Drama as Osun Democrats, Adeleke Defy FG, AGF, Insist on Conducting Election Amidst Rising Tension

By Tijani Abdulkareem 

Tension escalates in Osun State as the Osun Democrats for Democracy and Governor Ademola Adeleke push back against the Federal Government (FG) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), vowing to proceed with the local government election despite objections.  

Governor Adeleke has directed workers and politicians to stay away from local government secretariats following reports of violence and killings between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).  

In a statement signed by Adeyemo Adeyefa, Director of Operations for the Osun Democrats for Democracy on Friday, the group dismissed a Nigerian Police Force (NPF) security report as fabricated.

 They alleged that the report was designed to justify what they described as an illegal maneuver by the APC to disrupt the electoral process.  

“The so-called security threat is a fabrication aimed at derailing democracy in Osun. The police have failed in their duty by escorting sacked council chairmen to unlawfully seize control of local government secretariats,” the statement read.  

The group further criticized the police for allegedly enforcing a non-existent reinstatement order from the Court of Appeal in Akure while ignoring a subsisting judgment that removed the APC-backed council executives.  

“There is no security crisis in Osun, except for the police’s collaboration with the APC to create one. Elections can proceed peacefully if the police stop supporting illegality,” the statement added.  

Addressing concerns over the AGF’s position on the election, the group accused the Attorney General of acting in bad faith, citing his past affiliation as a legal representative of former Osun Governor Gboyega Oyetola.  

“The AGF is not a court of law. He has no power to stop a state election. His stance is politically motivated and unacceptable,” the statement declared, urging the state government to ignore federal directives and proceed with the election.  

Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his commitment to holding the election as scheduled. 

In a post on his X account, Adeleke expressed confidence in the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission’s (OSSIEC) preparations.  

"According to reports at my disposal, OSSIEC has done a remarkable job in preparing for tomorrow's election. With multiple political parties participating, I believe the process will be free and fair,” he wrote.  

He further emphasized that the election would accelerate local development and urged citizens to remain peaceful.  

However, fear grips residents as reports of potential violence by political thugs spread across the state, intensifying concerns over clashes between PDP and APC supporters.

Portable Fumes as Ogun Government Seals Building, Hotel

By Tijani Abdulkareem

Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has expressed frustration after the Ogun State Government allegedly sealed his uncompleted building and hotel in Sango-Ota due to claims of illegal development.

Portable shared a "Notice of Contravention" on Instagram, revealing that the Ogun State Planning and Development Authority carried out the enforcement operation.

 The singer claimed that over 20 customers and workers were detained, and alcoholic beverages from his bar were confiscated.

"I believe in Eledumare. Nobody can fool me, Omo Olohun," Portable said.

 "They took everyone - over 20 people, including artists and customers. They seized cars, bikes, phones, and jobs.

"They sealed my new uncompleted building and hotel. Why? In my own hometown! We didn't resist them, yet they took everything. They even took the drinks from Odowgu Bar and Food. Why?

"I use this place to book events and shows, not just sell drinks. I promote and help people here. I installed lights everywhere and called the government for road repairs before they came.

"Why are they now attacking my property - the one I use to feed my family? They later came for me, but God is greater than them."

As of the time of filing this report, the Ogun State Planning and Development Authority has yet to respond to these allegations.

No Justification Given as Police Drop N1.3bn Fraud Charges Against Obanikoro’s Son, Others The Nigeria

The Nigerian Police Force has withdrawn a fraud charge against Mr. Gbolahan Obanikoro and four others over an alleged N1.3 billion fraud involving Access Bank.  

Obanikoro, along with Adejare Adegbenro, Balmoral International Limited, M.O.B. Integrated Limited, and DDSS International Company Limited, was scheduled for arraignment before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos on February 27.  

Earlier, the court had fixed the arraignment date after setting January 31, 2025, as the initial hearing for the case, which involved an alleged N1,356,057,330.43 fraud.  

However, in a notice of withdrawal issued on Thursday, the police informed the court of their decision to discontinue the case.

 The withdrawal notice, filed under Section 108(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, was dated February 4 and signed by Chief Superintendent of Police J. I. Enang. It stated:  

“Take notice that the prosecution hereby withdraws the above-mentioned charge against the defendants herein.” 

The police did not provide any reason for the withdrawal of the charges.  

Details About the Case

The case which was marked FHC/L/902c/2024, accused the defendants of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretenses, and fraudulent dealings amounting to N1,356,057,330.43.  

The Inspector General of Police, through the Special Fraud Unit in Ikoyi, Lagos, had alleged that between May and September 2013, the defendants conspired to fraudulently obtain the sum from Access Bank Plc (formerly Diamond Bank).  

They were also accused of converting, transferring, and retaining the funds while knowing or having reason to believe that the money was the proceeds of unlawful activity. 

Additionally, they allegedly diverted N1 billion from the bank for personal use.  

Previous Court Proceedings

At the last hearing, the prosecutor, M.Y. Bello, informed the court that the matter was set for arraignment. However, he requested a new date to ensure all defendants were present to take their pleas.  

Counsel for the fourth defendant, Joshua Abel, argued that many of the defendants, who were company directors, were outside the country and had not yet been served. He assured the court that all defendants would be present at the next hearing.  

Following these submissions, Justice Lewis-Allagoa adjourned the case to February 27 for arraignment.  

Meanwhile, sources indicate that a hearing to formally strike out the case may take place on Friday.