Reports
Yoruba Group Says Too Late For Restructuring, Declares Oduduwa Republic
Yoruba Self-Determination Now – Our Fatherland, Our Blood – A Vote For Republic Now
Address delivered on Thursday July 27 by the Yoruba Liberation Command, (YOLICOM) at the World Press Conference held at International Press Centre (IPC), Ogba, Lagos.
Gentlemen and ladies of the Fourth Estate of the Realm
We are glad to welcome you to this conference. On behalf of Yoruba Liberation Command, (YOLICOM), we are compelled by the prevailing political circumstances to take a stand on the state of Nigeria as it affects the future of over 50 million Yoruba people spread across the world.
BRIEFING NOTES
• You will recall that since 1914, when Nigeria was amalgamated at gun point, the country has been thrown into one turmoil or the other. For over a century, Nigeria has failed to meet the international benchmark of socio political and economic development. The only references to Nigeria’s grandeur were the striking achievements of the then three regions of South West, South East and the North. Since the collapse of federalism and the three tiers founded to a large extent on the civilisations and values of the ethnic configuration in the country, Nigeria was remained in the tunnel of misery, pangs and pains, including the fact that the country was plunged into an avoidable civil war that took now fewer than I million lives.
• Since the end of the war, millions of Nigerians as individuals and collectively as a society, have continued to wage and fight wars of survival characterised by extreme hunger and lack of the essentials of life like housing, good water, shelter, health and drinkable water.
• It has been most traumatic for the Yoruba Nation, which, between 1953 and 1966, raised one of the most advanced political economies in Africa and in the entire black world, paring on the same level with many countries in Europe by the standard of the time. The Yoruba educational, cultural and political institutions were not only some of the best in Africa, the then Western Region gave hope to the entire black world with the highest Human Index development in Africa by the rating of the UNDP.
• The destruction of the regional system of government has turned Nigeria into a unitary state dotted with a savage vulture of corruption, ineptitude, inefficiency, moral degeneration, deaths, violent crimes and now violent religious extremism. The so called democracy is nothing but the imposition of individual will through an orchestrated mass corruption where the poverty of the voters is exploited for electoral gains by politicians seeking political offices. Democracy is not about the interest of the few elected people and their cronies. Democracy is now government of the party for the [party leaders and by the party members.
• Since 1914, the recurrent question has been: Should Nigeria remain one or not? Should the bottled up energies free s and liberate themselves from the shackles of misery, the fetters of iron and the muddy mess of agony or they should remain in eternal servitude? The question has come up again in the past few months with various groups making demands. You will agree with me that the self-determination groups in Nigeria are the engine of our history today. We have the largest population with which all the members of the main political parties in Yorubaland combined together cannot equal. Our members are not in these movements for personal gains like we have in the political parties. Our members are in these organisations to make sacrifices and if necessary lay down their lives for the Yoruba nation.
• We wish to announce to this important gathering, that we in YOLICOM representing some of the finest leaders of self-determination groups from across the Yoruba nation, has weighed the options extensively. For the past three months, we have been consulting with all the Yoruba self-determination groups, meeting poor and malnourished Yoruba people, talking to our people in the villages, towns and on the hills and mountains in the rural communities of Yoruba nation.
• In the light of the foregoing, and in response to the occurrences in Nigeria of the past few months, including but not limited to the releases, utterances and comments certain groups representing the Igbo nation in Nigeria, IPOB (The Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, (MASSOB) among others to the effect that they desire to leave Nigeria and cease to be called Nigerians; and certain groups representing the (AREWA) people of Northern Nigeria, to the effect that the Igbo people should vacate the territory of Northern Nigeria before October 1st, 2017.
• That we support the aspirations of the Igbo Nation irrespective of the unfortunate hate speeches, infantile savage utterances of a certain Nnamdi Kanu, who appears to have singled out Yoruba Nation for ridicule and revulsion. We take solace in the fact that we work with many large-hearted, better-exposed, principled and consciousness Igbo leaders who have a richer sense of history and understands better the complex nature of nation building and who also realize that importance of alliances, networking in statesmanship and international friendship and solidarity. We look forward to a viable and mutual relationship to the future Igbo nation, based on cordial respect within the framework of international best practices.
• We observe the panic measures of the government which has been to attack proponents of self-determination and even exterminate them. We also note the setting up of a committee to handle the issue of restructuring as led by the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam El-Rufai.
OUR DECLARATION
• The Yoruba Liberation Command (YOLICOM), the core of the authentic representatives and defenders of the values, rights and demands of the Yoruba Indigenous people, rejects the deceitful and self-serving tactics of the Nigerian political leadership, an extension of the Fulani oligarchy. We now make the following declarations:
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(DDM) – A dramatic scene unfolded in Aku community, Imo State, as a family burial turned chaotic over allegations of financial settlement demands by the deceased’s first son.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the first son, identified as Uzoma Nwawere, reportedly blocked the burial of his late mother, insisting that his married sisters and their husbands must “settle” him before interment could proceed.
The incident occurred at the family compound where a large crowd gathered for the ceremony, only for the event to descend into confusion.
Eyewitnesses said Uzoma argued that his late mother and sisters had allegedly disrespected him while she was alive, depriving him of the recognition traditionally accorded to a first son.
A retired police officer at the scene narrated in Igbo that the deceased’s husband, Godwin Nwawere, had passed away earlier, leaving behind Uzoma as the first son and several daughters now married into different families.
The officer alleged that Uzoma had lived in the family compound for years, claiming he was left to fend for himself “on credit” while his sisters enjoyed better treatment.
He accused the daughters of conspiring with their late mother to undermine Uzoma’s status as heir to the family property, a situation that allegedly fueled tensions even before her death.
Reports indicated that Uzoma insisted the burial could not hold in the family compound, which he now claims as inheritance, unless his in-laws complied with his demands for settlement.
A viral video from the scene showed mourners and family members exchanging heated words near a freshly dug grave as light rain drizzled over the area.
In the footage, relatives and sympathizers were seen pleading with Uzoma to allow the burial to proceed, but he reportedly stood his ground.
The argument quickly attracted onlookers, causing embarrassment for the family and disrupting what was expected to be a solemn ceremony.
Cultural analysts say disputes over inheritance and burial rites are common in parts of Igbo land, particularly when tensions exist between sons and married daughters.
They note that first sons traditionally hold significant authority in family affairs, including burial decisions, but such authority can spark conflicts when perceived to be misused.
Social media reactions to the incident have been mixed, with some condemning Uzoma’s action as insensitive, while others argue that cultural norms were ignored by the deceased’s daughters.
As of press time, it was unclear whether the burial was eventually completed or postponed, as efforts to reach the family for clarification were unsuccessful.
(DDM) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of thirty-six suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the operation was carried out by operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency.
The sting operation reportedly took place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at various locations within Port Harcourt.
According to EFCC officials, the arrests followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to widespread internet-related fraud.
Authorities disclosed that the crackdown was part of ongoing efforts to curb cybercrime in Nigeria’s southern region.
Recovered items from the suspects included exotic vehicles, a Q-link motorcycle, and several high-end mobile phones.
Laptop computers reportedly containing incriminating documents were also seized during the coordinated raid.
EFCC stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the scale of the fraudulent activities uncovered.
The suspects are expected to face charges in court as soon as preliminary investigations are concluded.
The anti-graft commission maintained that no one would be spared in its fight against cybercrime and financial malfeasance.
Background of EFCC’s operations
The EFCC has intensified its clampdown on internet fraud across Nigeria in recent years.
In 2024, the agency recorded multiple arrests in Lagos, Abuja, and Benin City as part of its cybercrime crackdown.
Cybercrime, popularly called “Yahoo Yahoo” in Nigeria, has continued to tarnish the nation’s international image.
According to law enforcement data, billions of naira are lost annually to internet scams originating from Nigeria.
Experts link the rise of internet fraud to unemployment, economic hardship, and greed among youths.
EFCC has repeatedly urged young Nigerians to explore legitimate sources of income rather than resort to fraudulent schemes.
Port Harcourt under spotlight
Port Harcourt, a major commercial hub in the Niger Delta, has seen a surge in cybercrime activities in recent years.
Authorities believe the city’s thriving nightlife and influx of oil wealth make it a hotspot for fraud syndicates.
Previous raids in 2023 and 2024 led to the arrest of over 150 suspects, with many facing prosecution.
The EFCC warned that more sting operations would follow as part of its ongoing anti-fraud campaign.
Conclusion
The latest arrests signal a renewed drive by the EFCC to dismantle cybercrime networks across Nigeria.
The agency has promised to release further updates as investigations progress and suspects face legal proceedings.
News
Anambra Govt Arrests, Beats Up 18 Journalists Monitoring Senatorial Bye-Election
By Chuks Collins, Awka
The Anambra State Government has reportedly arrested eighteen journalists, who were touring electoral Wards and communities of the 7 Councils that made up the Anambra South senatorial zone where the bye-elections were held on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Our correspondent reported that the journalists were arrested and detained at gunpoint by the operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Service, generally known as Udo-Gachi.
The journalists had gone to Nnewi, in Nnewi North, as well as Ukpor, Osumenyi, Ezinifite, Amichi and other communities in Nnewi South LGA of the State to monitor proceedings in the bye-elections.
The journalists, it was learnt, were rushing after the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flag bearer, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, for his remarks on the day’s process after covering the day’s proceedings.
At a spot, described as Eke Orsumenyi, they were jolted when their vehicle was forcefully stopped.
They were, thereafter, detained for more than three hours, allegedly on the orders of the State ‘s Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim, according to the security operatives.
“Journalists are the problem of Nigeria, they write whatever they like and deceive the people.
“We will deal with you people today,” an overzealous Udogachi operative threatened the journalists.
Some of the journalists and their cameramen were arrested and detained by the vigilante goons.
The journalists include correspondents of The Guardian, Daily Independent, Authority Newspaper, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Arise TV, TVC, National Vision and National Daily newspapers.
The leader of the over one hundred vigilante operatives who kept surging in with about 20 vehicles said that the arrest was on the instruction of the Anambra State Deputy Governor.
As the altercations continued, the Deputy Governor, in company of Nnewi South LGA Mayor, arrived the scene and ordered a thorough search of the media practitioners.
Information of the development later got to the APC gubernatorial candidate in the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.
Prince Ukachukwu quickly arrived the scene and ensured that the detained journalists were released, insisting that they we’re merely doing their normal civic duties.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the collation of the bye-election in the seven local government areas that constitute the Anambra South senatorial zone.
(DDM) – Popular Nollywood actor Segun Remi, widely known by his stage name Chief Kanran, has passed away at the age of 72.
The news of his death was confirmed by celebrity journalist Seun Oloketuyi in an Instagram post on Friday morning, though details surrounding the cause of his passing have yet to be disclosed.
Chief Kanran was a celebrated figure in the Yoruba film industry, known for his distinctive style, sharp humor, and commanding presence that endeared him to audiences over several decades.
He was recognized for his memorable performances in numerous stage plays and films, often portraying authoritative and affluent characters, and was considered a household name in Nigerian cinema.
Segun Remi began his career in the arts in the mid-1970s and gained popularity with notable roles in Ola Rotimi’s play “Kurunmi,” and the Lagos Television drama “Aláàfin Kanran” in 1988.
His extensive filmography includes several acclaimed Yoruba films such as “Vigilante,” “Ose-Sango,” “Eri Okan,” “Itunnu,” and “Orire,” among others.
Despite his success, Chief Kanran faced significant personal challenges, including devastating fire incidents that destroyed his home, studio, and equipment, which left him struggling and at one point homeless.
His contributions to Nollywood have been widely celebrated, with colleagues and fans mourning the loss of a veteran actor who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian entertainment industry.
This news comes as the Nollywood community recently mourned other actors, adding to the list of notable film personalities who have passed away this year.
Chief Kanran’s legacy as a pioneer and beloved actor will continue to be remembered by fans and the wider film fraternity.
In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the convictions of three internet fraudsters following a sweeping operation at a hotel located within the precincts of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex in Abeokuta.
The operation, which initially saw 93 suspects apprehended, has shone a spotlight on the rising tide of cybercriminal activities in high-profile Nigerian locations, underscoring the agency’s commitment to combating financial crimes in the country’s digital age.
The suspects, Isaac Akinwale, Ibrahim Azeez Olatunji, and Habeeb Oladipupo Oshundairo, pleaded guilty to an array of charges linked to false pretence, identity theft, and illicit acquisition of funds, contravening provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and the EFCC Act, 2004.
Presiding over the proceedings as a vacation judge, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu handed down measured sentences designed both as punishment and deterrence, reflecting the seriousness with which the judiciary views such offences.
EFCC operative Umar Shuaibu revealed that Isaac Akinwale operated a celebrity scam on WhatsApp under female pseudonyms, defrauding a victim of $500.
The court accepted multiple exhibits tendered by prosecution counsel Franklin Ofoma, including a 2007 Toyota Camry, a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, and a N400,000 bank draft, as proceeds and instruments of crime.
Justice Dipeolu sentenced Akinwale to three months imprisonment or an alternative fine of N1million.
Olatunji, convicted for running a romance scam, was sentenced to one month imprisonment or a N500,000 fine.
Oshundairo, who posed as an expert in service certificates and tax preparation through a fraudulent Gmail account, was ordered to perform 30 days community service.
His punishment is publicly symbolic: he must carry a banner with the cautionary message, “Cybercrime Does Not Pay. Stay Away from Cybercrime”.
In a notable twist, fourth defendant Onunoye Fawas Olamilekan entered a not guilty plea to charges of impersonating a nurse on Facebook and controlling $50 acquired via fraudulent transactions.
His counsel disputed the validity of the charges under the Cybercrimes Act, prompting the court to remand him at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending further trial in October 2025.
The EFCC had flagged a total of 23 suspects for arraignment, but only four were accommodated by the court during its session, indicating broadening investigations and prosecutions may follow.
This operation marks one of the EFCC’s largest anti-fraud sweeps from a single Nigerian location in recent memory.
The prominence of the Obasanjo Presidential Library as the scene of the arrests dramatically heightened public awareness, raising questions about the security and due diligence in hospitality establishments across the country.
Nigerian authorities continue to escalate efforts against cybercriminals, aiming to assert the rule of law over digital spaces.
The EFCC, empowered by the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act and other statutes, urges citizens to remain vigilant online and to report suspicious activities.
With growing internet adoption in Nigeria, law enforcement faces an evolving battle against increasingly sophisticated scams, making deterrent convictions like these a critical step in restoring confidence in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
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