NEWS
Fresh Legal Battle Over Peter Obi’s Credentials as LP Chieftain Sues Three Institutions
A chieftain of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, has instituted three separate suits against the West African Examinations Council, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the National Youth Service Corps over the academic credentials of Peter Obi, a leading opposition figure ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The cases were filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with Arabambi seeking orders compelling the three institutions to release official records relating to certificates allegedly issued to Obi.
SEE MORE: 2027: Peter Obi Reveals Tinubu Policy He Will Keep If Elected President
The suits were brought under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, with the plaintiff alleging that the institutions either failed to respond to his requests for information concerning Obi’s academic records or refused to provide the requested information.
The suit against WAEC is marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2064/2026 and was filed on September 1, 2026. The case against the NYSC, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2063/2026, was also filed on September 1, while the action against UNN, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2144/2026, was filed on September 9.
Arabambi’s lawyer, Anderson Asemota, filed the three suits on his client’s behalf.
The plaintiff stressed that he was not asking the court to determine whether certificates Obi submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2027 presidential election were genuine or forged.
Instead, he said he was seeking “disclosure of the respondents’ official records from which the status and particulars of the certificate may be ascertained”.
According to Arabambi, he separately wrote to WAEC, UNN and NYSC requesting information concerning certificates he believed the institutions issued to Obi.
He alleged that, by the time the suits were filed, he had neither received the requested information nor been given reasons by UNN and NYSC for withholding the records.
Arabambi maintained that the information was being sought in the public interest, particularly “for purposes of transparency and accountability concerning persons seeking public office.”
He also stressed that he was not asking the institutions “to create any document or information which does not exist”, but wanted “access only to existing official records within the custody, possession or control of the respondents”.
WAEC Certificate
In the suit against WAEC, Arabambi is asking the court to compel the examination body to release a Certified True Copy of WAEC Certificate No. SC042560, reportedly issued to Obi Gregory Onwubuase in June 1978.
UNN Academic Records
In the case against UNN, Arabambi is seeking access to “the University’s certificate register, academic records, graduation records, Senate/ degree-award records and other existing official records relevant to Certificate No. D000198, insofar as such records exist.”
He stressed that he was not asking the court to pronounce on whether the certificate was authentic.
Rather, he said the purpose was to “ascertain what the University’s own official records disclose concerning the certificate”.
NYSC Certificate
In the suit against the NYSC, Arabambi is seeking access to official records concerning NYSC Certificate No. 203495, which was stated to have been issued to “Obi, Gregory Peter-Onwubuase (Mr.) on May 1, 1986”.
He is also requesting the “official record, certificate, document or other material upon which the said Certificate No.203495 was predicated, based or issued, insofar as the same is in the custody, possession or control of the respondents.”
The plaintiff further wants information on how the name “Peter-Onwubuase” appears in the relevant NYSC records.
WAEC Rejection
Court documents showed that WAEC rejected Arabambi’s request in a letter dated August 11, 2026, citing Sections 14(1)(a) and 14(2)(a) and (b) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
Arabambi, however, alleged that UNN and NYSC neither granted his requests nor communicated any reason for refusing to provide the information.
He is therefore asking the court to declare that the refusal by the respondents to furnish him with the requested information was erroneous.
He also wants the court to hold that his requests constituted valid applications for information under the Freedom of Information Act and that the failure to provide the records amounted to “a refusal and/or deemed refusal under the Act”.
Reliefs Sought
Among other reliefs, Arabambi is seeking an order of mandamus compelling UNN to communicate to him the result of its verification of the particulars of Certificate No. D000198 based on the university’s existing official records, including whether the certificate and its particulars appear in those records.
He is equally asking for an order compelling NYSC to communicate to him the result of its verification of Certificate No. 203495 based on its official records.
The plaintiff further wants the court to direct the respondents, if they maintain that any portion of the requested information is exempt from disclosure, to identify the particular information being withheld and the specific statutory provision relied upon for the refusal.
He is also seeking an order directing the disclosure of all severable portions of the requested information that are not exempt.
In addition, Arabambi wants the court to invoke Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act and order disclosure where it finds that the respondents are not authorised to deny access, have no reasonable grounds for doing so, or where the public interest in disclosure outweighs the interest served by withholding the information.
As of the time of filing the report on Sunday, September 13, 2026, no date had been fixed for the hearing of the three suits.
NEWS
Shettima Arrives Maiduguri to Commission Hospital, Schools, 104 Housing Units
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, a student hostel, and 104 staff housing units at the institution.
Shettima’s arrival was disclosed by Stanley Nkwocha, in a post on X on Friday.
The Vice President was received at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur; and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Engr. Mustapha Gubio.
SEE ALSO: Subsidy Removal, FX Reforms Driving Fresh Oil Sector Investment – Shettima
Members of the National Assembly, the Borno State Executive Council, prominent political figures and other top government officials were also present to welcome him.
During the visit, Shettima is expected to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, alongside a student hostel and 104 staff housing units at the institution.
He will also commission Yerwa Central Primary and Junior Secondary School in Maiduguri, as well as the Kashim Shettima Academy, established by his foundation to support children from less privileged backgrounds.
The Vice President has repeatedly emphasised that poverty should not prevent Nigerian children from accessing higher education.
He has also highlighted government initiatives, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), as avenues for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their educational aspirations.
NEWS
Lagos CP Warns Officers Against Extortion, Brutality Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has warned officers against extortion, brutality, unlawful arrests and detention, stressing that any misconduct will attract disciplinary action.
Fatai gave the warning on Thursday, October 22, during a general lecture for officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command at the POWA Hall, GRA, Ikeja.
According to a press release signed by the Lagos State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, and released on Friday, October 23, the lecture was held in compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
SEE MORE: Lagos Police Nab Educational Consultancy Staff Over Fake Visa Fraud
The lecture brought together area commanders, divisional police officers, tactical commanders, heads of departments and other personnel across the command to reinforce professionalism, discipline, accountability and respect for human rights.
Fatai reiterated the Inspector-General’s directives on addressing complaints against police personnel, particularly allegations of brutality, extortion, unlawful arrests and detention.
He warned that officers who engage in misconduct would face disciplinary action, adding that supervisory officers would also be held accountable for the actions of personnel under their command.
The commissioner specifically cautioned tactical teams against extortion, brutality, intimidation, incivility towards members of the public and other dishonest practices.
He directed tactical commanders to ensure that their personnel operate professionally, exercise restraint and respect citizens’ rights.
According to the commissioner, operational responsibilities must not be used as an excuse to exploit or harass members of the public.
Fatai also directed all personnel to comply strictly with the Nigeria Police Force’s Social Media Policy.
He warned that inappropriate online conduct capable of undermining the image of the police would attract sanctions for erring officers and their responsible supervisors.
Lagos CP Prohibits Arrest by Proxy
Addressing the fight against cultism, Fatai urged officers to intensify efforts to tackle the menace while ensuring that all arrests are conducted lawfully and in accordance with due process.
He prohibited arrest by proxy and the arrest of individuals without lawful justification.
The commissioner also emphasised the need to protect the lives and welfare of suspects in police custody, directing officers to maintain close supervision of detainees and ensure they receive humane treatment throughout their detention.
Police Told to Remain Neutral Ahead of 2027 Elections
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Fatai charged officers to remain neutral and professional in the discharge of their duties.
He directed personnel to closely monitor electioneering campaigns and provide adequate security to maintain peace and public order.
The commissioner further urged officers to stay informed about local and international developments, strengthen their professional capacity and remain vigilant against emerging security threats that could affect Lagos State.
Fatai charged all officers and men of the command to uphold the highest standards of integrity, stressing that public trust must be earned through responsible conduct, impartial enforcement of the law and respect for the rights of every citizen.
NEWS
Why Ebola Outbreaks Keep Returning to Africa, Dr Jean Kaseya Explains
The Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr Jean Kaseya, has explained why Ebola outbreaks continue to occur in Africa, citing the need for stronger health systems and surveillance mechanisms to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases.
Kaseya spoke during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, October 22, while discussing recurring Ebola outbreaks on the continent and the challenges facing public health authorities.
SEE ALSO: JUST IN: Over 3,000 Dead as Ebola Outbreak Ravages DR Congo
He explained that some outbreaks originate from animals and spread to humans through contact with the environment, stressing that effective surveillance and stronger healthcare systems were necessary to address the threat.
“We are in Africa in a specific environment. And as you are saying, this outbreak is coming also from animals to humans. It means we are in contact with our environment,” he said.
“But we can avoid that if we have a strong health system in place, if we have strong surveillance mechanisms in place. And this is what we are working to address.”
The Africa CDC chief also announced plans to convene African health ministers on October 28 to discuss the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, which he described as the most geographically widespread outbreak of its kind.
According to Kaseya, three African regions—West, Central and East Africa—have been affected, making coordinated action among countries increasingly important.
“This is why I’m calling even a meeting on the 28th of October of all African ministers, because we see now this outbreak — this Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak — is the most geographically extended outbreak, with three regions in Africa already affected: West, Central and Eastern African regions,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in Africa’s preparedness to respond to public health emergencies, while emphasising the importance of strengthening existing systems to contain outbreaks.
Africa CDC Seeks Cooperation Over Nigeria’s Reported Ebola Case
Kaseya further called for cooperation among Nigeria, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to clarify the travel history of a woman linked to Nigeria’s reported Ebola case.
He said he had been communicating with health authorities in the three countries to establish the woman’s movements before she returned to Abuja on October 3.
According to him, the woman was born in Uganda and had spent some time there before returning to Nigeria. However, further information was needed to establish whether she had travelled through the DRC or had contact with anyone arriving from the country.
“We are talking to all authorities—with Nigerian authorities, with Ugandan authorities, even to DRC authorities,” Kaseya said.
He urged the woman to provide the relevant information to health officials, noting that it would help authorities determine the circumstances surrounding the case and support the countries involved.
“What we want is collaboration from this person, the lady. She has to tell us, to disclose to the authorities. I need this information, as Nigeria needs this information, because we need also to support Uganda,” he said.
Kaseya added that establishing the woman’s travel history and possible contacts would help prevent misunderstandings between the African countries.
“I think these are the pieces of information we are looking for, and it will help all of us, and it will avoid crisis between African countries,” he added.





