The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • ‘Our business built on integrity’

    ‘Our business built on integrity’

    A global wellness company, Neolife International, has said its business strategies are built on integrity that gives no room for sharp or unethical practices and exploitation.

    Neolife International has announced an immediate and wide-reaching investigation into its Nigerian operations following reports of unethical practices by some distributors in its Nigerian operations to unravel those behind the reported misconduct and alleged manipulations.

    Read Also: 2027: Tinubu has stabilised Nigeria’s economy, says group

    These are contained in a statement by the Vice- President, Legal, Neolife, Mr. Douglas Graham, yesterday, while reacting to a report in a national newspaper where some independent distributors of the company were accused of recruiting marketers with false promises.

    The statement added that the company wouldn’t allow anyone representing NeoLife to exploit or manipulate marketers and innocent youths under the pretext of devising strategies to maximise profits.

  • Ondo APC chieftain backs Tinubu

    Ondo APC chieftain backs Tinubu

    •Party launches nationwide e-Registration

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and a frontline aspirant for Akure North/South Federal Constituency seat, Mr. Olusola Agbi, has called on party members to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the party launches its nationwide electronic membership registration (e-registration).

    In line with the directives from the APC National Headquarters in Abuja, Agbi emphasised the importance of active participation in the e-registration process, describing it as a strategic step to modernise the party’s membership database, foster greater transparency and build a stronger, more cohesive organisation.

    He advised members to embrace the initiative, noting it would enhance direct engagement between the party leadership and grassroots members.

    This, Agbi said, would eliminate intermediaries and ensure eligible individuals gained seamless access to government empowerment programmes, interventions and benefits under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Read Also: APC best party to govern Nigeria, says AbdulRazaq

    Agbi, who has consistently expressed support for the President’s reform efforts, particularly in economic stability, infrastructure, agriculture, education and health care, reaffirmed his belief that Tinubu’s visionary leadership is steering Nigeria toward sustainable growth and development.

    He encouraged party faithful in Ondo State and beyond to register, describing e-registration as a timely opportunity to strengthen internal party unity, improve planning for future elections and solidify support for President Tinubu’s administration.

    “The President has demonstrated commitment to repositioning our nation for lasting prosperity,” Agbi said.

    “By participating in this e-registration, we are not only updating our records, but also reaffirming our collective resolve to stand with our leader and contribute to his Renewed Hope vision for Nigerians.”

    Agbi appealed for full compliance and enthusiastic involvement, noting that a robust, digitally verified membership base would empower APC to better serve its members and deliver on its promises.

  • Folarin seeks probe into alleged shooting at APC unity rally

    Folarin seeks probe into alleged shooting at APC unity rally

    Oyo State leader of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and former Senate leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, has called for a full-scale investigation into allegations that a commercial motorcyclist was shot during the All Progressives Congress (APC) unity rally in Ogbomoso on Monday.

    Folarin, reacting to reports circulating in the public space, said neither the APC, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, nor the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condone violence, lawlessness or misconduct in any form before, during or after political activities.

    He said the rally, which was organised as part of the party’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general election, was peaceful and orderly, with no officially recorded incidence of violence at the venue.

    “The APC unity rally in Ogbomoso was peacefully conducted and successfully concluded. There was no report of violence or crisis from the organisers or security agencies at the event,” Folarin said.

    However, acknowledging the gravity of the allegation, the senator said he had formally requested relevant security agencies to conduct investigation to ascertain what actually transpired and establish the facts surrounding the reported incident.

    He says if any individual, regardless of status, position or political affiliation, is found to have engaged in unlawful or criminal conduct, such a person must be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

    “Criminality has no place in the APC, its activities or Nigeria’s democratic process. Anyone found culpable must face the full weight of the law,” Folarin said.

    He appealed to the public and the media to exercise restraint and avoid speculation while investigations are ongoing.

    Read Also: Akwashiki’s death a devastating loss to Nigeria – Adebayo

    He warned that the politicisation or sensationalisation of security-related matters before facts were fully established could undermine public trust and inflame tensions.

    “At this stage, it is important that stakeholders allow security agencies to do their work. Drawing premature conclusions or politicising the issue will not serve public interest,” he said.

    Reaffirming his commitment to peace and security in Oyo State, Folarin assured residents that he would continue to work with security agencies to safeguard lives and property across the state.

    He said Oyo State must remain a model of peaceful political engagement, noting that political competition should never degenerate into violence or criminality.

    As investigations continue, the senator urged politicians to conduct their activities responsibly and in line with democratic values, stressing that the credibility of the electoral process depended on peace, accountability and respect for the rule of law.

    The call for an investigation comes amid heightened public attention on political rallies and the conduct of party supporters, as parties intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of future elections.

  • e-Registration necessary political reform, says Lagos APC

    e-Registration necessary political reform, says Lagos APC

    Lagos State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) says the ongoing APC e-registration is not optional, cosmetic, or expendable.

    It said it was a necessary political reform and a decisive statement of intent by a party determined to remain disciplined, progressive and electorally- dominant in a rapidly evolving democratic environment.

    The exercise began on Monday and will run till the end of the month, providing opportunity for eligible members, old and new, to be captured in the party’s digital register.

    Lagos APC spokesman Seye Oladejo in a statement yesterday in Ogba said: ‘’Political parties that shy away from reform inevitably decay. APC has chosen the harder but nobler path-order over chaos, structure over arbitrariness and transparency over convenience. The e-registration is therefore a firm response to the demands of modern politics, data integrity and credible internal democracy.

    ‘’The exercise guarantees the sanctity and credibility of the party’s membership register. It decisively eliminates duplication, impersonation and shadow membership arrangements that undermine party cohesion. Every APC member must be known, verifiable and properly accounted for. This is how serious parties operate.’’

    The statement said e-registration provided a level playing field for old and new members alike to have a clear, undisputed footnote in the party without fear or favour, adding that it dismantled gate-keeping structures and sent a strong message that no one owned APC beyond its constitution and collective will.

    ‘’More importantly, it shows-without ambiguity-that APC is deliberately and confidently accommodating the ever-growing multitude of Nigerians, who are joining the progressive fold on a daily basis. Ours is not a closed shop; it is a living, expanding political movement.

    ‘’Beyond administration, this exercise is the bedrock of internal democracy. Credible congresses, transparent primaries and legitimate leadership selection are impossible without a reliable digital register. Anyone uncomfortable with this reality must explain their preference for obscurity, manipulation and disorder. APC will not retreat into the politics of shadows.

    Read Also: Group pledges stronger role for Nigerian women in food security, exports

    ‘’The e-registration is also a strategic mobilisation weapon. It speaks directly to youths, professionals and first-time participants, who demand efficiency and clarity. By embracing technology, APC once again proves that it is not trapped in the past, but fully aligned with the future of political organisation and engagement.’’

    Oladejo said a data-driven membership system enhanced the party’s electoral readiness and governance capacity, noting that it strengthened grassroots coordination, sharpened campaign strategy and ensured the party remained in constant touch with its base.

    According to the statement, ‘’a party that truly knows its members cannot be ambushed at the polls.

    ‘’At the end of the day, the outcome of this exercise will affirm APC as not only the most dominant political party in Nigeria, but also the party most likely to win massively at the polls, buoyed by the sheer strength of its membership and a verifiable structure across the country. This stands in stark contrast to the fairy-tale assumptions of the opposition, whose much-advertised strength remains the stuff political dreams-not electoral reality-are made of.

    ‘’We therefore urge-and indeed expect-all APC members and stakeholders to take full advantage of the e-registration window and participate promptly and responsibly. This is a collective obligation. Indifference is not neutrality; it is a disservice to the party and the progressive ideals we claim to uphold.

    ‘’APC will continue to reform, expand and lead. The e-registration exercise is a clear declaration that our party will not be hostage to inertia, fear, or retrogressive interests. We are building a stronger, fairer and future-ready political institution, and no amount of grumbling from the sidelines will derail this cause.’’

  • Lagos police identify officers accused of extorting N3.3m from couple

    Lagos police identify officers accused of extorting N3.3m from couple

    Lagos State Police Command has identified the officers attached to the Area H Police Command, Ogudu, who were accused of extorting $2,000 (about N3.33 million) from a couple they allegedly wrongfully arrested in December 2025.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed this in her X handle, adding that the officials have been brought to the Command Headquarters for quizzing.

    The alleged extortion came to public attention after details of the incident surfaced on X.

    According to the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), a friend of the couple, identified as Abiodun Alabi (not real name), said the incident occurred in the early hours of December 18, last year. The couple was reportedly travelling out of Lagos when they were stopped by police officers.

    Alabi said the officers allegedly profiled the man, seized his phones and took him and his wife to the Ogudu Police Station. He claimed the woman, who was pregnant at the time, was made to sit outside while the man was taken inside and compelled to write an incriminating statement without a lawyer.

    Read Also: Akwashiki’s death devastating loss to Nigeria, says Adebayo

    He further alleged that the officers initially demanded $5,000 in USDT but later agreed to collect $2,000 after negotiations.The money was reportedly transferred to a wallet address provided by the officers, after which all traces of the transaction were allegedly deleted.

    Following the incident, Alabi said he petitioned the Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU), which linked him to the Station Officer at Area H Command, Olumide Jegede. A meeting was later arranged at the station on December 23, where the couple reportedly identified some of the officers involved.

    Alabi alleged that the officers attempted to justify their actions and later claimed the money had been shared among several personnel. As a result, they allegedly offered a partial refund.

    FIJ said N2.2 million has so far been returned to the victims.

    Calls placed to SP Adebisi, to confirm if the complainant had reported to the command headquarters were not answered as of press time.

  • Suspected bandits abduct nursing mother, infant in Ondo

    Suspected bandits abduct nursing mother, infant in Ondo

    •Veteran photojournalist kiadnapped in Kaduna community

    Suspected bandits have abducted a woman and her baby on Supare-Ayegunle Road in Akoko Southwest Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    The nursing mother, whose name is still yet to be known, and her child were seized while on their way to the market.

    Also, a veteran photojournalist, Malam Umar Usman Iyale, has been abducted by bandits in Danhonu II community, Millennium City, in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    Umar, a retired staff member of Africa Independent Television (AIT), Kaduna Station, and formerly of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Kaduna, was taken from his residence about 9:00pm on Monday, according to sources.

    The Ondo incident has sparked fear among residents who have expressed concerns over the insecurity on rural roads in Akoko.

     The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Deputy Superintendent of Police Jimoh Abayomi, said he could not confirm the incident, describing the available information as sketchy.

    However, a close relative of the victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the abduction.

    Residents said the gunmen carried out the operation quietly but in a coordinated manner, gaining access to the compound at a time when some members of the journalist’s family were yet to return home.

    A community source said the attackers demanded money from the victim, and when he could not provide any, they whisked him away to an unknown destination.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints Odusote as first female DG of Nigerian Law School

    The abduction has heightened anxiety in Danhonu II, with residents expressing concern over the safety of Malam Umar, who was described as elderly and battling health challenges. “He cannot withstand hardship for long. Everyone here is worried,” a resident said.

    Another community leader lamented the ‘’recurring pattern of kidnappings in the area’’, noting that repeated attacks have forced many residents and landlords to abandon their homes.

    The state Police Command has confirmed the incident, saying it has launched an investigation aimed at rescuing the victim unhurt.

    Its Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Mansir Hassan, said the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, had deployed a team to track down the abductors and secure the safe release of Umar.

    In July 2024, two reporters, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council/The Nation correspondent,  AbdulGafar Alabelewe and AbdulRaheem Aodu of Blueprint, were kidnapped alongside members of their families from the same community.

  • Chris Okafor submits self at SCID

    Chris Okafor submits self at SCID

    After failing to honour police invitation on Monday, embattled founder of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Pastor Chris Okafor yesterday reported at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos for questioning.

    Okafor, it was gathered, arrived at the department in the afternoon after some highly placed persons cautioned him about disobeying lawful invitations.

    His defiance, it was learnt, was not unconnected to ongoing investigation of the case between himself and estranged lover, actress Doris Ogalla, at the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone 2 Command in Onikan.

    Sources told The Nation that the preacher accused by multiple women of sexual impropriety, abuse of authority and alleged murder, felt that since a case was already initiated by him at the zonal command where Ogalla was alleged to have been detained earlier, he could ignore subsequent invitations from other police units.

    “But some highly placed persons read the news that he shunned the police invitation and warned him about the implication. That’s why he presented himself at the SCID in Yaba for questioning.

    “His statement was taken but he was not detained since there is no complainant yet. We have made attempts to reach out to the victims, even offered them protection and transportation to and fro but no one showed up.

    “Since there is already an investigation ongoing at Zone 2, where there is a suspect and a complainant, the Lagos Police Command will stand down to allow Zone 2 conclude their investigation.

    “However, our offer to victims to come forward still remains open. We are not dismissing the case, we are just standing down,” said a senior officer who pleaded anonymity.

    Spokesperson for the police command, Superintendent of Police Abimbola Adebisi confirmed the cleric was at the SCID but did not give further details.

    Okafor was invited by the Lagos State Police Command in a letter dated January 3, which directed he should submit himself for interrogation on or before 10am on Monday, a directive he rebuffed.

    Okafor’s issue with the law followed a series of allegations from multiple women including his daughter, ex-lovers and members of his church.

    The Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh ordered a probe into the matter as more weighty allegations emerged online against the pastor.

    Okafor’s disgrace started weeks ago after Ogalla, with whom he had an unholy relationship called him out over alleged breach of marriage promise.

    The allegations with supporting audio-visual “evidence” startled the public, causing an outrage with Nigerians demanding criminal investigation against Okafor.

    Read Also: 2027: Tinubu has stabilised Nigeria’s economy, says group

    The cleric, who tied the knot with his new bride, Pearl, on December 16, initially dismissed the allegations as the handiwork of his enemies but later admitted to some and tendered an apology to his congregants before stepping aside as the senior pastor of the church.

    Among his accusers are his Cameroonian ex-wife with whom he allegedly had four children and multiple women in his congregation, including three siblings who claimed to have been hypnotised and impregnated by the randy preacher.

    Ogalla, who has refused to back down from publicly shaming Okafor, alleged he shared her nude photographs and videos; made her leave her previous marriage, caused the death of her younger brother, among several other accusations.

    She further alleged that Okafor offered her $10,000 bribe to retract her allegations and blame a rival pastor for orchestrating the scandal, a request she refused.

    Ogalla later demanded N1 billion in damages through a legal notice filed by her lawyers, alleging threats and intimidation following her arrest and detention by the police.

  • OAU probes 300-level medical student’s death in hostel

    OAU probes 300-level medical student’s death in hostel

    The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife has launched a probe into the circumstances of death of 18-year-old, 300 level student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery,

    Timilehin Adetoye Toromade, who reportedly died in his sleep in the early hours of yesterday.

    The Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, in a statement said the university received with shock, and sorrow the news of the sudden death of Timilehin.

    Olarewaju said Timilehin with Matriculation Number CLI/2022/133 might have died around 2am because one of his room mates said he opened the door for one of them at that time.

    He said: “The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, on behalf of the Visitor, the University Council, Management, Senate, staff, and students of the University, expresses heartfelt and unreserved condolences to the bereaved family, classmates, colleagues, and friends of the deceased.

    “The loss of a young life filled with promise, purpose, and potential is a tragedy that words alone cannot adequately capture.”

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    Describing the incident as deeply painful and distressing, Prof. Bamire notes that the entire University community is united in grief over the untimely departure of a student who had embraced the rigours of medical training with the hope of, one day, healing others and serving humanity. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his peers and all who knew him.

    He added: “The University Management assures the public that it is working closely with relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident, in line with established medical procedures.

    “At this moment of collective mourning, we University calls on students, staff, alumni, and friends of the institution to remain calm, compassionate, and prayerful, and to uphold the values of empathy and solidarity for which the Great Ife is renowned.

    “As a community of faith, hope and learning, we commit the soul of our departed student into the hands of Almighty God, the giver and sustainer of life. We pray that the Lord, who comforts those who mourn, will grant his family and all of us the strength to bear this irreparable loss.’’

  • Oyo govt suspends community leader over illegal mining

    Oyo govt suspends community leader over illegal mining

    •Forum kicks over illegal mining in Ogun communities

    The Oyo State government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki, Chief Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju, for allegedly violating mining law and encouraging trespassing on government’s  assets.

    It noted that the decision was taken to protect the state and its people.

    A letter signed by the Director, Chieftaincy Matters in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Olajire A.M., entitled: “Re: Complaint against Chief Sobaloju of Ofiki for violation of State Executive Order, Forest Reserve Regulations and encouraging trespassing of government gazetted assets,” reads in part: “I am directed to refer to the above subject and inform you that you have been accused of violating the State Executive Order 001/2023, which governs mining in Oyo State, and of encouraging trespassing on government gazetted assets.

    “The allegations include issuing consent letters to mining companies without proper authorisation, permitting mining activities in state government Reserves Forest, and facilitating unauthorised mining operations.”

    Also, worried by what it described as acts of economic sabotage, the Ibile Justice Forum, an advocacy group, has raised the alarm over illegal mining in Iloro I, Iloro II and Ibiri village, all within Ado-Odo community, in Ogun State.

    In a statement on behalf of the Forum, comrades Ifeoluwa Amoo and Ganiu Owolabi, described as worrisome attempts by the management of SAF Investment and Property Company Limited, to mine on a farm settlement dedicated to agriculture development, thereby disrupting the livelihoods of the agrarian community.The statement reads in part: “We are constrained to speak against the deliberate actions of SAF Investment and Property Company Limited, whose actions and inactions have rendered our community prostrate, economically disadvantaged, environmentally unsafe with other clear and present dangers staring us in the face.

    “We are talking about a situation where our collective patrimony is being arbitrarily exploited by a company to the detriment of the community whose livelihoods have not only been hijacked but left in ruins and destruction as a result of the nefarious activities being perpetuated within their community.”

    “We are even more worried that these nefarious activities are being aided and abetted by the so-called traditional institutions which ordinarily is supposed to be the custodian of the mores and customs of the community, all for their own selfish aggrandizement and craze for the filthy lucre.

    Read Also: Akwashiki’s death devastating loss to Nigeria, says Adebayo

    “That these illegal mining activities are happening at this time, the federal government is trying to harness and ensure equitable distribution of the nation’s natural endowments, is also a clear affront on the powers and authorities of the Federal Government by an unknown entity in law and should not be allowed to stand.

    “We are aware that the SAF Investment and Property Company Limited was directed by the Ministry of Agriculture in a memo dated January 28, 2025, to stop mining having withdrawn the initial approval granted to the company on December 5, 2024. But why the company chose to remain in site, and carry on with the exploration activities in defiance of the order by the Ministry is indeed baffling and worrisome.

    “The impression that the company can do anything unchallenged, unabated, unhindered has further heightened tension in the community, with residents living in perpetual fear and dread of what could happen to them with the continuous exploitation taking place.

    “We, therefore, use this medium to call on the Federal Government, the Ogun State government, the Office of the Inspector-General of Police to intervene in this matter to forestall a breach of public peace and harmony within the community, and rescue the people and community as a whole.”

    As at press time, attempts to reach out to one of the financiers of SAF Investment and Property Company Limited, Alhaji Kazeem Adebanjo Safiriyu, for comments were futile as the phones were switched off.

  • Kwara police exonerate, free six vigilante members in Edo

    Kwara police exonerate, free six vigilante members in Edo

    Kwara State Police Command has released six vigilance members arrested last year by military personnel in Edo State.

    The command added that the men were not guilty of any wrongdoing.

    In a statement, the spokesperson of the command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said the men were travelling in an Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State vehicle when they were nabbed.

    The PPRO said they were handed over to the Command by the Brigade Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Brig.-Gen. N.N. Rume, for an investigation and profiling.

    Ejire-Adeyemi said it was discovered that the individuals are legitimate members of a legal vigilance group operating, in collaboration with security agencies, to combat banditry and other criminality.

    Read Also: 2027: Tinubu has stabilised Nigeria’s economy, says group

    “Consequently, having been exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing, the vigilante members were released to their leaders,’’ she added.

    Ejire-Adeyemi restated the command’s commitment to synergy among security agencies and community-based security outfits, while urging all groups to continually operate within the confines of the law.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, reiterates the command’s commitment to synergy among security agencies and community-based security outfits, while urging all groups to continually operate within the confines of the law.

    “Members of the public are assured that the Command remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure the safety and security of all residents of Kwara State,” she added.