The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday presented more than N3.1 billion in compensation to over 300 property owners affected by government land acquisition for strategic infrastructure projects across the state.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said the compensation underscored his administration’s commitment to fairness, transparency and the protection of citizens’ rights in line with the Land Use Act.

He said land acquisition for overriding public interest imposed both a legal and moral obligation on government to compensate affected persons fairly, transparently and promptly.

“Today’s exercise is not charity; it is justice.

“It is not a favour; it is the rightful entitlement of every verified project-affected person whose property was acquired for public purpose,” he said.

The governor said all claims underwent due process, including enumeration, professional valuation and title verification, to ensure compensation reached legitimate beneficiaries.

“Behind every parcel of land is a family, a livelihood and a story. Development must always have a human face, and that is the principle guiding this administration,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said the acquired lands would be used for roads, schools and other public infrastructure to improve residents’ quality of life.

While noting that the projects would benefit millions of residents, he acknowledged the sacrifices of affected property owners and assured them of the government’s commitment to treating them with compassion and dignity.

“Infrastructure may benefit millions, but the government must never ignore those who bear the immediate impact.

“We acknowledge your sacrifice and appreciate your partnership in building a greater Lagos,” he said.

The governor advised beneficiaries to invest the compensation prudently in ventures that would secure their families’ future rather than spend it on non-essential items.

He also urged them not to offer inducements to public officials, stressing that civil servants involved in the exercise had discharged their duties professionally.

“Our officers are available to guide you professionally without demanding any gratification,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, commended affected residents for their patience and assured them of the government’s continued commitment to compassionate governance.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Lands Bureau, Mr Kamal Olowosago, described the exercise as another demonstration of the government’s commitment to fairness, accountability and the rule of law in land administration.

He recalled that the presentation followed an earlier compensation exercise held on Dec. 12, 2024, adding that it reflected government’s consistency in fulfilling its statutory obligations.

“This exercise demonstrates our unwavering commitment to fairness, transparency, accountability and strict adherence to the rule of law in the administration of land resources,” he said.

Olowosago said strategic infrastructure remained critical to economic growth and improved quality of life, but stressed that development must always be balanced with justice, equity and respect for citizens’ rights.

He commended the affected property owners for their patience and cooperation throughout the acquisition and compensation processes.

“Your sacrifices are contributing to critical infrastructure that will improve the lives of millions of Lagos residents today and for generations to come,” he said.

The permanent secretary also praised officials of the Lands Bureau, particularly those in the acquisition, reconciliation and compensation departments, for ensuring a transparent and credible compensation process.

NAN

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

The embattled Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, Prince Adeyemi Matthew Adeniyi, has claimed that he personally lobbied officials at the Budget Office to facilitate the inclusion of the controversial agency in the 2026 Federal Government budget.

Adeniyi made the claims during an interview with social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, in an Instagram video released on Sunday after his arrest.

The alleged fake agency was controversially allocated about ₦1.3bn in the 2026 Appropriation Act despite ongoing investigations into its authenticity.

During the interview, Adeniyi absolved the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, of responsibility for the budgetary allocation, insisting that he never met him physically.

.

According to him, he first approached the Budget Office in December 2024 seeking the agency’s inclusion in the 2025 budget but was informed that the appropriation process had already closed.

“I went to that Budget Office for the 2025 budget. I submitted the letter and everything that I wanted, but I was told it was already late,” he said.

Adeniyi claimed officials later advised him that the proposal would instead be considered for the 2026 budget.

“When the 2025 budget came out and I didn’t see this budget, those people that I went to then said it would now be for the 2026 budget. We kept in touch because they said it would be considered later,” he added.

He further alleged that a female official facilitated access to the Director-General of the Budget Office, who later referred him to another senior official.

“She helped me to see the oga. Oga now said, ‘Where is my shini?’ I said I don’t have any shini. He later asked me to meet one director,” he claimed.

According to Adeniyi, the director informed him that the proposal could not be accommodated in the 2025 budget but assured him efforts would continue ahead of the 2026 appropriation.

“They were trying for me that maybe they would include it, but unfortunately they said it could not be included in the 2025 budget. They said it would be for 2026,” he said.

Asked whether he paid any official to facilitate the process, Adeniyi denied offering money.

“Honestly, I did not pay any money. I didn’t pay anybody. The only thing I promised was that if I started employing people, I could help them with employment opportunities.

“That was the favour I promised them. I did not give anybody money. It was just a promise that if they had people, I could employ them.”

He claimed that his arrest brought the process to an end and expressed surprise when he later learnt that the agency had appeared in the 2026 budget.

“Immediately, there was a problem; everything stopped. Even the woman that wanted to help was calling because she couldn’t reach me because she was scared. I told her to let everything stop.

“I didn’t even know until they said it was inside the budget. I had already left the office. Where would I still pursue the budget again when I was already facing court?”

When asked whether Budget Office officials might have inserted the agency into the budget after his arrest, Adeniyi said he could not explain how it happened.

“I don’t know because once that problem started, everything stopped. Why would I still pursue the budget when I was already in trouble?” he said.

He also addressed allegations that he paid ₦400m to secure his purported appointment, claiming the money was delivered in United States dollars through his late associate, Dolapo Tanimola.

“Dollars,” he replied when asked the denomination of the money.

Asked who received the funds, he responded, “Dolapo.”

Adeniyi, however, maintained that he never met Gbajabiamila physically.

“I never met Gbajabiamila physically before and after he was appointed. Dolapo Tanimola handled everything for me.”

In the caption accompanying the interview, VeryDarkMan called for a comprehensive investigation into the Budget Office and other government institutions, arguing that Adeniyi should not be the only person held accountable if his allegations prove true.

PUNCH Online reports that the allegations made by Adeniyi during the interview have not been independently verified, and the officials and institutions mentioned have not publicly responded to the latest claims.

Background

PUNCH Online previously reported that Adeniyi allegedly operated a fictitious government agency known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, presenting himself as its Director-General while allegedly using forged government documents and operating from an office within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja.

It was alleged that the appointment letter he relied upon was forged and falsely attributed to the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.

Security agencies subsequently arrested and charged him with offences including forgery and impersonation.

Despite the agency’s lack of legal existence, it later appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act with an allocation of about ₦1.3bn, sparking public outrage and calls for an investigation into Nigeria’s budget process.

The Presidency has consistently described Adeniyi as an impostor and distanced the Federal Government from the alleged organisation.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted bail of ₦500m to the former Managing Director of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited, Jimoh Yisawu, who is standing trial on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering.

Yisawu, who is the sole defendant in Charge no. FHC/ABJ/CR/361/2026, pleaded not guilty to all eight counts after they were read to him before Justice Inyang Ekwo.

The charge, dated and filed on June 22, 2026, was brought by the Federal Government.

The prosecution, led by Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), told the court that the defendant allegedly committed offences contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In the first count, the Federal Government alleged that Yisawu “indirectly converted the aggregate sum of over $789,950… being proceeds of unlawful activity,” contrary to Section 18(2)(b) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Act.

In the second count, the prosecution alleged that he made cash payments exceeding $789,950 to one Samaila Bala without using a financial institution, contrary to the provisions of the anti-money laundering law.

In the fourth count, the government further alleged that Yisawu made cash payments totalling $122,600 through one Rasheed Olaitan Yusuf outside the banking system and due process, in violation of the anti-money laundering law.

Following the defendant’s plea, Iheanacho applied for a trial date.

Counsel for the defendant, Wale Balogun (SAN), informed the court that he had filed an application for bail.

Responding, Iheanacho said the prosecution had filed a counter-affidavit opposing the application and urged the court to refuse bail.

Balogun, however, argued that the prosecution had earlier granted Yisawu administrative bail and had already seized his international passport. He urged the court to maintain the existing bail terms.

After adopting their respective processes, both counsel argued their applications.

In a ruling, Justice Ekwo held that the defendant was entitled to bail.

The judge said, “Going by Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015)… I therefore grant bail in the sum of ₦500m with one surety in like sum.”

Justice Ekwo ordered that the surety must be a responsible Nigerian with landed property in Abuja and must submit proof of ownership to the court registrar.

The judge also directed the defendant to deposit his international passport with the court and barred him from travelling outside Nigeria without the court’s permission.

Pending the perfection of the bail conditions, the court ordered that Yisawu should remain in the custody of the prosecution.

The case was adjourned until October 25, 26 and 27, 2026, for trial.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN