Fear, Apprehension Grip Osun Residents
Total Disrepair Of State Schools In Osun
THE educa on in Osun State under Governor Ademola Adeleke is declining as students, parcularly in the semi-urban and rural areas con nue to learn under dilapidated buildings, OSUN DEFENDER report.
Despite claims by the state government that it has renovated over 200 schools, the majority of schools according to findings by the medium are currently facing shortage of teachers, deteriora ng infrastructures. The schools are neither with func onal toilet facili es nor proper water systems.
Some of the schools currently begging for government urgent intervenon include, Akinorun Grammar School and Holy Michael Secondary School in Ikirun, the headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government.
Others are Oranmiyan Grammar School, Ile-Ife and Community Grammar School, Odogbo inñ Atakumosa East Local Government Area of the state.
In Akinorun Grammar School, findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that the condi on of infrastructure in the schools is nothing short of alarming.
Students and members of staff face difficulty due to lack of func onal facili es.
Also, there is no adequate security, leaving the school proper es exposed to constant the and vanYusuf Oketola dalism.
The school hall which was once used as a convergence point for All Nigeria Confedera on of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) is currently a shadow of itself.
It was gathered that all external examina ons in the school have been moved to Holy Trinity School, Oke-Afo, Ikirun due to the condi on of the hall.
Also, at Holy Michael High School, the school is in urgent need of func onal toilet facili es and potable water. Inves ga on by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that lack of adequate sanita on infrastructure poses health and environmental concerns for both students and staff
The school is surrounded by rocks and thick bushes, crea ng security challenges and exposing students to poten al dangers. The management expressed concerns about the vulnerability of students due to the isolated nature of some sec ons of the school environment.
A source within the school told OSUN DEFENDER that some households located around the school premises harbour students during school hours, contribu ng to truancy and disciplinary challenges.
The school management iden fied teenage pregnancy as one of the major social issues affec ng students while a ribu ng the challenge largely to inadequate parental guidance
•Executive members of Ikirun Progressives Union (IPU) inside Akinorun Grammar School’s dilapidated hall, Ikirun during their visit, recently
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026
Abductors Demand N200m As Osun Council Vice Chairman Spent 18 Days In Kidnapper’s Den
Yusuf Oketola
THE vice-chairman, Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, Debo Faroumbi is s ll in cap vity 18 days a er his abduc on by some uniden fied gunmen.
Faroumbi was abducted in Ora-Igbona, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 by some assailants who invaded the community.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the gunmen stormed the community shoo ng sporadically into the air and crea ng panic in the town.
The gunmen, it was gathered, picked four residents, including two Fulani women, a resident and Mr Faroumbi.
However, the gunmen were quickly resisted by the military sta oned in the town who relentlessly pursued the assailants, forcing them to abandon three of the vic ms and
whisk away the council officials into the forest.
A source within the community who was privy to the incident told OSUN DEFENDER yesterday that the abductors have demanded for the sum of N200 million as ransom to release the vice-chairman. The source said that contribu ons are ongoing for his release.
“The community is making efforts to get him released. Contribu ons are ongoing as I speak,” the source stated.
Commen ng on the incident, the Public Relaons Officer of Osun Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi disclosed that three persons have been arrested in connec on to the abduc on.
Ojelabi said the three persons included the one person the vice chairman went to visit on the day he was kidnapped. He made the disclosure in a telephone in-
terview with OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday.
“The police in the
area have went to comb the forest for possible arrest but we were able to arrest three persons including the person he went to visit before he was kidnapped and we brought them to our office,” he stated.
Vote Conscience, Not Cash, Salaam Tells Electorate
Ibrahim Abdullahi
THE governorship candidate of the African Democra c Congress (ADC) in Osun State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam has urged residents of the state not to allow financial inducements influence their vo ng decisions ahead of the August 15 governorship elec on.
Speaking during the ADC campaign tour of Irepodun and Orolu Local Government Areas, Salaam emphasized that poli cal leaders should be elected based on their competence, character, integrity and commitment to public service rather than the distribu on of money and material incen ves.
The ADC flag bearer expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of policians using pallia ves and financial handouts to gain poli cal advan-
tage, no ng that such prac ces undermine the essence of democra c par cipa on.
According to him, poli cs should revolve around ideas, vision, and service to the people, rather than transac onal engagements designed to influence electoral choices.
Salaam maintained that while governments have a responsibility to provide relief for vulnerable ci zens during difficult periods, greater a en on should be placed on policies that empower people, create jobs, s mulate economic growth, and improve living standards.
He cited programmes implemented during the administra on of former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as examples of ini a ves that empowered youths, women, and senior cizens while contribu ng posi vely to the state’s economy.
The ADC candidate pledged to deploy his leadership experience and vision toward improving the welfare of Osun residents if elected governor, assuring the people of responsible and people-oriented governance.
“Money does not win elec ons. Genuine leadership is measured by the ability to provide good governance, inspire public confidence, and improve the lives of the people,” Salaam stated.
In separate remarks, the Elerin of Erin-Osun, Oba Yusuff Adekunle Omoloye Oyagbodun II; the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan; and the Olufon of Ifon-Orolu, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola, described Salaam as a humble and experienced poli cian with a strong commitment to public service.
The monarchs commended his vision for the development of Osun State and urged voters to make informed choices based on the competence, character, and antecedents of candidates rather than financial inducements.
They stressed that the future of the state depends on elec ng leaders who possess integrity, capacity, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.
Total Disrepair Of State Schools...
•Continued from Page 1
and insufficient counselling support for students.
During an assessment visita on to both schools recently, the Ikirun Progressives Union (Youth Wing) led by the President, Prince Abdul Afeez Maigida, alongside his execu ve members, the associa on bemoaned the condi on of the schools, urging the state government to address the challenges facing them.
“Akinorun Grammar School, in par cular, is our premier secondary school, a symbol of pride and history that must not be allowed to die a slow and painful death.
“How can we expect teachers to give their best in such a deplorable environment? How can students compete with their peers elsewhere when they are learning under condions that undermine their dignity and poten al?
“Our elected representa ves must stop pretending not to see what is staring everyone in the face. The terrible condi on of these schools should be
raised on the floor of the State Assembly without delay. Those occupying execuve posi ons (if at all they are SAs or SSAs) should ensure that the cries of Ikirun reach the ears of the Governor, the Commissioner for Educa on, and the Commissioner for Works,” IPU stated.
More so, it was a worsening situa on at Oranmiyan Grammar School, Ile-Ife as most of the classrooms are becoming traps. Oranmiyan Grammar School is one of the oldest and most respected schools in the ancient town. Sadly, children are forced to learn under dilapidated buildings and an inhabitable environment.
In a video sighted by OSUN DEFENDER, classrooms in the school are dilapidated with no furniture and asbestos blown away.
Also, the Community Grammar School, Odogbo Atakumosa East Local Government Area is in a sorry state, according to findings. The school building walls are cracked, windows and doors are broken, and
the roofing damaged. Children of Odogbo have been learning under a terrible condi on for the past 15 years and a endance has dwindled since, according to a local.
A leader of the community who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER under the condi on of anonymity said many children have refused to a end school due to the condi on of the school.
“Many children now go to the farm with their parents; they no longer go to school. They have no chairs and tables to write on. The community has tried our best to keep the school running but it is not enough.
“Imagine the condi on of a state school where we have a Governor, Senator and House of Reps member. And a lot of alloca on has been budgeted for the Educa on sec on but nothing has been shown.” the leader stated.
The community urged the state government to facilitate the immediate reconstruc on of this school and provide learning materials for the pupils.
state
•Salaam
•ADC Governorship Candidate, Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam durig a courtesy visit to Oba Samuel Abioye Oyebode Oluronke II, the Olokuku of Okuku, in Odo-Otin Local Government Area
•Dilapidated
of a classroom at Community Grammar School, Odogbo, Atakunmosa West LGA, Osun State
IT is just a ma er of weeks away; however, in the atmosphere of unbridled discontent, the offcycle governorship elec on in Osun State is beginning to take a disturbing dimension.
What is happening across the state today is a cause for concern. The heartrending death of a 14-yearold boy, Ezekiel Olopade in Ilobu, which is s ll awai ng much-needed clarifica on, is a cause for heartbreaking reflec on.
The tepid response of the internal security mechanism on the ground in Osun State makes one ponder about the efficacy of the framework and causes one to reflect on whether or not the milk of human kindness s ll runs through the veins of key operators in the society.
The police in Osun State should ask ques ons requiring an urgent response from a chie ain of the APC who brazenly stated that “there are those who are crying more than the bereaved.” The fellow lives in Ilobu, and the police should ask him for further elucidaon.
There are ques ons to be answered by the contenous Chief of Police in Osun State. We want to know whether, due to the controversial circumstances leading to the controversial death, an autopsy as well as a vitally needed Coroner’s Inquest has been carried out. This is very important
“The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, has very commendably said what should be the done and the standard by issuing a well-worked-out campaign manifesto to guide the people of the state in making their choice. Others should emulate him, for the democratic process is enhanced when the focus is on issues, policies, and programmes in offering a choice to the voters”
The Road To August 15th
in order to get to the root of the crisis.
Across Osun State, there have been frightening attacks on poli cal actors, leading to the populace becoming very apprehensive. This is not going to help ci zens’ par cipa on in the electoral process through which they can and indeed should exercise their democra c rights.
Ma ers are not helped by the major contenders not focusing on the issues that ma er to a hard-pressed electorate undergoing a punishing erosion of living standards.
The candidate of the African Democra c Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, has very commendably said what should be the tone and the standard by issuing a well-worked-out campaign manifesto to guide the people of the state in making their choice.
Others should emulate him, for the democra c process is enhanced when the focus is on issues, policies and programmes in offering a choice to the voters.
This is the best way to negate and expose those who
have nothing to offer the electorate and have to camouflage their inadequacies by resor ng to criminal acvi es and gangsterism in order to browbeat the people into submission.
The off-cycle governorship elec on held in Eki State recorded a below-par voter turnout of 36 percent. This is well below the average on the African connent, and this is not good enough. Osun State is going to be a more contested elec on, and the expectaon for this reason is that voter turnout will be high, much higher.
To achieve progress in the forthcoming democra c exercise, the Osun State Police Command must up the ante. They must become proacve and engage in scenario planning. The flashpoints have already been idenfied, and we know that, in par cular, one poli cal party is engaging, as its strategic impera ve, in targeted voter suppression.
To defend the democra c rights of the people of Osun State, the State Police Command must be aware of this
poli cal calculus as well. It is to be expected that they have drawn up a countervailing posi on in order to neutralise these wellhatched nefarious ac vi es. They have to do so.
This must be done because lives are at stake. In addi on to this, we must ins ll faith in the democra c process. Furthermore, August 15 harbingers the pivotal general elec on to be held from January 2027. It is, in effect, a trial run akin to a mock examina on. It has to be used as a last opportunity to ghten up processes and fine-tune perceived and indeed glaring inadequacies, fine-tune lapses, and ghten up procedures. A lot is hanging on getng it right on the 15th day of August. Civil socie es, as well as tradi onal ins tuons, must be engaged to play a central part in the defence of the democra c process. They are central to exposing an -democra c shenanigans such as votebuying, thuggery, corrupon, ballot-box snatching, voter in mida on, and other criminal ac vi es.
OSUN DEFENDER
The police must start the work of preven on today rather than merely enac ng a show of force on elec on day. Preven on is be er than cure. Idenfied criminals who should by now be known to the police have to be placed on a watch list and be me culously monitored round the clock. They must be told that those who sow the wind will reap the whirlwind. Too much is riding on the 15th of August, 2026, and all stakeholders must be an cipatory and proac ve. The endurance of democracy is based on eternal vigilance. We must be prepared, for the an -democra c forces are unrelen ng.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026
Ilobu Killing: No Political Ambition Worth Pain Of Osun Citizens - Salaam
Stories by Yusuf Oketola
THE Governorship candidate of the African Democra c Congress (ADC) in Osun State, Dr. Najeem Salaam, has condemned the killing of a 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olopade in Ilobu, last Sunday.
The boy was allegedly shot dead by suspected hoodlums.
OSUN DEFENDER learnt that another person sustained gunshot injuries dur ing the a ack and was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
The incident occurred on Sunday a ernoon opposite the local government secretariat, near a palm wine joint owned by the deceased’s mother.
held at Redeemer’s
Dr. Salaam during his consulta on and campaign tour to the town
on Monday, sympathised with the family affected with the tragic incident,
no ng that no poli cal ambi on is worth the pain of any ci zen.
He stated this while speaking at the palace of Olobu of Ilobu, Oba
Osun CJ Frees 31 Awaiting-Trial Inmates
THE Chief Judge of Osun State, Jus ce Adepele Ojo, has secured the release of 31 awai ng-trial inmates during a two-day jail delivery exercise conducted at the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Ilesa and Ile-Ife.
This was in a bid to decongest custodial centres and strengthen the administra on of criminal jus ce.
The exercise brought together a high-powered delega on comprising representa ves of the Judiciary, Ministry of Jus ce, Nigerian Bar, Interna onal Federa on of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Legal Aid Council, Na onal Human Rights Commission, prosecutors and other cri cal stakeholders in the jus ce sector.
Ac ng under the powers vested in her by the Criminal Jus ce Act, Cap 40, Laws of the Federaon, 2010, Jus ce Ojo reviewed approximately 70 cases involving inmates awai ng trial for offences ranging from stealing and armed robbery to murder.
At the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ilesa, four inmates were discharged while fi een others were released, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to nineteen.
At the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ile-Ife, twelve inmates regained their freedom following prolonged delays in prosecu on and failure by prosecu ng authori es to comply with provisions of the Administra on of Criminal Jus ce Law.
Jus ce Ojo said the interven on was necessary to restore hope to deserving inmates, reduce overcrowding in correc onal facili es and ensure that
jus ce is not delayed.
She urged the released inmates to embrace lawful and produc ve lives, warning them against conduct that could lead to a return to custody.
The Chief Judge also commended the Controller of Correc ons, Nigerian Correc onal Service, Osun State Command, CC Ro mi Oluwadele, MNIM, fdc, for his commitment and proac ve support towards the successful conduct of the exercise.
She further praised officers and personnel of the Command for their dedica on to the core mandates of the Nigerian Correc onal Service reforma on, rehabilita on and reintegra on and noted significant improvements in the produc on of inmates for court proceedings, par cularly those facing capital offences.
The CJ equally expressed apprecia on to the Honourable A orneyGeneral and Chief Law Officer of Osun State, alongside other jus ce sector stakeholders, for their sustained collabora on in promo ng effec ve jusce delivery across the state.
Earlier, Oluwadele while speaking on behalf of the Controller-General of Correc ons, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, lauded the Chief Judge for undertaking the exercise despite her demanding schedule.
He also acknowledged the contribu ons of stakeholders within the criminal jus ce system and disclosed that several inmates had recently regained their freedom through the interven on of Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the Ministry of Jus ce. The jail delivery exercise forms part of ongo-
ing efforts by the Nigerian Correc onal Service and jus ce sector stakehold-
ers to promote mely dispensa on of jus ce, reduce custodial conges-
on and uphold the fundamental right of inmates to fair hearing.
TRADITIONAL rulers in Odo-O n and Ifelodun
Local Government Areas have hailed the governorship candidate of the African Democra c Congress (ADC) in Osun State, Dr. Najeem Salaam for his clear vision to transform the state.
The tradi onal rulers who expressed confidence in Salaam’s capacity to lead the state gave the commenda ons during the con nua on of his consulta on and campaign tour to the areas, on Tuesday ahead of the August 15, 2026 elecon.
Among the monarchs who hosted the ADC candidate in Odo-O n Local Government were the Olokuku of Okuku, Oba Samuel Oyebode Oluronke II; the Oloyan of Oyan, Oba Ibrahim Adekeye; the Olore of Olore, Oba Kareem Oyewole Salahudeen; the Alagbeye of Agbeye, Oba Mushood Olawale Olalere; the Ala se of A sa, Oba Isaac Oyewale; the Apete of Opete, Oba Samuel Oyedele Akanni; and the Asaba of Asaba, Oba Ezekiel Oyewusi.
Addressing the royal fathers and residents, Salaam described his manifesto as a prac cal blueprint for governance and a social contract with the people of Osun. He urged the electorate to hold him accountable for every promise contained in the document if elected governor, stressing that leadership must be anchored on responsibility, transparency, and service.
He noted that a major pillar of the ADC agenda is the integra on of tradi onal ins tu ons into the state’s security architecture, acknowledging the strategic role monarchs play in safeguarding lives and property within their communi es. He pledged to strengthen security ins tu ons and foster closer collabora on between government and tradi onal rulers.
The ADC standard-bearer also promised to revive the educa onal legacies of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Bola Ige through the provision of free and qualita ve educa on, the restora on of school feeding programmes, and youth employment ini a ves within the first 100 days of his administra on. He further assured the people of improved healthcare delivery, stable electricity supply, and the provision of ambulances in all local government areas.
Speaking on economic development, Salaam said his administra on would aggressively a ract local and foreign investments, expand agricultural produc on, and place farmers at the centre of the state’s economic agenda. According to him, agriculture, industrial growth, and reliable power supply will serve as the founda on for sustainable prosperity across Osun State.
He also lamented the neglect of cri cal public infrastructure, including local government courts and essen al public facili es, as-
suring residents that his administra on would address these challenges through strategic investments, prudent management of resources, and people-oriented governance.
The campaign train also proceeded to Iba in Ifelodun Local Government Area, where Salaam paid a courtesy visit to the Eburu of Iba, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Adekunle Adeogun-Okunoye, Oyedeji II.
Speaking at the monarch’s palace, Salaam reiterated his commitment to strengthening security across the state through the ac ve involvement of tradi onal rulers in his administra on’s security architecture. He emphasized that monarchs, as custodians of their communi es, would play strategic roles in intelligence gathering, conflict preven on, and community policing.
The ADC candidate also iden fied agriculture as a major pillar of his economic agenda, pledging to empower farmers through improved access to modern farming inputs, rural infrastructure, and other essenal ameni es. According to him, his administra on would posi on agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and revenue genera on for the state.
In her remarks, the ADC deputy governorship candidate, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Agiri, called on women across the state to ac vely par cipate in the electoral process and support the party’s vision for a more prosperous Osun. She emphasized that the future and welfare of their chil-
Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan II.
“No poli cal ambi on is worth the pain, sorrow, or suffering of any ci zen. Poli cs should remain a pla orm for service, development, and the collec ve progress of our people.
“I remain commi ed to building a safer and more secure Osun State where every resident can live, work, and thrive in peace. Security remains a key pillar of my manifesto because sustainable development can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace, stability, and mutual respect,” he stated.
The governorship candidate I appreciated Oba Olaniyan, his chiefs, and the good people of Ilobu for the warm recepon and the opportunity to share my vision for a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Osun State.
2026: Traditional Rulers Hail Salaam’s Credibility, Clear Vision To Transform Osun News
dren depend on the quality of leadership entrusted with governance.
Speaking on behalf of the tradi onal rulers, the Olokuku of Okuku and the Eburu of Iba commended the developmental strides and enduring legacy of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, expressing confidence in Salaam’s capacity to build on those achievements.
The monarchs described Salaam as a leader whose promises are backed by commitment, credibility, and a clear roadmap for development, no ng that his manifesto reflects a deep understanding of the challenges confron ng Osun State and prac cal soluons to address them.
The Eburu of Iba par cularly commended Salaam for offering himself for service at what he described as a cri cal period in the history of Osun State. The monarch praised his courage, vision, and commitment to the development of the state, while urging the electorate to carefully assess the character, track records, competence, and programmes of all three governorship candidates before making their choice at the polls.
“We have listened carefully to his plans and vision. He has demonstrated capacity, experience, and a genuine commitment to the progress of Osun State. His manifesto offers a clear direc on for development, and the people should carefully evaluate the programmes of all candidates before making their choice at the polls,” the monarchs stated.
•Mr. Samuel Momodu (centre) with dignitaries at his investiture as 6th Chairman of ICAN, Osogbo and District Society
University, Ede last Saturday
Shenanigans In Our National Life
NIGERIANS are a people who are always very smart.This explains why King Charles the third, the English monarch loves to refer to that Nigerian slang: “Naija no dey carry last.” He referred to that when he was Prince of Wales at a public func on in Lagos years back.
When our president went on a state visit to England some me in March this year, King Charles the third, used that Pidgin English we love to use in describing ourselves. “Naija no dey carry last.” This slang is an expression that has mul ple meanings or interpreta ons. One of them is that we are a very defiant people. We can look in your face and tell you our mind inspite of whatever.
We are also a very bold people and do not take nonsense. If you derogatorily refer to us as a “shithole” as one president did during his first term in office, we know how to reply.
The other day a Bri sh Prime Minister either deliberately or carelessly described us as being “fantas cally corrupt”. He saw our people’s courage in defiance.
Very recently also the Nigerian made Bri sh Opposi on Party Leader by name Kemi Bada...something, tried to “ta si wa” in style and uncomplimentarily. She and the world saw the back lash that effontry brought her as a person.
Under the terrible expression, ‘Xenophobic’ South Africans tried to play whatever role they wanted to in Africa. The result of what they did, followed them to Mexico City where the World Cup finals is taking place in a joint effort by Canada, the United States and Mexico.
The black World replied them in counter Xenophobic language. The world watch them lose 0-2 in their opening match against Mexico. In fact they had to struggle to level up via a penalty award in their second group match that ended 1-1. Every black man wanted them to be sent back earlier so they could go back to keep their jobs they were worried fellow black people were taking from them back home. That is what you get when you deliberately toy with the people of the Niger Area.
Some how it has happened over the years that a few Nigerians have made efforts to be deliberately rude to their own country men and women. Of course, something always happened to them.Let us look at what we call Shenanigans. They come in several forms.
In 1993 the late Francis Arthur Nzeribe formed the Associa on for Be er Nigeria, a body whose acronym was ABN. It was what he wanted to use in stopping the June 12 elec on which was then ahead, and so allow Nigerians to be handed over a final Maradonic dribble meant to keep Ibrahim Babangida in power. Babangida’s unending transi on to civil rule had raged on for so long.
It was a dribbling spree the four-star general of the Nigerian Army kept for the Nigerian ci zenry for a be er part of his 8 years rule which began on 27th of August 1985 when he stopped the then un-smiling
“Our recent history tells us as a nation that Nigeria being able to hold the June 12 election became the nemesis of the Nigerian Military President who got nicknamed Maradona after the Argentine dribbling footballer of all-times, Diego Armando Maradona. People referred to that incident as a “Judicial rascality”
duo who held sway then at Dodan Barracks, seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria. Nzeribe’s ABN was formed to put spanners in the works of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu’s Electoral Umpire called Na onal Electoral Commission (NEC). The late Nzeribe who later became a poli cian and eventually got elected as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, got in league with Jus ce Bassey Ikpeme who had cause to sit court even at night to ensure that ABN had its way.
Nigerians who were old enough then, may remember what happened. Today, both the Jus ce Bassey Ikpeme and Francis Nzeribe are late. The conniving judge went earlier to hell or heaven. The two places do exist. What the two an -Nigerians could not achieve for Babangida was to stop the elecon from holding.
In fact if the June 12 elec on had not held there would not have been any reference to it today. Because the High Court could not stop the elec on from being held, tried as it planned to, it became the albatross of Gen. Babangida and his cohorts who were in power.
Our recent history tells us as a na on that Nigeria being able to hold the June 12 elec on became the nemesis of the Nigerian Military President who got nicknamed Maradona a er the Argen ne dribbling footballer of all- mes, Diego Armando Maradona. People referred to that incident as a “Judicial rascality.”
Indeed it was and has remained so with us. A very big distrac on. When the June 12 1993 presiden al elec on was held, vo ng ended, colla on was carried out and results had started coming in from the then 30 states of the country. The Social Democra c Party (SDP) Candidate M K O Abiola was coas ng home to victory when the Military Government annulled the elec on on 23rd of June some eleven days a er the elec on had held. Shenanigans you would call it. Yes that was what it was.
In less than three months a er, Babangida le office on 26th August 1993, the man he had named the ‘Khalifat’ in non-official circles, Gen.Sani Abacha in a typical Headmaster fashion stepped out to abolish the Na onal Interim Government (NIG) that the
late Chief Ernest Shonekan led. That was on the 17th of November 1993. By that proclama on Nigeria returned to a full blown Military Government system. The era of another transi on had started but no one was sure of what it was. For five years Nigeria’s poli cs was reduced to what the late Cicero of our me, Bola Ige termed the five fingers of the same leprous hand. We had five poli cal par es with the same manifesto.
Nigerians who were old enough between 1994 and 1998 may remember the distrac ons that took place within the period when the ‘Khalifat’ as Head of State, sought to transmute himself into President. One of them was Daniel Kanu’s 2 million march plan in Abuja in support of Abacha’s transmission from Military Head of State to civilian President.
Another distrac on was the advert of five heads caps (filas in Yoruba) fi ng just only one head which was that of only the Head of State, Gen.Sani Abacha. Shenanigans they were quite alright. The five caps fi ed only the head of the Head of State who was about to transmute himself wholly and permanently. That was rather undemocra c charge.
But then God in His infinite mercies stood by Nigerians. The 8th of June came in 1998. Early that morning the unstoppable Head of State, the Khalifat himself was taken away by God.
Now, 27 years since the na on’s 4th republic came on board on 29th May 1999, there has been so many deliberately induced shenanigans and distrac ons from the na on’s leadership. President Olusegun Obasanjo took his own shenanigans and distrac ons into the Na onal Assembly. While the Senate had three different Senate Presidents within four years (Evans Enwerem, Chuba Okadigbo and Ayim Pius Ayim) the House of Representa ves had four different Speakers in eight years (Salisu Buhari, Ghali Umar N’Abba, Patricia E eh and the man from Katsina State, Aminu Masari.
During the period of Muhammadu Buhari the Chief Jus ce of Nigeria was suspended following allega ons of breaches
in asset declara on at the Code of Conduct Bureau. Jus ce Walter Samuel Onnoghen was removed from office on 25th January 2019 just before General Elec ons were held. Mallam Tanko Ibrahim Mohammed who replaced the sacked CJN, was himself removed from office on some purported health grounds. He sent in his le er of resigna on to the president on a Sunday which ordinarily is a public holiday.
Since May 29th, the era of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President, has seen many Shenanigans.
Nigerians have rightly or wrongly complained about the current administra on’s intolerance of opposi on.
Many claim the President has the least tolerance for any individual or party that could seriously challenge him at the polls in 2027. That is what many think. Since the African Democra c Congress (ADC) came into being about a year ago and the Naonal Democra c Congress (NDC) came on some 6 months or so, the courts and even the Elec on Umpire, INEC have appeared to be favourably disposed to the thinking or thoughts of the government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a poli cal party. This appears very clear to many Nigerians. We see it happen regularly.
Nothing proves this be er than the judgement recently delivered by Jus ce Peter Lifu. The Lord Jus ce of an Abuja High Court ruled last Monday that five poli cal par es in the country be de-registered by INEC. Amongst them are the ADC, Accord and Zenith Labour Party. Although the Court of Appeal’s ruling on the similar matter a day a er the High Court’s judgement on Monday set aside the lower Court’s deregistea on judgement.
It is per nent for well meaning Nigerians to consider Jus ce Peter Lifu’s judgement as one that was not just a shenanigan but one that did not consider the mood of the naon before arriving at the judgement.
De-registering a poli cal party like Accord when off-cycle elec ons were less than a week in Eki State, are less than two months in Osun State and at a me General Elec ons are a mere seven months away in the whole country, is capable of crea ng confusion in the en re country especially in Eki and Osun States. One does not have to be a lawyer to know that Lord Jus ces do usually consider existen al threats to the community when delivering judgements that affect the generality of the people.
A judgement that can create problems for the community, the state and the na on as a whole must always be given a thorough considera on before its pronouncement.
Biblical Scripture asks us this one queson always:
“What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul”?
We can justapose this by asking what does it profit a na on when a single judgement from its temple of jus ce leads to injusce, violence, security threats and mayhem?
The peace of Nigeria,peace in our states and in our communi es must be considered by all including our Lord Jus ces, in whatever we do. This is why we suggest that it would not be too much for the Na onal Judicial Council (NJC) to wade in and invesgate the Jus ce Peter Lifu judgement of last week Monday, with a view to finding out if there were inten onal infrac ons or compromises.
Nigerians need to know why and how a High Court Jus ce could not wait for the Court of Appeal to finish its delibera ons, pronounce its judgement and decide on a ma er before the lower court gave it own judgement?
The whole thing smells rat, a dead rat. The NJC must come to the aid of the masses
•Abiola
Smolette Adetoyese Shittu-Alamu
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026
OSCOHEALTH Inducts 55 Into EHCON
Shola Aderinto
NO fewer than 55 Environmental Health Science graduates of the Osun State College of Health Technology, Ilesa have been inducted into the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON).
In his address at the well a ended ceremony, the Provost of the College, Dr Lateef
Olarewaju Raheem charged the new sanitarians to uphold the oath of the profession and remember that the masses and government rely solely on them to safeguard human existence.
The Provost who was represented by the Registrar of the College, Mr Moshood Afolabi
stressed that the newest sanitarians must be more than an enforcer and must also become an educator in the field of health technology for the safety of all and sundry.
While urging them to see the achievement as a founda on for greater things to come, the Provost challenged
them to pursue greater academic heights in the Health technology industry as a means of ge ng be er and updated in their chosen field.
In his own address, the Registrar/CEO of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, Dr Yakubu Muhammad Baba congratulated the
TYusuf Oketola
HE Na onal Asso-
cia on of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest, has announced the death of a final year student of Osun State University, College of Law, Ifetedo, Grace Osunlakin.
NANS Zone D, in a condolence message signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Josiah Adeyemo, alleged that Osunlakin died due to poor health facili es on the campus.
According to Adeyemo, health facili es and emergency systems available to students on the Ifetedo campus calls for concerns amid increasing financial burdens on students.
NANS argued that students across campuses should not be exposed to avoidable risks as UNIOSUN under the leadership of Professor Clement Adebooye, has con nued to enjoy ins tu onal interven ons and developmental support.
A copy of the statement obtained by OSUN DEFENDER read,”We extend our hear elt condolences to her family, friends, classmates, the College of Law, Ifetedo Campus, and the enre Osun State University community over this painful and avoidable loss.
“While we mourn, we are equally disturbed by reports reaching our office concerning the condi on of health facili es and emergency response systems available to students on the Ifetedo campus. At a me when students are made to bear increasing financial burdens through school fees, accommoda on, and other charges, it is unacceptable for basic welfare structures, especially healthcare, to remain ques onable.
“Osun State University, under the leadership
•NANS Southwest Demands Probe
of Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, has con nued to enjoy instu onal interven ons, government a en on, and developmental support. It is therefore necessary to ask why students across any campus of the university should s ll be exposed to avoidable risks due to
inadequate health facilies or poor emergency response.
“Consequently, NANS Southwest will begin an independent fact-finding engagement with students, stakeholders, and relevant authori es to establish the circumstances surrounding this tragic death.
“We also demand that the management of Osun State University immediately ins tute a transparent probe into the incident and make public the true state of health facili es across all campuses, par cularly the College of Law, Ifetedo Campus.
“The safety and wel-
new Sanitarians.
The Registrar who was represented at the occasion by the Director, Registra on and Licence in Board,
UNIOSUN Loses Final Year Student Over Alleged Poor Health Facilities
fare of Nigerian students must never be treated as secondary. No student should lose their life because of ins tuonal negligence, poor emergency response, or inadequate medical facili es.
“NANS Southwest will con nue to follow this ma er closely un l the truth is established and necessary reforms are made.”
•.be accountable to Environmental Health - Provost Charges Inductees News Campus Review Campus Review
Fear, Apprehension Grip Osun Residents Over High Rate Of Alleged Political Killings
Michael Bamigbola
RESIDENTS of most towns and villages in Osun State now live in fear and apprehension over the high spate of killing linked to poli cal ac vi es in the state.
Already, not less than two individuals have been vic ms of alleged poli cal killings in Ilobu, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State and Esaoke, a community in Obokun Local Government Area.
This is even as one individual lost his life in Ede during a poli cal rally when a trailer reportedly rammed into the venue of the rally organized by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Accord Party had alleged that the killings in Ilobu and Esaoke had polical undertones and allegedly perpetrated by supporters of the APC in the two communi es.
The development has however caused fear among the people of the state as many people are now apprehensive about the security situa on of the state.
The situa on has also affected the movement of many residents of the state as many avoid some areas iden fied as “hot spot” in the state
OSUN DEFENDER reliably gathered that most of the residents of Ikire, Ilobu, Okinni, Esaoke, Ede and IlaOrangun live in fear of possible a ack.
Recall that the chairman of the Accord Party in Olor-
unda Local Government Area of the state was recently attacked by poli cal thugs.
The state police com-
mand has also warned miscreants to steer clear of the state, just as the state government called on security
agencies in the state to intensify efforts at ensuring the security of lives and property of the people of the state.
Police Arrest Eight Suspected Cultists In
Bisola Aremu
THE Osun State
Police Com-
mand has intensified its campaign against cul sm and violent crimes with the arrest of eight suspected cul sts and thugs during coordinated opera ons in Ilesa and Osogbo.
The suspects idenfied as Abiola Osobu Michael, popularly known as “Small,” Afolabi Samson, alias “Elesi,” Ojute Imoleayo, Jimoh Olayinka, Olwasesin Niyi, Robin Akeem, Robin Selim, and Nurudeen Kafayat were apprehended by opera ves of the An -Cul sm Unit following intelligence reports.
According to the police, the operaons were carried out in separate raids aimed at curbing cult-related ac vi es and restoring public peace in affected communi es across the state.
Police sources dis-
Osun
closed that the first arrest was made on June 17, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m. in the Iloro community of Ilesa, where Abiola Osobu Michael was allegedly terrorising residents and causing public disturbance.
The suspect was swi ly arrested by security opera ves and reportedly confessed during interroga on to being a member of the notorious Eiye Confraternity.
In a related opera on conducted in the early hours of June 19, 2026, police opera ves responded to reports of suspected cul sts causing unrest in the Sasa area of Osogbo.
Upon arrival, the officers arrested seven addi onal suspects, while several others reportedly escaped from the scene.
Items recovered during the operaons included an axe, a live cartridge, a
blue cap bearing the insignia of the Eiye confraternity, and six other face caps believed to be linked to the ac vi es of the suspects.
The Osun State Police Command stated that inves ga ons are ongoing and that efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects. The command added that those currently in custody would be charged to court upon the comple on of inves ga ons.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and wards. He warned against involvement in cultism and other criminal ac vi es, while encouraging young people to engage in lawful and producve ventures that contribute posi vely to society.
Sanitarian Bola Ibrahim reminded them that Environmental Health Prac oners will always be recognised and remembered by the health crisis they prevent.
According to the Registrar, “The cer ficate you hold today is evidence of academic achievement. However, your reputa on in the profession will be determined by your competence, character, and commitment to service.
“Let your work speak for the profession. Be ac ve in your communi es. Contribute to public health programmes. Par cipate in professional ac vies. Demonstrate the value of Environmental Health through measurable impact.
“Professional registra on is not a one- me event. Your licence to prac se is the legal instrument that authorizes you to operate as an Environmental Health Professional in Nigeria. I therefore urge you to cul vate the habit of renewing your prac sing licences promptly as and when due” He stated.
In a goodwill message, Director, School of Environmental Health Sciences, Sanitarian Bamidele Adebayor congratulated the students for their commitment and resilience to achieve their success.
Also speaking, the Head of Department, Environmental Health, Adebare Musibau expressed gra tude to the school management for the support towards the department.
While speaking with journalists shortly after the induc on programme, one of the inductees, Akinfenwa Goodnews Oluwapelumi promised to always uphold the ethics of the profession at all mes.
Oluwapelumi expressed gra tude to her parents for their sacrifices all through her studies while also commending her lecturers for moulding her into the Sanitarian she is today in the field of Environmental Health.
2026/27
NPFL Champions To Receive Record N1 Billion Prize Money
Ibrahim Abdullahi
THE Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has announced a historic prize package for the 2026/27 season, with the league champions set to receive a record ₦1 billion in prize money.
The development was disclosed following a joint mee ng involving the Nigeria Football Federa on (NFF), the Na onal Sports Commission (NSC), and key stakeholders of the domes c league.
The move is aimed at strengthening the financial viability of clubs, improving player welfare, and increasing the compe veness of Nigeria’s top-flight football compe on.
Under the new prize structure, the league winners will pocket ₦1 billion, while the runnersup and third-placed teams will also receive substan al financial rewards.
Football administrators believe the enhanced prize fund will a ract greater investment into the league and encourage clubs to improve their spor ng and administra ve standards.
Chairman of the Na onal Sports Commission described the ini a ve as a major step towards reposi oning Nigerian football and aligning the NPFL with some of the best leagues on the African connent.
The announcement has been welcomed by football enthusiasts, club owners, players, and stakeholders, who see it as a significant boost for the growth and commercial appeal of the Nigerian league.
The 2026/27 season is now expected to be one of the most compe ve campaigns in NPFL history as clubs ba le for the pres gious tle and the record-breaking ₦1 billion prize.
MEXICAN football icon Guillermo Ochoa has announced his re rement from interna onal football, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned more than two decades and six World Cup appearances.
The veteran goalkeeper made the announcement a er Mexico sealed a perfect Group A campaign with a 3-0 victory over Czechia, a result that sent El Tri into the knockout stages with maximum points and renewed hopes of a deep tournament run.
Ochoa, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Mexico’s history, became a household name through a series of outstanding World Cup performances. His reflex saves and leadership between the posts earned him admira on from fans and opponents alike across mul ple genera ons.
Speaking a er the match, the 40-year-old reflected on his journey with the na onal team, thanking supporters, teammates and coaches who played a role in his illustrious career. He described represen ng Mexico on the global stage as the greatest honour
News
Ochoa Announces International Retirement After Mexico’s
Perfect World Cup Group StageN1 Billion Prize Money
of his football life.
Tributes quickly poured in from across the football world, with former teammates, coaches and fans celebra ng Ochoa’s immense contribu on to Mexican football. Many hailed him as a symbol of resilience, consistency and na onal pride.
Although Mexico’s World
Cup campaign con nues, the tournament now carries added emo onal significance as players seek to honour Ochoa’s legacy. The knockout rounds could provide one final opportunity for El Tri to give their legendary goalkeeper a fi ng farewell by pursuing a historic run toward World Cup glory.
Oloriburuku - Adeleke Curses Wole Oke Over Death Of Accord Member In Esaoke
Yusuf Oketola
OSUN State Gover-
nor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has lashed out at the House of Representa ves member represen ng Obokun/Oriade federal cons tuency of Osun State, Hon Wole Oke, in a heated remark over the death of Ajayi Rogba, an Accord party member in Esa-Oke.
Rogba was allegedly shot dead by suspected poli cal thugs on Tuesday evening, hours a er the party announced plans for a campaign visit to the town.
Accord Party candidate for Obokun/Oriade Federal Cons tuency, Pelumi Olajengbesi, in a post on his Facebook, said Rogba was shot in the neck in front of his father’s house in Esa Oke.
He noted that Rogba was one of the key planners of Wednesday’s scheduled Accord rally in the town.
“This is the most painful experience of my poli cal life,” Olajengbesi wrote.
“He was an innocent man… killed in front of his father’s house just because he believed in my aspiraon.”
Olajengbesi said the post was meant to document the incident and not to promote violence. He pledged to honour Rogba and other vic ms of poli cal violence by pursuing jus ce through lawful channels.
“Every innocent life ma ers, and those respon-
sible for this deadly act should know that they will give account one day,” he stated.
But Adeleke during a condolence visit to the town on Wednesday, accused Oke of being behind the a ack.
The Governor who spoke in Yoruba while addressing the gathering in a video sighted by OSUN DEFENDER said: “O ma se o. E ni Wole Oke, Shame on you, e ni Wole Oke Shame on you. E daruko e. O ni ri ibo kankan gba ni ibi yi laye. Oloriburuku”
But Oke in a statement on Wednesday issued by his media aide, Tunde Omolebi-Sunday, dismissed the allega on and described a empts to link him and the APC to the incident as false and misleading.
The lawmaker expressed shock and sadness over Aderogba’s death and extended condolences to the deceased’s family, friends and residents of Esa Oke.
He also cri cised Olajengbesi for making what he described as unverified allega ons before the conclusion of inves ga ons.
“Such conclusions, made without any credible inves ga on or report from security agencies, are not only premature but deeply irresponsible. As a legal prac oner, he ought to understand the primacy of evidence, due process, and responsible public communica on,” the statement said.
Oke maintained that neither he nor the APC had any connec on with the incident and called for an impar al inves ga on by security agencies.
“We therefore firmly state that Hon. Oluwole Oke and the APC have no connec on whatsoever to the death of Ajayi Rogba. Any a empt to link them
to this tragic occurrence without substan ated evidence is false, misleading, and must be rejected,” the statement added.
The lawmaker urged
the police and other relevant authori es to conduct a thorough inves ga on into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Osun 2026: ADC Candidate, Salaam Unveils Agricultural Development Plan
Israel Oladele
THE governorship candidate of the African Democra c Congress (ADC) in Osun State, Dr. Najeem Salaam, has pledged to transform the agricultural sector through comprehensive reforms aimed at boosting food produc on, empowering farmers, and driving economic growth across the state.
Salaam made the commitment on Tuesday while addressing party supporters during the ADC campaign tour of Odo-O n and Ifelodun Local Government Areas. He said agriculture would occupy a central posi on in his administra on’s development agenda if elected governor in the August 15 governorship elec on.
According to him, Osun State possesses vast agricultural resources and fer le land capable of suppor ng largescale food produc on, job crea on, and industrial growth. However, he lamented that many of these opportuni es remain largely untapped due to inadequate investment, poor infrastructure, and the absence of
sustainable government support for farmers.
The ADC candidate stressed that agriculture remains one of the most effec ve tools for economic diversifica on and poverty reduc on, no ng that the state can significantly reduce its dependence on federal allocaons by fully harnessing its agricultural poten al.
“Osun State is richly blessed with enormous agricultural resources and opportuni es. Unfortunately, many of these resources have not been properly u lised. If we are serious about achieving sustainable economic development, there must be a deliberate and strategic investment in agriculture backed by praccal policies and a clear implementa on framework,” Salaam said.
He explained that his administra on would introduce policies designed to increase agricultural produc vity, strengthen value chains, promote agro-processing industries, and create a favourable business environment for farmers and agribusiness investors.
Salaam further assured farmers that his
government would provide subsidised agricultural inputs, including fer lisers, improved seedlings, pes cides, and modern farming equipment to reduce producon costs and improve yields.
He added that special a en on would be given to mechanised farming through the provision of tractors and other modern agricultural tools to encourage large-scale cul va on and enhance efficiency in food producon.
To protect farmers from market uncertaines, Salaam promised to establish a guaranteed off-take system that would ensure agricultural produce is purchased at fair and compe ve prices. He noted that such a framework would help farmers secure stable incomes while encouraging increased investment in the sector.
“Our administra on will put in place a reliable marke ng and price guarantee system to ensure that farmers receive adequate returns on their investments. We want agriculture to become a profitable venture that
a racts young people and private investors,” he stated.
The former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly also outlined plans to invest heavily in irriga on facili es and water-reten on infrastructure to support all-season farming and reduce the impact of climate-related challenges.
According to him, improved irriga on systems would help farmers maintain produc on throughout the year while mi gating the effects of drought, flooding, and changing weather pa erns.
He said the agricultural transforma on agenda would not only improve food security but also s mulate rural development, create employment opportuni es, and boost internally generated revenue for the state.
Salaam urged residents to support the ADC’s vision for a prosperous Osun, assuring them that his administraon would priori ze praccal policies capable of improving livelihoods and unlocking the state’s economic poten al through agriculture and rural development.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026 VOL. 21 NO 49 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com
Iread reports a ributed to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tunde Disu, where he stated that he is considering outlawing fully nted vehicles in Nigeria.
The jus fica on reportedly offered is that during his tenure as FCT Police Commissioner, 26 of the 27 vehicles used by “One Chance” gangs had nted windows.If accurately reported, that reasoning is alarmingly shallow and misguided for a policy with na onal implica ons.
The fact that criminals prefer a par cular tool does not make the tool itself criminal. Criminals also use mobile phones, motorcycles, cash, bank accounts, face caps and ordinary vehicles. Yet no serious policymaker concludes that these things should therefore be prohibited.
Public policy must dis nguish between correla on and causaon.Tinted glass exists for legimate reasons. It protects occupants from heat and sunlight. It provides privacy in a society increasingly threatened by opportunis c crime.
It shields passengers—women, children, execu ves, public officials and ordinary ci zens alike—from unnecessary exposure during traffic conges on and public movement.Privacy is not evidence of criminality.
Indeed, privacy is recognised as a cons tu onal value because human dignity requires spaces that are not permanently open to surveillance. That is why homes have curtains, bathrooms have doors and offices have parons.There is another concern that deserves public scru ny.
Tinted glass has, over the years, become a recurring fixaon of successive police administra ons in Nigeria. Motorists are repeatedly asked to obtain permits, comply with changing enforcement priori es and navigate shi ing administra ve expecta ons.
Many comply in good faith only to discover that the rules appear to restart whenever leadership changes.The permit regime Itself raises serious ques-
“Many crimes are committed in ordinary cars. Trucks and cargo vehicles conceal entire compartments from public view. Vans, buses and commercial vehicles are frequently used in kidnappings, smuggling and robbery. Yet nobody proposes outlawing them. Security failures should not automatically become arguments against civil liberty”
PERSPECTIVE BY SOLA FASURE
Police IG’s Absurd Logic On Tinted Glasses
ons. What exactly is the permit cer fying?
The police cannot realis cally determine at the point of applica on whether a ci zen will commit a future crime. Once issued, the owner remains en rely free to use the vehicle lawfully or unlawfully.
The permit does not prevent criminal intent, detect criminal conduct or deter determined offenders.At best, therefore, the permit serves as an administrave record.
At worst, it becomes a symbolic regula on mistaken for security policy. It is another layer of administra ve siege Nigerians are rou nely subjected to.More troubling is the everyday experience on Nigerian roads.
Tinted permits frequently become grounds for repeated stops, ques oning, confrontaon, and haranguing, leaving law-abiding motorists feeling harassed, delayed and treated
as presump ve suspects rather than ci zens exercising a lawful choice. Security enforcement should inspire confidence, not create the impression that ordinary movement is subject to perpetual police scru ny.
A policy that expands discreonary roadside enforcement without demonstrable security gains risks becoming not a crime-control measure but another source of fric on between ci zens and the police.The state already possesses lawful powers to stop, ques on and search vehicles where reasonable suspicion exists.
Those powers should be strengthened and professionally exercised. They should not become an excuse for broad restric ons on lawful conduct. Even on empirical grounds, the argument remains weak and unreasonable.
The FCT contains one of the highest concentra ons of gov-
ernment officials, diplomats, business leaders and security personnel in Nigeria—who mostly travel in nted vehicles. Police commanders and military chiefs themselves use nted official vehicles.
Out of hundreds of thousands of nted vehicles in circula on, selec ng 26 criminal cases and trea ng them as jus fica on for a blanket policy is not evidencebased policymaking. It is anecdote elevated into regula on. If the logic is accepted, where does it stop?
Many crimes are commi ed in ordinary cars. Trucks and cargo vehicles conceal en re compartments from public view. Vans, buses and commercial vehicles are frequently used in kidnappings, smuggling and robbery. Yet nobody proposes outlawing them. Security failures should not automa cally become arguments against civil liberty.
Would the proposed ban exclude the president, state governors, top government officials, poli cal office holders, police and military commanders, members of the diploma c corps and VIPs, crea ng two ers of law enforcement, making the law not to apply to everyone equally?
This is the u er absurdity and contradic on in the IG’s posi on. One of the recurring errors of authoritarian governance is the belief that freedom obstructs security—and that security emerges once freedom is narrowed. History repeatedly shows the opposite: socie es that sacrifice liberty for symbolic controls o en end up with less freedom and no meaningful improvement in security.
Nigeria’s security challenge is not caused by nted glass. It is caused by weak intelligence gathering, poor policing capacity, inadequate inves ga on, corrup on within the security architecture, limited deterrence and inconsistent law enforcement. If law enforcement is weak, improve enforcement.
If criminals exploit vehicle anonymity, improve intelligence and vehicle tracking. But banning lawful privacy because criminals also value it is neither sound policing nor serious public policy.I therefore urge the Minister of Police Affairs, civil society organisa ons and concerned Nigerians to prevail on the IG to shelve this misguided policy, insist that security measures remain evidence-based, propor onate and consistent with cons tu onal freedoms.
Nigeria deserves effec ve policing—not performa ve regulaon.
Fasure writes from Osogbo.
•Inspector Geneal of Police