Judges uphold lower court order for auction to settle debt owed to Abdullahi; ex-lawmaker’s counsel cites missed timelines

The Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna has rejected an application by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Sani Sha’aban, seeking to halt the auction of his properties following a loan dispute. The ruling was delivered on Tuesday, after Sha’aban’s legal team asked the appellate court to stay the execution of a Kaduna State High Court judgement ordering the sale of specific assets.

According to court proceedings, counsel to Sha’aban, Halima Fumilola Olodo, requested both a stay of execution and an extension of time to challenge the original judgement. She argued that her client should be allowed more time to repay the outstanding debt rather than have his assets auctioned immediately. The debt in question is owed to Alhaji Umar Faruk Abdullahi and stems from an alleged breach of a loan agreement.

The respondent’s counsel, Abdullahi Yahya (SAN), countered that Sha’aban had failed to comply with procedural rules governing appeal filings. Yahya also told the court that the appellant did not obey previous directives from the High Court regarding deadlines for repayment of the debt. He maintained that these failures made Sha’aban’s application unsustainable under Nigerian law.

After listening to both parties, the panel of justices upheld the position of Abdullahi’s counsel and ruled against granting a stay or extension. The judgement effectively clears the way for Abdullahi to proceed with auctioning Sha’aban’s properties in accordance with the earlier High Court order.

Legal analysts say this decision underscores the importance of adhering strictly to court procedures and timelines in debt recovery cases across Nigeria. The outcome could influence other ongoing property disputes involving high-profile individuals in Kaduna State and beyond.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/appeal-court-rejects-shaabans-bid-to-halt-property-auction/

Former minister says President Tinubu’s campaign tune is ‘obsolete’, expresses confidence in ADC’s prospects for 2026 poll

Former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has expressed strong optimism about the chances of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the upcoming 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, while dismissing a recent campaign song supporting President Bola Tinubu as outdated. Aregbesola made these remarks in Ekiti on Thursday, June 18, during a meeting with party supporters and stakeholders ahead of the state’s critical poll.

Aregbesola told ADC members that the party is well-positioned to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other major parties in Ekiti State come 2026. He argued that the political landscape has shifted significantly since the last election, and urged party loyalists to remain united and focused on grassroots mobilisation. “The era when songs or slogans alone determined victory is gone. What we need now is real engagement with the people,” Aregbesola said.

His comments followed a widely circulated support song praising President Tinubu and his administration, which some APC stalwarts had used to rally voters. Aregbesola dismissed this approach as ‘obsolete,’ insisting that voters now demand substance over rhetoric. The former minister maintained that ADC’s message would resonate more with ordinary citizens seeking change from established political blocs.

Aregbesola further called on ADC members to intensify their efforts in reaching out to communities across all sixteen local government areas of Ekiti State. He emphasised unity among party ranks as key to breaking what he described as “the dominance of old parties” in the South-West zone.

With campaign activities expected to intensify in the coming months, political observers say Aregbesola’s open support for ADC could reshape alliances ahead of the 2026 governorship race. As at press time, APC officials had not responded publicly to his comments.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/888706-ekitidecides2026-aregbesola-optimistic-of-adcs-victory-dismisses-tinubus-support-song-as-obsolete.html

Afrobeats star renews contract with leading label after acclaimed project, targets more collaborations and global reach

Nigerian singer Rybeena has renewed his partnership with Dapper Music & Entertainment at a signing ceremony held in Lagos on Monday, 15 June 2026, setting the stage for the release of his highly anticipated ‘Mr Bee Deluxe’ album later this year. The move follows a successful two-year collaboration that has seen the artist rise rapidly within the country’s competitive music landscape.

The new agreement, formalised at Dapper Music’s headquarters, comes on the heels of Rybeena’s critically acclaimed ‘Mr Bee’ project, which was ranked as the ninth best album of 2025 by Pulse Nigeria. The original body of work drew widespread praise for blending contemporary Afrobeats with collaborations featuring Joeboy, Shoday, and Fuji legend Dr. Saheed Osupa.

Rybeena’s renewed commitment to Dapper Music underscores the label’s growing influence in Nigeria’s music sector. The company currently commands about 8 percent of national music streams and records over one billion annual plays across its catalogue. Industry observers say such partnerships are crucial as Nigerian artistes seek greater global exposure and creative freedom within established distribution networks.

Damilola “Dapper” Akinwunmi, Group CEO of Dapper Group, expressed optimism about Rybeena’s prospects in a statement after the signing. “Rybeena has done in two years what takes most artistes far longer, and this new deal is us putting real weight behind where he is headed. We are not in the business of managing names; we are in the business of building careers. With everything lined up to drop this year, the proof is about to speak for itself,” Akinwunmi said.

Rybeena also reflected on his journey so far with Dapper Music. “People talk about what a label is when things get loud. For me, it’s simple: Dapper backed me, built with me, and I’m staying to finish what we started. This year is proof. The ‘Mr Bee’ deluxe is just the opening,” he stated at the event.

With new releases planned under the renewed partnership and ‘Mr Bee Deluxe’ already generating buzz among fans, stakeholders expect Rybeena to further expand his audience both locally and internationally throughout 2026.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/rybeena-set-for-stellar-year-with-mr-bee-deluxe-reaffirms-long-term-commitment-to-dapper-music-and-entertainment-2026061815005920455