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Unraveling the Nexus of Power: NGIJ Challenges PSFU’s Narrative on Journalists’ Arrest
In response to the recent press release by the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Lagos, signed by SP Eyitayo Johnson regarding the arrest and arraignment of four journalists for alleged cyberstalking and attempted extortion of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has said that it is constrained to set the record straight on several key points. googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
In a statement jointly signed by the President and the Vice President Administration and Strategic Communications, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan and Oyewale Oyelola respectively, on Thursday, and made available to Journalists in Abuja, the Guild noted that without joining issues with the parties involved, the Police overstepped its boundaries under the law by issuing a statement that clearly pronounced the defendants guilty as charged.
The statement read in parts: “NGIJ view with dismay the desperate media war the PSFU seems to be waging against four journalists arrested by the unit at on the orders of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank).
“The Guild is shocked at the tone of the press release signed by SP Eyitayo Johnson and made available to the media on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, when the Journalists have been arraigned in court and remanded at Ikoyi Prison until 4th of October, 2024.
“The tone of the press release is not only assertive and judgmental but smacks of a desperate attempt of giving a dog a bad name to hang it.
“Again, it seems PSFU wants to be a judge in its own case when they affirmed in the said press release that “having established contact with a staff member of the PR department of the bank, and despite being informed that the story in false; (sic) resorted to economic blackmail by demanding for financial compensation before the false publication could be pulled down.”
“One would think that a reputable unit like the PSFU would be professional enough to allow the Court determined this case based on its merits (if any). This is because to the best of our knowledge, whether or not the arrested journalists demanded for financial compensation before pulling down the stories is a matter to be determined by the court.
“In setting the record straight: First and foremost, it is crucial to highlight that the four journalists in question were arraigned in court on Friday, 27th of September, 2024, before Hon. Justice Ayokunle Faji and are scheduled for trial from the 4th of October, 2024. This demonstrates that due legal process is already ongoing and the matter is being handled in a transparent and accountable manner by a court of law. Therefore, for PSFU to start issuing a press release and sending pictures of the Journalists to the media on the 2nd of October, even when their arraignment was widely reported by major newspapers on the 28th and 29th of September, 2024 has left a big question mark as to what the special interests of the Police in the matter is.
“Furthermore, it has come to light that the House of Representatives has received a petition regarding the subject matter in the case, with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen granting approval for a thorough probe of the allegations against the GTBank. This indicates that the issue has broader implications and is being taken seriously at a higher legislative level.
“GTBANK itself had before an investigative panel at the National Assembly in September confirmed that the bank did not remit (Value Added Tax (VAT) to the Federal Government for an extended period of 8 years. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Nigeria’s House of Representatives then ordered the GTBank to calculate the VAT owed on commissions earned through the Remita platform between 2015 and 2022 to the Federal Government.
“This fraudulent act was part of the content of the original report by the defendants, leading to their arrests. This revelation, without prejudice to the ongoing case in court, underscores the need for thorough investigation and scrutiny of the bank’s practices, lending credibility to the four accused journalists’ publications.
“Additionally, concerns have been raised about the fundamental human rights of the journalists as they were kept in custody by the Police for up to a week before they were charged to court. Moreso, the nature of the arrest of the Journalists in question in a ‘Gestapo-style’ without their arrests duly registered their with the local authorities in Ilorin and Abeokuta, remains a big question on the professionalism of the PSFU Police. This also raises questions about the fairness and legality of their detention and the nature of the arrest, especially considering the sensitive nature of press freedom globally.
“It is evident that the Police’s actions in this case may indicate an attempt to suppress freedom of the press and stifle truthful reportage, particularly when considering the influence of powerful individuals and entity involved, like the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr Segun Agbaje.
“Without any doubt, the role of the police should be to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of individuals, including journalists, without bias but in this case, adhering to these noble duties are doubtful.
“We therefore strongly condemn position taken by the Police in the allegations made against our four colleagues, in which they have taken a NOT GUILTY plea before the Federal High Court, Ikoyi.
“It’s disturbing to see the police seemingly working to justify their actions, rather than upholding the principles of democracy and protecting the rights of journalists to report the truth by the obvious show of bias by the PSFU.
“The allegations appear to be a blatant attempt to continue to harass, intimidate, and silence our colleagues and stifle press freedom in efforts to protect the rich and the influential in the society.
“The NGIJ therefore stand in solidarity with rule of law and our colleagues as well as demands that their rights be respected, as we will continue to report the truth, without fear or favour, and hold those in power accountable for their actions in public interest.
“We therefore call on Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, the Chairman Police Service Commission, PSC, democratic institutions, the National Assembly, human rights organizations, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the international community to condemn the position of the PSFU as the prosecutor and the judge in the matter before the court”, the statement concluded.
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June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots Development
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The chieftain of the APC in Kwara state , Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, on the occasion of Democracy Day 2026 Celebration and the third years anniversary of their administrations. js">
This is contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Friday in Abuja, Ajia described June 12 as a historic symbol of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, resilience, and collective aspiration for good governance.
Ajia commended President Tinubu for demonstrating courage in implementing reforms aimed at repositioning the nation’s economy, improving infrastructure, attracting investments, and strengthening key institutions of government. He noted that the administration has laid important foundations for long-term national development.
While acknowledging these efforts, he urged the President to pay greater attention to the pressing challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians. According to him, the hopes and aspirations of citizens remain the strongest mandate of any democratic government.
The Ilorin-born security expert further called for intensified efforts to secure lives and property across the country and encouraged the President to deepen youth inclusion in governance by appointing more competent young Nigerians into strategic decision-making positions. He noted that Nigeria’s youthful population represents a vital resource for innovation, nation-building, and sustainable development.
Ajia also advocated the continuation of inclusive economic policies capable of empowering local contractors, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and investors, while ensuring that the benefits of governance are felt more directly at the grassroots.
The philanthropist and business leader equally congratulated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on the achievements recorded in Kwara State, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, social investments, and public sector reforms.
He, however, urged the governor to devote greater attention to ward-level and community-based development projects that would create employment opportunities and empower indigenous contractors, local businessmen, women, farmers, and young entrepreneurs across the state.
Ajia further advised Governor AbdulRazaq to strengthen inclusive politics and governance by expanding consultation, participation, and representation within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and across the broader political landscape.
He stressed the need for reconciliation among aggrieved party members and stakeholders to consolidate unity and ensure the party’s continued electoral success in Kwara State.
According to him, June 12 reminds Nigerians that democracy thrives when leaders listen, citizens actively participate, and governance reaches every community, including the most remote wards.
He reaffirmed his support for both the Federal and the Kwara State Governments and expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to advance under responsive, inclusive, and people-oriented leadership.
Ajia wished President Tinubu, Governor AbdulRazaq, and all Nigerians a peaceful and memorable Democracy Day celebration, praying for greater unity, security, progress, and prosperity for the nation.
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- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Dr. Ajia Congratulates Sheikh Bashir Dasuki, Praises Emir of Ilorin for Unifying Decision
AbdulRahman Obaje
The Dan Amanan Fune Emirate of Yobe State Alh Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D has appreciated the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, for what he described as a wise, and excellent decision in appointing Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani as the new Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate. js">
n a congratulatory message signed by his Director of Communications and Strategy, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and made available to journalists in Abuja, Dr. Ajia said the Emir’s choice reflects his deep understanding of the religious, cultural, and spiritual aspirations of the Ilorin people.
He noted that the appointment has been widely welcomed across the Emirate, earning the acceptance and admiration of both the elderly and the youth, while resonating with the collective conscience of the entire community.
According to Dr. Ajia, the emergence of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki through a transparent and rigorous selection process demonstrates the Emir’s commitment to merit, integrity, and the preservation of the rich Islamic heritage of Ilorin. He added that the appointment has further strengthened public confidence in the Emir’s leadership and his dedication to promoting unity, peace, and religious harmony within the Emirate.
Dr Ajia, while congratulating the new Chief Imam on his well-deserved elevation, he described Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki as an accomplished Islamic scholar, teacher, and community leader whose academic credentials, spiritual discipline, and years of service to Islam have prepared him adequately for the revered position.
He expressed confidence that the new Chief Imam would provide exemplary leadership and continue to advance Islamic scholarship and moral guidance among the faithful.
“On behalf of my family, associates, and well-wishers, I congratulate Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani on this historic appointment and commend His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, for making a decision that has united the people and inspired widespread confidence across the Emirate. This appointment is a testament to the enduring values of scholarship, piety, humility, and service that have long defined the Ilorin tradition,” Dr. Ajia stated.
The Ilorin-born security expert and business tycoon prayed Allah to grant the new Chief Imam wisdom, sound health, patience, and divine guidance throughout his tenure.
He also prayed for the continued peace, stability, and prosperity of the Ilorin Emirate under the leadership of the Emir, urging the Muslim faithful to support the new Chief Imam with prayers and cooperation as he assumes the important responsibility of providing spiritual leadership to the Muslim Ummah.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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US-Based Philanthropist, Chief Rekiya Isa Bags Management Leadership Award
US-Based Philanthropist, Chief Rekiya Isa Bags Management Leadership Awar
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Advocacy For Youth Leadership in Governance, Nigeria (AYLGN) has conferred the Proficiency Management Leadership Global Award on Chief Sabua Rekiya Isa, CEO and Founder of Sabua Cares Foundation. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Chief Sabua Rekiya Isa who also holds the Traditional title of “Ebule Attah Igala” USA, was recognized as the “Most Outstanding, Competent, Quintessential, Resourceful, Experienced, Renowned & Digital Philanthropist in the 21st Century.”
The award was received on her behalf by the National Coordinator of Sabua Cares Foundation, Comrade Usman Bashiru, who led some Executive members of the Foundation to the event.
Comrade Bashiru in his speech, thanked AYLGN for honouring the founder’s modest humanitarian efforts, noting that Chief Isa has been funding all her philanthropic activities alone.
He appealed to organizations and well-meaning individuals to partner with the Foundation to scale impact on the poor and downtrodden, adding that the Foundation is open to collaborations that will touch lives positively.
Chief Sabua Rekiya Isa who joined the event via Zoom from New York, expressed gratitude to AYLGN for the honour and dedicated the award to God, widows, downtrodden women, and youths.
Presenting the award, AYLGN National Coordinator, Comrade Ajinomoh Abiodun, Mnin, said the nomination followed a joint resolution of the organization’s Board and Executive Council after a critical assessment of Chief Isa’s career, public service, and humanitarian work.
In a letter dated 2nd June, 2026, signed by Comrade Ajinomoh and Secretary General Comrade Ajayi Nike Grace, AYLGN described Chief Isa as a “trans-generational philanthropist of international standard” with “global recognition on youth development,” citing her integrity, charisma, and result-oriented leadership.
Ends.
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