Ayodeji Arowele, a former Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, has initiated a fundamental rights enforcement lawsuit against the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and several senior officers. The legal challenge, filed at the Federal High Court by his attorney, Kunle Ijalana, names the Nigeria Police Force, CSP Hilary Mazi, ASP Ebito Ephraim, and Yusuf Sanya Isiaka as defendants.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Arowele, a two-term assembly member and APC aspirant for the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, claims his arrest on May 16, 2026, was a calculated move to block him from competing in the party’s primary election. This legal push follows recent public criticism from the Ondo State Government regarding the conduct of officers from the Force Intelligence Department within the state.

Key elements of Arowele’s suit include:

• Constitutional Violations: He is requesting the court to declare that the invasion of his hotel room in Owo violated his rights to privacy, personal liberty, and human dignity.

• Allegation of Abuse of Power: He argues that the police operation, reportedly ordered by the Inspector-General of Police at the behest of the fourth defendant, was unconstitutional.

• Demands for Redress: Arowele is seeking ₦50 million in general damages and a court order to prevent the police from further harassing, threatening, or arresting him regarding these allegations.

In his petition, the former lawmaker described a “gestapo-style” raid where roughly 30 officers allegedly stormed his room without a warrant. He further alleged that he and his NSCDC security detail were assaulted during the incident, with one guard reportedly sustaining a dental injury.

Following his arrest, Arowele was invited to the Area Commander’s office on June 10, where he learned the Inspector-General had ordered an investigation into a petition filed by Yusuf Sanya Isiaka. Although he was eventually released on bail from the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in Akure, Arowele claims that investigators have continued to threaten him with further arrest and demand his presence in Abuja. The court has yet to set a date for the hearing.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has scheduled a ruling for Thursday regarding senior advocate Mike Ozekhome’s application to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. Represented by Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), Ozekhome, who is currently standing trial for forgery and impersonation, sought the court’s permission for a six-week medical trip based on a doctor’s recommendation. While the prosecution team, led by Aisha Tahir, did not oppose the application, complications arose concerning the defendants’ international passports.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Although the passports were previously ordered to be deposited with the court registry as a condition of the defendants’ bail, the prosecution informed the court that the documents were still in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Chizoba Oji directed the prosecution to produce the passports within one hour; however, they were unable to do so, citing challenges in contacting the investigating officer. Consequently, the judge adjourned the proceedings until Thursday, ordering the prosecution to produce the documents without fail before a ruling is issued.

Case Background:

• Charges: Ozekhome and co-defendant Ponfa Useni were arraigned on February 27 on 12 counts of forgery and impersonation.

• The Allegation: Prosecutors allege that the defendants, alongside the late Jeremiah Useni, conspired to create and utilize a forged Nigerian passport under the name “Tali Shani” to support a claim to a property in the United Kingdom.

• Evidence: Both a Nigerian Immigration Service officer and a forensic examiner have testified that the passport in question is fraudulent.

• Status: The defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the trial is currently ongoing.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has explained that its final National Assembly candidate list was determined following an exhaustive review of over 700 petitions from aggrieved members following its recent primary elections. In a telephone interview reported by ThisDay, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka noted that the National Working Committee vetted these complaints, resulting in a few “upsets” where initial winners were replaced. Morka emphasized that the petition process is now closed, and the current roster represents the party’s definitive position, comprising both those who won their primaries uncontested and those confirmed following the appeal process. The party’s primary focus has now shifted to ensuring all candidates complete and upload their INEC Form EC9 documents to the electoral commission’s portal before the deadline. While the party intends to release a public list eventually, Morka stated that documentation compliance currently takes precedence, noting that all successful candidates have already been notified and provided with the necessary forms.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Following a thorough vetting of over 700 post-primary petitions, the APC has finalized its candidate list for the 2027 general elections. According to National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, the review process conducted by the party’s appeal committee and the National Working Committee led to adjustments in specific constituencies. Morka clarified that the party is no longer accepting petitions and is now focused entirely on the logistics of candidate documentation for INEC submission. Although the party has not yet publicly released the finalized list, it maintains that the process was transparent for those involved, and all confirmed candidates have already received their forms to ensure they meet the upcoming nomination deadline.

Option 3: Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive Review: The APC evaluated over 700 petitions from members who were dissatisfied with the outcomes of the party’s primary elections.

• Result of Appeals: While many original winners were retained, the appeal process led to some “upsets” and subsequent candidate changes in specific constituencies.

• Finalized Position: The petition window is closed, and the current list of candidates—a mix of unchallenged winners and those validated via appeals—is now the party’s final official stance.

• Current Priority: The party’s main objective is to assist its candidates in completing and uploading their INEC Form EC9 documents to the commission’s portal in a timely manner.

• Communication: All official candidates have been notified and provided with the required documentation; the party views this process as more urgent than the public release of a full list.