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Natasha’s appeal reveals court didn’t nullify suspension – Akpabio’s aide

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1 year ago

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Aide to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Kenny Okolugbo, says Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s own court filings show that the judgment she is relying on to justify her return to the Senate did not nullify her suspension, contrary to the impression she has created in the media.

In a chat with reporters in Abuja on Thursday, Okolugbo pointed to Ground 23 of the senator’s appeal in the case Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & Ors, arguing that it contradicts her public claim that she was reinstated by the Federal High Court.

Quoting from the document, Okolugbo said, “The learned trial judge erred in law… after rightly adjudging the suspension… as excessive… failed to expressly make a clear pronouncement to set aside and/or nullify same accordingly.”

According to him, this clearly shows that Justice Binta Nyako’s ruling did not invalidate the suspension.

“This means the court found the suspension excessive but stopped short of setting it aside. Her own appeal confirms this.

“Despite this, Senator Natasha returned to the Senate on July 22, declaring herself reinstated, a move Okolugbo described as a media stunt and deeply irresponsible.

“There was no official communication from the court to the Senate Clerk or leadership directing her reinstatement. Instead, she arrived at the National Assembly with cameras and supporters in what was clearly a staged spectacle,” he said.

He criticised the senator’s action as an attempt to manipulate public opinion and incite a media frenzy.

“The Senate is not a reality show. You don’t force your way into a constitutionally regulated chamber,” he added.

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Okolugbo argued that if the court had indeed ordered her recall, the Senate would have followed its internal procedures: the Clerk would notify the Senate leadership, which would then deliberate before taking a decision.

He also addressed criticism of Senate President Akpabio, saying the suspension of Natasha was not personal but based on Senate rules and the Constitution.

“It followed due process under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution and the Standing Orders,” he said.

On the way forward, Okolugbo revealed that the Senate had included a provision for her return: an apology for her February 20 conduct.

“All she needed to do was apologise publicly, and the suspension would have been lifted. Even the Brekete Family advised her to do so, but she refused.”

He maintained that her suspension did not affect legislative work in her Kogi Central constituency.

“Her bills, including one establishing the Federal Medical Centre in Ihima, moved forward during her absence,” he said.

Okolugbo warned that the situation could harm female political participation if left unchecked.

“Nigeria has only four female senators. When one weaponises gender and distorts the truth, it undermines real struggles and damages credibility,” he said.

He also accused some media outlets of sensationalism.

“Some journalists admitted they knew the facts but chose drama instead. We had kept quiet, but now that Ground 23 is public, it’s clear she lied.”

Okolugbo concluded that the matter could still be resolved if Senator Natasha retracts her claims and apologises.

“But if she continues on this path, the legal process will take its full course,” he said.

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Public officers are stealing Nigeria’s money every minute – EFCC boss

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September 26, 2026

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, says public officers steal funds every minute.

Olukoyede spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 80th birthday celebration of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi.

He stated that the anti-graft agency receives over 20,000 corruption petitions every year, describing the scale of the theft detailed in many cases as shocking.

“I receive over 20,000 petitions in a year in respect to public corruption, all terrible. What is going on? Like every minute, public officers take money, and if you go through some of our case files you will weep.

“The way people take national resources and Nigerians are victims of these fraudulent activities. And we must come together for once in our lifetime and say no to the activities of some of our leaders,” Olukoyede said.

The EFCC boss noted that some public officers assume office with less than ₦100,000 in their accounts, but within three years, the agency traces millions of dollars to them.

He added that some individuals acquire hundreds of houses while in office, warning that corruption is crippling the nation.

Olukoyede stressed that public officers must be held accountable for their time in office, emphasizing that transparency must remain the guiding standard in public service.

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VIDEO: Police identify officer in viral video saying Obi can never be President

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September 26, 2026

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The Lagos State Police Command has arrested an officer who appeared in a viral video making inappropriate remarks about Peter Obi and Igbo people while travelling on public transport.

The officer who has been identified as INSP. Osumah Frank, was filmed saying Obi or any Igbo person can never become President of Nigeria.

In a statement released today September 25, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola said the command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.

Abimbola stated that the statements made by the officer were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position, views or official disposition of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.

She added that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, has reiterated the position of the command that all its personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times. She further reaffirmed that wearing the Police uniform comes with a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Force, and that the Command will not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the Police.

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Court rejects suit seeking fresh police investigation into late singer Mohbad’s death

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September 26, 2026

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a fresh investigation into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation in a judgment delivered on Thursday, ruling that the foundation lacked the legal capacity to institute the suit.

The judge also described the application as speculative and lacking sufficient merit, noting that the foundation failed to produce the original police investigation report to support its claim that the earlier investigation was inadequate.

Justice Omotosho further cautioned lawyers handling ongoing cases against discussing matters before the court during media interviews or on social media, describing such conduct as professional misconduct.

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