Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has publicly challenged his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, to a debate while pledging to expose what he describes as “hypocrisy,” “evil,” and “outright looting” within the current administration. Ortom stated that he intends to defend himself against what he terms “persecution” regarding allegations that his own eight-year tenure could not account for ₦139.8 billion. Additionally, Ortom expressed regret for past arrogant remarks made toward his former leader, Senator George Akume, and announced that they have since reconciled to form a strategic partnership aimed at advancing the “Benue project” across party lines.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In response, the Alia administration, speaking through Chief Press Secretary Kula Tersoo, denied any vendetta, asserting that the government is merely investigating lapses and gaps found in handover notes. Governor Alia highlighted that probing previous administrations is standard practice—noting that Ortom himself probed his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam—and questioned why Ortom would feel uncomfortable being probed himself. Furthermore, the incumbent governor accused the former administration of being an “infamous” period of “shoddy handling of issues” and “blatant disregard for procedure,” claiming that the state is currently struggling with billions of naira in garnishee orders resulting from that tenure.

Ayodeji Arowele, a two-term former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly and a candidate for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, has launched a legal battle against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Nigeria Police Force.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Following his arrest on May 16, 2026—just hours before the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries—Arowele has filed a lawsuit seeking ₦50 million in damages for the alleged violation of his fundamental human rights.

Key Allegations and Legal Demands:

• “Gestapo-Style” Raid: Arowele alleges that approximately 30 officers, led by CSP Hilary Mazi and ASP Ebito Ephraim, forcibly invaded his hotel room in Owo without a warrant.

• Claims of Brutality: The petition details that during the arrest, both Arowele and his security detail—operatives from the NSCDC—were physically brutalized, with one officer reportedly losing teeth in the process.

• Abuse of Power: The suit, which also names ASP Ebito Ephraim, CSP Hilary Mazi, and Mr. Yusuf Sanya Isiaka as respondents, argues that the arrest was unconstitutional, infringing upon his rights to privacy, personal liberty, and human dignity.

• Restraining Order: Arowele is asking the court to restrain the police from further harassment, arrest, or invitation regarding the matter, which he characterizes as “double jeopardy”.

Background on the Case: After being detained for six hours and subsequently released on bail at the AIG Zone 17 office in Akure, Arowele was instructed to report to Abuja following the primary election. He contends that he has faced repeated arrests by various police formations over the same incident. Further legal complications arose on June 10, 2026, when he was summoned to the Area Commander’s office and informed that the investigation into the original petition filed by Yusuf Sanya Isiaka had been mandated directly by the office of the Inspector-General of Police.

Looking for the latest on the dollar-to-naira exchange landscape? Here is the breakdown of the current market activity.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶