Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Delta State Police Command has impounded twenty-five vehicles over the enforcement of the tinted glass permit.

Recall that a Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, on Friday ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to suspend the enforcement of the tinted glass permit by vehicle owners.

The court asked the police and the IGP to maintain the status quo and ‘respect judicial processes pending further proceedings in the matter.’

In April, the Nigeria Police Force announced it had resumed the issuance of tinted glass permits nationwide through the Police Specialised Services Automation Project, after suspending the scheme in 2022.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, initially set an August 12 deadline for motorists to obtain the permits, but later extended it to October 2.

The Police defended the policy as lawful, citing the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991 and national security concerns.

A statement on Friday, October 3, on its verified ‘X’ page – @DeltaPoliceNG said, ‘Enforcement of tint permits. Twenty-five vehicles were impounded for driving a tinted vehicle without a tinted permit in Asaba.

‘Visit @POSSAP_NGG website today and get it done or your police state headquarters.’

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State chapter, has accused the reinstated All Progressives Congress (APC) local government executives of attempting to induce workers to resume duties despite ongoing council leadership disputes.

NULGE President Nathaniel Ogungbagbe, speaking on Friday at the Ministry of Local Government, Abere, insisted that no worker would resume on Monday until all legal issues surrounding the control tussle between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are resolved.

The Nation recalls that following the reinstatement of the APC executives, the FG withheld allocations since February 2025, releasing them only in September to council accounts managed by the APC chairmen. This prompted a faction of workers to vow to resume duties.

Ogungbagbe, however, alleged that the move is an APC strategy to destabilise their struggle and disrupt peace in the state. He added that the faction’s leader, Comrade Adekunle Adedayo, was disgruntled after losing a union presidential election in March.

He boasted that ‘I can tell you for a fact that our members will not resume their duty post on Monday. Any worker who resumes, APC, induced them to do so.

‘Governor Ademola Adeleke is performing excellently well for all civil servants and pensioners in the State. Despite these, the bunch of integrates are hell-bent on destroying the peace.

‘We are appealing to all educative and well-informed esteemed members not to harken to the call to resume duty. We are not going to force anyone not to join them, but I am sure that our members won’t join the resumption.’

Former presidential spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, has refuted claims by former President Goodluck Jonathan that his successor, late President Muhammadu Buhari, was once nominated by the Boko Haram terrorist group to negotiate on their behalf.

Reacting to Jonathan’s comments at the public presentation of a book by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (Rtd), in Abuja on Friday, Shehu described the statement as misleading.

He said if Jonathan’s remarks were intended as a campaign message for a possible 2027 presidential run, then ‘he is making a false start.’

According to Shehu, neither Boko Haram’s founding leader, Muhammed Yusuf, nor his successor, Abubakar Shekau, ever nominated Buhari for mediation.

Instead, he noted, Shekau consistently denounced and threatened Buhari, given their opposing ideologies.

He recalled that in 2014, Buhari narrowly escaped a bomb attack by Boko Haram in Kaduna, which left some of his aides injured.

‘Buhari’s campaigns focused on fighting Boko Haram and restoring security to Nigeria whenever he became president, putting him in direct opposition to the terrorist group’s leaders,’ Shehu said.

Shehu further explained that Buhari himself had denied knowledge of any such nomination when the issue surfaced in 2011.

Citing a statement at the time by then Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) secretary, Buba Galadima, he recalled that Buhari dismissed the report as ‘just speculation’ since nobody had contacted him directly.

Buhari, Shehu said, maintained then that as a patriotic Nigerian, he would only continue to pray for peace in the country.

The former spokesman clarified that the confusion arose after a Boko Haram faction, possibly sponsored by Buhari’s political opponents, staged a press conference in Maiduguri through one Abu Mohammed Ibn Abdulaziz, who claimed the sect preferred Buhari and other northern elders, including the late Shettima Ali Monguno and Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, to mediate.

Abdulaziz’s claims, Shehu stressed, were swiftly disowned by Shekau’s loyalists, who said he had no mandate to speak for the group.

At the time, CPC’s publicity secretary, the late Rotimi Fashekun, had also lambasted the Jonathan administration and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for exploiting the alleged nomination for political gain.

Fashekun described it as ‘the latest gambit in the desire of the corrupt PDP-led government to divert attention from the massive looting of the people’s common patrimony.’

Fashekun insisted that Buhari had never been linked to any insurgency, portraying him as a ‘quintessential patriot’ while accusing the PDP government itself of complicity in Nigeria’s insecurity.

He cited Jonathan’s own admission that Boko Haram had infiltrated his government, a point echoed by then National Security Adviser, the late General Andrew Azazi, as well as revelations by the State Security Service (SSS).

‘Jonathan’s latest comments revive a long-debunked narrative and fail to recognize the true record of Buhari’s opposition to Boko Haram. To win in 2027, Dr. Jonathan should look for a better story to tell Nigerians,’ he concluded.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said that the present administration would sustain the dynamics in kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in combating terrorism and other criminalities in the country.

Akume said this in his goodwill message at the launch of a book, ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor, in Abuja, on Friday.

He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made tremendous progress towards a secure country in which productivity shall spur us to a Nigeria of our dreams.

Akume praised General Irabor’s distinguished service to the country, particularly as Chief of Defence Staff, which stands as a powerful testament to his patriotism, courage, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and security.

‘At some of the most challenging moments in our recent history, when the fabric of our nation was threatened by insurgency and violent extremism, he stood firmly at the forefront, providing leadership that not only safeguarded lives but also strengthened the resilience of our Armed Forces and our collective will to overcome adversity,’ he said.

Akume described General Irabor’s new book as far more than a memoir, but ‘ a vital reflection on our national journey and a contribution to the ongoing discourse on peace, security, and nation-building.’

According to him, by documenting the complex realities of the Boko Haram challenge and the lessons learned in confronting it, General Irabor is enriching our national memory and equipping future generations with knowledge critical to building a safer and more united Nigeria.

‘As we celebrate his diamond jubilee, we also celebrate a life devoted to service – a life that continues to inspire confidence in the strength and potential of our nation.

‘On behalf of the federal government and the good people of Nigeria, I extend my warmest felicitations and gratitude to General Irabor. May this new chapter of your life bring you joy, fulfilment, and continued opportunities to contribute to our shared dream of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria,’ Akume said.

The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge will celebrate the first anniversary of his ascension to the throne with a significant five-kilometre fitness walk on Saturday, October 4.

The event is organised by the Asaba Long Distance Race Media Committee, led by Wing Commander Peter Iweze (rtd).

The fitness walk is set for Saturday, with the procession starting at 7:00 a.m. from the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

Participants will walk to the Traffic Light junction and back, plus an additional 400 meters around the stadium track.

The Asagba will personally lead the walk, accompanied by nobles and Obis from surrounding communities, emphasizing community involvement and support.

A 10-kilometre road race that was initially planned alongside the anniversary celebrations has been rescheduled for December 6, 2025, adhering to international standards set by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF).

The fitness walk is not only a royal celebration but also aimed at promoting healthy living among the residents of Asaba.

Dr. Moses Nwanze, the event consultant, assured participants of thorough preparations for a successful and enjoyable exercise.

Nwanze said the event underscored the commitment of the Asagba to foster community health and engagement while celebrating his first year as the traditional ruler.

Former US President Barack Obama is marking 33 years of marriage to his wife, Michelle Obama.

In a heartfelt message shared on X, Obama described marrying Michelle as the best decision of his life.

‘The best decision I ever made was marrying you, @MichelleObama. For 33 years, I’ve admired your strength, grace, and determination – and the fact that you look so good doing it all. Happy anniversary!’ he wrote.

Michelle also wrote, ‘We’ve been on quite the journey over the last 33 years-and yet, I love you even more today than the day we said ‘I do.’

‘Happy anniversary, @BarackObama! I’m so lucky to go through life with you’.

The couple tied the knot on October 3, 1992, in a private ceremony in Chicago.

Since then, they have built a life together, raising two daughters, Malia and Sasha, and navigating the ups and downs of public life.

Throughout his presidency and beyond, Obama said Michelle has been a constant source of support and inspiration for him.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Oil Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has said the divestments by the International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the Nigerian petroleum upstream sector have added 200,000 barrels per to national production.

He also said the divestments have unlocked over $5.5 billion in final investment decisions (FIDs) within months.

Lokpobiri spoke on behalf of President Bola Tinubu at the Africa Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa.

He declared that Nigeria is ‘open for business’ and actively pursuing policies that prioritise investment, efficiency, and long-term growth in the oil sector.

‘This gathering is more than a conference, it is a call to action,’ he said, stressing that Nigeria is ready not just to participate in the global energy market, but to lead reform and growth on the African continent.

Lokpobiri outlined the bold policy measures implemented under President Tinubu’s administration, particularly the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which provides a clear and predictable fiscal and regulatory environment for investors.

The PIA has laid the foundation for licensing transparency, host community engagement, strengthened regulatory oversight, and a fair contractual framework. ‘What makes Nigeria now different is the legal, regulatory, financial, and structural transformation we are delivering,’ the Minister said.

Nigeria’s upstream sector is showing signs of strong recovery. The ‘Project One Million Barrels’ initiative, launched in October 2024, has raised daily crude oil production to between 1.7 and 1.83 million barrels per day, with a notable increase of 300,000 barrels per day in July 2025 alone.

Additionally, the number of active drilling rigs has grown from 31 in January to 50 by July 2025, a clear signal that reforms are unlocking value across the sector.

Of particular note were the recent asset divestments by international oil companies (IOCs), which the Minister said have unlocked over $5.5 billion in final investment decisions (FIDs) within months.

‘These are not just transfers of assets, they are transfers of confidence, capability, and ownership.

The divestments have already added approximately 200,000 barrels per day to national production.’

On the broader African context, Lokpobiri urged the continent to retain more value from its hydrocarbon resources by focusing on infrastructure, industrial development, and localized value chains. He noted that Africa spends over $120 billion annually on hydrocarbons, largely through imports, calling it a missed opportunity for economic transformation.

He advocated for stronger intra-African collaboration and financing, emphasizing that Africa holds nearly $4 trillion in domestic capital, including pension and insurance funds. ‘The question is no longer about the availability of funds, but how we can channel them into productive investments on our continent,’ he said.

Addressing the topic of the global energy conversation, the Minister called for balance and equity. He insisted that the narrative must shift toward a diverse energy mix, not abandonment of any resource. ‘The focus should be on availability, accessibility, and affordability of all forms of energy,’ he stressed. He made it clear that Nigeria, like other nations, will continue to utilize its oil resources responsibly while building a diversified and sustainable energy base.

Lokpobiri reaffirmed Nigeria’s role as a leading energy player in Africa. ‘We are offering opportunities at scale, reform with consistency, incentives with clarity, local participation with respect, and a vision that modernizes with purpose,’ he declared.

To global investors, he extended a direct invitation: ‘Come to Nigeria. Be part of the energy revolution.’ With strong reforms, ambitious targets, and an open-door policy, Nigeria is charting a bold path forward in Africa’s energy future.

Mattresses, pillows, and other sleep products manufacturer Mouka Limited has unveiled the Mouka Comfort Garden, the first structure of its kind in Nigeria, thus spotlighting the link between quality sleep and wellness.

Located on Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja, the Comfort Garden features a striking glass-enclosed bedroom setup, designed to captivate motorists and passersby while reimagining the meaning of rest, comfort, and healthy living.

The Comfort Garden marks another milestone in Mouka’s six-decade legacy of innovation, blending artistry, lifestyle, and health advocacy into a visually arresting public installation.

Whether stuck in traffic or strolling by, Lagosians are offered a daily reminder to slow down, recharge, and value sleep as a necessity rather than a luxury.

At the centre of the Comfort Garden is Mouka’s flagship Royal Luxury Pillow Top Mattress, an opulent, multi-layered innovation designed with memory foam, high-performance springs, and premium fibre to deliver a five-star sleep experience.

Unveiling the structure in Lagos, over the weekend, Mouka’s Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Dimeji Osingunwa, underscored the brand’s mission to elevate the quality of life of Nigerians through better sleep.

He said: ‘In a country where the average adult sleeps fewer hours than recommended, this structure is our way of reminding Nigerians to prioritise sleep for good health, better productivity, and improved quality of life

‘We want Lagosians and Nigerians at large, to pause, reflect, and remember that no matter how fast life moves, everyone deserves to rest, and to rest well on a Mouka.’

Also present at the launch was Mouka’s brand ambassador and legendary actress, Sola Sobowale, popularly known as the ‘King of Boys.’

She hailed the initiative as ‘a bold and beautiful reminder that true luxury begins with how well we rest.’

Taking a tour of the installation, Sobowale affirmed her personal belief in the power of good rest: ‘As someone whose career demands both mental and physical energy, I understand how vital sleep is.

‘Mouka has always stood for quality, and this Comfort Garden is a bold and creative statement that says: your body deserves good rest, and rest deserves the luxury of Mouka. I’m proud to be part of this journey.’

In his closing remarks, Osingunwa noted: ‘As you drive past Oregun and catch a glimpse of this installation, we hope it makes you smile, reflect, and, most importantly. go home inspired to take your sleep health seriously.’

Founded in 1959, Mouka is now part of the Dolidol International Group, and the brand continues to push boundaries in delivering comfort, innovation, and value across Africa and beyond.

The Kano/Jigawa Command of the Nigerian Customs Service yesterday handed over a suspect and total of 261,750 capsules of Pregabalin (300 milligrams) and 228,700 tablets of Tramadol hydrochloride (225 milligrams) to the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The illicit drugs, concealed in five jumbo agro sacks, were seized by Customs around the border.

Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, said the drugs were hidden in 35 packets of Pregabalin and 28 rolls of Tramadol tablets.

Speaking while handing over the seized illicit drugs to NDLEA representative, the Kano/Jigawa Controller, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, said the substances pose serious health risks to the body, including organ damage, addiction, and restlessness, particularly among the youth.

Abubakar warned about the wider social implications of drug abuse, linking it to violence, crime, immorality, economic loss, and insecurity in the region.

He said a suspect was arrested with N455,500 intended as a bribe, alongside a black-tinted green Nissan Pathfinder, marked DUT196AE

A cutting knife was also among the exhibits recovered from the suspect.

‘The seizure was in line with sections 55C and 234 of the Nigerian Customs Service Act 2023, which mandated the protection of public health and prohibits the possession of smuggled goods,’ Abubakar said.

Commander of Narcotics Mohammad Maiaduwa Usman, received the suspect and exhibits on behalf of NDLEA.

He said NDLEA will conduct further investigations for the prosecution of the suspect.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to continued synergy with other security agencies in the fight against drug abuse.

One of the pivotal appointments made by Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa was the selection of Olukayode Abraham Ajulo as his Chief Law Officer. Ajulo, a distinguished and astute legal mind, is precisely the type of advisor Governor Aiyedatiwa needs to navigate the complexities of governance and effectively serve the people of Ondo State. Since his appointment as the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in February 2024, this young, dynamic Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has consistently demonstrated that his role is both significant and impactful.

In a bold move earlier this year, Governor Aiyedatiwa decided to dissolve his entire cabinet, yet notably exempted Ajulo and one other commissioner from this sweeping dismissal, highlighting the critical nature of their responsibilities. Ajulo’s legal prowess and strategic thinking have become even more evident following the Governor’s recent favorable ruling at the Supreme Court, effectively solidifying his reputation as an exceptional attorney.

As State Attorney General, the Akoko-born legal luminary has fully immersed himself in the myriad of legal challenges surrounding his principal, especially those related to the contentious 2024 Governorship election. Understanding the gravity of these legal battles, Ajulo took it upon himself to assemble a formidable team of lawyers, drawing on the expertise of some of the country’s finest legal minds, including Wole Olanipekun, Adegboyega Awomolo, Charles Edosanwan, Tayo Oyetibo, Olusola Oke, Hakeem Afolabi, Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa, Prof. Remi Olatubora, and Prof. Abdul Kana, among other prominent senior lawyers. This collaborative effort exemplifies his commitment to not only defend his principal but also safeguard the integrity of the state’s legal framework.

While the recent successes in the courts have undoubtedly elevated his professional standing, Ajulo had already carved out a distinguished reputation within Nigeria’s legal sphere well before his appointment. His standards are undeniably high; he steadfastly adheres to his principles and never shies away from tough decisions, regardless of whose interests may be at stake. Ajulo is recognized as one of Nigeria’s leading lawyers, a considerable wealth of knowledge and expertise, yet he remains grounded, driven by core values rather than mere convenience or self-interest.

His willingness to accept the role of Attorney General has sparked mixed reactions among many admirers, who believe that his achievements as an attorney exceed the confines of public office. In circles in Abuja, he has earned the affectionate title of ‘go-to-lawyer’ because of his exceptional ability to provide politically astute, diplomatically sound, and legally comprehensive solutions for high-net-worth clients.

Ajulo’s accolades include the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and a notable past as the youngest National Secretary of the Labour Party. His remarkable legal victories have won him admiration both domestically and internationally since the commencement of his legal career, further amplifying his impact within the legal community.

Today, the multiple successes of Governor Aiyedatiwa serve as a testament to his strategic selections and political acumen, demonstrating qualities that his peers would do well to emulate in order to achieve success in their own endeavors. Ajulo’s ongoing contributions are not only reshaping the legal landscape in Ondo State but are also setting a benchmark for excellence in governance and representation.