Muhuyi Rimingado, the Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), has accused a suspect under investigation by his commission of using the police to orchestrate his arrest.

Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Rimingado explained that his arrest last week was tied to his role in leading the fight against corruption in Kano.

He described the incident as unsurprising, emphasizing that corruption fights back when it is challenged.

“Corruption is fighting back. When you fight corruption, corruption will fight back. Anti-corruption efforts may be fair, but the fight against corruption is often dirty,” Rimingado stated.

He revealed that three different federal agencies were involved in actions against him, indicating a coordinated effort targeting his work.

Rimingado explained that his arrest stemmed from an investigation into an alleged fraud involving the former Managing Director of Kano Agricultural Supply Company Limited (KASCO).

According to Rimingado, the investigation uncovered that nearly N4 billion in Kano State Government funds had been misappropriated by a public officer through several entities.

As part of the investigation, his commission seized assets in accordance with the law, and the matter was taken to court.

“After the arraignment and detention of the accused, they attempted to remove the exhibits of the crime, which is unlawful. We had to relocate the seized property to a secure location to prevent tampering until the court made its ruling,”.

“I believe this is what triggered the response against me.” he explained.

Rimingado claimed that the police were brought in when the suspects could not wait for the court to resolve the matter.

He said the officers who came to arrest him accused him of abuse of power, mischief, and trespass.

However, he questioned these allegations, affirming that his commission was legally empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption cases.

As of the time of the interview, the police had not issued any official statement on the situation.

The Enugu Chapter of the Noble Peace Club International has expressed its condolences following the tragic tanker explosion that occurred at Ugwuonyema along Enugu-Onitsha expressway.

In a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE by the club’s chapter governor, Barr. Chime Chigbo (CAEZER), the organization extended its heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims who lost their lives in the inferno.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families during this difficult time.”

The club also lauded the quick and decisive action of Governor Peter Mbah, whose swift response helped alleviate the impact of the disaster.

“We commend Governor Mbah for his prompt intervention and the support he has extended to the affected families,” the statement continued.

The Noble Peace Club International, Enugu Chapter, prayed for the souls of the departed to find eternal peace and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

“We pray that God grants eternal rest to those who have passed, and we remain hopeful that the survivors receive divine healing. Amen.”

A tragic tanker explosion in Enugu State has claimed the lives of at least 20 people, including three children.

The incident occurred on Saturday, just two weeks after a similar tanker disaster in Niger State that killed nearly 90 people, prompting renewed concerns over tanker safety and frequent accidents.

The fire erupted at around 11 a.m. at Ugwu Onyeama along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

According to eyewitnesses, the tanker lost control while descending a hilly section of the road, colliding with several vehicles before spilling its contents, leading to a massive explosion.

Sunday Ugwumba, a bus driver who witnessed the accident, described the horrific scene, saying, “The tanker failed, spilling fuel that ignited a fire. All the vehicles around it, along with the people inside, were consumed by the flames.”

Local residents blame the accident on the poor condition of the road.

One eyewitness pointed out that the single-lane road forces heavy trucks to share the space with smaller vehicles, which increases the risk of such devastating crashes.

“We urge the government to repair the road immediately to prevent more tragedies and ensure the safety of road users,” the eyewitness said.

Christian, another resident, expressed concern over the ongoing loss of lives, saying, “This road has claimed many lives. We call on the government to urgently fix it.”

The incident has sparked public outcry, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the causes of the crash and previous accidents in order to prevent further disasters.

More Than 200 Survivors Receiving Treatment:

Reports indicate that over 200 people injured in the explosion are currently receiving medical care at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane.

While some victims with minor burns have been discharged, others with more severe injuries remain hospitalized.

Ebube Ugwu, a relative of one of the victims, described how her sister and friends, along with their children, were trapped in their vehicle, a Lexus, during the accident.

FRSC Confirms Death Toll and Rescue Efforts:

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that 18 people died in the incident. FRSC national spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide reported that, as of Saturday night, the FRSC team had rescued 13 motorists from the blaze.

“A total of 31 people were involved in the crash. Ten were rescued with various degrees of injury, three were unharmed, and sadly, 18 others were burnt beyond recognition,” Ogungbemide said.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, along with the state’s transport commissioner, police commissioner Kanayo Uzuegbu, and officials from the FRSC, were involved in the rescue efforts.

Ogungbemide attributed the cause of the crash to brake failure, stating that 17 vehicles were involved in the incident.

President Tinubu Offers Condolences:

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his condolences to the government and people of Enugu State over the tanker explosion.

In a statement issued by his media aide, the president called for greater caution and adherence to safety measures among road users, particularly tanker operators, to prevent further accidents.

Details have emerged on how six prominent Yoruba monarchs, led by the Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi, successfully persuaded the renowned legal figure Afe Babalola to withdraw his criminal defamation case against human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.

The Ooni, along with five other senior traditional rulers, traveled to Babalola’s residence in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday night to seek a resolution.

The delegation included the Ewi of Ado, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi III; Ajero of Ijero, Oba Adewole Joseph Adebayo; Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Samuel Adejinmi Adu; Alaaye of Efon Alaaye, Oba Dr. Emmanuel Aladejare Agunsoye II; and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, who also serves as the Chairman of the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ilori Faboro.

Arriving in Ado-Ekiti shortly after 10 p.m., the monarchs began a closed-door discussion with Babalola, urging him to forgive Farotimi and drop the charges against him.

The intervention followed an earlier incident in December when Farotimi was arrested by the police in Ekiti State and charged for allegedly defaming Babalola in his book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,” where he accused the lawyer of judicial corruption.

Despite receiving previous appeals from notable figures such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah to withdraw the case, Babalola initially remained firm in his decision to press charges.

However, the traditional rulers presented a compelling case, emphasizing Babalola’s role as an elder statesman and his significant contributions to society.

In the meeting, the Ooni spoke highly of Babalola, praising his character and achievements.

“Aare Afe Babalola, you are an elder statesman, one of the iconic voices in this country. You are a rare breed, a God-fearing man, and a champion of the Yoruba ethos of Omoluwabi,” the Ooni said.

“We have all come together as traditional rulers to ask that you forgive Farotimi and withdraw the criminal charges. He is your son, and as a father, you must pardon him.”

Moved by the appeal, Babalola reflected on the intervention and agreed to forgive Farotimi.

He acknowledged the tradition of Yoruba elders intervening in disputes and expressed his pride in being part of such a rich cultural heritage.

In his remarks, Babalola also highlighted his rejection of corrupt practices throughout his career, including turning down lucrative government offers and ministerial positions.

He stated, “I have always sought to maintain my integrity. I rejected an oil block, ministerial appointments, and other rewards because I didn’t want anyone to say I achieved success through corruption.”

Addressing the issue of Farotimi’s defamation, Babalola added, “I am not seeking more wealth. I am not interested in his imprisonment or damages. I simply want peace and for my name to be respected.”

Ultimately, Babalola declared that he would instruct his lawyers to immediately withdraw the charges, marking a significant moment of reconciliation.

“Today, my answer is ‘yes,’” he concluded, affirming his decision to forgive Farotimi and put the matter to rest.

Aare Afe Babalola, the founder and chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has decided to drop all criminal charges against human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, following the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

Babalola made the announcement on Sunday, acknowledging the intervention of the Ooni and other influential traditional rulers in Nigeria.

Farotimi, who had written the book “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,” accused Babalola of corrupting the judiciary.

In response, Babalola emphasized his respect for the Yoruba traditional institutions and their authority, stating that the commands of the Obas are long-standing and must be followed.

During a press conference, Babalola expressed his deep frustration over the accusations, recalling his past efforts in rejecting an oil block and defending the EFCC law, as well as turning down ministerial nominations twice.

He questioned why anyone would seek to undermine his life’s work.

He also made it clear that he held no personal gain in Farotimi’s imprisonment, and he was always content when able to give to others.

The Ooni had earlier appealed to Babalola to consider the influence of the traditional rulers involved and to make peace.

The monarch praised Babalola’s significant contributions to the development of the Yoruba people, Nigeria, and the world.

“We all came together to speak with him, and he gave due respect to the Obas, ultimately agreeing to the resolution,” said the Ooni.

“We, the Obas, can attest to Aare Babalola’s hard work and how he built his reputation, one that cannot be tarnished or destroyed by anyone. He has shown the world how much he values his name.”

The Ooni added, “Dele Farotimi is your son, and as elders, we forgive our children after a reprimand.”

While Babalola’s decision to drop the charges was confirmed, some of the lawyers named in Farotimi’s book, including those who were allegedly defamed, have indicated they may continue their legal actions.

These lawyers plan to meet later to discuss the next steps and issue a joint statement regarding their future course of action.

The Body of Benchers, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, has confirmed 15 distinguished legal professionals, including Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and renowned human rights lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome, as life members of the prestigious body.

The confirmation was announced on Thursday, January 23, 2025, during a meeting held at the Body of Benchers’ headquarters in Abuja.

In addition to Bamidele and Ozekhome, other legal luminaries confirmed as life benchers include Prof. Isa Chiroma, the Director General of the Nigerian Law School; Justice Sidi Bage, Emir of Lafia; retired Supreme Court Justice Ejembi Eko; and Professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons in Africa.

This brings the total number of life benchers in Nigeria to 170, with a cap on new admissions for the next five years.

The prestigious elevation of these legal professionals is a recognition of their immense contributions to the legal profession and their unwavering commitment to the integrity and excellence of the judiciary in Nigeria.

The Body of Benchers, as the highest regulatory body of legal practitioners in the country, bestows life membership as a mark of distinction for outstanding service to the legal field.

Senator Bamidele, who was first appointed to the Body of Benchers as a Bencher in November 2019, is also known for his significant impact as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters. Under his leadership, the committee initiated several reforms that enhanced the judiciary’s welfare and operational capacity.

His tenure saw improvements in the working conditions of judicial officers through increased funding, as well as the passage of a bill raising the retirement age for judicial officers from 65 to 70, which was later assented to by the executive.

A statement from the Senate Leader’s office further highlighted Bamidele’s extensive qualifications and service record. Bamidele, called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992, is a member of several prestigious legal associations, including the Nigerian Bar Association, American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, and International Bar Association.

He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria) and the Chartered Institute of Management Consultants, among other professional organizations.

Bamidele has served in various public service roles, including as Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Social Development under Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and as Commissioner for Information & Strategy under Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.

His experience in the legislative sector includes serving as the Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Research and Budget in the seventh National Assembly.

Bamidele’s academic background is equally distinguished, having earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1986, followed by a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Benin in 1990.

He later completed a Master of Laws degree at the Franklin Pierce School of Law, University of New Hampshire, specializing in Intellectual Property Law, including International Patent, Trademark, and Copyright Law.