News

Justice Olukayode Ariwoola Sworn In as New CJN

President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn in Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, NAN reports. This is coming after the former Chief Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad tendered his resignation citing ill health as the reason for hanging up his wig for good.

Ariwoola was appointed to the Supreme court bench in 2011, following 6 years of serving as the Justice of the court of Appeals between 2006 and 2011. As the court of Appeal justice, Ariwoola served across three states – Lagos, Enugu, and Kaduna states.

A native of Oyo State, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola was born on the 22nd of August 1958. He began his legal practice in the private sector before joining the public sector in 1992, starting out as a Judge of the Superior Court in Oyo State. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Ariwoola, though only with the title of Acting Chief Justice of the Nation, is projected to be in active service until the year 2028.

Justice Ariwoola’s appointment has been frowned upon by many Nigerians as well as his colleagues in the legal practice many of whom have accused him of being corrupt, and in bed with the ruling executives. The resignation of his predecessor, Tanko Muhammad which came only a few weeks after the retirement of Justice Odili (wife to former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili) has been deemed controversial. Analysts have said that Tanko only chose to resign now after Odili had hung her gown because he did not want her to succeed him as the next CJN. Odili would have been the one to succeed Tanko as she would have been the most senior on the bench if she had not retired. Retired Justice Mary Odili was widely perceived as one of the few Justices who were concerned about the independence of the Judiciary. Her stance on jurisprudence put a threat on her life when in October 2021 there was an attempt to abduct her.

The Buhari administration has been accused of complete dominance and control of other arms of government. The immediate outgoing CJN was preceded by Justice Walter Onnoghen who was unconstitutionally removed by President Buhari on allegations of false asset declaration. Buhari would immediately appoint Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, a move that cemented the widely held belief that the president was an ethnic bigot. Tanko’s tenure as CJN was marred with allegations that he was a lackey to the executive arm.

News

Senator Natasha confirms Sallah visit to Kogi constituents

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reaffirmed her commitment to visiting her Kogi Central constituency for the Sallah celebration, dismissing rumors that she had canceled the trip. Her media team released a statement early Tuesday, April 1, confirming that the visit would proceed despite the Kogi State Government’s recent ban on rallies and public gatherings due to security concerns.

“We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central Senatorial District will proceed as planned. Despite rumors circulating online, there has been no official announcement from our office regarding the cancellation of this visit,” the statement read.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the Senate, encouraged her supporters to join her in celebrating Eid-el-Fitr, emphasising her commitment to engaging with her community.

“As the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains committed to engaging with her community and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation,” the statement continued.

“Her dedication to the people of Kogi Central is unwavering, and she looks forward to celebrating Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.”
Her insistence on proceeding with the visit comes just hours after the Kogi State Government announced a ban on public gatherings, citing intelligence reports warning of potential security threats.

In a statement on Monday, March 31, the state Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, justified the ban, stating that intelligence reports suggested that some individuals were planning to “stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations” in Kogi Central

The state government also prohibited fishing and other activities after two people were reportedly killed in Kasemiya, Katubo, and Umozu Ette in Kogi West.

Despite these restrictions, Akpoti-Uduaghan assured her constituents that all necessary arrangements had been made for a peaceful and successful celebration and invited the community to join her for the festive occasion.

Entertainment

Bobrisky allegedly arrested by immigration officials upon return to Nigeria

Controversial Nigerian socialite Bobrisky has announced that he was arrested by immigration officials shortly after returning to Nigeria, just five months after leaving the country for his “sanity and health.”
Bobrisky took to Instagram on April 1, 2025, stressing that he was arrested without being told the reason.

Guys I have just been arrested by immigrant in Nigeria, I don’t know what I did o.

The crossdresser has disclosed that this was an April Fools’ prank, and he was not arrested.

Bobrisky’s prank comes months after he publicly disclosed that he had left Nigeria to focus on his well-being. In a previous interview, he shared that constant online backlash and personal struggles had taken a toll on his mental and physical health, prompting him to relocate.

“Yes, I’m here to confirm I’m out of Nigeria temporarily… I need to attend to my sanity and my health. Few Nigeria security agencies try everything to frustrate me but naaa i gat God. Imagine !!! buying business class ticket 3 times. only 1 was successful. @kIm I hope you guys refund me the two i didn’t use. I know is not ur fault but it’s fine,” he wrote in November 2024.

The crossdresser remains outside the country at this time.

Entertainment

Omah Lay announces release date for his second album ‘Clarity of Mind’

Award-winning Afrobeats superstar Omah Lay is finally set to release his keenly awaited sophomore album titled ‘Clarity of Mind’.

The revelation was made via the Instagram handle of label Keyqaad who announced May 16, 2025, as the release date for the album which will be a follow-up to his acclaimed debut ‘Boy Alone’.

Ahead of his next album release, the singer has released the single ‘Holy Ghost’ which was among the most streamed songs on Apple Music Nigeria in 2024.

He also dropped the single ‘Moving’ in 2024 after making guest appearances on songs with rising star and fellow label mate Kaestyle and celebrated musician and DJ Spinall.

Omah Lay’s upcoming album comes after he claimed he had to scrap an album because the sound was ripped off by an artist he loved and trusted.

In the interview on the Zang Sang Show, Omah Lay revealed that he was creating a new sound which he shared with a certain artist who then proceeded to put out an album with the new sound.

Omah Lay added that he decided to re-record a new album which he boasts will be the greatest in the history of Afrobeats.

Since impacting the mainstream with his EP ‘Get Layd’ in 2020, the singer has become one of the most acclaimed Nigerian musicians.

After winning the Headies Next Rated in 2021, Omah Lay has lived up to expectations with a steady release of hit singles that shows both his flowery writing, soulful music, and impressive genre fusion.

With his upcoming album, the singer will be aiming to consolidate his place as one of the standout artists of the new generation of Afrobeats superstars.