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Nine Out of 109 members of Senate Face Criminal Charges

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At least nine out of 109 members of the Nigerian Senate are enmeshed in criminal cases, with nine of the cases at various stages of trials in courts, while one is still being investigated. 

The number of the lawmakers represents 10 per cent of the members of the upper legislative chamber, one of the bodies responsible for making laws for the country.

Majority of the cases are related to allegations of corruption, running into billions of naira that the senators are accused of misappropriating.

About six of the lawmakers have been docked at various courts for trial on fraud charges, most of them former governors.

Two of the senators, however, are facing charges of forgery and drug offences, respectively, while the last one has been interrogated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged fraud.

Among the lawmakers are the leadership of the Red Chamber, chairs and deputy chairs of sensitive Senate committees.

Saraki

Topping the list of the senators facing corruption charges is the Senate President, Bukola Saraki (APC, Kwara central). Saraki is a two-term governor of Kwara State (2003 to 2011) and on completion of his tenure he got elected to the Red Chamber. At the moment, he is a 2-term senator and the number one lawmaker in the country.

Saraki as the Senate President is the chairman of the National Assembly, piloting the affairs of the legislative arm of government; he sets the tone and direction for the arm.

He is facing a 13-count charge at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) bordering on false assets declaration while he was the governor of his home state and his spouse, Mrs. Toyin Saraki has a file at the EFCC over alleged squandering of Kwara State funds.

He has denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated

His bid to stop the trial at the CCT suffered a setback at the Supreme Court last week, when the court dismissed his appeal and upheld an earlier decision by the Court of Appeal, ordering him to face trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

His colleagues, under the auspices of the Unity Forum, led by Senator Kabiru Marafa (APC, Zamfara Central) had asked him to resign and face the charges. But the Senate Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume and his supporters in the Like Minds group said he would resign only if he is found guilty after trial.

The CCT has fixed March 10, for continuation of Saraki’s trial.

Yarima

Senator Ahmed Sani Yarima is a three-term senator and former governor of Zamfara State. He represents Zamfara West Senatorial District in the Senate.

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Yarima is the Chairman of Senate Committee on Marine Transport and member of other committees, including Interior that oversees the police, prisons, immigration and the fire service.

In January, he was docked on a 19-count charge of corruption by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the Zamfara State High Court in Gusau.

The commission accused him of diverting part of the N1 billion project funds for the repair of collapsed Gusau Dam and resettlement of the victims of flood to other purposes.

The alleged offences were committed in 2006 and mainly in October and November of that year, according to ICPC.

He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Goje

Danjuma Goje was the governor of Gombe State from 2003 to 2011. He is presently representing Gombe Central Senatorial District.

Goje is a second termer at the Upper Chamber representing Gombe Central. Aside from chairing the Senate Committee on Appropriations, he is the chairman of the North-East caucus of the National Assembly, making him to wield enormous powers at both chambers.

The senator, along with four others, is facing an 18- count charge bordering on conspiracy and fraud to N25bn instituted by the EFCC.

The case was transferred to Jos from Gombe in 2015 on the instruction of the Chief Justice of the Federation over security concerns.  Hearing in the case was adjourned to April 12 this year.

Abdullahi Adamu

Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu was the governor of Nasarawa State from 1999 to 2007. He represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District and is the Chairman Senate Committee on Agriculture.

In Feb 2010, the EFCC arrested the lawmaker for allegedly misappropriating N15billion alongside 18 others.

He was subsequently arraigned on a 149-count charge of fraud to the tune of N15 billion, before Justice Ibrahim Buba, who was later replaced on the case by Justice Marcel Awokulehin.

The lawmaker and his co-accused denied all the charges and challenged the jurisdiction of the court to try the case, arguing that the money in question belong to the people of Nasarawa State and therefore does not fall under the purview of the Federal Government and the EFCC to investigate and prosecute.

The court, however, ruled against the accused persons and ordered them to face trial. The lawmaker and his co-accused subsequently appealed the ruling to the Court of Appeal sitting in Markudi, Benue State.

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The case is yet to be concluded.

Abdulaziz Nyako

Abdulaziz Murtala Nyako is the son of former Governor Murtala Nyako. He represents Adamawa Central Senatorial District in the Senate.

He is a first timer in the Red Chamber and he chairs the Committee on Special Duties, which oversees the general affairs of the Senate President, Ecological Fund, among others.

In July last year, the EFCC docked Abdulaziz and his father, the former governor of Adamawa State, at a Federal High Court in Abuja cases of alleged corruption.

They were arraigned before Justice E. Chukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a 37-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and money laundering.

Also charged with them, were Abubakar Aliyu and Zulkifikk Abba. They were accused of using five companies to siphon over N15billion at various times, between 2011 and 2013, from Adamawa State coffers.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Dariye

Joshua Chibi Dariye is the senator representing Plateau Central. He was the governor of Plateau State from 1999 to 2003 and was reelected in 2003, before he was impeached in 2006.

He is the chairman Senate Committee on Solid Minerals.

Dariye has been standing trial since 2007 on 23-count charge bordering on money laundering, abuse of office and corruption. He was accused of embezzling over N1.2 billion ecological funds.

He has denied all the charges.

Ekweremadu

Next to Saraki at the Upper Chamber is Senator Ike Ekweremadu (PDP, Enugu West) who rode on the division in the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Senate to emerge as the Deputy Senate President on June 9 last year, when the 8th Senate was inaugurated.

Ekweremadu, who has been occupying the position since the era of Senator David Mark in 2007, is facing a forgery case at the Federal High Court.

His colleagues, namely Senator Abu Ibrahim, Kabiru Marafa, Robert Boroffice, Gbenga Ashafa and Suleiman Hunkuyi, dragged him and others to the court over alleged forgery of the Senate standing orders, the document used for the conduct of the Senate elections.

Shortly after the inauguration of the 8thAssembly, he was grilled alongside the Clerk to the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasau and others by operatives of the Nigerian Police over the forgery case.

The Federal High has reserved date for judgement in the case.

Early this year, Ekweremadu cried out that he cannot get justice from Justice Ademola, alleging that the judge is romancing with the national leader of the APC, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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Kashamu

Senator Kashamu Buruji is representing Ogun East. His clash with the former President Olusegun Obasanjo popularised his alleged drug peddling case.

He is facing threat of extradition from the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), acting on request from the United States.

In May, 2015 a Federal High Court in Lagos stopped the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and nine others from arresting the senator for  extradition to the United States over alleged drug-related offences.

Justice Okon Abang gave the restraining order in his verdict in a suit filed by Kashamu.

He based his order on an existing judgement of the court that was delivered on January 6, 2014, in which he restrained the IGP, SSS, NDLEA, NCS and the AGF from taking any step from arresting Kashamu on the strength of a petition linking him to a drug offence.

Buruji, who is the vice chairman of the Senate Committee on States and Local Governments raised alarm last week over fresh plot to ferry him to the United States of America (USA) by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

He got a reprieve from the Senate as the Minister of justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and NDLEA have been asked to suspend further action on him.

His lawyer, Barrister Ajibola Oluyede had petitioned the Senate over a plot to abduct his client and extradite him to USA where he is facing charges bordering on drug peddling.

Akpabio

Widely known as uncommon governor when he held sway in Akwa-Ibom State for eight years, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio (PDP, Akwa-Ibom North-West) is being investigated for corruption.

By virtue of his position as the Minority leader, Akpabio is one of the most powerful senators presently in the Upper Chamber. He has firm control of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Red Chamber.

Akpabio, who is the vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, was twice invited by the EFCC last year, over allegation of N108bn fraud.

The invitation was in connection to a petition by an Abuja-based lawyer and activist, Leo Ekpenyong, who accused the senator of looting the said amount belonging to the Akwa-Ibom government and called for his probe.

The Minority Leader has, however, described the allegation as a falsehood bandied about by people with no idea about the workings of government. 

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Celebrity/Entertainment

How Nigerian TikToker Geh Geh Made ₦45 Million in One Night

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A Nigerian TikTok sensation known as “Geh Geh” has stunned the internet after pulling in over $30,000 from a single live session that attracted more than 177,000 viewers.

The young entertainer, who calls his platform the “University of Wisdom and Understanding,” has quickly built a cult following with his raw and unfiltered lectures about women, money, and survival in Nigeria.

During the live broadcast on Thursday, August 21, viewers showered him with virtual gifts that he later calculated to be worth over $30,000.

The milestone instantly pushed him into the spotlight as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising online personalities.

 

Reacting in disbelief after the stream, Geh Geh said:

“More than 177,000 people watch my lectures today. Jesus! University of wisdom and understanding, the only university where once you graduate, woman go fear to ask you for money.”

 

Despite not having a formal education, Geh Geh proudly calls himself “the first illiterate to find a university in the history of Nigeria.” In a video after the viral live, he reminded fans of his humble background:

“I no be graduate too, but by the grace of God, I don find school. I be orphan, but now Nigerians don show me love.”

 

The TikTok star admitted he was overwhelmed by the generosity of his supporters.

“See gift I made over… more gift when they give me today is worth about $30,000. I no go take this love for granted, because I no really do anything for am.”

 

His rise has been hailed as proof of how social media is transforming lives in Nigeria. With no degree, no rich background, and no industry connection, Geh Geh has managed to build a fanbase that now calls themselves “students” of his unusual university.

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Still, his controversial views on women and relationships continue to spark heated debates. While some dismiss his advice as reckless, others insist his boldness speaks directly to Nigeria’s frustrated youth.

 

Reflecting on his sudden fame, Geh Geh compared himself to great thinkers:

“If Nigeria be country wey value great people, by now them suppose dey compare people like me with Aristotle, Wole Soyinka, Einstein… but I thank God say people dey see my head and my own difference.”

From an orphan with no prospects to a viral star earning in dollars, Geh Geh’s story has become one of digital empowerment.

His journey shows how platforms like TikTok are creating new forms of fame, money, and influence for Nigerians especially those once written off by society.

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Celebrity/Entertainment

Big Brain Naija Reality Show Set to Launch in Nigeria – What to Expect

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Nigeria is set to welcome a new kind of reality TV show, Big Brain Naija (#BB9JA), which the organisers describe as a platform designed to discover, celebrate, and showcase the country’s brightest minds.

Diaspora Digital Media gathered that the show, powered by Big Brain Productions in collaboration with DAAR Communications Plc, will officially debut in October.

According to the organisers, it will air on Africa Independent Television (AIT) and will be staged in the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking at the official signing of the partnership agreement in Abuja, Chief Executive Officer of Big Brain Productions, Mr. Kel Ameobi, explained that the initiative seeks to balance entertainment with innovation.

He stressed that the show would focus on creativity, ideas, and problem-solving rather than the usual theatrics and controversies that dominate popular reality shows in Nigeria.

“Big Brain Naija was created with a simple but powerful vision: to build a platform where intelligence meets entertainment,” Ameobi said.

He added that Nigerian youths have often been denied opportunities to showcase their ingenuity on the big stage, while entertainment spaces tend to reward superficial content.

He continued: “For too long, we’ve seen platforms celebrate emptiness and drama, while the brightest among us have no avenue to shine.

Big Brain Naija is not a show of noise but a stage for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. We want to celebrate ideas, not controversies.”

Joining him, Chief Executive Officer of DAAR Communications Plc, Mr. Marcel Anyalechi, praised the project as a refreshing departure from the norm.

He noted that DAAR Communications would fully support the show across all its media platforms.

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“This project blends innovation and creativity, and we believe it will bring real impact to the entertainment industry.

We are excited to partner with Big Brain Productions to showcase Nigerian talent not just to Africa but to the world,” Anyalechi said.

Adding to the details, Chief Operating Officer of Big Brain Naija, Mr. Ossai Ilome, explained that the first season will feature 37 contestants representing all 36 states and the FCT.

To make the competition even more unique, the show will introduce AI-powered judges, making it the first reality TV show in Africa to integrate artificial intelligence at such a scale.

Ilome revealed that the winner of the maiden season will walk away with a grand prize of N30 million and a brand-new car.

He emphasized that beyond entertainment, the project aims to reinforce Nigeria’s global image as a nation of intelligent and industrious people.

“The time has come to showcase Nigerians as visionary and exceptional people. While the show will retain the entertaining aspect of reality TV, its heart lies in celebrating intellect, ideas, and innovation,” Ilome said.

The organisers expressed optimism that Big Brain Naija would not only captivate audiences but also inspire young Nigerians to dream bigger and push creative boundaries.

With its unique blend of entertainment, innovation, and national representation, the show aims to become a defining moment for the Nigerian entertainment industry when it premieres in October.

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Celebrity/Entertainment

Popular Skit Maker Dies in Lagos

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dead body

The Lakowe community in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State was thrown into panic last week after a skit maker and hairstylist, simply identified as Austin, was brutally murdered by suspected cultists.

Diaspora Digital Media gathered that the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, August 14, 2025, left residents in shock as the victim’s mutilated body was discovered with deep machete cuts.

Witnesses said the attackers severed one of his hands during the gruesome killing.

According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants stormed the area at dawn in search of Austin.

Upon locating his residence, they allegedly dragged him out of his apartment before hacking him to death in front of horrified neighbors.

A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity told PUNCH Metro:

“There was commotion early Thursday morning, but nobody knew what was happening.

Later, we found Austin’s corpse with machete wounds, and one of his hands cut off. That was when we realized the noise we heard was linked to the attack.”

Shockingly, friends and neighbors revealed that Austin may have anticipated his death.

A close acquaintance disclosed that the deceased posted a cryptic farewell message on his WhatsApp status just a day before the attack.

“Austin was a well-known hairstylist and also created comedy skits online. People close to him said he sensed danger and left a post hinting that something bad was about to happen,” a resident explained.

Videos shared with reporters showed his lifeless body lying on the ground with sympathizers gathered around, mourning the tragic loss.

When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, did not answer calls placed to his phone. A text message sent to him also went unanswered as of the time of filing this report.

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The killing comes just days after Lagos police confirmed the arrest of six suspected cultists in connection with the violent murder of another man, identified as Kamoru, alias Keeper, in the Ebute Meta area.

In a statement released in mid-July, Hundeyin disclosed that the suspects — Raphael Ashim (30), Wasiu Kareem (33), Sadiq Olabisi (40), Olamilekan Oluwatosin (27), Olalekan Olugbodi (54), and Ibrahim Oladimeji (22) — were apprehended by detectives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit during an intelligence-led operation in Surulere.

Police said the suspects were involved in multiple cult clashes across Lagos, which have claimed several lives, including that of Kamoru.

Cult-related violence has been on the rise in Lagos communities, with gangs clashing over territorial control, drug turf wars, and political influence.

Many residents have repeatedly called on the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the menace.

Austin’s killing has once again highlighted the growing insecurity in Lagos suburbs, especially in fast-developing areas like Ibeju-Lekki, where rapid urbanization has also attracted cult activity.

For residents of Lakowe, the incident has created fear and uncertainty. Some expressed concern that young men in the area are being lured into cult groups due to unemployment, peer pressure, and lack of opportunities.

Community leaders are now urging the Lagos State Police Command to launch a thorough investigation and bring Austin’s killers to justice.

Many fear that without swift action, cult-related killings could escalate and spread further across Ibeju-Lekki and surrounding communities.

As of press time, security presence in Lakowe has been increased, but residents remain on edge, mourning the loss of a popular young hairstylist and entertainer whose life was cut short by suspected cultists.

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Celebrity/Entertainment

JUST IN: Tears as Nollywood legend Fabian Adibe passes away sadly

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(DDM) – The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor Fabian Adibe.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the veteran performer, widely known for his role in the classic adaptation of Things Fall Apart, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday.

According to reports, Adibe died at 2:30 a.m., a development confirmed by celebrity journalist Seun Oloketuyi via his Instagram handle.

The news has triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans, and stakeholders within the entertainment sector.

Fabian Adibe was celebrated as one of Nollywood’s foundational actors who helped shape the industry’s storytelling tradition.

His role in Things Fall Apart and several other Nollywood classics remains etched in the memories of movie lovers across generations.

Industry insiders described him as an actor who brought authenticity, depth, and emotion to every character he portrayed.

His passing marks another painful loss for Nollywood, which has lost several veterans in recent years.

Fabian Adibe’s contribution to Nollywood

Adibe began his acting career during Nigeria’s formative film years, appearing in stage productions before transitioning to television and home videos.

He was known for his ability to interpret roles rooted in traditional culture and African history.

His performances helped establish Nollywood as a hub of African cinematic expression.

Things Fall Apart, adapted from Chinua Achebe’s iconic novel, remains one of his most enduring legacies.

Critics hailed his performance for capturing the emotional weight and historical depth of the story.

Tributes pour in

Since the announcement of his passing, social media has been flooded with condolences and emotional messages.

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Actors, filmmakers, and fans alike have celebrated his life and legacy.

Seun Oloketuyi, who confirmed the news, described Adibe as “a pioneer and a legend whose absence will be deeply felt.”

Others praised his mentorship of younger actors and his commitment to professionalism throughout his career.

Nollywood’s recent losses

Adibe’s death adds to a growing list of Nollywood veterans who have passed away in the past two years.

The industry has lost icons like Saint Obi, Mr. Ibu (John Okafor), and Don Brymo, sparking concerns about the preservation of Nollywood’s history.

Film historians have called for more archival work to document the contributions of early actors like Adibe.

Final farewell

While funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, colleagues are expected to hold memorial events in his honour.

Fans have taken to social media with messages such as, “Rest in peace, Fabian Adibe. Nollywood will never forget you.”

 

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Why single mothers can’t raise boys into proper men — Jim Iyke

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Jim Iyke

Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has sparked heated debate with his recent comments on parenting, asserting that a single mother cannot raise a boy into a “proper man” without the involvement of a male figure.

Speaking during an interview on Okay 101.7 FM in Accra, Ghana, Iyke emphasized the importance of male influence in shaping boys into responsible and disciplined men, while acknowledging the critical nurturing role women play in child-rearing.

“A woman can’t raise a man. You can’t, you’re not built for it. A single mother cannot raise a man properly,” Iyke declared. He added that the presence of a trusted male figure—whether a brother, father, or mentor—is essential. “There has to be a male presence in it [raising a boy child],” he insisted.

According to Iyke, women are naturally inclined to nurture and love, but he argued that this alone is insufficient for instilling discipline and resilience in boys.

“What you’re going to raise is a very weak man. He is going to be everything like the men that left you. You need somebody who would discipline him, tell him ‘No’ as often as possible, and put him in the grind,” he explained.

To illustrate his point, Iyke shared a personal anecdote about his four-year-old son during a family holiday in the south of France.

When his son was bullied by other kids during a football game, Iyke deliberately refused to intervene, instructing his wife to step back as well.

He described the moment as a “conversation between two men,” explaining that the experience taught his son resilience.

“He went back, fought for his ball, and came out stronger. I’ve never been more proud of him,” Iyke recounted, adding that this underscored his belief in the value of a father figure in a boy’s development.

READ ALSO:  Nigerians react to The Economist calling Jonathan a "buffoon"

Iyke’s comments have since gone viral, igniting passionate discussions across social media. While some agree with his perspective on the importance of male influence, others have criticized his stance, emphasizing the strength and success many single mothers have demonstrated in raising well-rounded men.

 

 

 

 

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