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EndSARS: Lagos Gov, Sanwo-Olu Replies Lawyer On Freedom of Information Act
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu had on Friday, replied a legal practitioner, Inibehe Effiong, on his Freedom of Information application.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor on Friday, replied a legal practitioner, Inibehe Effiong, on his Freedom of Information application, Jomog News Nigeria reports.
In a letter signed by a lawyer, Deyemi Bamgbose, for the Attorney General, the governor said that he cannot grant the request because the FOI Act is not binding on Lagos, this was contained in a letter signed by In a letter signed by Deyemi Bamgbose, for the Attorney General,
The governor had cited a ruling of the Edo Division of the Court of Appeal in EDOSACA V OSAKUE to back his decision.
Effiong asked for the Certified True Copy of the Instrument setting up the Lagos Panel of Inquiry.
The Lagos Panel of Enquiry is probing rights abuses perpetrated by operatives of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and the Lekki shooting by Nigerian Army troops.
Effiong recalled in a statement that he also requested the CTC of the Instrument, Executive Order or Directive under which curfew was imposed on the State on 20th October.
He noted further that his FOI application contained a demand for CCTV records showing the attack on protesters at the Lekki toll gate.
The fiery lawyer said by virtue of Section 1 of the Tribunals of Inquiry Law of Lagos State, the panel can only be created by an Instrument, not by a press release or declaration in the media.
“Without this Instrument, the Panel is illegal. Only an Instrument can legalize their proceedings.
The inescapable implication is that except there is a legal Instrument as required by law, we are wasting our time with the ongoing inquiry. The members of the Panel, protesters and the public deserves clarification from the governor on this issue. This is a fundamental issue.
“It is also important for us to see the Instrument under which the curfew was declared. Given the conflicting accounts by the state government, the military and other interested parties, it is essential for the Instrument by which the curfew was imposed to be made public. The governor has refused to release the CCTV records to me.”
“In Alo V Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly & Anor (2018), the Ondo Division of the Court of Appeal held that the FOI Act is binding on States. The issue here is not the conflicting decisions of the Court of Appeal. The issue is the governor’s questionable commitment to a credible investigation by the Panel of Inquiry.”
If Sanwo-Olu is sincere, why has he refused to release the Instruments if they actually exist? Effiong quipped
He added that he will review the development and take the appropriate action.
“Those who lost their lives and those whose properties were destroyed deserve justice.
We will be dishonouring them if we do not unravel the truth. Governor Sanwo-Olu should release the Instruments”, Effiong implored.
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Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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