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Outrage as another lady allegedly killed for ritual in Kwara

Mustapha USMAN
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Outrage as another lady allegedly killed for ritual in Kwara

NIGERIANS on social media have expressed outrage over the murder of one Lawal Yetunde, a young lady and private school teacher, allegedly by a cleric Abdulrahman Ballo, in Kwara State. 

Social media users, particularly on X, voiced their anger after details emerged that the cleric had lured the young lady from Facebook, killed and dismembered her body at a rented apartment in the Olunlade area of Ilorin South Local Government Area.

Already, the state residents and netizens have called for accountability while also demanding that authorities act decisively to end growing ritualistic crimes in Nigeria.

The incident

According to reports, Yetunde, who had just secured a teaching job at a local nursery and primary school, was last seen on Monday, February 10, when she returned from work at about 12.30 pm and attended a naming ceremony.

However, at the ceremony, she abruptly left her food to answer a call and was not seen afterwards.

The suspect was said to have lured Yetunde after connecting with her on Facebook and obtaining her phone number.

Her disappearance immediately sparked concerns as family members and friends searched for her before later reporting her disappearance to the police at the Oja Oba station in Ilorin on Tuesday, February 10.

The deceased’s father, Ibrahim Lawal, while speaking with journalists, shortly after the funeral prayers, said that the police used her phone line to track her call records. 

Tracing her final call led the police to Ballo, who lives in the Offa Garage area of Ilorin, although his family home is in Isalekoto.

“We didn’t see her return on that day and she didn’t sleep at home. We reported at Oja-Oba Police Station on Tuesday that she was missing from home after 24 hours.The tracking of her phone revealed that she was called on the phone by the suspect who later confessed that he murdered her,” Lawal said.

Although he initially denied any involvement, Bello later confessed that the lady died of an asthma attack after police discovered dismembered remains hidden in a bowl, along with the tools used in the dastardly act.

“Some of the items which included horn, black soap, and charms recovered by the police from the room apartment of the suspect clearly showed that Hafsat, who is my second daughter, was murdered for ritual purposes”, the father added.

The ICIR reports that the incident adds to a growing list of such crimes in Nigeria.

Earlier in January this year, The ICIR reported how Eliojo Salomey, a 24-year-old serving National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) member based in Mararaba, a fast-growing community near Abuja, was allegedly butchered by her boyfriend, a gospel singer, Timileyin Ajayi.

Ballo arrested 

Confirming Ballo’s incident, the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said investigations were ongoing into the case.

According to her, “The police detectives swung into action, tracked her number and arrested a suspect, and exhibits recovered. 

She added that the case was transferred yesterday to the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID), for discreet investigations.

Nigerians react

Meanwhile, the incident has ignited reactions from Nigerians as they decried the prevalence of ritual killings while also demanding that authorities take decisive actions against the practice.

A social media user and resident of the state with the handle Mufti of Ilorin online, while bemoaning the killing of Hafsat, urged “respected figures in Ilorin and Kwara State to ensure that justice is served and to support the victim’s family in its pursuit of justice.

“These heinous ritual killings must be addressed. Our sisters continue to fall victim, and our parents are left to mourn. This cycle of violence will persist until perpetrators face the ultimate consequence – death penalty – for their crimes. It’s utterly disheartening that we’re compelled to clarify that women are not romantically involved with their murderers. The reality of what’s happening to women is truly disturbing,” he wrote.

Another user, @teabisz, wrote: “You see, prayer alone is not enough at this point. If she must get justice, we must collectively stand up and not even for her nor the family, but because we do not know who their next target is if eventually the table turns.”

Also, another X user @iamthepreence said the suspect must be investigated thoroughly as he might be working for ‘Yahoo Boy’ (ritualists) or selling the human parts.

“This guy is either selling human parts or working for those G-boys. They need to drill him well and get many more working together (with him). Wicked soul,” he wrote.

A yet another X user, @Oladapomikky1, advised people to exercise caution in meeting people they do not know.

“It is not safe to go and meet a stranger in a private place. Anyone you are meeting for the first time should be in a public place and the location should be your choice.”

Mob kills two suspected one-chance robbers in Abuja

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA  and  Jonathan Shekwonuzhibo
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Mob kills two suspected one-chance robbers in Abuja

AN angry mob has killed two suspected “one-chance” robbers along the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway in Abuja after they allegedly robbed and pushed a female victim out of their moving vehicle.

The incident, which occurred around 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, started when the suspects, operating in a commercial vehicle, allegedly robbed a woman traveling from the Gosa area toward the city.

After dispossessing her of her belongings, they forcefully pushed her out of the moving car, eyewitnesses told The ICIR.

An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, told The ICIR that the woman narrowly escaped being crushed by another vehicle that was trailing the robbers.

“The vehicle behind them almost ran over the woman, but thank God, the driver managed to stop just in time,” the eyewitness said. “That same driver then started chasing the robbers while honking to alert other road users.”

As the pursuit continued, more motorists and bystanders joined in. Their escape attempt ended at ACO Estate Junction when another motorist blocked their path as they tried to make a U-turn back toward Gosa.

The suspects immediately abandoned their vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but the growing mob quickly overpowered them.

According to the eyewitness, one of the suspects was intercepted first and beaten severely before being set ablaze. Meanwhile, the second suspect was thrown into a roadside gutter, where he remained motionless, leading many to assume he was dead.

However, upon closer inspection, the eyewitness, who had been videoing the events, realised the suspect was still alive.

“I went closer and saw that he was just sitting in the gutter. I started recording again, and people were asking him questions,” the eyewitness recounted. “They asked for his name, but he refused to say. When they asked where he was from, he said Ogun State. They also asked if he was Yoruba, and he confirmed it.”

While the interrogation continued, members of the mob who had initially assumed he was dead began gathering again. Within moments, the aggression resumed.

“They started coming back, one by one,” the eyewitness said. “Then they poured fuel on him, intending to set him on fire like they did with the other one.”

Sensing imminent death, the suspect attempted to escape. He staggered out of the gutter and ran toward a nearby church, Foundation of Truth Assembly (FOTA), possibly seeking refuge. However, his frail condition made it easy for the mob to recapture him.

“He was very weak because they had already beaten him badly before,” the eyewitness added. “As he approached the church, someone shouted that they shouldn’t kill him there. So, they dragged him away from the church premises to another property nearby.”

There, the mob continued their assault, pelting him with stones until he succumbed to his injuries.

Police, and military reportedly looked away

A military convoy and a police patrol vehicle reportedly passed by the scene while at least one of the suspects was still alive, but they did not intervene.

“I saw an Air Force convoy passing while both men were still alive,” the eyewitness revealed. “Later, after the first one had died, I saw a police patrol vehicle heading toward City Gate. It was on the same lane where the car had burned, but the officers did nothing.”

Many bystanders, including the eyewitness, expressed frustration at the police’s failure to act. “I wasn’t even asking them to rescue him,” the eyewitness said. “At least they could have arrested him to get more information about their gang. These one-chance robbers are a serious menace. I’ve been a victim myself.”

Before the second suspect was killed, he reportedly admitted to being part of a gang of about ten people who had been operating in the area for two years. When asked how many victims he had killed, he allegedly confessed to killing two people.

The ICIR reported that one-chance robberies remain a persistent menace in Abuja, with criminals posing as commercial drivers to lure, rob, and sometimes kill unsuspecting passengers.

Nigeria to absorb 28,000 US-funded health workers – Pate

Mustapha USMAN
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Nigeria to absorb 28,000 US-funded health workers – Pate

THE Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare,  Ali Pate, has announced Nigeria’s plan to integrate 28,000 health workers formerly supported by US funding into its national healthcare system.

Pate, said this, on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme, late Friday, February 14, monitored by our correspondent, where he outlined the government’s plan to ensure that the gains made in combating HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, are preserved as the US government repositions its funding priorities.

The minister stressed that while the Nigerian government, including the state government, is keying to invest more money in healthcare, the private sector actors, the hospitals, and the pharmaceutical industry need to also rise. 

This, according to him, will make Nigeria’s healthcare system serve Nigerians and potentially even serve other parts of our continent.

“Our total health spend in Nigeria, the total health exposure: 30 per cent is public, 70 per cent is private. So, the component of overseas development assistance for health is not the largest chunk of our health expenditure.

“It has been significant. We’re a very large country and while we talk about the total health expenditure overall 70 per cent is domestic private and the 30 per cent that comprises the public as well as the overseas development assistance, I will say about $67 per capita is what the external development assistance is about. Now, that is about $67 per capita if you multiply by 200 million Nigerians, that’s about the figure,” the minister said.

Pate further stressed that the US government had contributed significantly to Nigeria’s healthcare, citing support for HIV, TB, and malaria.

He, however, noted that much of those resources are not channeled through government systems, adding that they’re channeled through implementing partners outside government.

Notably, the policy shift, which has led to a significant reduction in US support for health initiatives, has been a growing concern for many Nigerians, including public health stakeholders. 

Recall that following the controversies surrounding the HIV and other diseases funding by the U.S. the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, February 3, approved N4.8 billion for the procurement of 150,000 HIV treatment packs to support Nigerians living with the virus.

The ICIR reports that the HIV fund came days after global concerns over the temporary suspension of United States foreign aid funding, which threatened access to lifesaving antiretroviral therapy (ART) among others, for millions of people, including Nigerians.

The freeze, introduced by  President Donald Trump’s administration, had raised fears of treatment disruptions in Nigeria, one of the countries heavily reliant on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Meanwhile, following advocacy from global health organisations, the US granted a waiver for HIV treatment programs, ensuring continued medication supply for affected patients.

Speaking of the support, expressed gratitude for the contributions made by the American people, who, he said, have supported over 1.3 million Nigerians with essential therapies.

However, he stressed that Nigeria must now take ownership of its healthcare destiny.

Minister Pate emphasised that with the current US policy transition, Nigeria is accelerating efforts to build a resilient, self-reliant healthcare system. 

“The Federal government is going to do its part. For states, we expect that they will also step in because many things happen at the state level on HIV, TB, or malaria. There are health workers, 28,000 of them who were been paid through US government support. While it has been appreciated, those health workers are Nigerians. We have to find ways to transmit them.

“Our approach, long before the change in US policy has been towards increasing national ownership, increasing domestic resources, improving our healthcare value chain and producing what we use, strengthening our resilience through surveillance, laboratory systems so that we deal with infectious diseases,” he added.

Over 11,500 underage candidates register for 2025 UTME, says Registrar

Mustapha USMAN
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Over 11,500 underage candidates register for 2025 UTME, says Registrar

THE Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Ishaq Oloyede, has disclosed that more than 11,553 underage candidates registered for the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). 

The announcement came during an inspection of approved computer-based test centres in Lagos on Friday, where Oloyede detailed a registration surge that has already seen 782,027 candidates sign up in the past 10 days.

Oloyede said: “Now, we have registered 782,027, and 11,553 of them are underage. So, you can see that as we are registering, the system is reporting from all over the country. Out of the expected two million candidates, we’re not yet at the 14th day.

“Monday will mark our 14th day. So, in two weeks, we would have completed about half of our registration process, and by that time, we expect to have over one million candidates registered. So far, everything has been smooth.”

He noted that on Friday alone, 443 underage candidates were recorded among 18,813 registered that morning. 

According to him, some parents register their children due to peer pressure.

“Today alone, we have 443 underage candidates, and out of the 18,813 registered this morning, 443 are underage. This year, we’ve introduced a system that allows us to identify and track underage candidates.

“This will help us understand their issues and even identify those who might be genuinely gifted but still underage,” he added.

The surge in underage registrations coincided with broader debates on admission age in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

In 2024, the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, faced criticism for his initial directive to bar candidates below 18 from admission—a policy later revised to admit candidates aged 16 and above following appeals from stakeholders.

Mamman, at the 2024 admission policy meeting organised by JAMB, in Abuja on Thursday, July 18, directed JAMB and tertiary institutions to stop admitting under-18-year-old candidates into higher education programmes.

Mamman gave the order, decrying the activities of some parents, whom he said pressured their underage wards to get admission into tertiary institutions.

“JAMB is hereby instructed this year to admit only eligible students. That is those who have attained 18 years by our laws,” the minister said.

The minister emphasised that his stance is supported by Nigeria’s law governing admissions into tertiary institutions, noting that admission bodies should recognise this requirement without being directed to obey it.

His announcement sparked mixed reactions among vice-chancellors, rectors, and registrars present at the meeting, with some stakeholders present at the meeting protesting the new minimum admission age.

However, during the review of the memorandum for the same 2024 policy meeting on this year’s admissions, Mamman later called for the adoption of 16 years.

The minister agreed that candidates aged 16 and above would be admitted, acknowledging that many of these underage candidates had already taken the UTME without prior knowledge of the directive.

NNPCL dismisses video on fuel quality, threatens legal action

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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NNPCL dismisses video on fuel quality, threatens legal action

THE Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has refuted claims in a viral video alleging that fuel gotten directly from the Dangote refinery lasts longer in engines than the ones sold at its retail stations.

A social media influencer, Ayo Bankole posted a video showing him purchasing the same quantity of fuel from MRS and NNPCL. He then poured the fuels on two different generators, put them on, and set a timer.

According to him, the generator filled with NNPCL fuel lasted for only 17:51 while the one filled with MRS fuel lasted for 30:51.

Reacting to the video in a statement on Saturday, February 15, signed by the chief corporate communications officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, the national oil company described the experiment as “unverified and amateur research” lacking scientific credibility.

The NNPCL assured Nigerians that its petrol is formulated to meet global standards, ensuring efficiency and durability for consumers.

“A significant percentage of the fuel sold at NNPC retail stations in Lagos—where the viral video originated—is sourced from the Dangote Refinery, which adheres to strict industry standards,” the statement read in part.

The company accused unnamed “economic saboteurs” of attempting to mislead the public and tarnish its reputation, warning that it would take legal action against individuals or groups found spreading false information about its products and operations.

“The company will not tolerate deliberate misinformation designed to undermine its operations and mislead Nigerians,” it said.

It further urged consumers to disregard the viral claims and rely on verified sources for accurate information, reiterating its commitment to ensuring the availability and quality of petroleum products across the country.

 

Obasa drags Lagos Assembly, Meranda to court

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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Obasa drags Lagos Assembly, Meranda to court

EMBATTLED Lagos lawmaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has challenged his suspension as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly in court.

Obasa filed a suit against the Assembly and the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, arguing that his suspension was improper since the Assembly was in recess at the time.

In a motion dated February 12, 2025, his legal team, led by Afolabi Fashanu-a Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN), requested an accelerated hearing of the case. Obasa, who was out of the country when 36 lawmakers voted him out on January 13, 2025, insisted upon his return that he would remain the legitimate Speaker.

Among the reliefs sought, Obasa is asking the court to fix an expedited hearing date and to shorten the time for the defendants to file their response to seven days. He also requested that his reply on points of law be filed within three days.

His application is based on nine legal grounds, including the interpretation of key constitutional provisions such as Sections 36, 90, 92(2)(c), 101, and 311 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), alongside relevant rules and standing orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Part of the motion reads, “This action challenges the constitutionality of the sitting and proceedings of the Lagos State House of Assembly to sit during recess without the Speaker reconvening the House or giving any other person powers to reconvene the House.

“Public interest requires the case to be heard and determined speedily and expeditiously so that legislative activities in the state are not stalled.

“The legality of the continued sitting of the 1st defendant under the present leadership in violation of the aforementioned laws and rules calls for an urgent determination.”

“This Honourable Court is imbued with inherent powers to grant accelerated hearing and abridgment of time,” the motion stated.

However, a date has not been fixed for the suit as of the time of filing this report.

On January 13, Obasa who had served for nearly 10 years as the state speaker from June 2015 to January 2025, was suspended by more than two-thirds of the 40-member legislative house over alleged misconduct and sundry offenses, The ICIR reported.

However, during a welcome rally at his residence in GRA, Ikeja held on Saturday, January 25, Obasa declared that he remained the speaker despite his replacement by his deputy, Mojisola Meranda.

Canadian visa denial serious affront to Nigeria’s dignity – Matawalle

Mustapha USMAN
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Canadian visa denial serious affront to Nigeria’s dignity – Matawalle

MINISTER of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, on Saturday, February 15, said that the recent Canadian visa denial to senior Nigerian military officials constituted a “serious affront” to the nation’s dignity. 

The decision, which prevented the Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa and other top military leaders from attending a veterans’ event in Canada, has continued to generate national backlash.

The officers were due to attend an event in Canada to honour war veterans but only a portion of the delegates were granted visas. The development angered senior  Nigerian officials.

The ICIR had reported how the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, slammed the Canadian Embassy in Nigeria for denying visas to Nigeria’s chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, a general, and other top military officers.

Ribadu expressed frustration at the Canadian embassy’s action on Thursday, February 13, while speaking at the inaugural annual lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja.

The event, attended by security experts and government officials, focused on national security challenges and international cooperation.

Commenting on the visa denial earlier at the event, the CDS had said his team was invited to the veterans’ event but faced an unexpected setback when some members of the delegation were denied visas.

He described the situation as disappointing but saw it as a reminder for Nigeria to strengthen its independence and resilience.

“We were invited with our team. Half of us have gone, and half have been denied. It’s very disappointing.,” the CDS stated.

According to him, it is a clear reminder that Nigeria must stand on its own as a nation and should no longer be taken for granted, as he described the visa denial as disrespectful.

Canadian Commission declines to comment for ‘privacy reasons’

Meanwhile, on Friday, February 14, the Canadian high commission in Nigeria, via its X handle, stated that it was aware of the media reports on the incident but would not comment on the status of the visa applications.

“The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria is aware of media reports related to planned travel to Canada by senior officials.

“However, for privacy reasons, we are unable to provide any comment on the status of visa applications of specific individuals,” the commission wrote.

Defence Minister vows ‘assertive’ response 

In a follow-up statement issued on Saturday, February 15, by Sunday Iyogun, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, who quoted  Matawale said the government ‘must be prepared to respond appropriately and assertively.’

Matawalle noted there is a need to probe the reasons for the visa denial as it’s a serious affront to Nigeria’s integrity.

“This incident is not merely a bureaucratic oversight; it is a serious affront to our national dignity and integrity.

“If no satisfactory explanation is provided, we must be prepared to respond appropriately and assertively,” the minister said.

Poly students reject proposed conversion of Yabatech to university

Mustapha USMAN
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Poly students reject proposed conversion of Yabatech to university

THE National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has opposed the plan to convert Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university.

The association argued that the move will dilute the institution’s unique, hands-on approach to technical education. 

The NAPS, in a statement issued on Saturday, February 15, argued that such a conversion would erode the core strengths that make polytechnic training indispensable to Nigeria’s industrial growth.

Background

During a working visit to the institution on Friday, February 14, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa confirmed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university.

“The Rector mentioned earlier that they have been eagerly awaiting this conversion. While I wasn’t fully prepared for this announcement today, I can confirm that when I discussed the matter with President Tinubu, he quickly gave his approval. I am now just awaiting the official memo and necessary procedures from the relevant authorities,” he said.

On his part, the Rector of the College, Abdul Ibraheem, while expressing excitement over the minister’s visit, said that with over 200 PhD holders in its services, YABATECH was more than qualified to become a university.

“While we are praying that we become a university, we don’t want to become just one of those universities. We want to be a university of Technical and Vocational Education ( TVE) that would bring innovation and also solve societal problems and challenges and contribute greatly to the advancement of our dear country. We have the manpower and we just need the support of the government in this regard,” he stated.

NAPS condemns move

The Association President, Eshiofune Oghayan, in a statement, said it has rejected the move, noting that polytechnics like Yabatech play a crucial role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial application. 

Oghayan insisted that Nigeria should fully implement the HND to B.Tech transition rather than convert polytechnics into universities. 

According to him, this pathway would award polytechnic graduates internationally recognised degrees while preserving the technical, practical focus that sets polytechnics apart. 

He stressed that countries like Germany, China, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have bolstered their technical and vocational education systems instead of dismantling them.

“We reject the proposed conversion of YABATECH into a university. Polytechnic institutions like YABATECH play a crucial role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial application. They emphasise hands-on experience, problem-solving, and innovation, which are essential for Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic diversification.

“This move contradicts global best practices, where developed nations continue to strengthen and expand polytechnic education rather than eliminate it. Countries like Germany, China, Canada, and the United Kingdom have thriving technical and vocational education sectors that fuel their industrial economies.

“The HND to B.Tech transition is the most viable path to improving the status of polytechnic education while preserving its technical essence. This would ensure that polytechnic graduates receive the recognition they deserve without compromising the practical and industry-focused training that makes them valuable to the economy,” the president said in a statement.

NAPS also called for transforming the National Board for Technical Education into a Polytechnic Education Commission.

The association argued that this reform will boost the status of polytechnic education in national planning, secure better funding, and create clearer career paths for graduates.

“We will not fold our arms and watch as the government undermines the future of polytechnic education in Nigeria. We will mobilize our members to resist this move and ensure that the government prioritizes the development of polytechnic education,” Oghayan added.

 

Gambaryan claims unsubstantiated, lack credibility – FG

Mustapha USMAN
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Gambaryan claims unsubstantiated, lack credibility – FG

THE Federal Government has dismissed allegations by a Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, accusing Nigerian officials of demanding bribery from him and his firm during the period he faced trial in Nigeria in 2024.

The government described the allegations as ‘falsehoods’ aimed at discrediting its officials.

In a statement on Friday, February 15, minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed concerns over what he called “outrageous allegations, misinformation, and defamatory statements” by Gambaryan following his release from Nigerian custody.  

Gambaryan and another Binance official, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were detained by the Nigerian government, which accused their firm of money laundering and encouraging criminality in Nigeria.

After a couple of weeks, Anjarwalla reportedly escaped from custody while Gambaryan was held for several months before his release.

“While the Federal Government of Nigeria is hesitant to engage Mr. Gambaryan, given the high-level diplomatic intervention that resolved his case, we are obliged to set the records straight to stop his falsehoods from gaining grounds,” the statement read.  

According to the government, the Binance personnel’s first visit was made on his own accord. Although the government was not formally involved, an investigation was swiftly initiated when an alleged bribery demand surfaced during the trip.

The minister noted that his subsequent visit was part of a broader investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving peer-to-peer cryptocurrency trading platforms like Binance. 

“Mr. Gambaryan was released by the Nigerian government in October 2024 on humanitarian grounds and following a high-level diplomatic intervention that ended with tangible benefits for Nigeria. The government rejected Binance’s offer of a $5 million down payment in exchange for Mr. Gambaryan’s freedom, in favour of a more beneficial settlement with the American government,” the minister wrote.

This rebuttal came on the heels of several allegations by Gambaryan, accusing that three Nigerian lawmakers demanded a $150 million bribe from him to free him from arrest and prosecution.

In a post on his X handle on Friday, February 14, Gambaryan, listed three lawmakers involved in the bribe solicitation.

Gambaryan also alleged in his post that the State Security Service (SSS), also known as the DSS, played a role in the meeting where the House members demanded the bribe. 

The Binance executive further accused Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, of demanding a bribe from the cryptocurrency platform to fund his political ambition.

However, Philip Agbese, one of the three lawmakers Gambaryan named, dismissed the bribery allegation against him.

He said, “These allegations are false. I was not part of any meeting with any Binance executive regarding money for any purpose. The leadership of the committee took the matter to court, and Binance has already apologised.”

Also, dismissing Gambaryan’s claims, the government urged the public to disregard his claims entirely, adding that it’s an attempt to “intimidate those who ensured he faced justice,” 

The government emphasised that Gambaryan’s allegations remain unproven and suggested that he will have the opportunity to substantiate them through the judicial systems of both Nigeria and the United States.  

Backstory 

The ICIR reported that Gambaryan, a US national who was detained on February 26, 2024, was released on October 23, after the Nigerian government dropped the money laundering charges filed against him through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The trial judge, Emeka Nwite, discharged Gambayran on health grounds.

The EFCC had informed the court that the case could not proceed on the last adjourned date due to Gambayran’s health condition.

In early 2024, Gambaryan travelled to Nigeria to address regulatory concerns between Binance and the Nigerian government. During this visit, Gambaryan and his colleague, Anjarwalla, were detained by Nigerian authorities on allegations of money laundering and tax evasion.

While Anjarwalla managed to escape in mysterious circumstances, Gambaryan was held in Kuje Prison for eight months.

He was eventually released in late 2024 following diplomatic interventions from the U.S. government.

Afenifere chieftain, Ayo Adebanjo, is dead

Bankole ABE
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Afenifere chieftain, Ayo Adebanjo, is dead

ELDER statesman and Afenifere chieftain, Ayo Adebanjo, is dead.

He died on Friday, February 14, at his Lekki home in Lagos State aged 96.

A statement jointly signed by his children, namely, Ayotunde Atteh, Adeola Azeez, and Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo said he died peacefully. 

“With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation, and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo. 

“He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria, home at the age of 96. We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity, and justice.

His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total, and this he fought for until he breathed his last breath,” the family stated.

The statement described him as a foremost nationalist, elder statesman, distinguished lawyer, distinct politician, and a true apostle of federalism.

Adebanjo, a former organising secretary of Action Group and the national leader of Afenifere, was survived by his 94-year-old wife, Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Among others, Adebanjo will be remembered for his role in the 2023 election, where he led a faction of Afenifere to support the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi.

According to him, Obi was the man that the group could trust to restructure the country.

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