Ridoola's blog

The Jigawa State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has sacked three judicial staff over misconduct.  The commission also advised three Shari’a Court judges to resign and reprimanded two others for dereliction of duty. This is contained in a statement by Abbas Wangara , Director of Protocol and Publicity, Jigawa State Judiciary, on Sunday in Dutse. He said the commission, at its 178th meeting on Jan. 7, approved disciplinary actions against erring personnel who violated judicial procedures and rules. “In the outcome of the meeting signed by Auwalu Dan’Azumi , Secretary of the JSC, the commission received the report of an investigation committee from the High Court department regarding two officers. “The affected officers are Iyal Ibrahim , Higher Registrar on Grade Level 08, and Baffa Alhaji , Principal Registrar on Grade Level 14. “The two officers were found guilty of illegal sales of two vehicles, exhibits of the Federal High Court, Dutse, and committed an official miscondu...

Senator Shehu Sani, a former lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, has argued that Northerners have no moral right to vote out President Bola Tinubu in 2027 over the controversial tax bills. Sani also said northerners opposing the tax reform bills had failed to criticise and hold to account the immediate past administration led by former President Muhammadu Buhari , which he described as a failure. The senator's remarks followed the ongoing opposition against Tinubu's tax reform bills , especially from governors, lawmakers, and leaders from the north. The bills, which were transmitted to the National Assembly last October triggered serious controversies with critical stakeholders from the region calling for their withdrawal. Recently, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed warned the President that there'll be anarchy if the bills sail through in the National Assembly, claiming that the legislature is hasty and unfairly designed to alienat...

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed how his refusal to keep mute on issues of national and international concerns landed him in prison under the military government of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha in 1995. He made this known during an interactive session with 15 young male and female future African leaders drawn from different parts of the continent at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. This is according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Friday, December 10, 2024. Akinyemi quoted Obasanjo as having spoken when the youths, under the aegis of Future Africa Leaders Foundation, came with the 10 winners of the Prestigious and Life-Challenging Future Africa Leaders Awards. The former President hinted that the quest to save Nigeria from an imminent disintegration spurred him to seek the presidency in 1999. ALSO READ: How I plotted, scripted Fayose’s impeachment with Ob...

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), under the leadership of Dr Zacch Adedeji, has been tipped to achieve greater milestones in 2025 following a transformative year in 2024. Tax analyst Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi highlights the agency's plans, focusing on the anticipated passage of the Tax Reform Bill, which she describes as a game-changer for Nigeria's tax management framework. Dr Adedeji’s tenure has been marked by innovation and progress. In 2024, FIRS embraced transparency, streamlined operations, and integrated cutting-edge technologies to modernise tax processes. "Dr. Zacch and his team have redefined what is possible in tax administration," Aderonke noted, adding that these efforts have built a foundation for sustained success. Collaboration key to FIRS 2024 resurgence According to Dr Adedeji, aligning people, processes, and technology—the three pillars of FIRS—was critical to achieving last year’s revenue targets. Transparency and public trust h...

The Nigerian Police Force has detained an officer featured in a viral video where he held bundles of naira notes while the sons of billionaire Razaq Okoya sprayed the currency at an undisclosed event. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, January 9, police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi described the officer’s behaviour as unethical, promising disciplinary measures . “The involvement of the policeman has been condemned, as it’s unethical. We will always strive hard to uphold the sanctity, credibility, and core values of the police,” Adejobi stated. Breaking News: The Police Officer Billionaire’s son Siraheem Okoya used In his TikTok video to promote his new Hit song “Credit Alert” has been identified and suspended by the Nigerian Police !!! pic.twitter.com/4RNsPWCvzu — TG_ViralVibes (@SHOTBY_TG) January 10, 2025 The video, widely circulated online, shows the Okoya brothers instructing the officer to hold the naira bundles, a violation of Nigeria’s legal tender la...

A plastic waste collector identified as Yusuf Abubakar , has reportedly lost his left wrist after he and his colleagues were attacked by a group of armed men in Isara Remo, Ogun State. Abubakar, along with two other plastic collectors, had arrived in the Sapaade area to gather used plastic items when they were ambushed by a gang of approximately seven men armed with dangerous weapons.  According to a source within the Ogun State Police Command, the attackers pursued the group relentlessly. When the gang appeared, Abubakar and his colleagues fled in an attempt to escape. However, while two of them managed to get away safely, Abubakar stumbled and fell, making him an easy target for the assailants. The attackers caught up with him, dragging him into a nearby forest. Once in the bush, the attackers tied Abubakar’s hands and feet behind him, blindfolded him, and brutally severed his left wrist. After carrying out the attack, the assailants abandoned Abubakar in the forest....

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has intercepted a 15-seater Peugeot J-5 vehicle transporting 59 male children, aged between 4 and 12, along the Abuja-Kano route. A team of officers led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Sarki Umar stopped the vehicle, which had registration number KMC 283 ZJ, on January 6. Tunji Disu , the FCT Commissioner of Police , disclosed that Ali Ibrahim drove the  vehicle  with assistance from  Alhassan Ibrahim.  Both are now under police interrogation.  “The bus was found to be transporting 59 male children aged between 4 and 12 years. Preliminary investigations revealed that the children, who came from different families in Kano State, were being transported by one Idris Usman, a resident of Nasarawa State,” Disu said. Police release findings Police investigations revealed that the children were allegedly being moved to Nasarawa under the guise of receiving training. However, no proper documentation or paren...

The Armed Forces of Nigeria dropped to 39th place globally in the 2024 Global Firepower (GFP) rankings, marking their second consecutive decline after being ranked 36th in 2023 and 35th in 2022. This decline comes despite Nigeria's recent acquisition of advanced fighter jets and military assets, as well as reported progress in combating terrorism within its borders. Nigeria’s global standing isn’t the only area of concern. On the African continent, the country has slipped from third to fourth place. Egypt's military retains top spot in Africa Egypt retained its position as Africa's strongest military, followed by Algeria and South Africa. It was gathered that the GFP rankings consider over 60 factors, including military resources, financial stability, logistics, and geography. Nigeria’s Power Index (PwrIndx) score for 2024 was 0.5619, with a score of 0.0000 representing the pinnacle of military strength. US military retains top spot for 18 consecutive year Globally,...

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has come under fire from Comrade Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Frank called on Wike to undergo a medical examination and stop publicly disparaging political figures, including elders. In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, January 7, Frank criticised Wike’s recent comments against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar , Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara , former Governor Dr Peter Odili, and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi . “Wike needs thorough soul searching, character, and mental re-examination,” Frank said, urging the former Rivers State governor to show decorum and respect. “No normal and sensible person would insult elders like Wike has done except under the influence of intoxicants or harmful psychotropic substances.” Frank also suggested that Wike abstain from alcohol, particularly his “40-year-old whisky,” and seek pro...

Abdullahi Ganduje, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared the political end of the Kwankwasiyya movement, led by former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. Speaking at the 8th and 9th APC Kano State House of Assembly Forum Dinner, Ganduje asserted that the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) and its leader have lost their grip on Kano’s political landscape. Represented by Abdullahi Abbas, the APC state chairman, Ganduje attributed Kwankwaso’s success in the 2023 elections to internal crises within the APC. “I can swear to God, if not for our internal issues, he [Kwankwaso] wouldn’t have won any election in Kano. This time around, he will see the reality,” Ganduje stated confidently. Ganduje highlighted the waning influence of Kwankwasiyya, adding that the movement’s supporters are now disillusioned. “The majority of those who threw their support behind Kwankwaso and the NNPP are currently disappointed and full of regrets,” he said. Ganduje declared the APC...

The Nigerian Senate has announced January 31 as the tentative date for the passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill. Senator Solomon Adeola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, disclosed this during a meeting with the chairmen of Senate standing committees. The ₦49.7 trillion budget was presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on December 18. The bill has since passed its second reading, with plans underway for budget defence sessions involving ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). According to Adeola, these sessions are slated to begin on December 7. “Reports from the budget defence by various committees will be submitted between January 15 and 18,” Adeola explained. He further outlined the process for finalising the budget report, noting that the Appropriations Committee would collate and review submissions from all committees before presenting its final report to the Senate. “Afterwards, collation and tidying up of the various reports...

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has expressed concern over the recent vandalisation of electricity installations within its operational area in Abakaliki. In a statement issued by Emeka Ezeh , Head of Corporate Communications, EEDC, on Sunday, the loss of power supply in areas of Abakaliki was due to the vandalisation of the Udemezue 11KV Feeder in the early hours of the day. Ezeh said affected areas include Oroko-onuoha, Udensi, Kpirikpiri, Ogbaga Road, New Layout, Udemezue, Low-Cost Housing Estate, and Hilltop Road. According to him, notable establishments such as Amikaba, Siren Hotel, Man City Hotel, Muchels Hotel, De Pablo Hotel, and Unity FM radio station have also been impacted. “We wish to inform our esteemed customers in the Abakaliki metropolis that the current loss of power supply being experienced is due to the vandalisation of the Udemezue 11KV Feeder in the early hours of today, January 5,” he said. Ezeh explained that EEDC officials on patrol discov...

The Energy Reforms Advocates of Nigeria (ERAN) have alleged a plot to undermine the operations of the Dangote Refinery by reducing its crude oil allocation. At a press conference in Abuja, ERAN, led by Daniel Clarke , accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and a “powerful cabal ” of orchestrating the move to frustrate the refinery’s progress. According to ERAN, the proposed reduction in crude supply would force the facility to operate below capacity, increasing Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel, escalating costs, and potentially reintroducing the notorious fuel queues. “The recent news that NNPCL may cut crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery and other local refineries is a cause for alarm,” ERAN stated. “ This decision, if implemented, would be patently unjustifiable and strategically detrimental to Nigeria’s quest for energy self-sufficiency.” READ ALSO: Our refinery not at 90% completion - BUA denies rumour The group alleged that the cabal, unsett...

The Lagos Command of the Nigeria Police has debunked reports claiming that a murder suspect Ayomide Adeleye has been released and is not in any prison. Recall that Adeleye, a 200-level Philosophy student at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State, was arrested in early September 2024 for the gruesome murder of Christianah Idowu . Idowu, a 300-level student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and her suspected killer were friends and neighbours. Adeleye allegedly kidnapped Idowu and demanded N3 million ransom for her release but confessed to killing and burying her in a shallow grave in his compound after the deceased's mother could only raise N350,000. On November 5, 2024, the suspect was arraigned before Magistrate Seyi Omodara at the Ogba Magistrate Court. The Magistrate granted a remand warrant for his detention at the Ikoyi prison pending the availability of the Director of Public Relation (DPP)'s advice. Police counter FIJ's claim...

Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, has accused a former Governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili, of scuttling the peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu to resolve the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich state. Wike made this known at a reception organised to host Rivers stakeholders last Friday. Rivers has been engulfed in a messy political feud between Wike and his predecessor, Governor Siminalyi Fubara . The two former allies are jostling to control the state's political machinery. At a crucial meeting in the Presidential Villa in 2023, President Tinubu and other stakeholders, including Odili brokered an eight-point peace agreement signed by the two warring parties. However, the peace accord has fallen apart as Fubara claimed that he was ambushed into signing the deal with Wike's camp, leading to an escalation of the feud . Meanwhile, Odili recently accused Wike of promoting self-interest, praising Fubara for preventing the minister...

The rest of the world is watching with keen interest as the possibility of another pandemic looms following a mysterious viral outbreak in China, reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak . Reports say the outbreak is overwhelming hospitals, prompting people in the East Asian country to wear face masks again. Videos making the rounds on social media showed overcrowded hospital units, parents waiting in long lines with sick children, and patients covering their faces with masks in packed facilities. Unverified reports also claimed that crematoriums and funeral homes in China are reportedly overwhelmed as a mysterious viral ravages through the country, triggering fears of a new pandemic. Daily Mail quoted a local news outlet on Friday as attributing the outbreak to human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a virus that typically causes mild cold-like symptoms . China remains quiet amid the new outbreak However, Chinese health officials have yet to confirm that as the cause. The ...

Adams Oshiolmhola, the lawmaker representing Edo North senatorial district, has lauded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike's developmental strides and thanked the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for allowing the former Rivers State Governor to serve in President Bola Tinubu's administration. Oshiomhole, a former Edo State Governor, spoke at a New Year luncheon organised by Wike in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Friday, December 3, 2025. Though a ranking member of the PDP and presidential aspirant of the party, Wike supported Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election after a fallout with his party. He subsequently bagged the ministerial appointment from the President , a move Oshiomhole analogously referred to as a football club allowing its "best player" to join a rival. “Thank you to PDP for giving us Nyesom Wike to help us fix Abuja. I don’t belong to any club, I only belong to Be...

President Bola Tinubu's proposed Tax Reform Bill has ignited a fierce debate following opposition from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero. While Ajaero has called for the bill’s withdrawal, citing potential misalignment with workers’ interests, tax analyst Arabinrin Aderonke has emerged as a staunch advocate, arguing its transformative potential for Nigeria’s economy. Speaking on the bill’s merits, Aderonke described it as a groundbreaking initiative designed to create a more equitable economy. “The Tax Reform Bill is not just another policy document; it is an initiative aimed at ensuring a more inclusive and equitable economy for all Nigerians,” she stated. READ ALSO: Tax Reform Bills not solution to economic problems - Kano Gov opposes Tinubu Relief for Workers and SMEs One of the bill’s key features is its provision of targeted tax relief. Workers earning up to ₦1 million annually will be exempt from PAYE taxes, while those with salaries below ₦1.7 m...

The Police Command in Rivers has confirmed the arrest of a couple for allegedly raping and beating a 13-year-old girl in their residence in Port Harcourt. The command’s Spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko , disclosed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Thursday. NAN reports that the wife was said to have stripped the teenager and inserted pepper into her private part after accusing her of having sexual intercourse with her husband. Iringe-Koko stated that the suspects had been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for investigation and possible prosecution. Goodness, the mother of the teenager, whose full name was withheld to avoid stigmatisation, recounted the incident to NAN. A resident of Rupokwu town in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Goodness revealed that the assault on her daughter occurred on the evening of December 29, 2024. She explained that when she was a...

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has reported the loss of 140 officers in active duty during 2024, highlighting the significant risks faced by law enforcement in ensuring public safety. This was disclosed in a scorecard released by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh , on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Adeh also revealed that the command recovered over ₦409 million from criminals during various operations. “A total of ₦36,850,000 was seized from kidnapping suspects, ₦285,000,000 from fraud cases, ₦19,590,000 from burglary incidents, and ₦68,552,000 from armed robbery suspects,” she detailed. The scorecard outlined the arrest of 1,077 suspects from 1,426 cases reported to the FCT Command last year. Among the successes was the rescue of 19 victims of " one chance" operations, a persistent crime in the capital. The police also recovered 376 firearms, including 13 AK-47 magazines and 187 rounds of live ammunition, underscoring the command’s efforts t...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured Nigeria’s 36 state governors that the Federal Government is not working against them on local government (LG) autonomy, recently mandated by the courts. During a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, Tinubu emphasised the importance of grassroots development. Dispelling rumours of discord, Tinubu said, “We will not fight within us. I will drive the change. You control your local governments. You can restore hope by effectively fulfilling what the people expect at the grassroots level.” The president’s remarks, shared in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga , clarified the Federal Government’s position. READ ALSO: You will all smile in 2025 - Shettima assures Nigerians Tinubu highlighted that collaboration between the federal and state levels is pivotal for Nigeria’s progress. “There were gossips that we had disagreements on loc...

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has torn President Bola Tinubu's New Year's broadcast to Nigerians into shreds, insisting that the president has lost touch with realities. On Wednesday, January 1, 2025, the President delivered a somewhat reassuring New Year message to the nation, promising better days ahead after the economic hardship and other inconveniences caused by his policies in 2024. He also unveiled ambitious plans designed to transform the nation, including the National Credit Guarantee Company set to launch by the second quarter. He urged citizens to continue to persevere, stating that their sacrifices over the past 19 months were not in vain. “By the grace of God, 2025 will be a year of great promise in which we will fulfil our collective desires. “Together, let us stay the course of nation-building. The New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams,” he partly said. PDP trashes Tinubu's speec...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been named THISDAY's 2024 Man of the Year, an accolade recognising his transformative leadership and impactful reforms. The award was announced hours after the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) ranked Tinubu the third-most corrupt leader globally. The OCCRP detailed its ranking process, stating, "We asked for nominations from readers, journalists, the Person of the Year judges and others in the OCCRP global network." Despite this ranking, THISDAY commended Tinubu's governance, highlighting his decisive actions on fuel subsidy removal, economic reforms, and security challenges. The publication described these measures as "bold and often unpopular decisions aimed at addressing long-standing structural issues." In his first media interview as president, Tinubu shared his governance philosophy: “You can’t be doing the same thing and expect different outcomes.” This principle, according to THISDAY, und...

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has responded defiantly to the Presidency’s demand for a retraction of his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms, declaring he will not back down. Speaking on Channels Television’s 2024 Year-End Review programme, Mohammed said, “I cannot be threatened as a governor. I stand by my comments. It is not meant to malign, insult, or do anything to the contrary other than mean well.” The governor, who also chairs the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, criticised the proposed tax bills, warning that they could destabilise subnational governments. “The Presidency should not be arrogant but listen to the people. These tax bills, if passed, will have concomitant effects that threaten the survival of states and impoverish them,” he said. Mohammed described the Presidency’s stance as “undemocratic,” arguing that even military leaders would have addressed public concerns before pursuing such controversial legislation. He added, “...

The Federal Government of Nigeria has finalised documentation to facilitate the extradition of Simon Ekpa from Finland, where he faces terrorism-related charges. General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, confirmed the development in an interview on Channels Television. “Well, I’m sure he’s cooling off somewhere. Legal action will be taken accordingly. I don’t want to say too much, but I’m glad he’s been arrested,” Musa remarked, expressing confidence in Finland’s cooperation. Simon Ekpa, a prominent Biafra agitator, was arrested in Finland in November 2024 alongside four associates. Finnish authorities detained him on charges including incitement to violence, separatist propaganda, and financing terrorism. A Finnish court in Lahti ordered Ekpa’s remand after finding probable grounds for public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent in Nigeria. Ekpa has gained notoriety for his social media advocacy for the violent secession of southeastern Nigeria,...