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Category: Interview

  • EFCC prevented us from providing food to VDM – Friends claim

    EFCC prevented us from providing food to VDM – Friends claim

    Friends and associates of popular Nigerian social media personality and influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), have voiced concern over the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) refusal to allow them to provide him with food.

    Recall that VDM’s legal representative, activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju, in a statement, alleged that VDM was arrested by EFCC operatives on Friday.

    The arrest has sparked outrage online and raised questions about a certain bank’s alleged complicity in what critics describe as a targeted crackdown.

    In a five-minute video released by Koko Pee, one of VDM’s close friends, he revealed that the EFCC denied him the opportunity to bring food to VDM, stating that the Commission would provide food themselves to him.

    “We are here at the EFCC headquarters, trying to take food and go and see VDM. The body that took the beating needs to eat,” Koko Pee said.

    A few minutes later, he released another video while returning from the EFCC headquarters, saying, “There is a standing order for no one to see him or give him food until Monday.”

    At the time of filing this report, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale was unavailable for comment or call. As all number attached to the EFCC social handles proved abortive.

  • Curbing insecurity goes beyond carrying guns—Uzodimma

    Curbing insecurity goes beyond carrying guns—Uzodimma

    Owerri— The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, yesterday said that to curb insecurity in the country would go beyond carrying guns.

    The governor spoke to newsmen in a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachukwu, when the governor received the Management and Course 18 participants of the National Institute for Security Studies, NISS, at the Government House in Owerri.

    The governor mentioned that to surmount insecurity would “include a system of government from the grassroots where  citizens will show interest and participate as well as putting preventive measures.”

    According to Oguwuike’s statement, “The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has maintained that insecurity in Nigeria can only be surmounted with an inclusive system of government from the grassroots where citizens will show interest and participate.

    “Senator Uzodimma canvassed this view when the Management and Course 18 participants   of the National Institute for Security Studies ( NISS) paid him a courtesy   visit at the New Exco Chambers, Government House Owerri on Wednesday.

    “The Governor pointed out that; “curbing insecurity goes beyond carrying guns to pursue aggrieved people, and opined that putting in place preventive measures remains the most effective solution to insecurity in the country. “Senator Uzodimma thanked the Management of the National Institute for Security Studies for choosing Imo State as their catchment area for this year’s study and encouraged them to use the opportunity presented by the Course and their first-hand experience in the state to proffer an approach to managing insecurity in Imo and the nation at large.”

  • I was offered N5bn to impeach Fubara —CoS, Ehie

    I was offered N5bn to impeach Fubara —CoS, Ehie

    In a startling twist to the political intrigues in Rivers State, Chief of Staff to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Mr. Edison Ehie, has alleged that he was offered N5 billion to coordinate the impeachment of his principal.

    This is coming as Fubara, yesterday, vowed to continue to defend the interests of Rivers People, just as the Transition Monitoring Group, TMG, and Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, in the state revealed their plan to sue President Bola Tinubu’s appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State for the alleged misuse of fund.

    I was offered N5bn to impeach Fubara —Ehie

    Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ehie claimed he has evidence of the bribe offer stored on his phone.

    He said: “I can also open my phone to show you, in the beginning of October 2023, when they approached me with a bribe of N5 billion. It is here in my phone,

    “It was for impeachment. It’s here. I have it and I have printed it and distributed it, in case, in their evil imagination, they decide to attack me. I already have a son and a brother.”

    Ehie said the offer was made while he was serving as the majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    He also denied claims that he orchestrated the October 30, 2023, bombing of the Rivers Assembly complex on Fubara’s orders.

    The allegation was made by a former Head of Service in the state, George Nwaeke, who alleged that he witnessed a bag of money being handed over to Ehie at the Government House to execute the operation.

    Dismissing the claims as false and politically motivated, Ehie said: “It is very important to clarify that I had no hand and was not part of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Like everyone else, I woke up in the early hours of October 30, 2023 to hear of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

    Ehie stated that he had instructed his lawyers to file a lawsuit against Nwaeke for criminal libel.
    “I will not join issues completely with Mr. George Nwaeke because I have already instructed my lawyers to file an issue of criminal libel against him, and I hope he is very prepared to substantiate his claims and his allegations,” he said.

    He further alleged that Nwaeke had sought financial assistance from him on the same day he resigned as head of service.

    Fubara vows to defend Rivers’ interests

    Meanwhile, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has vowed to defend the interest of people of the state despite the ongoing crisis that degenerated into a state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu penultimate week.

    He said: “Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constituted authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,”

    Fubara assured residents that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.

    He stated this when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-el-Fitri visit.

    Addressing the delegation, Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process, saying: “This season is one of love, sharing and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”

    He acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed but emphasized that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.

    “No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that, in the end, we will emerge stronger,” he added.

    TMG, CSOs to challenge Rivers Sole Administrator in court

    The Transition Monitoring Group, TMG, and several Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, have declared their intent to challenge the actions of Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), in court. They accused him of unlawfully spending state funds without an approved budget.

    At a press briefing in Port Harcourt, TMG Coordinator, Nathaniel Akporuvweku condemned the state of emergency and Ibas’ governance as unconstitutional. “No provision in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, allows for the appointment of a sole administrator to govern any state in Nigeria,” Akporuvweku argued.

    He listed grievances against Ibas, including: Suspension of all political appointees in the state, unauthorized spending of state funds without due process, appointment of government officials without legislative approval and secret investigations of Governor Fubara.

    “The ongoing political instability is distressing to Rivers people. The Sole Administrator must adopt a neutral approach to avoid worsening tensions. If he continues this unconstitutional spending, we will have no choice but to seek legal redress,” Akporuvweku warned.

    He reiterated calls for President Tinubu to lift the state of emergency and restore democratic governance in Rivers State, emphasizing that the rule of law must prevail.

    Don’t kill democracy in Nigeria, Dele Momodu tells Tinubu

    A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dele Momodu, yesterday, faulted President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Fubara, his deputy and the Rivers State House of Assembly, labelling the move as “anti-democratic.”

    Momodu, who spoke on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief, said that the decision contradicts the democratic ideals Tinubu once advocated.

    His words: “I think it is very unfortunate. I know President Tinubu very, very, very well. Though I’ve not been in the same party with him and all that, we were together in exile, and he fought gallantly for this democracy. So a lot of us, co-comrades at that time, are actually very embarrassed that we have a pro-democracy leader in government, and yet what we are witnessing is worse than dictatorship.

    “And I have said it openly so many times, in many open letters, you can fail in economy, no problem; people will forgive you and say you’re not a professor of economics. You can fail in other areas, but don’t fail in democracy.

    “I’m pleading with President Bola Tinubu, ‘Please don’t kill democracy in Nigeria.’

    “Everybody who loves him will tell him this. I don’t; I’ve not asked him for anything, but we love him for his contributions to the motivation in the back, which is what is going down the drain.”

  • Gov Mbah okays promotion, conversion of 2,061 civil servants

    Gov Mbah okays promotion, conversion of 2,061 civil servants

    Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has approved the promotion and conversion of  2,061 civil servants who participated in the 2024 promotion and conversation exercises in the state.

    This is even as elated civil servants in the state expressed delight at the prioritisation of their welfare by Mbah’s administration through the prompt payments of salaries and emoluments, improved working environment and capacity.

    Chairman of Enugu State Civil Service Commission, ESCSC, Mr. Robison Odo, who disclosed this yesterday, said:  “The executive governor of the state recently gave his approval for the release of the promotion and conversion exercises of 2,061 officers who successfully partook in the 2024 promotion interviews.

    “The promotion and conversion exercises affected officers from grade level 01 to grade level 17. On our part, we will waste no time in implementing the governor’s approval.’’

    Odo, who hailed Mbah for the prompt payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, said the governor had shown resilience and commitment to the welfare of workers in the state since the inception of his administration.

    “We want to appreciate the governor in a special way for all he is doing for workers in the state. Despite the enormous work going on across every sector of the state, he still approved ¦ 80,000 minimum wage in 2024, which is beyond the national minimum wage benchmark,” he noted.

    According to him, workers in the state will continue to support the governor’s programmes in order to achieve the goals set out by the administration for the benefits of the state.

    He added:  “On our part, we will continue to instill discipline in the service, with the commitment to foster creativity, innovation and productivity that would help the success of the government.’’

  • Female Naval officer abducted in Abuja, Police mum

    Female Naval officer abducted in Abuja, Police mum

    Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a Nigerian Navy officer attached to the Defence Headquarters, Lt. Cynthia Akor, along with two others in Abuja.

    Sources said the officer and others were kidnapped from their residence in the Mpape area of the Federal Capital Territory on Friday night.

    A source said the kidnappers have contacted the families of the hostages, demanding a ransom of N100 million for their release.

    Among the three people who were kidnapped on Friday night in the Mpape area is a DHQ official, Akor.

    The kidnappers have already reached out to their families and are demanding N100m ransom,” the source said.

    FCT Police authorities have refused to comment on the development but Vanguard gathered that investigations have commenced with the matter.

    Meanwhile, joint Police, Navy and Defence headquarters teams have launched a manhunt for the abductors as well as a search and rescue effort.

    Both the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, and the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau are yet to comment on the development

  • Release of Nnamdi Kanu not connected to S-East security issues — Soludo

    Release of Nnamdi Kanu not connected to S-East security issues — Soludo

    The governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, has said releasing the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from detention and insecurity in the South-East are two different issues.

    Kanu has been in detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) for about 5 years since his arrest from Kenya by the Nigerian government despite calls from different quarters for his release.

    Some people who are calling for the release of the IPOB leader argue that it will reduce the level of insecurity in the South-East.

    But during a media chat to celebrate his third anniversary on Monday, Governor Soludo, who is among those who have been calling for Kanu’s release said: “The release of Nnamdi Kanu for me is different from the issue of security, I separate the two, I don’t link the two.

    “Nnamdi Kanu for me is for us to have a conversation of a long-term future for the Igbos and that is a different conversation.

    “For the criminals who are kidnappers, we have given them an olive branch, come out, we will train you, we will empower you, we will rehabilitate you, if you don’t we take you out.”

    Soludo said his continued appeal for the release of the IPOB leader is to have him around so that he could be a part of a broader discussion to decide the future of the Igbo people.

    However, the governor recalled that whilst he continued his appeal for Kanu’s release, “a whole lot of this Simon Ekpa and some of this his band of criminals took over and turned the things into a killing spree, just killing people with reckless abandon.”

    Simon Ekpa, who claimed to have taken over as IPOB leader upon Kanu’s arrest, was  arrested in Finland where he resides in November last year by the Finnish police for what it termed  “public exhortation to an offence, committed with terrorist intent.”

    Governor Soludo said that he has no idea what Ekpa is pursuing other than to “swindle people for money.”

  • ‘Only APC people are moving to SDP’ — Galadima

    ‘Only APC people are moving to SDP’ — Galadima

    Alhaji Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has downplayed the defection wave to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), saying the party is a branch of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Galadima, speaking on Arise Television on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, said it is not out of place that NNPP chieftains are joining the SDP because, according to him, the party is an appendage of the ruling party.

    He said, “The SDP that you talked about in your introduction is a branch of the APC. It was those APC people that moved to what you now called SDP. Nothing more. How many people from other parties have moved to the SDP? That is the question the people should ask. So, it is not out of place, you’re in Lagos. this is the character of Lagos to decimate opposition.”

    Galadima’s comment followed Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s call for opposition leaders to join the SDP in 2027 to wrestle power from the APC.

    El-Rufai, who left the APC for the SDP earlier in March, has been inviting stakeholders and chieftains of other opposition parties, urging them to join his new party and form a strong force against President Bola Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    Recently, El-Rufai specifically invited Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and President Tinubu’s estranged ally, Rauf Aregbesola, to dump their parties for the SDP.

    Meanwhile, Sule Lamido, a former Jigawa State Governor and PDP chieftain, has rejected El-Rufai’s invitation to the SDP.

    In a BBC Hausa interview on Sunday, March 16, 2025, Lamido described the former governor’s invitation as an insult, saying the PDP laid the foundation for El-Rufai’s political career.

    Lamido also questioned El-Rufai’s leadership style and motive for dumping the APC for the SDP.

    “Leadership is done with patience and vision, and doing things for the peace of the followers and the country as a whole,” Lamido said.

    While restating his loyalty to the PDP, Lamido said the opposition party did nothing to warrant his defection.

  • IPOB’s lawyer accuses Anambra govt of violating citizens’ rights, wants all arrested charged to court

    IPOB’s lawyer accuses Anambra govt of violating citizens’ rights, wants all arrested charged to court

    Owerri – The Counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, on Saturday called on the government of Anambra state to charge to court some persons, Ejiofor alleged were arrested for the past five weeks in the state.

    Ejiofor spoke in a statement to newsmen in Owerri while commenting on what he tagged as “violations of citizens rights.”

    According to him, “Today March 15, 2025, marks five full weeks since several citizens of Anambra State were arbitrarily arrested and detained in a private facility controlled by the state government. Shockingly, they have not been charged with any offence or brought before any court of law. This is a flagrant violation of their fundamental rights.

    “More disturbing is the fact that these individuals were not placed under the custody of the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), or even the military for investigation. Instead, they have remained unlawfully detained without any formal explanation from the state government. Regrettably, some misguided individuals are applauding this clear infraction of the law.

    “For five weeks, the Anambra State Government has failed to provide any official briefing or statement to the public on the status of these detainees. This lack of transparency is unacceptable. We are often quick to criticize the Federal Government or its agencies for abuse of power, including enforced disappearances and illegal detentions. Yet, here we are, witnessing similar acts at the state level.

    “Security is a collective responsibility. I have always championed active citizen participation in combating insecurity by providing credible intelligence to security agencies. It is on record that I was among the fearless voices that condemned the heinous activities of criminals masquerading as agitators when they were wrecking havoc and unleashing terror on our people. At the height of these atrocities, I publicly urged Governor Soludo to deploy all legal means to decisively tackle these elements. I emphasized that they were not genuine agitators but criminals who should be treated as such.

    “At that time, many who now attack those speaking the truth were too weak and afraid to voice their opinions. I, on the other hand, put my life, my family, and my staff at risk by standing against these criminals. I am fully aware that intelligence reports indicated several plots to eliminate me, yet I remained steadfast, trusting in God’s protection.”

    It was his view that; “That being said, I want to make my position crystal clear: I, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, will never support anyone proven to be aiding or abetting criminal activities in our land. If there is verifiable evidence implicating or linking any individual to the commision of any crime, the law must take its course.”

    Ejiofor recalled that; “I have previously commended the Anambra State Government’s Agụnechemba security outfit for its efforts in restoring order. The security outfit has done well, in restoring some level of security in the state, and the Soludo administration deserves credit for its achievements. However, I have always stressed the need for professionalism and adherence to rules of engagement by security agents, to minimize casualties and avoid unnecessary errors.”

    “For those misconstruing my stance, let me make it clear- I am not attacking the state government. I have consistently spoken out against infractions by the Federal Government and its agencies, and I will not hesitate to do the same when our own state government errs. Political affiliations or fear of the unknown should not prevent us from speaking truth to power. I admire Governor Soludo’s vision and commend his efforts, but respect for the rule of law must remain non-negotiable,” he concluded.

  • Father has collected money from me several times, says Asake after viral video

    Father has collected money from me several times, says Asake after viral video

    A viral video featuring a man, Fatai Odunsi, who claims to be the father of popular artist, Asake, has stirred controversy on social media since the early hours of Friday, March 14. In the video, Odunsi claimed he had not seen Asake since 2022, when his health began to deteriorate, and he now felt the need to speak help publicly. He pleaded with Nigerians for financial assistance, revealing that he has been battling a stroke since 2022. He further alleged that despite Asake’s fame and success, the singer has not been financially supportive of him.

    “I am Asake’s father. I gave birth to him. I gave birth to Asake, Ahmed, the singer. Babatunde Ololade Odunsin, Mr. Money. Since I had a stroke, I haven’t seen him. The last time I saw him was March 29, 2022. He doesn’t pick my calls when I call him. Please, I only need your help,” Odunsi said.

    Responding in a video, Asake was seen singing in Yoruba, seemingly addressing the controversy. The lyrics of his song conveyed a message about staying true to himself despite external pressures. He sang, “You can’t please the world. Whatever you do, do it for God and always remember the day you’ll die and meet your God. My people, can you see how it’s going? Even my father wants to cajole me, but I stand firm and they can’t off my light. I used to press money for him and I do it with one mind. If you strike, I will move on. No one can quench my fire. God is the one that is taking me ahead in life.”

    Meanwhile, a prominent showbiz personality who spoke to Saturday Beats anonymously on Friday, alleged that Asake had not been caring for his father, whom he referred to as “Malo.” The source also claimed that Asake has a child who has been under Malo’s care since birth, and the child recently turned a year older on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The source further stated that the only things Asake had ever given his father were a Lexus car and an apartment on Lagos Island, with the rent set to expire in December 2025.

    Also reacting to the viral post, Asake’s ex-manager, Tunde Phoenix, criticised the singer’s alleged abandonment of his father, writing, “Operation GoFundMe for your favorite’s Papa. Please help us find that old man, his seed won’t listen. He abandons people who have helped him. Even if they left you, should you act like them when God has blessed you beyond your wildest dreams? A heart of a man reveals all you need to know. Please find Papa, let’s get him the help he needs. These children have the audacity.”

    In another post, he further condemned Asake’s actions, adding, “One by one, God will show you who they are. Not my words anymore. Go and pick Papi up. We don’t care if he left as a child, in fact, I believe that man over anything you will say. If you don’t, we will handle your responsibilities for you and do a full interview with him to give us all the truths the masses want to know. You are a public figure. Get PR girl, put a statement together or I will. PS: PR girl is a vibe. Love her, I would definitely date her, she has a good heart but keeps bad company.”

    The controversy continues to fuel online debates, with many Nigerians sharing their perspectives on the family dispute.

    Reacting to Odunsi’s video, Sulaimon Alade recounted his past interactions with Asake and his father, writing, “I was Asake’s teacher when he was in nursery school, right in front of my family house (Ile Atapupa or Ile Oni Gelede at No. 70 Ojuolokun Street, Isale Eko, Lagos). Back then, I worked with my brother, Musbau Teacher, the proprietor of MPS Mussey Private School. His father took good care of him as a single parent, dropping him off at school every morning. I swear with the Quran. After school, he would go to Agboolokun, his mother’s house, and stay there until evening when his dad (Malo) returned from work. I don’t know why he neglected his dad to this extent.”

    Echoing Alade’s sentiments, Adetola Adunade Oso also shared his thoughts: “Fact. Malo took care of Ahmed (Asake). He never failed in his responsibilities as a father. We both worked with the Lagos Island Local Government—though in different departments—but maintained a cordial relationship until I retired in 2022. I can’t believe Ahmed could neglect his father in this state. I pray the Almighty Allah restores his health. So sad. Always smiling, Lammedah.”

  • Starship to leave for Mars at end of 2026 – Elon Musk

    Starship to leave for Mars at end of 2026 – Elon Musk

    SpaceX founder Elon Musk said Saturday its massive Starship rocket would leave for Mars at the end of 2026 with Tesla humanoid robot Optimus onboard, adding that human landings could follow “as soon as 2029.”

    “Starship departs for Mars at the end of next year, carrying Optimus. If those landings go well, then human landings may start as soon as 2029, although 2031 is more likely,” Musk said on his X social network.

    Starship — the world’s largest and most powerful rocket — is key to Musk’s long-term vision of colonizing Mars.

    NASA is also awaiting a modified version of Starship as a lunar lander for its Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon this decade.

    But before SpaceX can carry out those missions, it must prove the vehicle is reliable, safe for crew, and capable of complex in-orbit refueling — critical for deep space missions.

    SpaceX faced a setback this month when its latest test flight of the Starship prototype ended in a fiery explosion, even as the booster was successfully caught in its orbital test.

    It was a near replay of the previous attempt.

    Minutes after liftoff and booster separation, a live video feed showed the upper stage tumbling uncontrollably before the signal abruptly cut.

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said SpaceX will be required to conduct an investigation before it can fly again.