The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Traditionalists hail Makinde, Adeleke, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun for declaring Isese Day holiday

    Traditionalists hail Makinde, Adeleke, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun for declaring Isese Day holiday

    • Oba of Lagos prays for peace

    Ondo State chapter of Assembly of Traditional Religion Worshippers (ATRWOS) has hailed the governors of Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Lagos states, Seyi Makinde, Ademola Adeleke, Dapo Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu for declaring yesterday as a public holiday to celebrate Isese Day.

    The kind gesture, according to the Coordinator of ATRWOS, Chief Adewale Oso, in a statement made available by the Publicity Secretary of the group in Ondo State, Prince Ojopagogo Adeyinka, ‘’is a landmark recognition of the cultural and traditional values of our people.

    ‘’By officially setting aside a day to honour Isese, the governors have further demonstrated their commitment to inclusivity, cultural preservation and respect for the diverse religious heritage of Yorubaland.

    “We, therefore, call on other governors in the Southwest and neighbouring states, particularly in Ondo, Ekiti, Kogi and Kwara states to emulate this noble idea by officially recognising and declaring Isese Day as a public holiday. Such a step will not only strengthen cultural identity, but also promote unity and peace within our communities”.

    Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has urged residents to remain truthful and respectful as they celebrate this year’s Isese Festival.

    He wished them a peaceful and successful commemoration of Yoruba tradition.

    In his goodwill message, the monarch said honesty and mutual respect were vital for sustaining harmony and progress on Lagos Island and across Nigeria.

    Read Also: CSO demands probe into alleged plot to frame Ehie in Rivers Assembly fire

    He prayed for peace, unity and blessings for the community as traditional worshippers observed the annual rites.

    At the celebration, Chief Obanikoro and Secretary of Traditional Chiefs in Lagos, Chief Adesoji Ajayiwele, emphasised the spiritual significance of the event.

    “We first have to thank the Governor of Lagos State for giving us a holiday on August 20. Isese Festival is about offering prayers for the peace of the country, nothing more than prayers. This is what we do here,” he said.

    He dispelled fears of violence often linked to traditional rites, noting that Lagos Island had recorded over two decades of peaceful celebrations.

    “In the past 24 years, we have not experienced any violence in Lagos during Isese. At my Oluwola Palace, we have many deities like Sango, Oya and Odunle Ogodoro. We don’t curse anyone; all our practices are for peace,” he added.

    Executive Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, Prince Taiwo Oyekan, reaffirmed the importance of preserving Yoruba culture.

    “It’s our culture, and we celebrate it every year. This is my first Isese Day in office as the chairman, and I want to make it bigger so that our community can continue to enjoy peace,” he said.

    He praised the traditional chiefs for their role in praying for the nation and Lagos Island, describing the festival as a showcase of Yoruba heritage.

  • No rift with Ooni, says Alaafin

    No rift with Ooni, says Alaafin

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has dismissed claims of a rift with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, describing such reports as false and driven by mischief makers.

    In a seven-minute, 21-second interview with the BBC News Yoruba, Alaafin said he bears no grudge against anyone, stressing that his actions are guided by conscience, rather than malice.

    “To the best of my knowledge, I bear no grudge against anyone, for all my actions are guided by conscience rather than malice,” he said.

    He explained that misrepresentations of relationships between notable figures are not new, recalling how, in earlier years, bloggers had falsely claimed that Fuji music icons Barrister and Kollington were at loggerheads.

    “The testimonies of our traditions and the chronicles of our history remain clear. In this modern age, we also have bloggers, whose primary concern is often monetary gain. When we were younger, it was not uncommon to see such bloggers falsely claiming that Barrister and Kollington were at loggerheads, which was never the case,” he said.

    Read Also: New NERC chairman insists DisCos, GenCos must comply with rules

    According to the Alaafin, such attempts to sow discord stem from the recognition of the Alaafin and the Ooni as foremost monarchs in Yorubaland.

    “Such things are not new; they have always existed. The reason, I believe, is because the Alaafin and the Ooni are regarded as foremost monarchs in Yorubaland. For that reason, some people imagine rivalry between them and exploit it on social media for profit,” he said.

    He further clarified that his relationship with the Ooni remained cordial, citing a recent meeting in Lagos where they exchanged pleasantries.

    “For my part, I have no quarrel with anyone, nor am I in conflict with anyone. I recall that we met in Lagos with Kabiyesi Onirisa, where we exchanged pleasantries and demonstrated that there was no division among us. Yet, there are always those who wish to stir up trouble, merely to suggest that one monarch is superior to another.”

  • Edo Assembly clears eight commissioner-nominees

    Edo Assembly clears eight commissioner-nominees

    Edo State House of Assembly has cleared eight persons nominated as commissioners by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    He had requested the assembly to clear the nominees.

    The house cleared the nominees after considering report of its Committee on Rules, Business and Government House.

    Speaker Blessing Agbebaku said the nominees were indigenes, competent, experienced and were qualified to occupy the positions of commissioners. 

    Read Also: New NERC chairman insists DisCos, GenCos must comply with rules

    Agbebaku urged them to be proactive and work in synergy with the governor to ensure Edo moves forward.

    The nominees cleared are Nosa Adams, Yakubu Oshiorenua, Felix Akhabue, Prof. Omorodion Ignatius, Ohimai Ehijimetor, Eugenia Abdallah, Godwin Eshieshi and Prince Kassim Afegbua.

    Okpebholo will now have 14 commissioners in his executive council (exco).

    The governor has four additional commissioners to appoint to meet the constitutional requirement of one commissioner per local government.

  • Tinubu loyalists knock critics over attack on Oyebanji

    Tinubu loyalists knock critics over attack on Oyebanji

    Loyalists of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the aegis of ‘BAO Grassroots Support for President Tinubu’, have deplored attacks on Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, on the poor condition of some federal roads in the state.

    The group described the criticisms as “unacceptable and hypocritical,” noting that Governor Oyebanji had successfully reconstructed a federal road (Ado-Ifaki Highway) and hundreds of state and local roads under three years.

    The body, in a statement by the state Coordinator, Prince Tunji Ogunlola and Director of Publicity, Mr Odunayo Ogunmola, said the governor had touched all parts of the state through road construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation.

    The group added that Oyebanji had taken Ekiti to a higher pedestal of sustainable development, which had rubbed off positively on the fortunes of the people he led and had made the state a positive reference point on indices of good governance in Nigeria.

    It said the governor had strengthened the economy of Ekiti with massive investment in agriculture, job creation, tourism development, citizens’ empowerment, workers’ and pensioners’ welfare and infrastructure.

    Read Also: New NERC chairman insists DisCos, GenCos must comply with rules

    The group said Oyebanji had justified the popular mandate given to him by the electorate in 2022 to justify another term in office in 2026 to consolidate on the developmental strides so far witnessed in the state.

    It noted that Oyebanji had succeeded in turning Ekiti into a nationally and globally recognised investment and tourism destination in key sectors, thereby boosting the industrial and revenue profile of the state for the benefit of the people, especially youths, artisans and local businesses, who are now handsomely patronised by government and investors.

    The statement said: “There are more than 5,000 roads in Ekiti State, while Ado-Ekiti has more than 500 roads and the governor has touched all parts of the state through road construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation. It is unacceptable and mischievous to call out the governor for the bad condition of three federal roads when in actual fact he has successfully rebuilt Ado-Ifaki Federal Highway on which the critics have been silent.

    “We commend the governor for the work he has done on Ikere-Igbara Odo Road, Igbara Odo-Ikogosi Road, Ido-Ipere Road, Isinbode-Ara-Ikole Road, Okemesi-Itawure Road, Agric Olope-Moferere Road, Faglo-Olorunsogo Road, Ajebamidele-Deeper Life Camp-Omisanjana Road, 3rd Extension GRA Road, the just asphalted Igirigiri Road, Odo Ado, Oke Aso Road and the new Ring Road that connects EKSU with Ago Aduloju, just to mention a few.

    “Governor Oyebanji has proved that Ekiti multi-sectoral transformation goes beyond only roads. Ekiti development touches other sectors as well and he is doing just that by boosting human capital, alleviating poverty, providing employment and ensuring all the people get what is due to them without discrimination and marginaliSation.”

    It thanked Tinubu for his support for Ekiti and Oyebanji, noting that the President had proved time and again that Ekiti State occupied a special place in his heart, urging the people to keep faith with his administration.

  • Oyo govt inaugurates Ladigbolu, Saka Balogun, others as AIDS ambassadors

    Oyo govt inaugurates Ladigbolu, Saka Balogun, others as AIDS ambassadors

    Oyo State Government has inaugurated six prominent indigenes as ambassadors of Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), in a renewed push to strengthen the fight against HIV/AIDS in the state.

    The appointees include Chairman, Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu; wife of the Olubadan-designate, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; Balogun of Ogbomosoland, Chief (Dr) Saka Balogun; ex-House of Representatives member, Shina Peller; Alhaji Rasaq Adeleke; and Wale Saminu.

     The committee was inaugurated by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde at the ceremony held at the OYSACA Conference Room, Government House Road, Ibadan, yesterday.

    Lawal said the government had committed N45 million and provided 10,000 HIV test kits to support the agency’s work.

    He congratulated the newly appointed ambassadors and urged them to lend their influence and networks to the campaign against the spread of HIV/AIDS.

    Read Also: New NERC chairman insists DisCos, GenCos must comply with rules

    “Our choice of these ambassadors is deliberate and specific,” the deputy governor said. “They are people we believe can deliver on this mandate. We also appreciate that they have offered their services voluntarily, without demanding any form of remuneration.”

    OYSACA Chairman, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, explained why the state needed ambassadors in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

    According to him, their role is to promote the agency’s mission and values through representation, raise awareness and support through advocacy, and influence opinion and policy through their voices and platforms.

    “In this context,” Adetunji said, “we are trying to reduce stigma, promote prevention and treatment, support affected communities, and advocate policy changes. Our ambassadors were well chosen and are expected to assist the state in this onerous task, and we know that they are capable.”

    Archbishop Ladigbolu, who spoke after the inauguration, described his appointment as a recognition of the work he has done over the past two decades with the HIV/AIDS Support Group he founded in Oyo town, which has been serving the four local government areas that make up the entire Oyo Metropolitan Area.

    He pledged to intensify efforts in grassroots advocacy and sensitisation.

    The event attracted stakeholders in the state’s health sector, faith leaders and other partners in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

  • Foundation holds lecture tomorrow

    Foundation holds lecture tomorrow

    Kehinde Oshilaja Foundation for People Living with Disability will hold its 2025 Sustainability Fund for the Aged Lecture and Fundraising tomorrow.

    The event, scheduled for 11am at the Youth Centre, Akinwunmi Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos, will focus on strengthening support for people living with disability and promoting sustainable welfare initiatives for the aged.

    The organisers said: ‘’This year’s programme will feature two key discussions: ‘Unity Among People Living with Disability’ and ‘Disability and the Community.’

    Read Also: New NERC chairman insists DisCos, GenCos must comply with rules

    The foundation, formerly called Centre for Disability Issues, said the annual initiative was part of its commitment to advancing inclusiveness, mobilising resources for the aged and the vulnerable, and promoting community integration.

    A statement signed by the convener of the foundation, Comrade Kehinde Oshilaja, called on well-meaning individuals, organisations and government agencies to support the fundraising drive aimed at ensuring a sustainable support system for people living with disability and the elderly.

  • How Ogun can match development promise

    How Ogun can match development promise

    By Jelili Kayode Amusan

    Ogun State stands today at a critical juncture in its history. Strategically located as Nigeria’s industrial gateway to Lagos and the West African market, the state is endowed with enormous natural, human, and geographical advantages.

    Yet, despite decades of efforts, Ogun is still waiting to unlock its full economic potential. Development has been slow, uneven, and sometimes muted by challenges of governance, infrastructure gaps, and weak institutional capacity.

    To be fair, current administration deserves commendation for its strides in laying down legacy infrastructure, implementing institutional reforms, and opening up new pathways in agriculture. But as we project into the next six to ten years, a new urgency must define governance. Ogun must position itself more deliberately to harness the spillovers of Lagos’ economic success and assert its role as a true gateway state—not just in name, but in performance.

    As one who has traversed both the public and private sectors—as a two-term federal lawmaker representing Abeokuta North/Obafemi-Owode/Odeda federal constituency, and as Chief Executive Officer of a conglomerate spanning real estate investment, construction and engineering services, hospitality, oil and gas, gaming and lottery businesses—I have come to appreciate what practical, workable strategies can achieve when effectively applied. My career has been shaped by a deep belief that with the right mix of policy, leadership, and citizen participation, states like Ogun can overcome persistent economic pressures and create shared prosperity for their people.

    The coming political dispensation of 2027 presents Ogun with an opportunity to recalibrate and set a bold development agenda. Here are key areas where governance can significantly reduce financial pressures on citizens while unlocking economic growth:

    1. Promoting Transparency and Accountability

    The first pillar of effective governance is trust. By ensuring financial transactions are transparent and subject to scrutiny, Ogun can drastically reduce corruption and mismanagement. Transparent budgeting, open contracting, and digital monitoring platforms will improve efficiency and reassure both citizens and investors that resources are not being diverted.

    2. Implementing Sound Fiscal Policies

    Sound fiscal discipline is essential to creating a stable environment for growth. Ogun must prioritize budgets that are realistic, inclusive, and geared towards long-term infrastructure, education, and healthcare investment. This requires embracing modern financial management systems that ensure resources are optimally allocated and leakages minimized.

    3. Strengthening Institutions

    Institutions, not individuals, sustain development. Independent oversight bodies such as audit offices and anti-corruption commissions must be empowered to function without interference. This will help build an enduring framework of accountability that outlasts any administration.

    4. Encouraging Public Participation

    True development must reflect the needs of the people. By fostering open town hall consultations, participatory budgeting, and digital feedback platforms, government can ensure that policies are not top-down impositions but genuine reflections of citizen priorities. This inclusiveness will increase trust and compliance.

    5. Fostering a Culture of Savings and Investment

    Citizens and businesses alike must be encouraged to build financial resilience. State-driven initiatives that promote savings, cooperative societies, and investment in productive sectors will help households reduce dependency on loans while spurring local enterprise.

    6. Reducing corruption through strong enforcement

    Beyond policies, government must demonstrate political will. Implementing strong, consistent anti-corruption measures sends the message that public resources are sacrosanct and must never be misused for personal enrichment.

    7. Improving public financial management

    Digital tools, real-time monitoring, and performance-based budgeting can transform Ogun’s public finance. This will not only cut waste but also allow government to channel resources into critical development sectors such as education, healthcare, and transport.

    8. Enhancing economic stability

    Policies that stabilize prices, reduce inflationary pressures, and promote a competitive environment are crucial. By ensuring macroeconomic stability, Ogun can attract large-scale investments and provide businesses with the predictability they need to thrive.

    9. Unlocking border communities

    Ogun’s border communities with Lagos hold untapped potential. A deliberate policy to redesign and transform these areas into economic development hubs could yield massive returns. With access roads, urban planning, affordable housing estates, electricity, and industrial clusters, border towns can serve as magnets for businesses priced out of Lagos. Such a strategy will not only decongest Lagos but also spread prosperity across Ogun’s urban and rural communities.

    10. Deep seaport and Industrial revolution

    The ongoing deep seaport development, coupled with industrial parks and free trade zones, can position Ogun as the industrial heartbeat of West Africa. By strategically aligning infrastructure like the federal government-funded Lagos-Calabar coastal highway (which traverses Ogun, which we are very grateful to the visioner President Bola Tinubu)—rail, roads, and power—with industrial growth, Ogun can leapfrog into a new phase of economic revolution.

    11. Tourism &blue economy development

    Beyond the recently revamped Olumo Rock resort—an iconic destination and pride of our people under the watch of our hardworking governor—Ogun State boasts several other untapped jewels in its tourism landscape.

    Read Also: Ogun APC ratifies Daniel’s suspension for alleged anti-party activities

    One such potential hub is the Ogun Waterside area. With the ongoing construction of the revolutionary Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, this corridor will soon open up an entire stretch of pristine beaches, placing them within easy reach of visitors and investors alike.

    This infrastructure is not just about transportation; it is the gateway to a thriving blue economy. From beach tourism and hospitality to fisheries, marine logistics, and waterfront real estate, the Ogun coastline is poised to become a magnet for economic growth and sustainable development.

    Conclusion: The Path to a Greater Ogun

    Development is not an abstract promise; it is a deliberate choice backed by vision and execution. Ogun State has all it takes to rise as a true economic powerhouse. What is required is leadership that combines experience, credibility, and the courage to make tough but necessary decisions.

    As a business leader with decades of experience across critical sectors and as a community leader who has served in the National Assembly, I believe the solutions are not far-fetched. With transparency, sound fiscal management, citizen engagement, and bold infrastructure investments, Ogun can secure a future where prosperity is shared, and its role as Nigeria’s true gateway is realized.

    Together, we can make Ogun State greater.

  • Ekiti Assembly hails Agbeyewa Farms’ cassava initiative, pledges support for agriculture

    Ekiti Assembly hails Agbeyewa Farms’ cassava initiative, pledges support for agriculture

    The Ekiti State House of Assembly has commended Agbeyewa Farms Ltd, a subsidiary of Cavista Holdings, for its large-scale cassava project, describing it as one of the state’s most significant private agro-allied investments.

    Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Stephen Aribasoye, made this remark on Tuesday during a visit to the farm’s 5,000-hectare site in Ipao-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area, alongside principal officers and lawmakers.

    He noted that the farm’s initiative would boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, create jobs, and drive infrastructural development in the state.

    Aribasoye also praised the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, John Olajide, and the Managing Director of Agbeyewa Farms, Seyi Aiyeleso, for their vision to make Ekiti a leading food hub in Nigeria.

    While appreciating Governor Biodun Oyebanji for fostering an investor-friendly environment, the Speaker assured that the Assembly would continue to prioritize agriculture in its budgetary process to help achieve food sufficiency in the state.

    He said, “This is beyond just a vision. A vision requires passion and commitment to become reality and that is what we are seeing here today. What I have seen today is a revolution in agriculture, one that will lead to development, create more employment and drive infrastructure growth in Ekiti State.

    “I must commend the government of Ekiti State, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for making this possible. Of course, such progress cannot happen without the support of the House of Assembly.

    “This achievement is the product of collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government. And one of the results of that collaboration is what we see today at Agbeyewa Farm.

    “You know, the mantra of Mr. Governor is shared prosperity and truly, this is the best demonstration of shared prosperity. For us in the House of Assembly, we will continue to ensure we make good laws that provide the right enabling environment for investors to thrive and for agriculture to grow.

    “Agriculture is one of the key focuses of this government, we in the House of Assembly have fully bought into it and are giving our full support”.

     Aiyeleso said the Cassava Farm, sited on 102 hectares in 2022 has expanded beyond 2,000 hectares of land with efforts to expand to 100,000 hectares of land by 2032.

    He noted that apart from the four major Cassava varieties being planted such as TME 419, Ayaya, White Lion and Dixon, other species including OBJ1, OBJ2, Baba70, Game Changer, Renewed Hope, among others have been added in 2025 with the vision of making it 13 varieties by 2026.

    Aiyeleso emphasised that Agbeyewa Farms Ltd, whose mission stands on the tripartite of job creation, employment generation and workforce development, currently holds the record of the highest yield per hectare in Nigeria by producing 25 tons per hectare in 2024 with the target of hitting 40 tons per hectare in 2025 and 50–100 tons per hectare in the future.

    He highlighted the farm’s ongoing projects in Cassava cultivation, aggregation, processing agro-trading and community empowerment, stressing that Agbeyewa Farms was committed to food security, youth employment and economic transformation of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole.

    This feat, according to him was attained as a result of the mechanization capacity of the farmland, with 26 tractors, ranging from 75HP to 275HP (Massey Ferguson and John Deere), over 8 bulldozers, over 40 ploughing implements, planters and other equipment.

    While the Farmland operates on 70% of mechanical planting, he added that the work chain is also extended to human capital which occupies 30% in order to balance work and productivity.

    Aiyeleso also stressed that the Farm created Ingrown Scheme Programme plots, of about 1 hectare of land in order to give back to the community that lease their land to the company and buy their products at premium prices in order for the community farmers to accumulate maximum profits.

    “Last year, we planted four varieties: TME 419, Ayaya, White Lion, and Dixon. This year, we have added more varieties, including OBJ1, OBJ2, Baba70, Game Changer, Renewed Hope; some of these varieties are so new they have not even been officially named.

    Read Also: Ekiti Assembly threatens petrol dealers, traders over arbitrary price hike

    “Today, Agbeyewa Farm records the highest yield per hectare in Nigeria. While the national average is between 6–8 tons per hectare, our farm achieved 25 tons per hectare last year. This year, our target is 40 tons per hectare, and we are working towards 50–100 tons per hectare in the near future.

    “This is possible because of our mechanization capacity. We currently have 26 tractors, ranging from 75HP to 275HP (Massey Ferguson and John Deere). We have 8 bulldozers, with more on the way, we also own over 40 ploughing implements, planters and other equipment.

    “Agbaye Farm is not just about agriculture; it is about building a community model. We are creating Agbaye Town, which will include: Hostel accommodations, Processing facilities and Farm resorts for visitors”. He added

    On Security, the Company’s Director of Community Engagement, Dauda Lawal emphasized that Agbeyewa Farms Ltd has collaborated with several security agencies in the state to ensure maximum protection of staff and products, adding that the community, which was notorious for criminal activities in the past, has emerged one of the peaceful communities in Ekiti. 

  • 2027: Saheed Oladele slams Remi Oseni’s group, urges unity in Oyo APC

    2027: Saheed Oladele slams Remi Oseni’s group, urges unity in Oyo APC

    The Media Office of Oloye Saheed Oladele, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, has dismissed as baseless a report by a group called Igba Otun urging Senator Teslim Folarin and Oloye Bayo Adelabu, both former APC governorship candidates, to step aside for Pastor Remi Oseni in the 2027 race.

    In a statement signed on Tuesday by Maroof Asudemade, Director of Media and Publicity, Saheed Oladele Support Foundation, the report was described as insensitive, coming at a time when the party is still reeling from its defeat in the Ibadan North by-election held last weekend.

    Read Also: Oyo APC leaders meet over 2027 polls

    Oladele’s camp stressed that both Adelabu and Folarin remain respected leaders of Oyo APC, warning that promoting Oseni’s ambition at this time only risks deepening existing divisions within the party.

    “Asking them to step aside through such a platform will only widen disunity in Oyo APC. These leaders are capable of making sacrifices for party cohesion, but not at the prompting of a desperate group fronting for their principal,” the statement read.

    The camp noted that the by-election loss should serve as a moment of sober reflection rather than a trigger for further internal conflict, adding that unity and reconciliation are crucial for the APC to bounce back ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    “Oloye Saheed Oladele’s priority remains restoring unity and cohesion within Oyo APC so that the party can return to its winning ways,” the statement concluded.

  • Owo church attackers have links with foreign terrorist groups, DSS tells court

    Owo church attackers have links with foreign terrorist groups, DSS tells court

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has cautioned a Federal High Court in Abuja against granting bail to the five men being prosecuted over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022, attack at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, because of their alleged link with foreign terrorist groups.

    The DSS, in a counter-affidavit to the defendants’ bail application, also raised concern about their capacity to interfere with the prosecution’s witnesses, if granted bail, because of their alleged antecedents and propensity for violence.

    The five are: Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris 20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25) and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47).

    The five defendants were arraigned on August 11 on a nine-count terrorism charge that the DSS filed against them.

    In the counter-affidavit, the secret police stated that the offences for which the defendants are standing trial are serious and could result in capital punishment if convicted.

    It added that the defendants are standing trial for acts of terrorism, which led to the death of about 40 persons and caused grievous injury to over 100 worshipers at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, on June 5, 2022.

    The DSS said: “There is a very high likelihood of the defendants evading trial because of their connection to foreign fighters linked to the Al-Shabab terrorist group.

    Read Also: Group lauds DSS DG over arrest of Ansaru terrorist leaders

    “The defendants’ accomplices are still at large and have been making frantic efforts to monitor their trial, intimidate witnesses, and free the defendants from lawful custody.”

    The secret police added that it was “currently investigating the leads to apprehend those individuals planning to intimidate witnesses and compromise the trial in the interest of the applicants.

    “The prosecution witnesses have expressed fears of attacks by the defendants’ cohorts and have stated that they will not attend court sessions except their fears are allayed.

    “This necessitated the filing of an ex parte application for the witnesses’ protection.

    “The prosecution has demonstrated the readiness for a speedy trial of the substantive charge. The defendants have not presented any evidence to show that they have credible sureties.