OgunSpeaks

06/09/2025

Osun Police Arrest Fake Lawyer Who Practiced for 10 Years, Defrauded Clients of ₦50m

Police operatives in Osun State have arrested a man who allegedly posed as a lawyer for nearly a decade, defrauding unsuspecting clients of more than ₦50 million.

The suspect, identified as Emmanuel Odeh, was said to have operated under the name A.O. Emmanuel, offering legal representation, estate agency, and public consultancy services, mainly in Lagos and Abuja.

Arrest and Confession

Odeh was arrested on August 28, 2025, inside a courthouse in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while representing a client. His arrest followed a petition from one of his victims, who became suspicious and demanded proof of his Call to Bar certificate.

During interrogation, Odeh confessed that he is actually a 400-level law student at Benue State University and has never been called to the Nigerian Bar.

NBA’s Reaction

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo branch, condemned the incident, describing Odeh’s actions as a serious stain on the legal profession and a grave injustice to his victims.

Charges and Public Warning

The suspect is currently in police custody at the X-Squad Department in Osogbo, where investigations are ongoing. He is expected to face prosecution on charges of impersonation and fraud.

Police authorities and the NBA have urged members of the public to always verify the credentials of lawyers before engaging their services, to avoid financial losses and compromised legal representation.

06/09/2025

Trump Threatens EU With Trade Probe Over Fines on U.S. Tech Giants

President Donald Trump has warned of a possible trade investigation against the European Union, accusing it of unfairly targeting American technology giants such as Google and Apple with hefty fines.

In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump claimed the EU was “effectively taking money that would otherwise go to American investments and jobs.” He threatened to initiate a Section 301 proceeding to nullify what he described as “discriminatory” penalties.

“We cannot let this happen to brilliant and unprecedented American ingenuity,” Trump declared, following news that the EU had fined Google nearly $3.5 billion in a high-profile antitrust case involving its digital advertising practices.

Trump further criticized the EU’s actions against Apple, referencing cumulative penalties amounting to $17 billion, including a 2024 court ruling ordering the company to pay $14 billion in back taxes. “Apple should get their money back!” he insisted.

The former U.S. president also labeled the EU’s regulatory clampdowns as “very unfair,” warning that American taxpayers would not tolerate such treatment of homegrown companies.

Google’s Legal Troubles in the U.S.

Separately, Google is facing its own legal battles at home. A U.S. federal court has ordered the company to pay $425 million for violating user privacy by collecting data from millions of users who had switched off a tracking feature in their Google accounts.

The class action lawsuit, filed in July 2020, covers about 98 million Google users and 174 million devices. Plaintiffs alleged that the company’s collection practices extended across hundreds of thousands of smartphone apps, including Uber, Lyft, Alibaba, Amazon, Instagram, and Facebook.

While the jury found Google liable on two of three claims, it ruled that the company had not acted with malice. Plaintiffs had originally sought more than $31 billion in damages.

Google, in response, stated that even when users disable Web & App Activity, data collected through Google Analytics does not identify individuals and complies with privacy standards.

06/09/2025

Nigeria Sliding Toward Dictatorship Under Tinubu Govt, PDP Governors Warn

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) has warned that Nigeria is edging closer to dictatorship, worsening hunger, and insecurity under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The warning was contained in a statement signed by Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, Director General of the Forum, on behalf of its chairman, Senator Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, during the Eid-el-Maulud celebration.

“Today, our country is at a crossroads as Nigerians become increasingly disconnected from the services they deserve. As we inch daily toward full-blown dictatorship with its attendant abuse of power, citizens live in abject penury in the face of plenty. Leadership is once again called to urgently address insecurity, our compromised judicial system, and failed economic policies that have resulted in intolerable hunger, poverty, and unemployment,” the Forum said.

Call to Reflect on Prophet Muhammad’s Teachings

The governors also drew attention to the lessons of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

“His message of peace, tolerance, and service to humanity resonates across all faiths and cultures. As we reflect on his legacy, may we be inspired to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, promote understanding, and work together toward a more harmonious society,” the statement noted.

Restoring Trust Through Leadership Values

They stressed that the celebration should remind leaders of the values needed to rebuild citizens’ trust in governance.

“Let this day be a reminder of the values we must uphold and share — public service with accountability, kindness without expectation, humility, and the pursuit of truth to restore faith in our country,” the Forum added.

Eid-el-Maulud Greetings

The statement concluded with a message of goodwill:

“May this day be filled with joy, prayer, and meaningful connection with loved ones. Wishing you a peaceful and blessed Eid-el-Maulud.”

06/09/2025

DR Congo Declares Fresh Ebola Outbreak: Over 20 Suspected Cases Reported

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has confirmed a new outbreak of the Ebola virus, with health authorities recording more than 20 suspected cases.

According to the Ministry of Health, laboratory tests conducted on September 3, 2025, confirmed the presence of the deadly virus. The index case was identified as a 34-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted on August 20, presenting symptoms such as high fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, Eyes of Lagos reports.

This marks the 16th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since the virus was first discovered in 1976.

WHO Deploys Rapid Response Team

In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed a national rapid response team to contain the spread and support the country’s emergency health system. Health experts stress that swift action and early detection are critical to preventing a wider public health crisis.

A Troubled History with Ebola

The DRC has endured multiple Ebola epidemics over the decades, with the most severe outbreak occurring between 2018 and 2020, which claimed thousands of lives before being brought under control. The recurrence of the virus underscores ongoing challenges in the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

Government’s Call for Calm

Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm while adhering strictly to safety guidelines. Surveillance systems, treatment centers, and vaccination campaigns are being reinforced in affected areas to curb the spread of the virus.

05/09/2025

FG Seeks Fresh $1.75bn World Bank Loan Despite 40.5% Surge in Revenue

The Federal Government is pushing for a new $1.75 billion loan from the World Bank, even as revenue collections soared by 40.5% in the first eight months of 2025.

According to the Presidency, Nigeria’s fiscal performance between January and August 2025 hit a record ₦20.59 trillion, up from ₦14.6 trillion in the same period of 2024. Notably, non-oil revenue accounted for 75% of this figure, highlighting progress in diversification.

Despite this revenue boost, funding shortfalls remain in infrastructure and capital spending. Local contractors under the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria protested in Abuja this week, demanding payment of about ₦4 trillion owed for 2024 projects.

Breakdown of the Expected $1.75bn Loan

The World Bank is set to approve the loan before the end of 2025, spread across four key projects:

Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth – $500m (Approval expected: Dec 11, 2025)

Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth – $500m (Approval expected: Oct 31, 2025)

Health Security Programme in Western & Central Africa, Nigeria Phase II – $250m (Approval expected: Sept 30, 2025)

Fostering Inclusive Finance for MSMEs – $500m (Approval expected: Dec 18, 2025)

These projects target agriculture, health, technology, and small business financing.

Rising Debt Concerns

Data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) shows Nigeria’s debt to the World Bank rose to $18.23bn as of March 2025, representing 39.7% of Nigeria’s total external debt.

Economists remain divided:

Adewale Abimbola, a Lagos-based economist, argued that concessionary loans tied to viable projects are not necessarily harmful if effectively utilized.

Dr Aliyu Ilias, a development economist, expressed concern over Nigeria’s ballooning debt, warning that despite increased revenues post-fuel subsidy removal, debt servicing is crowding out capital spending.

Dr Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, stressed the need for debt sustainability, cautioning that excessive foreign borrowing exposes Nigeria to exchange rate risks.

The Bigger Picture

Nigeria has secured $8.40bn in new loans from the World Bank between June 2023 and August 2025, covering 15 projects across energy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and governance. While borrowing provides short-term relief, experts warn that without efficient deployment, revenue growth, and prudent fiscal management, the nation risks sinking deeper into debt dependency.

04/09/2025

04/09/2025

NMA Laments as Resident Doctor Dies After 72-Hour Shift at Rivers State Hospital

Dr. Oluwafemi Rotifa, a resident doctor at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), has died after reportedly working an exhausting 72-hour shift without rest.

Fondly called Femoski by colleagues, Rotifa was said to be the only doctor on duty at the hospital’s emergency unit during the marathon call. He collapsed shortly after retreating to the call room and was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit, where efforts to revive him failed.

His death has triggered outrage within Nigeria’s medical community. Rotifa, a former President of the Port Harcourt University Medical Students’ Association, had only recently secured registration with the UK General Medical Council in preparation for relocation abroad.

Confirming the incident, the President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr. Tope Osundara, described the death as “preventable,” blaming it on chronic manpower shortages and unsafe working conditions.

“He was the only doctor on duty in the emergency room and had been on call for 72 hours. The overuse of manpower and exhaustion killed him. This was a death on duty,” Osundara said.

He warned that without urgent reforms, more tragedies would occur, stressing that many hospitals operate with skeletal staff while doctors remain overworked, underpaid, and poorly motivated. Osundara also called on the government to compensate Rotifa’s family and enforce staffing policies to protect healthcare workers.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) echoed the concerns. Its Vice President, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, described the incident as “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” urging authorities to prioritise better welfare, health insurance, and regulated working hours for doctors.

Rotifa’s death highlights Nigeria’s worsening healthcare crisis. While the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:600, NMA data shows Nigeria operates at 1:10,000.

The tragedy has sparked grief among colleagues, friends, and former classmates, who praised Rotifa’s diligence and passion, while also condemning a health system that many believe is failing its caregivers.

04/09/2025

US Donates $32.5m to WFP for Food Aid in Nigeria

The United States government has donated $32.5 million to the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide food and nutrition assistance to conflict-affected communities in Nigeria.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the US Embassy in Nigeria said the funds will support life-saving interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the north-east and north-west regions, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as women and children.

“World Food Program Nigeria, with U.S. Government’s contribution of $32.5 million, will provide food assistance and nutrition support to internally displaced persons across conflict-affected areas,” the statement read.

According to the embassy, the aid will benefit 764,205 people, including 41,569 pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls and 43,235 children, through electronic food vouchers and complementary nutrition top-ups.

The donation builds on broader US commitments to tackling hunger. Last month, Washington announced a $93 million emergency food assistance programme for 13 nations, including Nigeria, to combat worsening hunger and malnutrition. The package includes ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) for nearly one million children suffering from severe malnutrition.

Other beneficiary countries include Haiti, Mali, Niger, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Madagascar, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Kenya, and Chad.

The US government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria and other vulnerable nations in addressing food insecurity and improving nutrition for at-risk populations.

04/09/2025

FG Generates ₦20.59 Trillion From Non-Oil Revenue in Eight Months

The Presidency on Wednesday announced that Nigeria’s non-oil sector generated ₦20.59 trillion between January and August 2025, surpassing the federal government’s revenue target for the year.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled “Nigeria’s Non-Oil Revenues Power Strongest Fiscal Performance in Recent History,” the impressive growth reflects reforms aimed at improving fiscal stability, strengthening compliance, and digitising tax administration.

Onanuga disclosed that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) alone generated ₦3.68 trillion in the first half of the year, ₦390 billion above target and 56 per cent of the full-year projection. He added that this growth has significantly boosted allocations shared at the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

From January to August, total non-oil collections rose by 40.5 per cent compared to ₦14.6 trillion in the same period of 2024. The Presidency noted that for the first time, monthly FAAC disbursements to states and local governments crossed ₦2 trillion in July 2025, giving subnational governments greater fiscal space to fund food security, infrastructure, and social services.

President Bola Tinubu highlighted the achievement during a meeting with a delegation of the Buhari Organisation, stressing that the Federal Government is no longer borrowing from local banks a direct result of stronger fiscal performance.

While acknowledging the positive trajectory, Onanuga admitted that rising revenues still fall short of the President’s ambitions for education, health, and infrastructure. He assured that ongoing reforms would close these gaps and ensure that increased revenues translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

“Nigeria’s fiscal foundations are being reshaped. For the first time in decades, oil is no longer the dominant driver of government revenue. The combination of reforms, compliance, and digitisation powers a more resilient economy. The task ahead is to ensure these gains are felt in better schools, hospitals, roads, and jobs,” Onanuga stated.

The Presidency emphasised that the ₦20.59 trillion generated within eight months represents the most substantial collection in Nigeria’s history. Non-oil revenue alone accounted for ₦15.69 trillion, or three out of every four naira earned, underscoring the nation’s shift away from oil dependence.

It added that while inflation and foreign exchange revaluation played a role, the growth was primarily reform-driven, propelled by Customs automation, digitised filings, broader compliance, and tighter enforcement.

The Presidency affirmed that collections are ahead of expectations and will be validated by the Budget Office at the end of the fiscal year. It concluded that revenues are rising, reforms are working, and the priority now is to channel these gains into food security, job creation, and critical investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

04/09/2025

EFCC Arrests Ahamba Tochukwu Over ₦2 Billion Failed Investment Scheme

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Chief Executive Officer of Gavice Logistics Limited, Ahamba Tochukwu, for allegedly defrauding investors of more than ₦2 billion through a failed logistics investment scheme.

In a statement on Wednesday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said Tochukwu lured unsuspecting investors with promises of a 50 per cent return on investments in haulage, courier, and e-commerce services.

Investigations revealed that over 400 people subscribed to the scheme but were unable to recover their funds after Tochukwu allegedly absconded with the money in November 2024. He was later tracked down and apprehended by the commission.

The EFCC, while confirming the arrest, warned Nigerians against patronising unverified investment platforms and fraudulent schemes.

“With his arrest, members of the public are advised to desist from patronising unverified pyramid schemes and fraudulent investment promoters in order to avoid being defrauded,” the statement read.

04/09/2025

Nigerian Embassies Grapple With Unpaid Rents, Salary Arrears – FG

The Federal Government has admitted that several Nigerian embassies and consulates abroad are facing serious financial and operational challenges, including unpaid staff salaries, rent arrears, and debts owed to service providers.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that the situation has hindered the smooth running of diplomatic missions in various countries.

“The Ministry is not unaware of the restrictions that financial limitations have placed on the smooth running of the missions, including the inability to pay salaries of locally recruited staff, financial obligations to service providers, rent to landlords, and the foreign service allowance to home-based officers,” the statement read.

Ebienfa explained that the problems stem from budgetary shortfalls over the years, which have significantly undermined the effective functioning of Nigerian missions abroad. He stressed, however, that the welfare of diplomatic staff and their families remains a top priority for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, the government has released special intervention funds to cushion the effects of the hardship, while a committee has been set up to verify and address the debt profiles of affected missions. He added that over 80 per cent of available funds have been cleared for payments, with priority given to service providers, salaries of locally recruited staff, and arrears owed to officers.

The Ministry also confirmed that it has engaged the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to secure refunds for allocation shortfalls in the 2024 fiscal year, caused by foreign exchange differentials under the new monetary policy. The first tranche of funds has already been remitted to missions, while second-semester allocations have been approved.

Efforts are also underway to develop a sustainable financial model to ensure long-term stability in the operations of missions abroad.

The Ministry commended the resilience of diplomatic staff working under difficult conditions and expressed gratitude to host governments and international partners for their understanding. It reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to effective diplomacy and the protection of citizens worldwide, assuring that the current financial challenges are temporary and will soon be resolved.

04/09/2025

DSS Arraigns Nine Over Benue, Plateau Killings and Gunrunning

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday arraigned nine individuals before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged roles in the recent killings in Benue and Plateau States, as well as illegal arms dealings.

Among those arraigned were Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. They face a four-count charge in connection with the June 13 attacks on Abinsi and Yelewata villages in Guma LGA, Benue State, alongside others still at large.

Two other defendants, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both from Guma LGA, were arraigned on a three-count charge for alleged reprisal attacks in Ukpam village, which led to the destruction of property and the loss of 12 cattle.

In a related case, Halima Haliru Umar, 32, from Faskari LGA of Katsina State, was charged with four counts for allegedly concealing information about a suspected gunrunner and kidnapper, identified as Alhaji Sani.

The DSS also filed a six-count charge against Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu LGA, Benue State, accusing him of unlawful possession of 18 fi****ms, including grenades, in violation of the Fi****ms Act.

Additionally, 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo, both natives of Plateau State, were arraigned for allegedly trading two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles worth ₦3 million without a licence. Another suspect, 62-year-old Danjuma Antu from Jos North LGA, Plateau, faced a five-count charge for allegedly possessing two locally made pistols designed to fire 9mm rounds.

Out of the nine, only Manjo pleaded guilty to two of the charges, which involved the unlawful purchase and resale of fi****ms between July and August 2025 in Plateau State.

Ashuwa and Alede were further accused of attending a meeting linked to acts of terrorism at Couch Bar, Daudu village, in July.

The arraignment followed months of coordinated assaults in Benue and Plateau States, which have left hundreds dead and forced thousands to flee. On June 13, gunmen launched coordinated attacks on Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma LGA, Benue State, killing over 200 people, including farmers and displaced persons.

In response, President Bola Tinubu ordered the arrest of the perpetrators during his visit to Benue, where he criticised security agencies for failing to apprehend the attackers. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, later confirmed that 28 suspects had been arrested in connection with the massacre.