News

Okpebholo Alleges Looting, Seeks EFCC Probe Of Edo Officials

Published

10 months ago

October 17, 2024

The Edo State Governor-Elect, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, called on banks to halt the granting of loans to the state government during the transition period.

He also raised concerns over the alleged looting of government funds and properties by officials of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Godswill Inegbe also, Okpebholo called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Department of State Services to investigate the matter.

On Tuesday, the All Progressives Congress set up a 24-member transition committee, led by former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu, to meet with the state government committee ahead of the handover on November 12.

The statement read: “With great shock, we regret the widespread reports of looting of government funds and properties by officials of the outgoing administration from the Government House, Benin City.

“It is sad that barely one month to the handover, the outgoing administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki is still allegedly obtaining loans from banks and other financial institutions under very shady headings.

“We are also aware of the massive looting and vandalism of properties, including vehicles, furniture, gadgets, household utensils, and even carpets from offices and residences of the Edo State Government.

“This unacceptable behaviour undermines the trust and faith of our citizens in those entrusted to serve them over the past seven years.

“In light of the foregoing, we call on the relevant authorities, including the EFCC, police, and DSS, to investigate the allegations thoroughly and ensure that those found guilty are held accountable while protecting Government House and offices from vandals.”

It added: “Banks and other financial institutions are, by this notice, cautioned to desist from any dealings that would undermine the finances of the state, especially the granting of loans to the Edo State Government during this transition period.

“The Accountant General of Edo State is hereby advised to uphold the principle of integrity in his duty, as it is the only action that will put his name in gold.

“We want to state unequivocally that there will be dire consequences for any act of impunity and theft committed by any person or institution found wanting in this regard.

“We will continue to monitor the situation until the last day of the outgoing administration. Senator Monday Okpebholo will not condone any form of unethical behaviour, as he stresses a zero-tolerance policy for corruption.”

When contacted, the Commissioner for Orientation and Information, Chris Nehikhare, said he would respond to the statement on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the government has advised Okpebholo’s associates to wait until November 12 to commence governance, rather than making spurious allegations and claims aimed at creating the impression that there are two governors in Edo State.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, described the statement from Okpebholo’s media assistant as spurious, noting that it was not only incoherent and riddled with fake news, but also contained unfounded conjectures aimed at undermining the government.

He said: “A self-styled special assistant, whom nobody knows, issued a statement to create the impression that there are two governors in Edo State.

“Assuming he is truly speaking for the Governor-Elect, Monday Okpebholo, the immodesty is most reprehensible. He made wild allegations, which he cannot substantiate because they are barefaced lies.

“It is quite understandable that these elements are angling for jobs, but there must be some clear-headedness and not this resort to outlandish and amateurish mudslinging.

“The next administration begins on November 12, 2024, and actors representing the incoming administration should wait for this date to arrive before they begin to govern, as there cannot be two governors of Edo State at the same time.”

News

Peter Obi’s Son, Oseloka, Speaks On Gay Allegations

Published

11 hours ago

August 23, 2025

Editor

Oseloka Obi, son of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has responded to viral allegations linking him to homosexuality after photographs of him with London-based British-Nigerian Kent Okwesa, circulated online this week.

The pictures, which emerged on Wednesday, showed Oseloka and Okwesa sitting closely at a restaurant in the United Kingdom, sparking a wave of online speculation and gossip.

In a detailed statement, Oseloka dismissed the rumours as malicious falsehoods driven by his father’s involvement in Nigerian politics.

He noted that while he rarely responds to such narratives, the persistence of gossip and unfounded claims made it necessary to address the matter.

“Because of my father’s involvement in Nigerian politics, there has been a persistent curiosity and, at times, malicious obsession with me.

“I have no social media presence and no interest in maintaining one, so I rarely correct these falsehoods. But perhaps it is time I address them,” he wrote.

Oseloka stressed that the photos of him in circulation were being misrepresented, insisting they were ordinary snapshots with friends and colleagues.

“The truth is simple: Peter Obi’s son appears in photos with his friends and colleagues, nothing more. If people wish to invent otherwise, I hope they sleep soundly knowing they are spreading lies,” he added.

He further emphasised that neither he nor his father is perfect, but attested to his father’s integrity and commitment to Nigeria’s future.

“My father has my vote, not because he is my father, but because he is the right man for the job. If others wish to go low, invent scandals, or attack me to wound him, they are free to do so. But we will go high, and we will continue to focus on the future of Nigeria.”

Concluding, Oseloka urged Nigerians to redirect their attention from idle gossip to the pressing socio-economic challenges facing the country.

Read the full statement below:

News

FULL LIST: PenCom Bars Seven Mortgage Banks From Processing Housing Loans

Published

12 hours ago

August 23, 2025

Editor

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has barred seven Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) from processing applications under the pension-backed equity contribution scheme for residential mortgages, citing their non-compliance with housing loan guidelines.

In a letter published on PenCom’s website, addressed to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs), the organisation instructed them to immediately stop accepting or processing equity contribution applications submitted through the affected institutions.

The blacklisted mortgage banks are:

• Jigawa Savings & Loans Limited

• FHA Mortgage Bank Limited

• Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Limited

• AG Mortgage Bank Limited

• Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Pic

• First Trust Mortgage Bank Limited

• Mutual Alliance Mortgage Bank Limited

“Following the cited letter, the commission instructs that PFAs, including Closed Pension Fund Administrators and Pension Fund Custodians, immediately stop accepting or processing equity contribution applications submitted by the following Primary Mortgage Banks… Please be guided,” the circular read in part.

Explaining the decision, PenCom’s spokesman, Ibrahim Buwai, told The PUNCH that the sanction was imposed because the affected institutions failed to generate the mortgages for which funds had been approved.

“The whole purpose of giving access to RSA holders is to enable them to own houses through mortgages,” he said. “It was discovered that some of the primary mortgage institutions were not generating mortgages. If that is the case, it means they are not complying with the regulations. That is the reason for their blacklisting.”

PenCom introduced the equity contribution for residential mortgages in September 2022, allowing Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders to withdraw up to 25 per cent of their balances to fund equity contributions for home ownership.

According to the commission, 24,582 RSA holders had accessed the scheme as of the first quarter of 2025, with disbursements totalling ₦149.84bn.

RSA holders who submitted applications through the barred mortgage banks are now advised to reapply with other eligible PMBs. Those who have made upfront payments were urged to contact the affected institutions for the next line of action.

News

VIDEO: How ‘Close Friend’ Leaked Cat Secret To Security During My House Invasion — Sunday Igboho

Published

13 hours ago

August 23, 2025

Editor

Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has opened up again on the July 1, 2021 midnight invasion of his Ibadan residence by security operatives, including the Department of State Services (DSS).

Speaking during a visit to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, at his palace in Ondo State, Igboho alleged that the attack was carried out with the intent to take his life.

“When my house was invaded, they wanted to kill me but failed. Some said my intestines were shattered, others said my leg was broken, but there was nothing of such. They fired guns at me very well, but the prayers of you my fathers on me were answered.”

According to him, the DSS operatives forcefully gained entrance into his residence and pointed a gun at his Personal Assistant so he could lead them to his room.

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Death of cat after friend’s betrayal

While recalling the invasion, Igboho said one of his trusted friends betrayed him by leaking sensitive information about his cat to the operatives.

He disclosed that the so-called ‘trusted’ friend had told the agents not to let the cat escape, which led to the security operatives killing the animal.

“When I opened the door of my room for them, they saw my cat on the bed. One of my friends that I entrusted with secret had told them not to let the cat go. So they killed the cat and wrapped it with clothes like a corpse. They destroyed everywhere in the house and killed one of my brothers alongside one other person and they left,” he narrated.

Appeal to the Olowo

Speaking at the palace of the Olowo, Igboho said his absence from the country had lasted about five years and that he was eager to return to contribute to tackling insecurity in the South-West.

“But why I came to meet you Kabiesi is that till when will I be doing that. Nigeria is my motherland. This is about five years since I’ve been chased from here. Tinubu is your son, you can convince him to free me. If not for the wanted tag on me, I would have come to Nigeria to face the insecurity facing the South-West region. I would have entered the bush and faced them,” Igboho pleaded with the monarch.

Monarch’s response
In his response, Oba Ogunoye described Igboho as a beacon of hope for his generation and future ones, urging him not to be discouraged by the challenges he has faced.

The monarch enjoined Igboho and his supporters to remain law-abiding amid ongoing challenges.

He assured him of continued support and called for peace and cooperation across South-West communities, noting that no region can achieve sustainable development without security.
(TRIBUNE)