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Lawyer faults Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate resumption attempt

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A legal practitioner, Ekemini Udim, has faulted the attempt by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume legislative duties at the National Assembly, insisting that the court ruling she relies on does not amount to an order for her reinstatement.

Udim made this known on Wednesday while speaking on The Morning Brief, a breakfast programme on Channels Television, monitored by Mega Icon Magazine.

The lawyer explained that contrary to popular interpretation, the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja did not direct the Senate to recall the embattled senator but merely made recommendations on how the upper chamber could amend its rules.

“It is very clear: my Lord has not said, ‘Recall Senator Natasha’. What the judge said was that, ‘You cannot do like this, you cannot do like that,’ and then makes a recommendation to the Senate and says, ‘Senate, think of how you can amend your rules’,” Udim stated.

“You cannot equate that to say, ‘Recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.’ And therefore, anybody who is interpreting the judgment to the extent that the judge ordered the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not doing justice to that judgment.”

He added that the legal interpretation of the court decision must take precedence over emotional sentiments, warning that a misreading of the ruling would not serve the senator’s interest.

“A lot of people are taking this matter from the emotional angle, and it becomes a problem when you do that. And this is not good for Senator Natasha. This must be taken from the angle of law,” he said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate in March for alleged breach of legislative rules following her claims of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

She subsequently approached the court to challenge her six-month suspension, praying the court to declare it illegal.

Earlier this month, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled on the matter, a judgment widely interpreted to favour her resumption. However, the Senate has insisted that the court only made a recommendation, not a binding order for reinstatement.

Despite the legal ambiguity, the lawmaker appeared at the National Assembly complex on Tuesday in a bid to resume legislative activities, but was turned back by security operatives.

Defending the Senate’s decision, the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, maintained that Akpoti-Uduaghan remains suspended.

Speaking on Politics Today, another Channels Television programme on Tuesday, Adaramodu stated, “There was no clear-cut order from the court directing the Senate to reinstate her. Until the legal process is exhausted and clarification is made, she cannot resume.”

The Senate President is reportedly appealing the court’s ruling, while the controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and her attempted resumption continues to stir legal and political debate.

Lawyer faults Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate resumption attempt

A legal practitioner, Ekemini Udim, has faulted the attempt by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume legislative duties at the National Assembly, insisting that the court ruling she relies on does not amount to an order for her reinstatement.

Udim made this known on Wednesday while speaking on The Morning Brief, a breakfast programme on Channels Television, monitored by Mega Icon Magazine.

The lawyer explained that contrary to popular interpretation, the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja did not direct the Senate to recall the embattled senator but merely made recommendations on how the upper chamber could amend its rules.

“It is very clear: my Lord has not said, ‘Recall Senator Natasha’. What the judge said was that, ‘You cannot do like this, you cannot do like that,’ and then makes a recommendation to the Senate and says, ‘Senate, think of how you can amend your rules’,” Udim stated.

“You cannot equate that to say, ‘Recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.’ And therefore, anybody who is interpreting the judgment to the extent that the judge ordered the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not doing justice to that judgment.”

He added that the legal interpretation of the court decision must take precedence over emotional sentiments, warning that a misreading of the ruling would not serve the senator’s interest.

“A lot of people are taking this matter from the emotional angle, and it becomes a problem when you do that. And this is not good for Senator Natasha. This must be taken from the angle of law,” he said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate in March for alleged breach of legislative rules following her claims of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

She subsequently approached the court to challenge her six-month suspension, praying the court to declare it illegal.

Earlier this month, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled on the matter, a judgment widely interpreted to favour her resumption. However, the Senate has insisted that the court only made a recommendation, not a binding order for reinstatement.

Despite the legal ambiguity, the lawmaker appeared at the National Assembly complex on Tuesday in a bid to resume legislative activities, but was turned back by security operatives.

Defending the Senate’s decision, the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, maintained that Akpoti-Uduaghan remains suspended.

Speaking on Politics Today, another Channels Television programme on Tuesday, Adaramodu stated, “There was no clear-cut order from the court directing the Senate to reinstate her. Until the legal process is exhausted and clarification is made, she cannot resume.”

The Senate President is reportedly appealing the court’s ruling, while the controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and her attempted resumption continues to stir legal and political debate.

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Oseni fulfils ₦5m pledge for Anfaani Central Mosque solar project

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Member of the House of Representatives representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency,  Engr. Aderemi  Oseni, has fulfilled his earlier pledge towards the execution of a solar power project at the Anfaani Muslim Community Central Mosque in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), released the pledged ₦5 million to facilitate the execution of the project, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele and made available to journalists in Ibadan.

The statement explained that the release of funds was in fulfilment of Oseni’s commitment to support the mosque’s solar power initiative, noting that the project would be executed at the discretion of the mosque’s central committee.

The media aide said the intervention underscored the lawmaker’s sustained commitment to faith-based institutions, community development and humanitarian service.

“The ₦5 million earlier pledged by Hon. Remi Oseni for the Anfaani Muslim Community Central Mosque solar project has now been fully released for the execution of the project,” the statement said.

“It is important to state that the implementation and handling of the project remain entirely at the discretion of the Central Mosque Committee in line with the leadership structure and priorities of the religious body.”

Oseni, who is also the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections, described support for religious institutions as both a privilege and responsibility.

According to him, contributing to initiatives that strengthen worship centres and foster communal development remains an act of service to humanity.

“I had the honour and privilege of supporting the Anfaani Muslim Community Central Mosque with the sum of ₦5 million towards the execution of its solar power project. Supporting institutions devoted to worship and community development is always a blessing and profound responsibility,”

The APC chieftain was quoted as saying.

He added that opportunities to impact society positively should never be taken for granted.

“Whenever we are presented with opportunities to uplift faith-based institutions and contribute to the wellbeing of our communities, we must embrace them with sincerity and gratitude,” he said.

The lawmaker further prayed for continued peace, progress and prosperity across communities, expressing optimism that religious institutions would continue to serve as pillars of moral guidance and social development.

“May Almighty God continue to strengthen our religious institutions, bless our communities with peace, and prosper every effort geared towards the advancement of faith, unity and humanity,” he added.

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Oseni Donates Boreholes, Transformer, Solar Streetlights to Ibadan Community

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The House of Representatives member for Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has donated four boreholes, a 500KVA transformer, and solar-powered streetlights to Fatokun Itesiwaju Community, Iyana Tipa, Bako, in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The donation, made during the community’s 5th anniversary celebration last Sunday, aims to improve access to clean water, reliable electricity, and safer streets for residents. Oseni urged community leaders to strategically locate the projects to ensure that every household benefits.

Speaking through his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker said the gesture reflects his commitment to delivering on electoral promises and bringing tangible development to his constituents.

“This is about improving lives. Clean water, electricity, and well-lit streets are essential for the community’s growth and safety. I want every household to feel the impact of these projects,” the APC chieftain said.

Oseni, who is also the APC senatorial candidate for Oyo South, highlighted several  projects and initiatives in the constituency. These include a ₦1 million youth entrepreneurship empowerment scheme benefiting 100 youths – over 60 of whom have already benefited, programmes for traders and artisans, free WAEC and JAMB examination sponsorships for indigent students, and the construction of schools, health centres, bridges, and roads, among others.

“Development is not just about infrastructure; it’s about empowering people. Giving our youths opportunities, supporting local traders, and improving community facilities are all part of a larger vision to uplift every household in the federal constituency,” he added.

The lawmaker also commended the community for its support in the last elections, which contributed to his overwhelming victory and that of APC candidates, including President Bola Tinubu, in the federal constituency. He assured residents that ongoing road projects would be completed and other promises fulfilled before the end of his tenure, noting that many of the initiatives have been included in the approved budget.

Community leaders, speaking separately, described Oseni as a “lawmaker who listens and acts, not just talks.”

“We have seen promises made by many before, but Engr. Oseni has shown real commitment. This is not the first time, and it has earned him the title of ‘Mr. Talk and Do.’ These donations will truly change lives,” one of the leaders said.

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Adelabu family aide supplied kidnappers with intelligence on sister’s movement, twins’ abduction – Police 

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The Oyo State Police Command has alleged that a personal assistant attached to the family of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, provided critical information that enabled the abduction of his sister, Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons.

The command said the aide, identified as Segun, allegedly fed the kidnappers with details of the family’s daily routine, movement patterns and vulnerability, which were used to execute the operation.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s

The Morning Brief, where he provided updates on the ongoing investigation.
Mrs John-Paul and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, were abducted on June 3, 2026, at the Elewura axis of Ring Road, Ibadan, while she was taking them to school.

They were later rescued alive during a coordinated operation on June 6, which also led to the death of two suspected kidnappers.

Ayanlade said the rescue mission was carried out on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police and coordinated by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police in conjunction with operatives of the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).

He explained that one of the principal suspects, known as Ololu, had long been on the command’s watch list before his eventual arrest.

“Of course, one of the perpetrators by name popularly called Ololu has been on the command’s watch list. The operatives continued to trail him until his eventual arrest,” he said.

According to him, intelligence obtained from Ololu led investigators to another suspect, identified as Dare, also known as Solution.

Preliminary findings, he added, indicated that Shehu, who worked closely with the family, was approached and allegedly recruited to provide insider information about their movements and routine.

“The one who was with the family, who happened to be a personal assistant by name Shehu, was one of those who we picked. He was the one that was first approached to give them inside information of how the family lives, their lifestyle, their routine and all,” Ayanlade said.

The police further alleged that the kidnappers initially planned to abduct the children’s mother after monitoring the family’s pattern of movement.

However, the plan changed when they realised that a driver usually took the children to school. On the day of the incident, the mother reportedly drove them herself, prompting the abductors to strike.

“The initial plan was to kidnap the mother. However, they realised that it was the driver who usually takes them to school, and they changed their plan to go for the kids. Unfortunately, that day it was the mother who drove them to school, and they swung into action,” he added.

Ayanlade said the victims were traced to a hideout in Ibadan on June 6 at about 7:30 p.m., following sustained intelligence-led operations.

He disclosed that during the rescue attempt, a suspect identified as Kelechi, who reportedly travelled from Lagos for the operation, opened fire on operatives.

“They opened fire on the operatives, and then the operatives professionally and with tactical precision neutralised him and the second, who was also there to give a covering fire for him,” he said.

The police confirmed that arms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects, while the rescued victims were found unharmed.

Ayanlade added that investigations were still ongoing, with efforts intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

“I would not want to preempt the investigation. The investigation is still ongoing. The suspects are in custody. We are still on the trail of the rest of them that escaped,” he stated.

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