Oluwo of Iwoland Confers ‘Atayese of Yorubaland’ Chieftaincy Title on VeryDarkMan 

Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been conferred with the traditional chieftaincy title of Atayese of Yorubaland by the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I. The honour was bestowed during a colourful ceremony at the Oluwo’s palace in Iwo, Osun State, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The activist had travelled to the ancient town following a personal invitation from the monarch, arriving at Ibadan Airport ahead of the visit alongside coordinators of his Ratel movement from the Southwest region. The monarch had earlier described VDM as one of the country’s leading voices on transparency and accountability whose anti-corruption campaigns deserved “royal guidance,” setting the stage for what would become one of the most talked-about traditional ceremonies in recent times.

During the palace ceremony, the Oluwo personally adorned VeryDarkMan in traditional Yoruba attire (Aso Oke) before officially conferring the chieftaincy title upon him. The event was witnessed by palace chiefs, members of the Ratel movement, and other dignitaries who had gathered for the occasion, creating an atmosphere of celebration and cultural pride. The monarch, dressed in full traditional regalia, warmly received the activist and exchanged pleasantries with his guest while guests watched and recorded the ceremony for posterity. A particularly notable moment from the visit captured widespread attention online: VDM prostrated himself before the monarch in observance of Yoruba cultural tradition, a gesture reserved as a sign of deep respect for elders and traditional rulers. Videos of the moment quickly circulated across social media platforms, generating significant reactions from followers and observers who praised the display of Yoruba culture and tradition during the ceremony, with many commending the activist for honouring the customs of the land despite his often combative online persona.

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Addressing his guest and members of the Ratel movement, the Oluwo described Iwo as a peaceful town that welcomes people from every background and declared his official identification with the movement, referring to himself as the “King of the Ratels.” The monarch stated that anyone who chooses to live in Iwo would receive the same love and care he gives to his own children, emphasizing the town’s reputation for hospitality and warmth toward visitors. He also emphasized that Iwo remains the only town where residents favour the monarchy system of government above every other form of governance, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural values that define the ancient kingdom. The monarch urged the movement to expand its mission beyond social advocacy by embracing politics, arguing that meaningful reforms and justice could only be achieved through political power. “I want you Ratels to know there is now a king in the Ratel. I want your help to cleanse our dirty culture and remove the bad from it. Today, VDM has been chosen,” the Oluwo declared. “Keep moving, but you should not stop yourself from politics because that is the only way you can implement your dreams so that you can even control kings,” he added, offering what many interpreted as strategic counsel for the activist and his movement to extend their influence beyond social media advocacy into the realm of political governance.

The conferment has generated widespread debate online, with supporters celebrating the recognition while others questioned the significance and scope of the title. Some commentators argued the title should have been limited to “Atayese of Iwoland” rather than extending it to “Atayese of Yorubaland,” while others described the honour as recognition of the activist’s advocacy and public engagement. One supporter commented: “Dem say pikin wey wash him hand clean go dine/Eat with Elders,” reflecting the popular sentiment that VDM’s journey from social media critic to traditional title holder represents a remarkable rise. Others drew connections to VDM’s journey and influence, with the visit becoming one of the most talked-about moments online. Some users expressed caution, with one writing: “Trust no one,” while another urged VDM to stay grounded despite the recognition, warning that traditional honours could potentially compromise his critical voice. The mixed reactions underscore the complexity of VDM’s public persona and the varied expectations his followers hold for his advocacy work.

The honour comes about three months after VeryDarkMan announced a temporary break from all social media platforms following allegations that his online activities were distracting Nigerian youths from demanding accountability from the government. The social media commentator disclosed the decision in a video shared on his Instagram page, saying he stepped away following the allegations that his posts had become a source of distraction for young Nigerians who should otherwise be focused on holding the government accountable. “Because of the allegations and accusations that it is my posts that have been distracting the Nigerian youths from holding the government accountable, I have decided to not post again on social media during this period,” he said, explaining his rationale for the temporary withdrawal. “I’m going to take a back stage,” he added, indicating his intention to allow other voices to emerge in the online advocacy space during his absence from social media platforms. The conferment of the chieftaincy title adds another milestone to VDM’s public engagements, as the activist continues to play a prominent role in national conversations on transparency, justice and public accountability. The visit and chieftaincy conferment have since become one of the most talked-about topics online, with many awaiting further details about the significance of the title and the activist’s remarks following the honour, while others continue to debate the implications of a social media critic accepting traditional recognition from a monarch.

Oluwo of Iwoland Confers ‘Atayese of Yorubaland’ Chieftaincy Title on VeryDarkMan 

Court Orders Final Forfeiture of 48 Properties, University Linked to Ex-AGF Malami

Justice Abdulmalik rules ownership claims cannot shield illicit wealth as EFCC secures major asset recovery victory.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties, including a university, linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) , to the Federal Government. Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully established that the assets were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. The judge ruled that Malami and other claimants failed to demonstrate that the properties were acquired through legitimate sources, dealing a significant blow to the former senior government official who had vigorously contested the forfeiture proceedings.

In dismissing multiple applications, motions on notice, and objections filed by Malami, members of his family, and companies associated with the assets, Justice Abdulmalik described all their arguments as lacking merit. The judge emphasized that the central legal question was not who owns the properties, but the legitimacy of the funds used to acquire them. “The issue before the court is not who owns the property, but how legitimate the funds used to acquire the properties are,” she declared, holding that the respondents “had not dislodged the reasonable suspicion that the properties were acquired by unlawful activities.” Relying on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, Justice Abdulmalik granted the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture, though she vacated the interim forfeiture order on nine properties initially sought by the anti-graft agency, ruling that the EFCC failed to prove they were acquired through unlawful activities.

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The EFCC had sought the permanent forfeiture of 57 properties valued at over ₦212.8 billion, alleging they were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities, and the court’s ruling largely favored the commission’s case. The forfeited assets are spread across the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and the states of Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna, forming an extensive portfolio of prime real estate. Among the key assets now permanently forfeited are luxury hotels including Meethaq Hotels in Jabi, which boasts 53 rooms and suites, and another Meethaq property in Maitama with 15 rooms, as well as the former Harmonia Hotels complex in Garki, Abuja. The forfeiture also covers educational institutions such as the permanent, temporary, and third campuses of Rayhaan University, alongside the Rayhaan Model Academy in Kebbi State. In Abuja’s most exclusive neighborhoods, the court seized a luxury duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama; terraces at Property No. 3130, Asokoro; commercial property at Yakubu Gowon Crescent; twin houses at Apo Legislative Quarters; and properties in BUA Estate, Efab Estate, and Karsana District. Commercial properties including shops at Citiscape-Shariff Plaza and Vegas Mall in Wuse II, Abuja, as well as commercial plazas, warehouses, and filling stations in Kano and Kebbi, were also forfeited, alongside 100 hectares of land along the Birnin Kebbi-Jega Road, housing developments linked to Khadimiyya for Justice & Development Initiative, and various properties in Kaduna. According to the EFCC, many of these properties were acquired between 2016 and 2024 before being developed into luxury hotels, commercial complexes, and estates worth billions of naira.

Malami had vigorously challenged the forfeiture proceedings, insisting the assets were lawfully acquired and duly declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in 2019 and 2023. He argued that the EFCC relied on suspicion rather than credible evidence and failed to establish any link between the assets and criminal activity. In a 40-page affidavit, Malami claimed lawful income of ₦15.5 billion between 2015 and 2023, including salary, business turnover, bank loans, wedding gifts, and book launch proceeds, to justify the asset acquisitions. The court, however, dismissed these arguments, holding that the respondents failed to rebut the reasonable suspicion established by the EFCC, thereby affirming that mere declarations to the CCB do not immunize assets from forfeiture proceedings when reasonable suspicion of illicit acquisition exists.

This civil forfeiture is separate from the ongoing 16-count money laundering trial that Malami, his son Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe are facing before the Federal High Court. The EFCC alleges that the defendants laundered about ₦9 billion in public funds through the acquisition of choice properties across the country. The final forfeiture order represents one of the largest court-ordered asset recoveries in Nigeria, marking a significant victory for the EFCC in its anti-corruption efforts and sending a strong signal that public office holders cannot shield illicitly acquired assets through ownership claims or technical legal objections.

Court Orders Final Forfeiture of 48 Properties, University Linked to Ex-AGF Malami

Hit-and-run driver kills 500-level FUHSA student in Bauchi

A tragic hit-and-run accident has claimed the life of Rebecca Kambai, a 19-year-old 500-level student of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA), along the Bauchi-Jos Road in Bauchi State.

Rebecca, who had returned home from school for the holidays, died on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, after a Sharon minibus allegedly rammed into the motorcycle she was riding with her brother before fleeing the scene.

The incident has thrown her family, friends, colleagues and the university community into mourning, with many describing her as a brilliant student whose promising future was cut short just months before graduation.

According to family sources, Rebecca had forgotten some of her personal belongings at school after travelling home for the holidays. She later arranged for friends in Azare to send the items to Bauchi through a commercial driver.

When the driver arrived at the Bauchi Motor Park near Awala Hotel, he contacted Rebecca to collect the package. She subsequently travelled to the park with one of her brothers on a motorcycle.

After retrieving the belongings, the siblings began their journey back home. Family members said Rebecca opted to ride the motorcycle while her brother rode as a passenger.

However, tragedy struck when they reached the Police Officers’ Mess along the Bauchi-Jos Road, close to the entrance leading into the New GRA.

Eyewitnesses said a speeding Sharon minibus crashed into the motorcycle and immediately fled the scene without stopping to assist the victims.

The collision threw Rebecca onto the road, causing severe head injuries.

She reportedly suffered a fractured skull and died instantly, while her brother sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

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A First Information Report (FIR) issued by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), RS12.1 Bauchi Sector Command, confirmed that the accident occurred at about 5:15 p.m. on July 14, 2026.

According to the report, the incident was reported to the FRSC five minutes later, while emergency responders arrived at the crash scene within 10 minutes.

The report identified the motorcycle involved as a Jincheng motorcycle with registration number TFB-38-QB, which was being used for private purposes.

The FRSC disclosed that two people—an adult male and an adult female—were involved in the crash. While the male sustained injuries, the female victim was confirmed dead at the scene.

Officials recovered several personal belongings from the accident site, including the damaged motorcycle, a women’s hair stretcher and a pair of shoes.

The injured victim was evacuated to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) for treatment, while Rebecca’s remains were deposited in the hospital’s mortuary.

The rescue operation was led by MI III CT Galadima of the Bauchi Sector Command.

Security agencies have since launched investigations to identify and arrest the driver responsible for the fatal crash.

The Federal Road Safety Corps has urged motorists to drive responsibly, obey speed limits and remain at accident scenes to assist victims rather than fleeing, noting that timely medical intervention can often save lives.

Rebecca’s death has generated an outpouring of grief across the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, where fellow students and lecturers described her as intelligent, hardworking and dedicated to her studies.

Her grieving mother, Mrs Doris Kambai, paid an emotional tribute to her daughter, describing her as the family’s last child and a source of joy.

“I am the mother of Rebecca, whom we just lost yesterday. It is truly a time of grief for the whole family. My daughter, my last baby, will be greatly missed,” she said.

She described Rebecca as exceptionally brilliant and revealed that her daughter brought immense happiness into her life.

“She was actually my favourite, and the siblings even know that. She took after me in so many ways, and I have been so proud of her. She was such an intelligent and brilliant girl. Her coming into my life was truly a blessing.”

Despite the painful loss, Mrs Kambai expressed gratitude to relatives, friends and sympathisers who have stood by the family during the difficult period.

“I want to appreciate everyone who has rallied around me throughout this period of grief. I lack words to express my gratitude. It is my prayer that the Lord will reward each one of them.”

The heartbreaking incident has once again drawn attention to the growing menace of hit-and-run accidents on Nigerian roads.

Road safety advocates say many fatalities could be prevented if motorists involved in crashes remained at accident scenes, rendered first aid where possible and promptly alerted emergency responders instead of fleeing.

As investigations continue, authorities have appealed to members of the public with useful information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the fleeing driver to report to the nearest security agency.

The case has also renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, improved road surveillance and tougher penalties for drivers who abandon accident victims.

Hit-and-run driver kills 500-level FUHSA student in Bauchi