News
Anambra Demolishes Collapsed Three-Storey Building, Warns Developers Against Substandard Construction
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Anambra State Government has issued a stern warning to developers and property owners, declaring that it will take decisive action against any individual whose building collapses due to the use of substandard materials or disregard for established building regulations.
The government reiterated its commitment to enforcing building standards and maintaining zero tolerance for unprofessional construction practices that endanger lives and property.
As part of this commitment, the state government has demolished a three-storey building under construction that collapsed in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area.
The demolition, carried out by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, followed technical assessments which deemed the structure unsafe and a threat to neighbouring residents and properties.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu, said the action was in line with the government’s determination to ensure orderly urban development, public safety and strict compliance with approved building standards.
According to him, the demolition was intended to prevent future disasters rather than serve as punishment for the developer, stressing that the state would not tolerate distressed or unsafe structures.
The building, located in Umuoma Village, reportedly collapsed on May 18 while construction workers were on site. No casualties were recorded.
Preliminary investigations attributed the collapse to the use of substandard materials and poor construction practices, including stacking blocks before adequate curing and the use of inappropriate reinforcement materials.
Ojukwu disclosed that the project violated several building regulations, including failure to obtain necessary approvals, non-compliance with setback requirements and excessive development beyond the carrying capacity of the land.
He warned developers, contractors and property owners against flouting planning laws, noting that the ministry would intensify monitoring and enforcement activities across the state.
The commissioner further revealed that the government is reviewing existing laws to introduce tougher sanctions for erring developers, with criminal penalties among the options being considered.
He urged builders to engage qualified professionals and strictly adhere to regulatory requirements, while reaffirming the state’s commitment to urban renewal and infrastructure development projects, particularly in Nnewi and other growing urban centres.
The state government maintained that safeguarding lives and property remains a top priority and pledged continued enforcement of building regulations to prevent future incidents.
News
Senator Anosike’s Lawyers Demand ₦5bn from Arinze Awogu
.. Petition Nigeria Police Over Corruption Allegations and Cyber stalking and bullying
The State Chairman of All Progressives Congress in Anambra State,Senator Emma Anosike has petitioned Nigeria Police following an allegation made by an expelled APC Anambra member, Mr Arinze Awogu against his person and Office, where Mr Arinze Awogu alleged that the APC Anambra State Chairman, Senator Emma Anosike had embezzled over 1 billion Naira, monies via donations and grants from the National Chapter of the Party.
The Lawyers of Senator Anosike yesterday being Tuesday, 16th June 2026 launched a two-pronged legal offensive against Sir Arinzechukwu Awogu, demanding ₦5 billion in damages and petitioning the Inspector General of Police over allegations of cyberstalking and cyberbullying.
In a demand letter dated June 16, 2026, Chief Clems Ezika, SAN, accused Awogu of granting a “false, malicious and misleading” interview on June 13, published across Igbere TV and other media and social platforms. In the interview, Awogu reportedly ran amok by claiming Anosike misappropriated over ₦1 billion meant for the party within four months of becoming chairman, collected money in dollars and naira from the opposition to field weak candidates, and traded off party tickets ahead of the polls for personal gain.
The lawyers say the claims damaged Anosike’s reputation and goodwill, and have demanded Awogu retract the interview, delete the publications, and publish a retraction in three national newspapers, YouTube, and WhatsApp platforms within 7 days, followed by payment of ₦5 billion in damages. Failure to comply, the letter warns, will trigger legal action.
In a separate but related petition to the Inspector General of Police, the same lawyers urged police to investigate the matter as cyberstalking and cyberbullying and to prosecute Awogu, alleging the publication exposed their client to fear of violence and reputational harm.
The petition noted that with Anosike’s notable political career as a one time House of Representatives member for Anambra East/West (1999–2003), Senator from 2003, current chairman of the Anambra-Imo River Basin Authority, and a former PDP deputy governorship candidate, their client’s reputation was likely to suffer from such outlandish and malicious set of allegations.
Awogu, who was recently expelled from the state chapter was up till the point of his expulsion the APC Anambra North Zonal Chairman but has repeatedly sought to mislead the public that he is the state treasurer, made the remarks on the sidelines of a stakeholders’ meeting convened to discuss the party’s direction in the state.
Chieftains of the party have also hailed the state chairman’s action, biting that such action by the state chairman will surely serve as a deterrent to many who choose to go on a wild goose chase and malign the character of others without evidence.
News
One Year After Sports Tragedy, Families Still Await Promised Compensation
More than one year after 22 athletes, coaches, officials, medical personnel and journalists from Kano State lost their lives in a tragic road accident while returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State, families of the deceased and surviving victims say they are still waiting for compensation and other benefits promised by the state government.
Following the accident, which occurred on May 31, 2025, at Dakatsalle, about 40 kilometres from Kano metropolis, the Kano State Government announced a support package for the victims and their families. The package included N5 million compensation, a plot of land and permanent employment for one family member of each of the 22 deceased victims. The government also promised N2 million and a plot of land each to the 10 injured survivors.
The tragedy claimed 22 lives, injured 10 others and threw Kano State and the nation into mourning.
Representatives of the victims told SolaceBase that while several individuals and organisations have fulfilled their pledges, promises made by the Kano State Government and the National Sports Commission (NSC) remain outstanding.
One representative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the state government initially provided N1 million and food items to the victims and their families shortly after the incident.
Former Vice Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), North-West Zone, Ado Salisu, confirmed that many prominent Nigerians fulfilled their commitments.
“The incident truly happened, and many individuals such as the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senator Barau Jibrin and others made promises and fulfilled them,” he said.
However, Salisu noted that the state government’s major commitments are yet to be redeemed.
“Up till now, the Kano State Government has not fulfilled the promises it made, especially the N5 million compensation, plots of land and employment opportunities. But we are hopeful they will be fulfilled soon,” he said.
He also alleged that promises made by the National Sports Commission during a condolence visit to Kano by its Chairman, Shehu Dikko, have not yet been fulfilled.
“The Sports Commission also made promises, but they have not been fulfilled yet,” Salisu added.
Another representative of the victims, Salisu Jegus, echoed the concerns, stating that commitments made by individuals had largely been redeemed, unlike those of the Kano State Government and the NSC.
“All the promises made have been fulfilled except those from the Kano State Government and the National Sports Commission. We are hopeful that they will be fulfilled soon, especially those of the state government,” he said.
Responding to the complaints, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Sports, Sani Musa Danja, said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had already approved the compensation package and other benefits promised to the victims and their families.
According to Danja, the delay is due to an ongoing verification process.
“The reason it is taking time is because of the verification process, but everyone will be paid once the Governor is back,” he said.
He assured that families of the 22 deceased victims would receive the approved N5 million compensation, plots of land and employment opportunities, while the 10 injured survivors would receive N2 million and a plot of land each.
For now, however, more than a year after the tragedy, the affected families and survivors continue to wait for the promises to be fulfilled.
News
Kogi Coalition Claims Security Funds Allegations Are Attempt to Discredit Leaders

A coalition of prominent civil society organizations has strongly petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), urging it to dismiss a recent petition targeting former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and the incumbent, Governor Usman Ododo.
The coalition—comprising the Centre for Public Integrity, Nigeria’s Integrity Watch, the Northern Council of Nigeria, the Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Forum, and the Foundation for Democracy in Africa—described the allegations of financial misappropriation against the duo as “highly politicized, sponsored, and malicious.”
The development follows a June 9 petition submitted to the anti-graft agency by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC). The groups had demanded an investigation into the management of ₦36.9 billion and ₦23.7 billion belonging to the Kogi State Government, alleging that the funds were illicitly funneled through the state’s Security Operation Account to private entities and individuals.
However, in a counter-petition addressed to the ICPC Executive Chairman, the coalition argued that the public exposure of specific individuals and security assets by CISLAC was a deliberate attempt to compromise covert security operations in the state.
“In the fight against terrorism, operational tactics and actors are, by necessity, kept highly confidential,” the coalition stated in a joint release signed by Comrade Job Samuel Danfulani and Dr. John Samuel Nangi, among others. “The decision to expose these sensitive details raises serious questions about whether the petitioners are intentionally trying to compromise the security architecture of Kogi State.”
Political Vendetta
The coalition traced the sudden wave of activism to aggrieved political actors who lost out during the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections in Kogi State.
“Having failed to secure the mandates of their party delegates, these individuals have resorted to using civil society organizations as proxies to wage a war of distraction, character assassination, and political vendetta against both the past administration of Governor Yahaya Bello and the current administration of Governor Usman Ododo,” the statement read.
Legitimate Security Funding
Defending the state’s financial transactions, the coalition referenced clarifications from the Kogi State House of Assembly. Through Yabagi Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, the Assembly confirmed that the financial operations of the state, including security accounts, have remained under regular and rigorous legislative oversight.
Furthermore, the coalition cited the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, who recently noted that maintaining security in a critical transit state like Kogi requires substantial, continuous, and highly confidential investments. The funds, they argued, were legitimately deployed for intelligence gathering, operational logistics, surveillance systems, and strategic support for federal security agencies.
“The figures being brandished by the petitioners are deliberately sensationalized to generate negative media coverage. They rely on leaked administrative transaction lists and hearsay, ignoring the reality that public security operations often involve unconventional disbursements to field operatives and community intelligence networks,” the coalition added.
A Call for Accountability
Warning the ICPC against being used as an arena to resolve post-primary grievances, the coalition urged the commission to protect the integrity of national security operations by refusing to let confidential defense spending be politicized.
They further demanded that the ICPC invite the signatories of the CISLAC petition to substantiate their allegations under caution, ensuring that those who make destabilizing allegations to public institutions are held legally accountable.
The petition was also copied to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; the Director General of the Department of Stateh Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu; and the leadership of the National Assembly.
News
ACTDA Demolishes Distressed Building in Awka to Avert Disaster
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) on Tuesday demolished a distressed building at Amansea Boundary in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State after it showed signs of imminent collapse.
The demolition followed the evacuation of tenants from the structure as part of efforts to prevent potential loss of lives and property.
In a statement personally signed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ACTDA, Dr. Osita Onuko, the agency said the decision was taken after experts identified the building as a serious safety risk.
“ACTDA today evacuated tenants from a building showing signs of imminent collapse in Awka and subsequently demolished the structure before disaster could strike,” Onuko stated.
He emphasized that the authority remains committed to proactive administration and effective management of the capital territory, particularly in matters relating to public safety.
“This is what proactive governance looks like—putting lives first, not paperwork. We are determined to take necessary actions to safeguard residents and prevent avoidable tragedies,” he said.
Dr. Onuko noted that the intervention underscores the agency’s determination to prevent building-related disasters and ensure strict compliance with safety standards across the capital territory.
He also commended the Governor of Chukwuma Soludo for his commitment to the protection of lives and property.
“Kudos to Governor Soludo for always leading from the front and supporting initiatives that protect lives and property across the state,” he added.
The ACTDA boss reassured residents that the authority would continue to monitor buildings within the capital territory and take necessary action against structures that pose risks to public safety.
News
Inside the Villa: Abdulsalami Recounts Suspicious Events Surrounding Abacha’s Death
A Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), said the hours surrounding the death of Gen. Sani Abacha on June 8, 1998, left him with a lingering sense that “something was fishy.”
He disclosed that he and the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, were mysteriously locked inside a waiting room at the Presidential Villa for nearly an hour before being informed that the Head of State had died.
The revelations are contained in Chapter 19 of Abubakar’s 264-page, 27-chapter autobiography titled ‘Call of Duty,’ obtained by our correspondent on Saturday at the public presentation of the book and two others at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
The presentation was held to mark the former Head of State’s 84th birthday and was attended by President Bola Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima as Special Guest of Honour.
Abubakar wrote that the chain of events began with a phone call on the morning of Monday, June 8, 1998, while he was waiting to be informed about his own impending retirement from the military after 35 years of service.
He wrote, “On Monday, 8 June, I was waiting for him concerning the assignment he said he had for me. I received a call very early in the morning that he was going to be retired. There was no other way to interpret that.
“I quietly prayed that he would not send me to Togo where there was going to be an ECOWAS summit. I was tired of going everywhere.
“I was effectively in detention, I didn’t want to travel to Togo. I told my wife I was not happy with the call because I was still hoping I wouldn’t have to travel to Togo.”
Later that morning, he received another instruction to meet the Head of State.
“As I entered the bathroom, there was another call. I was told that the Head of State wanted to see me.
“Out of frustration, I asked if it was travelling to Togo and the caller replied that it was on a different issue.
“Because of the urgency, I didn’t wear my uniform. I wore a tracksuit and slippers and proceeded to the Presidential Villa. On getting to his residence, I was told he was not in the office,” he stated.
At the Villa, Abubakar said he could not make sense of events that followed as they were strange.
He narrated, “One of the guards informed me that anytime I went to see him, regardless of who was with him, I would still go in. After waiting for about half an hour, I wondered why he would be that early in the office.
“As I was climbing the stairs, (One of the guards informed me) that Abacha said I should stay in the waiting room. What struck me was that Abacha said I should stay in the waiting room.
“Major-General Ishaya Bamaiyi joined me shortly after. We waited for about an hour. I decided to go and see Abacha by any means because I could not understand why we should be kept that long.”
According to him, the door of the waiting room had been locked without the knowledge of the two men.
“I asked Bamaiyi if he was aware that we had been locked inside.
“Something kept telling me that something was wrong but I could not place a finger on it,” he stated.
He said when the door was eventually opened, it was not by an aide, but by the country’s most senior police officer.
“After some time, the door was opened and the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, came in.
“He said: ‘Let’s go.’ We walked towards the office and I informed him that I was told Abacha was at the residence.
“It was at this stage that he informed me that Abacha was dead. I was shocked. I asked him what happened and he insisted we proceed first. He did not tell me anything else,” said the former Head of State.
Abubakar described arriving at Abacha’s residence and being confronted with the reality of the moment.
According to him, “When we got to the residence, I asked to see Abacha’s body. I was told it was inside. I entered the room and removed the covering.
“I was in shock at the sudden development. I prayed for him and left the room. Then lots of conversations began.”
He recalled the chaotic scene and conversations surrounding succession that unfolded around him as senior figures converged on the residence.
“I saw a lot of people coming in. I saw Al-Mustapha. I am not sure I saw Brigadier-General Ibrahim Sabo, the Director of Military Intelligence.
“I remember Alhaji Babagana Kingibe was there. The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammadu Uwais, was there as well.
“We deliberated on how to break the news to the world. The CJN said the first thing was the appointment of a new Head of State to avoid a vacuum before informing Nigerians,” said Abubakar.
Abubakar accused the top brass of the military, what he called Abacha’s “inner caucus” at the Villa of being more concerned with succession politics than with the late Head of State’s burial.
He disclosed that they had already begun manoeuvring before he and other Provisional Ruling Council members were even informed.
“It then occurred to me that all along, some of those we met at the Presidential Villa, the so-called ‘inner caucus’, were not even involved in preparations for the burial.
“They were more interested in who was going to be the next Head of State. Bamaiyi and I would not be involved in the process, according to their plan.
“They were preparing to pick the new Head of State from among themselves,” he recounted.
Abubakar recalled presiding over the Provisional Ruling Council meeting that followed, in his capacity as Chief of Defence Staff and the most senior officer in the military hierarchy.
He said, “As the Chief of Defence Staff and next in hierarchy to the Commander-in-Chief, the No. 2 position was vacant following the removal of General Diya, over an alleged coup, I chaired the PRC meeting.
“I went home to change my tracksuit for the military uniform. After initial deliberations, I informed the meeting that one, General Abacha had passed away; two, the family wanted him to be buried in Kano; three, the CJN had advised that we could not leave a vacuum, hence the need to have a new Head of State.”
The deliberations, he said, quickly grew tense and lost focus.
“We began discussions and were not anywhere near reaching a conclusion. It was getting late. Someone who had his own idea complained that we all knew the tenets of Islam and instead of going to bury Abacha, we were busying talking about who was going to be the next Head of State.
“I immediately pointed out to him that it was not our idea but it was state protocol. We then agreed to break and go for the burial and converge afterwards,” he narrated.
The burial trip to Kano, Abubakar revealed, was engineered to keep him and other key actors away from Abuja while a succession plan was finalised in their absence.
According to him, “We went to Kano around 2am. Little did we know that the ‘inner caucus’ had got wind that something was fishy. They had left officers on the ground with instructions that they should not allow any drama.
“We did not sleep that night. We returned to Abuja around midnight and resumed that night. Little did we know that the burial was just a decoy to perfect whatever they had up their sleeves.
“While we were in Kano, they were already preparing to swear in their preferred choice, Admiral Mike Akhigbe, the Chief of Naval Staff, and Major-General Sarki Muktar, who was GOC of 1 Division, had got wind that something was fishy.”
Abubakar further described what he called a direct contest between himself and Bamaiyi for the position.
“All the GOCs, FOCs, AOCs and members of the PRC were in attendance. The PRC didn’t have civilian members but for the SGF and secretariat staff who were taking minutes of the meeting.
“There were people who wanted Major-General Bamaiyi to be the Head of State. Before we returned from Kano, some approached me to make a case for him but I waved them off. Still, Abacha recognised me as one of the insiders.
“The contest was directly between Lt-General Useni and me, being the two most senior officers in military affairs, although Useni was no longer involved in military affairs. I was senior to Bamaiyi but he was next in hierarchy as next in hierarchy. I was senior to Useni and me, being the two most senior officers in military affairs. I won the vote. That was how I became the 11th Nigerian Head of State,” he narrated.
Saturday’s event, themed ‘The Legacy of a Statesman @84,’ featured the public presentation of three books in honour of Gen. Abubakar’s 84th birthday.
They include ‘Call of Duty: An Autobiography of Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar,’ with a foreword by former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida; ‘Nigeria’s Grand Patriot: Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar,’ reviewed by Professor Ussuji Medaner; and ‘Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in Honour of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar,’ reviewed by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, CFR.
The event was chaired by Gen. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, with a keynote address on “Democratic Transition and Peace Building in Africa: The Place of General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar” delivered by former South African President Thabo Mbeki.
The programme also featured the unveiling of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre.
Abacha died on June 8, 1998, after about five years in power that began in November 1993, months after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Abubakar, who succeeded him, oversaw Nigeria’s transition to civilian rule, handing over to President Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999.
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