Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

An Abuja High Court on Wednesday admitted a lawyer, Victor Giwa to bail in the sum of N30 million for alleged forgery and impersonation.

The police arraigned Giwa alongside Ibitade Bukola before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, for criminal conspiracy to commit forgery, false personation, and fraudulent execution of documents.

They pleaded not guilty to all the charge.

Onwuegbuzie granted Giwa bail in the sum of N30 million, with two sureties in like sum.

However, he refused Bukola’s application because the application was not written.

The police alleged that Giwa and Bukola purportedly forged a letter using the official letterhead of Awa U. Kalu (SAN), and addressed it to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

The forged letter titled ‘Urgent and Solemn Appeal to Suspend the Arraignment of Our Colleague Victor Giwa on Charge Number: CR/222/2023’ allegedly sought to influence the AGF to stop Giwa’s arraignment scheduled before Justice Samira Bature at the High Court, Maitama.

It was previously stalled on Sept. 15, prompting the issuance of a bench warrant against Giwa, who was later arrested.

His co-defendant, Bukola, had been at large but was presented before the court today.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Asaph Eristo informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment.

The prosecution urged the court to remand Giwa, citing the need to prevent interference with investigations.

However, Edwin Anikpenu, SAN, Counsel for the defendants, applied for their bail.

He stated that both defendants were legal practitioners and argued that Bukola was a nursing mother.

Anikpenu sought leave of the court to orally amend the existing bail application to include the second defendant.

Onwuegbuzie, frowned at the request for an oral bail in spite of being represented by over a dozen lawyers.

‘It is shocking that a lawyer, a Senior Advocate, would come with an oral application and attempt to add another defendant without documentation.

‘With 13 lawyers present, none deemed it fit to file a proper bail application,’ the judge said.

The judge subsequently, refused bail for the second defendant and asked that she be remanded at the Correctional Facility in Suleja, Niger.

Regarding Giwa’s bail, Anikpenu urged the court to consider admitting him on self-recognition.

He added or to the custody of a reputable executive of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Garki Branch, promising that he would not interfere with the case.

The prosecution opposed the application, citing a counter-affidavit and evidence suggesting Giwa posed a flight risk, noting that public funds were used to effect his arrest.

After hearing both sides, Onwuegbuzie admitted Giwa to bail in the sum of ?30 million, with two sureties in like sum, indicating he remains in police custody till he perfects its conditions.

The sureties he said, must be civil servants not below Grade Level 16, resident in Abuja, with verifiable addresses and valid ID cards.

In addition, they must also deposit their international passports with the registrar of the court.

The matter was subsequently adjourned until Oct. 15, for continuation.

The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has advised President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, to avoid the distraction of market women politics and focus on the work they were elected to do for Nigerians and Edo people.

His advise followed the controversy that trailed the inauguration of Pastor Josephine Ivbaguezejele as Iyeki by the daughter of President Tinubu, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, on October 2, 2025 at the Edo State Government House.

The monarch in a statement on Tuesday by the Benin Traditional Council, BTC, noted that the Palace had for some time observed that markets have become a veritable tool in the hands of partisan politicians and unscrupulous individuals to express themselves for their personal benefit.

He opined that the practice of using associations in negative ways in the market has also contributed immensely to the rise in prices of foodstuffs, thereby impacting negatively the efforts of Mr. President to bring food prices down.

‘This situation has persisted since even long before the present administration. While the Palace takes a deem view of such an alien concept of ‘IYALOJA’ being introduced into the market system of Edo culture, it is also pertinent to point out that the Palace has serious reservations about the tendency of market women allowing themselves to be used as political pawns in the political field under the aegis of market associations in Edo State.

‘The Palace has received numerous complaints that the practice of using associations in negative ways in the markets has also contributed immensely to the rise in prices of foodstuffs thereby seriously impacting the efforts of Mr. President to bring food prices down.

‘While the Palace maintains its position that the IYALOJA concept is alien to the culture of Benin, the Palace also frowns at the use of trade associations to run open markets and to play partisan politics.

‘These twin factors are antithetical and inimical to the essence of our market tradition in Benin culture,’ he said.

Oba Ewuare further appealed to market women and the politicians behind them to eschew dragging the sanctity of the name of the ‘OBA into their partisan political affairs.

‘We hear comments such as the ‘Oba’s word is final’ in this IYALOJA saga, but did the market women respect and observed this in the previous administrations when they allowed themselves to be used as political pawns?

While stating that there is nothing like Iyeki General in Benin which the Iyaloja concept seems to imply, he stressed that in the Benin culture Iyeki emerged among the market women.

‘The Palace never chooses anybody as lyeki. It is the market women that do that. Every lyeki is independent of each other. Every lyeki is culturally, spiritually and, religiously tied to the Palace. There is a direct functional relationship between lyeki and the Palace.

‘Just as there is no honorary chieftaincy title in Benin culture, so also there is no honorary lyeki title in Benin culture.

‘Every lyeki has a spiritual function she performs for the Palace and for the well-being of the market’, he added.

He, however, advised that the function of lyeki should not be politicized, noting that any deviation from ‘this age-old cultural system’ may lead to a breach of the peace.

‘It behooves the Benin Traditional Council to advise the State Government to please take cognizance of this and avoid break down of law and order,’ he stated.

Group backs Oba of Benin on market leadership in Benin

Meanwhile, the Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI), has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, on his stance on market leadership in the kingdom.

In a statement by Mr Okpioba Idemudia on behalf of EACHI on Wednesday, in Benin, the group said it aligned itself with the position of the Oba that the Iye-Eki was the only recognised traditional head of the markets in the kingdom.

The group said it believed that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as markets traditional head.

Contrary to speculations in the media, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) committee set up to assess the health status of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has not concluded its work

Consequently, the NMA team is seeking for for more time to complete the report, the Department of State Services (DSS)’s lawyer, Suraj Sa’ada, SAN, told Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday

Sa’ada informed that the medical panel was yet to conclude its assignment.

He said the panel planned to do a thorough job and should be given adequate time.

He suggested that the committee be given another one week to enable it conclude its task.

Kanu’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, did not object to the one week adjournment sought by Sa’ada, and Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until Oct. 16.

The judge had, in a ruling on Sept. 26, ordered the NMA President to among others, constitute a team of medical experts to examine Kanu and ascertain whether or not he is still fit to undergo his on going terrorism trial.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives will this week debate a motion seeking urgent medical intervention for the detained IPOB leader, according to a statement by the Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker, on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, issued on Tuesday.

The decision according to Orizu followed an intervention during Tuesday’s plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu.

Kalu has reacted to a point of order raised on the subject matter by the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Rep. Obi Aguocha.

Aguocha had raised a point of order, (order 6 rule 2 on matters of privilege) during the plenary.

He stated that he was yet to get a response to the letter he wrote to House Leadership and FG for urgent medical intervention for Nnamdi Kanu whose health is reportedly deteriorating.

The Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, urged Aguocha to step it down and present the matter properly another legislative day, as he came under the wrong House rules.

Corroborating, the Deputy Speaker while noting that the subject matter presented is important, assured the

Speaker that the motion will be presented properly before the house in the course of the week.

‘Mr Speaker, I’m also from Abia State. On the issue that is being raised by my colleague, we will present it before the house properly in the course of the week.

‘We will come properly before the house so that proper hearing will be given to it. I beg that you will give us the audience maybe tomorrow or next tomorrow,’ Kalu said.

Responding, Speaker Abbas said, ‘No problem, it’s just the procedure that I was challenging not the substance of the issue. We will be willing and ready to give you all the time to present.’

Dolly Parton’s sister, Freida Parton, has reacted to the news of her sister cancelling her future appearances due to her health.

Frieda, on her social media page, explained that Dolly Parton has not been feeling her best and needed prayers from her fans.

This statement stirred panic amongst fans, as they speculated that Dolly’s health was deteriorating. Frieda, however, cleared the air, stating that her post was only out of concern for her big sister.

‘I want to clear something up. I didn’t mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly. She’s been a little under the weather, and I simply asked for prayers because I believe so strongly in the power of prayer. It was nothing more than a little sister asking for prayers for her big sister. Thank you all for lifting her up. Your love truly makes a difference. She’s strong, she’s loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine. Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!’ she wrote.

Orijin, Nigeria’s culture-forward beverage brand, has successfully concluded its five-city Orijinal Nite Tour, a nationwide celebration of heritage, culture, and nightlife.

The event, which made stops in Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Abuja, and Lagos, brought together thousands of fun-seekers for nights filled with music, dance, games, and giveaways, reinforcing Orijin’s commitment to blending traditional roots with modern entertainment.

Each city witnessed a unique display of cultural pride, featuring traditional dancers, drumming, herb-infused Orijin cocktails, and nostalgic games such as Ayo, Ludo, and Draft. Top DJs, vibrant MCs, and live performances from local stars kept the energy high throughout the tour.

A major highlight of the tour was the raffle draw, which rewarded loyal fans with prizes including smart televisions, standing fans, and household essentials. In Owerri, first-time Orijin drinker Blessing was elated after winning a 50-inch TV.

‘I never imagined I’d be going home with something this big,’ she said. ‘Thank you, Orijin, for making this night unforgettable.’

In Lagos, another raffle winner, Olanrewaju Oladeji, expressed his excitement after winning a smart TV, calling it ‘a memorable part of the Orijinal experience.’

Speaking on the success of the tour, Dorcas Mashingil, Senior Brand Manager, Orijin, described the event as ‘a cultural movement.’

‘With every stop across Nigeria, we showed how Orijin connects people to their roots while giving them unforgettable modern experiences,’ she said.

Uchechukwu Onwudiwe, Head of Marketing, Mainstream Spirits and RTS, Guinness Nigeria, added that the initiative was designed to celebrate authenticity and unity.

‘Through Orijinal Nite, we created a platform that not only entertains but also reinforces pride in our heritage. The response from consumers has been incredible,’ he said.

As the festive season approaches, Orijin announced that it will extend the experience with new culturally rooted festivals and collaborations from October to December, promising even more vibrant celebrations that connect Nigerians to their heritage and community spirit.

The Orijinal Nite Tour, with its bold fusion of culture and nightlife, has cemented its place as one of Nigeria’s most exciting and authentic entertainment experiences.

Hundreds of students under the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) protested in Lagos on Wednesday in support of the Dangote Refinery.

The students accused the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) of taking actions that harm ordinary Nigerians.

They said the union’s actions were slowing down progress in the country’s oil sector.

During the peaceful protest at Oworo Berger, the students carried placards with messages such as:

‘Dangote Refinery – Pride of Africa’

‘Stop the sabotage’

‘Save Dangote Refinery’

‘Stop the politics of petroleum’

‘When you attack Dangote, you attack development’

‘Support indigenous industries, not monopoly.’

They urged the government to protect the refinery and ensure that the interests of ordinary Nigerians are not ignored.

President Bola Tinubu has called on local and foreign investors to take advantage of Nigeria’s growing economy, declaring that there is ‘no better time to invest in Nigeria than now.’

Speaking at the maiden Bauchi Investment Summit on Wednesday, themed ‘Revealing a Resilient Economy: Optimising Investment Partnerships,’ the president, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Nigeria’s external reserves have risen to $43 billion as of September 2025, reflecting renewed investor confidence and stronger economic fundamentals.

Tinubu stated that his administration had worked to reduce the nation’s debt service-to-revenue ratio from 100% to below 50%, while the GDP growth rate climbed to 4.23% and oil revenues rose by 411% in the last quarter.

‘We came to office promising to turn around the fortunes of the country. Today, we are pleased to share that our reforms are yielding results. I assure investors that there is no better time to join Nigeria than now,’ the president said.

He emphasized that Bauchi State, with its vast arable land and natural resources, has the potential to drive climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and tourism development, all of which align with the Federal Government’s vision for sustainable economic growth.

Tinubu encouraged investors to partner with state governments and relevant federal ministries, departments, and agencies to explore public-private opportunities.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, host of the summit, pledged to ensure a safe and conducive environment for investors.

‘We will make you and your investment safer than us. Every local government in Bauchi will soon have access to affordable solar-driven water systems,’ he said.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who was also in attendance, urged Nigerian leaders to strengthen good governance and ensure that the outcomes of such summits translate into real development across the northern region and the nation.

The Kogi State Government has set a target of reaching nearly two million children aged between 9 months to 14 years in its current campaign against two highly infectious and deadly diseases, measles, and polio.

This was disclosed by the Executive Director, Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, KSPHCDA, Dr. Muazu Musa Omeiza at the flagoff of the campaign in Lokoja, the state capital on Tuesday.

Omeiza noted that the indepth campaign against Measles Rubella (MR), including novel Oral Polio Virus (nOPV), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination, and Routine Immunization (RI) is specifically targeted at One Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty-eight Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy -one (1,988,371) children.

The campaign runs from the 6th to the 15th of October and enjoys support from the United Nations Children Emerhency Fund, UNICEF. The exercise is tailored towards providing access and increasing vaccine availability and use by children. It is also a major step to the protection of young girls against cervical cancer through the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

While inaugurating the campaign in the office of the KSPHCDA at Old Market, Lokoja, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo commended the development partners and urged traditional and religious leaders not to relent in mobilising women and children to participate in the program.

He pledged his administration’s commitment to health care delivery.

‘Routine immunisation is a powerful tool to end avoidable ailments and to preserve our state. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child is reached.’

The representative of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Ishola Abdulrazaq, in a goodwill message, praised Kogi State for achieving 100 per cent coverage in previous immunization rounds. He called for the recruitment of more hands in the health sector.

There was excitement on the faces of nursing mothers and guardians whose wards were beneficiaries of the scheme.

The Nigeria Police Force has suspended the enforcement of tinted glass permits across the country, following a court order halting the exercise.

Spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the development during an interview on Africa Independent Television (AIT) on Wednesday.

According to her, the Force received an official court order directing it to stop the enforcement pending further judgment.

‘Information reaching me from the office of the PRO is that the order has been received and the enforcement of the tinted permit is now on hold pending the court’s verdict,’ Adeh said.

She added that the suspension would remain in place until the court delivers its decision on the matter.

‘We are waiting for the verdict. We are not against the courts, and we will continue to wait until we get a verdict,’ she added.

Addressing public concerns about the purpose of the tinted glass regulation, Adeh explained that the policy was introduced purely for security reasons, as criminals had often used darkened vehicles to evade identification.

‘The law was not made by us. We are enforcers. The policy was purely security-driven. Some criminals were using tinted vehicles to commit offences, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify suspects,’ she explained.

She also dismissed allegations that the policy was a revenue-generation scheme, clarifying that all payments for tinted permits are made directly into the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA), not to the police.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday inaugurated its 24th housing estate in Badagry, underscoring its resolve to close the state’s housing deficit and ensure affordable homes for residents across all income brackets.

Located in Ajara, the newly completed estate comprises 420 fully built housing units and stands as a major milestone in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s housing agenda to expand access to decent and affordable accommodation for Lagosians.

During the project’s construction phase, the estate generated over 1,300 direct and indirect jobs, with more employment opportunities expected to arise from facility management and other services once residents move in.

Speaking at the unveiling, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the project reflected his administration’s belief that communities thrive when citizens have access to essential needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, education, and security.

‘When people have access to decent housing, it reduces poverty, improves public health, and builds safer, more cohesive communities,’ the governor said.

He noted that the project is part of a broader strategy to strengthen economic growth, boost infrastructure, and alleviate poverty.

‘Today, we are commissioning Phase I of this project, which consists of 420 housing units, all ready for occupation. Our administration has delivered 23 estates in six years, providing over 10,000 homes across all income categories and divisions of Lagos,’ he added.

Sanwo-Olu also revealed that four additional housing schemes are currently underway, including: Lagos State Housing Estate, Ibeshe Phase II (192 units), Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Scheme, Clusters 2 and 3 (587 units), Epe Housing Scheme, Ita Marun (112 units) and LagosHOMS Sangotedo Phase II, Eti-Osa (524 units).

The Badagry estate, the governor explained, is fully equipped with modern infrastructure such as well-paved roads, an efficient drainage network, water treatment plants, secure fencing, a gatehouse, sewage systems, ample parking spaces, walkways, and full electrification with transformers.

To make the homes more affordable, Sanwo-Olu announced that the government would subsidise prices and reserve 20 percent of the units for members of the Medical Guild, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (Lagos Chapter), and other public and private sector unions.

Public servants will also receive special rebates as a token of appreciation for their service.

Acknowledging that the government cannot meet housing demand alone, the governor reaffirmed support for private developers and investors through enabling policies and favourable regulations.

He also expressed full backing for the Tenancy Bill before the Lagos State House of Assembly, which seeks to protect both tenants and landlords while promoting mass housing development.

‘I encourage Lagosians to take advantage of available mortgage services to ease the burden of home ownership. We will keep building partnerships that make housing more affordable and sustainable,’ he said.

Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, described the Ajara Housing Scheme as a landmark project under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda, designed to make Lagos a 21st-century economy.

He noted that Phase I occupies part of a 18.9-hectare land area and consists of 35 blocks of 12-unit residential buildings, offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom semi-furnished apartments equipped with kitchens, wardrobes, and lighting fixtures.

According to him, Phase II will feature high-rise buildings of up to seven floors to optimise land use through vertical development and deliver more housing options for Lagos residents.

‘The Ajara Estate is a bold statement of this administration’s commitment to housing, infrastructure, and security. It is a model of sustainable urban development that embodies the spirit of a 21st-century Lagos,’ Akinderu-Fatai stated.