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Nigeria Must Stop Normalising Past Evils – Farotimi Knocks ‘Statesman’ Label For IBB

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1 year ago

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Human Rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has faulted the description of former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.), known as IBB, as a statesman, insisting that such accolades only help to legitimise the ‘evils’ he claimed were inflicted on Nigerians during Babangida’s regime.

In a terse statement via his verified 𝕏 account on Tuesday, Farotimi accused Nigerians of engaging in what he described as mutual affirmation strategies that sanitise leaders with a questionable legacy.

“Not telling these ruinous cretins exactly what they are contributes towards the normalization of the evils that they have visited on the people. This mutual affirmation strategy is what has helped to sustain the evil. IBB is no statesman, and you can stop lying to yourself,” he wrote.

Adesina’s Birthday Tribute That Sparked Debate

It was reports that Farotimi’s comments came shortly after former African Development Bank President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, celebrated Babangida in a birthday message, hailing him as one of Nigeria’s “foremost elder-statesmen.”

Adesina, in his tribute, praised the former military ruler’s “patriotic fervour, devotion and commitment to Nigeria’s peace, unity and progress,” while wishing him good health on the occasion of his 84th birthday.

Adesina wrote: “I congratulate Nigeria’s former Head of State, H.E. General Ibrahim Babangida, GCFR, on the occasion of his 84th birthday. As one of Nigeria’s foremost elder-statesmen, you continue to inspire the nation with your patriotic fervor, unrelenting devotion and unreserved commitment to the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria. Your life is characterized by total service marked with resilience.

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May God continue to grant you good health, strength, vitality, and happiness, surrounded with the love of your family and all who love you, today and always. Happy Birthday Sir! With much love from Yemisi and I. Akin.”

The public commendation, however, sparked reactions online, with Farotimi standing out as one of the most critical voices against what he sees as an attempt to whitewash history.

Babangida’s Controversial Legacy

It was reports that IBB, who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, remains one of the country’s most controversial leaders.

His regime is remembered for the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely adjudged to have been won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO Abiola).

While supporters often describe him as a pragmatic leader who introduced economic reforms such as the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), critics argue that his policies entrenched corruption, worsened poverty, and deepened Nigeria’s socio-political crises.

Farotimi’s fiery post, however, has reignited the debate over how Nigerians should remember Babangida-as an elder statesman deserving of national honour, or as a leader whose actions left lasting scars on the nation.

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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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6 hours ago

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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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6 hours ago

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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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