The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • AGF Fagbemi takes over female Estate developer’s prosecution over alleged forgery

    AGF Fagbemi takes over female Estate developer’s prosecution over alleged forgery

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has taken over the prosecution of a female estate developer, Miss Uzoamaka Onukwubiri, charged before a Federal High Court in Abuja for offences bordering on forgery and obtaining of property under false pretence.

    A lawyer from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP), Federal Ministry of Justice, Ndidi Okoha, informed the court about the development.

    Okoha said the alleged offences are contrary to section 3 (6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) Act 2004; punishable under sections 1 (2) (C) of the same Act: Section 368 of the Penal code Act.

    Onukwubiri, the Managing Director of Sow Real Estate was arraigned on Thursday on the nine-count charge brought against, and to which she pleaded not guilty.

    Following her plea of not guilty by the defendant, Okoha, who is the prosecuting, sought a date for the commencement of trial.

    Defence lawyer, Joel Okoli however told the court that his client filed a bail application, which he later moved.

    Okoli urged the court to note that the defendant was on an administrative bail earlier granted him during investigation.

    Okoha opposed the bail application and urged the court to reject it on the grounds that there was a likelihood of defendant jumping bail and interfering with the trial.

    She prayed the court to consider the content of the counter-affidavit deposed to by Michael Akawo, a litigation officer from the DPP, filed on November 18, 2025, against the bail application and to exercise its discretion against the defendant.

    After listening to lawyers on both sides, Justice Musa Liman adjourned till December 1 for ruling.

    Read Also: Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    Justice Liman ordered that the defendant be remanded in Suleja prison in Niger State pending ruling.

    Some counts in the charge read:  

    *That you Uzoamaka Onukwubiri “F” 42 Year, the Managing Director of Sow Real Estate Nigeria LTD, (Company Incorporated Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020) of No.7 Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja on or about the 29th day of November 29, 2019 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourself to commit felony to wit: Forgery and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act ,Cap M17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) Act 2004 and punishable under 1(2)(c) of the same Act.

    *That you Uzoamaka Onukwubiri “F” 42 Year, the Managing Director of Sow Real Estate Nigeria LTD, (Company Incorporated Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020) of No.7 Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja on or about the 29th day of November,2019 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court made a Forged document titled “Joint Venture Agreement dated” 29th day of November,2019 purportedly signed by Ideal Grace Consulting Limited (Ideal Grace) with Sow Real Estate Nigeria Limited (Sow Estate) in respect of 3 hectares of land situate at plot 3173 cadastral Zone B19, Katampe extension Abuja, knowing same to be false, with intent that it may be acted upon as genuine to the prejudice of Ideal Grace Consulting Limited (Ideal Grace) and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act ,CAP M17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2004.

    *That you Uzoamaka Onukwubiri “F” 42 Year, the Managing Director of Sow Real Estate Nigeria LTD, (Company Incorporated Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020) of No.7 Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja on or about the 29th day of November,2019 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court made a Forged document titled “Addendum to an Existing Joint Venture Agreement” dated 29th day November,2019 purportedly executed by Ideal Grace Consulting Limited (Ideal Grace) with Sow Real Estate Nigeria Limited (Sow Estate) in respect of 3 hectares of land situate at plot 3173 cadastral Zone B19, Katampe extension Abuja, knowing same to be false, with intent that it may be acted upon as genuine to the prejudice of Ideal Grace Consulting Limited (Ideal Grace) and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act ,CAP M17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2004.

    *That you Uzoamaka Onukwubiri “F” 42 Year, the Managing Director of Sow Real Estate Nigeria LTD, (Company Incorporated Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020) of No.7 Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja on or about the 29th day of November,2019 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable did had in your possession a forged document titled “Joint Venture Agreement” dated 29th day November,2019 purportedly signed by Ideal Grace Consulting Limited (Ideal Grace) with Sow Real Estate Nigeria Limited (Sow Estate) in respect of 3 hectares of land situate at plot 3173 cadastral Zone B19, Katampe extension Abuja intending that same shall be dishonestly used as genuine and thereby committed contrary to and punishable under Section 368 of the Penal Code Act.

  • Immigration training academy gets new Commandant

    Immigration training academy gets new Commandant

    The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Kemi Nana Nandap has appointed Comptroller Tony Akuneme, as the new Commandant of the Immigration Training School in Kano.

    According to the spokesman of the NIS, Akinsola Akinlabi, the deployment aligned with the avowed vision of the Immigration boss to reposition NIS Training institutions across the country.

    Akinlabi said the repositioning would match the Service with other elite sister security agencies in line with her on-going reforms and capacity building alongside staff welfare. 

    Read Also: Capital market turnover hits N10tr

    “The Service anticipates that the new Commandant will bring to bear his modest experiences and exposures in effective communication, public relations and border management, all of which will help to strengthen the improved training modules and promote service delivery in line with the NIS statutory mandate”, Akinlabi said. 

    Prior to his appointment, Akuneme was the Comptroller in charge of Illela Border Command, Sokoto and had been Comptroller in the Federal Capital Territory, as well as the Service Spokesman.

     He also previously served as Immigration attache in the Nigeria High Commission Canada as well as the Immigration Desk Officer in the Diaspora Commission at the Presidency.

    Akinlabi said the posting is with immediate effect. 

  • INEC disowns letter on factional PDP NWC resolution on Ekiti governorship primary

    INEC disowns letter on factional PDP NWC resolution on Ekiti governorship primary

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disowned correspondence on the resolution of the factional PDP National Working Committee led by Samuel Anyanwu on the conduct of the governorship primary in Ekiti state.

    Director, Voter Education and Publicity of the Commission, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, said in a statement that the correspondence that is currently circulating on various social media is fake and should be disregarded.

    The correspondence had said that the commission was rejecting the resolution because it was signed by the National Chain and Secretary as provided for in the Electoral Act.

    The statement reads, “The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been drawn to a correspondence currently in circulation on various platforms, dated November 10, 2025, concerning the Resolution of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) Meeting and postponement of the Ekiti State Congress/Governorship Primary, purported to have been issued and signed by the Secretary to the Commission.

    Read Also: Capital market turnover hits N10tr

    “The Commission hereby states unequivocally that the said correspondence did not emanate from the office of the Secretary to the Commission, nor any official channel of INEC.

    “Preliminary findings indicate that the signature of the Secretary to the Commission was forged by unscrupulous elements.

    “Consequently, the general public, political parties, and the media are strongly advised to disregard the contents of the said correspondence in its entirety, as it is fake.

    “The Commission views this act of forgery and the circulation of false documents as a serious electoral offence and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

    “INEC wishes to use this medium to appeal to persons engaging in such futile, criminal, and disruptive activities to desist forthwith in the interest of electoral integrity and peace.

    “Meanwhile, the Commission is collaborating with security agencies to investigate this matter and ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted according to the law”.

  • AbdulRazaq holds security council meeting as Army, Police deploy new tactical teams in Kwara

    AbdulRazaq holds security council meeting as Army, Police deploy new tactical teams in Kwara

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Friday held a security council meeting where commanders and top government officials reviewed strategies to strengthen public safety and curtail the threats of organized kidnapping gangs.

    The Governor received briefings from security commanders following the Tuesday attack on Eruku community in Ekiti Local Government Area of the State.

    Addressing a press briefing on the council meeting on Friday, Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi told reporters that the council meeting “harvested insights from the security commanders on recent happenings and field intelligence in the aftermath of the Eruku incident, including efforts of the security agencies to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims.

    “The meeting also commended heightened security deployments, especially air interdictions which have dislodged the kidnappers from their former hideouts, especially in Ifelodun. It calls for continuous air bombardment of areas identified as criminal hideouts.

    Read Also: Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    “The meeting specifically commended the Military, Police, and DSS for new deployments in the state. In line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, a few days ago, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, has deployed four different tactical teams (Special Weapons and Tactics, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad) to Kwara to neutralise further threats.

    “The Police and DSS reported several arrests of food and fuel suppliers linked to the criminals as well as a man from Makurdi who confessed to fixing weapons for the kidnappers.

    “The meeting commended the government’s strategic security decision on schools in parts of the state. Measures may be relaxed, sustained, or extended based on actionable security intelligence. This is particularly instructive in the light of the new development in Niger earlier today. As security agencies work for safe returns of the girls, the council calls for continuous vigilance and early reporting of any suspicious movement in any parts of the state.

    “The meeting approved joint patrols of security forces in different parts of the state especially as the Yuletide approaches. It recommended heightened security measures around vulnerable spots.

    “The meeting observed the damaging impacts of social media in the country’s fight against violent non-state actors. It expresses concern with how security information is disseminated, including demand for ransom and amplification of information that exposes citizens to more danger. For public safety, it calls for caution in the exercise of freedom of expression.

    “The meeting urged citizens to avoid night farming and social activities that expose them to any harm. It urged citizens for prompt report of suspicious movements of any kind to the security agencies, government agencies, and traditional rulers.

    “The meeting observed a minute of silence for the victims of the Eruku CAC attack and again commiserated with their families and the larger community.”

  • Fed Govt wins N4b, €185,733,496 in Ajaokuta contract dispute with French firm

    Fed Govt wins N4b, €185,733,496 in Ajaokuta contract dispute with French firm

    The federal government has won an arbitral award which saved it N4billion and €185,733,496.00 in a dispute with French firm, Fougourolle SA and its joint venture, Fougerolle Nigeria Ltd.

    According to a statement issued on Friday by the media aide to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Kamarudeen Ogundele, the final arbitral award was issued on 11th November 2025 by a tribunal constituted under the auspices of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre of the Federal High Court.

    Ogundele, who said Fagbemi was delighted about the development, said “the claimant – Fougerolle V Fougerolle – initiated the arbitration vide a notice of arbitration dated 12th December, 2022, about 18 years after the subject contract was terminated by the claimant on 30th January, 2004.

    “The case relates to a contract dated 31st March, 1981, between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a joint venture of Fougerolle Nigeria Ltd and Fougourolle SA (a French company), for the construction of civil works in the Iron and Steel Complex at Ajaokuta in Kwara [now Kogi] State.

    Read Also: Capital market turnover hits N10tr

    “Contrary to contract terms and Fougerolle’s undertaking, Fougerolle moved the tribunal to compel additional payment of unverified and uncertified sums of N3,846,098,403.00 (Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Forty-Six Million and Ninety-Eight Thousand, Four Hundred and Three Naira) and €185,733,496.00 (One Hundred and Eighty-Five Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Ninety-Six Euros).

    “Previously, the Federal Government engaged Messrs Price WaterCooperhouse to verify any indebtedness due to Fougerolle after terminating the contract.

    “This led to the payment of N3,894,600,000.00 to Fougerolle vide FGN Bonds on 11th September, 2006. Fougerolle signed an indemnity on 8th September 2006, accepting the above sum as full and final settlement.

    “However, over 16 years later, Fougerolle brought the instant claim.

    “The tribunal upheld the Federal Government’s preliminary objection challenging the competence of Fougerolle’s phantom claims principally on grounds of being statute-barred, non-disclosure of reasonable cause of action as FGN bonds coupled with Fougerolle’s indemnity extinguished the debt, and absence of a competent claimant.

    “Notwithstanding, the tribunal considered Fougerolle’s claim on the merits and held that Fougerolle failed to establish its case and had, indeed, waived all its rights to any other claim against the Federal Government, because the payment made via FGN Bonds discharged the contractual obligation between the parties.

    “The tribunal rejected Fougerolle’s expropriation claim and the claim that it issued the indemnity under duress.

    “The entire case was eventually dismissed, thereby saving FGN of over N4 billion in liabilities.

    “The case was defended by officers of the Federal Ministry of Justice in furtherance of the Attorney-General of the Federation’s commitment to boosting the capacity of ministry officials to defend sensitive litigation and ADR matters in protecting FGN’s interest.

    “This decision also underscores the current administration’s determination to challenge all predatory and opportunistic claims against Nigeria, while also emphasizing the government’s policy to promote ADR as a dispute resolution mechanism.”

  • Targeting of schools by bandits poses grave danger to Nigeria’s educational system – Rep Garba

    Targeting of schools by bandits poses grave danger to Nigeria’s educational system – Rep Garba

    Abdullahi Idris Garba, member of the House of Representatives for Kontagora/Wushishi/Mariga/Masheg federal constituency in Niger State, has condemned the continued targeting of schools, describing it as a serious threat to the nation’s educational future.

    Garba made the remarks on Friday in response to the abduction of students from St. Mary’s School in Papari community, Agwara Local Government Area, calling the act senseless and unacceptable.

    Read Also: Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    The lawmaker, who is also Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, described the incident as tragic and urged security agencies to swiftly track and apprehend the abductors. He expressed concern for the trauma the students may be enduring and called for a coordinated security operation to ensure their safe rescue.

    “On behalf of my family and constituents, I commiserate with the government and people of Niger State, especially the families of the abducted students, and assure you of my deep support and solidarity during this trying time,” Garba said.

    He prayed for the safe and early return of the children and extended heartfelt sympathies to the affected families, urging communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in the fight against criminality.

  • NDDC urged to strengthen warning system to prevent conflicts

    NDDC urged to strengthen warning system to prevent conflicts

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been urged to overhaul its conflict-prevention mechanisms and build a credible Early Warning System (EWS) to safeguard peace and sustainable development in the region.

    This call dominated a four-day retreat of the Commission’s Department of Dispute and Conflict Resolution (DCR), which opened on Thursday in Lagos.

    In his keynote lecture, Professor Isaac Albert of the University of Ibadan warned that the commission’s development efforts would continue to falter without a functional, data-driven early-warning structure.

    “Do you have an effective early warning system in the NDDC? If not, how do you intend to prevent conflict and advance sustainable development?” he asked. He stressed that early-warning mechanisms must be community-driven, inclusive, and capable of triggering timely action, not just documenting crises.

    Prof Albert linked the success of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the Niger Delta to the commission’s ability to address root causes of conflict, such as youth unemployment, governance gaps, environmental degradation, and exclusion of key stakeholders.

    Read Also: Capital market turnover hits N10tr

    He warned that persistent mistrust between government institutions and communities continues to weaken peace efforts, adding that sustainable security “requires inclusivity and genuine participation of the grassroots.”

    Acting Director of the DCR Department, Ogedegebe Godwin, said the retreat aimed to review conflict dynamics in the region, identify gaps in existing frameworks, and strengthen inter-agency coordination for rapid response. He described an effective EWS as “a lifeline” for detecting early signs of tension, mobilising coordinated interventions, and empowering communities.

    Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, represented by his Special Assistant, Hon. Ibarakumo Otobo, affirmed that early detection of risks remained crucial to preventing conflict escalation. He cited flooding and environmental pollution as recurring threats that require urgent attention.

    “If we know our problems early enough, we will be able to provide solutions to them,” he said, noting that the Commission is developing strategies to mitigate recurring crises.

    Other presentations highlighted that weak information-sharing, poor stakeholder networking, and a lack of trust often render early-warning systems ineffective. Dr Temitope Bello of Kola Daisi University emphasised that inclusive partnerships remain the backbone of any successful conflict-prevention strategy.

    Participants reiterated that achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda in the Niger Delta requires proactive, not reactive, peacebuilding that must be anchored on technology-enabled data gathering, transparency, environmental restoration, and community ownership of development initiatives.

  • UN Complex bombing: Court admits evidence in DSS case against Al-Barnawi, other terror suspects

    UN Complex bombing: Court admits evidence in DSS case against Al-Barnawi, other terror suspects

    A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday admitted in evidence three video clips supplied by lawyers to the Department of State Services (DSS) to puncture claims of duress by five suspected masterminds of the 2011 bombing of the United Nations complex in Abuja, 

    The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, fixed December 5 for continuation of the trial-within-trial of five defendants, including Khalid Al‑Barnawi

    The trial -within – trial, will involve the playback of video clips in the courtroom to determine the veracity of claims by the defendants that they made their extra-judicial statements before the DSS under duress. 

    The DSS accused the five terror suspects led Al-Barnawi, of being the masterminds of the August 26, 2011, bombing of the United Nations Complex in Abuja. At least 20 people were killed and more than 70 others injured in the attack.

    Captured in 2016, Al Barnawi is facing trial alongside four other terror suspects – Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Mohammed Bello aka Datti, Mohammed Salisu, and Yakubu Nuhu aka Bello Maishayi.

    The trial suffered delays due to legal and procedural challenges, including the absence of legal representation on several occasions  the suspects appeared in court.

    The DSS recently requested the court to grant accelerated hearing in the case, a request Justice Nwite granted.

    Following the conclusion of playing back the video clip of the first defendant, Justice Nwite fixed December 5 for the commencement of playing back the video clips of the on other defendants. 

    Earlier on Friday, Justice Nwite had admitted the extra judicial statements made by three other terror accused persons to the DSS in the terrorism charges preferred against them.

    Read Also: Capital market turnover hits N10tr

    The defendants are being tried for allegedly spying on the US, and Israel s interests for individuals in Iran.

    Haruna Ali Abbas, Ibrahim Hussaini Musa and Adam Sulaiman were accused of spying on the US, and Israel ‘s interests for individuals in Iran.

    The case, which had been ongoing since 2014 and re-assigned multiple times, reached a point in August 2025 during a trial-within-trial to determine if the defendants’ alleged extra-judicial statements were made voluntarily or under duress.

    While the defendants claimed that they were coerced, harassed and intimidated to make their statement, the prosecution held that the statements were made voluntarily.

    The prosecution claimed that the accused persons read through the statements, through the cautionary words and signed, hence, should be admitted in evidence. 

    Justice Nwite, who ordered a trial within trial, allowed both parties to call witnesses who gave evidence. 

    The prosecution who called three witnesses said they conducted their operations within the best standard procedure, as they paid attention to the welfare of suspects in their custody in terms of food and medication while also allowing them access to their families. 

    The defendants on the other hand recounted their alleged torture in the DSS facility, alleging that they were beaten and given inhuman treatment.

    After hearing  arguments from both the prosecution and defense counsel, Justice Nwite ruled that the defendants statements be admitted in evidence. 

    The Judge held that the prosecution through the witnesses proved to the court that they were not forced to make their statements.

    Justice Nwite after admitting the statements as exhibits adjourned the matter to January 22, 2026 for substantive hearing.

  • Minister calls for improved welfare, retirement security for paramilitary personnel

    Minister calls for improved welfare, retirement security for paramilitary personnel

    The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for enhanced welfare, better retirement programmes, and financial security for para-military personnel in Nigeria. He assured that the Ministry is committed to placing officers on a secure financial footing before retirement.

    Tunji-Ojo made the remarks on Friday in Abuja during a meeting with Alhaji Abubakar Kure, CEO of the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), as the agency reported transactions supporting agriculture and other enterprises surpassing 600 billion naira.

    The Minister highlighted the importance of partnerships between government agencies to ensure the effective implementation of the current administration’s programmes.

    He stressed the need to create innovative support structures that enable officers to build sustainable livelihoods both during service and after retirement.

    Dr. Tunji-Ojo noted that many public officers face financial difficulties toward the end of their service due to inadequate planning and limited access to capital. He emphasized that the Ministry must rethink welfare models to ensure that officers retire with comfort and dignity rather than hardship.

    “Our officers should not retire into austerity. It is concerning that many only begin to think about life after service during their final years. We need a paradigm shift. Retirement should not mean suffering,” he said.

    The Minister highlighted the need for tailor-made, agency-specific financial packages including accessible credit facilities, cooperative investment opportunities, and special schemes for housing, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and other legitimate ventures allowed under the law.

    Read Also: Capital market turnover hits N10tr

    He added that nothing in public service regulations prevents officers from investing their personal resources responsibly, provided such ventures do not interfere with official duties or involve misuse of government resources.

    “You can buy shares, invest, or run legitimate family businesses. The law only forbids using government time or resources for personal gain. Proper education on these matters will protect our officers from unnecessary hardship,” he said.

    The Minister encouraged agencies to partner with reputable institutions to design programs with lower interest rates, flexible repayment plans, and customized support for officers who want to prepare for life after service.

    Earlier, Alhaji Kure reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Ministry and its agencies.

    He said the visit was designed to enhance service delivery, support government operations, and explore areas where NIRSAL’s financial and technological expertise, evidenced by over ₦600 billion in transactions across various industries, could bolster the Ministry’s effectiveness.

     The NIRSAL boss emphasised that the agency’s extensive network of more than 150 branches, equipped with experienced personnel and robust systems, positioned the institution to actively support the Ministry’s vendors, contractors, and staff through tailored financial solutions.

  • NAAS urges Akure leaders to act swiftly on security to prevent tragedies

    NAAS urges Akure leaders to act swiftly on security to prevent tragedies

    The National Association of Akure Students (NAAS) has urged political, traditional, and community leaders in Akure Kingdom to take immediate and coordinated action to tackle rising security concerns in the Ondo State capital.

    The association warned that inaction could lead to avoidable tragedies similar to recent violent incidents in Kwara and Kebbi states.

    NAAS President, Comrade Temitope Festus Adeyemi, made the appeal in a statement, expressing deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation. He cited attacks on a girls’ school in Kebbi, the killing of a senior military officer, and the kidnapping and murder of Christians in Kwara as alarming examples.

    Adeyemi cautioned that the growing pattern of violent attacks, abductions, and infrastructural neglect in parts of Akure and surrounding communities should not be ignored.

    He stressed that the tragedies in Kwara and Kebbi were largely due to systemic neglect, slow responses to distress calls, and the absence of a preventive security strategy, urging Akure leaders to learn from these incidents before similar events occur.

    “The recent attack in Ekuru, Kwara State, should shake every responsible leader in Akure. A quiet community was suddenly thrown into fear – the kind many believed would never reach them. Before that, we witnessed the heartbreaking Owo Church massacre, where innocent worshippers were murdered inside the house of God.

    “These are not distant stories. There are signs that Yoruba communities are being tested from different directions. If Akure continues to behave as if these dangers are far away, we deceive ourselves. Our weakness today is the growing culture of everyone minding their own business. When communities disconnect, they become vulnerable,” he said.

    Read Also: Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    Adeyemi stressed that Akure’s fast-growing population requires stronger coordination among government agencies, community associations, and security operatives, calling for early engagements involving the state government, local councils, Amotekun Corps, market leaders, and traditional rulers.

    According to him, the city must rebuild its culture of communal responsibility “in a modern, organized and lawful structure,” beginning with the establishment of government-approved vigilance teams in all neighbourhoods.

    “When properly structured, these teams can monitor those entering the community, new tenants, and suspicious movements at odd hours. We also need effective communication systems – WhatsApp groups, radio alerts, and organized reporting channels. When information moves fast, danger loses its advantage.

    “Amotekun cannot stand alone. Communities must support them while also demanding improvement. They need our reports, our cooperation, and pressure on the government to equip them better and respond faster,” he said.

    The NAAS President also emphasized the importance of documentation, stressing that every suspicious movement, attempted attack, land dispute, or threat must be documented.

    “Take pictures, take videos, keep dates and locations, file police reports, send petitions, and share verified evidence with the media and human rights groups. When facts are documented, no leader can pretend not to know,” Adeyemi said.

    He described land-related disputes as a major security risk across Yorubaland and called for disciplined record-keeping to prevent conflicts.

    Adeyemi further stressed the need for cultural harmony, urging residents to restore respect for elders, support genuine grassroots leaders, and avoid religious and political divisions.

    He encouraged residents to join neighbourhood watch networks and promptly report suspicious activities, saying political leaders must also be held accountable for the security of Akure.

    “Security is not only physical; it is also political. Community education must be prioritized. An informed population is safer than one living in fear or confusion.

    “Our unity must also extend beyond Nigeria. Yoruba people in the diaspora have networks and resources that can support our security advocacy.”

    He, however, urged all Akure stakeholders – traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, political actors, and residents – to act collectively.

    “Ekuru should open our eyes.

    Owo should end any false sense of security. The tension in neighbouring states should wake us up,” he said.