By Our Reporter

A federal high court in Abuja has struck out the eight-count criminal charge filed against Adeniyi Adeyemi, director-general of the fictitious Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Mohammed Umar, presiding judge, struck out the charge on Monday following an application by the federal government to terminate the trial, pending Adeyemi’s fresh arraignment before the high court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Rotimi Oyedepo, director of public prosecutions of the federation (DPPF), told the court that the attorney-general of the federation had reviewed the case file and identified issues with the charge initially filed by the inspector-general of police (IGP).

Oyedepo, a senior advocate of Nigeria, said the review found that the alleged forged documents involved in Adeyemi’s operations of the purported agency fell within the jurisdiction of the Federal Capital Territory high court and not the federal high court.

He added that a fresh charge had been filed before the FCT high court and that the government intended to arraign Adeyemi afresh without delay.

The prosecution subsequently prayed the court to strike out the existing charge.

Ibrahim Angulu, Adeyemi’s lawyer, did not oppose the application.

Umar consequently struck out the charge.

Adeyemi has been in police custody since he was arrested in Osun state on July 14.

Prior to his arrest, a federal high court in Abuja ordered his arrest after he failed to honour the court’s summons.

Adeyemi was the mastermind of the fictitious PFIPC that operated like a government agency, receiving an allocation in the 2026 budget, occupying an office at the federal secretariat and also recruiting staff, without any legal standing or presidential declaration.

He had alleged that Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff, collected N400 million through a proxy for the appointment letter into the fictitious agency.

Following public outcry, President Bola Tinubu ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the PFIPC scandal.

By Our Reporter

The exodus of political appointees from the administration of Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has continued, with the resignation of the Chief of Staff, Hon. Segun Ebenezer Ogunwuyi.

Ogunwuyi, a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives, announced his resignation in a letter dated October 12, 2026, effective that day.

In the letter addressed to the governor, he described his service to the state as a great honour, expressing pride in the achievements recorded by the administration.

“I respectfully write to resign my appointment as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Oyo State, with effect from today, 12th October, 2026,” he stated.

Reflecting on his time in government, Ogunwuyi said he was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state.

“Serving the Government and the good people of Oyo State has been a great honour. It has been deeply fulfilling to be part of the exceptional team that has worked relentlessly to deliver the remarkable achievements of this administration,” he said.

He added that he remained proud of the administration’s collective efforts to promote the growth and prosperity of Oyo State.

“I remain immensely proud of what we have collectively accomplished in advancing the growth, development and prosperity of our dear State,” the former chief of staff stated.

Ogunwuyi also expressed confidence in the state’s continued progress, while thanking Makinde for the opportunity to serve.

“As I take this decision, I do so with profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve, with confidence in the continued progress of Oyo State,” he said.

He concluded the letter by assuring the governor of his highest esteem and reaffirming his loyalty to Oyo State and Nigeria.

Ogunwuyi’s resignation comes amid the departure of several political appointees from Makinde’s administration in the last two months, raising fresh attention to the changing political dynamics within the government.

His exit is particularly significant given his position as the governor’s chief of staff, a key role in coordinating government activities and facilitating the implementation of the administration’s policies.

His resignation has fuelled speculation about a possible political realignment towards the All Progressives Congress (APC), amid internal wrangling within the governor’s political camp, sources familiar with the developments have said.

A source familiar with the political developments in Oyo State told our correspondent that Ogunwuyi’s resignation could be linked to internal wrangling within the governor’s political camp, amid speculation that he might be considering a move to the APC.

“There have been internal disagreements within the political camp, and Ogunwuyi’s resignation has further fuelled speculation about possible realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.”

“There are suggestions that he could be considering joining the APC, but we cannot say that definitively at this stage,” the source said.

Although Ogunwuyi did not disclose his reasons for leaving the government in his resignation letter, sources familiar with the situation suggested that internal political disagreements could be connected to the latest departure.

There was, however, no official confirmation that he had decided to join the APC.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has recorded 8,787 cases and 4,242 confirmed deaths.

The UN health agency disclosed the figures in a report published on Saturday, highlighting the growing humanitarian and psychological consequences of the outbreak.

As of October 7, the outbreak had recorded 8,787 cases, 4,242 confirmed deaths, 2,292 recoveries, and nearly 11,300 people receiving mental health and psychosocial support

The WHO report also reveals that 193 community workers and 64 psychologists have received specialised training in Ituri Province.

The agency warned that survivors continued to confront psychological distress, stigma and economic hardship even after recovering from the disease.

It said the outbreak had placed enormous pressure on families, healthcare workers and communities already affected by insecurity and displacement.

WHO consequently stressed the importance of integrating mental healthcare into emergency disease-response operations.

The organisation said psychological support was being provided to patients, survivors, affected families and frontline health workers.

It disclosed that nearly 11,300 people had received mental health and psychosocial support services through treatment and transit centres.

At the Bunia clinic alone, 318 Ebola survivors had benefited from psychological support.

WHO said 193 community workers in Ituri Province had been trained in psychological first aid.

Another 64 psychologists received additional training to strengthen support for patients and affected communities.

The agency explained that Ebola survivors frequently experienced anxiety, social isolation and rejection after leaving treatment centres.

Some also struggled with loss of income, damaged relationships and uncertainty about their future.

WHO said psychosocial teams were supporting community reintegration through counselling, family engagement and follow-up visits.

The organisation stressed that mental health services were essential to improving treatment outcomes and rebuilding confidence among survivors.

It also warned that healthcare workers responding to the outbreak faced significant psychological pressure because of infection risks and demanding working conditions.

WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Congolese authorities in strengthening disease control, treatment and psychosocial services.

The agency said addressing the outbreak required sustained attention to both physical recovery and the psychological well-being of affected communities. (NAN).