Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has urged Nigerians to unite and stand up against political oppression, warning that the country has not yet experienced the full extent of the challenges that lie ahead.

Falana made the remarks during the Day of Tributes held in honor of the late Dr. Adewale Peter Balogun, a champion for democracy and a vocal advocate for the oppressed.

He emphasized that now is the time for action, not mourning or complaints.

“We must refocus our efforts and dedicate ourselves to fighting for our rights. The people in power have not even started; what we’ve seen so far is nothing,” Falana said.

“Telecom tariffs have increased, and more hikes will follow. This is why we need to unite, rise up, and oppose this oppression.”

Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, also addressed the gathering, urging Nigerians to fight for good governance amid the economic difficulties the country is facing.

He challenged leaders to prioritize the country’s needs and make sacrifices for its progress.

“You don’t need to make noise to make an impact,” Arogundade stated. “Commitment and sacrifice are essential for progress. Dr. Balogun’s struggle was not in vain. He lived a life of meaningful impact, and his contributions to the democracy we enjoy today are evident.”

Arogundade highlighted that the event was not only to honor Dr. Balogun but to remind Nigerians of the importance of continuing the fight for better governance.

“This gathering reminds us of where we stand today and challenges us to continue the fight for good governance. Dr. Balogun’s dedication to democracy and his unwavering commitment to the struggle remain a lasting legacy.”

He also noted that many of Dr. Balogun’s goals, particularly in the fields of medical and democratic reform, were not fully realized, but his efforts paved the way for future generations.

Leaders of Pan-Yoruba groups have strongly opposed any move to introduce Sharia law in the Southwest, calling it a deliberate plot to destabilize Yorubaland. They warned that such proposals, if implemented, would cause division, confusion, and potentially ignite intra-Yoruba conflicts, all aimed at weakening the unity of the region.

In a statement signed by prominent Yoruba leaders, including Tajudeen Olowo of the Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM), Olu Sulaiman of the O’odua Nationalist Coalition (ONAC), and Dr. Kola Afolabi of The Covenant Group (CP), the groups expressed their firm opposition to the imposition of Sharia law in any part of Yoruba territory, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and other southwestern states.

The groups argued that Sharia law cannot solve the region’s social, political, and economic challenges.

They emphasized that Yorubaland’s progress, particularly its economic development, was achieved through the hard work of diverse religious groups, including Muslims, Christians, and traditional worshippers, not through theocracy.

“We are witnessing a calculated attempt to destabilize the region through divisive and dangerous proposals that threaten unity and provoke conflicts among the Yoruba people. Sharia law is not compatible with the multi-religious and multi-faith nature of Yorubaland,” the statement read.

The leaders also pointed to the failures of Sharia law in the northern states, where its implementation has been associated with high poverty rates, instability, and violence.

They cited statistics showing that the poverty rate in Sharia-ruled states like Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina is among the highest in the country, with many citizens living in extreme poverty, while the political elite in those regions continue to amass wealth.

“These states, where Sharia has been imposed, are rife with poverty, violence, and lawlessness. It is a model that has failed, and we do not want this fate for our region,” they stated, condemning the unequal application of Sharia in northern states, where the rich escape justice while the poor face harsh punishments.

The groups also expressed concern that the push for Sharia in the Southwest is politically motivated, aiming to disrupt the unity and political fortunes of the Yoruba people.

They warned that this was part of a broader effort to undermine democracy and sow discord within the region, which has long maintained a shared political vision.

“Any attempt to impose Sharia in Yorubaland, whether openly or covertly, will be fiercely opposed. The Yoruba people will not tolerate such divisive actions,” the leaders stated, urging religious extremists and political figures to abandon their plans.

They reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the unity and democratic values of the Yoruba people and warned that any such efforts to impose Sharia would be met with strong resistance.

Dr. Temitope Farombi, a consultant neurologist at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, has raised a stark warning that the prevalence of brain disorders in Nigeria will triple by 2030.

According to Dr. Farombi, with one in four Nigerians suffering from hypertension and one in six from diabetes, the country is on the brink of a neurological crisis.

She emphasized that by the next decade, the nation could see a dramatic rise in cases of neurological conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, depression, mental health disorders, and other brain-related ailments.

Dr. Farombi made this statement during the opening of her new neuro-critical and neuro-rehabilitation facility, the Brain Centre, in Ibadan.

The centre, she explained, is not just a hospital, but a hub for pioneering treatments, research, and compassionate care aimed at tackling the growing burden of neurological disorders in the country.

“As we know, hypertension and diabetes are major contributors to neurological issues. By 2030, Nigeria will face three times the number of neurological conditions we currently have, which will include serious cases like epilepsy, stroke, and mental health diseases,” she stated.

She also emphasized the critical role of government support in retaining medical talent within the country and stressed that her decision to return to Nigeria after studying abroad was driven by a desire to give back to the community and contribute to the advancement of healthcare in Nigeria.

The commissioning event was attended by various dignitaries, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Prof. Olatunde Farombi; Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori; and Chief Sharafadeen Alli, the representative of Oyo South Senatorial District.

Dr. Ilori praised the Brain Centre as a game-changer in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in addressing the critical need for specialized care in the field of brain health.

She highlighted the facility’s potential to support long-term recovery for patients with complex neurological conditions, especially those living with HIV.

“The Brain Centre is a beacon of hope for all Nigerians, including those living with HIV, ensuring that brain health is prioritized in the healthcare system,” she said.

Senator Sharafadeen Alli, represented by Dr. Saka Adewunmi, echoed these sentiments, calling the Brain Centre a monumental achievement for the region and urging that it serve as a model for innovative healthcare solutions nationwide.

The opening of the Brain Centre, Dr. Farombi believes, will address a critical gap in Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, offering specialized care for neurological emergencies and long-term recovery for individuals with complex conditions.

Dr. Ilori, in her keynote address, stressed that the hospital would improve the standard of healthcare across Nigeria, offering life-changing treatment to many.

Dr. Farombi also noted the importance of government policy in shaping the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system, emphasizing the need for support to ensure the success of medical facilities like the Brain Centre, which aims to transform the landscape of brain health in the country.

The Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has sparked a wave of outrage on social media following his assertion that Nigerian law gives police officers the authority to break into homes without a warrant in certain situations.

The controversy began after a video was shared by X (formerly Twitter) user Somto Okonkwo, showing masked police officers scaling a fence, firing shots, and eventually forcing their way into a home when residents refused to open the gate. The officers were seen climbing the fence to enter the building.

Adejobi’s comments in response to the video led to widespread criticism on the platform. One user, Joseph Tobore, pointed out that Adejobi’s justification appeared to contradict Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy.

Tobore wrote, “Any law that does not align with the Constitution is not a valid law. Prince (Adejobi), please educate Nigerians on Section 37 and explain how this aligns with the law.”

Another user, ‘Great Oracle Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary,’ raised concerns about the police’s approach, asking, “How is this consistent with proper police operations? Officers, masked and without a warrant, fired live rounds and trespassed on private property. Is this standard procedure? An armed citizen could have shot one of these officers.”

‘Dipo’ echoed similar concerns, saying, “Uniform is no longer a proof of authority because criminals and terrorists wear them too. Only professional conduct validates real operatives.”

Despite the backlash, Adejobi defended the actions of the officers, claiming that the law grants police the right to break into any property where they believe an offence is being committed, provided proper procedures are followed.

“The police have the power to break into any house or place if they are reasonably convinced that a crime is taking place,” Adejobi explained. “There are many laws governing police operations, and they must be followed.”

He continued, “Not all situations require a warrant for a search or arrest. The law allows police to break in and out when necessary to prevent crime or apprehend criminals.”

However, many critics remained unconvinced by his defense. X user Ben Samuel rebuked Adejobi’s statement, arguing, “Your statement lacks clarity. Police cannot break into homes without a warrant. Such actions are akin to armed robbery, and officers must face serious penalties for any misconduct. Legal duties cannot be executed through unlawful means.”

In his response, Adejobi maintained that while procedures could be refined, the police’s powers remain intact.

“No matter how the laws are amended, police powers remain unchanged,” he said. “Only procedures might change, but the authority to act in emergencies remains.”

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has expressed deep sorrow following the tragic petrol tanker explosion on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway that claimed over 11 lives on Saturday.

Mbah visited the scene of the incident at Ugwu-Onyeama for an on-the-spot assessment, where he confirmed that the state government had already mobilized resources to ensure the victims receive proper medical care.

The governor revealed that the state was taking proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, including the enforcement of road safety regulations and repairs to the section of the federal road that was in poor condition.

He extended his condolences to the families of the victims, describing the accident as “unfortunate” and pledged that immediate actions would be taken to address the situation.

Governor Mbah directed the Enugu Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Franklin Agbakoba, and the state Commissioner for Transport, Obi Ozor, to ensure that all tankers transporting flammable substances are equipped with anti-spill locks to prevent fuel leaks in the event of an accident.

“This tanker accident, which initial investigations suggest was caused by brake failure, led to the spill of premium motor spirit that ignited and caused the explosion. It’s a tragic incident, and we must get to the bottom of the cause,” Mbah said.

He assured the public that an investigation was underway, involving the police and other law enforcement agencies, to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

In the meantime, Mbah confirmed that the injured victims had been transferred to hospitals for urgent treatment, with state health officials coordinating their care.

The governor expressed that, while waiting for the federal government to address the road repairs, the state government would take immediate steps to fix the affected section of the road to avoid future accidents.

Briefing Mbah on the incident, the FRSC sector commander confirmed that the explosion was caused by the tanker’s brake failure.

He reported that 11 people lost their lives at the scene, with several others injured and rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention.

The sector commander thanked the governor for his swift response, leadership, and commitment to covering the medical expenses for the victims.