Osun Defender Online Version of April 13, 2026

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026

VOL 21 NO 29

Forensic Evidence Links INEC Chairman To APC

●Past Tweets And Digital Records Raise Fresh Concerns Over Electoral Neutrality ●As INEC Chair Dismisses Partisanship Allegations

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HE Independent Naonal Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing a growing credibility crisis following the emergence of forensic digital evidence allegedly linking its Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The controversy stems from findings that include a pro-APC social media post during the 2023 elec ons and a digital trail connecting an X (formerly Twi er) account to the Chairman’s personal email and phone number, contradic ng his earlier denial of opera ng any social media account.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that the development has triggered widespread cri cism from opposi on par es and civil society groups, many of whom are now calling for Amupitan’s resigna on, ci ng concerns over the neutrality of the electoral umpire ahead of the 2027 general elec ons.

Past Tweets And Digital Records Raise Fresh Concerns Over Electoral Neutrality The controversy centres on an X (formerly Twi er) account bearing the handle @joashamupitan.

In March 2023, during the Lagos State governorship elec ons, APC Naonal Youth Leader, Dayo Israel posted a celebratory message, boas ng that the party had won 10 of 7 polling units in an “Igbo-dominated community” where the APC had historically struggled.

In response, the @joashamupitan account wrote: “Victory is sure!”

The interac on, widely reported at the me, resurfaced in April 2026, triggering a firestorm of cri cism. While INEC swi ly dismissed the post as a fabrica on, open-source intelligence (OSINT) inves-

ga ons have cast serious doubt on that denial.

According to an inves ga on by Peoples Gaze e, the X account was registered using the email address amupitanj@yahoo. com.

OSUN DEFENDER further learnt from the report that the same email address appears on a curriculum vitae a ributed to Professor Amupitan from his me as a Professor at the University of Jos, alongside his former ins tu onal email.

Yahoo’s verifica on process further linked the email to the phone number 08035074099, which is also associated with an OPay account bearing the username “Joash Ojo Amupitan.”

OPay account details

typically include a customer’s phone number without the ini al zero; in this case, 8035074099 is listed under that full name.

ADC, Others Allege Poli cal Bias The African Democra c Congress (ADC) has been among the most vocal critics, describing the revelaons as a “grave affront” to Nigeria’s electoral integrity.

The party also accused INEC of poli cal interference, par cularly in its handling of the party’s leadership dispute and its derecogni on of the David Mark led NWC. According to the ADC, the commission’s decision to remove Mark and his execu ves’ names from its portal was poli cally mo vated and aimed at weakening opposi on forces

ahead of 2027.

ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi said more troubling was his alleged desperate a empt to tamper with digital records and erase evidence of his previous par sanship.

He insisted that a man who manipulates records to save himself cannot be trusted to safeguard the mandate of millions.

The X post tled ‘Why Amupitan Must Resign’ read, “In a democracy, the umpire must be above suspicion. He must not only be independent, he must be seen, beyond any reasonable doubt, to be independent. That is the minimum standard required of anyone entrusted with the sacred duty of conduc ng free and fair elec ons….

•Continued on Page 6

•Amupitan, INEC chairman

P4

•Members of the newly elected state working committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State, after their affirmation, on Saturday

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026

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ADC Holds State Congresses, Elects Chairmen Sodiq Yusuf

Francis Adekunle

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HE African Democra c Congress (ADC) has conducted its state congresses across Osun, Oyo, Eki and other states of the country elec ng new execu ves and expressing confidence of victory in the forthcoming elec ons across the country.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that in Osun State, a former Execuve Secretary of Ilesa West Local Government and former Deputy State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Azeez Adesiji, emerged as the new state chairman of the party.

He was elected alongside former Commissioner for Informaon, Adelani Baderinwa, who became the party’s secretary, during the congress held in Osogbo through a consensus arrangement.

The congress, which had delegates from the 30 local government areas in a endance, was monitored by security opera ves, including the police and the Department of State Services. It was supervised by the chairman of the Osun ADC Congress Commi ee, Mudashiru

Akinlabi.

Other execu ves elected include Adepeju Adigun as Treasurer, Funmilade Oyebode as Women Leader, Ademola Owoade as Youth Leader, and Oluwaseun Abosede as Publicity Secretary.

In his acceptance speech, Adesiji called on party execu ves and members to brace up for the August 15 governorship elecon, describing it as a “must-win” contest for the party.

“We are taking the party from almost a point of iner a, coupled with having a must-win governorship elec on in four months’ me. It is a huge responsibility, and all members must be ready to work towards our goal of winning the elec on handsomely,” he said.

He appealed to party leaders and members to support the new execu ves, stressing that collec ve effort would be key to success at the polls.

Adesiji also commended the leadership quali es of the party’s governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, no ng his experience as a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and his imprints as a community

leader and grassroots mobiliser.

Speaking at the event, Salaam, who a ended with his running mate, Yemisi Agiri, assured residents of Osun of purposeful governance if elected, promising to deliver real development across the state.

In Eki State, the

ADC governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, expressed op mism that the party would secure victory in the June 20 governorship elec on.

Bejide made this known during the party’s state congress held in Ado-Eki monitored

by OSUN DEFENDER, where he noted that the ADC had become

•New Osun ADC Chairman, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji

a strong opposi on force to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

He commended party execu ves across the 16 local government areas for strengthening the party’s structure, adding that the influx of new members in recent weeks had further boosted its chances.

“Our growing strength across the state is a clear indica on that victory is within reach. The momentum we have built will translate into success at the polls,” Bejide said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Eki State Congress Commi ee, Afolabi Akinsiku, stated that the exercise was conducted in line with the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent Naonal Electoral Commission (INEC).

He explained that the party adopted a consensus arrangement for the congress, no ng that the process reflected unity among members.

“Our party is a coalion, and if we remain united and commi ed, we will win the June 20 governorship elecon. Unity remains our greatest strength,” he said.

Accidental Airstrike: Nigerians Unsafe From Terrorists, Those Meant To Protect Them — Atiku

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ORMER VicePresident, A ku Abubakar, has condemned the recent airstrike on Jilli market in Yobe State, which claimed the lives of several traders, describing the incident as a tragic failure that highlights growing concerns over civilian safety during military opera ons.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that Fighter jets of the Nigerian Air Force, while targe ng suspected terrorists, mistakenly bombed traders at the market located along the Yobe–Borno border.

Reac ng, A ku said the development should provoke outrage, no ng that innocent Nigerians were once again caught in the crossfire of counter-insurgency efforts.

He ques oned the repeated occurrence

of such incidents, asking how long ci zens would con nue to face danger not only from insurgents but also from opera ons intended to protect

•Atiku

them.

He said, “The Jilli market airstrike that killed scores of innocent traders is not just tragic, but a devasta ng failure that

must outrage every conscience. While targe ng insurgents, innocent Nigerians were once again reduced to collateral damage.

“How long will ci -

zens remain unsafe both from terrorists and from the very opera ons meant to protect them? Just a few days ago, the United States deployed over 150 aircra and spent an es mated $300 million to rescue just one pilot in Iran, even destroying equipment worth over $100 million each to protect a single life. That is the value they place on one ci zen.

“Here at home, we must ask: what is the value of Nigerian lives?

This demands urgent review, accountability, and decisive ac on to prevent a recurrence.

My hear elt condolences go to the bereaved families and affected communi es.

Nigeria must uphold its duty to protect its ci zens. That is the ulmate essence of naonal security.”

Also speaking, a former Deputy Governor of Eki State, Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, urged members to remain steadfast and united, expressing confidence in the party’s chances.

“The signs are clear.

People can see and feel the impact of ADC. If we work together for the common good of the party, victory is assured,” he added.

At the congress, over 23 members were affirmed as state execu ves, with Gbenga Akamo emerging as secretary.

Party officials said all candidates were earlier screened by a commi ee led by Femi Akilo, alongside Mohammed Adamu Musa and Chuks Ujomar.

The ADC said the successful conduct of the congresses across states signals growing unity within the party as it prepares for the upcoming governorship elec ons.

OSUN DEFENDER also gathered that in Oyo State, Hon. Afeez Adelowo Jimoh (Onaara) was elected as the state chairman of the Party, at a congress held at Watershed, Old Ife Road, Ibadan.

The party’s spokesperson, Ro mi Johnson Ojasope in a statement said, “His emergence as the Oyo State ADC Chairman marks a new chapter for the party, as members and stakeholders express strong confidence in his leadership capacity, strategic vision, and ability to reposi on the party for greater electoral success in the forthcoming poli cal engagements.

“The ADC in Oyo State assures all members, supporters, and the general public of a renewed commitment to building a formidable, people-oriented poli cal pla orm that priori zes good governance, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

“We call on all party faithful to rally round the new leadership as we collec vely work towards strengthening the ADC and advancing the democra c aspiraons of the good people of Oyo State.”

PEOPLE FIRST

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026

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HE European Union (EU) has described as “alarming” the fact that Nigeria wastes approximately 38 million tons of food annually, the highest in Africa. This waste occurs while the country faces significant food insecurity.

The figure issued by the EU last week is truly alarming because it might be an underes ma on. Nigeria is notorious for the paucity of sta s cs, and any sta s cs from the rural areas must be viewed with great suspicion.

We cannot lament our fate; the cri cal issue is, what is to be done?

The response is commonsensical. We have to put food security at the top of the agenda, as we once did when Nigeria was opera ng a cons tu on based on produc on. We have to go back to what we were before, that is, opera ng as a community of producers.

The sta s cs of the EU speak volumes about misplaced priori es and misalloca on of resources. A tragiccomic example is the current fad for the construc on of flyovers. The costbenefit is absurdly in the direc on of cost instead of benefits in most of the areas where they are constructed. Simple common sense dictates that emphasis at this level of development should be placed on the construc on of rural roads to open up the agrarian economic move goods, increase produc on and income, and cut down on nonperishables. In the opinion of the World Bank, the mulplier effect of the construc on of one kilometer of rural roads is mes ten. Again, this is common sense. As the American singer Bob Dylan has pointed out, “We do not need the weather to tell you which way the wind is blowing”.

We must blow away the cobwebs of muddled thinking and face a reboot. At all levels, Federal, State, and Local, we must begin with costeffec veness in na onal investment in rural roads. We once had this under the Babangida regime, but it was flawed by a lack of accountability, as were most things done in that era. By learning from past mistakes, we should be able to get it right this me.

From rural roads, we must now construct storage facili es, including cold storage facili es, solar-powered at the farm gates. Moving off the rural roads, the same storage facilies must be constructed in the urban market. This will cut perishables and waste by at least seventy percent. This has been the experience of countries such as India and Malaysia, where they got it right. Such a program must be urgently priori zed.

The next step is to establish commodity exchanges. One of the detrimental effects of the ill-suited Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) was the aboli on of the Commodity Boards.

This cons tuted a puni ve destrucon of the rural economy. The necessary buffers were destroyed. They included Guaranteed Minimum Farm Gate Prices, which were essen al in protec ng the already meagre incomes of the subsistence farmers, thereby pushing millions below the poverty line. The rural economy has

EU Ambassador On Curbing Food Waste in Nigeria

•Gautier Mignot EU ambassador to Nigeria

•Cold storage prototype for market

never recovered.

In addi on, the commodi es exchange will provide the necessary storage facili es at both ends as well

as modernized logis cs. They will also, by increasing produc on and cu ng down on waste, generate the quan ty needed for the unleashing of value-

adding processing plants, which will increase the money earned from exports. Processing plants also generate employment across the value chain. A good example is the way Brazil went from the export of raw cocoa beans to chocolates, which created a lot of sustainable employment, increased government revenue, and created new export possibili es as well as higher incomes from exports. Once again, this is common sense.

The recapitaliza on of the Bank of Agriculture is a step in the right direcon. The process, however, must be con nued con nuously. The BOA must work with the agricultural research ins tute to upgrade the skills and output of the subsistence farmers in the rural areas. The overall objec ve must be to translate the subsistence farmers into commercial farming. This is the only way to arrest the increasing deteriora on of the rural economy, which is now posing which is now a threat to the Na on’s security. We are, of course, painfully aware that unemployed rural youth are the raw materials for the terrorist groups. We must cut off the source of supplies.

Briefly...

Nigeria Must Save For A Raining Day

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N brief, Nigeria should be making a lot of money due to the disarray caused by the war in Iran. We are not because of fiscal indiscipline and the destruc ve mindset of a poli cal establishment luxuria ng in consump on and the immediate need for impulse spending. This childlike inability to defer immediate gra ficaon is really destruc ve.

Much of what should have been earned from oil sales in the present situa on has gone to forward sales carried out under ques onable condions. A lot is also going on, servicing debts of ques onable value. What is le is so minuscule at the banquet ta-

Sovereign Wealth Funds and own 1.4% of the shares in stock exchanges across the world! Qatar, with a smaller popula on than Norway, has an es mated 500 billion United States dollars in its Sovereign Wealth Funds. The less said about Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Funds, the be er. Individuals do not run their Private lives this Way. The Nigerian poli cal class must emulate Norway, Qatar, and other raonal countries. This is the only way to create the fiscal framework to produce sustainable, employment-genera ng development. What we have now is a classic case of “ growth without development” and even alarmingly “ Publisher – Moremi Publishing the development of unHouse Ltd. derdevelopment”; we Deputy Editor – Michael Bamigbola have to move away from Asst. News Editor – Yusuf Oketola both.

Deputy Photo Editor – Shola Aderinto A serious Na onal Deputy Graphics Manager – Zainab Olalere Assembly should have commenced public hearProduc on Controller – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa ings on how Nigeria can OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing build up rainy-day funds House Limited, Behind Oranmiyan Building, Gbodofon, with the present upheaval arising from the war Off Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State. in Iran. The main aim ISSN : 0794-8050 should be to end the cyTelephone : 0809-301-9152 cle of boom-to-bust. We Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php urge the Na onal Asseme-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com bly to commence hearosundefenderbank@gmail.com ings straight away, as this All correspondence to the above email addresses. is an existen al issue.

ble of the conten ous federal allocaon commi ee.

The first lesson to learn is that we should draw up a really Federal Cons tu on, not unlike the 1963 Republican cons tu on, which was suspended by the military in 1966. Since then, it has been all mo on and no movement.

By not saving for the proverbial rainy day, the country con nues to go from boom to bust. This is in contradis nc on to countries such as Norway and Qatar. Norway, with a popula on of 5 million people, has 1.4 trillion United States dollars in its

OSUN DEFENDER

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026

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Entertainment Nigerians Are Hypocrities - Phyna Retorts After BBL Surgery

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IG Brother Naija Season 7 winner Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has fired back at cri cs who quesoned her decision to undergo a Brazilian Bu Li surgery months a er the death of her sister.

She described most Nigerians as hypocrites during an Instagram livestream on Saturday.

Phyna recently underwent a BBL and 360 Lipo surgery, sharing a postsurgery video that quickly went viral. She cap oned the clip: “Finally did it. No regrets.”

The reality star and influencer dismissed accusa ons that ge ng the cosme c procedure showed disrespect for her late sister, Ruth Otabor.

She insisted that she had grieved privately and did not owe the public a performance of her pain.

I just woke up, but I want to quickly come and address something. Sorry, I have to say most Nigerians are hypocrites. And I have a lot of miserable people in my comment

sec on,” she said.

Phyna insisted that her grief was real but personal.

“I don’t grieve my sister online. She will always remain in my heart. But one thing people will never see is me come online to cry and post that I miss my sister,” she said.

She also warned cri cs not to drag her late sister into online controversy.

“Don’t try to bring my sister’s death into this. I lost a sister. I lost one of my favourite siblings. And it is none of your damn business,” she said.

Phyna defended her parents, no ng that the family resumed normal life from September 1, the day a er Ruth was laid to rest on August 31.

“People will bury and move on the next day.

They moved on on the 1st.

Like, they don’t stop living,” she said, urging the public to extend the same

understanding to her.

She also took aim at social commentator VeryDarkMan, denying claims

that she received ₦1 billion from the Dangote Group in connec on with her sister’s death.

I’d Do Anything To Protect You - Mohbad’s Widow Tells Son

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HE widow of late singer, Mohbad, Omowunmi Aloba, has expressed deep love and commitment to their son, Liam, in a heartfelt birthday message.

In a post shared online, she described the child as her “heartbeat” and reaffirmed her dedica on to his wellbeing.

“Happy birthday to my heartbeat, you mean the world to me Eyinimofeoluwa and I’m so proud to be your parent. I’d walk through fire, cross oceans and do absolutely anything to make sure you are safe and happy.

“I will always be your biggest cheerleader and your safest harbour. I live for your smile and I would do anything to protect you. Happy birthday to the best son I could ever ask for. Love you with all my heart my Lily,” she wrote.

A Lagos State Magistrate Court si ng in Ikorodu had ordered a DNA test to determine the paternity of Liam Aloba, the only child of the late singer.

Magistrate Adefisoye Sonuga gave the order while ruling on an applica on filed by the singer’s father, Joseph Aloba, who is seeking to establish whether the child is his late son’s biological offspring.

Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Aloba, died in September 2023 under controversial circumstances, sparking na onwide outrage and mul ple legal disputes over his estate, royal es and paternity.

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026

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News

Rainy Season: Residents, Group Tasks Osun Govt On Dredging, Clearing Of Waterways

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ESIDENTS of Osun State have called on the state government to embark on immediate dredging and expansion of rivers and waterways in the state capital, Osogbo and other towns to forestall the perennial cases of flooding.

Some of the residents who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER said the recent downpours in Osogbo, Ede and Iwo were warnings that the state might witness heavy downpours this rainy season, urging the Ministry of Environment to rise to the occasion.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that a heavy rainstorm on Saturday, March 28, caused widespread damage to buildings across Osogbo, Osun State, displacing numerous residents.

The downpour which lasted more than one hour, also led to the death of a mother of five, Mrs Jemilat Ganiyu, while the roofs of residen al, religious and commercial buildings were blown off in several parts of the city, including Aregbe, Odi Olowo, Girls School, Tes ng Ground, Oke Oni , Awosuru, Gbongan Road, and Oke Baale.

One of the residents, Olaitan Ademola, said the solu on to any impending flood is for the state government to dredge the rivers and clear waterways to prevent water overflow.

“If the rivers in Osogbo and other towns are dredged, they will contain large volume of water that is emp ed into them during the rainy season,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, a civil society group, the Centre for Social Jus ce and Public Protec on (CSJPP), has also appealed to the state government to proac vely prevent flood-related disasters ahead of the full blast of the rainy season.

CSJPP, in a statement signed by its coordinator, Mr Akin Akanji, a copy obtained by OSUN DEFENDER in Osogbo, noted that a major effec ve way of preventing flooding in every part of the state is by dredging streams and rivers as well as the clearing drainages.

The group said some drainages in Osun, especially in Osogbo, the state capital, have been blocked by debris and need to be cleared to allow for the free flow of water.

The group said the March 28 rainfall has shown that without necessary steps being taken, the state might witness flooding due to the blockage of the drainages.

CSJPP also urged the state government to look into the expansion of water channels and streams across the state, just as it appealed to residents to

•Spot of an undredged waterway around Odi-Olowo/Olaiya axis of Osogbo, the state capital, yesterday

desist from dumping refuse inside drainages.

“The state government should not wait un l there is flooding before taking the necessary steps. Residents also owe it a duty to assist the government in safeguarding lives and

property, by desis ng from unhealthy prac ces.

“It is the state government’s responsibility to be proac ve and make sure rivers, streams, and drainages are cleared.

“Some of the drainages in the state, par cularly in

Osogbo, the state capital, have been blocked by refuse dumped by residents of the state. Also, some drainages needed expansion so as to accommodate the level of water passing through them.

“As a group, we hope

the state government will do the needful and not wait ll disaster happens before taking steps. The government must rise to the occasion now,” Akanji’s statement noted further.

Reac ng to the demands, the state Commissioner for Environment and Sanita on, Mr. Mayowa Adejoorin, said the state government is on top of the situa on, adding that drainages are being desilted as constantly as necessary.

Adejoorin also said awareness campaigns are ongoing to cau on residents against the dumping of refuse and waste inside waterways and channels.

The Commissioner said, “The drainages are being desilted as constantly as necessary. River and water channels are being dredged equally before the commencement

of the rainy seasons to encourage free flow of water and simultaneously remove refuse that is being dumped indiscriminately to allow seamless flow.

“Awareness campaigns are going on to cau on people against the dumping of refuse and waste along waterways and channels. The Ministry having warned against dumping of refuse along drains and rivers, has always ins l disciplinary measures ranging from fines and prosecu ons to serve as a deterrent for others “Meanwhile in the last 3 years, we have not experienced serious flooding and the credit goes to the Governor for suppor ng our visions and recommenda ons by way of funding appropriately,” Adejoorin noted.

Over 1,100 Abducted In Three Months, Amnesty Faults FG

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O fewer than 1,100 persons were abducted across Nigeria between January and March 2026, a new report by Amnesty Interna onal has revealed.

The organisa on, in a statement released on April 11, 2026, said the figure could be higher due to underrepor ng in remote communi es, warning that the worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria requires urgent government interven on.

Amnesty Interna onal Nigeria described the situaon as alarming, no ng that gunmen and armed groups have intensified mass abducons as a means of extor ng ransom from residents.

“Apart from killing people, gunmen are now on a

•Rights group says government ‘grossly failing’ in duty to protect lives rampage of abduc ons – largely for lucra ve ransom.

Some stay months at the mercy of gunmen in punishing situa ons,” the Country Director, Isa Sanusi, said.

The group accused the administra on of President Bola Tinubu of failing in its cons tu onal responsibility to protect lives and property, sta ng that the government was in “serious breach” of its human rights obliga ons.

According to the report, the spate of abduc ons cut across Zamfara, Borno, Kaduna and Kwara states, with several communi es repeatedly a acked by armed groups.

It cited the March 3, 2026 a ack on Ngoshe town in Gwoza Local Government

Area of Borno State, where suspected Boko Haram insurgents reportedly abducted over 400 residents.

In Kwara State, about 200 persons were said to have been killed, while 176 others were abducted during an a ack on Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area on February 3.

A resident of the community, whose wife and three daughters were abducted, said he had seen videos of the vic ms in cap vity weeks a er the incident.

Further a acks were recorded in Zamfara State, where about 150 persons, mostly women and children, were abducted in

early April from communi es in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.

Similarly, in Kaduna State, 30 worshippers were abducted from churches in Kachia Local Government Area on March 22, while 166 persons were earlier kidnapped during a acks on churches in Kajuru Local Government Area in January, although they were later released.

The rights group also highlighted the economic and social consequences of the abduc ons, no ng that many families were forced to sell their belongings or rely on communal contribu ons to pay ransom.

“Families must dispose

of everything they have to pay ransom, while villages o en crowdfund to rescue their people. Those who could not pay are somemes killed, disappeared or subjected to further torture,” Sanusi added.

Amnesty further warned that the rising insecurity is taking a toll on educa on, especially among girls in northern Nigeria, as many are being withdrawn from school over fears of abduc on.

It noted that some families now resort to early marriage for underage girls as a form of protecon, describing the trend as a setback to efforts aimed at improving school enrolment in the region.

Forensic Evidence Links INEC Chairman...

•Continued from Page 1 “This is not a trivial ma er. It is a calculated assault on truth and accountability.

“Over the past few days, it has been repeatedly revealed that Professor Amupitan, by his conduct, his u erances, and now by incontrover ble digital evidence, has fallen far below the standard expected of an electoral umpire. The referee cannot be running around in the shirt of one of the teams he’s supposed to officiate in a match.

“This is why Professor Amupitan must resign now.

Anything less is an insult to the Nigerian people and a dangerous precedent for our democracy,” Abdullahi said.

Similarly, civil society group Opposi on Watch Nigeria alleged that the INEC Chairman had undisclosed

dealings with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, including claims of land alloca on in Abuja.

Legal and Civil Society Reac ons The Nigerian Bar Associa on (NBA) has also weighed in on the ma er, warning INEC and judicial actors against interfering in internal party affairs.

NBA President, Afam Osigwe, cited provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and urged the Commission to act with utmost neutrality, independence and fidelity to democra c values.

Osigwe’s statement reads, ““This emerging trend of subver ng the clear le ers of the Electoral Act and dragging courts into the internal affairs of poli cal par es through disingenuous li ga on, forum shopping, and malafide ap-

plica ons designed to secure undemocra c poli cal advantage, bodes no good for our democracy.”

The NBA said it would not hesitate to ini ate disciplinary ac on against lawyers found culpable, including filing pe ons before the Legal Prac oners Disciplinary Commi ee (LPDC).

It also urged the judiciary to exercise restraint and avoid being drawn into poli cal disputes expressly barred by law, stressing the need for strict adherence to statutory provisions.

In addi on, the Human Rights Writers Associa on of Nigeria (HURIWA) reiterated earlier concerns about Amupitan’s appointment, alleging it was poli cally influenced.

As INEC Chair Dismisses Allega ons, Par sanship In a reac on, INEC de-

nied all claims of par sanship.

In a statement by Amupitan’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, the commission described the allega ons as en rely baseless and maintained that Amupitan does not own or operate any X account.

The commission further claimed that fraudulent accounts had been created in the Chairman’s name by cybercriminals and vowed to work with security agencies to bring those responsible to jusce.

INEC also rejected calls for Amupitan’s removal, insis ng that his tenure is cons tu onally protected and that the allega ons are poli cally mo vated.

Concerns Over 2027 Elec ons Despite the denials, the

controversy has heightened public debate over the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

Analysts who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER warned that sustained allega ons against the electoral body’s leadership could erode public trust ahead of the 2027 general elec ons.

Opposi on par es also have threatened further ac on, including pe ons to interna onal bodies and possible na onwide protests if the situa on is not addressed.

They argued that this digital footprint, connecting the X account to the Chairman’s personal Yahoo email, his academic CV, and a financial account in his full name, makes INEC’s claim of impersona on difficult to sustain.

News

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Stop Spreading Baseless Rumour, I Have No Issue With Makinde - Oba Ladoja Slams Fayose Over Dethronement Allegation

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YO State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and Oba Rashidi Ladoja have dismissed the allega ons by former Eki State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, about a plot to dethrone the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Fayose had earlier alleged on social media that Governor Makinde was planning to remove Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan and that the monarch could face a query for allegedly not a ending a recent chie aincy eleva on ceremony in Ibadan.

However, the Oyo State Government dismissed the claims, stating that no such plan was ever discussed or considered.

Reac ng to the incident, the Commission-

er for Informa on and Strategy, Prince Dotun Oyelade, described the allega on as false and poli cally mo vated, insis ng it should be disregarded.

He added that the government had no reason to interfere in tradi onal ma ers in the manner suggested and accused those behind the claim of spreading misinformaon.

Also reac ng, the media aide to the Olubadan, Adeola Oloko, said the report was a baseless rumour, stressing that there is no conflict between Governor Makinde and the monarch.

He maintained that there was no issue capable of causing tension between both par es and urged the public to ignore

Sports Marie-Louise Eta Becomes First Fan Threatens Legal Action Against Bundesliga Female Coach Arsenal After 2-1 Defeat To Bournemouth

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NION Berlin football club has appointed Marie-Louise Eta as the club’s team coach.

Marie-Louise Eta becomes the first female head coach in the men’s top five European leagues.

Eta has agreed to take over as coach of Union’s women’s team next season, but now has five games to secure the men’s Bundesliga survival a er agreeing an interim role.

She made history in 2023 as the first woman to be assistant coach in the Bundesliga and across the top divisions of Europe’s big five leagues - Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga.

“I’m delighted that Marie Louise Eta has

agreed to take on this role on an interim basis before she becomes head coach of the women’s first team as planned in the summer,” Union spor ng director Horst Heldt said in a statement.

Eta said: “Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure.

“I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. One of Union’s strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such situa ons.

“I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points.”

Eta replaces Steffen Baumgart, who was fired with his assistants Danilo de Souza and

Kevin McKenna a er the team’s 3-1 loss at bo om side Heidenheim on Saturday.

Defeat in Heidenheim le Union in 11th place, seven points clear of St. Pauli in the relega on zone with five games remaining.

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Ugandan supporter of Arsenal Football Club, Eric Kyama, has formally nofied the club of his inten on to ini ate legal ac on, accusing it of professional negligence, tac cal incompetence and causing emo onal

Ghanaian Footballer distress.

Frimpong Killed In Armed to InSue”a “Nodatedce ofAprilIntent11 and addressed to the Attack On Team Bus club’s headquarters in London, Kyama said

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Ghanaian footballer with Berekum Chelsea, Dominic Frimpong, has been killed following an armed robbery a ack on the club’s team bus while returning from a Ghana Premier League away match against Samartex.

The club, in a statement on Monday, said the incident occurred on Sunday between Goaso and Bibiani as the team travelled back from Samreboi in the southern part of Ghana.

The club said, “On our way back to Berekum from Samreboi, our team bus was a acked by a group of armed robbers who blocked the road to prevent our passage.

“Masked men wielding guns and assault rifles started shoo ng

at our bus as the driver tried to reverse. The players and staff fled into nearby bushes to take cover.”

The Ghana Football Associa on later confirmed the player’s death, saying, “The GFA has received with profound shock and deep sorrow the tragic news of the passing of Dominic Frimpong of Berekum Chelsea Football Club.

“This tragic incident is not only a huge loss to Berekum Chelsea but also to Ghana football as a whole. Dominic was a promising young talent whose dedica on and passion for the game embodied the spirit of our league.”

The associa on added that it would strengthen security arrangements for clubs travelling for domes c compe ons.

Arsenal’s recent performance against AFC Bournemouth amounted to a “fundamental breach of the implied contract between the club and its global fanbase.”

The le er, which he shared on X and copied to interna onal media organisa ons, outlined allega ons against the club, its players and manager Mikel Arteta.

Kyama accused the players of professional negligence, claiming they showed “a complete lack of industry” and failed to demonstrate urgency or commitment on the pitch.

He also cri cised Arteta, alleging the manager lacked the tac cal ability to lead the team, and described the per-

formance as “disjointed” and “direc onless.”

The supporter further argued that the club’s showing caused emo onal and financial distress, no ng that fans invest significant me, money and emo onal energy in suppor ng the team.

Kyama also alleged misrepresenta on of brand values, sta ng that Arsenal’s promoon of ideals such as excellence and “Victory Through Harmony” was contradicted by what he described as a lack of figh ng spirit.

He warned that unless the club provides a formal explana on and outlines steps to improve performance, he would proceed with legal ac on seeking damages for psychological impact and loss of confidence.

“Expect further communica on from my legal representa ves,” the le er concluded.

The no ce has since gone viral online, drawing mixed reac ons from fans and commentators, with many expressing amusement and scep cism over the legal basis of the claims.

Arsenal Football Club has yet to issue an official response.

ISSN : 0794 - 8050

News

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026 VOL. 21 NO 29 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com

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N April 10, 2026, diploma c engagement between the United States and Iran advanced through peace talks hosted in Islamabad, Pakistan. The mee ng, involving Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and the U.S. Vice President, JD Vance, signals a cau ous but important step toward de-escala on.

The subsis ng ceasefire between both na ons offers poten al relief to global energy markets. For Nigeria, such developments are cri cal, as fluctua ons in Middle Eastern stability directly affect oil prices, infla on, and domes c economic condi ons.

Nigeria’s Security Reality and Economic Consequences: Nigeria con nues to face widespread insecurity across mul ple regions—ranging from insurgency in the North-East to banditry and violent a acks in other parts of the country. These persistent threats reveal structural weaknesses in intelligence coordina on and rapid response systems.

While recent military opera ons demonstrate opera onal capability, they also highlight the urgent need for a proac ve, intelligence-driven security architecture.

The economic implica ons are severe: Displacement of farmers disrupts agricultural produc on and food supply chains Rising fuel prices, influenced by global tensions, intensify infla on, Increased cost of living weakens household welfare, Economic hardship creates vulnerability to recruitment into criminal networks Insecurity, therefore, is not only a security issue but a core macro- and micro-economic challenge.

Poli cal Transi on and Democra c Outlook (2027–2031) As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elec ons, the poli cal environment is becoming increasingly ac ve. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda con nues to shape governance priori es toward 2031.

The direc ve requiring poli cal appointees seeking elec ve office to resign by March 31, 2026, marks a significant ins tu onal step in strengthening electoral processes.

However, the transi on period presents dual reali es: Opportuni es: Deepening democra c culture and ins tu onal reforms Risks: Heightened poli cal compe on and poten al security tensions A stable security environment will be essen al for credible elec ons and democra c con nuity.

Reframing Nigeria’s Development Priories Nigeria’s core challenges are interconnected and mutually reinforcing: Insecurity Energy instability and rising fuel costs Poverty and unemployment Corrup on and weak ins tu ons Limited access to quality educa on These challenges directly affect: Household welfare Industrial produc vity Small and medium enterprises Agricultural sustainability Addressing them requires a coordinated na onal framework integra ng economic, social, and security policies.

Strategic Policy Direc on: Signals from the 2026 APC Conven on At the 2026 APC Na onal Conven on in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized a reform-driven agenda focused on ins tu onal strengthening, accountability, and ci zen engagement.

The administra on acknowledged that systemic weaknesses and governance gaps have contributed significantly to current naonal challenges, reinforcing the need for

ADC Holds State Congresses, Elects Chairmen P 2

PERSPECTIVE

By OLADOSU OLADIPO From Conflict To Cohesion: Reimagining Nigeria’s Security, Economy, And Democratic Future (2026–2031)

•Linking Global Peace Dynamics, National Security Reform And Sustainable Development Pathways structural reforms rather than temporary interven ons.

Security Reform: The T.E.A.M Framework A central component of the government’s strategy is the T.E.A.M framework, which provides a structured approach to naonal security: T – Training: Advanced intelligence systems and tac cal capacity E – Equipment: Moderniza on of security infrastructure A – Arms & Ammuni on: Efficient logiscs and supply chains M – Mo va on: Improved welfare and morale of personnel This framework reflects a shi toward professionaliza on and opera onal efficiency in comba ng insecurity.

Reimagining Nigeria’s Security Architecture A sustainable security system must integrate the following pillars:

STRIKER

1. Grassroots Security Systems Community policing Local intelligence networks Ac ve ci zen par cipa on 2. Integrated Strategic Coordina on Intelligence-led opera ons Inter-agency collabora on Strengthened border control Technology-driven surveillance 3. Social Stabiliza on Measures Youth empowerment and employment Skills development programs Reintegra on of reformed offenders Governance, Accountability, and Ins tuonal Reform.

Recent an -corrup on efforts signal progress; however, long-term impact depends on: Strong and independent ins tu ons Preven ve governance systems Transparency and accountability mechanisms Without systemic reform, financial re-

•Barrister Oladosu Oladipo is the Director-General Advocacy Council for Sustainable Peace, Security, Productivity and Development in Nigeria.

Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above

Unpunished Crime Is Enemy Of Democracy

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coveries alone cannot deliver sustainable outcomes.

Security–Economy Nexus and Growth Opportuni es Security remains the founda on for economic growth. A stable environment will unlock key sectors, including: Manufacturing and industrializa on Agriculture and agro-processing Tourism and crea ve industries The blue economy Par cularly, mari me security is cri cal for maximizing Nigeria’s blue economy poten al and strengthening energy security.

Police Reform and Public Trust Effec ve policing is central to na onal stability. Key priori es include: Professionalism and ethical standards Adop on of modern policing technologies Community-oriented policing models Rebuilding public trust is essen al for improving intelligence gathering and crime preven on.

Conclusion: From Policy Intent to Measurable Outcomes Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its history. Achieving sustainable peace, democra c stability, and economic development requires more than policy ar cula on—it demands effec ve implementa on and measurable impact.

Key impera ves include: Strong poli cal will Ins tu onal coordina on Performance-based governance Ci zen-centered policies With sustained commitment and strategic leadership, Nigeria can transi on from cycles of insecurity and economic strain to a future defined by stability, prosperity, and na onal cohesion.

And if these, or either of them, are regulated by no certain laws, and are subject to no certain principles, and are held by no certain tenure, and are redressed, when violated, by no certain remedies, society fails of all its values; and men may as well return to a state of savage and barbarous independence.” A state we are rapidly sliding into but must twice as rapidly retreat from.

The solu on lies in the courage of the best of our elites, few as they are, especially the top echelon of the judiciary, to set a powerful new tone, with powerful new examples. The laws available are more than enough to serve them in a Nigeria era when it seems like it is a crime to punish big crimes!

“The Cons tu on is what the judges say it is,” said Charles Evans Hughes; and Andrew Johnson said “All the rights secured to the ci zens under the cons tu on are worth nothing, and are mere bubbles, except guaranteed to them by an independent and virtuous judiciary.”

Self-help and jungle jus ce are symptoma c of a failing policing and jus ce system in which majority no longer has confidence because of a litany of unpunished crimes committed in full public glare (indisputable examples too many to men on here) – a clear danger to order, Rule of Law and democracy; a recipe for anarchy.

The restora on of Nigeria needs many medicines: a major one is a resurrected judiciary, encouraged by elites fully aware of the signs of the me, the handwri ngs on the wall and the scope of their historic mission.

great na on needs good people. The when slavery was legal and colonisa on was defini on of a good person is easy: a legal. 70 years ago, black people could not person who will do to his/her neigh- vote in America despite the Declara on of Inbours as he/she wants them to do unto him/ dependence that “all men are created equal.” her, and who would not do unto them as he/ Ci zens have the courts available to challenge laws they feel are unjust and fight ll a more she wouldn’t want.

This is the soul of the 10 Commandments, just system is obtained. However, once stabiall the way through to Sharia and the millions lised for every season, the role of government of laws, civil and criminal codes that we are and the judicial system is to ensure speedy disstuck with today. From just 10 Commandments pensa on of jus ce based on the Cons tu on

by God to millions of laws by man, the world is – the Rule of Law. Nigeria’s history of cons tu onal and legal as unsafe as the me of Cain and Abel!

A good fellow will never covet or take what evolu on is as old as its age. There are many belongs to others – their valuables and their areas crying for review and improvement but lives – much as he or she will not love others there are several se led civil and criminal poto take his or hers. However, yonder stands si ons, older even than Nigeria and as old as Lucifer “with his lean and hungry looks,” along humanity and the 10 Commandments.

Today, no one is in doubt about the law’s with his mul tude of followers, in u er disobedience of God’s commandments! They are the posi on on rape, the , arson, armed robbery, reasons why man has mul plied God’s com- murder, fraud, kidnapping and terrorism. Why mandments a thousand fold. From civil crimes then are we helplessly overwhelmed today to arson, murder and treason, laws are made in the relentless assault of these men oned to take care of them. It is the founda on of civi- vices?

Although Hannah Arendt said “no punishlisa on, rule of law and democracy.

The degree to which ci zens live in obedi- ment has ever possessed enough power of deence to the Rule of Law, and punish infrac ons terrence to prevent the commission of crimes,” promptly and impar ally, is directly propor- which is a clear recogni on of the power of the onal to the degree of peace and prosperity devil as men oned earlier, any elite in governexperienced by society. Laws are made to be ment, however weak and in moral deficit, must obeyed, irrespec ve of forms of government. s ll mind Joseph Story’s words, that “without It is popular struggle that purifies poli cal and jus ce being freely, fully and impar ally administered, neither our persons, nor or rights, jus ce systems.

A me was when apartheid was legal, nor our proper es, can be protected.

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Behind Oranmiyan Building, Gbodofon, Off Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State.

All correspondence to the Deputy Editor, MICHAEL BAMIGBOLA, Telephone: 0809-301-9152. ISSN: 0794-8050.

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