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JUST IN: President Tinubu Mourns Late Pa Ayo Adebanjo

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of a profound leader of the Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, saying that he received the news of the late Icon in shock.

President Tinubu also said Nigeria has lost a political leader whose decades of unwavering struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

The President’s statement reads:

” I received the news of the passing of one of the Afenifere leaders, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, with profound sorrow.

Nigeria has lost a political leader whose decades of unwavering struggle for justice, democracy, and national unity have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.

According to the family, Baba transitioned peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his home in Lekki, Lagos.

All who knew Baba Adebanjo drew from his boundless wisdom and cherished the democratic ideals he tirelessly campaigned for.

His principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism, will be deeply missed.

“As a nation, we will miss his regular interventions in national affairs, which enriched our political discourse” .

Though we mourn his departure, we are also grateful to God for blessing him with a long, remarkable, purposeful life—96 years of unrelenting advocacy for progress and equity.

Baba, as a lawyer, statesman, and politician, stood among the last of a generation of nationalists and independent heroes who shaped the foundation of our country.

A devoted disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, his contributions spanned political eras, from his role as Organising Secretary of the Action Group in the First Republic to his leadership in the Unity Party of Nigeria during the Second Republic.

In moments of national crisis, Baba’s courage shone brightest. When democracy hung in the balance after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, he joined the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) as one of the leading voices against military dictatorship, helping to galvanise a movement that became the bedrock of our collective struggle to reclaim democratic governance.

His unwavering commitment to truth and justice extended to my journey as a governorship candidate in 1999.

Baba Adebanjo’s steadfast support was instrumental in my election as Governor of Lagos State under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy.

Though our political paths diverged in later years, my respect and admiration for him never wavered. Until his death, I shared a deep personal bond with Baba Adebanjo; he was like a father figure.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Afenifere family, the governors of the Southwest, past and present, and all Nigerians who shared his vision.

Let us take solace in the enduring legacy of a man who dedicated his life to the service of others—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

May the soul of this great patriot find eternal rest, and may his ideals, which he so passionately envisioned, forever resonate in our country.

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Northern Cleric Warns Christians Against Hostile Religious Exchanges on Social Media

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The Northern Christian Association has cautioned Nigerians and believers against engaging in hostile religious arguments, saying no Christian can defend God through insults or abusive exchanges.

Chairman of the association, Joseph Hayab, gave the warning in a statement issued in Kaduna, urging Christians, especially youths and clergy, to exercise restraint amid growing religious provocations on social media.

He noted many online debates presented as defence of the faith are contrary to biblical teachings and risk deepening religious divisions.

Hayab described such engagements as vain and unprofitable arguments, warning that they often lead to strife and ungodliness.

The cleric further stressed that Christians must not respond to provocation with hostility, even when their faith is ridiculed.

He maintained that God, being omnipotent, does not require human defence through verbal attacks.

Hayab further warned that using abusive language in the name of defending the faith undermines the core message of love and peace in Christianity.

He added that such actions weaken the moral authority of the Christian faith and misrepresent its true values.

The Christian body insists that with social media platforms increasingly becoming arenas for religious confrontations, the association is urging Christians to shun divisive engagements and uphold peaceful coexistence.

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FG Drops Terrorism Financing Charges Against Malami and Son

At the Federal High Court in Abuja the prosecution formally withdrew the original five-count charge of alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms that was filed by the Department of State Services.‎‎

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The Federal Government has withdrawn the allegations of terrorism financing against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami.‎‎

The charges were dropped Wednesday in court, leaving only counts related to unlawful possession of firearms.‎‎

At the Federal High Court in Abuja the prosecution formally withdrew the original five-count charge of alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms that was filed by the Department of State Services.‎‎

Prosecutor, Chief Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, who is representing the current Attorney-General of the Federation, told the court that the government has filed a fresh amended five-count charge dated 14th April.‎‎

Former Minister Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, took a fresh plea before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the amended counts.‎‎

The court admitted them to bail on the same terms previously granted and adjourned the matter to the 26th of May and 15th of June for the commencement of trial.‎‎

This latest twist significantly narrows the case against the former chief law officer of the federation and his son.

In the former charge Malami was accused of knowingly abetting terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office as AGF (around November 2022), in breach of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.‎‎

The other charges in the previous five counts:

In December 2025, at their home in Kebbi State, they allegedly possessed without a license a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges. This is framed as conduct in preparation for an act of terrorism under the Terrorism Act and Firearms Act.‎‎‎

AMENDED CHARGE‎‎S

COUNT ONE ‎

THAT YOU Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did engage in preparation to commit acts of terrorism by having in your possession and without license, a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm, Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.‎‎

COUNT TWO ‎

THAT YOU, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourselves in preparation to commit acts of terrorism by having in your possession and without a license a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm, Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar, contrary to Section 26 (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022 and punishable under Section 26 (3) (a) and (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022.

‎‎COUNT THREE

‎THAT YOU Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3 of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.‎‎

COUNT FOUR ‎

THAT YOU, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) (ii) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.‎‎

COUNT FIVE ‎

THAT YOU, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) (ii) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

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Gwer West LG Council Takes Stand Against Youth Violence

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The Gwer West Local Government Council, in collaboration with the Tyoshin Traditional Council, has taken drastic measures to curb the rising tide of youth violence in the area, following the brutal murder of Local Government Youth Leader, Mr. Peter Iorkohol, and Mr. Tarbo Samson.

Our Correspondent Francis Terlumum tha the council took some far reaching decisions that All youth-related activities are suspended indefinitely.

Youth leaders at all levels are relieved of their duties with immediate effect, Security agencies are urged to intensify investigations and prosecute perpetrators, Parents and guardians are warned to take responsibility for their children’s action, Any individual found culpable will face strict sanctions, including expulsion from the community

The councils expressed grave concern over cultism and related violent offenses, which threaten peace and community cohesion. They vowed to take firm action to restore order and stability in the local government

Gwer West local government is one of the local councils in state that is worse hits by armed Fulani herders attacks for over 15 years leaving many residents in IDP camps.

In an interview with the Traditional ruler of the local government Chief Daniel Abomtse the local government has started witnessing relative peace following the efforts of Governor Hyacinth Alia and president Ahmad Tinibu efforts in bringing peace.

He was however worried while the Youths will chose the path of criminality when their communities are ran Sacked by Terrorist herders and call for a change of actutude.

Meanwhile normacy has returned to the area and business and human activities have resumed.

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