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Alleged land grabbing: Business Mogul cries out, accuses Police AIG of Connivance

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A few Days after Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote expressed his frustration over intimation from some parties concerning his oil refinery investment, Aviator cum real estate development mogul, Dr Saheed Mosadoluwa CEO of Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Ltd, is facing similar situation.

The entrepreneur, popularly know as Saheed Ibile, expressed his frustrations over certain individuals sponsored by a renowned landgrabber, Aare Bashiru Fakorede, who is alleged to be hiding under his influence his friendship with some top ranking police officers.

Saheed stated this at a press conference held on at the site of the destruction in Lagos on Monday.

He added that the landgrabbers and some groups have been constantly threatening him, therefore, considering to relocate his business back to Dubai or Republic of Benin where he is already enjoying favourable support.

According to him, the disturbing series of events which unfolded a few days ago involving one of his acquired property in Oju-Ota, Oko-Orisan village, Epe, Lagos State.

On July 17, 2024, a group led by Sodiq Oloto hired by one Bashiru Fakorede, along with one Modupe Damacio Oni-Orisan, stormed Majestic Bay by Harmony Gardens’s with Armed Thugs in company of some policemen on who allegedly acted on the instructions of AIG Olatoye Durosinmi of Zone 2 command.

The intruders, supported by armed officers ASP Adeseiko Joseph, Insp. Sanni Osiegbe and Inspector Oluwarotimi Omolade engaged by Aare Bashir Fakorede led thugs Sodiq Oloto, demolished significant portions of the Majestic Bay Estate.

Ibile said: “We have this same type of business in other countries including Benin Republic and Sudan. Infact I was in Sudan the day Modupe Oni-Orisan came to destroy my property, and I tell you for a fact that there is no where else we get this type of frustration and intimidation except Nigeria. I am now beginning to understand why people always say they cannot do business in Nigeria or those saying they want to Japa with their businesses.”

We might consider a full relocation to another country except things actually gets better,” he said.

Mosadoluwa, striving to address the issue legally, reported the incident to the Commissioner of Police through the AIG himself, CP Tactical officials in which arrested Modupe Damazio and two other armed thugs but the AIG order their release and order transfer of my company managers who are the nominal complainant in a previous complaint to the AIG Durosinmi, but received no actionable response.

The situation escalated on July 22, 2024, when the same group returned with armed officers led by AIG Zone 2, Mr. Olaoye Durosinmi’s boys. This second incursion resulted in further destruction.

“Oko Orisan Community members intervened during the second attack capturing some of the thugs and handing them over to the CP Tactical team at Naforija Police Division in Epe.”

“Among those apprehended was Modupe Oni-Orisan, who openly admitted in a video recording that she and her cohorts were responsible for the demolition. However, instead of proceeding with justice, AIG Durosinmi, took over the case and transferres it to the Area Command in Elemoro. He then released the suspects and detained Chief Sulaiman Salau and Pa Olatunde Alebiosu, two Executive Management Officers of Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Limited.”

“These actions clearly shows that AIG Durosinmi is working with Bashiru Fakorede, Sodiq Oloto, Modupe Oni-Orisan and one Mike Utomi, and others to take over my estate illegally in 2 different locations; Oko Orisan and Bolorunpelu Onigbedu,” he alleged.

Despite clear evidence and confessions from the perpetrators, the entrepreneur said his colleagues are facing false charges and prosecution while the real culprits walk free.

The business mogul called on higher authorities to intervene and the Attorney General of Lagos State to look into the case to ensure that justice is served and the rights of the true landowners are protected while holding the actual culprits accountable.

The Lagos State Property Protection Laws prohibit the engagement of land agents and land grabbers and even law enforcement in forceful take over witout the presence of a court Sheriff with geniue warrant of pocession sworn in with survey attached, yet this has been blatantly ignored.

The entire destruction caused on the property is estimated at N600million, according to Saheed. He alleged that a payloader machine worth N185million was taken away from the site by the hoodlums.

Attempts to get the reaction of AIG Durosinmi failed as his numbers were unreachable as at the time of filing this report.

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The Need for Profiling NGOs in Kano to Preserve Culture, Religion, and Tradition

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In the recent months, the concern on the activities of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Kano State has increased particularly in the face of a case of one organization that was discovered to be promoting the campaign on LGBT.

Consequently, the need to profile the NGOs, hence the need to ensure their alignment with the cultural, religious and traditional values of Kano People as a society which is predominantly Muslims

Given the importance of preserving these fundamental aspects of Kano community, profiling NGOs is not just a necessity but a responsibility of the Kano State Government.

This approach aligns with global best practices, international regulations, and national security frameworks that advocate for transparency and accountability in civil society operations.

Profiling NGOs involves collecting and maintaining records on their activities, sources of funding, leadership, and compliance with national and State laws.

This process is crucial for the following reasons:

1. Preservation of Cultural and Religious Values: Kano State, like many other societies, has a deep-rooted religious and traditional values. Some NGOs operate in some ways that may inadvertently or deliberately counter these values. Profiling, ensures that NGOs operate within the ethical and moral frameworks accepted by the community.
2. Accountability and Transparency: Profiling helps expose NGOs that engage in activities contrary to their declared missions, preventing misrepresentation and potential manipulation of public trust.
3. National Security Considerations: Many countries, including Nigeria, have recognized the potential risks posed by NGOs that receive foreign funding without clear oversight. Profiling helps in ensuring that these organizations do not pose security threats

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Several international laws and best practices support the regulation and profiling of NGOs:
1. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations: The FATF, an intergovernmental body combating money laundering and terrorism financing, emphasizes the need for transparency in NGOs operations. Recommendation No 8 states that countries should ensure NGOs are not misused for terrorist financing or illicit activities.
2. The United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1373 (2001) and 2462 (2019): These resolutions emphasize the need for governments to prevent the misuse of civil society organizations for extremist or destabilizing activities.
3. The USA PATRIOT Act (2001): This act mandates increased oversight of NGOs operating within and outside the U.S. to prevent funding of illicit activities under the guise of charitable work.
4. The UK Charities Act (2011): The UK government ensures strict compliance of NGOs with registration and transparency regulations, preventing those that work against national interests from receiving funds.
5. The Nigerian Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020: This act gives the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) the power to regulate and suspend NGO operations if found engaging in unlawful activities.
Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, nominated as a commissioner by the Kano State Governor, is a respected figure with a track record of integrity and commitment to public service. His nomination signifies a strategic move to ensure effective engagement of LAWFULLY registered organizations that operate within the ambit of the law.

The elements questioning his appointment are likely wary of exposure, as increased profiling will reveal organizations operating with some hidden agendas that do not align with the cultural and traditional values of Kano people Additionally, the few dubious civil society organizations opposing him are envious of his achievements, of impactful leadership, fearing the scrutiny that comes with proper oversight, means they are dubious and dishonest
Legitimate NGOs that genuinely seek to serve the public good should have no concerns regarding profiling.

In a statement signed by Dr. Abraman Sunday, National Coordinator,
CSOs Integrity Group said transparency benefits the entire sector by ensuring trust between the government, the people, and civil society organizations. Any resistance to such measures raises concerns about potential ulterior motives, including mismanagement of funds, ideological subversion, or activities detrimental to societal stability.
Profiling NGOs in Kano is a necessary and globally supported initiative to preserve the cultural, religious, and traditional heritage of the state. International regulations and best practices emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in the NGO sector. The appointment of credible individuals such as Comrade Waiya further strengthens the government’s resolve to ensure NGOs operate within ethical and legal boundaries. The resistance from certain civil society organizations only underscores the necessity of this exercise, as it will expose entities that may not have the best interests of Kano State at heart.
By implementing profiling policies aligned with international best practices, the Kano State government will foster a more responsible and accountable NGO sector that contributes positively to society

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League Of CSOs Rejects Establishment Of NGOs Profiling Committee; Rejects Waiya’s Appointment, Citing Integrity Concerns

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The League of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has voiced strong opposition to the establishment of an NGOs Profiling Committee and the appointment of Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya as its chair. In a press conference held at the Nigeria Labour Congress Secretariat, Bala Abdullahi Gaduwana, a representative of the League, expressed their concerns and called for the dissolution of the committee.

Gaduwana highlighted that the initiative to establish the committee is reminiscent of previous attempts in 2017, which were ultimately abandoned due to widespread opposition. He emphasized that the current initiative poses a substantial threat to the freedom of association and the independence of NGOs, potentially silencing critical voices and discouraging vital advocacy work.

The League pointed out that the establishment of this committee duplicates existing regulatory frameworks such as the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, the National Planning Commission Act 1993, the ICPC Act 2000, the EFCC’s SCUML provisions, the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019, and the Office of the Special Adviser on NGOs for Donor Coordination. Additionally, within Kano State, the Directorate of Open Government Partnership (OGP) already provides mechanisms for NGO oversight and accountability. Therefore, the creation of this new committee is seen as a needless duplication of effort.

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One of the most pressing concerns raised by the League is the appointment of Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya as chair of the committee. The League expressed serious reservations about Waiya’s suitability for the role, citing his past involvement with the Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF). During his seven-year tenure as Interim Management Committee President of KCSF, Waiya faced documented accusations of financial impropriety, withholding crucial organizational documents, and failing to conduct elections. Furthermore, he is currently involved in several legal disputes with the elected KCSF executives, the KCSF Electoral Committee, and the KCSF Board of Trustees.

The League argued that Waiya’s demonstrated antagonism towards the KCSF, the constituency that propelled him to his current position, raises serious doubts about his impartiality as chair of the NGO Profiling Committee. They expressed concerns that Waiya might prioritize personal agendas over the public interest in his role on the committee, thus compromising transparency and accountability.

In their demands, the League called for the immediate dissolution of the NGO Profiling Committee and urged the Kano State Government to mandate Waiya to relinquish all KCSF documents to the Board of Trustees and provide a comprehensive accounting of his leadership during his seven-year tenure.

The League also stressed the importance of mobilizing public awareness about the dangers of the committee’s establishment and its potential impact on the community. They committed to engaging in advocacy with relevant stakeholders, including government officials, legislators, and international organizations, to protect the civil society space in Kano State.

In conclusion, the League of CSOs emphasized that the appointment of an individual with such a controversial background to oversee the financial integrity and operational transparency of NGOs creates a fundamental conflict of interest. They urged the Kano State Government to reconsider the establishment of the committee and Waiya’s appointment to ensure transparency and accountability within the sector.

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APC’s Tripartite Against External Aggression : Still on Garo, Dan Agundi and Doguwa

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By Abba Anwar

Show of fearlessness, strategic coordination and enlightened engagement are some of the fundamental indicators of organized effort. Periscoping this from political standpoint, measures commitment, sincerity of purpose and responsibilities.

I know my readers will believe with me when I said, when it comes to engaging youth in Kano’s All Progressives Congress (APC) for strategic party positioning, genuine commitment without any recourse to material benefit, true survival of the party against all odds and aiding youth visibility from within, the trio of His Excellency, Murtala Sule Garo, Honourable Alhassan Ado Doguwa and Honourable Baffa Babba Dan Agundi are forces to be reckon with.

The model I proposed earlier, calling on our leaders to fuse together these fearless political strategists under one umbrella for protecting the party, APC, in Kano against external aggression, is still relevant and timely. Not because they are the only people to do the job. Not at all. But they are among the frontliners who can do it better.

For sustaining the efforts of our youth, within the rank of the party and outside, the control, close monitoring and unwavering support for meaningful direction of Garo-Dan Agundi – Doguwa Tripartite Initiative is unarguably needed.

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While party leaders are managing the affairs of the party, in their own right, all youth groups and platforms need to be under close monitoring and scrutiny from Garo-Dan Agundi – Doguwa framework and any other arrangement party leadership deems fit.

But this intervention should be limited or applicable to only association linking themselves with the party’s name, APC. Because when party’s name is attached to a group, whenever that group engages in anything, good or otherwise, the credit or blame will always go to the party live and direct. As an organized party, APC, with Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, at the helm of affairs, anything attached to the party should be monitored, assessed and evaluated on frequent basis.

As the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of speech and association, one can float an association of like minds and invite membership of his choice. And at the same time, run such association in his own terms and condition. Nobody can deny you that. So long as legal procedures are followed.

But if party’s name is added or build in association’s name, party has to have a hand in either the running of the association or in controlling, to certain extent, the association or both. This is because, party’s dignity, performance, direction and relevance, can sometimes be measured through the activities of such associations.

This is necessary, because, some of such youth platforms lack focused leadership, always swimming in ineptitude, excessive lust for power, inefficient coordination of purpose, divisive tendencies and unorganised modus operandi.

I am not, in any way, advocating for taking over of the leadership of youth groups by Garo-Dan Agundi – Doguwa arrangement. But I am rather advancing argument for checks and balances in the system and procedural setting.

Garo, Dan Agundi and Doguwa, without any fear of mincing words, fully understand clear strategies on how to protect the party from external aggression, if you like. They understand both sides of the coin. When it comes to protective tendencies.

Sometimes you find out that, some of these youth platforms, are more of liabilities than assets to the party. Hence, the emergence and deepening of distasteful relationship between different rival groups or platforms, without considering collective interest.

It is in such situation that you begin to wonder, why is it that, when people mess up, they don’t mess up at their own peril. But they mess up at the expense of the party.

Absence of checks and balances for streamlining the efforts and intervention of such groups spells doom. Nobody is saying we are not appreciating how vibrant the party is becoming with the visibility of activities here and there. All I am saying is let there be order, respect for one another, sincerity of purpose and purity of the process.

Fusing Garo, Dan Agundi and Doguwa together for this purpose, means a lot in bringing together youth and youth – related associations to truly work for the party with the much needed loyalty, unity of purpose, focus and proper coordination of all youth groups within the fold of the APC. All in the spirit of cohesion, survival, progress and development of the party. For deepening internal democracy and governance in general.

Anwar, was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

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