'Excessive' Security For Seyi Tinubu: How It Is Understood *by Folorunsho Tahir Hamsat

The appropriateness or otherwise of security protection for a president's family can be a subject of public debate. This debate is centred on the complex challenge of ensuring the safety of people connected to the presidency while being mindful of public accountability and the effective use of government resources.

 

Seyi Tinubu

 

This writer will focus solely on the provision of security for the president's family, as understood, in layman's terms.

Recently at a public function, President Tinubu's son, Seyi's 'excessive' security escort was criticized by Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka. The respected leader had argued that such resources were needed elsewhere.

From my study, it is standard international practice for a country's president's immediate family, including the children, to receive significant security protection. This is due to the high profile of the president and the potential national security risks that could arise from threats and various forms of harm to the president's family members.

Nigeria is currently confronted by multiple security challenges like kidnapping and banditry, with the primary threat coming from the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWA) and Boko Haram. On that score, threatening or harming a president's son, daughter or wife could be used to blackmail the president and compromise his ability to perform state duties, thereby creating a national crisis. Thus, the goal of 'excessively' protecting the president's family is to ensure the stability and continuity of the president's function and, by extension, the nation, by mitigating high-level threats to the First Family.

I am not familiar with the local laws on the protection of private individuals; but, based on my research, in developed countries whose model of democracy Nigeria especially practices, such as the US, the provision of security by agencies like the DSS to the president's immediate family is a federal law, not a discretionary choice.

The president's family members often attend public schools or travel, requiring extensive, pre-planned security measures and advance team to ensure their safety in such environments. Even the US law specifies that children of former presidents receive protection until they are 16 years old, unless declined.

 Hamsat

In other climes, a sitting president can issue an executive order to extend protection to members of his family, including individuals not automatically covered by law.

I will support this argument with two empirical evidence. Just before departing the White House finally in January 2025 after the expiration of his constitutional two terms as president of the United States, Joe Biden extended protection for his adult children through the next seven months via an executive order. That presidential order was critiqued by his successor, Donald Trump, and subsequently revoked by him. However, Trump himself did the same for his four adult children and two of their spouses before his first term ended in 2021, when they were given six months additional protection beyond their stay in the government house.

Thus, my interpretation of this subject is that, if it's not unusual for a president before he leaves office to authorize an extended period of protection for their immediate family members, giving them a full time protection while holding the power is justified and not inappropriate.

 

-Tahir Hamsat is a Lagos based journalist. He can be reached via 08051000485

Benin Republic Coup Leader, Pascal Tigri, on The Run

Colonel Pascal Tigri, identified as the leader of the mutineers who briefly seized Benin Republic’s national television station on Sunday, is currently on the run, according to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu. Onanuga disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Sunday.

Benin Republic mutineers

Authorities in Benin have, however, arrested several other members of the group after defence and security forces successfully thwarted the attempted coup.

Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, later appeared on national television to confirm that the mutiny had been contained.

“Early on Sunday morning, 7 December 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilising the state and its institutions,” Seidou said.

“Faced with this situation, the Beninese armed forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic. Their response allowed them to retain control of the situation and foil the attempt.

“The government therefore urges the population to go about their activities as normal.”

President Talon

The failed coup attempt triggered heightened security measures across Cotonou before loyal forces restored calm and regained full control of key state institutions.

In another statement, attributed to President Tinubu and conveyed by Onanuga, the presidency said “reports indicate that the National Guard has regained control of key locations, surrounding the television station and containing the mutineers”.

“According to 24 Hours in Benin, negotiations are currently ongoing with the group, which remains holed up inside the station,” it said.

“Authorities say the situation is now under control, with efforts underway to fully restore order and stability.”

Visitors Barred from Seeing Nnamdi Kanu in Sokoto Prison

Three weeks after the transfer of the jailed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to the Sokoto Correctional Centre, security around the facility has remained unusually tight.

Kanu was found guilty of all seven counts of terrorism preferred against him by the Federal Government and was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20.

Nnamdi Kanu

He was taken to Sokoto after the court expressed concern for his safety, noting that the Kuje Correctional Facility might not be suitable for him due to previous prison breaks recorded there.

When journalists visited the Sokoto prison along Marina Road on Friday, an Armoured Personnel Carrier and heavily armed security personnel were seen stationed at strategic points around the premises.

Attempts to access the facility were firmly rejected, as security officers insisted that no journalist would be allowed entry without clearance from the national headquarters.

A security officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that several Igbo associations in the state had recently attempted to visit Kanu but were denied access.

“We are not allowed to let people come here to see him. If we do that, the security here will be compromised.

“Only his family members and his lawyers are permitted. We also allow certain high-profile visitors. For instance, when the Abia State Governor visited last week with his Attorney-General, they were granted limited access.”

He also cautioned against taking photographs around the facility, citing security concerns.

APC Disqualifies Omisore, Five Others from Osun Guber Race

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified a former deputy governor and ex-National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore; another former deputy governor, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi; and four other governorship aspirants from participating in its December 13, 2025, primary election in Osun State.

 

Others affected by the disqualification are Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke (SAN) and Babatunde Haketer Oralusi.

In its report submitted on Friday to the party’s organisation department, the seven-member screening committee chaired by Barrister Obinna Uzor announced that only two aspirants, Hon. Mulikat Adeola Jimoh and Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, met all requirements to contest the primary.

According to the committee, both aspirants “fulfilled regulatory conditions as stipulated by the party’s guidelines, the Constitution and the Electoral Act”, thereby earning full clearance.

However, the panel referred the six disqualified aspirants to the National Working Committee (NWC) for a final review and possible clearance before the shadow poll.

The committee revealed in its six-page report, signed by all members, that it acted on a petition submitted by the Osun APC Renewal Group.

The petition had urged the disqualification of two aspirants on the grounds that they failed to meet the mandatory nominator requirements set by the APC Constitution and guidelines.

The panel stated that “upon careful review, the Committee found the issues raised in the petition to be weighty, substantial and germane to the integrity of the screening process.” It added that, in the interest of fairness and uniform application of the rules, the same standards were applied to all nine aspirants.

“Accordingly, the Committee extended the same scrutiny to all nine aspirants, ensuring that every sponsor (nominator) of an aspirant was assessed on the basis of compliance with Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the Guidelines,” the report noted, saying this was to preserve a level playing field and uphold internal party democracy.

At the end of the two-day exercise, the committee confirmed that only Jimoh and Oyebamiji “satisfactorily met all constitutional and guideline requirements of the APC, including proper nomination by the requisite number of fully registered, financially up-to-date party members from each Local Government Area.”

It observed that Senators Omisore and Omoworare and Babayemi, Ogunbiyi, Alabi, Adegoke and Oralusi failed to meet the mandatory condition of being nominated by at least five financially compliant members from each local government, as required under Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and Paragraph 6(c) of the 2025 Governorship Primary Guidelines.

Meanwhile, the Screening Appeal Committee chaired by Senator Tola Odebiyi is scheduled to sit on Saturday in Abuja to hear petitions from the seven disqualified aspirants and any other aggrieved party stakeholders.

Eedris Abdulkarim Reportedly Snubs Actor Saidi Balogun at Abuja Birthday Party

The Federal Capital Territory was the setting for high-octane drama on Tuesday night as music icon Eedris Abdulkarim turned a celebrity birthday bash into an impromptu political press conference, stunning guests and delivering a direct, scorching message to Aso Rock via veteran actor Saidi Balogun.

The star-studded event was the lavish birthday celebration for Oloflix boss, High Chief Olusola Obio. The guest list was a who's who of Nollywood and Nigeria’s music scene, including powerhouses like Saidi Balogun, Mercy Aigbe, Toyin Abraham, Yomi Fash Lanso, Jaiye Kuti and Femi Branch among other notable guests.

    Eedris Abdulkareem

 

However, the mood shifted when the renowned 'Nigeria Jaga Jaga' crooner, Eedris Abdulkarim, made his entrance. Known for his unflinching anti-establishment lyrics, Eedris initially refused to acknowledge Saidi Balogun, a staunch ally of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr. Balogun currently serves as a member of the Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology, Yaba Lagos, where he is the Chairman of the Physical Development and Project Monitoring Committee.

The fun atmosphere at birthday bash changed when Eedris took the stage for a performance, revisiting some of his classic tracks, including fan favorites from his 'Remedies' era. Midway through his set, he openly addressed the gathering, confirming the cold shoulder he gave the veteran actor despite their long-standing relationship.

Addressing Mr. Balogun directly, Eedris marveled at the actor's unshakeable commitment to the current administration. The rapper openly told the gathering that he refused to greet Saidi Balogun despite their having come a very long way from their younger years. He also gave him an unexpected accolade, saying he has always marvel at the actor's energy in defending and promoting anything that has to do with President Bola Tinubu. This, he described as unparalleled and novel.

Creating a moment of palpable silence, Eedris declared: “Balogun, you see me dey do like say I no see you? Na intentional. I need to get your attention for this very important national assignment.” He then elaborated on the actor's political gusto, stating: “Your loyalty to Aso Rock, my brother, is five-star. That kind commitment na film trick wey turn reality. We dey watch am!”

Using Balogun as his direct messenger, Eedris delivered his challenge to the Commander-in-Chief, giveing him a direct message to President Tinubu, asking Mr Balogun to tell the President that Nigerians are hungry and that Mr President should make haste to end the insecurity in the country.

Eedris further stated that if Mr Balogun fails to deliver his message to President Tinubu, it would mean that the veteran actor has done 'ojoro' (foul play).

The powerful message from Eedris left guests stunned but the situation was quickly maturely handled to prevent the birthday bash from becoming another political gathering or an avenue to vent anger against President Bola Tinubu's administration. The evening eventually returned to celebration, but the message delivered from the stage is likely to reverberate well beyond the party's walls.

General Musa Makes Demand as Senate Clears Him as New Defence Minister

The Nigerian Senate has approved the appointment of a former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, as Minister of Defence after a five-hour interrogation by the legislators on Wednesday.

General Musa, who recently served as CDS, received confirmation from the lawmakers following his screening in the Senate chambers, just a day after President Bola Tinubu put his name forward for the role.

His screening took place amid a period of increased insecurity in Nigeria, where mass abductions, particularly of students in schools, have become a frequent occurrence. One notable case involved the kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, accompanied by reports that troops left the scene moments before the attackers arrived.

General Musa stressed during the screening that one of his first actions would be to investigate the alleged withdrawal of the troops.

“We are going to go after them fully, working together with all the security agencies and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (of government),” the minister said at the event attended by his family members, among others.

“We are going to investigate fully. The Armed Forces have a way, and then from the defence, we are going to make sure that we continue with the oversight over their activities.”

President Bola Tinubu had nominated Musa as the new Minister of Defence on Tuesday, following the resignation of Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, the former minister.

Musa, who will turn 58 on December 25, served as Nigeria's chief of defence staff from 2023 until October 2025.

Serial Child Molester Re-Arrested in Lagos, Group Demands Justice

The Inclusive Social Welfare and Empowerment Foundation has raised alarm over the repeated sexual abuse of young boys in the Mile 12–Ketu area of Lagos, following the arrest of a 35-year-old man, Ali Umar, who was caught molesting a 12-year-old boy.

 

The foundation said it became aware of the situation during an outreach in the community, where residents revealed that Umar, who lives at 12 Adebimpe Street, Kosofe, had been previously caught abusing young boys. According to the community, he allegedly groomed victims by promising to buy them mobile phones, after which he lured them to his room and sexually assaulted them. On one occasion, he reportedly kept two boys in his room for two weeks before they were rescued by residents. He was released after pleading for forgiveness.

 

Ali Umar, suspect

 

However, on November 21, 2025, the suspect was allegedly caught again in the act with another 12-year-old boy and was beaten by community members.

Five days later, on November 26, the NGO received another distress call. Two of its social workers, John Thompson and Temitope Oyeniyi, working alongside officers from Ketu Police Station, apprehended Umar and handed him over to the police.

A medical examination conducted at the Mirabel Centre, Ikeja, confirmed that the child victim had been sexually assaulted through the anus.

Umar was arraigned on November 28, 2025, before Magistrate O.A. Daodu and subsequently remanded in custody. The matter was adjourned to a later date.

Ambassador (Mrs.) Pat Isiorho-Eleto, CEO of the foundation, condemned the recurring assaults and assured that the organisation would ensure the case receives full legal attention without delay.

She also expressed deep appreciation to the Ketu Police Station for their prompt intervention, thanking the Investigating Police Officer, Inspector Betty Coker, and the Divisional Police Officer for their swift and professional response. She added that the foundation looks forward to strengthening its partnership with the police to protect vulnerable children.

Meanwhile, the assaulted child is undergoing emotional and psychological counselling to aid recovery from the trauma.

The NGO and the victim’s family have appealed to the Lagos State Government to ensure that justice is served without delay.