News
How Oluremi Tinubu allegedly stopped EFCC from arresting Obasa
Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has reportedly stepped in to protect impeached Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa from arrest and prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Sources revealed that Remi instructed anti-graft agents to hold off on Mr Obasa’s arrest to prevent divisions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos.
Previously, EFCC insiders told The Gazette that a strong corruption case had been built against Mr Obasa, with investigators prepared to take action upon his return to Nigeria.
Authorities have been investigating the Lagos politician since at least 2020, when he was questioned over multiple reports by The Gazette and Sahara Reporters linking him to financial misconduct and the acquisition of illicit assets. Though he was not charged at the time, his recent impeachment on January 13—following a budgetary scandal exposed by The Gazette—renewed calls for a probe, with EFCC officials believing they could now proceed without political interference.
Despite these allegations, Mr. Obasa made a bold return from the U.S. last week, receiving a warm welcome from supporters in Lagos. He appeared unfazed by the corruption claims, even holding a press conference where he denounced his impeachment as illegal and lacking due process.
Presidency sources told The Gazette that Mr. Obasa’s “secret weapon” was First Lady Remi Tinubu, who personally intervened to halt EFCC action against him.
Mrs. Tinubu reportedly blocked anti-graft agents after recognizing Mr. Obasa’s strong political influence in key Lagos strongholds such as Agege and Alimosho—major voting blocs that could significantly impact future elections.
She argued that Mr. Obasa’s political clout in these areas would be crucial for her husband’s re-election bid in 2027, urging anti-corruption officials to delay any action against him to maintain party unity.
“She said he’s useful to them in Agege and environs and they don’t want an immediate crack in their ranks now,” a presidency official said under anonymity to discuss the matter. “She said they should continue their investigation but hold off now on touching him because he’s useful to the party.”
According to EFCC sources, Mrs. Tinubu’s questionable participation had an immediate effect because they did not receive the expected signal from the presidency to take action against Mr. Obasa.
The political ties of the ruling party have always hampered Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies, which frequently wait for high-level approvals before filing criminal charges against dishonest politicians, even when there is ample proof and the case is past due.
Mr Obasa declined comments when reached by The Gazette on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, but he had repeatedly denied all allegations of corruption, blamed his political opponents for his ordeal and said all actions leading to his removal as Lagos Speaker were illegal.
Peter Obi of the Labour Party received 71,327 votes in the Alimosho region, defeating Bola Tinubu, who received 62,909 votes in the most recent 2023 elections.
When asked why she requested that Mr Obasa be exonerated, Mrs Tinubu did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A similar inquiry on whether it was customary for the First Lady to interfere in matters outside of her office was not answered by the State House.
A request for a response from the EFCC was also not immediately answered.
An Ikeja Special Offences Court has scheduled May 4, 2026, to deliver its ruling on whether an extra-judicial statement made by co-defendant Henry Omoile will be admitted as evidence in the ongoing trial involving former Godwin Emefiele.
The statement in question was allegedly made by Omoile, who is standing trial alongside Emefiele. Presiding judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, fixed the date after both the prosecution and defence teams adopted their final written addresses during a trial-within-trial session.
The hearing is focused on determining whether Omoile’s statement was given voluntarily and is therefore admissible in court.
Emefiele is facing a 19-count charge bordering on alleged gratification, corrupt practices, and abuse of office, involving transactions estimated at $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion.
Omoile, meanwhile, is standing trial on a three-count charge relating to alleged unlawful acceptance of gifts connected to dealings with the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Counsel to Omoile, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adeyinka Kotoye, argued that the statement should be rejected on the grounds that it was not voluntarily made. He cited provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, stressing the importance of video-recorded interrogations to ensure transparency.
The defence also raised concerns over possible coercion, inducement, and lack of proper legal representation during the recording of the statement.
Similarly, counsel to Emefiele, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), urged the court to discountenance the statement, arguing under the Evidence Act that any involuntary confession is inadmissible.
However, Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), maintained that the statement was properly obtained in line with legal procedures, adding that although it was not video-recorded, it was made in the presence of Omoile’s lawyer.
He further argued that the contents of the statement do not support claims of coercion, noting that Omoile did not implicate Emefiele and denied the allegations against himself.
After hearing all submissions, Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter for ruling on May 4, 2026, while also fixing June 26 and June 30, 2026, for continuation of the substantive trial.
Nine kingmakers of Ijebu-Ode have been re-invited by the Ogun State Police Command to appear at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, next Monday and Tuesday over fresh allegations of bribery and financial inducement in the selection of the new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland.
The development marks the second time the kingmakers are being summoned by the police on the matter.
Recall that the Ogun State Government, in January 2026, suspended the selection process through a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat.
The suspension followed petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders.
The kingmakers were first invited by the Ogun State Police Command in February over similar accusations of cash inducement. However, the probe was later dropped following the intervention of superior authorities.
In the latest development, the nine kingmakers have been re-invited through a letter dated April 17, 2026, signed by Gbenga Adeoye, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
One of the kingmakers, the Kakanfo of Ijebuland, Chief Abimbola Okenla, confirmed the invitation.
He disclosed that four of them are expected to appear on Monday, April 21, 2026, while the remaining five are scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2026.
Chief Okenla described the repeated invitations as a distraction, insisting that the allegations are unfounded.
“It’s true that the Ogun State Police Command has invited the kingmakers to the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta.
Four of us are to be there on Monday while the remaining five will be there on Tuesday,” he said.
“None of us is happy with this frequent invitation by the security agencies over unfounded allegations. The people of Ijebuland are equally not happy about it because it is becoming more of a distraction.”
The Kakanfo appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to conclude the selection process without further delay.
“We are only pleading with Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to do their job and complete the assignment of picking the next Awujale of Ijebuland without any further delay,” he added.
Parts of the police invitation letter read:
“In continuation of the aforementioned case under investigation, you are kindly requested to report at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on [Monday/Tuesday] April 21/22, 2026 at 1000hrs for an interview with the Commissioner of Police, through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department.
“This is a fact-finding invitation pursuant to the investigative powers conferred on the Nigeria Police by the combined provisions of Section 214 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Section 4(a) of the Police Act 2020.
“Your presence is therefore required to assist in advancing the course of criminal justice delivery and fairness. Should you require any clarification, kindly contact 08038455857. Please take note that you are at liberty to come along with your lawyer.”
Nigerian-American singer, David Adedeji Adeleke popularly known as Davido has commended Nigerian businessman Aliko Mohammed Dangote for his style of living.
According to him, the owner of Dangote cement is a different kind of billionaire.
He said unlike other billionaires who always buy luxury cars and show off, Mr. Aliko buys two cars every 8 years.
Speaking in an interview, Davido stated that the businessman always tells him to save his money.
“Uncle Aliko is a different kind of a billionaire, Uncle Aliko buys like two cars every 8 years. He is different ” Davido said.
“Anytime he sees me he just says one thing, save your money. There is nothing more he tells me than save your money.” He added.
Court Fixes Ruling Date In High-Profile Godwin Emefiele Trial
Awujale Stool: Police Again Summon Kingmakers Over Alleged Bribery in Selection Process
Monetary Shake-Up! CBN Unveils New Interest Rate Benchmark
-
News20 hours agoJust in: Ex-Senate president, Saraki, others to face death penalty charges
-
News15 hours agoKwankwaso has decided to be Obi’s running mate-Ibrahim Abdulkarim reveals
-
News20 hours agoNigeria Rules Out IMF Bailout as Reforms Gain Ground –Finance minister, Edun
-
Sports15 hours ago“Any attempt to lose to Arsenal, ends Mancity’s dream of title race”-Guardiola
-
News20 hours agoHunger looming in Nigeria as Tinubu’s economic policies summersault- IMF cautions
-
News14 hours agoJust in: Tinubu assents 2026 Appropriation Bill, 2025 Budget Extension
-
News19 hours agoTragedy averted as man parks SUV on 3rd Mainland bridge jumps into lagoon
-
Education15 hours agoBREAKING: JAMB set to release first batch of 2026 UTME results today
You must be logged in to post a comment Login