President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Ademola Lookman, Super Eagles forward, on winning the 2024 CAF Men’s African Footballer of the Year award.

Mr Tinubu also hailed Chiamaka Nnadozie, Super Falcons goalkeeper, for clinching the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

The president similarly commended the Super Falcons for being named the Women’s National Team of the Year, according to a statement on Monday by his media aide Bayo Onanuga.

“The awards were announced Monday night at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.

“The president joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating these athletes, describing them as worthy ambassadors for showcasing their talent and bringing honour to the country on the continental and world stage.

“The president believes that this recognition by Africa’s highest football authority will inspire other upcoming athletes to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams,” said the statement.

Mr Tinubu affirmed that their determination, discipline and confidence underscored the administration’s resolve to build a better Nigeria for everyone to thrive and succeed.

‘‘These athletes embody the essential Nigerian spirit. They signpost the best in us as a nation. Let no one ever write us off. I am incredibly proud of them. Thank you for making Nigeria proud and keeping our flag flying.

‘‘Thank you for winning medals for Nigeria both at home and abroad. You will win more in the future,’’ the president said.

President-elect Donald Trump will meet with the CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, as the Chinese company faces a nationwide ban in the U.S.

According to reports by CBS News, Mr Trump was expected to meet Mr Chew at his residence in Florida.

The meeting would be about the recent court order demanding that the social media giant be sold by its Chinese parent company ByteDance before 19 January or stop its operations in the country.

However, in a press conference on Monday, Mr Trump said his administration would “take a look at TikTok”, acknowledging the social media company’s impact during the November U.S. presidential election.

“I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok because I won youth by 34 points. There are those that say that TikTok has something to do with that. TikTok had an impact,” Mr Trump stated.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the social media company wrote to the Supreme Court requesting that the ban be delayed to give it room to review the development and allow Mr Trump’s administration to look into the matter.

In its filing, the company insisted TikTok is “one of the most significant speech platforms” in the U.S., adding the ban would do ”immediate irreparable harm” to the company and its teeming users.

The law banning the social media platform in the U.S. was inspired by the alleged connections between ByteDance and the Chinese government, which the U.S. considers a significant threat to its national security.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has landed at the Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madina, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, the lesser hajj.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, announced the Vice President’s journey.

On arrival, Shettima was received by the Deputy Governor of Madina Region, Abdulmohsen Bin Nayef Bin Hamed, along with Nigerian diplomatic officials, including the Consulate General of Jeddah, Ambassador Mu’azzam Nayaya.

The Vice President will stay in Medina for a visit to the Holy Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and other holy sites before proceeding to Mecca where he will perform the Lesser Hajj (Umrah).

He is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in Jeddah on December 20.

Discussions at the meeting are expected to centre on co-financing arrangements for the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ Phase II) as well as enhancing coordination of IsDB projects in Nigeria to support the country’s agricultural and economic development.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed eight permanent secretaries to fill existing and impending vacancies in the federal civil service.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the appointments, which aim to address administrative gaps while ensuring balanced representation across the country.

The newly appointed permanent secretaries are: Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu (Abia State), Ndiomu Ebiogeh Philip (Bayelsa), Anuma Ogbonnaya Nlia (Ebonyi), Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam (Enugu), Kalba Danjuma Usman (Gombe), Usman Salihu Aminu (Kebbi), Oyekunle Patience Nwakuso (Rivers), and Nadungu Gagare (Kaduna).

The appointments followed a thorough selection process supervised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The process identified candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and ability to contribute to the effective administration of the civil service.

This marks the second set of permanent secretaries appointed by President Tinubu since his administration began.

In June, eight permanent secretaries were appointed from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Jigawa, Ondo, Zamfara, parts of the Southeast, and the Southsouth.

President Tinubu urged the newly appointed officials to continue to demonstrate diligence, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in their roles.

He emphasised the importance of their positions in ensuring efficient governance and driving the country’s development.

A former minister of sports and youth development Bolaji Abdullahi, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Abdullahi announced his intention to resign in a letter dated December 16 and addressed to the PDP ward chairman in Ubadawaki, Kwara state.

The ex-minister also said he is yet to decide which political platform to pitch tent with.

“The decision of what to do and where to go will be taken in the future that’s left to God,” he said.

In the resignation letter, Abdullahi said he reached the “difficult” decision after days of reflection and introspection.

“I write to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” the letter reads.

“I have had ample time to reflect, and I have come to the difficult conclusion that this is the only tenable option for me at this time.

“Mr. Chairman, please permit me to express, through you, my gratitude to the leadership of the party for the opportunities that I have had to serve the state and the country on its platform, and for the great moments we have shared.”

Abdullahi was the PDP candidate for the Kwara central senatorial district election in 2023. He lost the race to Salihu Mustapha of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A Jos Magistrates’ Court on Monday, sentenced a 20-year old tailor, Ahmad Garba to three months imprisonment for stealing six shirts and six trousers.

The Magistrate, Shawomi Bokkos, summarily tried and sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Bokkos in his judgment, ordered the convict to pay an option of N10, 000 fine or spend three months in prison.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Inspector Ijuptil Thiawur, told the court that the case was reported on November 17, at the “C” Division Police station by Usman Mohammed.

Thiawur said that the convict trespassed into the complainant’s house and stole six shirts and trousers and he was caught.

The police said that the offence contravened the Plateau Penal Code Law, NAN reports.

The US police on Sunday arrested a 16-year-old boy in New Mexico after an alleged quadruple homicide of his family members.

New Mexico State Police, in a statement said the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 emergency call before dawn on Saturday from a male minor who told the dispatcher he had killed his family.

It was gathered that when deputies arrived at the home, located in the city of Belen, the 16-year-old walked out of the residence with his hands in the air and was extremely intoxicated.

“Deputies entered the residence to find Leonardo Leyva, 42, Adriana Bencomo, 35, Adrian Leyva, 16, and Alexander Leyva, 14, all deceased from suspected gunshot wounds. A handgun was located on the kitchen table,” state police added.

A Belen official said that the victims are the suspect’s parents and two brothers.

The police said that the teen suspect has been charged on suspicion of four counts of first-degree murder.

A combined team of security operatives made up of the Nigeria Police force, Armed forces, Department of State Security Service, DSS and Nigeria Civil Defense have dismantled criminal hideouts responsible for incessant civil unrest in Ezioha, Eziama Autonomous Community in Mbaitoli LGA Imo State.

In a press statement made available to Journalists by the State Police Command’s public relations officer, ASP Henry Okoye, said the operation led to the killing of four suspects, the arrest of five, recovery of various firearms and other items linked to the suspects.

Okoye informed that the operation was made successful by the combined security outfits in their renewed effort to improve security and combat insurgency.

He pointed out that the various security agencies, under the auspices of “Operation Udoka”, have strengthened their operations to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.

The release revealed that the Commissioner of Police, CP, Aboki Danjuma and other service commanders conducted an assessment of the ongoing operation in Ezioha, Eziama Autonomous Community aimed at targeting criminal hideouts responsible for violent attacks and kidnappings in the region.

The police spokesperson hinted that the operation leading to the dismantling of the suspect’s hideouts was followed by a protracted gunfight with the terrorists disclosing that eight motorcycles, several dangerous weapons including explosive devices, and communication equipment linked to the suspects were recovered.

“The assessment, involved key security figures, including the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, Brigadier General U.A. Lawal, Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Air Commodore David Bello, Commander NAF 211 Quick Response Group, Owerri, Naval Commander Oguta, Commodore MB Salisu, the DSS Commander, the NSCDC Commander, and the SSA to the Governor on Security Affairs, Brig. Gen. Joseph Ogbonna (Rtd.). They commended the professionalism of the joint security operatives and stressed the importance of public cooperation in aiding the fight against crime by providing valuable intelligence,” he stated.

Okoye remarked that the operation followed an earlier ransacking of a similar criminal hideout in Aku within the month.

He further stated that the State Police Commissioner used the moment to reassure the people of the state that the security agencies were working in unison to protect the state.

“The CP. called on all citizens to work in partnership with law enforcement agencies to ensure a peaceful and secure environment throughout the holiday season.”Okoye further stated

A mayor in Mexico’s central San Luis Potosi state, who was a member of the ruling Morena party, was shot dead on Sunday along with three other people, local authorities said.

Jesus Eduardo Franco, mayor of Tancanhuitz municipality, and the three other victims were all found dead inside a vehicle, according to the state prosecutor’s office.”We deeply regret the death of our colleague Eduardo Franco, municipal president of Tancanhuitz,” Morena party president Rita Rodriguez wrote on X.

“We ask authorities to reach the ultimate consequences and find those responsible,” she added.

Dozens of local officials have been targeted in organised crime-related violence that has plagued Mexico in recent years.

Local media reported last month that Alejandro Arcos, a mayor in southern Guerrero state, was decapitated less than a week after taking office and his head placed on top of a pickup truck.

More than 450,000 people have been murdered and thousands have gone missing since the Mexican government deployed the army to combat drug trafficking in 2006, according to official figures.

The Benue State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has rescued 11 persons and recovered 20 bodies from a boat accident in Agatu Local Government Area.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police Sewuese Anene, told the News Agency Nigeria (NAN) yesterday that the incident took place late in the evening of the previous day.

Anene said the rescue was still ongoing.

Chairman, Agatu LGA, Mr Melvin James, said the victims were from Nasarawa State.

“It’s true that there was a boat mishap yesterday, and the people came to Ocholonya market in Agatu,’’ he added.

“What I learnt is that when they were returning to their base in Apochi and Odenyi communities in Doma in Nasarawa State, the boat they were travelling in capsized.

“I am trying to get my colleague from Nasarawa State to see how we can go there to visit the families and console them,” he said.

James said he had contacted the commander of the Nigerian Navy in the LGA to help in the rescue.

An accident involving two containerised trucks one loaded and the other empty occurred yesterday at Powerline by Cele Bus Stop, Ita-Oluwo, Ikorodu, Lagos State.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that three individuals were killed in the incident, while two others were rescued from the wreckage with injuries and taken to the General Hospital, Ikorodu, for treatment.

According to reports, the truck had a brake failure while allegedly trying to evade a revenue collector in pursuit.The mechanical failure led to a chain reaction, causing the truck to collide with other vehicles and damaging nearby structures.

Emergency services, including LASTMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Fire Service, and personnel from the Nigerian Army’s 174 Battalion, responded promptly to the scene.

LASTMA officials secured the area with caution tape to facilitate rescue operations and prevent further harm to bystanders.

Its General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condoled with families of the deceased.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recovered 636,600 bottles of codeine-based syrup worth N4.4 billion in street value at Port-Harcourt Port Complex, Onne, Rivers.

This is contained in a statement issued by agency spokesman Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Babafemi said that the drugs were intercepted in shipments from India on December 9, 11 and 13.

He said the seizures were made during a joint examination of four containers by NDLEA officers, men of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other security agencies at the port.

This, he said, was made possible following processed credible intelligence on the shipments by the NDLEA operatives.

“At the Port Harcourt Port Complex, Onne, Rivers state, no fewer than 636,600 bottles of codeine-based syrup worth N4.4billion in street value were intercepted in shipments from India,” he said.

Meanwhile, with the same vigour, Commands and formations of the agencies across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities to schools, worship centres, workplaces and communities, among others, in the past week.

Mr Babafemi named the places as WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of City Comprehensive College, Ogidi, Anambra, Government Secondary School, Toungo, Adamawa, Bonny Camp Primary School, Victoria Island, Lagos, and Government Junior Secondary School, Yarganji, Kano.

He added that the Oyo State command of NDLEA delivered a WADA enlightenment lecture to leaders, elders, youths and residents of Tapa, among others.

This, he said, was a continuous process by the agency to reduce, to the barest minimum, the dangers of illicit drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the country.

Mr Babafemi said NDLEA top boss Buba Marwa commended the officers and men of the Onne area of the agency for the arrests and seizures.

Marwa said that the operational successes should show the drug barons and cartels that the agency had the capacity and intelligence network to track their movements and their consignments even before getting to Nigeria.

He said the agency would continue to lose heavily if it failed to back down on the criminal trade.

Tragedy struck on the River Benue as around 20 people, mostly women and children, reportedly drowned when a wooden boat capsized near Ocholonya in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday.

The victims, traders returning to Odenyi in Nasarawa Toto LGA of Nasarawa State after attending the Ocholonya market, were caught in the mishap.

A local resident, who identified himself simply as Adanyi, narrated, “Yesterday (Saturday) was Ocholonya market day, and this market is within Agatu LGA.

“The people, mostly women and children, were returning to their base in Odenyi in Nasarawa State when the boat they were travelling in capsized, and all died.”

Confirming the incident to our correspondent on Sunday, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, stated, “It’s true that there was a boat mishap yesterday, and the people came to Ocholonya market. Ocholonya is in Agatu Local Government.

“What I learnt is that when they were returning to their base in Apochi and Odenyi communities in Doma, Nasarawa State, the boat they were travelling in capsized.”

James continued, “I am trying to get my colleague from Nasarawa State to see how we can visit the families and console them. Conflicting reports suggest that 20 people have died, but no recovery of the corpses to my knowledge.

“Locals confirmed that divers have recovered corpses, but as chairman, I must speak authoritatively. I want to establish contact with divers to confirm the actual number of bodies recovered, but their lines were not connecting.

“However, one source told me that 20 corpses have been recovered, and some people are still missing.”

The chairman further revealed that he had contacted the Nigerian Navy commander in the LGA to assist in the rescue operation.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson for the state Police Command, Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful as her phone line was unreachable.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has refuted claims that it approved the herbal product Lung Detox Tea or Lungitox (Smokers Pride), which falsely asserts that it makes smoking safe when used.

NAFDAC condemned the misleading claim circulating in a video on social media, describing it as false and unfounded, emphasizing that such claims endanger public health while urging Nigerians to disregard them.

In a statement on Sunday by its Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, NAFDAC clarified that the promoters of the product had applied for registration but the application was denied as the product’s scientific efficacy and safety could not be substantiated.

The statement reads: “The attention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to a misleading video circulating on social media, alleging that NAFDAC approved the registration of a herbal product claiming that “smoking is healthy” when used with their product.

“NAFDAC wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and completely unfounded. The product in question—Lung Detox Tea or Lungitox (Smokers Pride) or any similar product—is NOT registered by NAFDAC.

“The unscrupulous individual behind this product had applied for registration, but the application was outrightly rejected due to the unsubstantiated and dangerous claim that smoking could be made “healthy” by consuming the product.

“As a scientific and professional agency, NAFDAC will never permit the importation, exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, sale, and use of products with claims that do not have any scientific basis.

“Herbal Products and any other related products are not allowed to make any therapeutic claims unless scientifically validated through proper clinical trial studies.

“NAFDAC remains steadfast in its mandate to protect public health and ensure that only safe, effective, and scientifically substantiated products are approved.

“We condemn any attempt to mislead or endanger the public with false claims.

“The public is advised to disregard this video and report any suspicious claims or products to the Agency through our official channels”.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olu Daramola, a partner at Afe Babalola law chamber, has filed a N500,000 suit at at Ojodu Abiodun division of Ogun State High Court, against Tomilola Titus Farotimi also known as Dele Farotimi for defamation alleged to be contained in his new book titled “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System”.

The suit was filed barely a month after an earlier one filed by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) over similar and alleged defamatory words contained in the book.

The writ, marked HCO/65/24 dated December 13, 2024 was taken on behalf of the applicant by Iheanyichukwu C. Uwa on behalf of the applicant, Olu Daramola (SAN).

The claimant, Daramola, is seeking a declaration that the book, titled ” Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System” authored by the defendant, in circulation within and outside the country and the jurisdiction of the Court, contained some defamatory words on its page 64 as published and distributed by the defendant, regarding the claimant is offensive, defamatory and derogatory and has brought the claimant into ridicule, odium, disrespect, disrepute and scorn in the eyes of the right-thinking members of the society.

The claimant is seeking a declaration that the book as published and distributed by the defendant and regarding the claimant has injured the claimant’s character, prestige, pedigree and reputation as an honest, law abiding, competent, dutiful, reliable, diligent and trustworthy legal practitioner.

The claimant is therefore seeking an order of the court awarding N500,000 against the defendant being exemplary and general damages in favour of the claimant for the book authored by the defendant and said to be in circulation all over the country.

The claimant sought an order from the court compelling the defendant to publish an unreserved apology in the Guardian Newspaper and The Punch or any other two widely national newspapers retracting the said libelous excerpts as contained in the book authored by the defendant and within the jurisdiction of the court.

The claimant sought an order of the court directing the recovery and destruction of the book authored by the defendant and currently in circulation across Nigeria and within the jurisdiction of the court in both hard and soft copy formats from all bookshops, libraries, archives, booksellers, social media and online platforms amongst others.

An order of perpetual injunction was sought by the claimant restraining the defendant, whether by himself, privies, agents/servants, staff, officers, or any other person howsoever described from publishing, causing to be published or in any other manner circulating the said offensive book both in hard and soft copy formats authored by the defendant regarding the claimant.

The claimant further asked for an order of the court directing the Defendant to pay interest on the judgment sum awarded to the Claimant at the rate of 10% (ten per cent) per annum from the date of judgment in this suit until the judgment debt is fully and finally liquidated.

No date has been fixed for hearing of the suit now as the defendant, currently in custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) is yet to file a response to the suit.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has imposed a N150 million penalty per branch on Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) found engaging in the illegal flow of freshly minted Naira notes to currency hawkers and unscrupulous agents.

This was disclosed in a circular dated December 13, 2024, signed by Mohammed J. Olayemi, Acting Director of the Currency Operations Department.

According to the CBN, the fine will apply to the first instance of a violation by any branch found to have facilitated, aided, or abetted the distribution of mint notes to hawkers.

Subsequent violations will attract stricter penalties under the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.

In the circular, the CBN expressed concern over the rising trend of cash hawking, where mint Naira notes are openly sold in markets and public spaces. It noted that this practice undermines the efficient distribution of cash across the country and erodes public confidence in the financial system.

To enforce compliance, the CBN announced plans to conduct periodic spot checks in banking halls and ATMs, focusing on cash disbursement practices. Additionally, mystery shopping exercises will be undertaken to identify cash-hawking hotspots and expose banks involved in the illicit trade.

The circular also referred to an earlier directive issued on November 13, 2024, reiterating the apex bank’s commitment to eliminating the commodification of Naira notes.

Beyond imposing fines, the CBN has urged financial institutions to strengthen their internal controls, processes, and procedures around cash management. It emphasized the need for banks to tighten operations at Cash Management Centres, branches, and teller points to prevent the exploitation of cash distribution mechanisms.

“This directive underscores the CBN’s resolve to address the illegal activities undermining efficient cash distribution and ensure the integrity of the Nigerian financial system,” the circular stated.

The CBN called on banks to take proactive steps to monitor and secure their cash distribution processes, warning that non-compliance would attract severe consequences.

The move forms part of the apex bank’s broader strategy to uphold the sanctity of the Naira and promote efficient cash management across the country.

South Korean lawmakers on Saturday voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid, with the opposition declaring a “victory of the people”.

The vote took place as hundreds of thousands took to the streets of Seoul in rival rallies for and against Yoon, who launched a failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3.Out of 300 lawmakers, 204 voted to impeach the president on allegations of insurrection. 85 voted against. Three abstained, with eight votes nullified.With the impeachment, Yoon has been suspended from office while South Korea’s Constitutional Court deliberates on the vote.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is now the nation’s interim leader.

The court now has 180 days to rule on Yoon’s future.

Two hundred votes were needed for the impeachment to pass, and opposition lawmakers needed to convince at least eight parliamentarians from Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) to switch sides.

A Seoul police official earlier told AFP at least 200,000 people had massed outside parliament in support of removing the president.

On the other side of Seoul near Gwanghwamun square, police estimated 30,000 had rallied in support of Yoon, blasting patriotic songs and waving South Korean and American flags.

“Yoon had no choice but to declare martial law. I approve of every decision he has made as president,” supporter Choi Hee-sun, 62, told AFP before the vote.

The South Korean president has vowed to fight on and doubled down on unsubstantiated claims the opposition is in league with the country’s communist foes.

One protester said she had rented a bus so parents at the rally would have a place to change diapers and feed their babies.

Another said they had initially planned to spend their Saturday hiking.

“But I came here instead to support my fellow citizens,” Kim Deuk-yun, 58, told AFP.

– Insurrection claims –

If the Constitutional Court backs his removal, Yoon would become the second president in South Korean history to be successfully impeached.

But there is also precedent for the court to block impeachment. In 2004, then-president Roh Moo-hyun was removed by parliament for alleged election law violations and incompetence, but the Constitutional Court later reinstated him.

The court currently only has six judges, meaning their decision must be unanimous.

And should the vote fail, Yoon could still face “legal responsibility” for the martial law bid, Kim Hyun-jung, a researcher at the Korea University Institute of Law, told AFP.

“This is an act of insurrection,” she said.

“Even if the impeachment motion does not pass, the president’s legal responsibilities under the Criminal Code… cannot be avoided.”

Yoon has remained unapologetic and defiant as the fallout from his disastrous martial law declaration has deepened and an investigation into his inner circle has widened.

His approval rating — never very high — has plummeted to 11 per cent, according to a Gallup Korea poll released Friday.

The same poll showed that 75 per cent now support his impeachment.

A Nigeria pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, has dismissed claims that he was about to be deported from his current base in the United Kingdom.

Adeboyega, who recently lost his battle against deportation from the UK over an alleged £1.87 million fraud, said the allegations levelled against him are baseless and should be dismissed.

In December, an investigation by the UK Charity Commission found “serious misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration” of his church.

PUNCH Online reports that an immigration tribunal ruled that Adegboyega should be deported to Nigeria after investigations exposed the misuse of funds by his church.

In an interview with the BBC published on Friday, the founder of the SPAC Nation church dismissed the allegations, saying that fraud allegations against him came from “disgruntled members” of his church.

“It is false. They have been on this thing for the past four years.

“If you have 1,000 people in a place, are you telling me 30 people will not be disgruntled? How on earth do you run an organisation without disgruntled people?” he asked.

Speaking further, Adegboyega dismissed reports of a deportation order, adding that the case was an “ongoing issue”.

He said, “There is no deportation order. Let me make that clear.”

Adegboyega stated that he has decided his fate is in the hands of the judges, stressing that his church has helped get hundreds of knives off the streets and has tackled gun violence in the UK.

“We believe in a practical approach to help a community – young people coming out of low social-economic background, taking them out of crime,” he said.

Addressing criticism over his lavish lifestyle, the preacher said he puts on luxury items to connect to the new generation he is speaking to.

He said, “I put on what is right, what connects to the generation I’m speaking to, so they are not attracted to drug dealers”.

Addressing his long stay in the UK, Adegboyega said he arrived in the country at 25 in 2005 on a visitor’s visa but failed to legalise his stay.

The pastor said he assumed his family was handling his immigration paperwork.

“I lost track of time,” he said, referring to the nearly decade-long delay in applying to regularise his immigration status.

The Ogun State Police Command on Saturday said that its operatives have arrested a truck driver, Olalere Timileyin and his motor boy at Obada Oko, Abeokuta, the state capital, over the death of a man said to have been assaulted for allegedly stealing a tarpaulin.

The spokesperson for the state police command, SP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement sent to journalists on Saturday.

Odutola stated that one Alao Fadipe of Iyana Ikereku at about 3 am on Friday, December 13, reported to the police how he saw some individuals fighting on the road in front of his house.

Fadipe reportedly told the police that upon getting to the scene, he observed that Timileyin, a truck driver and his motor-boy associated with a cement factory in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state were allegedly assaulting a man for stealing tarpaulin until he lost consciousness.

Odutola explained further, “Acting on the complaint, detectives from Obada Oko responded and arrested the driver and his motor-boy at the location.

“The injured man was promptly taken to the State Hospital, Ijaye, for medical care, but sadly passed away during treatment.

“The body has been sent to the morgue for an autopsy. The suspects are currently being interrogated, and efforts are underway to reach the deceased’s family.

“The case will be forwarded to SCIID Eleweran for further investigation”.

The state command has also warned residents against street fights or any act of violence that could lead to a breach of peace during this yuletide and beyond.

More trouble seems to be brewing for lawyer and human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, following a petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee seeking his disbarment.

The Law Firm of Afe Babalola which filed the petition accused Farotimi of violating certain provisions of the rules of professional conduct for lawyers.

He is specifically accused of violating “the extant Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners Rules 1, 15(1), 15(2b), 15(3a), 15(3g), 15(3i), 15(3j), 26(1), 27(1), 30, 31(1), (2) and (4) of the Rules of Professional Conduct 2023 by bringing the entire judiciary in Nigeria into disrepute with his unfounded allegations of corruption against eminent justices of the supreme court of Nigeria, judges of high court of Lagos state, Aare Afe Babalola san, Olu Deramola, SAN, Ola Faro esq, and the entire chambers of Afe Babalola & co in his book titled ‘Nigeria and its criminal justice system.”

Farotimi is currently standing trial in Ado Ekiti for alleged criminal defamation

He was granted bail on Monday in the sum of N50 million and his case adjourned till 29 January 2025.

Farotimi,according to Ola Faro, a partner in the Afe Babalola Law firm, engaged in conduct that was unbecoming of a legal practitioner by making false accusations against the Supreme Court and the legal profession in his book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

The Farotimi allegations,the petitioners,added were aimed at discrediting the Nigerian judiciary, including Justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the High Court of Lagos State and their law firm, and to subject them to ridicule within the legal community, thereby damaging their hard-earned reputation and financial standing.

Faro said: “He (Farotimi) joined his clients in committing misconduct and breach of law with reference to judicial officers by having unlawful access to a judicial officer. He gave service to his client which he knows is capable of causing a breach of law and disrespect and corrupting a judicial officer. He knowingly made a false statement of law and facts with respect to a case already decided by the Supreme Court.

“He assisted his clients in a conduct that he knows to be illegal and fraudulent. Knowingly engaged in illegal conduct in the cause of his practice as a legal practitioner. Treated his fellow lawyers without respect, fairness, consideration and dignity, allowing ill feelings between opposing clients to influence his conduct and demeanour by distorting the facts of a case in the cause of his practice as a legal practitioner.

“Failed to observe good faith and fairness in dealing with other lawyers in respect to a case already decided by the Supreme Court. Conducted himself in a manner that obstructed, delayed and adversely affected the administration of justice by taking steps to frustrate a decision of the Supreme Court for his personal benefit and the benefit of his client who lost at the Supreme Court.

“Treated the court, particularly the Supreme Court without respect, dignity and honour by using uncouth, unprofessional, undignified and offensive language against the Supreme Court and the justices of the Supreme Court. Made defamatory statements against judicial officers rather than making a complaint to appropriate authorities.

“Indicated that he discussed a pending case with a judge trying the case in the absence of an opposing lawyer. The contravention of these rules by the Respondent (Farotimi) prompted this petition to protect the dignity of the legal profession, the dignity of the court as the temple of justice and to uphold the standards of the legal profession.”

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja and the Oyo State High Court have already barred Farotimi from further publishing, selling, circulating, advertising, or distributing the hard or soft copies of the book.