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2027 Imo guber: Araraume denies report about planned defection to PDP
2027 Imo guber: Araraume denies report about planned defection to PDP
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress [APC] in Imo State, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, has debunked a media report claiming that he is planning to decamp from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with the intention of running for the office of governor in Imo State in 2027
In a swift riposte to the report published in Trumpeta on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, Araraume described the report as reckless, false, misleading and malicious, and has threatened to sue if the report is not retracted within fourteen days of this publication.
The reponse issued on his behalf by Barr. Dickson Omaiye, his Special Assistant [Legal] was entitled: “RE: ARARAUME TO REJOIN PDP, MAY RUN 2027 IMO GUBER”
It is reproduced hereunder in extenso:
“The attention of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has been drawn to a malicious and fabricated headline published by Trumpeta newspaper on May 14th, 2024, which recklessly claimed that he is planning to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with the intention of running for the office of Governor in Imo State in 2027.
“Senator Araraume categorically and emphatically denies this false and misleading information.
“Senator Araraume has not on any occasion, had any discussions or negotiations with anyone about abandoning the APC or contesting the governorship seat in Imo State.
“He remains a dedicated, committed, and loyal leader within the APC, and has no intention of joining the PDP or any other political party, having played a major role in the last presidential elections as National director Trade and economy for southern Nigeria (South West, South East and South South) and is currently creating jobs through the establishment of industries, assisting government to get citizens gainfully employed
“The public is by this publication enjoined to completely disregard this baseless, malicious, and mischievous publication, which is clearly aimed at causing confusion among his supporters, and destabilizing the political landscape of Imo State.
“We assure the public that Senator Araraume is committed to continuing to serve the people of Imo State and Nigeria at large with unwavering dedication and commitment through his leadership role in the APC, and will not be distracted by such unfounded and mischievous reports.
“The purveyors of this falsehood are hereby advised to desist from spreading misinformation and propaganda, and instead engage in constructive and issue-based political discourse for the benefit and advancement of our dear Imo state and citizens at large.
“We will not hesitate to take necessary legal action against Trumpeta Newspapers and anyone on whose behest this false information was orchestrated if there’s no retraction within fourteen days of this publication.”
Barr. Dickson Omaiye Esq
SA Legal to Senator Ifeanyi Araraume.
News
Court Gives Falanas, January Date To Prove Case Against VDM
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A Lagos High Court has adjourned the defamation suit brought by Femi Falana and his son against social media influencer, Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, until January 23, 2025.
The case was brought by human rights activist Femi Falana and his son, Folarin, popularly known as Falz.
VeryDarkMan arrived in court dressed in a red native outfit, accompanied by fans who cheered him on, but the Falanas were not present.
The case could not proceed as several applications filed by the parties were still not included in the court file. As a result, the court decided to adjourn the hearing until January 23, 2025.
On October 14, Justice Matthias Dawodu ruled on an ex-parte application filed by the Falanas, granting them legal protection from defamation. The judge ordered that VeryDarkMan remove a defamatory video he posted on September 24, 2025, which targeted the senior lawyer and his son. Additionally, the court prohibited VeryDarkMan from posting or sharing any defamatory content about them on his social media accounts until the matter is resolved.
The Falanas had filed separate lawsuits seeking N500 million each in damages, claiming that VeryDarkMan posted a video accusing them of accepting N10 million from Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, to influence a legal matter.
They argued that VeryDarkMan knew the allegations were false but chose to spread them, causing harm to their reputations. The Falanas further pointed out that the video continues to circulate online, further damaging their reputations.
In response, VeryDarkMan applied to the court for permission to appeal the ruling.
He argued that refusing his request would be an injustice, as the case involves significant legal questions that require further examination. He stated, “A refusal to grant leave may result in the enforcement of a decision that does not reflect a correct application of the law, leading to outcomes that may be detrimental not only to the parties involved but also to the administration of justice as a whole. The appellate court’s role in clarifying and, where necessary, correcting trial court decisions is vital in maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.”
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READ 8 Facts About New Lakurawa Terror Group in North West
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Lakurawa, a new terror group is now wreaking havoc in northwestern part of the country. It was once dismissed as harmless herders.
Initially seen as seasonal migrants, the Lakurawa group has evolved into a powerful militant force linked to jihadist networks in the Sahel.
With roots stretching back six years, Lakurawa has grown under the radar, exploiting Nigeria’s porous borders and limited government oversight.
Here’s what you need to know about this escalating threat and the challenges it poses to the region’s security.
From Herders to Terrorists
Originally seen as seasonal herders from Niger, the Lakurawa group quietly entered Sokoto communities in search of pasture, later gaining a reputation as militants with ties to jihadist networks across the Sahel.
Authorities’ Early Misjudgment
Locals first reported suspicious activities by Lakurawa herders nearly six years ago, but authorities dismissed them as non-violent. However, recent intelligence from Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters reclassifies Lakurawa as a new terror group with connections to extremist networks.
Cross-Border Threats
The Lakurawa exploit Nigeria’s porous borders with countries like Niger, Chad, and Mali, entering remote areas to promote radical ideology, often in Hausa and Fulfulde languages, and impose strict “Islamic” rules on communities.
Unusual Alliances
Invited by local leaders to fend off other bandits, Lakurawa quickly grew from an auxiliary force into a dominant presence, controlling communities through a mix of militant enforcement and religious influence.
Camp ‘Darul Islam’ in Forests
Lakurawa established camps around Gwangwano, Mulawa, Wassaniya, and Tunigara along the Nigeria-Niger border, naming them Darul Islam, or “Abode of Islam.” Their membership has since swelled to over 200 young men.
Escalation and Armed Attacks
Once tolerated by local communities, the group’s violent tendencies surfaced through alleged attacks on military bases and confrontations with Nigerian security forces, marking a shift to full-scale militancy.
Radical Ideology and Social Control
The group enforces stringent rules, often forbidding music and dancing, and collects levies disguised as religious Zakat. They pressure locals to obey these laws, maintaining authority over vulnerable communities.
A Growing Regional Concern
With ties to jihadist groups across the Sahel, Lakurawa’s presence reflects broader security challenges. The breakdown in joint border patrols after Niger’s recent coup has only worsened Nigeria’s exposure to such extremist threats.(PRNigeria)
News
It’s wrong to arrest individuals in place of suspects — Says PSC chairman
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd) has condemned the practice by Nigeria Police Force operatives of arresting individuals in place of actual suspects.
He also frowned at the handcuffing of suspects during arrests, adding that the law prohibits these practices.
A statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson for the commission, Ikechukwu Ani, said Argungu made this known
during training on international Human Rights-based policing and effective oversight of personnel of the Police Service Commission.
Ani said the PSC chairman stressed that every suspect must be accorded humane treatment and must not be subjected to any form of torture, cruelty, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
The statement read, “DIG Hashimu Argungu, x-rayed human treatment of arrested suspects and declared that a suspect shall be accorded human treatment, having regard to his right to the dignity of his person and not be subjected to any form of torture, cru
Argungu noted that a suspect shall not be arrested merely on a civil wrong or breach of contract and shall be brought before the court as prescribed by law or otherwise released conditionally or unconditionally.
He explained that “a person shall not for any reason be arrested in place of a suspect adding that the law prohibits the handcuffing or any other unnecessary restrain of an arrested person, except if there is reasonable apprehension of violence or an attempt to escape; the restrain is considered necessary for the safety of the suspect or defendant or by order of court.”
Ani added the PSC chairman also noted that all over the world, police officers generally have broad powers to carry out their functions and duties.
“He noted that the constitution as amended and other procedural laws, however, place limits on how far Police can go in trying to enforce the law.
“According to him, one of the primary purposes of these laws is to protect citizens from abuses by the government, including police misconduct,” the statement added
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