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I was jailed because I couldn’t keep my mouth shut – Obasanjo
I was jailed because I couldn’t keep my mouth shut – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that his inability to keep his mouth shut on national and international issues led him to jail under the military junta of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha in 1995.
Obasanjo was accused of being involved in what was derided as phantom coup to topple the then military dictator, Abacha, tried by a military tribunal, found guilty and sentenced.
However, speaking during an interactive session with 15 young male and female future Africa leaders drawn from different parts of the continent at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) at the weekend, Obasanjo said going to prison was a challenge to him because he refused to keep quiet on issues that happened in the country at the time.
The elder statesman, who tasked the youth on positive leadership roles for the continent, said his prison experience was part of the challenges of life he personally had, and the journey to it started with his inability to always keep mute.
Obasanjo said: “I joined the army at the age of 42. I finished my career as a military officer, but what could I do? I was still energetic and dynamic but I was still young. So, I took to agriculture, and during that time, I went into prison, and that is not what I really wanted.
“Going into prison is really a challenge because I refused to keep quiet. For me, if there was anything to comment on, I did comment on them, and so, I landed in prison, and that is a challenge.
“And, when I came out from prison the situation was bad in the country that some people felt the need to be saved and pressure started coming.”
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He also hinted that the quest to save Nigeria from imminent disintegration made him to seek the Presidency in 1999, admitting that he had settled into agriculture after his military service at age 42 before the quest came.
And in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President urged the budding youths under the aegis of Future Africa Leaders Foundation who came with the 10 winners of the Prestigious and Life Challenging Future Africa Leaders Awards, to bear the torch of light and leadership for a better Nigeria and African continent.
Fielding question on African debts, he lamented that the debt profiles of some countries were due to recklessness and outright corruption.
“Most of the debts cannot be explained. Some, outright corruption,” he said, citing a particular state in Nigeria where the site for a carpet industry was never cleared and the entire loan was repaid.
He commended the participants and organisers, particularly the founder of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, for hosting the 2024 edition of the programme yet again.
The Star Prize winner of the 2024 edition, Julian new Ariori, from the Republic of Benin, on behalf of her co-winners thanked the former President for hosting the team, hinting that the tour of the Presidential Library opened a new vista to orientation and exposure of the visiting team.
Others include those from Libya, Morocco, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, South Sudan, Malawi, Egypt and Cameroon.
There were also others from Togo, Ghana, Lesotho, Rwanda and Burkina Faso, with the Head, Media and Government Relations of the Foundation, Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe, as the Chaperon of the visiting team.
I was jailed because I couldn’t keep my mouth shut – Obasanjo
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Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.
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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.
The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
metro
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
metro
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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