The Cross River State House of Assembly has exonerated Hon. Cyril James Omini, member representing Yakurr I State Constituency, of allegations that he collected ₦1.6 billion from a construction firm executing state road projects.

The decision came after lawmakers adopted the report of the Special Committee on Public Complaints, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Sylvester Agabi (Obudu), which investigated the petition.

Presenting the committee’s findings at plenary, Agabi said the panel invited key stakeholders, including the Managing Director of Eketeson Resources International Limited, Engr. Donald Ekete; the Commissioners for Works and Finance; the Special Adviser on Projects Monitoring and Evaluation; and the Accountant General of the state to testify.

He disclosed that Omini also appeared before the committee and “vehemently denied” ever receiving any payment from the company.

Following deliberations, the Assembly resolved that the allegations were unsubstantiated, describing them as “untrue, unfounded, and baseless.”

“Having not been found wanting, Hon. Cyril Omini is hereby absolved of any ₦1.6 billion financial involvement with Eketeson Resources International Limited as alleged,” the resolution read.

Lawmakers commended the committee for conducting what they described as a thorough and impartial investigation, adding that the outcome reaffirmed the Assembly’s dedication to transparency, justice, and due process.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, praised the committee’s professionalism, noting that the probe was not intended to witch-hunt anyone but to ensure fair hearing and accountability.

Reacting after the resolution, Hon. Omini expressed gratitude to the House leadership and his colleagues for giving him the opportunity to clear his name.

“I thank the Speaker and members of the committee. I am not angry with anyone. The report has cleared my name, and I remain focused on serving my people,” he said.

The Assembly had, on May 13, 2025, constituted the investigative committee to probe a public petition alleging that the lawmaker received ₦1.6 billion from Eketeson Resources International Limited, the contractor handling road projects in Ugep and Ikom.

In a related development, the Assembly has called on the state government to provide outboard engines to riverine communities in Etung Local Government Area to improve water transportation.

The lawmakers urged the Ministry of Transportation and Marine Services, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, to procure and distribute the engines to ease movement, boost economic activities, and enhance access to healthcare and education.

They also appealed to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other development partners to support the initiative, describing it as vital to improving the quality of life of residents.

The call followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Kingsley Ntui, representing Etung State Constituency.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed confidence in winning the August 8, 2026, governorship election, asserting that his performance and popularity will ensure his re-election.

Speaking with journalists on Thursday after his screening at the National Campaign Organisation Committee (NCOC) Secretariat in Maitama, Abuja, Adeleke said he had delivered “wonderfully well” in office and believed the people of Osun would reward him with a second term.

The governor, who was cleared by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership at the party’s Legacy House in Abuja ahead of the 2026 primaries, highlighted his achievements as a key factor in his popularity.

“It is because I have performed wonderfully well. There is something called fact-checking; as journalists, you should fact-check, and you will discover that I have done so well. My people are happy with me, and that is why they want me to continue,” he said.

When asked if he feared the influence of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and what is often referred to as ‘federal might,’ Adeleke dismissed such concerns, stressing that his popularity would secure his victory.

“I am very popular. Everywhere you go, you hear people call me Imole, say Imole! So, I am not afraid of federal might. The President knows my election comes before the general elections, and he will not want to mess anything up,” the governor stated confidently.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned political parties in Osun State against breaching electoral laws ahead of their primaries. Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr. Mutiu Agboke delivered the warning at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Olusegun Agbaje Media Centre, Osogbo.

Agboke reminded parties that, according to the election timetable, primaries must take place between November 24 and December 15, 2025, in compliance with Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates democratic nomination of candidates.

“We appeal to political parties in the state to allow internal democracy to guide their conduct. Free and fair elections begin with how parties conduct their primaries. A rancour-free process will not only reduce pre-election litigations but also strengthen the party’s unity and the legitimacy of candidates,” Agboke said.

He further emphasized that campaigning has not yet begun, warning that any premature political activity would constitute a violation of the law.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, scheduled for November 15–16.

The ruling, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, followed a case filed by three aggrieved party members who argued that the PDP failed to comply with legal and party requirements.

The court found that the party did not adhere to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), or its own constitution.

Specifically, the PDP was said to have failed in conducting valid state congresses before moving to hold the national convention to elect officers.

Justice Omotosho ordered the PDP to rectify these procedural lapses and ensure that a statutory 21-day notice is given before any future convention.

The plaintiffs in the suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025) are: Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, Imo PDP Chairman, Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna, Abia PDP Chairman and Turnah Alabh George, PDP Secretary, South-South

The defendants include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), PDP, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Baturrle, and national officers Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi, as well as the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

The court also dismissed preliminary objections filed by the defendants, who had argued that the matter was an internal party affair and outside the court’s jurisdiction.

Details shortly…

Justice Rita Offili Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered that lawyer Ahmed Abdulrahman and four others be remanded at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Area 10, Abuja, until November 10.

This follows their arraignment on charges of cyberbullying Senator Shehu Baba Umar.

The defendants, Ahmed Abdulrahman, Daure David, Ishaq Abubakar Muhammed, Abdulrashid Abdullahi Musa, and Nasiru Usman Abubakar, were charged by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on an 11-count charge including cyberbullying, advance fee fraud, and extortion.

When the charges were read, all five defendants pleaded not guilty.

Counsel for the prosecution, Victor Okoye, requested a trial date and urged that the defendants be remanded at Kuje Prison, Abuja.

Abdulrahman’s lawyer, Affis Matanmi, applied for bail, highlighting that his client is a Supreme Court legal practitioner and would not interfere with the investigation or witnesses.

He also noted that the police had previously granted Abdulrahman administrative bail, which he did not violate.

However, the prosecution opposed bail, arguing that the lawyer had allegedly engaged in additional cyberbullying cases and played a major role in five of the eleven charges.

Okoye emphasized that no legal practitioner should receive special treatment under the law for criminal offenses.

After considering both sides, Justice Ajumogobia ordered the defendants to remain at the Force CID until November 10, allowing Abdulrahman’s lawyer time to file a further affidavit and reply to the prosecution’s counter-affidavit.

In count one, the defendants were accused of conspiring to commit cyberstalking against Senator Umar in 2025, contrary to Section 27(1)(b) and punishable under Section 21(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 (as amended 2024).

In count three, Abdulrahman allegedly sent a video via his TikTok handle “Kibanna Channel” and YouTube to defame the senator by linking him to sponsorship of banditry.

The act was said to be intended to cause fear and disrupt law and order, violating Section 24(1)(5) of the same Act.

Daure David was accused of attempting to extort N5 million from Senator Umar under the pretense that the money would be used to pay protesters.

Senator Umar, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, had earlier commended security agencies for arresting those behind a coordinated defamatory campaign targeting him.

He urged Nigerians to remain peaceful, verify information before sharing, and focus on societal issues.

“I have always stood for peace and the welfare of our people. I deny these baseless allegations and will continue to work for Bauchi South,” the senator stated.