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UPDATE: Natasha Suspended For Misconduct, Not Harassment Claim — Senate Tells IPU

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The Nigerian Senate has clarified before the Inter-Parliamentary Union that the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was due to gross misconduct, not allegations of sexual harassment.

Speaking at the IPU on Wednesday, Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, dismissed claims by Akpoti-Uduaghan at a United Nations event, where she alleged her suspension resulted from raising sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Ogbara, mandated by the National Assembly to respond to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s speech at the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, addressed the matter:

“In response to the call by the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Right Honorable Tulia Ackson, to hear both sides, I have received a letter from the Nigerian Senate in my capacity as Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development and a parliamentarian representing Nigeria at this conference,” she stated.

She emphasized the importance of fairness in handling such allegations:

“Such allegations demand a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation. At the same time, fairness must be upheld for all individuals, ensuring that justice is neither predetermined nor one-sided.

“Nigeria remains firmly committed to upholding women’s rights and combating gender-based violence through strong legal frameworks. Our Parliament and Judiciary continue to undergo reforms to strengthen these efforts.

“The ongoing legislative initiatives address historical imbalances in women’s representation in Parliament, including the Reserve Seats Bill and other constitutional amendments aimed at safeguarding women’s rights. These efforts underscore our commitment to an inclusive and equitable political space.”

Addressing the allegations against Akpabio, Ogbara stated:

“It is important to recognize that both the allegations and responses require careful and unbiased scrutiny. This issue, which remains subjudice, involves multiple elements, including sexual harassment allegations and potential Senate rule violations. While any connections must be examined, these matters should also be considered separately.

“We must uphold fairness and ensure that no individual is prematurely judged without a transparent and impartial process. Therefore, I call for:

A thorough and unbiased investigation, ensuring all claims and defenses are examined fairly.

Protection of all parties involved, safeguarding their rights and preventing intimidation or retaliation.

Accountability and transparency, ensuring that due process is rigorously followed.”

Ogbara then read the Senate’s position paper, presented by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.

The Senate’s letter stated:

“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior, not due to allegations of sexual harassment or assault.

“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation being circulated by certain media organizations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“Let it be unequivocally stated that her suspension was solely due to her persistent misconduct and disregard for Senate Standing Orders.”

According to the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan violated Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate rules, leading to her suspension.

“If she had followed proper procedures, the Senate would have treated her petition on its merits. However, she failed to adhere to established practices,” Bamidele explained.

The statement further clarified:

“Her suspension was a decision of the Committee of the Whole Senate, following a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.”

The Senate accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of:

  • Refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on February 25, 2025, despite multiple pleas.
  • Engaging in unruly and disruptive behavior.
  • Making abusive and disrespectful remarks against Senate leadership.
  • Defying and refusing to comply with summons from the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges investigating misconduct.

The Senate stated that her suspension was necessary to restore order and uphold legislative integrity:

“No senator, regardless of status, gender, or political affiliation, is above the Senate’s rules.

“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a direct consequence of her actions and nothing else,” the statement concluded.

The Senate urged media organizations to correct misrepresentations and avoid spreading falsehoods that undermine Nigeria’s legislative process.

Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan escalated her dispute with Akpabio by presenting her case at a United Nations forum, calling for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable.

BIG STORY

BREAKING: Olubadan Of Ibadan Oba Olakulehin Joins His Ancestors

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The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has joined his ancestors.

It was gathered that the monarch, who became Olubadan in July 2024, passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, after spending a year on the throne.

The passing of Oba Olakulehin, who was born on July 5, 1935, occurred barely two days after he marked his 90th birthday.

According to Tribune Online, Oba Olakulehin was presented with the staff of office by Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde on July 12, 2024, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

He rose to the throne from the chieftaincy rung of Balogun Olubadan, succeeding Oba (Dr.) Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who passed away at the age of 81 on March 14, 2024.

 

More to come…

 

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BIG STORY

NDPC Fines MultiChoice N766m For ‘Violating Privacy Of Subscribers’

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The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has imposed a fine of N766.24 million on MultiChoice Nigeria, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, for “violating the privacy of subscribers and their friends”.

In a statement on Sunday signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, head of legal, enforcement and regulations at NDPC, the commission explained that the sanction followed an investigation launched in the second quarter of 2024.

NDPC said MultiChoice was found to have breached the Nigeria Data Protection (NDP) Act after an inquiry into alleged violations of the privacy rights of its subscribers and the illegal cross-border transfer of personal data belonging to Nigerians.

“NDPC found, among others, that Multichoice violated the data privacy rights of subscribers and their friends who are not necessarily subscribers,” the commission stated.

“The Commission also found that Multichoice carries out illegal cross-border transfer of personal data relating to data subjects in Nigeria.

“The depth of data processing by Multichoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary and disproportionate. This is a grave affront to fundamental right to privacy as enshrined in section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Nigeria is entitled to protect her citizens, and data sovereignty under both international and extant municipal laws – as these have far-reaching implication for rule of law, national security and economic growth.

“In line with its standard remediation procedure, the Commission directed Multichoice to carry out appropriate remedial measures. However, the Commission found the measures undertaken by Multichoice in this regard unsatisfactory.

“For want of cooperation, the Commission has directed Multichoice to pay N766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act.”

NDPC also stated that Vincent Olatunji, the national commissioner of the agency, has directed that every outlet through which MultiChoice collects Nigerians’ personal data be investigated for possible non-compliance.

Olatunji emphasized that any outlet processing personal data in violation of the NDP Act would be subject to a penalty as stipulated by the Act.

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BIG STORY

US Court Jails Nigerian Pastor Over $4.2million COVID-19 Fraud As Monarch Forfeits Properties

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They appeared before Justice Christopher Boyko at the US District Court of Ohio.

A Nigerian pastor, Edward Oluwasanmi, has been sentenced by a United States District Court to 27 months in prison for defrauding the COVID-19 relief fund.

His associate, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, forfeited his property to the US government while awaiting a court ruling set for August 1.

Oluwasanmi and Oba Oloyede were arrested in early 2024 for fraudulently obtaining $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds.

They were charged with 13 counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, and engaging in monetary transactions involving criminal proceeds.

They were brought before Justice Christopher Boyko at the US District Court of Ohio.

Reports indicated both men pleaded guilty to some of the charges under a plea agreement.

According to court documents, Judge Boyko sentenced Oluwasanmi on Wednesday, July 2, to 27 months on counts one, 11, and 12 of the indictment.

The sentences will run concurrently.

The court also ordered Oluwasanmi to pay a $15,000 fine and report to the U.S. Marshal Service.

The court stated, “Supervised release three years on each of counts 1 and 11-12, all such terms to run concurrently, with standard and special conditions.”

It also declared, “As a result of the foregoing offenses, defendants Joseph Oloyede and Edward Oluwasanmi shall forfeit to the United States: all property, real and personal, which constitutes – or is derived from – proceeds traceable to the commission of the wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy offenses; all property constituting, or derived from, proceeds the defendants obtained, directly or indirectly, as the result of the wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy offenses and any and all property, real and personal involved in the money laundering offenses, and any property traceable to such property.”

Oluwasanmi will forfeit a commercial property located at 422 South Green Road, South Euclid, Ohio. Meanwhile, the court scheduled Friday, August 1, for the sentencing of Oloyede after the monarch pleaded guilty to counts one and 13 of his indictment.

On Monday, April 21, Oba Oloyede, a US-based accountant and information systems professional crowned Apetu in July 2019, entered his guilty plea before the court.

Oba Oloyede and Oluwasanmi were accused of submitting fake applications for the Paycheck Protection Programme and Economic Injury Disaster Loans under the US Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act between April 2020 and February 2022.

They allegedly used falsified tax and wage documents to obtain funds intended to help struggling businesses during the pandemic.

The Act was meant to offer emergency financial relief to Americans facing the economic consequences of COVID-19 by providing loans to small businesses and nonprofits.

Oba Oloyede was alleged to have used some of his companies, including Available Tax Services Incorporated, Available Financial Corporation, and Available Transportation Company, to commit the fraud.

Following the monarch’s disappearance, the Osun State Government said it would wait for the conclusion of his trial before deciding on any action.

The state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said, “A person is innocent until a court convicts them. So, we don’t want to jump the gun; let us wait for the court’s pronouncement on the matter.”

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