A strong statement, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has condemned the arrest and detention of activist Omoyele Sowore by the Nigeria Police Force.

Obi expressed his concern on Thursday, stating he was “deeply disturbed to learn of the arrest of Mr. Omoyele Sowore @YeleSowore yesterday, shortly after he voluntarily honored an invitation by the Nigerian Police Force.”

Obi criticized the lack of transparency, saying, “At the time of writing, no clear or credible charges have been made public, which further casts a troubling shadow over the nature and motivation behind his detention.”

According to the former Anambra State governor, Sowore’s voluntary appearance before the authorities makes his arrest particularly troubling. “His arrest, particularly under circumstances where he presented himself in good faith to law enforcement, should be condemned by all who value justice and due process. From all indications, no urgency or criminal flight risk warranted such high-handed treatment.”

Obi underscored the importance of upholding legal and ethical standards, adding, “To detain a citizen who came of his own accord, without the public disclosure of clear, lawful charges, is not only a miscarriage of justice but an abuse of state power.”

He emphasized the implications for Nigerian democracy, citing Plato: “Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only as it first resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens. When those entrusted with power act unjustly, they poison not only the legal order but the moral conscience of the nation.”

Obi demanded, “I therefore call on the Nigerian Police to immediately release Omoyele Sowore or charge him formally under the law. Anything short of this would be a further erosion of public trust in the nation’s law enforcement institutions.”

He concluded with an appeal for equal justice: “It is our collective duty to insist that the rule of law must apply to all citizens, regardless of ideology, background, or political alignment.”

Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, is facing a major crisis following intense rainfall on Sunday. The downpour, described by eyewitnesses as one of the heaviest in recent times, has triggered severe flooding, leaving homes submerged and major roads inaccessible.

Worst-hit areas include Shagari Lowcost, Sabon Pegi, and Modire Yolde Pate, where residents are struggling with rising water levels that have damaged property and disrupted daily activities. Many have been forced to evacuate their homes, desperately calling for assistance from the State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities.

“We need urgent help. The water has taken over our homes and we don’t know where to go,” lamented a resident of Shagari Lowcost.

While no official casualty figures have been released, the flooding has raised serious concerns about the city’s drainage infrastructure and the potential for further damage if the rains continue.

In response to the crisis, the Police Command has deployed trained marine police officers and engine boats to assist trapped residents. This deployment is a joint operation with personnel from the 23 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Yola. Emergency response teams have been mobilised to provide urgent relief, evacuate stranded residents, and ensure public safety.

“We are working closely with the military and community leaders to reach those in distress and prevent further harm,” stated a spokesperson for the Police Command.

The situation remains critical, and residents are urged to take necessary precautions and heed the advice of emergency responders. PhinaDon Magazine will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered that numerous abandoned estates in Abuja are allegedly owned by civil servants who are suspected of using stolen public funds to finance these projects.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede revealed this information at a policy dialogue organized by Law Corridor in Abuja. He stated that the agency has established a special task force to investigate the ownership of these properties across the nation. Many of these estates have been left uncompleted or deserted for more than a decade, which has raised suspicions regarding their funding sources.

“It will shock you that some of these estates have been abandoned for 10 to 20 years. Most were funded by civil servants who stole public funds. Once they exit service and the money stops coming, they abandon the project,” Olukoyede stated.

The EFCC has already initiated forfeiture proceedings against 15 estates and plans to prosecute additional suspects based on new intelligence. Olukoyede issued a warning, stating, “Some of you in this room may own some of these estates. We are coming for you.”

He urged lawyers and real estate developers to avoid enabling money laundering, emphasizing that unethical practices hinder sector growth. Olukoyede also criticized Nigeria’s dependence on cash transactions, asserting that it promotes corruption.

“How does a level 17 officer earning less than a million naira monthly own a N500 million mansion?” Olukoyede questioned, advocating for systemic reforms in property financing and improved oversight to combat illicit wealth.