News

FG Arraigns Ogun PDP Guber Candidate, Others Over Money Laundering

Published

2 years ago

February 6, 2024

The Federal Government on Tuesday arraigned Oladipupo Adebutu before an Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta, the State capital, on seven count charge, bordering on money laundering and other offences, with case number AB/10c/2023 (FRN Vs Adebutu &Ors.

It would be recalled that Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the gubernatorial election held on March 18, 2023, was accused of criminal inducement during the poll by security agents alongside other members of his party.

He was alleged to have ordered through his bank the issuance of 200,000 preloaded ATM Verve cards with N10,000 and distributed the same on the day of the election across the state with the criminal intention of inducing voters in the state.

Adebutu and six other people were later charged in court by the police, during which he sneaked out of the country for months and returned in December 2023.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, earlier in his submission orally withdrew the prior information supplied and substituted the same with amended information, without any objection from the lead counsel to the defendants, Chief Gordy Uche.

While all the defendants pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charges preferred against them, their lead counsel, Chief Gordy Uche, pleaded with the court to allow the 2nd, 5th, and 10th defendants to continue to enjoy bail on earlier terms.

He then prayed the court to grant the first defendant, Oladipupo Adebutu, bail on self-recognizance, saying he came to the court on his volition.

However, his prayer that Adebutu should be granted bail on self-recognizance was opposed by the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, who noted that while he had no objection to the prayer for bail, he disagreed with the self-recognizance clause.

The presiding judge, Justice Abiodun Akinyemi, therefore, granted the 1st defendant bail in the sum of N1 million, with a surety in the same sum who may be a family member or bondsman, as the case was adjourned till February 7, 2024, for hearing.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

11 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

11 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

12 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.