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Alleged N2.5bn Scandal: DSS Releases Aisha Buhari’s ADC …As PDP Calls For Probe Of President’s Wife

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Barely three days after being handed over by the police to the Department of State Services (DSS), the Aide-de-Camp to the wife of the President, Sani Baba-Inna, was reportedly released from detention yesterday morning.
The ADC to wife of the President was handed over to the DSS by the police last Tuesday after being detained last weekend over the diversion of N2.5 billion cash which he allegedly collected on behalf of the wife of the president. Although the DSS was yet to comment on the latest development as at the time of filing this report, the family of the detainee admitted that their son had been released.
“He has just been released and I am on my way to see him,” Sani’s elder brother, Farouq Baba-Inna, said yesterday but provided no further details as to where he met his brother and how his condition was.
The spokesman for the DSS, Mr. Peter Afunanya, could not be reached for confirmation of the release of the suspect as at the time of filing the report last night. But the uncertainty surrounding the arrest and detention of Baba-Inna notwithstanding, the Peoples Democratic Party has taken a swipe at the President, saying that the allegation had blighted the administration’s anti-corruption fight.
The Peoples Democratic Party said, “Buhari by now must have learnt that Nigerians are not buying the lame denial by our first lady, who had rushed to town to disown her detained security aide, Sani Baba Inna, just because the lid is off the can of worms.
“This scandal has further vindicated the stand of the PDP that President Buhari presides over a government of corruption, where his close relatives, officials and a cabal of associates are enmeshed in sleazy deals but parading as saints.
It is instructive to note that the first lady has already admitted that her detained security aide defrauded “unsuspecting associates and officials”, a position which inadvertently exposes the attempt by the police to conceal the matter.
“Since the First Lady, in her statement, confessed that her security aide defrauded “unsuspecting associates and officials”, the PDP demands that the aide de promptly docked in an open court and given the opportunity to defend himself and expose his accomplices in the alleged fraud.
“It is common knowledge that aides of former presidents and those of former first ladies are currently facing trial in open court over similar allegations and this should not be an exception”.
Meanwhile,the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to probe his wife, Aisha, over the N2.5billion scandal linked to her ADC, Sani Baba-Inna.
Aisha’s aide was accused of using the first lady’s name to collect money from unsuspecting associates and government officials as earlier reported.
The PDP, through its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, yesterday, said the scandal has vindicated the stand of the opposition party that Buhari “presides over a government of corruption”.
Ologbondiyan said the ADC should be tried in an open court and be allowed to defend himself.
“PDP challenges President Muhammadu Buhari to show his zero tolerance for corruption by allowing for an open inquest into the N2.5 billion scandal, in which the first lady, Aisha Buhari, has already been entangled; instead of the spirited effort by the presidency to suppress a matter that is already in public domain,” the statement read.
“It is instructive to note that the first lady has already admitted that her detained security aide defrauded ‘unsuspecting associates and officials’, a position which inadvertently exposes the attempt by the Police to conceal the matter.
“The PDP and indeed Nigerians have always pointed to the very expensive lifestyle and personal effects, including posh jewelries, daily paraded by close relatives of Mr. President, thus belying gimmicks and stunts of the first family being saintly and pro-poor.
“Also, there have been allegations of acquisitions of sprawling and choice property in Nigeria and other countries by persons close to the president.
“Since the first lady, in her statement, confessed that her security aide defrauded ‘unsuspecting associates and officials’, the PDP demands that the aide be promptly docked in an open court and given the opportunity to defend himself and expose his accomplices in the alleged fraud.
“It is common knowledge that aides of former presidents and those of former first ladies are currently facing trial in open court over similar allegations and this should not be an exception. The PDP, however, hopes that the detained aide will not be ‘escorted’ out of the country to prevent him from opening up, as was the case of disgraced former minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun.
“Moreover, the PDP invites Nigerians to note that the presidency has suddenly gone dumb on a N2.5billion fraud under its roof. Does this not amount to admittance of complicity by the Buhari presidency, which is becoming notorious as a den of certificate forgers and persons of questionable character.
“The PDP, therefore, holds that since issues have been joined and high profile personalities in the presidency, it hopes this matter will not be swept under the carpet.”

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Court Sentences Female Arms Courier To Death

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A Federal High Court sitting in Katsina State has sentenced a female arms courier, Hauwa’u Mukhtar, to death by hanging after finding her guilty of conspiracy to commit, aid and abet terrorism.
The conviction followed a successful prosecution by the Department of State Services, DSS, making it the second death sentence secured by the agency in June.
A post shared on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, said Mukhtar was arrested by DSS operatives on September 16, 2023, at Jibia Motor Park in Katsina State while attempting to transport 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to Ado, a notorious bandit kingpin operating in the Dunburum Forest area of Zamfara State.
Security sources indicate that the DSS subsequently arraigned the suspect on a two-count charge before High Court No. 3 in Katsina, presided over by Justice A. B. Bawale.
The court, after reviewing the evidence presented, including witness testimonies, exhibits tendered before it and the final arguments of both the prosecution and defence teams, held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge found Mukhtar guilty on both counts and sentenced her to death by hanging in line with the provisions of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021.
The latest conviction comes barely days after another terrorism-related judgment secured by the DSS.

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Fubara Hart Emerges Overall Winner At Python Golf Club Kitty

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The Python Golf Club Port Harcourt witnessed a colourful gathering of eminent personalities and club members as it marked its latest kitty event alongside the 70th birthday celebration of elder statesman, Chief Anthony Osagwe-Ogo.
At the event, Amaopusenibo Kingsley Fubara Hart, a retired civil servant and ally of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, emerged as the overall winner of the prestigious golf kitty, earning multiple laurels for his performance.
The ceremony, which held at the club’s course along Port Harcourt–Aba Road, behind Treasure Park, attracted dignitaries, senior professionals, and members of high social standing, underscoring the club’s reputation as a gathering point for elite sports and networking activities in the state.
Speaking after his victory, Hart expressed joy over his performance and appreciation for the recognition accorded him by the club members.
He said his success was the result of consistent participation and commitment to the club’s daily activities, adding that the Python Golf Club functions as a close-knit community where members share both sporting and social bonds.
He also described the club as a platform that promotes discipline, fitness, and fellowship among its members, urging others to remain dedicated in order to achieve similar success.
According to him, celebrating a milestone such as a 70th birthday in good health is a blessing that should be appreciated, adding that life itself is an act of grace.
The event also featured tributes to Chief Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, whose 70th birthday formed part of the celebration. He was widely described by members as a respected elder statesman and a pillar of support to the club’s growth and development.
The chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr) Ikenna Okafor thanked God for the life of the celebrant, describing him as a father figure and highly valued member of the club community.
He noted that the large turnout of members and guests was a reflection of the esteem in which Chief Osagwe-Ogo is held, both within and outside the club.
In his response, the celebrant expressed gratitude to God for attaining the age of 70 in good health, while appreciating members of the club for honouring him.
He pledged continued commitment to contributing positively to humanity and to the development of the club, assuring that he would continue to live up to expectations.
The event featured highlights including a birthday cake cutting ceremony and the presentation of awards to distinguished and deserving members of the club.

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2027 Polls: Rivers PFN Calls For Stronger Christian Political Engagement

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The Rivers State chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has called for stronger Christian political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections, as part of efforts to strengthen Christian participation in the country’s democratic process.
The State Chairman of the Fellowship, Rev (Dr) Minaibi Dagogo Jack, made the call during a media briefing in Port Harcourt, where he emphasised that the group would critically assess political parties and candidates before guiding its members on voting decisions.
According to him, the PFN intends to engage political actors directly and take a collective position on candidates deemed to represent good governance and moral leadership.
“We will critically look at the candidates, have time to discuss with them, and we shall decide as leaders on who to direct our members to vote for,” he said.
Rev. Jack stressed that the Christian community must become more actively involved in politics to ensure the emergence of what he described as righteous and accountable governance in Nigeria.
He argued that continued political apathy among Christians has allowed what he termed “bad leadership” to dominate the country’s political space.
June 12 Democracy Day Criticism
Commenting on the recent June 12 Democracy Day celebration, the PFN chairman said the occasion has lost its meaning for many Nigerians due to worsening insecurity and governance challenges.
He said June 12, which symbolizes political freedom and democratic struggle, no longer reflects the realities on the ground.
“June 12 ordinarily should represent political freedom, freedom for the oppressed, and freedom for Nigerians as a people. But from a close look at political activities, particularly in Rivers State, the essence of June 12 has been defeated,” he said.
He also decried what he described as the collapse of internal democracy within political parties, alleging increasing interference and manipulation of opposition party structures.
“We are in a situation where internal democracy is no longer practised… a situation where opposition political parties will produce two, three, four candidates representing one party. This is not democracy; it is confusion,” he added.
Rev. Jack further disclosed that the PFN had concluded a three-day seminar aimed at sensitizsing youths against electoral violence and redirecting them toward productive engagement in business and nation-building.
He said the programme also focused on Nigeria’s political climate and the role of the church in promoting peaceful elections.
He also commended security agencies for recent rescue operations involving abducted children, while urging the federal government to improve the welfare and equipment of security operatives, including the adoption of modern surveillance tools such as drones.
He called for strong legal frameworks and oversight mechanisms to ensure state police institutions remain professional and independent of political interference.
“State police is good but must come with proper legislation so that governors will not take advantage of it,” he said.
He also appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward the rescue of abducted school children and other victims held by criminal groups, stressing that security remains central to democratic stability in Nigeria.

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