OgunSpeaks

31/10/2025

Odogbolu LG Partners Investors on ₦3.5 Billion Truckstop Project

Odogbolu Local Government, led by Hon. (Dr.) Babatunde Oyetola Diya, has partnered with 1st Truckstop Limited on a ₦3.5 billion Truckstop Joint Venture aimed at boosting economic growth, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable logistics operations in the area.

The groundbreaking ceremony will hold on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Odogbolu Express Junction.

At a stakeholders’ meeting held on October 29, Dr. Diya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to attracting private investments that create wealth and improve residents’ lives.

1st Truckstop CEO, Barr. Olumide Bidemi, described the project as transformative and said it would be completed within 24 months.

Royal fathers and political leaders, including HRM Oba (Barr.) Sikiru Adefuwape Okuribido, Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo, and Hon. Ola Olufunmilayo, commended the initiative and pledged full support.

The event was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, party leaders, and representatives of 1st Truckstop Limited.

31/10/2025

Senate Screens and Confirms Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro as Minister

The Senate has screened and confirmed Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dr. Doro, from Plateau State, was nominated last week by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

A highly qualified professional, he holds degrees in Pharmacy and Law, as well as master’s degrees in Business Strategy and Advanced Clinical Practice.

Dr. Doro becomes the third individual from Plateau State to be appointed as minister under the current administration.

The first appointee was Simon Lalong, who later vacated his ministerial position after winning a court case that returned him to the Senate.

Also appointed was Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who subsequently left the cabinet upon his appointment as the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

31/10/2025

President Tinubu removes Maryam Sanda from the pardon list.

The move followed a comprehensive review of the initial pardon list, which led to the removal of several names, including that of Maryam Sanda.

The revised list excluded individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offenses, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of fi****ms.

Some previously pardoned individuals had their sentences commuted instead of being released outright.

The Presidency explained that the decision was guided by the gravity of the offenses, national security concerns, and the need to respect the feelings of victims and society.

It also aimed to support law enforcement morale and uphold Nigeria’s international obligations.

31/10/2025

Hilda Baci donates ₦2 million to fight abuse and support justice for late 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje.

Ochanya was abused by her cousin and his father while living with them and tragically died in 2018 after battling vesicovaginal fistula. Her case was recently revisited, leading to the creation of a GoFundMe campaign to aid the pursuit of justice.

In an Instagram post, the renowned chef expressed deep sorrow over the incident, noting that many girls silently endure similar emotional and physical scars as the late Ochanya.

Hilda emphasized that honoring Ochanya’s memory goes beyond hashtags, urging people to actively stand with and support victims of abuse.

She wrote:

“This isn’t about social media trends or relevance. It’s about standing together for something bigger than all of us. Helping this young girl get justice gives strength and confidence to others who have suffered similar pain but are still here, trying to heal.”

31/10/2025

Cleaner Inherits £43m Fortune After Winning Court Battle Against Boss’s Son

A former cleaner has inherited a £43 million fortune after winning a High Court battle against the son of her late employer, a car-boot sale tycoon.

Richard Scott, who built a vast fortune running one of the UK’s largest car-boot fairs from his Cheshire farm, died in 2018 at the age of 81.

Following his death, his eldest son, Adam Scott, claimed he had worked alongside his father from childhood and had been promised the entire estate. However, the court ruled in favour of the former cleaner, whom the businessman had personally chosen as his sole heir.

The judgment brings an end to a lengthy legal dispute over the estate and affirms the late entrepreneur’s right to leave his wealth to the person he trusted most, regardless of family ties.

31/10/2025

Trump Says US to Begin Nuclear Weapons Testing on Equal Basis with Russia and China

US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will resume nuclear weapons testing in order to maintain parity with Russia and China.

Trump made the announcement shortly before his highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday. In a post on Truth Social, he stated that the United States possesses more nuclear weapons than any other country, ranking Russia second and China “a distant third but catching up.”

He explained that his decision was driven by the activities of other nations, adding that the United States must not fall behind in nuclear capabilities. According to him, “Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis,” noting that the process would begin immediately.

Although Trump did not specifically accuse Russia or China of conducting nuclear tests, his statement has raised global concerns about a possible renewed arms race among the world’s major powers.

Rising Global Tensions

The announcement comes at a time of heightened tension between the United States and China, as both countries remain locked in a prolonged trade dispute that many analysts compare to the Cold War. At the same time, Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has further strained relations between Moscow and Western nations.

Last month, NATO intercepted three Russian warplanes that violated Estonia’s airspace, while similar incidents were reported in Poland and Romania. The European Union condemned these actions, describing them as “extremely dangerous provocations.”

Neither Russia nor China has carried out live nuclear testing since the 1990s, and the United States last conducted one in 1992, when it began a voluntary moratorium on such tests. Israel is believed to possess nuclear weapons but has never conducted a public test.

Shift from Past Diplomacy

The United States and Israel have long accused Iran of developing nuclear weapons, although Tehran has repeatedly denied the allegations. In June 2025, the US military reportedly carried out airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites as part of efforts to cripple the country’s enrichment program.

North Korea remains the only nation known to have conducted public nuclear tests in recent years, with six underground detonations between 2006 and 2017.

Trump has often portrayed himself as a peacemaker, even campaigning for the Nobel Peace Prize while claiming credit for efforts to end wars. However, his new directive to resume nuclear testing appears to contradict that image, sparking criticism from both domestic and international observers.

A Potential Turning Point

Trump’s decision represents a major shift in US nuclear policy and could mark the beginning of a new global arms race. The move has already unsettled diplomats and defense experts who warn that resuming tests may destabilize decades of nuclear restraint and undermine international security agreements.

As the United States prepares to move forward with nuclear testing for the first time in more than three decades, the world watches anxiously to see whether this decision will redefine the balance of power or plunge global relations into another era of military competition.

31/10/2025

King Charles Strips Prince Andrew of Royal Title, Orders Him Out of Windsor Home Over Epstein Scandal

King Charles III has officially stripped Prince Andrew of his royal title and ordered him to vacate his Windsor residence, marking a dramatic new chapter in the long-running fallout from Andrew’s association with convicted s*x offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In a statement released on Thursday, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the King “has today initiated a formal process to remove the style, titles and honours of Prince Andrew.” The 65-year-old royal will henceforth be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.

The palace also disclosed that “formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease” on Royal Lodge, the mansion Andrew has occupied for over two decades. He is expected to relocate to the royal estate in Sandringham, Norfolk, with future accommodation to be privately funded by the King.

“These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him,” the statement read.
“Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies remain with the victims and survivors of all forms of abuse.”

Titles and Residence to Go

While a parliamentary act is required to formally revoke Andrew’s Duke of York title, he reportedly relinquished its use voluntarily earlier this month as public pressure mounted over his continued association with Epstein.

Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who has retained the title Duchess of York since their 1996 divorce, will also vacate Royal Lodge and revert to her maiden name. The 66-year-old author and television personality is the mother of Andrew’s two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

Fallout from Epstein Scandal

The King’s move comes shortly after the release of Nobody’s Girl, the posthumous memoir of Virginia Giuffre, who reiterated allegations that she was forced to have s*x with Andrew as a teenager on three occasions. The prince has consistently denied the accusations.

The latest controversy follows the resurfacing of emails suggesting that Andrew remained in contact with Epstein months after publicly claiming to have cut ties with him in 2010.

Andrew’s association with Epstein has haunted his public image since his disastrous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, after which he withdrew from royal duties.

In 2022, Andrew reached an out of court settlement with Giuffre in a civil lawsuit, without admitting liability. Following that, Queen Elizabeth II stripped him of his honorary military titles and royal patronages.

A Royal Crisis Deepens

This latest development underscores King Charles’s determination to protect the monarchy’s image amid continued public backlash over Andrew’s conduct.

Royal observers note that this is the most severe disciplinary action ever taken against a senior member of the royal family in modern history.

As one palace insider reportedly told TheCable:

“This is about accountability and restoring public trust. The King has made it clear that there will be no sacred cows.”

For now, Prince Andrew or Andrew Mountbatten Windsor faces a future outside the royal fold, stripped of both status and privilege as the monarchy distances itself from the Epstein scandal once and for all.

31/10/2025

Oladips Alleges EFCC Extorted ₦10 Million Before His Release After Arrest

Nigerian rapper Oladips has made shocking allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), claiming that the anti-graft agency extorted ₦10 million from him before granting his release.

The hip-hop artist disclosed this during an appearance on the Trending Podcast, nearly a year after his controversial arrest in November 2024. According to him, EFCC operatives stormed his estate during a midnight raid and arrested him alongside several of his neighbours.

Despite spending five days in detention, Oladips said the EFCC found no incriminating evidence against him. He described his ordeal as traumatic, calling it another instance of how innocent Nigerians suffer under a flawed system.

“Nothing was found on me after all their investigations. Nigeria just happened to me,” he lamented.

The rapper further alleged that even after being cleared of any wrongdoing, he was forced to pay ₦10 million to regain his freedom a payment he described as pure extortion.

Inside the Detention Experience

Recalling his experience in EFCC custody, Oladips painted a disturbing picture of the conditions he faced.

“It’s just one smelling place like that. They packed us there like sardines and gave us terrible food,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to fellow artist Zlatan Ibile, who reportedly sent him meals during his detention.

“Funny enough, it was Zlatan that was sending me food. Zlatan is not even a friend that’s my blood. He sent someone to get me proper meals because the food there was bad,” he explained.

Oladips questioned why he was detained for nearly a week when no evidence of financial crime was found against him.

“Why did I spend four to five days there when you people didn’t find anything on me? Not even a single thing. And they still collected ₦10 million from me before releasing me,” he added.

Fear of Challenging the System

When asked if he intended to pursue legal action against the EFCC, the rapper expressed doubt and fear, citing his lack of influence and distrust in the justice system.

“Who is my father? At the end of the day, who is my father? It’s just me and my truth,” he said.
“It’s not something I want to pursue. I don’t even know how the system works. If I was doing Yahoo, I’d be on their page by now. They didn’t find anything on me, and they know it.”

Oladips insisted that his account was based on firsthand experience, stressing that the ₦10 million demanded from him had no legal basis.

“They collected money from me before releasing me. They didn’t find anything on me. So what was the money for? What was all that stress and suffering for? It’s just Nigeria. Nigeria happened to me,” he concluded.

EFCC Yet to Respond

As of the time of this report, the EFCC has not released any official statement addressing Oladips’ allegations. However, the rapper’s claims have stirred widespread outrage and debate online, with many Nigerians calling for transparency and accountability within the agency.

Social media users have flooded Oladips’ comment sections, sharing similar stories of alleged harassment and extortion by EFCC operatives and demanding a thorough investigation.

The incident has further intensified public concern about the methods and integrity of EFCC operations, especially in their handling of cases involving young Nigerians and entertainers.

For now, the nation watches closely to see whether the EFCC will break its silence or launch an internal probe into Oladips’ claims — a story that has once again placed Nigeria’s justice system under intense scrutiny.

29/10/2025

29/10/2025

I Have Received Threats From Terrorists To Bomb NASS Complex – Garba Muhammad

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, Garba Muhammad, has revealed that the National Assembly has received threats from terrorists to bomb the complex.

Muhammad made this disclosure during a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Legislative Security Directorate, a proposed body aimed at enhancing security management and protecting lawmakers, staff members, and visitors within the National Assembly premises.

According to him, the complex has been facing various security challenges, including car and motorcycle theft, vandalism, the use of fake identity cards, and infiltration by unregistered visitors.

DAILY POST recalls that a similar security alert was issued on May 4, 2021, warning of a planned Boko Haram attack on the National Assembly complex and other high-profile government locations in Abuja. Following the alert, the National Assembly restricted access to the premises for safety reasons, while security experts called for stronger federal protection of national infrastructure.

Garba Muhammad stressed the urgent need to fortify the National Assembly complex as a proactive step to prevent possible attacks.

“We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly Complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly.
Legislators are exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access to their offices without any formal appointment,” he said.

He warned that the current security lapses could severely affect the legislative process if not addressed promptly.

“It is obvious that with the ongoing security challenges, if proper measures are not taken, it will truncate legislative activities in the National Assembly.
If activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary at all — and that will destabilise legislative procedure, democracy, and the stability of our nation at large,” he added.

The proposed Legislative Security Directorate is expected to provide a structured framework for internal security operations within the National Assembly, ensuring safety for all who work or visit the complex.

29/10/2025

EFCC Blames Laziness and Greed for Rising Fraud Among Nigerian Youths

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expressed deep concern over the increasing involvement of young Nigerians in fraudulent activities, attributing the trend to laziness, greed, and the pursuit of quick wealth.

According to the Commission, the growing obsession with material success among the youth has continued to erode moral values and weaken the nation’s ethical foundations. It described the situation as a dangerous shift in mindset, where many young people now prioritize luxury and fame over hard work, discipline, and integrity.

EFCC Urges Youths to Embrace Integrity and Hard Work

The Commission’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made the remarks during an orientation and sensitisation programme held for new students of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Nigerian Air Force, Mando, Kaduna, for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Represented by Chief Superintendent Nana Fatima Abubakar from the EFCC Public Affairs Department in Kaduna, Olukoyede delivered a lecture titled “Dangers of Cybercrime.”

He urged Nigerian youths to shun the temptation of quick riches through illegal means and instead build their future on honesty, dedication, and resilience.

“There is no shortcut to wealth,” Olukoyede emphasized. “True success is earned through hard work, perseverance, and integrity. The urge to get rich overnight has destroyed many promising lives.”

He further warned that cybercrime and other forms of financial fraud not only attract criminal prosecution but also lead to loss of freedom, damaged reputation, depression, and even untimely death.

The Dangers of Quick Wealth Mentality

Olukoyede lamented that a disturbing number of young Nigerians now regard internet fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo,” as an easy path to success. He noted that this mindset is being fueled by social media influencers and peer groups that glorify extravagant lifestyles without revealing the dark side of such pursuits.

According to him, “The constant display of luxury cars, designer clothes, and foreign trips online has created unrealistic expectations among youths, who now believe crime is the only way to achieve success.”

He called on students to resist peer pressure and channel their creativity toward legitimate ventures such as digital entrepreneurship, software development, and innovation, adding that the same internet space used for fraud can also serve as a tool for positive impact.

Greed, Laziness, and Peer Pressure Identified as Key Drivers

The EFCC identified greed, laziness, lack of patriotism, and peer pressure as major factors driving young people into financial crimes.

Nana Fatima Abubakar, who represented the Chairman, explained that many of the youths arrested for cybercrime confessed to being influenced by friends who flaunted sudden wealth.

“They want to live big without putting in effort. Some even go as far as combining fraud with drug use and fe**sh practices. It’s a dangerous cycle of moral decay,” she said.

The Commission emphasized that education remains the strongest weapon against corruption and urged academic institutions to integrate anti-corruption and digital ethics awareness into their curriculum to guide students early.

EFCC Promotes Whistleblowing and Digital Reporting

In its ongoing effort to tackle economic crimes, the EFCC encouraged students and the general public to play an active role by reporting suspicious activities through its Eagle Eye App.

Olukoyede assured that all reports are treated with strict confidentiality and that the identity of whistleblowers remains fully protected.

He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s image and future but stressed that the fight against cybercrime cannot succeed without the active participation of citizens.

“Every youth has a choice to make — to build or to destroy. We urge you to choose the path of honor. Nigeria needs your creativity and innovation, not crime and corruption,” he concluded.

The EFCC’s latest warning serves as a timely reminder that while technology has opened doors to global opportunities, it has also become a tool for exploitation in the wrong hands. The Commission insists that the only sustainable route to success lies in honesty, consistency, and hard work.

29/10/2025

CBN Denies Disbursing $1.25bn to Oil Firms for Petrol Importation

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed reports claiming that it disbursed $1.25 billion to major oil companies for the importation of refined petroleum products and related items.

The reports, which circulated on Monday, alleged that the CBN released the funds for oil and gas imports in the first quarter of 2025.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the apex bank described the reports as “entirely inaccurate and misleading.”

According to the CBN, the $1.25 billion figure referenced in its Q1 2025 Sectoral Utilisation of Foreign Exchange report does not represent direct disbursements by the bank. Instead, it reflects the total value of foreign exchange transactions conducted by participants in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) under the willing buyer, willing seller arrangement.

Hakama Sidi-Ali, the CBN’s spokesperson, clarified that since the unification of exchange rates in 2023, the bank no longer allocates foreign exchange directly to any sector.

“Since the unification of exchange rates in 2023, the NFEM has operated as a market-driven system, where foreign exchange is sourced and supplied by market participants, not allocated by the CBN,” she explained.

“Accordingly, the bank has not sold foreign exchange specifically for the importation of refined petroleum or any other products,” she added.

Sidi-Ali further explained that the data cited in the report represents the aggregate foreign exchange utilisation by authorised dealers and end-users who independently sourced funds through the market, in line with existing regulations.

She stressed that these transactions were legitimate market activities and not direct CBN interventions in the oil sector.

The spokesperson assured Nigerians that the apex bank remains committed to maintaining a transparent, market-based foreign exchange system that promotes efficient price discovery, economic stability, and confidence in the nation’s financial sector.