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How Tinubu secretly recorded Jewish lawyer who exposed Abacha’s looting – Babafemi Ojudu

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Babafemi Ojudu, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to former President Muhammadu Buhari and senator, has recounted how President Bola Tinubu secretly recorded a Jewish lawyer exposing the looting carried out by Sani Abacha, a former military ruler, in the 1990s.

Ojudu narrated the incident in an interview with Edmund Obilo, while speaking on his recently published book titled, ‘Adventures of A Guerrilla Journalist’.

Abacha, who ruled Nigeria from 1993 to 1998, is reported to have diverted around $5 billion during his time in power.

These funds were hidden in foreign bank accounts in countries including the US, UK, and Switzerland.

The funds, which the federal government has been gradually recovering over the years, were stashed in foreign banks, including those in the United States, United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

In the interview, Ojudu recalled meeting Tinubu while he was in exile in the UK while working as a journalist.

He said Tinubu took him to meet the Jewish lawyer who had promised to provide key information about Abacha’s corruption and those involved in the looting.

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Ojudu, unable to write during the conversation, said he tried to memorise as much as possible.

However, midway through the discussion, Tinubu excused himself to use the bathroom and returned after a brief absence.

Ojudu said Tinubu later revealed he had secretly switched the recording tape while in the bathroom, making sure the lawyer did not notice the change.

“I was excited as a newsman. We went there and sat before the lawyer. He (the lawyer) kept reeling out how Abacha was stealing, and who was helping him,” he recounted.

“The name that was constantly mentioned was the Chagoury brothers. I was so excited but I felt so bad that because I couldn’t write. I needed to take notes. I kept trying to memorise whatever I could.

“Midway to the engagement, our brother (Tinubu) excused himself to go to the bathroom and came back. After about two hours, the engagement came to an end and we hailed a taxi to return to his house.

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“While there, I said what you took me to listen to today was super exclusive but unfortunately I will have to talk to you when we get home so that if you remember some things I will note them down.

“He said to me: Don’t worry yourself. I had a tape recorder with me. That time I went to the bathroom, I went to change the recording from side one to side two. That is why I flushed the toilet so that the man would not know that I was changing the tape.”

Ojudu described Tinubu as a “strategist” who would do whatever it took to achieve his goals.

He, however, said Tinubu tried to stop the story from being published.

“He (Tinubu) is a strategist. He does what he has to do to get what he has to get. I love to work with people like that, who will always find a solution,” Ojudu added.

“We got home and ate. He was on the couch and slept off. I rifled through him and took the tape and then woke him and said I was leaving.

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“About 8pm when I got to my hotel, I quickly changed my flight to the following morning.

“He (Tinubu) called me at 8pm and said: Femi where are you, I can’t find that tape. I said it was with me. He said: what are you doing with it? I said I am going home tomorrow to publish it. He said if you publish it; you are dead. I said I would publish it and let them kill me.

“So, I got back to Nigeria and played the tape to some of my staff, gave them assignments on what they should check and we ran the story. It was a story that shook Abacha.”

Ojudu, once an ally of Tinubu, revealed in the interview that he opposed Tinubu’s presidential bid in 2022 and chose not to vote for him in the 2023 elections.

The politician said his decision not to support Tinubu’s ambition was not a betrayal.

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Elegance, excellence, recognition as Wale Tinubu celebrates wife’s big moment in global spotlight

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In the glittering world of high society and corporate influence, moments of genuine pride and admiration rarely go unnoticed. Such was the case when oil magnate and business leader Jubril Adewale Tinubu stepped into the spotlight to celebrate a milestone achievement by his wife, Bola Tinubu who was recently honoured at the prestigious ARISE 100 Women of Impact in Africa Awards.

The award ceremony, organised by the media powerhouse ARISE News, brought together some of Africa’s most accomplished and influential women—leaders whose contributions have left a remarkable imprint across business, governance, philanthropy, and social development. Among this distinguished league stood Mrs. Tinubu, whose recognition reflects years of quiet excellence, commitment, and purposeful impact.

For the energy tycoon, the moment was deeply personal. Known across the continent as the driving force behind the energy giant Oando Plc, the businessman is often celebrated for his boardroom brilliance and strategic leadership. Yet, beyond the corporate boardrooms and global energy deals, he was simply a proud husband applauding the achievements of the woman who stands beside him.

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Taking to social media shortly after the ceremony, Tinubu shared a touching tribute that resonated with many who admire the couple. His message was simple but heartfelt, capturing the essence of admiration and partnership. Referring to the moment as a “proud husband moment,” he congratulated his wife on the prestigious honour and praised the significance of the recognition.

The ARISE Women of Impact Awards have increasingly become one of the continent’s most respected platforms for celebrating female excellence. The initiative highlights women whose work continues to shape industries, inspire communities, and redefine leadership across Africa. For the woman , being counted among this elite group places her firmly within a circle of changemakers whose influence transcends titles and accolades.

Observers at the event noted that her recognition was not merely ceremonial but well deserved. Over the years, she has cultivated a reputation for grace, professionalism, and dedication to meaningful causes—qualities that have earned her admiration within Nigeria’s social and professional circles.

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For those who know the Tinubus, the public celebration was hardly surprising. The couple has long embodied a partnership built on mutual respect, shared ambition, and unwavering support for each other’s pursuits. While Tinubu continues to command attention in the energy sector, his wife has quietly carved out her own path of distinction.
The quiet, steady influence of a woman who commands respect without seeking the spotlight shone brightly on that memorable evening reminding many that true influence often speaks in the calmest of voices.

Beyond her professional accomplishments and social standing, the intelligent lawyer nine years ago, translated her deep concern for child protection into action with the launch of the Cece Yara Foundation, an organisation dedicated to protecting children from abuse and giving young victims a safe platform to speak out against injustice.

Over the years, the foundation has become a powerful voice in the fight against child abuse in Nigeria, offering support, counselling and advocacy for vulnerable children. Through its initiatives, many young victims have found both protection and hope.

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Through these initiatives, she has continued to demonstrate that her influence goes far beyond society circles. Her commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society has made her not only a respected figure in elite circles but also a beacon of hope for countless children and families across the country.

In a society where achievements are often measured in grand gestures and headlines, moments like this serve as a reminder that recognition carries deeper meaning when it is celebrated by those closest to us.

For the GCEO of Oando Group, the award was not just another accolade on the social calendar—it was a powerful reminder that behind every remarkable woman is a story of dedication, resilience, and a partner proud enough to celebrate her success before the world.

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2baba’s ex-wife Annie rejects single mum tag, says ‘I’m a single woman raising two kids’

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Actress Annie Idibia has rejected the single mum tag, declaring that she is “not a single mum” but “a single woman raising two kids.”

“I’M NOT A SINGLE MOM. I’M A SINGLE WOMAN RAISING TWO KIDS,” she wrote.

Although Annie did not provide additional context, her statement comes more than a year after her separation from music star 2baba with whom she shares two daughters.

The couple officially ended their marriage in 2024 after over a decade together.

Their relationship had long been in the public eye. Over the years, both faced intense scrutiny, with social media amplifying private disagreements and personal struggles.

The marriage was in the public eyes not only because of their celebrity status but also because of past controversies surrounding 2Baba’s relationships.

Before their separation, Annie and 2Baba appeared on the Netflix reality series Young, Famous & African. On the show, Annie spoke candidly about the pressures within their 12-year marriage. She addressed issues of infidelity and the emotional strain she experienced over the years.

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During the series, she reflected on the impact of 2Baba fathering five children with two other women before their marriage.

Annie described that period as deeply painful, noting that it took an emotional toll on her even after they formalised their union. Her comments at the time generated widespread debate, with many viewers sympathising with her position.

Beyond the reality show, 2Baba’s personal life has remained a frequent topic in the media. The singer has eight children with four different women, a fact that has shaped public perception of him for years.

In a recent interview with Voice of Nigeria, he described being labelled a “womaniser” as the biggest misconception about him, insisting that he is simply someone who “loves hard.”

Despite the challenges that have followed her personal life, Annie continues to build her career in film and brand partnerships.

2Baba, meanwhile, continues to perform and record music, sustaining a career that spans more than two decades.

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However, while his professional achievements remain widely respected, his private life has frequently attracted as much attention as his music.

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From Global Prestige to Grassroots Patriotism: The Inspiring Saga of Kayode Ajulo – A Life Dedicated to Service Over Self

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Kayode Ajulo

Imagine a man who rises from the bustling streets of Ibadan, Akure & Abuja armed with nothing but unyielding determination and a passion for justice, to become a beacon of hope for the oppressed across Nigeria.

This is the electrifying story of Olukayode Abraham Ajulo, OON, SAN—better known as Kayode Ajulo—a trailblazing Nigerian lawyer, civil rights activist, arbitrator, lecturer, and public servant whose life is a masterclass in blending professional brilliance with heartfelt advocacy and unshakeable political courage.

His journey isn’t just a resume; it’s a rallying cry for anyone dreaming of turning personal triumphs into collective victories, proving that true greatness lies in lifting others as you climb your own peaks.

Called to the Nigerian Bar in 2001, Ajulo didn’t waste a moment. He kicked off his professional journey at the Federal Ministry of Justice, gaining invaluable insights into the machinery of national governance. A brief but transformative tutelage at Afe Babalola’s prestigious Emmanuel Chambers in Abuja followed, sharpening his legal acumen under one of Nigeria’s finest.

Barely two years at the bar, he rose to become the Head of Chambers at Dr Tunji Abayomi & Co.‘s Abuja office, where his innovative style of practice—particularly his generous pro bono services for the vulnerable—won hearts and built unbreakable bonds with people from all walks of life.

This compassionate approach didn’t just endear him to the masses; it propelled him into the political arena, where he boldly contested for the Senate seat in Nigeria’s, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, under the Labour Party banner.

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Ajulo’s political star continued to rise as he became the youngest National Secretary of the Labour Party, a master strategist who also chaired the Ondo State Radio Vision Corporation, amplifying voices and ideas across the airwaves. Yet, in a move that showcased his integrity, he resigned from his national role, declaring his need to refocus on his legal practice and dedicate himself fully to serving humanity.

Building on his solid foundation, Ajulo pursued advanced studies: a Master of Laws in 2006 and a PhD in Workers’ Rights and Corporate Social Responsibility in 2017. These credentials fueled a career that spans continents and impacts lives profoundly. As the founder and managing partner of Kayode Ajulo & Co., Castle of Law—a high-end law firm specialising in litigation, arbitration, corporate law, and workers’ rights—he’s established a global footprint with offices in Nigeria and affiliations abroad, including the United Kingdom, his second home and where he invests wisely.

An Oxford-trained arbitrator with a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration, Ajulo’s elevation to Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in the UK cements his status as a global dispute resolution expert.

His courtroom triumphs are the stuff of legends: picture him leading a pro bono defence in 2021 that overturned a death sentence for teenager Adeolu Bamiteko, accused of stealing a phone, by exposing glaring prosecutorial flaws.

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His accolades shine bright: Ondo State Advocate of the Year in 2017, the Knight of the Order of St. Paul, the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2022 from President Muhammadu Buhari, and numerous traditional titles like Bamofin of Akure Kingdom (elevated from Bamofin-Lewe) and Mayegun Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

At the heart of his mission is the Egalitarian Mission Africa, his NGO championing equality in social, political, and economic realms through bold initiatives like Free-A-Prisoner-A-Day since 2003, freeing the innocent and restoring dignity, which boasts of freeing over five thousand inmates from the gulag.

As a consultant to the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Ajulo played a starring role as a recovery consultant, spearheading the refund of Paris Club debt deductions—recovering billions of dollars for states, correcting historical over-deductions, and fueling development projects nationwide. Though media scrutiny occasionally arose, Ajulo’s clarifications have always underscored transparency and justice.

A vocal critic of corruption and a staunch advocate for rule-of-law independence, Ajulo’s political journey with the All Progressives Congress (APC) reflects his fearless spirit. His oratory prowess and mentorship have earned him monikers like “legal colossus” and “pathfinder,” inspiring peers with his confidence and grace.

On a personal level, Ajulo’s legacy blooms in his family: he is happily married to Lady Kofoworola Ajulo and he’s the proud father of three female lawyers—aged 23, 21, and 20—who are carrying the torch of legal excellence forward.

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Appointed Ondo State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in February 2024 under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, he has unleashed reforms like the Anti-Land Grabbing Law, a Criminal Records Database, and digital legal services, while securing court victories for the state and his principal.

What truly sets Ajulo apart is his patriotic pivot: forsaking lucrative opportunities in Abuja, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Lagos, or London to return to Ondo State. Inspired by Ondo icons like Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, GCON, he chose grassroots impact over global glamour, applying his blessings—wealth, honours, mentorship, and recoveries—to uplift his people.

He’s the epitome of a “rooted cosmopolitan”: world-class yet homebound, proving that patriotism fuels progress.

Ajulo’s saga is more than a biography; it’s an exhilarating call to action.

In a world fixated on wealth and comfort, he reminds us that our talents are divine trusts for the greater good. By sacrificing ease for service—through pro bono heroics, billion-naira recoveries, and state-level reforms—he shows that true fulfilment comes from bridging divides, defending the vulnerable, and mentoring tomorrow’s leaders.

Let his story ignite your own: step beyond your comfort zone, wield your blessings boldly, and build a legacy that echoes eternity. In serving others, we discover our highest selves.

Kayode Ajulo this is your life!

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