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Tinubu Appoints Convicted Ex-FRC Secretary To Probe CBN, Others

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President Bola Tinubu has assigned Jim Osayande Obazee, a man previously dismissed by his predecessor due to numerous allegations of corruption, abuse of office, federal racketeering, and conviction for sexual harassment, to lead an investigation of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other federal agencies.

 

In a letter dated July 28, the president instructed Mr. Obazee, as a special investigator, to uncover extensive corruption within the nation’s main banker and other institutions suspected of promoting a culture of public graft.

 

The president said Mr Obazee, who was controversially removed from office in 2017 by President Muhammadu Buhari following multiple charges that included fraud and sexual assault of a federal official, should “immediately take steps to ensure the strengthening and probity of key Government Business Entities (GBEs), further block leakages in CBN and related GBEs and provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments (whether private or public).”

 

He would operate with “a suitably experienced, competent and capable team and work with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to deliver on this assignment,” Mr Tinubu added in the letter, noting that he would anticipate updates from Mr Obazee’s team on a weekly basis.

 

This is coming approximately seven weeks after President Bola Tinubu dismissed Godwin Emefiele as the head of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and detained him.

 

Despite court orders, he appointed Jim Osayande Obazee to lead an essential anti-corruption investigation

 

It seems that President Tinubu may not have thoroughly considered Mr. Obazee’s controversial background before assigning him to this crucial portfolio.

 

In 2013, Mr. Obazee, who was then the executive secretary of the Financial Reporting Council, faced accusations of sexually abusing a federal official named Abimbola Patricia Yakubu and subsequently retaliated against her by terminating her employment with the federal agency.

 

Ms. Abimbola Patricia Yakubu took swift action and filed a lawsuit against the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) for wrongful termination and allegations of covering up sexual assault by its leadership.

 

The case was heard in the Kano Division of the National Industrial Court, where Justice Oyebiola Oyewunmi presided over a lengthy trial.

 

In the ruling on November 24, 2016, Justice Oyewunmi found in favor of Ms. Yakubu and ordered Mr. Jim Osayande Obazee to pay her N5 million in damages.

 

Additionally, the judge ordered the immediate reinstatement of Ms. Yakubu to her former position with full payment of her salaries, including the period she was away from work due to the illegal termination.

 

The court found that Ms Yakubu “suffered unquantifiable mental and psychological trauma, low self-worth and dignity,” from Mr Obazee’s treatment.

 

“I award the sum of N5,000,000.00 against the 2nd defendant for sexually harassing the claimant, discrimination against her, inhuman and executive recklessness of the 2nd defendant, thereby creating a hostile working environment for the claimant and for the violation of her human dignity and self-worth-respect,” the judge ruled.

 

Despite the judgment against him, Mr. Jim Osayande Obazee maintained his innocence regarding all charges.

 

However, it remains unclear whether he pursued an appeal. The special investigator did not respond to a request from Peoples Gazette seeking comments on his background.

 

In addition to the previous sexual assault case, in 2016, Mr. Obazee faced accusations of embezzling public funds from the agency. There were also allegations that he accepted bribes to advocate for a federal takeover of certain banks and the removal of Lamido Sanusi, who was then the CBN governor.

 

In January 2017, Mr. Jim Osayande Obazee was dismissed from his position as the head of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) by President Muhammadu Buhari.

 

The decision to remove him came after significant controversy surrounding his move to impose strict regulations on churches, mosques, and other faith-based entities across Nigeria.

 

This move was particularly linked to the decision of Enoch Adeboye to step down as the head of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. However, the church denied any involvement in Mr. Obazee’s removal.

 

There was no response from a spokesman for the president regarding how Mr. Obazee was vetted for the position when sought for comments.

 

Mr. Tinubu has faced persistent allegations of corruption and drug dealing throughout his decades-long political career, and he has maintained close relationships with individuals of questionable character.

 

For instance, his chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, was accused of accepting bribes to pass a law in 2021 and had previously faced punishment for misappropriating funds from clients during his legal practice in the United States.

 

Additionally, Abdullahi Ganduje, a key political ally of the president, was caught on video accepting bribes from a public works contractor.

 

While Mr. Tinubu continues to deny corruption allegations, he did acknowledge forfeiting drug money to the U.S. authorities in the 1990s.

 

In a letter to Mr. Obazee, he stated that the decision to appoint a special investigator aligns with his administration’s commitment to eradicating corruption in public service.

 

International News

WHO Releases Alarming Casualty Figures From US‑Israel‑Iran Conflict

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a disturbing update on the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, revealing that thousands of people have been killed or injured in just under two weeks.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that health systems across the Middle East are under “immense strain” and are at risk of complete collapse if the crisis continues.

SEE MORE: US-Israel-Iran War: Day Four Updates from the Middle East

According to WHO reports, Iran has suffered over 1,300 deaths and around 9,000 injuries, while Lebanon has recorded at least 570 deaths and approximately 1,400 injuries.

In Israel, at least 15 people have died and more than 2,100 have been injured since hostilities escalated.

The conflict began on February 28, following a massive joint strike by US and Israeli forces that targeted top Iranian officials, including the country’s Supreme Leader.

The violence has since spread across the region, with retaliatory attacks targeting Israeli sites and US military bases in neighboring countries.

The humanitarian impact is severe. Over 100,000 Iranians and up to 700,000 Lebanese citizens have been displaced, many living in overcrowded conditions with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and medical care.

The WHO warns that these conditions put women and children at particular risk of disease outbreaks.

The organization also highlighted a growing trend of attacks on healthcare infrastructure, reporting dozens of strikes on hospitals and medical facilities across Iran and Lebanon.

Such attacks have not only resulted in deaths but also deprived entire communities of critical medical care when they need it most.

Tedros emphasized the urgent need for all parties to respect international law and protect civilians, calling for unimpeded humanitarian access and immediate measures to prevent the collapse of fragile health systems.

With the conflict continuing to escalate, the WHO has stressed that immediate action is required to protect lives, ensure medical support reaches affected populations, and prevent the humanitarian crisis from worsening.

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2026 Poll: Osun Ndigbo Backs Adeleke’s Second-Term Bid

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Ahead of the 2026 governorship election, the Ndigbo community across the local government areas of Osun State has declared its support for the second-term bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

A government house statement in Osogbo on Wednesday night has it that ndi Igbo cited his administration’s developmental strides across the state for their decision.

The endorsement was made during a courtesy visit by leaders of the Igbo community in Osun to the governor at the Government House in Osogbo, where they commended his leadership and commitment to inclusive governance.

ALSO READ: Adeleke on Why he Deserves Second Term

Speaking on behalf of the association, President-General of the Ndigbo in the state, Chief John Dike, praised the governor for the infrastructural and social development projects being carried out across the state.

He particularly commended the governor for appointing some members of the Igbo community as Senior Special Assistants, describing the gesture as a sign of recognition and inclusion of the community in the affairs of the state.

Chief Dike, however, appealed for further inclusiveness, requesting that more Igbo indigenes be considered for appointments into the state cabinet and other employment opportunities within the government.

He also urged the state government to allocate land for the construction of a modern secretariat for the Igbo community and grant approval for an endorsement rally in support of the governor’s re-election bid.

In addition, the Ndigbo leader sought assistance for Igbo farmers operating within the state, while assuring the governor of the community’s unwavering support for his administration and second-term ambition. Members of the delegation also presented campaign caps to the governor as a symbol of their solidarity.

Responding, Governor Adeleke expressed appreciation for the endorsement, noting that the Igbo community has continued to contribute positively to the social and economic development of the state.

He assured them that his administration would continue to promote their welfare and support their progress, while granting the requests presented during the visit.

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Adeleke on Why he Deserves Second Term

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Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has declared that his administration’s record of performance and fulfilment of electoral promises justifies a second term in office.

A government house statement in Osogbo on Wednesday has it that the governor made the declaration while hosting a delegation of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADS), Osun State Council, during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Osogbo.

ALSO READ: CNG: Tinubu Orders Deployment of 100,000 Kits in Three Weeks

It was gathered that the delegation was led by the National Vice President of the society, Asiwaju Justice Adeigbe (Rtd), alongside the Chairman of the Osun State chapter, Chief Daud Oladapo.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the State Secretary of the society, Dr Afeez Akande, praised the Governor’s performance and pledged the support of the organisation for the continuity of the administration.

“We have been following what you are doing and your track records. You are wonderful and you are marvelous in our eyes. The monumental works you have been doing in Osun make it look like we have never had a Governor like this before,” Dr Akande said.

He noted that the administration’s projects are known for timely delivery and strategic impact on the lives of residents.

“We have identified that once you embark on projects, they are time-bound. It shows genuine administrative acumen, love for the state and love for the people,” he added.

Dr Akande also cited infrastructural developments, specifically the ongoing dualisation of roads, notably that of Iwo as an example of the Governor’s vision-driven leadership.

“That road project has helped to boost economic activities in the area. Such development can only come from someone with vision who follows through with implementation. We appreciate what you are doing and we are resolved to support the continuity,” he said.

Responding, Governor Adeleke thanked the delegation for the visit and reaffirmed his commitment to people-centred governance.

“Today marks the starting point of campaigning for the August 15, 2026 governorship election. We need your prayers and support for a free and fair election through which the will of the people will prevail,” the Governor said.

Governor Adeleke also unveiled an upgraded Five-Point Agenda that will drive his re-election campaign.

“Our reloaded Five-Point Agenda will focus on integrated youth, women and workers’ welfare and empowerment; infrastructure consolidation for citizens’ social and economic wellbeing; agro-industrial expansion for human development and collective prosperity; affordable and qualitative health and education access; and an improved and secured business environment for job creation,” the Governor stated.

Explaining why he deserves a second term, the Governor pointed to the administration’s record across several sectors.

“When the opposition asked whether I deserve to be re-elected, I told them yes based on my performance in this first term in office,” the Governor said.

“I deserve re-election because of what our administration has delivered for the people of Osun. We have empowered the cooperative movement with almost four billion naira, strengthened community development associations with grassroots health and infrastructure projects, and implemented the Imole Medical Outreach that has benefited almost eighty thousand residents.”

He added that the administration has also revived agriculture and rural development across the state.

“We revived the cocoa revolution through aggressive seedling distribution and new farmers’ initiatives, acquired brand new tractors now serving farmers across the state, and implemented thousands of local projects through integrated rural development under the O-RAMP programme,” he said.

Governor Adeleke further highlighted achievements in governance, infrastructure and economic management.

“We introduced a 45-day window for the acquisition of Certificates of Occupancy, revived the Osun Free Trade Zone with active investors, digitised tax and revenue collection, and implemented the SIFMIS payroll application to ensure transparency in the management of public funds,” he stated.

The Governor also cited major achievements in infrastructure and social services.

“We have constructed over 350 kilometres of roads, developed three major flyover bridges, revived six moribund waterworks, drilled 332 boreholes across wards, rehabilitated schools and health centres, and paid inherited half salaries and almost one hundred billion naira in pension debts,” he added.

Governor Adeleke assured the people of Osun that his administration will continue to deliver inclusive governance and sustainable development if re-elected.

“My promise to the people of Osun is that now and when we are re-elected, we will continue to run an inclusive and forward-looking government that keeps the people at the centre of our programmes and policies,” he said.

Other dignitaries, and political functionaries present included the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, and the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina.

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