By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Angry Omoyele Sowore, The Publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, on Monday clashed with security operatives who wanted to stop him from entering the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The security cordon of the court gate by operatives drawn from Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was emplaced because of the trial of the former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello.

Bello is charged with money laundering and misappropriation of public funds.

In a video posted on his X account on Monday, Sowore, singlehanded, dared the security operatives, questioning their authority to prevent his entry.

“Why are you shouting at me? Do I look like Yahaya Bello?” he asked.

“I have business in court. I don’t need to be cleared by either the police or EFCC because none of you is an officer of the court.

“This is a Federal High Court; bring court officials, and I will talk to them. EFCC brought me to court, and they are still harassing us.”

“You have no right to stand in front of the high court. You are not my lawyer and have no right to know my case,” he stated in response to a request by one of the security operatives to know the particulars of his case.

Overwhelmed by Sowore’s readiness to make big trouble and possibly expose the errors by the security operatives, one of the senior officers eventually directed that Sowore be allowed to enter.

Condemning the incident, Sowore wrote, “The justice system in Nigeria has been hijacked by uniformed, uncouth security agents ranging from @OfficialDSSNG, @PoliceNG, and @CivilDefenceNGR. Today, they mounted illegally in front of the court, harassing everybody because of a thief, Yahaya Bello @officialgybkogi. The same Yahaya Bello they couldn’t apprehend for months; even lawyers were harassed, and the @NigBarAssoc should stop this nonsense.”

In January 2025, Sowore was arrested and charged with 17 counts under the Cybercrime Act for referring to Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP” on his social media platforms.

In the charges, it was alleged that Sowore’s statements were intended to cause a breakdown of law and order.

Sowore’s arrest sparked criticisms from various human rights organizations, which viewed the charges as an attempt to suppress voice of dissent and freedom of expression.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Princess Mojisola Meranda, may step down to allow either Mr. David Setonji or Mr. Wale Rauf to assume the position of speaker.

This development follows intervention efforts by prominent political figures, including former APC National Chairman and ex-Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and Chief Pius Akinyelure, Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Meranda made history as the first female Speaker of the House on January 13 after the removal of Mudashiru Obasa, who faced allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and high-handedness. However, Obasa has since challenged his removal in court, arguing that due process was not followed.

Sources reveal that key political figures held an initial meeting with principal officers and House members over the weekend, with another meeting expected soon.

It is speculated that Meranda may be asked to return to her former position as Deputy Speaker, while one of the two lawmakers from Lagos West—David Setonji (Badagry 2) or Wale Rauf (Amuwo Odofin 2)—could become the next Speaker.

David Setonji is currently the Chief Whip of the House and has served as a lawmaker since 2015.

Wale Rauf has been in the House since 2019.

This arrangement is reportedly influenced by regional representation in state leadership. Presently, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Mojisola Meranda are both from Lagos Central, leaving Lagos West without a top leadership position. Given that Obasa hails from Lagos West, stakeholders have recommended that the next Speaker be chosen from the district.

Despite these developments, 36 out of 40 lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in Meranda on Monday, February 17, affirming their support for her continued leadership. However, the House adjourned sitting indefinitely, leaving room for further negotiations.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today 26th February 2025 Can Be Accessed Below.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The exchange rate changes hourly. It depends on the volume of dollars available and the Demand. This means that…you can buy or sell 1 dollar at a certain rate and the price can change (high or low) within hours.

The official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates

What’s the dollar to naira black market today 14 January 2025?

The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players buy a dollar for ₦1520 and sell at ₦1530 on

Monday 24th February, 2025, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).

Dollar to Naira Black

Market Rate Today

Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black

Market Exchange Rate Today

Buying Rate ₦1520

Selling Rate ₦1530

Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today

Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today

Highest Rate ₦1509

Lowest Rate ₦1491

Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.