Lawyers Sue Tinubu, AGF, Edo Gov Over Alleged Threat to Peter Obi’s Life

Obident Lawyers Forum seeks court orders compelling security agencies to provide maximum protection for NDC presidential candidate and other 2027 candidates

Lawyers operating under the aegis of the Obident Lawyers Forum have filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an order compelling President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies to provide adequate protection for the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general election. The legal practitioners informed the court that their appeal has become imperative so as not to make Peter Obi a victim of political assassination before and during the 2027 electioneering process. The request was contained in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1648/2026, instituted against President Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Governor of Edo State as defendants. The plaintiffs, represented by Barristers Okere Kingdom Nnamdi and Joseph Enemona Ameh, instituted the fundamental rights suit on behalf of Peter Obi, in which they prayed the court to issue an order that Peter Obi has the fundamental right to freedom of movement without any hindrance.

The plaintiffs predicated their request on two key developments. First, a recent live podcast wherein the NDC’s presidential candidate had raised the alarm that he “may not be alive to contest next year’s presidential election”. Second, a statement credited to Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo to the effect that Obi’s life and security would not be guaranteed in Edo State if he enters the state without getting approval from the governor. In an affidavit deposed in support of the suit, the plaintiffs argued that the NDC presidential candidate has constitutionally guaranteed rights to life and to live, dwell, exist and carry out his lawful duties without any fear, discrimination, threat of assassination, intimidation or any form of harassment as guaranteed by the Constitution. They submitted that Obi has the fundamental rights to move across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, “attend and host his political campaign rallies… without fear of assassination, threat to his life, bullying, harassment, assault, intimidation and victimization whatsoever”.

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The applicants lamented that “Mr Peter Gregory Obi has been subjected to serious psychological torture and trauma by the numerous threats to his life”, adding that this is detrimental to his constitutional rights. They further submitted that no person or authority or any arm of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or any authority, person(s) individual or groups, agents/agencies of the Federal Government or Government of any sub-regional State, has the powers to restrict or refuse any citizen from entering and exiting any part of Nigeria to carry out his lawful activities as guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The deponent argued that “the threats by the Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo that Mr Peter Obi’s life and security are not guaranteed in Edo State, and that Mr Peter Obi should not step into Edo State without getting a clearance from him are empty not backed by law, anti-democratic, illegal, unlawful and tantamount to executive rascality, infantile-politicking and power-drunkenness”.

Among the reliefs they are seeking in the suit, the plaintiffs asked the court to declare that Peter Gregory Obi, the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) , has the fundamental right to life and the right to live without any fear, discrimination, threat of assassination, intimidation or any form of harassment whatsoever, as guaranteed in section 33 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. In addition, they urged the court to declare that Peter Obi must not be subjected to politically motivated coercion, threat to life, bullying, harassment, assault, intimidation and victimization whatsoever by any arm of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or any authority, person, individual or groups, agents/agencies of the Federal Government or Government of any sub-Regional State, on the grounds of his political ideology, ethnicity and religion; or for any reason whatsoever. They also sought “A declaration that Mr Peter Gregory Obi the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has the fundamental rights of free ingress and egress into any of the 36 States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the FCT, and can freely move around, enter, visit, stay, reside, inhabit and organize, attend and host his political campaign rallies, consultations, seminars, groups meetings and carryout his lawful activities in any part of Nigeria, without fear of assassination, threat to his life, bullying, harassment, assault, intimidation and victimization whatsoever, by any Arm of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or any authority, person(s) individual or groups, agents/agencies of the Federal Government or Government of any sub-regional State, as guaranteed in sections 39, 40, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

The plaintiffs further prayed for “A declaration that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander in Chief of The Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the constitutional mandate/responsibility to provide adequate security of life and property to the citizens, which is the fundamental reason/purpose/objective of every government; and the President has the constitutional responsibility as Commander in Chief to direct the 3th, 4th and 5th Respondents and Heads of all Security Agencies in Nigeria to provide maximum security protection/intelligence to Mr Peter Gregory Obi and all other presidential candidates”. They also urged a declaration that the laws setting up the security agencies mandate and empower the 3rd, 4th, and 5th respondents to provide adequate security to the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria against all criminal activities aimed at depriving citizens of their properties or lives. The plaintiffs asked the court to make an order “compelling, directing and mandating the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to direct the 3th, 4th and 5th Respondents and Heads of all other Security Agencies in Nigeria to provide maximum security protection/intelligence to Mr Peter Gregory Obi, the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and all other 2027 presidential candidates”. Additionally, they sought “An order compelling, directing and mandating the 3th, 4th and 5th Respondents to immediately provide maximum security personnel to Physically Protect and Provide Security Intelligence to Mr Peter Gregory Obi, the NDC 2027 Presidential candidate”.

The suit references a recent podcast interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, wherein the NDC presidential candidate had expressed fears for his safety. In the interview, Obi stated: “Not even a candidate. I might not even be alive. I’m telling you”. He alleged that the current Nigerian government has been frustrating his activities and targeting opposition figures, saying “Every single thing I do for a living, this government is frustrating. Deliberately so. So, there is even a possibility that, if they have the opportunity, I will not be alive”. Obi, however, clarified that he was not making direct accusations against President Bola Tinubu’s government because the government does not act openly. “It’s not an accusation. I know. I get frustrated every day because you do things that you think would be normal – it is not normal anymore. They (the government) won’t come directly and say, ‘Oh, we’re doing this,’ but you can see their hand in everything,” he said. Giving instances of alleged attacks against him, Obi referenced an incident at an airport where officials allegedly locked his car, despite other vehicles being parked in the same area. He also alleged that some people now avoid publicly associating with him for fear of becoming targets of the government, and that some supporters had discouraged him from attending family events.

The suit also references a statement credited to Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo. The governor had earlier given a warning on July 18, 2025 during a political event in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of the state. In a video that later resurfaced, the governor was heard warning Obi against coming into the state without prior notice, saying: “The man wey say he no get shishi, I am sending a direct message to him, there is a new sheriff in town. He cannot come to Edo State without telling me because his security will not be guaranteed. Whatever happens to him in Edo State, he will take it. I am serious about this”. The governor later defended his remarks during an appearance on Channels Television, insisting that he intended to ensure the opposition figure’s safety, citing security concerns. The Edo State Government had earlier distanced itself from alleged threats against opposition figures by Emmanuel Eghogho, an aide to Governor Okpebholo. The governor’s aide was captured in a viral video on social media alleging that members of the opposition, including Peter Obi, would be arrested and handed over to the Commissioner of Police for onward transfer to Abuja. Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, said at a news conference in Benin that the state had nothing to do with Mr Eghogho’s public outburst. He stressed that the controversial remarks credited to Mr Eghogho did not represent the administration’s position, stating: “We want to distance ourselves from that statement because it is not the position of the Edo State Government, but the voice of an individual that is answerable to existing laws of the land”.

Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit. The legal action comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gradually gather momentum, with opposition figures outlining their policy alternatives to the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Lawyers Sue Tinubu, AGF, Edo Gov Over Alleged Threat to Peter Obi’s Life

How Friends Beat Jos Model Ibrahim Mbaya to Death Over Missing iPhone 12

25-year-old UNIJOS graduate and rising pageant finalist allegedly tortured for hours after being accused of stealing a phone

The tragic death of 25-year-old Ibrahim Mbaya, a University of Jos graduate and rising model popularly known as “Ibee,” has sparked nationwide outrage after he was allegedly beaten to death by a group of friends over accusations of stealing an iPhone 12. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at an off-campus apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road in Jos, Plateau State. Mbaya’s death has sent shockwaves through Plateau’s fashion and entertainment scene, where he was regarded as one of the state’s most promising models. Family members, friends, students, and members of the entertainment industry are demanding justice for the deceased, while the Plateau State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the alleged culpable homicide, with efforts ongoing to apprehend two other fleeing suspects.

According to multiple sources, Mbaya, who had graduated from the University of Jos and was still processing an outstanding academic issue, had attended a social event on campus before deciding to spend the night at a friend’s residence in Ring Road because it was too late to return to his home in Rayfield. The following morning, his friend allegedly informed him that an iPhone 12 had gone missing and insisted that since they were the only occupants of the room, he was the prime suspect. Eyewitnesses said Mbaya initially left the apartment but later returned after receiving a telephone call from the friend, who informed him of the missing phone and requested that he come back to explain himself. On his return, the young model was allegedly confronted by his friend and several other young men in the compound, who accused him of stealing the device.

Instead of reporting the matter to law enforcement, the group allegedly descended on Mbaya, subjecting him to severe torture and beating in an attempt to force a confession. The assault reportedly lasted several hours, during which the victim was beaten with sticks and other objects until he became unconscious. A viral video obtained by investigators shows the victim tied up and suspended while being assaulted. In another scene, he was allegedly forced to transfer water from one bucket into another using a teaspoon after he had already been severely beaten and appeared physically exhausted. According to sources, a nurse was later invited to examine him but reportedly confirmed that he had died. An attempt was made to move him to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) before security operatives were alerted.

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Confirming the incident, the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said the command received a report at about 11:20 p.m. on July 26 through a Good Samaritan at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), informing officers that some youths had brought an unconscious man to the facility under suspicious circumstances. Police operatives immediately mobilised to the hospital, where Mbaya was confirmed dead on arrival by the medical doctor on duty. His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy. Following preliminary investigations, police arrested four suspects in connection with the killing: Rinji Daniel Fwanji (25), Emmanuel Newyear (30), Nensemka Fwanji (22), and Joshua Tell. According to the police, one of the suspects, Emmanuel Newyear, was captured in a viral video allegedly using a large wooden plank to assault the deceased and was also identified in photographs obtained during the investigation. The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Jos, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend two other fleeing suspects connected to the crime.

The killing has triggered widespread condemnation and calls for justice from various quarters. The University of Jos Alumni Association condemned the killing, describing it as “senseless and reprehensible” and incompatible with the institution’s values. “Violence has no place within our university community and stands in direct contradiction to the values of excellence, character, mutual respect, and humanity upon which the University of Jos was founded,” the association said in a statement. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also condemned the incident, describing Mbaya’s death as “heartbreaking” and calling for a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, stressed that allegations of criminal conduct must always be handled through established legal processes rather than violence, warning that resorting to jungle justice undermines the rule of law and exposes innocent people to the risk of being unlawfully killed.

Beyond the circumstances surrounding his death, Mbaya was remembered as a promising young talent with ambitions in the fashion and entertainment industry. While his full name was Ibrahim Pilasar Mbaya, he was widely known as “Ibee,” a name he also used on his social media accounts. In a resurfaced interview, Mbaya introduced himself as a baker and a model, showing his passion for both business and the fashion industry. Before his death, organisers of Mr & Miss Glam Nigeria announced Mbaya as one of the competition’s Top 30 finalists. Two days before news of his death emerged, the organisers shared a video of Mbaya completing one of his runway tasks. Mbaya’s final Instagram post, shared on July 24, featured photos of himself with the caption: “A little sunshine, a little silence, a lot of peace.” Information on his social media pages showed that Mbaya’s birthday was September 18.

The Plateau State Police Command strongly condemned the incident, stressing that no individual or group has the legal authority to assault or kill anyone suspected of committing an offence. “Nigeria’s administration of the criminal justice system provides lawful procedures for investigating and prosecuting criminal offences, and every suspect is entitled to due process under the law,” SP Alabo said. The command urged members of the public to report cases of theft and other criminal activities to the nearest police station or other recognised security agencies, warning that resorting to self-help and mob action undermines the rule of law and exposes perpetrators to criminal prosecution. The incident has once again drawn attention to the persistent problem of mob justice in Nigeria despite repeated campaigns by security agencies and human rights advocates urging citizens to hand criminal suspects over to the police instead of resorting to violence.

How Friends Beat Jos Model Ibrahim Mbaya to Death Over Missing iPhone 12

Police Shake-Up: IGP Disu Redeploys 10 AIGs in Major Leadership Reshuffle Across Eight States

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, has approved the immediate redeployment of 10 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to strategic commands, departments, and formations across eight states and the Federal Capital Territory, in a major shake-up aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and reinforcing the Force’s command structure.

The directive was contained in a police wireless signal issued by the Force Secretariat, Abuja, on Monday, July 27, 2026, and marked “Most Immediate”. The message, referenced TH.5361/FS/FHQ/ABJ/SUB.7/X Posting Senior Officers, was circulated to all major police departments, zonal commands, state commands, specialised formations, and training institutions for immediate implementation.

The development comes barely a week after Disu decorated 13 new AIGs at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, charging them to uphold professionalism across their various formations. The Police Service Commission (PSC) had earlier approved the promotion of 13 Commissioners of Police to the rank of AIG, alongside 17 Deputy Commissioners of Police promoted to CP and 63 other senior officers advanced to higher ranks. Among the newly decorated AIGs are Obono Nnaghe Itam, Bassey Samuel Ewah, Osagie John Agans-Irabor, Monday Agbonika, Iyamah Daniel Edobor, Isah Danladi Nda, Akaninyene Ifebem Ezima, Livingstein Ikioye Orutugu, Bello Rashid Afegbua, and Betty Enekpen Otimenyin.

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Under the new postings, AIG Polycarp Emeka Nwonyi was posted to Zone 9 Command in Umuahia, while AIG Obono Nnaghe Itam was redeployed as Commandant of the Police Staff College in Jos. AIG Bassey Samuel Ewa was posted to Zone 15 Command in Maiduguri, and AIG Osagie John Agans-Irabor was deployed to Zone 3 Command in Yola. AIG Monday Agbonika was posted to Zone 5 Command in Benin, while AIG Daniel Edobor Iyamah was redeployed to the Department of Operations at Force Headquarters, Abuja. AIG Isah Danladi Nda was posted to the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Kaduna, and AIG Akaniyene Ifebem Ezima was redeployed to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja. AIG Bello Rashid Afegbua was posted to Zone 6 Command in Calabar, while AIG Betty Enekpen Otimenyin was deployed to Zone 8 Command in Lokoja. The postings take immediate effect, and the Force Headquarters has directed departments responsible for personnel records, establishment, and computer documentation to update their records to reflect the new postings.

Speaking to The Whistler, a source familiar with the development said more shake-ups could be expected within the Nigeria Police Force, noting that the IGP has pledged not to tolerate abuse of positions or power. “The IG has reiterated his commitment to reforming the Nigerian Police Force. Going forward, more shake-ups will be seen. Officers will no longer be comfortable in positions. This will encourage administrative growth and positive policing across the Nigerian Police Force at all levels,” the source said. The source further noted that before the current administration, some AIGs and DIGs had remained in charge of certain formations for extended periods, and the IGP’s reform efforts would address this to encourage administrative growth. Although the source did not attribute the prolonged stay of officers in such positions to corruption or abuse of office, it was noted that the confidence that could come with overstaying in a particular position could undermine operational effectiveness.

In a remarkable milestone for Cross River State, three of its sons were simultaneously elevated to the prestigious rank of AIG, marking the first time in the history of the Nigeria Police Force that three officers from the same state attained the rank at the same time. The three officers are AIG Akaninyene Ezima from Biase Local Government Area, AIG Nnaghe Itam from Yakurr Local Government Area, and AIG Bassey Ewah from Etung Local Government Area. A reception organised in their honour at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Abuja attracted prominent Cross River leaders, including Senator Eteng Jones Williams and other public officials. Former Commissioner of Police, Barr. Lawrence Alobi, who served as Chairman of the occasion, commended the officers for their years of dedicated and selfless service to the nation, describing the simultaneous elevation as unprecedented.

Police Shake-Up: IGP Disu Redeploys 10 AIGs in Major Leadership Reshuffle Across Eight States