The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Abayomi Akinruntan has resigned his position, citing the need to align with the conventional arrangement of elective position in the state.


The resignation letter of the former deputy speaker – representing Ilaje Constituency 1, – who is the son of the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, was read at the floor of the Assembly by the Clerk, Benjamin Jayeiola.

Akinruntan, who was absent during the plenary, was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly in June 2023, a position he occupied until his resignation.


The resignation letter read: “I hereby tender my resignation from the office of the Deputy Speaker effective from today, 2nd June, 2025. Recall the House was inaugurated June, 2023 and I was unanimously elected as Deputy Speaker by members as stipulated in our standing order.

“My resignation is borne out of the need to align with the conventional arrangement in power sharing of elective positions in the state. I want to appreciate all members and staff for their contributions and support.”

Following Akinruntan’s resignation, the lawmaker representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, Ololade Gbegude was subsequently nominated by Oluwatoyin Japheth (Akoko North East Constituency) and seconded by Chris Ayebusiwa (Okitipupa Constituency 1) as the new Deputy Speaker.


Following the nomination of Gbegudu, which was not contested, he was subsequently sworn in as the Deputy Speaker with the pledge that he will serve in his new role with due diligence.

Similarly, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, also stepped down from his position, with the lawmaker representing Ose Constituency, Olatunji Oshati, announced as the new Majority Leader.

Also, Muritala Sulaiman, representing Akoko South East, was announced as the new Chief Whip, while Fabiyi Olatunji, Odigbo Constituency 1, becomes the Whip of the Assembly.


The Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, commended the former deputy speaker and the erstwhile majority leader for their maturity.

He said: “He (Akinruntan) has been a peaceful ally. He has support the house. I want to appreciate him for the maturity displayed for ensuring a peaceful transition.

“The same thing goes to the former majority leader. He has been a stabilizer in the House and also a good and dependable ally.”


It was gathered that the change of the positions of the principal officers became imperative in order to balance the unwritten elective political arrangements in the state.

Akinruntan and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa hail from the same Ilaje Local Council Area of the state, while the erstwhile Majority Leader, Ogunmolasuyi is from
Owo Local Council, where the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami hails from.




Mokwa death toll rises as NSEMA recovers five more bodies, totaling 158
Discover
Suspected herdsmen hijack fully loaded vehicle, kill driver, abduct passengers in Benue
Discover
Cardizoom
|
Sponsored by Taboola
I don't get sick because I clean my blood vessels. Write down the recipe
Read More
Skip
Nnamdi Kanu: Monday sit-at-home had nothing to do with death of Jonathan’s ex-aide, Gulak – IPOB
Discover
Terrorism: Nnamdi Kanu confirmed he ordered Tinubu, Wike to be killed – DSS tells Court
Discover

“Political Class Behind Boko Haram” – Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Alleges Plot to Destabilize Tinubu’s Government

In a startling revelation, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has accused certain members of Nigeria’s political elite of sponsoring Boko Haram insurgents to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ program, Kalu asserted that terrorism is being used as a political tool to destabilize the current government, similar to tactics employed against previous administrations.  

Kalu elaborated that the insecurity plaguing Nigeria is politically induced, driven by individuals seeking to hijack political power. He identified politicians, wealthy businesspeople, and senior civil servants as those fueling Boko Haram, not for financial gain but to gain control. 

The senator’s allegations come amid renewed concerns over Boko Haram’s activities, including recent attacks in Borno State. Kalu called for unity and patriotism among Nigerians, urging citizens to prioritize national interest over selfish political agendas. 

⸻

#OrjiUzorKalu #BokoHaram #TinubuAdministration #PoliticalInstability

Inside NewMailNG Online Today:
Makinde’s 2027 presidency ambition raises dust within PDP, Southern Governors Forum https://newmail-ng.com/seyi-makinde-22/

Eno’s daughter accuses Gov of sacrificing late First Lady https://newmail-ng.com/umo-eno-14/

Police escort killed my sister, ‘t wasn’t bandits’ says Gov. Kefas https://newmail-ng.com/kefas-agbu-2/

Lagos-Calabar highway a reference point, flagship of excellence in Africa — Umahi
https://newmail-ng.com/lagos-calabar-coastal-highway-4/

Top ISWAP commander Abu Fatima killed by Nigerian troops https://newmail-ng.com/iswap-3/

Smear campaign won’t stop Egbetokun’s police reforms, says CASA https://newmail-ng.com/kayode-egbetokun-9/

Okpebholo, Idahosa lead APC victory march in Benin after Appeal Court win https://newmail-ng.com/edo-state-10/

$105.9m not $967.5bn looted funds were recovered by EFCC, ICPC – Fagbemi https://newmail-ng.com/lateef-fagbemi-8/

Simon Ekpa denies terrorism charges as Finnish court begins trial https://newmail-ng.com/simon-ekpa-19/

Tinubu signs new executive order in energy sector, caps tax credits at 20% https://newmail-ng.com/executive-order/

Court orders substituted service against Nwaebonyi in Natasha Akpoti’s N5bn ‘defamation’ suit https://newmail-ng.com/natasha-akpoti-26/

Access Bank, KCB Group complete National Bank of Kenya (NBK) transaction https://newmail-ng.com/access-bank-31/

Amnesty International report on Nigeria jaundiced, says MURIC https://newmail-ng.com/muric-4/

Federal Mortgage Bank lauds Gov. Abiodun for offsetting NHF deduction arrears of Ogun workers https://newmail-ng.com/fmbn/

Yabatech sends forth 80 retirees in pomp https://newmail-ng.com/yabatech-16/

Lookman visits Tinubu in Lagos with CAF footballer of the year award – Photos https://newmail-ng.com/ademola-lookman-8/

Real Madrid pay Liverpool to sign Alexander-Arnold early https://newmail-ng.com/alexander-arnold-2/

Liverpool sign Frimpong from Leverkusen for £29.5m https://newmail-ng.com/liverpool-44/

For more stories, kindly log on to: http://www.newmail-ng.com

X @NewMailNG;

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@newmailng

Facebook: NewMailNG; WhatsApp: 08033927019

Email: semsalorg@yahoo.com, semiu@newmail-ng.com.

Or simply give us a call on +2348033927019 or +2348084610457

Enjoy Your Weekend

Lagos Courts Jail 15 Foreigners for Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of

11 Filipinos, two Chinese, one Malaysian and one Indonesian to one year imprisonment each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud before Justices Yellim Bogoro and A. O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The convicts were arraigned on Friday, May 30, 2025, on separate charges bordering on possession of fraudulent documents.

The convicts are: Winnie De Jesus, Kayceelynn Remorin, Irish Chna, Darwisa Esmael, Kimberly Nisperos, Savien Cire Renovilla, Zeng Zerong and Guo Bin,

Others are: Jessa Sanchi, Jhena Sarmiento, Rain Torida, Rex Jose Dilag (aka Madison), Tan Soon Kar, Fernando Fu Fang and Beverlyin Gumayo (aka Veb Sumayo.)

One of the counts reads: "That you, WINNIE DE JESUS & GENTING INTERNATIONAL Co. LTD, sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organized to seriously destabilize and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria

when you procured/employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves out as persons of foreign nationality, with the intent to gain a financial advantage for yourselves and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 (As amended 2024) and Section 2(3) (d) of the Terrorism (Prevention,

Prohibition) Act, 2022".

Another count reads: “ That you, KAYCEELYN REMORIN and GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED, on or about the 18th of December 2024 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure of Nigeria (which prohibits and prevents cyber and related crimes) when you procured/employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves out as persons of foreign nationality, with the intent to gain financial advantage for yourselves and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024)".

They all pleaded “guilty” to the charges preferred against them.

In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, N.K.Ukoha, T.J.Banjo and N.C. Mutfwang, respectively, requested that the defendants be convicted as charged.

The Judges, consequently, convicted and sentenced the defendants to one year imprisonment each, with a fine of N1,000,000.00( One Million Naira).

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, was ordered to ensure that the convicts are repatriated to their countries of origin within seven days upon completion of their sentences.

The Judges also ordered that the devices recovered from the convicts be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Finland Begins Terrorism Trial Against Biafran Separatist Leader Simon Ekpa

Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-born Finnish citizen and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), appeared before the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on Friday, May 30, 2025, as his terrorism trial commenced. 

Finnish prosecutors have charged Ekpa with participating in a terrorist organization and publicly inciting crimes for terrorist purposes. The charges stem from allegations that he used social media platforms to incite violence and unrest in southeastern Nigeria as part of his separatist activities.  

Prosecutors are seeking a six-year prison sentence, citing substantial evidence of Ekpa’s online activities and communications. Ekpa has denied all charges, including allegations of ordering weapons for pro-Biafra groups.  

The trial has garnered significant attention both in Finland and Nigeria, with supporters and critics closely monitoring the proceedings.

#SimonEkpa #Biafra #FinlandTrial #TerrorismCharges #BRGIE

https://x.com/nigeriastories/status/1928468696613220669?s=46

Major Blow to Boko Haram: Nigerian Army Eliminates Top Commander Abu Fatima

In a significant counterterrorism victory, the Nigerian Army has confirmed the elimination of Amir Abu Fatima, a high-ranking Boko Haram commander, during a precision operation in northern Borno State. The operation, conducted in the early hours of May 30, 2025, targeted insurgent hideouts in the Kukawa area, a known stronghold of terrorist activities near Lake Chad. 

According to a statement from the Nigerian Army, the elite 19 Brigade Special Forces, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Hadin Kai, executed a “precision decapitation strike” aimed at neutralizing Abu Fatima, who had been on the military’s most-wanted list due to his involvement in orchestrating multiple high-profile attacks in the Lake Chad Basin. During the operation, Abu Fatima sustained critical gunshot wounds and was captured alive but succumbed to his injuries shortly after. 

The operation also led to the neutralization of several of his associates, including bomb-makers and foot soldiers. Recovered items from the scene include AK-47 rifles, loaded magazines, components for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and other military-grade weapons. 

This successful mission marks a significant tactical and psychological blow to Boko Haram’s operations in the region, signaling the Nigerian military’s continued commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring peace to northeastern Nigeria. 

#BokoHaram #AbuFatima #NigerianArmy #CounterTerrorism #BornoState

Victory in the North: Nigerian Army Eliminates Notorious Terrorist Leader Amir Abu Fatima

In a major win against insurgency, the Nigerian Army has confirmed the elimination of Amir Abu Fatima, a top terrorist commander, during a successful special operation in northern Borno State.

According to Daily Post Nigeria, the high-value operation was carried out with precision intelligence and combat coordination, marking a significant blow to terrorist networks operating in the region. Abu Fatima had long been on the military’s radar for orchestrating deadly attacks on both civilians and military personnel.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to rooting out all forms of terrorism and ensuring lasting peace in the northeast. This latest success has sparked hope for continued progress in the fight against extremism in Nigeria.

According to: Daily Post Nigeria

#AmirAbuFatima #NigerianArmy #BornoState #CounterTerrorism #NigeriaSecurity

Alleged Terrorism: Court Admits Video of Kanu Inspecting Radio Biafra Transmitter

The Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted into evidence three video clips, including one showing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), inspecting a radio transmitter allegedly smuggled into Nigeria.

During the proceedings, Kanu reportedly acknowledged being the founder and director of Radio Biafra, the platform at the center of the controversy.

"This court appearance marks a critical moment in the international effort to hold individuals accountable for inciting violence and financing terrorism, regardless of where they operate from."

— According to Nigeria Stories

BREAKING NEWS: Simon Ekpa to appear in Finnish court tomorrow on charges of t€rror-related activities, including incitement to violence and t£rr0rism financing.

update from EFCC : Court Jails 12 Filipinos for Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos

Justice Yellin Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 23, 2025, convicted and sentenced twelve Filipinos to one year imprisonment each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.

The convicts are: Anjeanette Topacio, Gladys Joy Mag-Iba, Jean Calago, Shairah Mae Reyes, Roseann Gonzales, Lari Jane Tayag, Mary Grace De La Cruz, Krystel Aquilesca, Jonilyn Agulto, Paizza Camara, Vivian Pionella and Jonalyn Mendoza

They were arraigned on Friday by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on separate charges of possession of fraudulent documents.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Anjeanette Topacio, sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organized to seriously destabilize and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria when you procured/employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves out as persons of foreign nationality, with the intent to gain a financial advantage for yourselves and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As amended 2024) and Section 2(3)(d) of the Terrorism (Prevention, Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

Another charge reads: “That you, Shairah May Reyes, sometime in December 2024, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court, had in your possession a document containing false pretense, printed from your Telegram, wherein you posed to be a lady, living in the UK , which representation you knew to be false, thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 6 (8c) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act.”

They all pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to them.

In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, N.K.Ukoha and H.U. Kofarnaisa, respectively requested that the court convict the defendants as charged, in accordance with the plea bargain they had entered into with the Commission.

Justice Bogoro convicted and sentenced the defendants to one year imprisonment each, with a fine of N1,000,000.00( One Million Naira).

The judge also ordered the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, to ensure that the convicts are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days upon completion of their sentences.

The devices recovered from the defendants were also ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.