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How Obasanjo, Soyinka, Akintoye, Adebanjo, Others Secured My Release — Sunday Igboho

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After two years of incarceration in Benin Republic, Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, yesterday, commended Yoruba leaders and some traditional rulers, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo; Professor Banji Akintoye, Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, and others, for working tirelessly to secure his release from Benin Republic.

Igboho was apprehended on Monday, July 19, 2021, at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, by the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) while he was on his way to Germany.

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His departure from Nigeria followed a raid on his Soka residence in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, by the Department of State Services, which had accused him of stockpiling weapons.

READ ALSO: Sunday Igboho Regains Freedom After Two Years

The Yoruba Nation activist, who confirmed his release in a statement he read on his Instagram handle, hailed the Yoruba leaders and traditional rulers for their roles in securing his release.

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In his statement titled ‘My Release in Benin Republic’, Igboho said: “My sincere appreciation goes to God almighty, the master of the universe for making this day. I want to say a big thank you to all Yoruba sons and daughters all over the world for their love and support before and after the loss of my dear mother, though she’s still kept at the morgue, waiting for me to come and give her the befitting burial that she deserves.

“I give special thanks to President Talon of Benin Republic and all members of his cabinet. My gratitude goes to my heroic father, Professor Banji Akintoye, and Professor Wole Soyinka for their support in the course of the struggle.

READ ALSO: Lawyer Reveals When Yoruba Nation Agitator, Igboho Will Return To Nigeria

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“You promised to stand by me through my ordeal in Benin Republic and you have fulfilled your promise.

“I will not forget to appreciate former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Baba Ayo Adebanjo for their roles, even though only God gives freedom. Let me use this opportunity to say thank you to all religious leaders, pastors, Muslim clerics, and traditional worshippers for their prayers day and night.

“Our royal fathers, Obas, and Chiefs in Yoruba land, your love and support are so appreciated. But we need more of your support to deliver our lands from slavery because Yoruba land is ours.”

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READ ALSO: Oodua Republic: Sunday Igboho Gives Fresh Update On Yoruba Nation Actualisation

Giving a hint of his return to Nigeria, the Yoruba activist said: “I am now free to return to Nigeria and visit any country in the world. I have fulfilled all the legal conditions attached to my bail a few years back and I am coming home to Nigeria, my country of origin, any moment from now.

“I can confirm to you that I am now free to come back to Nigeria. There is no legal encumbrance again. Even though I have been living in Cotonou for some time, I can confirm to you categorically that I have now secured the liberty to leave Cotonou for Nigeria.”

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Confirming Igboho’s release, one of his counsels, Yomi Aliyu, SAN, said: “I can confirm that he has left Benin Republic.

“Other than filing the case that awarded N200.5 billion I did nothing. It was the case that revealed that the Nigerian government had no case against him leading to removing him from prison and putting him under house arrest.”

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UNICEF Urges Women To Breastfeed Babies Within One Hour Of Birth, Warns Against Breastmilk Substitutes Usage

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The United Nations Children’s Fund has called on pregnant women in Borno State to initiate their newborns into breastmilk consumption within one hour of birth

Speaking during the flag-off event of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week on Saturday in Maiduguri, the state capital, the UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Francis Busiku, stated that only 35.5 per cent of children in Nigeria were initiated to breastmilk within one hour of birth, and only 28.8 per cent were exclusively breastfed

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According to him, this year’s theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support System”, highlights the urgent need to prioritise actions and systems leading to equitable access to breastfeeding, especially for vulnerable women in rural and conflict-affected areas.

READ ALSO:How UNICEF’s Initiative Changes Narrative Of Access To Healthcare Services In Bauchi

He said, “Only 35.5 per cent of children in Nigeria were initiated to breastmilk within one hour of birth, and only 28.8 per cent were exclusively breastfed.

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“Every child born in Borno State deserves to be initiated to breastmilk within one hour of birth, exclusively, breastfed for the next six months of life and continue breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond”

Francis also warned against the use of breastmilk substitutes and unsafe water, while noting that it poses a serious health risk to infants

The use of breastmilk substitutes and unsafe water in our communities can pose serious risks to the health of infants. It is therefore critical that the state enacts, enforces, and monitors the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes to protect children and promote breastfeeding,” he advised.

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READ ALSO:Polio: UNICEF Engages Traditional Rulers To Ensure Vaccine Compliance

He emphasised that breast milk provides all essential nutrients infants need in the first six months and offers maximum protection against illness and supports health growth and development

The UNICEF boss further called on the Borno state government and stakeholders to strengthen maternal protection polices, increase funding support, revitalise baby-friendly initiatives and prioritise community-level nutrition interventions.

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“Together, through strategic partnerships, innovative approaches, and sustained commitment, we can transform breastfeeding practices across Borno state. UNICEF remains steadfast in its support to the government and partners in this vital vision”, he concluded.

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NBA Slams Niger Gov Over Shutting Down Of Radio Station

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The Nigerian Bar Association has called on the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago, to immediately withdraw what it described as an unconstitutional order shutting down Badeggi FM in the state.

The NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN), in a statement on Saturday, emphasised that only the National Broadcasting Commission had the legal authority to regulate or shut down broadcasting operations in the country as anything contrary will amount to press gagging.

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The Association urged the governor to rescind his directive ordering the immediate closure of the privately owned Badeggi 90.1 FM.

It stressed that the action, reportedly carried out through instructions to the State Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security, allegedly involved profiling the station’s owner and marking the premises for demolition.

READ ALSO:Passengers’ Traffic: Anxiety As local Airlines Raise Alarm Over Consistent Decline

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The statement read, “This constitutes executive rascality of the highest order. It is a blatant abuse of power that undermines constitutional democracy and the rule of law. The Governor lacks the constitutional or legal authority to revoke broadcast licences or shut down any media establishment. In Nigeria, only the National Broadcasting Commission has the statutory mandate to regulate broadcasting, including the suspension or revocation of licences, subject to due process.

“It is imperative to state that the Commissioner of Police or any security agency must not act on unlawful executive directives. Security agencies are bound by law to act within constitutional limits and not as instruments for political intimidation or media suppression.

“The Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression under Section 39, including the right to own, operate, and access media. No person, regardless of office, has the right to arbitrarily restrict or shut down a media house without due process of law. This unlawful closure, without regulatory sanction or judicial backing, is a dangerous assault on press freedom and democratic governance.”

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The NBA further stated that Governor Bago’s directive is entirely unlawful and of no legal effect.

READ ALSO:What May Change As Lagos Tenancy Bill Passes Second Reading

Osigwe maintained that the Commissioner of Police and other relevant authorities must refuse to implement illegal orders that infringe on constitutional rights, reiterating that media regulation must follow due process through established statutory mechanisms, not arbitrary executive action.

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The Association also noted that the actions taken against Badeggi FM constitute a direct affront to press freedom and violate Nigeria’s democratic norms.

We call on Governor Bago to immediately withdraw this directive and refrain from further unconstitutional acts. The NBA also urges all levels of government to uphold the rule of law, respect constitutional boundaries, and protect the freedom of the press. A free and independent media is not a privilege – it is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of any democratic society,” the statement read.

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NGE Reacts As Govt Closes Radio Station In Niger

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The Nigerian Guild of Editors has condemned the recent closure of Badeggi Radio by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, describing the action as a direct assault on press freedom and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, on Saturday, the Guild said the governor acted outside his constitutional powers and bypassed due process in ordering the shutdown of the station.

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This act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where a free press is essential for holding those in power accountable,” the Guild said.

Citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the NGE emphasised that press freedom and freedom of expression are guaranteed rights that must be protected.

READ ALSO:Activists Condemn Nigeria’s Natural Resources Exploitation, Finger Govt

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The Guild noted that only the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission has the legal authority to sanction broadcast stations, and only after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the broadcast code.

The closure of Badeggi Radio, a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, is a worrying trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy.

“Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station. The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.

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“We are happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has pointed this out. This should go beyond observing the anomaly.

READ ALSO:Gospel Singer, Eight Others Jailed For Internet Fraud In Kwara

The Federal Government should order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station while an investigation is carried out,” the statement read.

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The editors likened the governor’s action to the arbitrary clampdowns experienced during military rule, warning that such decisions erode the democratic progress made since 1999.

Arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago,” the Guild stated.

While acknowledging that Bago had alleged that the station incited violence, the Guild insisted that such a serious accusation must first be investigated and proven before any punitive measure is taken.

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READ ALSO:Senator Withdraws From Legislative Duties Over Health Challenge

Governor Bago’s allegation of incitement of violence by the radio station is a serious issue, which has to be investigated and proven before any action can be taken. We urge the media to operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals,” the statement read.

The editors urged media professionals to operate responsibly and adhere strictly to the code of ethics of journalism, but stressed that due process must always be followed by authorities.

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The Guild reiterates that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy and demands that governments at all levels respect and uphold this fundamental right,” the statement concluded.

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