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President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, appointed Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff.
In addition to other appointments, President Tinubu also appointed Rear Adm. E.A Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar, as Chief of the Air Staff, while Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye was appointed Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Biztellers presents to you below, a brief profile of those saddled with the responsibility of minding the security architecture of Nigeria.
Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa (CDS)
Born in Sokoto on Dec. 25, 1967, the new CDS, Gen. Musa, hails from Zangon Kataf in Kaduna State.
He is a member of the 38th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy and was commissioned on Sept. 21, 1991 into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps.
Maj. -Gen. Musa holds a Masters Degree in Defence Studies, from the National Defence University, Changing, Beijing, China.
His active involvement in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, over the past decade, highlights the numerous command appointments he has held in the cause of his military career.
Maj. -Gen. Musa was Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai in the North East, before his deployment as Commander Infantry Corps, from where he was appointed as CDS.
Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja (COAS)
The new COAS, was born on February 28, 1968 in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, Osun State.
He grew up at Osogbo, and attended St. Charles Grammar School and Local Authority Teachers College.
Maj.-Gen. Lagbaja is a member of the 39 regular course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
His academic records show that he holds a Bachelor degree in Geography from NDA Kaduna, and Masters Degree from U.S. Army War College.
Until his elevation as COAS, Maj.-Gen. Lagbaja was the Chief of Operation (Army), and had served as General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Kaduna as well as 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu.
His active military roles had seen Maj.-Gen. Lagbaja participated and held command positions in several military operations, prominent among which are Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi Peninsula, United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Operation ZAKI.
He was also part of the Internal Security Operation in Benue; Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Operation MESA/UDO KA, and Internal Security Operation in the South East.
It is noteworthy that as GOC 1 Division in Kaduna, Maj.-Gen. Lagbaja personally led troops of Operation FOREST SANITY in confronting terrorists in Kaduna and Niger States.
Rear Adm. E.A Ogalla (CNS)
The new Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla was born on December 20, 1968 in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.
He obtained the West African School Certificate from the NMS Zaria in June, 1987 where he graduated as the ‘Best Boy’ in Sciences.
He is a member of the 39 RC NDA. He graduated with a BSc in Mathematics and was awarded Sword of Honour as the best naval cadet in his course.
He was commissioned S Lt on September 16, 1992 and rose to the rank of R Adm, effective September 16, 2021.
He completed the STC NNS QUORRA, Basic Hydrography National Hydrographic School India in May 2000, Junior and Senior Staff Courses AFCSC Jaji in Nov 01 and Jul 06 respectively. He was a participant of NDC Course 22 and was awarded fdc in Aug 14.
As part of the Course, he took part in the MSc Strategic Studies programme, University of Ibadan from 2014 to 2015.
The senior officer served on board many ships including NNS AMBE, ARADU, LANA, EKUN, AGU, QUORRA, BEECROFT, DELTA and PATHFINDER.
While on board NNS EKUN, he took part in the ECOMOG Operations in Liberia in 1996. Also as the Base operations officer in NNS PATHFINDER, he was responsible for coordinating anti illegal bunkering operations as well the entire policing duties of the base.
During the period there was a remarkable reduction in illegal activities in the maritime area within the base area of operations.
The senior officer also served as Instructor, CI and Comdt NNHS, SO 1 Survey and DD Instruments NNHO, ADCP, DD Hydro and DPR NHQ, as well as DS/ DARAS NDC and D Audit NASS NHQ. He is currently the DLL NHQ.
During his cumulative 6-year tour of duty in NNHS, he taught geodesy, datum conversion, tidal predictions and analysis, satellite surveying, bathymetry, among others.
As Comdt, he linked the School with Teledyn Marines, a reputable OEM in the US, which enabled the NN to procure several survey equipment from the company, leading to improvements in practical training.
He was also instrumental to the review of the School’s curriculum to align with IHO requirements. During his tour of duty in the NNHO, the senior officer was instrumental to the localisation of tidal prediction and analysis.
He participated in the FAO sponsored Guinea Current Large Marine Ecosystem survey in 2004 and provided professional inputs during the survey and production of the NNHO charts.
During his tour of duty at the NDC, he contributed towards the improvement of the College research package and also led the 2018 participants research study tour to China and South Korea.
As DLL he was responsible for collating and analysing previous NN Operations and activities with the objective of drawing lessons necessary for doctrinal and operational improvements.
The Senior officer is decorated with FSS, MSS, DSS and GSS. He is a member of the Nigerian Hydrographic Society, Nigerian Institute of Management, the International Earth Rotation Services and also a fellow of the Occupational Safety and Health Association of the UK.
He is married to Mrs Ijeoma Ogalla and the marriage is blessed with two children.
His hobbies include jugging, reading, listening and researching about science and nature.
Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar, (CAS)
The new CAS, AVM Abubakar is the 22nd CAS.
He was born on September 11, 1970 and hails from Shanono Local Government Area in Kano State.
He was enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as a member of 39 Regular Course of NDA and was commissioned Pilot Officer on September 19, 1992.
He was the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command until his new appointment and have attended several course.
Abubakar holds Bachelor of Science Degree from the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna and Basic Flying Training Courses at the 301 Flying Training School Kaduna.
He also attended the National Defence Course at the Nasser Higher Military Academy, Cairo – Egypt, and holds Masters Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye (CDI)
The new Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Undiandeye hails from Bedia in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.
He was, until his appointment, the Commandant of the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State. Mr Undiandeye was a member of the Troop Contributing Countries Working Group for developing the second edition of the United Nations Infantry Battalion Manual (UNIBAM) published in 2020 by the UN Office of military affairs. He is of the Intelligence Corps of the Nigerian Army.
As the Chief of Defense Intelligence, Undiandeye will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating intelligence activities across various branches of the Nigerian armed forces.
His primary focus will be to enhance the intelligence capabilities of the defence sector, strengthen information-gathering networks, and provide critical insights to support military operations.
Maj.-Gen. Undiandeye was a member of the Troop Contributing Countries Working Group for the development of second edition of the United Nation Infantry Battalion Manual (UNIBAM) published in 2020 by the UN office of military affairs.
He is of the Intelligence Corps of the Nigerian Army.
Acting IGP, Kayode Egbetokun
The acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was born on September 4, 1964, hails from Egbado South Local Government Area of Ogun State, enlisted into the Nigeria Police force as a Cadet ASP (Course 16) on March 3, 1990.
He holds a Bsc (ED) (Hons) in Mathematics and an Msc Engineering Analysis both from the University of Lagos.
He also holds a Masters in Business Administration from the Lagos State University, LASU and a Post Graduate Diploma, PGD, in Petroleum Economic from Delta State University.
In addition, the acting IGP bagged a PhD Peace and Security Studies from Al-hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State.
Egbetokun was a former Chief Security Officer to President Bola Tinubu when the latter was governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2005.
He also served among others as the Deputy Commandant of the Police College Ikeja in Lagos State, Commissioner of Police Servicom Force Headquarters Abuja, Commissioner of Police Explosive Ordinance Disposal, EOD, Force Headquarters; Commissioner of Police Kwara State Command.
Adeniyi, new Customs CG
Mr Bashir Adeniyi, the Acting Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs has over 30 years’ experience in Customs administration and has covered Strategic and operational responsibilities.
From February 2020 to January 2023, Adeniyi was an Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.
He was also the Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada, Abuja.
He has also been involved in mentoring and leadership development.
Embattled Nigerian pastor and founder of SPAC Nation, Tobi Adegboyega, has defended his opulent lifestyle, claiming it serves to inspire young people rather than flaunt wealth.
This statement comes amid a UK Immigration Upper Tribunal ruling ordering his deportation over visa violations.
Adegboyega, 44, faced accusations of overstaying his visitor visa, which expired after he arrived in the UK in 2005.
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He had applied to remain in the country on human rights grounds. The tribunal, however, ruled against him, citing his failure to regularize his status.
The pastor’s luxurious lifestyle, including designer clothing and expensive cars, was a focal point of the case.
Addressing the tribunal, Adegboyega stated that his lifestyle is fully funded by his wife, Mary Olubukola Alade, who earns £100,000 annually at AON.
He said, “I live with my partner, Mary Olubukola Alade, who earns £100,000 per year working for AON. I spend my time working for the church, for which I am unpaid. I am entirely supported by Mary. I have a first-class law degree from Nigeria, but I have ‘sacrificed’ my legal career to help those who cannot help themselves.”
Defending his appearance, Adegboyega emphasized the importance of projecting success to his young congregation.
The court noted, “For instance, people have pointed to the fact that he wears designer clothing and drives expensive cars. He was adamant that all of his personal possessions had been paid for by Mary.
“He believes it is important for him to dress the way that he does because he needs to inspire these young people – they need to understand that there are legitimate ways of making money, for instance through entrepreneurship.”
Despite the ruling, Adegboyega dismissed the deportation concerns as insignificant.
“I’m right here at home, no cause for alarm. Naturally, I will dismiss things that have to do with retrogression; every Nigerian should be proud of me. Living in the UK, a city that is well known for pulling people down, I have survived all sorts, so the matter that they are propagating is the smallest matter,” he said.
He further expressed confidence in his resilience. “No panic, I love London city, it is my city, and nobody can do anything. Of all the people of colour you know here – pastors and leaders – I have survived everything. I’m here, I am at home, nobody should panic for me.
“I succeeded well in this country despite all challenges, and I’m in the league of people you look up to. I have survived that well; nothing has changed, nothing will change,” he added.
Amid the growing controversy surrounding the detention of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Aare Afe Babalola has publicly addressed the defamation allegations leveled against Farotimi.
The legal action stems from claims made in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, which Babalola asserts contains false and defamatory statements about him and his law firm, Afe Babalola & Co.
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In a petition dated November 19 and submitted to the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Adeniran Akinwale, Babalola accused Farotimi of making “criminally defamatory” statements about him, his law firm, and two senior lawyers at his firm, Olu Daramola SAN and Ola Faro.
The defamatory remarks are tied to the Supreme Court case Major Muritala Gbadamosi Eletu & Ors v. H.R.H. Oba Tijani Akinloye & Ors.
Babalola revealed that the allegations came to light when one of his lawyers purchased Farotimi’s book while traveling through Murtala Muhammed Airport.
After reading the book, the lawyer immediately brought its contents to Babalola’s attention.
Other members of his firm reportedly did the same, prompting the senior lawyer to take legal action.
In his petition, Babalola pointed to specific passages in Farotimi’s book that accused him of corruption and unethical conduct. The petition reads:
“I write to report the criminal defamation of myself, my law firm Afe Babalola & Co., and my lawyers, Olu Daramola SAN and Ola Faro, by one Dele Farotimi in his book titled ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’, published by Dele Farotimi Publishers, in respect of Suit No. SC/146/2005: Major Muritala Gbadamosi Eletu & Ors v. H.R.H. Oba Tijani Akinloye & Ors.
“Sometime on 2/11/2024, one of our lawyers, while traveling through Murtala Muhammed Airport, bought a book by Dele Farotimi titled ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’. He read the book and immediately brought it to my attention. Many of my lawyers also bought the book and read it.”
“The defamatory statements are as follows:
- That Aare Afe Babalola corrupted the Supreme Court to procure a fraudulent judgment in the service of his client.
- That Aare Afe Babalola, Olu Daramola, Olu Faro, and the law offices of Afe Babalola & Co. (Emmanuel Chambers) compromised the Supreme Court and the remaining semblance of integrity it might have had, when they went back to the Supreme Court and got the Court to swim in the sewer of corruption and shameful self-abnegation.”
Babalola strongly denies the allegations, claiming that they are false and damaging to both his personal reputation and the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary.
Nigerian author and activist Dele Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, has surged to bestseller status on Amazon amid a legal battle with prominent lawyer and businessman, Afe Babalola.
The controversy surrounding the book has captivated public attention, driving both online and offline demand.
The book, which critiques systemic corruption in Nigeria’s judiciary and highlights alleged misconduct by key legal figures, saw modest sales following its release in July 2024.
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However, Farotimi’s arrest on Tuesday, following a petition filed by the 93-year-old Babalola, triggered a wave of public curiosity.
By Thursday evening, it had climbed to the top of Amazon’s bestseller rankings, according to checks by Vanguard. Bookstores across Nigeria also reported a significant uptick in demand.
Biztellers reports that Farotimi was detained in Lagos by armed police officers and transported to Ado Ekiti, about 300 kilometers northeast of the city, where Babalola is based.
The senior lawyer alleged that the book accused him of compromising Nigeria’s judiciary—a claim that has sparked heated debates about freedom of speech and accountability in the legal profession.
On Wednesday, Farotimi was arraigned in an Ekiti court, where the judge ordered his remand pending a bail hearing scheduled for December 10.
Farotimi’s legal team has vowed to contest the charges, framing the case as an attack on intellectual freedom.
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