Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman, Board of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, CFR has joined Nigerians across the nation in celebrating the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, OON, as she marks her 66th birthday.

In a statement released to commemorate the milestone, Dogara described the First Lady as “a woman of extraordinary grace, resilience, and compassion” whose life and service have been deeply woven into the fabric of Nigeria’s democratic journey. He noted that Senator Tinubu has not only stood unwaveringly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, through decades of political struggle and triumph, but has also distinguished herself as a leader, humanitarian, and advocate for the vulnerable.“Senator Oluremi Tinubu has consistently demonstrated humility, compassion, and an unshakable commitment to public service.

Her tireless advocacy for the disadvantaged, her devotion to democratic ideals, and her ability to inspire hope have left an indelible mark on our nation,” Dogara said.The former Speaker recalled her distinguished career in the Senate, where she served three consecutive terms and championed legislations that advanced education, social welfare, and gender equality. He emphasized that her purposeful interventions and humanitarian projects have touched countless lives, reinforcing her reputation as a beacon of hope and inspiration.

Dogara further praised her ability to balance her role as a supportive wife to the President with her own leadership responsibilities. “Her loyalty and resilience in standing by Mr. President, while also pursuing her own impactful initiatives, reflect her devotion to the ideals of nation-building and her vision for a progressive Nigeria,” he remarked. He also highlighted her compassion for humanity, noting that her initiatives have empowered women, supported children, and provided relief to disadvantaged communities across the country. “Senator Oluremi Tinubu is more than the First Lady; she is a symbol of strength, humility, and service whose influence transcends politics and resonates deeply with ordinary Nigerians,” Dogara added.

As she celebrates this milestone, Dogara joined family, friends, associates, and well-wishers in offering prayers for her continued good health, strength, and fulfilment. “May the Almighty God bless her abundantly, grant the desires of her heart, and endow her with greater grace to remain an icon of leadership and inspiration to generations of Nigerians,” he concluded.The message closed with a celebratory note: “Congratulations and Happy 66th Birthday to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, OON.

The Amalgamated Civil Society Groups of Nigeria (ACSN) has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), particularly its Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, for its response to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the Corps’ custody in Niger State.

The group, however, called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

In a statement signed by its Convener, Comrade Wale Adegoke, and Secretary, Comrade Musa Abdullahi, the ACSN said the incident required accountability while cautioning against drawing premature conclusions before the completion of investigations.

The group said the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and other officers connected with the incident was an appropriate administrative measure to facilitate an unhindered investigation.

It said anyone found culpable through negligence, dereliction of duty or other misconduct should face appropriate disciplinary or legal consequences.

The ACSN also commended Audi for what it described as steps towards strengthening professionalism and accountability within the NSCDC.

According to the group, efforts by the NSCDC leadership to improve the operational capacity of the Corps, including the provision of a new headquarters for the Niger State Command, reflected an ongoing attempt to improve the working environment and effectiveness of its personnel.

The organisation also noted the clarification by Niger State Governor, Farmer Umaru Bago, regarding the location where the suspects were arrested, saying the clarification was important in establishing the facts surrounding the incident.

The ACSN said the broader challenge of illegal mining also required attention, noting that illegal mining had security and economic implications and could not be addressed solely through arrests and enforcement operations.

It urged authorities to investigate the networks facilitating illegal mining and examine the role of individuals who may be enabling the activities to continue.

The group further cautioned against politicising the deaths, stressing that the incident involved human lives and should be treated with seriousness and responsibility.

“Premature conclusions and politically charged narratives could undermine the integrity of the investigation and distract from the need to determine exactly what happened,” the group said.

The ACSN urged civil society organisations, political actors, traditional institutions, security agencies and members of the public to allow the investigative process to run its course.

It also commended the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the NSCDC for their respective responses to the incident and the broader challenge of illegal mining.

The group called on the NSCDC leadership to sustain institutional reforms, strengthen internal accountability mechanisms and ensure that the outcome of the investigation is communicated to the public in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.

It said the incident should reinforce the principle that every life matters and every public officer must be accountable, while security institutions must operate within established professional and legal standards.

A 2008 judgment of a United States appellate court has revealed that Karl Von Batten, the Washington-based lobbyist engaged by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, was convicted in 2003 over an assault involving his then-girlfriend.

The court record identifies Von Batten as Karl M.E. Okeke, a name he was known by at the time of the incident.

According to the judgment, the incident occurred on July 4, 2003, during a dispute between Okeke and his girlfriend, Cynthia D. Murphy, at his apartment in Washington, D.C.

The couple had reportedly begun a romantic relationship in April of that year.

Court documents said tension arose during a party at Okeke’s apartment after Murphy reportedly learned from his roommate, Katy Elizabeth Gaire, that Gaire had also been involved intimately with Okeke.

The revelation triggered an argument between Murphy and Okeke.

According to the appellate court’s account, Okeke ordered Murphy to leave the apartment before allegedly attacking her.

The court said Murphy was sitting near the bathtub when Okeke lunged at her, causing her to fall.

The judgment further stated that the altercation continued in the bedroom, where Murphy alleged that Okeke pulled her by the arms and legs, struck her repeatedly, kicked her and pushed her against a wall.

The injuries described in the court record included a black eye, facial swelling, bruises and cuts inside her mouth.

Murphy eventually escaped through a bedroom window and climbed onto an exterior ledge of the apartment after, according to the court, she became afraid that the assault could continue.

Neighbours reportedly assisted her from the ledge, after which she was taken to George Washington University Hospital for medical treatment.

SENTENCED TO 180 DAYS

Following a misdemeanor bench trial, Okeke was sentenced on December 10, 2003, to 180 days in jail over the assault.

The court record, however, stated that the jail sentence was suspended.

He was instead placed on one year of probation and ordered to stay away from Murphy.

The conditions also included 50 hours of community service, participation in a domestic violence counselling programme and a payment to the Crime Victim’s Compensation Fund.

The circumstances surrounding the conviction emerged in an appeal brought by Murphy concerning a civil protection order.

Murphy had challenged the order after a lower court issued a protective order arising from an incident in which she allegedly remained in Okeke’s apartment after being asked to leave.

The US appellate court subsequently overturned the lower court’s decision and directed that the protection order be vacated.

The judgment was delivered on July 3, 2008, by judges Anna Blackburne-Rigsby, Stephen Glickman and John Ferren.

There is no indication in the court material reviewed whether Okeke successfully appealed his 2003 criminal conviction.

ATIKU’S $1.2M LOBBYING CONTRACT

Von Batten came under renewed public attention in 2026 after Atiku engaged his Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C.

A filing under the United States Foreign Agents Registration Act showed that the firm was contracted to work on matters relating to Atiku’s reputation and standing in the United States.

The agreement was reportedly valued at $1.2 million annually.

The lobbyist’s background has subsequently attracted scrutiny, including questions concerning his identity and the different names associated with him.

His LinkedIn profile reportedly lists his full name as Karl-Marx Edward Ikemefuna William George Okeke-Von Batten.

However, the 2008 US appellate court judgment refers to him as Karl M.E. Okeke.

The difference in names has generated questions about when and why he adopted the Von Batten surname.

CLAIMED WHITE HOUSE APPOINTMENT

The lobbying firm also recently removed a social media post concerning an alleged appointment of Von Batten to a position connected with a White House presidential commission.

The firm had claimed that US President Donald Trump appointed him as a commissioner on the commission.

However, no official statement from the White House confirming the appointment had been identified at the time of the report.

The 2003 conviction and the subsequent court proceedings are contained in publicly available US court records.