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Peter Obi has no police escort — Spokesman replies Keyamo over CCTV video

Published

2 months ago

July 12, 2026

Peter Obi has no police escort — Spokesman replies Keyamo over CCTV video

A fresh controversy has emerged between Peter Obi, the Labour Party‘s 2023 presidential candidate, and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, over the release of CCTV footage linked to an airport incident involving the former Anambra State governor.

The dispute began after Keyamo released surveillance footage from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, which he said showed a vehicle associated with Obi violating airport parking regulations. The minister maintained that the footage contradicted Obi’s recent claim that he had been subjected to intimidation and unfair treatment at Nigerian airports.

However, Zekeri Idris, one of Obi’s spokespersons, has rejected the minister’s position, insisting that the footage released by Keyamo relates to a different incident from the one Obi publicly described during a recent interview.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Idris argued that the minister based part of his response on the mistaken assumption that Obi enjoys official security protection similar to that of serving government officials.

According to him, although Obi is entitled to security as a prominent opposition leader, he currently has no police or Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel attached to him in Abuja.

“Mr. Peter Obi does not have any police or civil defence personnel attached to him in Abuja, despite being entitled to VVIP protection by virtue of his status as a leading opposition figure in Nigeria. He certainly does not have a police officer serving as his driver.

“Your reference to a ‘police driver’ appears to have been based on the assumption that he enjoys the level of security protection ordinarily accorded to someone of his standing. He does not.”

Idris said he had accompanied Obi on numerous trips across the country and had personally observed what he described as repeated discourteous treatment from some government officials at airports.

He maintained that the CCTV footage published by Keyamo did not capture the same incident Obi referred to during his interview.

“The incident you posted is entirely different from the one Mr. Peter Obi narrated in his interview. In that interview, he clearly stated: ‘I was there…’ In the incident contained in your tweet, he was not present.”

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The spokesman argued that if there were now multiple incidents involving vehicles linked to Obi being clamped at airports, the development could indicate a pattern that deserved closer public scrutiny.

“If we now have at least two separate incidents in which vehicles associated with Mr. Obi were clamped under questionable circumstances, does this not suggest a pattern of targeting an individual simply because of who he is?”

Idris also disputed claims that Obi’s vehicle remained parked for about 30 minutes, insisting that the entire sequence—from the vehicle’s arrival to its eventual clamping—lasted approximately five minutes.

He questioned the basis of the 30-minute claim, noting that many international airports allow vehicles a short window to drop off or pick up passengers before enforcement measures are taken.

“The entire sequence of events you referenced, from arrival to the eventual clamping of the vehicle, lasted approximately five minutes.

“At most airports around the world, including major international airports, a ten-minute drop-off window is generally considered acceptable. Where, then, did the claim of 30 minutes originate?”

The Obi spokesperson further alleged that several other vehicles parked in the same area were not subjected to similar enforcement by airport officials.

According to him, some of those vehicles had been parked before the arrival of the vehicle linked to Obi, yet they were neither clamped nor sanctioned.

He also referenced previous airport controversies involving former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), questioning why similar official attention, including the release of CCTV footage, was not given to those incidents.

“Where was this same enthusiasm to instigate public outrage and issue official condemnations? Was CCTV footage from those incidents also released, or was the CCTV system only activated when it involved Mr. Peter Obi?” he asked.

The controversy follows Obi’s recent allegation that he had repeatedly experienced intimidation and harassment at Nigerian airports. In response, Keyamo released the CCTV footage, insisting that airport officials merely enforced existing parking regulations and denying any form of political victimisation.

The exchange has continued to generate debate across social media and political circles, with supporters of both men offering contrasting interpretations of the events. While Obi’s camp insists the minister relied on footage from a different incident, the Aviation Ministry maintains that the released video demonstrates that airport officials acted within established operational guidelines.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Peter Obi nor Festus Keyamo had issued any additional statement beyond those already released by their respective camps.

Peter Obi has no police escort — Spokesman replies Keyamo over CCTV video

Related Topics:CCTV Featured Keyamo Peter Obi

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How Filling Station Sold Me Water Instead Of Petrol – Lagos Resident Recounts Ordeal

Published

10 minutes ago

August 26, 2026

Trends Admin

Oluwaseyi Oluwabiyi

How Filling Station Sold Me Water Instead Of Petrol – Lagos Resident Recounts Ordeal

A Lagos resident, Oluwaseyi Oluwabiyi, has shared her shocking experience of how a filling station allegedly dispensed water into her vehicle’s fuel tank instead of petrol, causing her car to break down just 10 minutes after she left the premises. The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) intervened, held the station responsible, and secured compensation for damages and repairs. Oluwabiyi, who shared her experience in a testimonial video released on Wednesday by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), said she realised something was wrong when her vehicle stopped about 10 minutes after she left the filling station. According to her, she contacted a mechanic who inspected the vehicle and discovered that there was no petrol in the tank—only water had been dispensed into it. “I bought fuel from a filling station and unfortunately, they fueled my tank with just water. There was no fuel at all in what was put in my tank,” Oluwabiyi said.

Oluwabiyi said she immediately lodged a complaint with LASCOPA the same day, submitting pictures, videos and other evidence relating to the incident. Following her complaint, LASCOPA directed her to obtain an estimate of the cost of repairing the vehicle, after which the agency invited both parties for a mediation session. According to her, the filling station was held responsible for the incident and was made to bear the cost of repairing her vehicle as well as additional damages. “They were made to pay the cost of me fixing my car and extra damages. This was all thanks to LASCOPA. My car was fixed. It was reinstated to the position it would have been before the incident,” she said.

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Oluwabiyi described LASCOPA as one of the “hidden gems” provided by the Lagos State Government to protect consumers and resolve disputes outside the conventional court system. She noted that the agency’s intervention demonstrated the importance of alternative dispute resolution in resolving consumer complaints promptly while helping to reduce the burden on the courts. “If you have any disputes, I strongly recommend, or you have any complaints, I strongly recommend that you report it to the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, which will ensure that the issues are dealt with and resolved promptly,” she said. She expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government and LASCOPA for the initiative, urging residents to make use of the agency whenever they encounter consumer-related disputes.

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency has been actively expanding its reach across the state. In June 2026, LASCOPA commenced operations at annex offices in Ikorodu, Badagry, Bariga, Ikoyi-Obalende, Ojo, Epe, Agege, and Isolo to improve residents’ access to consumer protection services. The agency’s General Manager, Afolabi Solebo, noted that the decentralisation aims to enhance service delivery and facilitate prompt resolution of consumer disputes. LASCOPA handles complaints across various sectors, including electricity distribution, automobile services, food and beverages, healthcare, banking, telecommunications, and oil and gas services. The agency has recovered millions of naira in refunds from service providers, including over N156.2 million from Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company and more than N30.1 million from Eko Electricity Distribution Company.

This is not an isolated incident. In Ebonyi State, the government sealed the Shafa Oil and Gas Station after its tank developed a fault, allowing water to flow into the underground petrol tank. A video surfaced showing a driver complaining that petrol purchased from the station was watery, resulting in the vehicle stopping a few metres from the station. Similarly, in Abuja, customers at the Azman Oil and Gas Ltd filling station in Wuse Zone 5 reported that their vehicles broke down after they were dispensed water instead of fuel. Motorists who had queued to buy fuel were left distraught, with some accusing the station’s attendants of delivering water into their tanks. A staff member explained that the fault might have been with their supplier.

Experts suggest that water contamination can occur when rain seeps into underground fuel storage tanks if not properly sealed, or when fuel suppliers use water to test for leaks in tankers, and mistakes occur during delivery. Consumers are advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious fuel purchases immediately. The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency advises consumers experiencing unfair trade practices to lodge complaints through its official channels, including a toll-free line: 08000052726.

How Filling Station Sold Me Water Instead Of Petrol – Lagos Resident Recounts Ordeal

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EFCC secures forfeiture of over $500m in cash, assets — Olukoyede

Published

2 hours ago

August 26, 2026

Trends Admin

EFCC secures forfeiture of over $500m in cash, assets — Olukoyede

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the forfeiture of cash and assets worth more than $500 million to the Federal Government over the past three years, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede has disclosed.

Olukoyede made the disclosure on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, while speaking at the 43rd International Symposium on Economic Crime in Cambridge, United Kingdom, where he highlighted Nigeria’s growing use of asset recovery and non-conviction-based forfeiture in the fight against economic and financial crimes.

“Within three years of my assumption of office, we’ve been able to forfeit both cash and assets worth over half a billion dollars to the government,” Olukoyede said.

The EFCC chairman explained that Nigeria’s legal framework enables law enforcement agencies to pursue the forfeiture of suspected proceeds of crime without necessarily waiting for a criminal conviction.

According to him, the process can begin when the commission approaches a High Court with reasonable suspicion that particular cash or assets represent proceeds of crime.

Olukoyede said the success of the EFCC’s asset recovery drive has been supported by the ability of investigators to trace suspected illicit assets, cooperation from the judiciary and access to credible intelligence.

He cited the recent forfeiture of an aircraft allegedly linked to a $30 million bribery case involving an individual connected to the monitoring of a Nigerian power project.

According to the EFCC chairman, the aircraft was forfeited about three months ago and has since been added to the Presidential Air Fleet.

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Olukoyede also highlighted the forfeiture of a property comprising approximately 753 housing units linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele.

He said criminal proceedings involving the former CBN governor were pending before three courts while discussing the case.

The EFCC chairman further disclosed that an investigation involving former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, led the commission to trace 57 properties allegedly linked to him.

Of the 57 properties, Olukoyede said 48 had been forfeited following the investigation, which he said began last year after the commission developed what it considered reasonable suspicion of criminal abuse of office.

The EFCC has also indicated that it intends to challenge a court decision concerning nine other properties allegedly linked to Malami.

Another case cited by Olukoyede involved a private university allegedly linked to a director in the Federal Ministry of Health. He said the official voluntarily surrendered the property following the EFCC’s investigation.

Olukoyede said these cases demonstrated the importance of non-conviction-based asset forfeiture in preventing suspected proceeds of crime from remaining in the hands of individuals while related legal proceedings continue.

He attributed the commission’s ability to secure forfeiture orders to three key factors: stronger investigative capacity, cooperation from the judiciary and credible intelligence.

The EFCC chairman also called for increased international cooperation to help Nigeria trace and recover assets allegedly taken abroad as proceeds of corruption and other financial crimes.

He urged individuals with credible information about Nigerian assets allegedly hidden or transferred to foreign jurisdictions to provide intelligence to the commission.

Olukoyede said the EFCC had introduced incentives for whistleblowers whose information leads to successful asset recovery.

According to him, individuals whose information results in the recovery of Nigerian assets could receive between 2.5 per cent and 5 per cent of the recovered assets, subject to the applicable conditions.

“If any of you is privy to where Nigerian assets are stolen or taken to anywhere in the world, we have an incentive for you. Between 2.5 and 5 percent is going to go back to you upon recovery,” he said.

He stressed that stronger whistleblower protection, reliable intelligence, effective investigations and international collaboration were essential to Nigeria’s efforts to combat economic and financial crimes.

The EFCC chairman’s disclosure comes as Nigerian authorities continue to intensify efforts to trace, recover and secure the forfeiture of assets allegedly acquired through corruption and other financial crimes.

The commission has increasingly focused on following the financial trail behind suspected crimes, with asset recovery and forfeiture becoming a major component of its enforcement strategy.

However, allegations concerning individuals and properties mentioned in ongoing investigations remain subject to the judicial process, and affected persons are presumed innocent unless found guilty by a competent court.

EFCC secures forfeiture of over $500m in cash, assets — Olukoyede

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Several Bandits Feared Killed as Security Forces Repel Attack in Sokoto

Published

2 hours ago

August 26, 2026

Trends Admin

Several Bandits Feared Killed as Security Forces Repel Attack in Sokoto

Military troops and police successfully defended Sifawa town in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday, repelling an attempted attack by armed bandits. Several assailants are feared dead following a prolonged gun battle that lasted hours, while two soldiers sustained injuries and were evacuated for treatment. The attack, which occurred around 10:00 am, saw heavily armed bandits storming the community from Horo village in neighbouring Shagari Local Government Area. The assailants reportedly attempted to overrun the military barracks in Sifawa, triggering a fierce response from stationed soldiers and police personnel.

According to a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity, the confrontation lasted for several hours before security forces succeeded in forcing the attackers to retreat. During the intense exchange, two soldiers were injured and immediately evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment. The resident further stated that several of the bandits were believed to have been killed during the encounter, while others managed to flee through the surrounding millet farms.

The President of the Sifawa Development Forum, Dr Abubakar Boyi, who confirmed the attack, suggested that the assailants may have been drawn by large herds of livestock brought into the town by villagers displaced by banditry in Shagari. Boyi explained that there was a significant concentration of livestock in Sifawa, which may have attracted the attackers. However, a security source countered this claim, insisting that the military barracks was the primary target. The source revealed that the bandits wanted to overrun the barracks but were overpowered, and confirmed that two soldiers were injured and taken to the hospital for treatment.

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Following the ground engagement, military aircraft were deployed to the surrounding bushes where the fleeing bandits were believed to have taken cover. The security source added that air strikes were currently ongoing in the bushes where the bandits fled, and expressed confidence that several of them had been killed. The source further indicated that a mop-up operation would be conducted after the air strikes were completed. The development has heightened anxiety among residents and farming communities around Sifawa, prompting public announcements directing farmers whose millet farms are located along the frontline to immediately harvest their crops and vacate areas considered vulnerable to the ongoing military engagement.

The clash significantly disrupted movement along the Sifawa-Birnin Kebbi road, leaving motorists stranded for hours as security personnel responded to the attack. A motorist, Jamilu, described the harrowing experience, recounting how travellers were stranded at Yabo Junction for hours as the road leading to Kebbi was blocked. He noted that the sounds of heavy gunfire created widespread fear, forcing many to abandon their original route and seek alternative paths.

Sifawa holds strategic importance, being the hometown of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (retd.), and the Sokoto State Secretary to the Government, Bello Sifawa. The community, located approximately 20 kilometres from Sokoto metropolis, has remained strategically significant in the security architecture of the area due to its proximity to farming settlements vulnerable to bandit attacks. As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to officially confirm the number of casualties among the bandits or security personnel. However, the Sokoto State Police Command, through its spokesperson DSP Ahmed Rufa’i, confirmed the incident and stated that combat-ready personnel had been mobilised to support the military and strengthen security in Sokoto metropolis and its environs. The situation remains fluid, with security forces maintaining active operations to prevent criminal elements from advancing into vulnerable communities.