NEWS
Fani-Kayode reaffirms confidence in Nigerian judiciary, EFCC leadership

Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, says he has implicit confidence in the Nigerian judiciary and the current leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in spite of his personal experiences of persecution and trial.Fani-Kayode made the remark in an interview on Tuesday in Abuja.
Daily Asset recalls that Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja had on Feb. 4, discharged and acquitted Fani-Kayode of a 12-count of forgery-related charges.The EFCC had, in December 2021, arraigned him on a 12-count bordering on alleged procurement and execution of documents under false pretenses and the use of false documents, among other allegations.Fani-Kayode, however, lauded the judiciary’s integrity, describing it as a source of hope and strength throughout his legal battles.He also commended the judiciary for upholding justice and ensuring that he was not wrongfully convicted. Additionally, he praised the current EFCC leadership, describing it as professional and God-fearing.He reaffirmed his confidence in the EFCC’s ability to combat corruption and uphold justice under its present leadership.“I feel humbled and honoured. This case has been ongoing since 2021, and after all these years, justice has finally prevailed,” he said.He also expressed gratitude to the judiciary and his legal team for their role in ensuring justice.“I thank God for the judiciary and my lawyers. After so many years, we have finally seen justice,” he added.“However, I have had four criminal cases by the EFCC in the space of the last 18 years and it has been quite an ordeal for me. It has affected my family, career, business and everything.“But it feels good to be finally discharged and acquainted from all those cases, he said.Fani-Kayode, who has been a vocal advocate for justice and accountability, urged young Nigerians being persecuted to look to God for deliverance.He, however, emphasised the importance of being rooted in faith to withstand the challenges of life.“Look to God, only God can deliver you from the matrix, from the deep state, from evil men and women. I’ve been through it, and I can tell you that only God can deliver you,” he said.Fani-Kayode said in spite of this travails, he remained willing and ready to serve the nation, saying he was born to do so.“I’m ready to serve my nation if I’m called upon to do so. I was born for that, I’m a great believer in this country, and I love this country,” he said. Report says that Fani-Kayode served as the Special Assistant on Public Affairs to former President Olusegun Obasanjo from July 2003 to June 2006.He was later appointed as the Minister of Culture and Tourism on June 22, 2006, a position he held until Nov. 7, 2006, before becoming the Minister of Aviation, serving from Nov. 7, 2006, to May 29, 2007.(NAN)NEWS
Tinubu Celebrates Alia at 59th Birthday

President Bola Tinubu has warmly felicitated with the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, as he marks his 59th birthday today.
The President extolled Governor Alia’s compassion and humanitarian spirit, which said was evident from his service in the priesthood and public office.
He noted that the Governor has remained faithful to his calling, translating the virtues of integrity and selflessness into transformative leadership for the people of Benue State.
“President Tinubu commends Governor Alia’s unwavering commitment to peace, security, and stability in Benue, acknowledging the courage and clarity with which he pursues lasting solutions that foster good governance and development” his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga said in a statement in Abuja.
The President affirmed his administration’s strong support for these ideals, noting that they aligned with the broader goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda to secure the nation, uplift lives, and promote unity across all regions.
“I urge you to continue steering Benue State on a path of healing, progress, and purposeful governance. The nation stands with you, Governor Alia.
“On this special day, I pray for God’s continued blessings upon you—granting you wisdom, strength, and good health as you steer Benue toward greater heights”the statemetn quoted Tinubu to have said.
NEWS
Police Smash Mini Truck-snatching Syndicate

The Police Command in Enugu state has smashed an armed robbery and mini-truck snatching syndicate. The feat was achieved by the police operatives attached to the Ozalla Police Division, in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch personnel on Sunday. The Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement on Wednesday in Enugu said that one male suspect, Chinedu Onwuka, 35, has been detained in connection with the incidence.
“The operatives also rescued a male victim, who had been tied to a tree in the bush, and recovered his Daihatsu Hijet mini truck, locally known as “Diana”, which the suspect and his fleeing accomplices had stolen at gunpoint. “The suspect and his gang had hired the driver to transport bags of sand from the Ogbete area of Enugu metropolis to Umuatuaboma in Nkanu West Local Government Area. “However, along the Umuatuaboma–Obuofia Road, they diverted the vehicle into a bush at gunpoint, tied the driver to a tree, and fled with the truck. “A prompt response by the operatives led to the arrest of the suspect, while others escaped,” he said. The spokesman said that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and admitted to participating in a similar operation in April. He added that the suspect confessed to being paid ₦90,000 as proceeds from the sale of another snatched mini truck. “Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” he said. Ndukwe said that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, had reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering resolve to clamp down on unrepentant criminals of the state. He urged mini truck and other types of truck operators to remain vigilant and cautious about whom they accept conveyance jobs from and their destinations. (NAN)NEWS
Court Case Stalls Reps Hearing on Takeover of Benue, Zamfara Houses of Assembly

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has adjourned hearing in a petition seeking the National Assembly to takeover Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly to May 28.The Chairman of the committee Rep. Bitrus Laori (PDP-Adamawa) gave the ruling on at the resumption of hearing on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that the adjournment became necessary as the committee had been served court documents, notifying it that the matter is currently in court. Laori said that the detials is Suit No. FHC/MKD/CS/146/2025) filed on May 5, 2025 at Federal High Court, Makurdi Division and had been adjourned to May 19.The chairman also said that the leadership of the Benue State House of Assembly had also written a letter to the Senate and House of Representatives Benue Caucuses seeking an interaction over the matter.“In view of the court processes and the request of the Benue State House of Assembly leadership seeking to dialogue with Senate and House of Representatives Caucuses, the decision to continue sitting on the petition or not will be determined on the next adjourned date, May 28,” he said.Daily Asset reports that in Benue, the House of Assembly suspended 13 lawmakers for three months over their alleged opposition to the removal of the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese.The judge was accused of gross misconduct and corruption, sparking controversy and division within the assembly .While in Zamfara, the political crisis deepened in February 2024 when the Assembly suspended ten lawmakers.Of the 10 suspended lawmakers for allegedly convening an illegal plenary session, four are from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and six from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).Report says that the situation in Zamfara has since escalated into a leadership tussle, with two lawmakers, Mr Bilyaminu Moriki and Mr Bashar Gummi, both laying claim to the speakership.The Gummi-led faction reportedly held a parallel sitting during which they purportedly impeached Moriki.In response, the Moriki-led Assembly suspended 10 members aligned with Gummi, labeling the impeachment as invalid and accusing the group of conducting an illegal session.These crises form the basis of the petitions currently before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions.Daily Asset observed that the governors and speakers of both State Houses of Assembly who were agains, invited last week did not appear.However, the petitioners, the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law represented by a lawyer, Mr Emmanuel Onwudiwe as well as the suspended members of Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly were present. (NAN)