Kogi Prince, Ajibola, Others, Condole With Gov. Ododo Over Father’s Death
The Akogun of Ife-Olukotun in Kogi West Senatorial District, Alhaji Isiaq Ajibola has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo Over the death of his father, Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Ododo.
This came even as the publisher and Editor-in-chief of Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper, Yusuf Ozi-Usman nipr and De Noble Club 10 Kogi Central, expressed sympathy to the Governor.
In a condolence message on behalf of the Greenbarge Media and Communications Limited based in Abuja, Nigeria federal capital, the Editor-in-chief asked the Governor to take solace in the God-fearing life his father lived.
… Prince Ajibola
In a condolence message to the Governor, Ajibola, who is co-founder of Media Trust Limited, publisher of Daily Trust, Weekly Trust and Hausa version, “Aminiya,” noted that although the death of a father is always painful, but asked Governor Ododo to take solace in the fact that the late Alhaji Momohsani lived a humble and impactful life.
He said that the late patriarch left behind a shining legacy of simplicity, humility, and good leadership, “the virtues which his son has clearly embodied in his own life and service.”
He observed that it is no surprise that the news of the passing of his father attracted a deluge of condolence messages from within Kogi State and across the country, describing it as a testament to the respect and admiration the late Alhaji Momohsani commanded.
The Akogun prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the shortcomings of the departed, admit him into Aljannatul Firdausi, and grant the Governor and the entire Ododo family, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Yusuf Ozi-UsmanThis was even as the publisher of Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper described the departed Momohsani as a man of peace.
He said that the deceased was known as promoter of Ebira culture apart from being a philanthropist.
He prayed to Allah to forgive all his shortcomings and admit him in Aljanatu Firdausi, and to grant the governor and his siblings the Fortitude to bear the loss.
Also De Noble Club 10 Kogi Central commiserated with Governor Ododo, praying Allah to grant his late father Aljannah Firdausi.
In a condolence message signed by its President, Alhaji Abdullahi Kayode Mamman, De Noble Club 10 Kogi Central prayed to Allah to grant the immediate family, Ebiraland and Kogi State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The Club expressed happiness over the fulfilled life of the man, noting that the Governor inherited a humility trait of the father.
The Club commended the Governor for the great strides his government has made in some areas, urging him to do more for the benefit of the people.
… Kayode Mamman 
Media Public Trial Of NAHCON Officials Is Unfair, By Fatima Sanda Usara
In recent times, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has come under an unusual and disproportionate weight of allegations. Petitions after petitions that are compiled to the volume of an encyclopedia lie in our archive. Hardly does an investigation into one of these petitions arise without being sensationalized in the media. It appears as if the media have found NAHCON a perpetual target for criticism.
Yet, we must pause and reflect: why is NAHCON subjected to such constant public trial in the court of opinion, when other agencies undergoing similar or even deeper investigations are not placed under such intense scrutiny?
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigates individuals, institutions, and agencies on a daily basis. This is a normal and necessary function in any system that seeks accountability. But unlike with NAHCON, these investigations are not broadcast with such eagerness or amplified in ways that damage reputations before facts are even established. Why then is the media treating NAHCON differently? As well as fabricating stories to sell their trade.
It is important to emphasize that a petition does not equate guilt. Petitions are often written by individuals based on assumptions, allegations, misinformation, or personal grievances. By law, they are only allegations until proven otherwise. The EFCC, in its professional capacity, invites officers for questioning not because they are guilty, but to allow them to provide clarity, supporting documents, and explanations. This process helps the EFCC to verify whether the claims are true, false, misunderstood, or baseless. Only after this thorough examination does the Anti Corruption Commission decide whether a case should proceed to court or be dismissed for lack of evidence.
This is how strong systems of justice work: truth is tested by evidence, not by hearsay or media sensationalism. Yet, in NAHCON’s case, the opposite seems to happen—allegations are treated as convictions, and whispers are magnified into scandals. This is unfair not only to the institution but also to the ordinary Muslims who rely on NAHCON to organize and safeguard their religious journey of Hajj.
A key principle of Islam is fairness. Allah (SWT) warns believers not to act on hearsay without investigation: “lest you harm people in ignorance and afterwards become regretful.”
It is, therefore, un-Islamic to rush to judgment over every rumor surrounding NAHCON. The hallmark of a good Muslim is to investigate, verify, and uphold justice before forming an opinion.
Furthermore, the secrecy surrounding investigations is intentional. EFCC officials, as experts, do not disclose sensitive information indiscriminately. Sometimes even the individual being investigated does not know the full scope of the inquiry until much later. Therefore, it is most likely the petitioners themselves, eager for validation, who leak stories to the media in the hope of tarnishing reputations. Because only they know what they have written. Should society reward this mischief by amplifying their claims without context?
Some of these claims now being quoted as aspects under investigation have been in the media long before NAHCON’s return from the offshore assignment.
Take for instance a report claiming that NAHCON’S Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA) was still in custody at the time of the journalist filing the report. That he was also detained over another “ ….case of fund diversion dating back to the tenure of former chairman, Ahmad Jalal Arabi.” EFCC will never reveal this because this is a man who never shared office with Malam Jalal Arabi even for an hour. DFA was posted from the Account General’s office in February after the former DFA was promoted to the rank of Permanent Secretary. That is six months ago. Aminu was not detained nor was he in detention as at the time of filing that report. But his reputation was rubbished in the media because someone did not do his or her job.
At its core, NAHCON exists to serve pilgrims and manage a highly delicate operation that affects millions of Nigerians. To weaken it through unending, unproven allegations is to harm the very system that ensures our brothers and sisters can fulfill their religious obligation of Hajj.
We should demand accountability, yes, but not through mob judgment, not through unfair media trials, and not through a climate of perpetual suspicion. Judgement from afar is a mirage, approach it and the truth appears. Let investigations follow due process.
The call today is simple: please let NAHCON be. Allow the Commission to work, and let justice—not hearsay—be the measure by which we assess its officers.
To do otherwise is to deny fairness, undermine trust, and harm the very institution meant to serve the Nigerian Muslim community going on pilgrimage.
Fatima Sanda Usara is Assistant Director, Media and public affairs in NAHCON.