News
Osun State Government, Adeleke, Senator Basiru in War of words
The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has accused former Senator Ajibola Basiru of planning to orchestrate mayhem in the state.
Senator Basiru represented Osun Central Senatorial District at the 9th Senate and was also the Senate spokesperson.
In a statement signed by Olawale Rasheed for the Osun government, Governor Adeleke declared Basiru a direct threat to the peace of the state.
The statement also accused the former Senator of importing unauthorised policemen into the state to create confusion and mayhem to disturb the state’s peace.
Rasheed in the statement said the ex-lawmaker had submitted names of top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and that of the state government to the police so as to cause instability and tension in Osun.
“We urgently bring to the attention of the Inspector General of Police, the State Commissioner of Police and the general public that former Senator Ajibola Bashiru has imported some unauthorized policemen into Osun State to create confusion, mayhem and destabilise the peace and stability of the state.
“The former Senator is reported to have submitted a list of top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party and Osun State government for arrest on trumped up charges. We reliably gathered that the Osogbo-born politician is personally coordinating the team in gross violation of extant laws and practice of law enforcement.
“We call on the Inspector General of Police to order the immediate withdrawal of such policemen as their invitation under the control of a politician constitutes a grave threat to the peace and stability of Osun state. We urge the Commissioner of Police to urgently look into the matter before a breach of peace across the state.
“We use this medium to inform Osun people that the said Senator is today a direct threat to the peace of the state. At a time when the state is witnessing a return to good governance, it is reprehensible for any stakeholder to decide to create mayhem and instability.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke hereby restates his resolve to tackle this matter headlong and ensure that no individual no matter how highly placed is allowed to plunge the state into conflict.”
Reacting swiftly, Senator Basiru in a personally signed statement expressed disbelief that the statement emanated from the state government.
Noting that illiteracy is a disease, Basiru maintained that the accusations by the state government were ridiculous.
Basiru also revealed that he has instructed his lawyers to consider possible legal action against the Governor’s spokesperson for defamation of character.
“That I sympathize with Osun people for allowing comedians to get close to the government house in Osogbo. They are obviously jittery already that our party, the APC, will kick out their incompetent government in 2026.
“Obviously, illiteracy is a disease! The accusations by the governor are ridiculous, baseless and could only come from such unserious quarters.
“If indeed, Jackson Adeleke is concerned with the peace of the state, he should immediately hand over the Police declared criminals that he is harbouring at the Country home in Ede.
“If the intention of Adeleke and his minions is to harass or intimidate me, they are embarking of a failed venture.”
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has hinted that there are attempts by lawyers and litigants to influence the money laundering trial of former Attorney General Abubakar Malami scheduled to begin on 17 February.
The judge stated this after granting Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and wife Bashir Asabe, bail in the sum of N500million each.
In a stern warning shortly after delivering the ruling granting Malami and others bail, Justice Nwite said he would not take lightly any lawyer or litigant intent on ‘approaching’ him to influence the case.
He advised parties, to instead, engage the services of quality lawyers to help with their case. He threatens serious consequences for anyone who flouts his directive.
On the terms of bail for Malami and his co-defendants, the trial judge ordered that they present two sureties each who must be owners of properties, with proof, in either Maitama, Gwarimpa or Asokoro.
The defendants are also ordered to deposit their passports with the court registry, adding that travel out of the country must be by the express permission of the court.
Malami and his co-defendants will, meanwhile, remain in prison until they perfect the terms of bail. The trial is scheduled to begin on 17 February.
International
Trump Announces Venezuela to Turn Over Up to 50 Million Barrels of Oil to United States
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that interim authorities in Venezuela will turn over between 30 and 50 million barrels of high-quality sanctioned oil to the United States, following the recent U.S. military operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: “I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 Million Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America.
This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!
“The president added that he has directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the plan immediately, with the oil to be transported via storage ships directly to U.S. unloading docks.
The announcement comes amid ongoing developments in Venezuela, where the oil—previously held in storage due to U.S. sanctions—is estimated to be worth up to $2.8 billion at current market prices around $56 per barrel.
Analysts note that this volume represents a modest addition to global supply but could divert exports previously destined for China.U.S. crude futures dipped slightly following the news, closing lower by about 1.3%. Major U.S. oil companies, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips, are reportedly monitoring the situation, with meetings planned between industry representatives and the administration to discuss future investments in Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
The deal marks a significant step in Trump’s stated goal of revitalizing Venezuela’s oil sector, which holds the world’s largest proven reserves but has seen production decline sharply in recent years due to sanctions, underinvestment, and mismanagement.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted a mix of hazy and sunny conditions across most parts of the country from Wednesday, January 8, to Friday, January 10, 2026.
In its weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja, NiMet stated that the northern region will experience sunny and hazy skies throughout the three-day period. By Friday, morning haze is expected to give way to dust haze in the afternoon and evening hours over parts of the North.
The central region is forecasted to remain predominantly hazy with sunny intervals during the period.
For the southern region, cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are anticipated, along with chances of isolated thunderstorms. On Wednesday, thunderstorms may occur later in the day over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Imo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa states. Similar isolated thunderstorms with light rains are possible over coastal and inland southern states on subsequent days, including Anambra, Imo, Abia, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.
NiMet warned that dust particles are currently in suspension, particularly in the northern areas, advising individuals with asthma and other respiratory issues to take necessary precautions.
The agency also urged motorists to drive cautiously during any rainfall and recommended that airline operators obtain updated airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for safe flight planning.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting NiMet’s official website at www.nimet.gov.ng for regular updates.
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