The Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC) has officially welcomed Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, populalrly known as Jandor, a former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ekwutosblog recalls that Adediran, the 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate for PDP, defected to APC in March this year.

In a statement released by his spokesman, Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye, on Thursday in Lagos, Adediran expressed his appreciation for the warm reception he received from GAC members, led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi.

PRESS BRIEFING BY THE FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
ON RECENT POLICE OPERATIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN KADUNA STATE IN LINE WITH THE IGP’S VISION FOR A SAFER NIGERIA

POLICE RESCUE 17 KIDNAPPED VICTIMS, RECOVER 21 FABRICATED AK-47 RIFLES, NEUTRALIZE 3 ARMED ROBBERS

Gentlemen of the Press,

In line with the operational directives and strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, geared towards tackling violent crimes, dismantling criminal networks, and enhancing public safety across the country, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant breakthroughs in recent operations conducted in Kaduna State.

On 9th April 2025, in a remarkable feat of inter-agency collaboration and strategic intelligence deployment, operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), successfully rescued 17 victims who had been abducted on 3rd March 2025 from Sarkin Pawa, Niger State.
This operation, notably achieved through a non-kinetic approach, evidences the commitment of the IGP to leveraging intelligence-led policing and inter-agency synergy to address security challenges.
The rescued victims include:
1. Williams Ubadia (15)
2. Samuel Ezekiel (15)
3. Duza Ezekiel (13)
4. Ishaku Ishaya (12)
5. Sunday Ezekiel (8)
6. Jessy Friday (6)
7. Rebecca Ezekiel (32)
8. Jummai Ishaya (32)
9. Terriza Friday (30)
10. Alice Ezekiel (35)
11. Victoria Ishaya (32)
12. Blessing Ezekiel (20)
13. Gloria Ubadia (13)
14. Gift Ubadia (10)
15. Charity Ezekiel (9)
16. Alheri Ishaya (5), and
17. Favour Ezekiel (1)
All rescued individuals were promptly taken to the Police Clinic in Kaduna for medical examination and have been certified to be in stable and sound health.

On the same day, 9th April 2025, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit acting on credible intelligence intercepted a commercial Volkswagen Sharan vehicle at the Kawo Central Motor Park in Kaduna. Upon thorough search, officers discovered 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles concealed within the vehicle.
The suspect, identified as Jamilu Suleiman, a 27-year-old male resident of Rafin Guza, Kaduna, was arrested and is currently in custody. During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed that he was instructed by a union member to deliver the firearms to an unidentified individual in Kaduna.
A full-scale investigation has been launched to dismantle the arms trafficking network and bring all perpetrators to book.

In a separate incident, on 9th April 2025 at about 0500hrs, the Police Command received a distress call from a Good Samaritan reporting an armed robbery in progress at Doggi Farm, located along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Tafa Division swiftly mobilized a patrol team to the scene. Upon arrival, they engaged a gang of about 30 armed robbers, who had earlier invaded the premises, in a fierce gun battle. During the exchange of gunfire, two of the robbers were neutralized, while others fled towards the nearby hills.
Two other injured suspects were apprehended and taken to the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Memorial Hospital, Sabon Wuse, for treatment. Unfortunately, one of them was later confirmed dead, while the other is alive and currently assisting the Police with further investigation.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang and bring them to justice.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, MNIPR, MIPRA, FCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA

10th APRIL, 2025

STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS JUSTICE IBITOLA ADEBISI SOTUMINU

President Bola Tinubu extends his condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Justice Ibitola Adebisi Sotuminu, former Chief Judge of Lagos State, who passed away at the age of 86.

President Tinubu commiserates with the Body of Benchers, members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the National Council of Women’s Societies, and the International Federation of Women Lawyers, over the passing of the jurist who exemplified integrity, honour, and diligence.

Recalling their shared commitment to public service during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, the President states that Justice Sotuminu’s leadership as Chief Judge was instrumental in advancing critical judicial reforms that modernised Lagos’ legal framework and strengthened public trust in the judiciary.

Justice Sotuminu’s illustrious career spanned over four decades. She began her judicial journey as a magistrate in 1969, rising to become Chief Magistrate of Lagos State. In 1984, she shattered barriers as the first woman appointed Chief Registrar of the Lagos State High Court. Her elevation as High Court Judge came in February 1986, and Chief Judge from 2001 to 2004.

As Chief Judge, her tenure brought in innovative reforms in the Lagos judiciary, some of which include, expanding and modernising court infrastructure, digitising judicial processes, and initiatives to expedite justice delivery-foundations underpinning Lagos’ status as a legal pacesetter.

As the final funeral rites for the late jurist commence today, President Tinubu prays for the repose of her soul and divine comfort for her family.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
April 10, 2025