Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has publicly challenged the US-based political advisory and lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York to substantiate claims linking President Bola Tinubu to historical drug trafficking. In a Saturday statement shared via his verified X account, Fani-Kayode addressed the 1993 civil forfeiture complaint filed by the US Department of Justice in the Northern District of Illinois, clarifying that the action targeted property rather than serving as a personal criminal conviction or a finding that Tinubu smuggled narcotics.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Emphasizing that being the subject of an investigation does not equate to an indictment, prosecution, or conviction, Fani-Kayode demanded that the firm produce explicit evidence and pinpoint where the US government or the DEA formally alleged that the President personally smuggled heroin. He reiterated that the 1993 filings and subsequent 2026 FBI declarations reflect a civil settlement over funds rather than proof of personal involvement, ultimately challenging the firm to back up its sweeping claims regarding institutional corruption.

The Edo State Government has raised serious concerns regarding the rising tide of drug and substance abuse across the region, noting that the crisis is devastating lives and cutting across all demographics. Speaking on Saturday at the maiden edition of the Governor Monday Okpebholo/Buba Marwa ‘Mini-Marathon Race Against Drug Abuse’ for secondary school students, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa—represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Pius Alile—warned that substance abuse is no longer confined to the youth but extends into the middle class and older populations. Organized by the state command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) under the theme “Run for Health, Run for Life, Run Against Drug Abuse,” the event aimed to promote healthy lifestyles and grassroot talent hunting.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Edo State NDLEA Commander Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju emphasized that the campaign relies on more than just enforcement, utilizing sports and youth engagement to foster drug-free communities. More than 100 students from four public schools participated, with Ojie Victor of Edokpolor Grammar School capturing first place, while Bright Osemwingie and Chamberlain Miracle finished as runners-up. The governor rewarded the top finishers with one-year full academic scholarships and inducted them as War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Ambassadors to champion the anti-drug message in their schools and communities.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan arrived at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Ebonyi State aboard a private jet at around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, providing a strategic boost to the state government’s ongoing campaign for heightened airline and private aircraft patronage. Welcomed by Ebonyi State Deputy Governor Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila and a delegation of top government officials—alongside his entourage including Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpeh—Jonathan used the facility en route to an event in Boki Local Government Area, Cross River State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, released a statement highlighting that the former leader’s visit underscores the airport’s viability as a premier regional gateway. The state government reiterated that continuous usage is vital for maximizing economic growth, boosting trade, and accelerating tourism. This development aligns with Ebonyi’s ongoing efforts to finalize regulatory requirements and operational upgrades for full-scale commercial flights. Following his engagements in Cross River, Jonathan is scheduled to return to Abakaliki for a dinner at the Presidential Lodge before departing from the airport back to Bayelsa.