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Anambra ’25: How Soludo’s attempt to avenge Tinubu’s 2023 humiliation failed
By Sunny Igboanugo
No crime is perfect. No matter how flawlessly planned or watertight a crime is or how thoroughly executed, criminals always leave one trace or two or even more. There is always a slip that a good investigator looks out for to crack a case no matter how tough.
The November 8, Anambra state governorship election, met all elements of a carefully-planned and thoroughly executed electoral fraud. Yes! That’s what it was or is – a fraud – a heist. But I must give it to them. All those who took part in it played their roles perfectly.
But then – the slip! It came from Unit 008 Agulu Ward in Anaocha Local Government Area, the polling booth of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), in the February 25, 2023 election.
In many cases, such slips are usually the result of an innocuous action – one second of thoughtlessness – one word out of sync – an emotional outburst – or just one careless move – then everything comes crumbling.
In the instant case, nobody, except those who planned it, would probably explain how such a thoughtless decision came about. Mind you, I wasn’t just an observer, I was a participant observer. I was the Director of Media and Publicity of the John Chuma Nwosu (JCN) Campaign Council of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). So, I was in the locus in quo – or as Bishop Kukah would say – the scene of the crime.
So, long before the election, I was aware about the plot. Words had filtered in about how Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the governor wanted to “disgrace” Obi in Agulu. My conclusion was that he was billed to capturing the ward for himself to score a political point, using his own winning template.
Alas! How was I to know that he planned to donate the trophy to the APC? But in that singular move lies the singular factor that cast a question mark on the credibility of the entire process. It ruined what would have been and iron-cast case. For even a complete imbecile knows that the outcome is a clearly electoral impossibility!
Were there some thinking members within their camp, they ought to have known that the public would be asking what had changed so soon after in an atmosphere where the same Peter Obi, won virtually 100 per cent of the votes cast in the same unit in 2023? What sins did he commit in just two years that made his people now hate him such that they were so intent on punishing him?
Soludo and his minders never supplied information as to how the APC performed the feat. Yes! For the governor, it would have been part of the effect of turning communities in Anambra into the new African haven, surpassing the Dubai-Taiwan he promised the people. But a lowly political figure like Nicholas Ukachukwu, the question is – quo warranto? On what authority?
But, you didn’t need be a political genius or mathematician to figure it out. Even someone struck with Mongolian idiocy disease could put two and two together to determine what happened. It was a clear expression of how the nation’s electoral process has been captured – how the huge edifice that was the election architecture has now crumbled from the moment Mahmoud Yakubu, the now disgraced former INEC Chairman practically threw a dynamite at the foundation with his IReV glitches episode.
Since that notorious February 25, 2023 affair, which produced Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President, the nation’s electoral process has continued to sink deeper at every turn beginning with the governorship election of March 18 after the presidential polls.
You could see the effect in the Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa edition some eight months after on November 11, that year, where the governors swept the polls regardless the readings of the political barometres in their states.
You heard in Kogi, how prepared results were either in the hands of agents of the ruling party or already being uploaded on IReV hours before the elections were held. The world was also regaled with video evidence of how APC almost captured 100 per cent votes in Imo with its 27-27 electoral feat. Of course, the Edo edition on September 21, last year, is there to confirm the new template.
So, when Soludo came with his 21-21 edition, only the non-initiate, perhaps somewhere from the outer space would be enamoured. The amusing aspect of the outcome, if not the tragic, depending the way you look at it is the absolute lack of emotional intelligence in managing the outcome.
Pray! What was the need for the Agulu ward show? To humiliate Obi or to get a pound of flesh for Tinubu? It would have been a different kettle of fish if APGA, Soludo’s party had won it. In that case, it would have been excused as part of the tsunami of an incumbent. But Ukachukwu of APC? From whence did he produce the genie capable of creating such magic?
Did he sink a water facility and reticulated the pipes supplying each household in Agulu with free water overnight?
If anything, the last time I checked, it was the selfsame Obi that donated a whopping N90million an two INNOSON vehicles for the security of the same community that now decided to “disgrace” him. Was the so-called disgrace their way saying thank you for such a bold step towards their security and welfare. These Agulu people must be the perfect example of current day Brutus, whose dagger-blow ended it for Julius Caesar.
But you must be a clear simpleton not get the drift. What just happened in Anambra is no different from the Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa and most recently, Edo. It is a situation where INEC simply hands over the electoral machinery and organs to whosoever they favoured, ostensibly based on the direct orders or body language of the powers that be.
It is then the remit of the assignee, mostly favoured governors, to determine who wins where and with what margin. Then, you find that in virtually all the cases and typical of what happens in the local government elections which they conduct, they go for the total kill, taking no prisoners.
So, obviously Soludo’s winning streak, was no magic. It came from the same gift bag as others before him. So, as in other cases, it was his choice to decide where to win and with what margin. That was what was demonstrated at Agulu. He simply dashed the unit to APC as with a pack of candies.
But only that in doing so, he practically spilled the beans. Or how else would he not have known that he practically exposed what ought to have been hidden and shot himself in the foot by so doing. But what could you say of someone so desperate.
Since Obi defeated Tinubu roundly in Lagos in the last presidential election, the camp of the President has remained implacable. All the onslaughts mounted against the former governor within the APC and those eager to please him, have their roots substantially from this.
Ostensibly, Soludo must have keyed into the prevailing sentiments. Either he promised it as part of the bargains he signed into during his in and out movement at the Presidential Villa or it was a solo effort, the Agulu show, must have been a move to assuage the Villa or is it Bourdillon now?
Incidentally, the way it was celebrated by the media, obviously part of the plot – procured to trumpet it to the world with such screaming headlines – Obi loses his ward – and the manner Soludo himself made a song and dance about it, one thing is sure – there is more to come from that November 8 outcome.
You could be sure that was a dress-rehearsal. If Obi manages to find himself on the ballot in 2027, he is probably going to lose not only Anambra, but the same Agulu. Of course the ample explanation would be obvious – he has lost it before.
Guess who would be there not only to ensure, but explain it – Your Charles Chukwuma Soludo – Charlie Nwa Mgbafo. As for the peoples’ will – your guess! It’s called State Capture! Tragedy!
My name is Sunny Igboanugo, I’m the Tiny Voice!
Hours after Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered issued a bench warrant for the arrest Adeniyi Adeyemi, the controversial Director General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), is currently in the custody police authorities.
Pictures and videos of embattled PFIPC boss being questioned in what appeared an interrogation session, surfaced on social media on Tuesday evening, with few details still sketchy on whether the police actually hunted him down or he surrendered himself.
Latest information, indicate that he is currently in the custody of the Osun State Police Command, according to a report by Channels Television, who confirmed that he has been taken in.
The order came on the prompting of Wisdom Madaki, the police lawyer after Adeyemi failed to appear in court to take his plea before on an eight-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/562/2025, which relates to forgery, fraud and impersonation.
The court took the decision despite the spirited efforts by Genesis Francis, Adeyemi’s lawyer to mitigate the situation when he told Umar: “The defendant is afraid for his life. He has to be alive to be able to face trial. They have been looking for him even without an order of court.”
Regardless, the judge, while brushing aside the defence, said he was minded to accede to the application for the issuance of a warrant of arrest against the defendant, noting since case was filed on November 27, 2025, with proceedings not commencing until December 4, 2025, Adeyemi did not appear before the court more than once.
“Since then, he has failed to appear before this court on four consecutive dates,” he said, while mandating security agencies to arrest and produce the embattled PFIPC boss before the court on September 30 for arraignment.
During trial, witnesses including Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff (CoS) to the President; Paul Emmanuel; Jeremiah Imoukhede; and Ituah Sylvester, are billed to testify for the prosecution alongside the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Akimbo Shola and Adamu Balongu, as well as a Deputy Superintendent of Police.
The order is coming on the heels of Adeyemi’s outcry that his life was in danger, while debunking the allegation that he was a fugitive running away from the law, saying he would appear in court once he had assurance that he would be protected from those tracking him in attempts to take his life.
A guest of Politics Today, a public affairs programme on Channels Television, Adeyemi, had told his host on Monday: “I’m ready to show my face. I’m not hiding. I’m only fearing for my life because I have it on good authority that my life is in danger. There have been several attempts on my life,” Adeyemi added.
He also maintained his allegation that he paid N400 million through a proxy to President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Gbajabiamila, to secure his appointment as DG of the disputed council. I’m ready to show my face. I’m not hiding. I’m only fearing for my life because I have it on good authority that my life is in danger. There have been several attempts on my life.”
An interim police investigation report had exposed how the defendant allegedly forged appointment letters and official documents to create the impression that the PFIPC was a legitimate federal government agency.
Police disclosed that the investigation was initiated after the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) on October 17, 2025, over the activities of individuals allegedly forging official appointment letters purportedly issued from the office.
The petition added that preliminary findings showed the forged documents contained falsified signatures, reference numbers, official seals, and the Nigerian Coat of Arms, and that they were allegedly used to appoint individuals into the non-existent PFIPC.
Adeyemi, who was identified as the principal suspect, allegedly presented himself as the DG of the council and operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase III, Abuja.
One of those allegedly linked to the fraud, Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, was said to have died in a fire incident at a hotel in Abuja.
Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Adeniyi Adeyemi, controversial Director-General (DG) of an alleged “non-existent,” Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
The order came on the prompting of Wisdom Madaki, the police lawyer after Adeyemi failed to appear in court to take his plea before on an eight-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/562/2025, which relates to forgery, fraud and impersonation.
The court took the decision despite the spirited efforts by Genesis Francis, Adeyemi’s lawyer to mitigate the situation when he told Umar: “The defendant is afraid for his life. He has to be alive to be able to face trial. They have been looking for him even without an order of court.”
Regardless, the judge, while brushing aside the defence, said he was minded to accede to the application for the issuance of a warrant of arrest against the defendant, noting since case was filed on November 27, 2025, with proceedings not commencing until December 4, 2025, Adeyemi did not appear before the court more than once.
“Since then, he has failed to appear before this court on four consecutive dates,” he said, while mandating security agencies to arrest and produce the embattled PFIPC boss before the court on September 30 for arraignment.
During trial, witnesses including Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff (CoS) to the President; Paul Emmanuel; Jeremiah Imoukhede; and Ituah Sylvester, are billed to testify for the prosecution alongside the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Akimbo Shola and Adamu Balongu, as well as a Deputy Superintendent of Police.
The order is coming on the heels of Adeyemi’s outcry that his life was in danger, while debunking the allegation that he was a fugitive running away from the law, saying he would appear in court once he had assurance that he would be protected from those tracking him in attempts to take his life.
A guest of Politics Today, a public affairs programme on Channels Television, Adeyemi, had told his host on Monday: “I’m ready to show my face. I’m not hiding. I’m only fearing for my life because I have it on good authority that my life is in danger. There have been several attempts on my life,” Adeyemi added.
He also maintained his allegation that he paid N400 million through a proxy to President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Gbajabiamila, to secure his appointment as DG of the disputed council. I’m ready to show my face. I’m not hiding. I’m only fearing for my life because I have it on good authority that my life is in danger. There have been several attempts on my life.”
An interim police investigation report had exposed how the defendant allegedly forged appointment letters and official documents to create the impression that the PFIPC was a legitimate federal government agency.
Police disclosed that the investigation was initiated after the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) on October 17, 2025, over the activities of individuals allegedly forging official appointment letters purportedly issued from the office.
The petition added that preliminary findings showed the forged documents contained falsified signatures, reference numbers, official seals, and the Nigerian Coat of Arms, and that they were allegedly used to appoint individuals into the non-existent PFIPC.
Adeyemi, who was identified as the principal suspect, allegedly presented himself as the DG of the council and operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase III, Abuja.
One of those allegedly linked to the fraud, Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, was said to have died in a fire incident at a hotel in Abuja.
Meanwhile, Adeyemi, who has since denied that the PFIPC was non-existent, demanded an independent, multi-stakeholder investigative panel to probe the controversy surrounding the alleged N1.3 billion budget insertion for the Council in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
In an open letter to President Tinubu, Adeyemi said he was prepared to provide documentary evidence and fully cooperate with investigators once an independent panel was constituted.
He recommended the inclusion of representatives of civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), independent media organisations, international financial institutions, human rights groups, and diplomatic missions, as well as the ICPC and the EFCC, on the independent investigative panel.
Meanwhile, Adeyemi, who has since denied that the PFIPC was non-existent, demanded an independent, multi-stakeholder investigative panel to probe the controversy surrounding the alleged N1.3 billion budget insertion for the Council in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
In an open letter to President Tinubu, Adeyemi said he was prepared to provide documentary evidence and fully cooperate with investigators once an independent panel was constituted.
He recommended the inclusion of representatives of civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), independent media organisations, international financial institutions, human rights groups, and diplomatic missions, as well as the ICPC and the EFCC, on the independent investigative panel.
Abdulrahman Bello, must die for the murder, Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal, a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, the Court of Appeal has insisted, rebuffing the attempt of the self-acclaimed Islamic cleric, to upturn the verdict of an Ilorin High Court.
Affirming the earlier death sentence imposed on cleric for the murder of the female student, said to be his lover, on February 10, 2025, at the Olunlade area of Ilorin, which attracted widespread public outrage across Kwara State and beyond, the appellate court said it found no reason to upturn the earlier verdict of the lower court.
Bello, who was one of the five people arraigned on charges bordering on conspiracy, murder, unlawful removal and possession of human parts and blood, also faced a rape charge, of which he was eventually acquitted by the trial court.
Justice Gabriel Omoniyi Kolawole, who led a three-man panel of the appellate court, while dismissing his appeal, held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that he murdered the victim and was unlawfully in possession of human parts.
The appellate court consequently upheld the judgment of the Kwara State High Court, which sentenced Bello to death by hanging and imposed an additional 10-year jail term over his conviction for unlawful possession of human parts.
The court held that there was no merit in the appeal and consequently affirmed both the conviction and the sentence imposed by the trial court.
According to the appellate court, the trial court properly evaluated the evidence before it and rightly concluded that the prosecution established the offences beyond reasonable doubt.
The appellate court said it believed the position of Ibrahim Sulyman, Kwara State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Issa Zakari, Chief State Counsel, and B.L. Abdulsalam, Assistant Chief State Counsel, who led the prosecution.
Hailing the judgment as another significant milestone in the state’s criminal justice administration, Sulyman, said in a statement: “The judgment underscores the commitment of the Kwara State Ministry of Justice and the judiciary to ensuring that criminal cases are determined strictly in accordance with the law and the evidence presented before the courts.
“It also reaffirms the principle that persons found guilty of grave offences, after a fair trial, will be held accountable under the law. The appellate court’s decision would strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
“The affirmation of the conviction and sentence represents another milestone in the administration of criminal justice and reinforces public confidence in the rule of law and the appellate process. The convict still retains any further rights of appeal available to him under the Constitution and other applicable laws.
Justice Hannah Ajayi of the Kwara State High Court, sitting at Ilorin, hand on July 2025 sentenced Bello to death after finding him guilty of murdering and dismembering Lawal, after describing his act as “the highest degree of human wickedness, and a premeditated and cold-blooded act.”
Dismissing Bello’s claims that he loved the deceased and intended to marry her as merely an afterthought designed to deceive the court, Ajayi, also ruled the convict’s conduct after committing the crime and before his arrest suggested that it might not have been his first involvement in such an act, while a book on money-making charms recovered from his apartment further strengthened the prosecution’s case.
Justice Ajayi further held that the video and written confessional statements obtained by operatives of the Department of State Services and the police were lawfully admitted in evidence, dismissing Bello’s allegation that he was tortured into making the confessions.
While acquitting Bello of the rape charge, the trial court convicted him of murder and unlawful possession of human parts, sentencing him to death by hanging for the murder and imposing a 10-year prison term, with an option of a N100,000 fine, for the human parts offence.
The court also discharged and acquitted the four other defendants in the case — Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman and Abdulrahman Jamiu — after holding that the prosecution failed to establish their involvement in the offences.
Reacting to the High Court judgment at the time, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described the killing as tragic and commended the judiciary for ensuring justice.
“The gruesome murder of Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal was pathetic, unfortunate, regrettable and worrisome,” the monarch said in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Abdulazeez Arowona.
“The judgment has further brightened the hope and trust of the people in the judiciary and security agencies. May Almighty Allah repose the soul of the late Hafsoh Lawal and comfort her family members.”
The monarch also urged parents and guardians to be vigilant and closely monitor the activities and movements of their children and wards to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
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