Obasanjo Finally Reveals Why He Rejected El-Rufai as His Successor in 2007.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has opened up on why he refused to choose former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as his preferred successor when he was leaving office in 2007.

Speaking at the second edition of the Ajibosin Platform Annual Symposium held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo disclosed that El-Rufai was one of his trusted aides during his administration.

However, he turned down the suggestion to make him president because he believed the former FCT Minister was “not yet mature enough” to handle Nigeria’s leadership at the time.

According to Obasanjo, the idea was pushed to him towards the end of his administration, but he refused to yield, insisting that El-Rufai still had a lot to learn before being ready for such responsibility.

The former president made the revelation while reacting to a speech by former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, who delivered the keynote address at the event.

Chidoka had recalled how El-Rufai introduced him to Obasanjo at age 34; a meeting that later led to his appointment as the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Interrupting Chidoka’s remarks, Obasanjo said with a smile, “Let him tell you. He didn’t mention that when I was leaving government, he was pushing that his friend, El-Rufai, should be brought in as my successor.” Turning to Chidoka, he added jokingly, “No be so?” to which Chidoka nodded in agreement.

Obasanjo continued, “I did not yield to the pressure. Later, he asked why I didn’t agree, and I told him El-Rufai needed to mature. Many years later, after seeing his performance, he came back to me and said, ‘You were absolutely correct — El-Rufai needed to mature.’”

Bigger Than Africa: The Yoruba Story That Conquered Continents and Captivated Netflix Audiences

The Yoruba people — one of Africa’s most influential tribes with over 40 million members worldwide — take center stage in the breathtaking documentary Bigger Than Africa, directed by Toyin Ibrahim Adekeye.

Premiered on February 12, 2018, this cinematic masterpiece takes viewers across six countries — Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, Brazil, Trinidad & Tobago, Cuba, and the United States — to explore the global influence, spirituality, and resilience of Yoruba culture.

A Story That Transcends Borders
Bigger Than Africa focuses not on what divides Africans, but on what unites them. Through powerful storytelling and insightful interviews, it reveals how Yoruba traditions survived slavery, crossed oceans, and became embedded in cultures across the Americas.

The documentary features some of Africa’s most respected figures — former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, the King of Port Novo, and Fame Elebuibon, among others.

Global Recognition and Awards
Produced by Motherland Productions, the documentary has earned several international accolades, including:

Best Documentary, International Houston Black Film Festival (2019)

Best Documentary, Charlotte Black Film Festival

Jury Special Award, Festival International du Film Panafricain de Cannes


It has also been screened at prestigious venues such as the Schomburg Center for Research on Black Culture and even at the United Nations.

The Inspiration Behind the Masterpiece
Toyin Ibrahim Adekeye’s inspiration came during a visit to Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina — a Yoruba cultural haven in the U.S. What began as a short school project soon evolved into a global film celebrating African heritage.

Raised in Kwara State, Nigeria, Toyin moved to the U.S. in 2001, later enrolling at the Los Angeles Film School to pursue his passion for filmmaking. His journey, fueled by creativity and cultural pride, birthed Bigger Than Africa — a documentary that redefines how the world sees Yoruba culture.

Now Streaming on Netflix
Since May 13, Bigger Than Africa has been available for global streaming on Netflix, distributed by KAP Film and EGMNY (New York). This gives millions worldwide a chance to experience the beauty, depth, and unity of Yoruba heritage.

“You Can’t Rewrite History” — Orji Kalu Insists Obasanjo Truly Sought Third Term In Office

Former Abia State Governor and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has once again stirred controversy over former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s alleged third-term ambition, claiming that the former leader indeed made attempts to extend his tenure beyond the constitutional limit.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Kalu revealed that Obasanjo had personally discussed the third-term plan with him and several northern governors at the time. He alleged that the rift between Obasanjo and former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili, was linked to this controversial agenda.

According to Kalu, Obasanjo’s recent denials were an attempt to “rewrite history,” a move he insists will never succeed. The senator called on other key political figures who were aware of the plan to speak out and uphold the truth, stressing that the effort to elongate Obasanjo’s rule was real — but was ultimately thwarted by defenders of democracy.

In his words:

“Why was he quarreling with Governor Peter Odili? He wanted third term. Let’s not deceive ourselves. The man wants to rewrite history, but it can’t be rewritten. He wanted third term and we stopped him from getting it.”

I Told Mandela and Bush About Obasanjo’s Third Term Ambition” — Orji Uzor Kalu Makes Shocking Revelation!


Former Abia State Governor and Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has stirred political discussions after revealing that he personally informed world leaders about former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s alleged third term agenda during his tenure.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Channels Television, Kalu disclosed that he alerted global figures including former U.S. President George W. Bush, South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki, and the late Nelson Mandela about Obasanjo’s alleged plan to extend his stay in power beyond the constitutional limit.

According to Kalu, he took the bold step after realizing the seriousness of the situation, believing that involving respected international leaders was necessary to protect Nigeria’s democracy.

“I was the one who told President Thabo Mbeki that Obasanjo was running for a third term. I also told President Bush and Mandela. They all called him to confirm it,” Kalu said.


He recounted that Nelson Mandela, concerned about the implications of such a move for Africa’s democratic values, immediately summoned Obasanjo for clarification. Kalu also revealed that Obasanjo later held private discussions with Thabo Mbeki in New York during a United Nations General Assembly session to address the growing global concern.

Kalu described these interventions as a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history, noting that the exposure helped curb what could have been a serious constitutional crisis.

He criticized the culture of political denial and misinformation in Nigeria, warning that a democracy built on deceit and manipulation cannot survive.

“We must protect the truth and the constitution. A democracy built on lies and falsehood will crumble over time,” he cautioned.


Kalu’s revelation has since reignited public debate about Nigeria’s political past and the behind-the-scenes efforts that shaped the country’s democratic journey.

INEC Chairman Escapes Police Arrest After Partial Compliance with Court Order.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has avoided arrest by the Nigerian Police Force after partially complying with a Federal High Court judgment in Osogbo.

The court, presided over by Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi, had ordered Yakubu to restore the name of the Action Alliance (AA) National Chairman, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, along with the names of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), to INEC’s official portal.

The court further directed that the names of all state chairmen elected under Omoaje’s leadership be posted online.

While INEC fully complied with the order to restore the state chairmen’s names, it only partially implemented the judgment regarding the NEC. The portal now includes the NEC members’ names but omits Omoaje’s name and the address of the party’s national secretariat. Additionally, the name of Kenneth Udeze, who had been suspended and expelled from the party, still appears on the portal.

The AA had elected its NEC at the party’s national convention held on October 7, 2023, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Following INEC’s partial compliance, the court had instructed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest Yakubu if he failed to fully implement the ruling within seven days. Yakubu, however, was not arrested.

In response, the Action Alliance, through its Osun State Chairman, Araoye Oyewole, filed a counter-affidavit before the Federal High Court on October 2, 2025. The affidavit argues that INEC and its chairman have not fully complied with the court’s directives, urging the court to give complete adherence to its judgment.

Oyewole stated, “While the names of all state chairmen have been restored to the INEC portal, the judgment specifically mandating recognition of Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as National Chairman has not been followed. The judgment debtors have only partially complied with the court’s orders in suit number FHC/OS/CS/194/2024.”

The case is ongoing, with the party seeking full enforcement of the court’s ruling.

If Nigeria’s Population Growth is Not  Tackled, By 2050, Boko Haram will be Child’s Play — Fmr. President Obasanjo.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed serious concern about Nigeria’s rising population, warning that unchecked growth could have dire consequences for the nation.

Speaking in Sokoto at the inauguration of the Bakhita ICT Centre at the Catholic Secretariat, Obasanjo stressed the role of education and knowledge as vital tools for national progress.

“By the year 2050, people like the Sultan will be here. I am not praying to be here 25 years from now,” he remarked.
“We will have the problem of 400 million Nigerians that have to be provided with food, work, that have to be satisfied. If we fail to prepare for that, Boko Haram of today will be a child’s play. We have to take care of it now.”

The former president further urged Nigerians to value the country’s unity in diversity and resist divisive external narratives.
“If our diversity is taking along with good governance with everybody being included, then we will get there.
Not will we be respected, we will be counted among the leading nations of the world.”

He also commended Bishop Hassan Matthew Kukah for initiating the ICT project, describing it as a facility for all Nigerians regardless of “religion, ethnicity, or gender.”

Also speaking at the event, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, expressed appreciation to Obasanjo for attending and called on citizens to emulate his commitment to unity. He stressed the need for Nigerians to come together in tackling insecurity and driving development.

Representing Governor Aliyu, Alhaji Aminu Dikko, the Chief of Staff to the Sokoto State Government, lauded both Obasanjo and the Catholic Diocese for the initiative. He assured that the state government remains dedicated to expanding technology education and creating opportunities for future generations.

“Nigeria’s Strength Lies in Unity” — Obasanjo Declares in Sokoto

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described himself as “one of the greatest beneficiaries of Nigeria’s diversity,” stressing that the country’s strength rests in its ability to harness unity in diversity.

Speaking on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the inauguration of the Bakhita ICT Centre at the Catholic Secretariat in Sokoto, Obasanjo noted that Nigeria thrives when leaders embrace honesty, inclusiveness, and good governance.

> “Nigeria is not a difficult country to govern if leaders are honest with themselves, with God, and with the people,” he said.

Reflecting on his leadership journey, Obasanjo recalled how he sought counsel from elders across the North, South, East, and West since 1979, using their wisdom to sustain unity.

At the event, he commended Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, for promoting peace and unity in the state. He also praised Bishop Matthew Kukah for spearheading the ICT project and Aare Afe Babalola for his support.

The ICT Centre will provide training in computer literacy, coding, data science, and digital skills for all Nigerians, regardless of background.

In his remarks, the Sultan hailed Obasanjo’s commitment to unity, while the state government pledged continued investment in technology-driven education.

Otedola Wrong To Single Out Jonathan Govt On Subsidy Fraud; It Spanned Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Buhari —Ex–VP Aide

Former FCT minister of state, Ewuga is dead.

Senator Solomon Akku Ewuga, a prominent politician and elder statesman from Nasarawa State, has died.

Sources close to the family in Akwanga and Nasarawa-Eggon confirmed the development to Daily Trust yesterday.

Ewuga, a lawyer, rose to prominence in Nasarawa politics in 1999 when he contested against Abdullahi Adamu, former National Chairman of the APC, for the governorship ticket. After Adamu won the highly contested PDP primary election, Ewuga was picked as his deputy.

Following their victory in the governorship election, Governor Adamu nominated him as minister from Nasarawa State, and in June 1999, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him Minister of State for the FCT. He held the position for two years before being removed in a cabinet reshuffle.

Upon returning home, Ewuga again contested for governor in 2003 and 2007. He later defected to the ANPP and subsequently to the CPC, where he joined forces with Tanko Al-Makura to defeat then-Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma in 2011.

While Al-Makura was elected governor on the CPC platform, Ewuga won a Senate seat to represent Nasarawa North in the 7th Assembly.

After serving one term, he made another attempt at the governorship but lost in the primaries.

A veteran journalist, Ewuga once served as managing director of the Nigerian Standard Newspaper.

Obasanjo Denies Seeking Third Term, Warns Leaders Against Clinging to Power.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed long-standing claims that he attempted to extend his presidency beyond two terms, insisting he never pursued such a move.

Speaking Wednesday at the democracy dialogue hosted by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Accra, Obasanjo said no evidence exists to support the speculation.

“I’m not a fool. If I wanted a third term, I know how to go about it. And there is no Nigerian d+ad or alive that would say I called him and told him I wanted a third term,” he stated.

The former leader argued that securing debt relief for Nigeria during his administration was far tougher than seeking tenure extension. “I keep telling them that, look, if I wanted to get debt relief, which is more difficult than getting a third term and I got it, if I wanted a third term, I would have got it too,” he said.

Obasanjo also cautioned against leaders overstaying in office, describing it as a false sense of indispensability. “I know that the best is done when you are young, ideal and vibrant and dynamic. When you are ‘kuje kuje’ you don’t have the best. But some people believe that unless they are there, nobody else,” he remarked.

He further warned that such attitudes amount to defying God. “They will even tell you that they haven’t got anybody else. I believe that that is a sin against God, because if God takes you away, which God can do anytime, then somebody else will come, and that somebody else may do better or may do worse.”

Obasanjo Denies Seeking Third Term, Warns Leaders Against Clinging to Power.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed long-standing claims that he attempted to extend his presidency beyond two terms, insisting he never pursued such a move.

Speaking Wednesday at the democracy dialogue hosted by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Accra, Obasanjo said no evidence exists to support the speculation.

“I’m not a fool. If I wanted a third term, I know how to go about it. And there is no Nigerian d+ad or alive that would say I called him and told him I wanted a third term,” he stated.

The former leader argued that securing debt relief for Nigeria during his administration was far tougher than seeking tenure extension. “I keep telling them that, look, if I wanted to get debt relief, which is more difficult than getting a third term and I got it, if I wanted a third term, I would have got it too,” he said.

Obasanjo also cautioned against leaders overstaying in office, describing it as a false sense of indispensability. “I know that the best is done when you are young, ideal and vibrant and dynamic. When you are ‘kuje kuje’ you don’t have the best. But some people believe that unless they are there, nobody else,” he remarked.

He further warned that such attitudes amount to defying God. “They will even tell you that they haven’t got anybody else. I believe that that is a sin against God, because if God takes you away, which God can do anytime, then somebody else will come, and that somebody else may do better or may do worse.”

Obasanjo Recounts Emotional Moment He Learned of Abacha’s Death

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has relived the dramatic moment he was informed of the death of General Sani Abacha, the late military ruler whose regime imprisoned him.

Speaking in a video shared by Symfoni TV, Obasanjo reflected on one of Nigeria’s most turbulent political eras, offering rare personal insight into how the end of Abacha’s rule became both a personal and national turning point.

Obasanjo was jailed in 1995 after being accused of plotting a coup against Abacha’s government—charges he consistently denied. Despite the uncertainty of his imprisonment, he said he held on to the hope of eventual freedom, though he never knew when it would come.

According to him, the shocking news of Abacha’s death on June 8, 1998, first came from a prison warder.

“The day Abacha died, a warder came to me and said, ‘Sir, congratulations.’
I asked him, ‘Warder, what is the problem?’
He replied, ‘Our enemy has died.’
I asked again, ‘Who is your enemy?’ And he said, ‘Abacha.’”

Initially, Obasanjo thought it might be a trap or misinformation. But as more warders repeated the same news, he realized something significant had happened.

Within a week, Obasanjo was released from Yola Prison, marking the start of his remarkable political comeback.

Abacha’s sudden death ended a regime often associated with human rights abuses, political repression, and corruption. His successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, quickly initiated a transition program that restored democracy in 1999.

For Obasanjo, the moment was more than personal liberation—it was a national rebirth. Less than a year later, he won the presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and became Nigeria’s first civilian president of the Fourth Republic.

Reflecting on his imprisonment, Obasanjo has often said the experience deepened his commitment to democracy and shaped many of his decisions while in office.

Since leaving office in 2007, he has remained an influential voice in Nigerian politics, frequently speaking on governance, security, and development. His recollections of the Abacha years, analysts say, highlight how moments of personal suffering can intersect with broader national transformation.

Obasanjo’s story remains a testament to resilience, timing, and the unpredictable turns of history that have defined Nigeria’s journey from military rule to democracy.

Sowore Alleges Obasanjo Was Sworn in Without Constitution in 1999

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has made a controversial claim about the swearing-in of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999.

Speaking in an interview with Rock Yusuf TV, Sowore alleged that when Obasanjo assumed office as Nigeria’s civilian president, there was no constitution in existence at the time of the ceremony.

According to him, the then Minister of Information reportedly admitted that not even a photocopy of the constitution was available during the inauguration.

“When Obasanjo was sworn in as president in 1999, there was no constitution,” Sowore stated. “Not even a photocopy existed. After the swearing-in, they went ahead to print what later became the 1999 Constitution—which, in my view, is now obsolete.”

Sowore insisted that this revelation raises serious questions about the legitimacy of the 1999 Constitution, which has since guided Nigeria’s democratic governance.

The activist argued that Obasanjo’s swearing-in was conducted out of necessity to facilitate the transition to civilian rule, but without a binding constitutional framework at that moment.

Peter Obi, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour Visit Obasanjo, Speaks On Building A “New Nigeria”

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party chieftain, Peter Obi, has shared details of his recent courtesy visit to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Obi revealed via his verified Facebook page on Sunday that he was joined by former Lagos governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, Dr Yunusa Tanko, and Segun Adebanjo during the visit.

He wrote:

“Today, I, with Dr Yunusa Tanko, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and Segun Adebanjo, visited President Obasanjo on a courtesy visit.”

The former Labour Party presidential candidate further noted that the meeting strengthened his belief in the power of collective effort.

“The meetings make me believe that the coming together of a competent team with capacity, compassion, and commitment can build a new Nigeria that is POssible,” he added.

Obi’s statement has since generated widespread reactions on social media, with many of his supporters praising the move as a step toward uniting visionary leaders for Nigeria’s future.

Orji Uzor Kalu: “I Bought My Maryland Mansion Before Becoming Governor”

Former Abia State Governor and Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has addressed the controversy surrounding a viral video that showed him giving a tour of his multimillion-dollar mansion in Potomac, Maryland, USA.

The video, which circulated widely over the weekend, captured Kalu proudly walking a guest through the luxury property, which overlooks the River Potomac and sits in one of the area’s most prestigious neighborhoods. The guest also mentioned that Kalu owns additional properties in Texas, North Carolina, and the United Kingdom.

Following the tour, many Nigerians criticized the former Senate Chief Whip, alleging that the house was acquired with funds embezzled during his tenure as governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007.

However, in a clarification video released on September 10, Kalu dismissed the allegations, insisting that he bought the Maryland mansion before becoming governor.

“I owned a house in Boston, Massachusetts, which I sold to buy my current residence in Washington, DC. This was the same house that former President Obasanjo praised when I was governor in 2003. Even US authorities reviewed it when George Bush was President.

I bought the house with proceeds from my Boston property and declared it in my asset declaration. The house is in my name, not hidden, and I purchased it in 2003, before becoming governor,” he said.


Kalu emphasized that his properties were acquired openly and lawfully, dismissing claims of corruption as politically motivated.

The debate, however, continues online as critics and supporters clash over his explanation.

Leadership Newspapers
Obasanjo, Malema, over 20,000 Lawyers Converge on Enugu for 2025 NBA Conference.

Obasanjo, Enugu is a beehive of activities as former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, South African politician, Julius Malema and over 20,000 lawyers converge for the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) which formally opens today.

Earlier yesterday, NBA president, Mazi Afam Osigwe, led thousands of lawyers on a health walk across major roads in the capital city, as more lawyers and guests continued to pour into the city.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, assured participants of a memorable experience, noting that Governor Peter Mbah had long prepared the state for large events like the NBA’s AGC.

Speaking to newsmen, Osigwe, who relished the thrilling moments already being experienced in Enugu, said the city was a befitting venue for the theme of the conference, “Stand Out, Stand Tall.”

“Enugu is the capital of the South East region and also the home of hospitality, beauty, and peace. That was why we chose Enugu State to host our conference after moving from Port Harcourt.

“So, we are here in Enugu to enjoy the best that the people have to offer and also have a conversation about building Nigeria and making it an economic giant in Africa. Enugu is set, we are so excited.

“Our keynote speaker, Julius Malema, is on the ground in Lagos and will touch down here tomorrow (Sunday). Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president who will chair the opening ceremony, will also be on the ground tomorrow.

“We are all set, we are so excited. We are going to make this a never-to-be-forgotten experience, the type that will make you want to come back every time for a conference in Enugu,” he told reporters.

Also speaking to journalists, Prof. Onyia said the government of Dr. Peter Mbah had strategically prepared Enugu to host conferences like that of the NBA and many others.

Court of corruption Obasanjo knocks INEC chairman, judiciary in new book.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised the Nigerian judiciary, saying it has been “deeply compromised” and that corruption among judges has turned courts into “a court of corruption rather than a court of justice.”

In his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo laments the steady decline of the Nigerian judiciary’s integrity, warning that justice has become commodified in Nigeria.

“The reputation of the Nigerian judiciary has steadily gone down from the four eras up till today. The rapidity of the precipitous fall, particularly in the Fourth Republic, is lamentable,” Obasanjo wrote.

He expressed concern that the judiciary’s decline poses a significant threat to the nation’s stability.

Obasanjo recounted an incident where a governor showed him six duplex buildings belonging to a judge who allegedly acquired them from money made as chairman of election tribunals. This anecdote, he said, illustrates the depth of corruption in the judiciary.

The former president also accused Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, of undermining the electoral process since 2015.

“No wonder politicians do not put much confidence in an election which the INEC of Professor Mahmood Yakubu polluted and grossly undermined to make a charade,” he said.

Obasanjo further alleged that politicians believe the outcome of election disputes depends on the will of tribunal judges, court of appeal judges, and supreme court judges.

Top 10 Richest Politicians in Nigeria (2025 Estimates)

1. Bola Ahmed Tinubu – $7–$8.4 Billion
2. Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) – $5 Billion
3. Atiku Abubakar – $1.4–$3 Billion
4. Ifeanyi Ubah – $1.7 Billion
5. Olusegun Obasanjo – $1.6 Billion
6. Rochas Okorocha – $1.4 Billion
7. Orji Uzor Kalu – $1.1 Billion
8. Dino Melaye – $800 Million
9. Rotimi Amaechi – $780 Million

Ambassador Taofik Obasanjo Coker passes away after a brief illness.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the death of Ambassador Taofik Obasanjo Coker, Nigeria’s Consul-General in Buea, Cameroon.

According to a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the envoy passed away on Saturday, August 16, after a brief illness.

Describing him as a committed and distinguished career diplomat, the Ministry noted that Coker had previously served in Nigeria’s missions in Conakry, Guinea, and Shanghai, China, before his posting to Buea.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends, and prays for the peaceful repose of his soul,” the statement read.

Nigerian High Court Convicts 8 Internet Fraudsters Arrested At Obasanjo Library Hotel, Orders Forfeiture Of Phones, Cash

The Federal High Court has convicted eight internet fraudsters arrested by the EFCC during a sting operation at a hotel within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex, Abeokuta.

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Lagos Judicial Division delivered the ruling after the defendants pleaded guilty to charges of identity theft, romance scams, and obtaining money under false pretences, in violation of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015 and the EFCC Act, 2004.

The convicts forfeited various iPhones, cash, and bank drafts, while some refunded millions earned from romance fraud.

Jinadu Rasaq Gbenisola & Salami Ponmile Basiru – 3 months jail each or fines of ₦500,000 & ₦2m; forfeited iPhones.

Tijani Babatunde – 3 months jail or ₦1m fine; forfeited iPhone 13; refunded ₦4m.

David Damilola Ogunmuyiwa – 1 month jail or ₦200k fine; forfeited iPhone 16; refunded ₦70k.

Agada Prosper – 3 months jail or ₦200k fine; forfeited iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Awal Yusuf – 3 months jail or ₦700k fine; forfeited iPhone 11 & $300 manager’s cheque.

Amsa Lawal Oluwatobi – 3 months jail or ₦300k fine; forfeited iPhone 13 & ₦200k draft.

Yusuf Damilola – 6 months jail or ₦6m fine; forfeited iPhone 12 & ₦1m cheque.

Justice Dipeolu said the EFCC had proven its case beyond doubt and stressed the ruling would serve as punishment and deterrence.

The convictions add to a string of similar judgments following the arrest of 93 suspects at the OOPL hotel on August 10, 2025. Several others have already been jailed or fined, while some are still facing trial.

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