By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Canadian immigration authorities have reportedly denied asylum to Wale Francis Akinpelu, a retired Nigerian police officer, and his wife, Ajarat Mojirola.

They were denied asylum due to concerns over his past service in the Nigerian police force.

The decision was based on allegations of human rights violations linked to the Nigerian police, which has faced accusations of corruption and misconduct.

The couple left Nigeria in 2017, claiming they were fleeing threats from a criminal gang.

Mrs. Akinpelu first traveled to the United States in May 2017, and her husband joined her in October after resigning from the police.

In 2018, they moved to Canada and applied for refugee protection, arguing that they were at risk of harm if they returned to Nigeria.

However, Canadian authorities questioned Mr. Akinpelu’s credibility due to his association with the Nigerian police.

His application was suspended, and later, a federal court upheld its rejection, ruling that his past employment disqualified him from asylum under human rights laws.

The couple’s applications were processed separately.

Mrs. Akinpelu’s request was initially denied in 2019 after authorities found inconsistencies in her claims.

She appealed the decision, leading to a new hearing, but her asylum application was rejected again in February 2023.

The court ruled that her evidence contained contradictions, and some documents appeared fraudulent.

In her legal challenge, she argued that the rejection process was unfair.

However, Justice Norris ruled against her, stating that her claims relied heavily on her husband’s statements, which lacked credibility.

The judge pointed out that she failed to provide substantial proof to support her fears of persecution.

With both asylum requests denied, Canadian authorities are set to proceed with the deportation process for the couple.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has announced the postponement of the National Council for Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy meeting, originally scheduled to be held in Osun State from February 25 to 27, 2025.

The decision comes in response to heightened political tensions in the state following the local government crisis.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, communicated this decision through an internal memo titled ‘Urgent Action Against Hosting of National Council for Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy from 24-27 February 2025, in Osun State’, which was addressed to State Commissioners, Directors of MDAs, Heads of Departments/Units, and key stakeholders.

“With reference to the above, I wish to bring to your notice the current tense situation in Osun State stemmed from political unrest and uproar in view of the ongoing local government elections”, the memo partly read.

The memo further directed all concerned parties to take note of the change in schedule and assured them that a new date for the meeting would be announced in due course.

“From the foregoing, I am directed by the Hon. Minister to inform you that the upcoming Council Meeting scheduled to hold in Osun State from 25 – 27 February 2025 has been postponed to a later date that will be duly communicated.

“Any inconvenience(s) caused is highly regretted, please”, the memo further stated.

The ministry also urged recipients of the circular to ensure its wide dissemination to all relevant stakeholders.

“You are requested to give this Circular the needed circulation. While thanking you for your usual cooperation and understanding, please accept the Hon. Minister’s warm regard”, the memo concluded.

Recall that the Peoples Democratic Party won all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in all the 30 local government areas of Osun State on Saturday.

The Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Hashim Abioye, made this known at a press conference on Saturday in Osogbo, the state capital.

Abioye also said the PDP also cleared the 332 councillorship seats in the poll.

The OSSIEC chairman, who said Certified True Copies of the result of the elections would be made available to whoever is interested in having them, congratulated the candidates on their victory at the poll.

Also, on Sunday, Governor Ademola Adeleke inaugurated the newly elected LG chairmen and councillors in the Saturday poll.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The exchange rate for the U.S. dollar to the Nigerian naira in the parallel market (commonly known as the black market) has been updated for Sunday, February 23, 2025. According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources, the rates are as follows

Buying Rate: ₦1,520 per dollar
Selling Rate: ₦1,530 per dollar
It is important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize black market rates and advises individuals to conduct foreign exchange transactions through licensed financial institutions.

CBN Official Exchange Rate

Highest Rate: ₦1,509
Lowest Rate: ₦1,491