Sule Lamido Retrial Before Former Judge
EFCC Pushes for Sule Lamido Retrial Before Former Judge
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated its demand for the retrial of former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, insisting that the case be concluded by the original trial judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu.
At the resumed proceedings before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, EFCC counsel, Chile Okoroma (SAN), informed the court that the commission had formally written to the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, seeking a fiat to enable Justice Ojukwu—now serving in the Calabar division—to return and conclude the long-running trial.
Okoroma explained that the request was in compliance with the directive of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which had earlier ordered a retrial of the defendants. He emphasised that the prosecution had already made substantial progress in the case, having called at least 17 witnesses, and argued that justice would be best served if the same judge continues the matter.
According to him, the EFCC is currently awaiting an official response from the Chief Judge regarding the request.
Counsel to the defendants, Joe Agi (SAN), did not oppose the application for adjournment, paving the way for the court to defer proceedings.
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Justice Lifu subsequently adjourned the case to April 30, 2026, for re-arraignment or further proceedings, stating that the decision was made in the interest of justice.
The planned re-arraignment had earlier been stalled on March 13 due to the absence of Lamido and his co-defendants in court.
The development follows a major ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on January 16, 2026, which ordered a fresh trial after overturning earlier decisions of the Court of Appeal.
A five-member panel of the apex court, in unanimous judgments, set aside the July 25, 2023 rulings of the appellate court, which had upheld a no-case submission by Lamido and others and struck out the 37-count charge on jurisdictional grounds.
In its lead judgment delivered by Justice Abubakar Umar, the Supreme Court reinstated the earlier decision of Justice Ojukwu, which dismissed the defendants’ no-case submission and directed them to enter their defence.
The EFCC’s case centres on allegations that Lamido, during his tenure as governor of Jigawa State between 2007 and 2015, abused his office and laundered funds obtained as kickbacks from contractors awarded state projects.
Other defendants in the case include his sons, Aminu and Mustapha Lamido, as well as Aminu Wada Abubakar and two companies—Bamaina Holdings Ltd and Speeds International Ltd.
Legal analysts note that the EFCC’s push for the original trial judge to continue the case is aimed at avoiding a fresh start (trial de novo), which could prolong the already protracted proceedings and require recalling witnesses.
The outcome of the Chief Judge’s decision on granting the fiat will determine whether the case proceeds seamlessly or restarts entirely before a new judge.
EFCC Pushes for Sule Lamido Retrial Before Former Judge
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Ataoja Mourns Death of Baba Oba, Calls It Monumental Loss
Ataoja Mourns Death of Baba Oba, Calls It Monumental Loss
The Ataoja of Osogbo Land, Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Laro-Oye II, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Baba Oba and Head of the Osogbo Elders Council, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the cultural and traditional fabric of the community.
In an official condolence message issued through the palace media unit, the monarch extended heartfelt sympathies to the immediate family of the deceased, friends, associates, members of the traditional institution, and the entire people of Osogbo.
Oba Laro-Oye II noted that the late Baba Oba lived a life defined by honour, wisdom, peace, and unwavering dedication to the unity and progress of Osogbo land. He described the deceased elder statesman as a towering figure in traditional governance whose influence extended beyond his immediate family and council duties.
According to the Ataoja, Baba Oba was not only a respected father figure to many but also a custodian of indigenous knowledge and a pillar of guidance whose counsel played a vital role in fostering harmony and stability within the Osogbo traditional system.
“He was a man of exceptional wisdom whose contributions to the growth, unity, and preservation of our cultural heritage will remain indelible in our hearts,” the monarch stated.
The Ataoja prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed, asking Almighty God to grant him eternal rest and to comfort his family, the traditional council, and the people of Osogbo during this difficult period.
He further urged sons and daughters of Osogbo, both at home and in the diaspora, to uphold the values of unity, peace, respect for tradition, and communal harmony which the late Baba Oba consistently embodied throughout his lifetime.
The palace described the loss as one that has created a significant vacuum within the Osogbo traditional leadership structure, adding that the legacy of the late elder statesman would continue to inspire future generations.
Signed,
Media Unit
Palace of Ataoja of Osogbo Land
Ataoja Mourns Death of Baba Oba, Calls It Monumental Loss
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metro
“He Was My Father in Politics” — Osun SSG Igbalaye Mourns Late Prince Adeleke Òdùọlá
“He Was My Father in Politics” — Osun SSG Igbalaye Mourns Late Prince Adeleke Òdùọlá
Osogbo, Osun State — The Secretary to the Osun State Government, Bobagunwa Teslim Igbalaye, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late elder statesman, royal prince, and political icon, Prince Adeleke Òdùọlá, who died on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the age of 93.
In a condolence message issued in Osogbo, Osogbo, Igbalaye described the deceased as “a father figure, a political institution, and one of the last true custodians of Osogbo’s rich political heritage.”
He said Prince Òdùọlá was more than a mentor to him, noting that their relationship spanned over two decades of political tutelage and personal guidance.
“Over twenty years ago, my father handed me over to Baba Adeleke Òdùọlá as a young man eager to learn the ropes of politics and public service. From that moment, I came under his fatherly tutelage… Baba was more than a mentor; he was a father, a teacher, and a moral compass,” Igbalaye said.
The SSG praised the late prince as a towering figure in Osogbo’s socio-political evolution and a vital link to the town’s historic political consciousness.
Prince Òdùọlá, a respected member of the Lájọmọ Ruling House, also served as Mogaji of the family, where he was widely regarded as a custodian of tradition, culture, and communal harmony.
He was also a prominent figure in the famed Òròkí Social Club of Osogbo, established in 1963, where he served as treasurer and contributed to shaping early political thought in the town.
Describing him as “a man of multiple frontiers,” Igbalaye highlighted his roles as a successful trader, devout Muslim, disciplined family man, and political strategist whose life inspired many across generations.
“Baba lived a life of purpose and impact. He believed strongly in education, moral discipline, diligence, compassion, and community service,” he added.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased in Aljanah Firdaus and urged the family to take solace in his enduring legacy.
Condolences were also extended to the Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, the Lájọmọ Royal Family, members of the Òròkí Social Club, and the children and grandchildren of the deceased.
The statement was signed by Kehinde Adeoye, Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communication to the Secretary to the Osun State Government.
“He Was My Father in Politics” — Osun SSG Igbalaye Mourns Late Prince Adeleke Òdùọlá
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VIDEO: Catholic Priest, Tansian University Lecturer Allegedly Caught With Student in Classroom
VIDEO: Catholic Priest, Tansian University Lecturer Allegedly Caught With Student in Classroom
There was commotion at Tansian University on Tuesday following reports that a Catholic priest who lectures at the institution was allegedly caught in a compromising situation with a female student inside a classroom.
According to videos and eyewitness accounts circulating on social media, the incident reportedly occurred within one of the lecture halls at the university’s Oba campus in Anambra State.
The lecturer, said to be a Reverend Father attached to the institution, was allegedly discovered with the student after some individuals reportedly noticed suspicious activity around the classroom.
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Videos shared online showed a crowd gathering around the scene as students and other individuals reacted to the development. However, the authenticity of all circulating clips and claims could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
The university management has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, while details surrounding the identities of those involved remain unclear.
The development has triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many users expressing shock over the allegation, while others urged caution against spreading unverified information online.
Some commentators also warned against sharing explicit or private footage connected to the incident, especially as investigations or internal disciplinary processes may still be ongoing.
As of press time, there was no confirmation from the university authorities, the Catholic Church, or security agencies regarding possible disciplinary or legal action connected to the matter.
Tansian University Oba, allegedly a Rev Fr who is a lecturer at the university caught making out with a female student inside a classroom.
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VIDEO: Catholic Priest, Tansian University Lecturer Allegedly Caught With Student in Classroom
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