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Ogun Justice Ministry Clarifies Advisory, Warns Against Criminalising Civil Disputes

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The Ogun State Ministry of Justice has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, clarifying that its recent advisory on the misuse of criminal justice mechanisms was directed at members of the public and not the Police.

 

 

In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Saturday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), explained that the Ministry’s February 18 release was intended as a caution against the growing practice of turning civil and domestic disputes into criminal complaints.

According to the Ministry, frivolous or misleading petitions arising from civil disagreements often overwhelm law enforcement agencies and divert attention from genuine criminal matters.

The statement noted that the Police are duty-bound to investigate all complaints brought before them. In many instances, officers must take statements, invite suspects, and sometimes detain individuals while investigations are ongoing, especially where complaints are framed to suggest criminal wrongdoing.

It added that confirmation that a dispute is purely civil frequently emerges only after investigative steps have commenced, by which time personal liberties may have been temporarily restricted.

The Ministry stressed that responsibility for such misuse lies with complainants and their representatives who deliberately present civil matters as criminal cases, sometimes with legal guidance.

The Attorney-General also commended the professionalism of both past and present Commissioners of Police in Ogun State, noting that the state has benefited from leadership that clearly understands the distinction between civil and criminal jurisdiction.

Speaking during a radio programme on Eagle 102.5 FM on Friday, themed “Judicial Accountability: Balancing Independence and Responsibility,” Ogungbade praised former Commissioners of Police and the incumbent, Lanre Ogunlowo, for consistently sensitising officers against involvement in purely civil disputes.

He also acknowledged the contributions of Frank Mba, describing him as a legal professional who has maintained strict adherence to the Police mandate in criminal law enforcement.

The Ministry emphasised that there is a cordial and functional working relationship between it and the Ogun State Police Command, making media exchanges unnecessary in resolving institutional matters.

It therefore urged members of the public — including lawyers, agents, activists and family representatives — to respect the statutory role of the Police and avoid dragging law enforcement agencies into personal quarrels.

The Ministry warned that misuse of the criminal justice system not only burdens security agencies but also exposes the state to unnecessary costs, distractions and potential human rights liabilities.

Reaffirming its dedication to justice and due process, the Ministry maintained that preserving the integrity of the criminal justice system remains vital to protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring effective law enforcement across Ogun State.

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Tinubu Storms Ogun, Commissions Airport, Airline, and Major Infrastructure Projects

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will tomorrow embark on an official visit to Ogun State, as the Gateway State prepares to witness the commissioning and inspection of a sweeping array of landmark projects—an indication of its bold stride toward infrastructural transformation, economic expansion, and improved service delivery.

 

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the President’s itinerary reflects a comprehensive showcase of strategic investments cutting across critical sectors.

At the forefront of the visit is the commissioning of the Gateway International Airport, Iperu—an ambitious project designed to position Ogun State as a major aviation and logistics hub in Nigeria. Within the airport complex, President Tinubu will also commission two newly acquired aircraft under Gateway Air, marking the official takeoff of the state’s aviation initiative in partnership with ValueJet.

Further underscoring the airport’s economic potential, the President will witness a cargo operations showcase facilitated by SAHCOL, signaling readiness for full-scale logistics and freight activities. In addition, a number of strategic assets will be commissioned at the airport, including 1,000 electric bikes under the state’s EV mobility initiative, 80 security vehicles to strengthen safety architecture, and a fleet of agricultural tractors aimed at boosting food production and supporting farmers.

Beyond the airport, the President will commission the Ilishan–Iperu Airport Road, a vital link connecting the new aviation hub to surrounding communities and enhancing accessibility. He is also scheduled to inspect the Nigeria Customs Service Village and commission the Forward Operating Base (FOB) building, reinforcing border security and trade facilitation.

The visit will further feature the inspection and commissioning of the Gateway Aviation Village, a complementary development designed to support the state’s growing aviation ecosystem.

In a symbolic and strategic move, President Tinubu will commission the reconstructed “Old Ibadan Road” (Sapade–Ilishan Road), which will be officially named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Expressway—an arterial route expected to significantly boost connectivity and commerce within the region.

Rounding off the visit is the inspection of the Sagamu–Benin Concrete Road, a major federal infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation efficiency along one of Nigeria’s busiest corridors.

Collectively, these projects reflect the vision of the Ogun State Government under Dapo Abiodun to build a modern, economically vibrant, and well-connected state. The President’s visit not only marks the unveiling of these transformative initiatives but also reinforces the synergy between federal and state governments in driving sustainable development.

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Friendlies: Super Eagles To Face Poland, Portugal In June

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Fresh from defeating one FIFA World Cup-bound team, Iran, and drawing with another, Jordan, in Antalya, Turkey, three-time African champions Nigeria are looking forward to an exciting summer, with fixtures lined up against Poland and World Cup-bound side Portugal during the FIFA window for friendly matches in June.

The Nigeran Football Federation’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sport, confirmed on Thursday that the clash with Poland will take place at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on June 3.

The encounter with Portugal is scheduled for June 10, with the venue to be announced in the coming days.

The game against the Seleção das Quinas — the nickname of Portugal’s senior men’s team — will serve as the hosts’ final match before they travel to the Americas for this summer’s FIFA World Cup finals, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Super Eagles are also scheduled to defend their crown at this year’s Unity Cup Tournament in London, set to take place from May 26 to 30.

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Insecurity: Our Efforts Are Paying Off- Tinubu

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Amid the security challenges confronting the nation, President Bola Tinubu on Friday assured Nigerians that concerted efforts are yielding breakthroughs.

The President gave the assurance in a statement he personally signed to mark the Easter celebrations.

He said the season reminds the citizens of the significance of Easter and the message it embodies— of sacrifice, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness.

“For us in Nigeria, the essence resonates with our current realities as we navigate a period marked by economic strain and security challenges, even as determined efforts are underway to address them,” Tinubu said.

“No nation can thrive where fear prevails, and no progress can be sustained without peace. To other parts of the country also enduring one form of insecurity or the other, rest assured that concerted efforts are already yielding breakthroughs.”

The Commander-in-Chief also assured Nigerians of a safer and more secure nation, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.

He acknowledged that, despite the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, challenges to national security have persisted.

Tinubu however said his administration is making available the necessary resources and strengthening foreign partnerships to enable security agencies to deal decisive blows to terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.

“Despite the good efforts of the administration and the gallant efforts of our men and women of the Armed Forces who leave behind their families to confront the evil actors in our land, challenges to our security have remained.

“However, my administration continues to make resources available and forge foreign partnerships to enable us to deal decisive blows to the agents of terror and banditry,” he said.

Tinubu noted that following his condolence visit to Jos, Plateau State, where he commiserated with victims of the recent deadly attack, security chiefs had given strong assurances of progress, while international support was also mobilised to reinforce Nigeria’s response.

He further assured residents of other parts of the country facing one form of insecurity or another that concerted government actions are beginning to produce results, urging citizens to support lawful efforts, remain united, and reject forces that threaten the country’s collective peace and stability.

“On Thursday, I was in Jos to commiserate with people of Plateau State, share in their grief, and offer reassurances of better days to come. The leaders of the nation’s security institutions have given strong assurances of progress. We have also sought and are receiving assistance from outside our shores.

“I am reassured that the citizens appreciate our efforts. I will continue to remind us of the imperative of unity and oneness. No nation can thrive where fear prevails, and no progress can be sustained without peace,” Tinubu added.

The President’s Easter message comes hours after his visit to Jos, the Plateau State cpital, where he met families of the deadly attack that left at least 28 people dead, and many others injured.

“To the victims, there is nothing I can give you, whether in billions of naira, but I can console you and promise that this experience will not repeat itself,” Tinubu said.

He also offered condolence to the woman who was seen in a viral video holding her dead son after the attack.

“I know your pain; I saw in the video how you held on to your son and felt the agony in your heart.

“Only God can give you joy and comfort. No amount of money can compensate for your loss. As a government, we will do our best to support and comfort you,” he told her.

 

Tinubu consoled residents and families of victims of Sunday’s deadly attack in Jos on Thursday April 3, 2026

 

Tinubu said the best solution for Jos is to restore the city to the way it once was, as residents remember and grew up knowing.

He also noted that the government was elected on the promise of peace and prosperity, pledging to restore peace to Jos rather than merely offering condolences.

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