News
Tinubu’s CSO Refuses to Budge: Three Months After Redeployment Order, Fasasi Remains in Office
Three months after an official memo regarding his redeployment from the State House, Adegboyega Fasasi, Chief Security Officer (CSO) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, continues to remain in his position.
Fasasi’s defiance of a posting directive from the Department of State Security Service (DSS) has raised concerns about adherence to service rules, security protocols, and overall discipline within Nigeria’s critical intelligence framework.
In October of last year, DSS Director General Tosin Ajayi ordered Fasasi’s redeployment to attend an executive management course—a mandatory requirement for officers of his rank. This redeployment is part of a standard procedure designed to enhance versatility, professionalism, and discipline within the service towards maintaining operational effectiveness.
Ajayi’s decision to replace Fasasi with Rasheed Atanda Lawal, another director was influenced, in part, by Fasasi’s failure to attend the executive management courses required for Deputy Directors and Directors. Having spent over seven years stationed at the State House in Abuja, Fasasi was due for this mandatory training.
However, Fasasi has retained his position as the President’s CSO, reportedly backed by influential government officials and politicians to “resist the directive,” according to an intelligence operative who spoke with PRNigeria.
“President Tinubu is apparently facing pressure from these powerful figures to keep Fasasi in his role, complicating the resolution of this issue,” the operative revealed.
Concerns have also been voiced by other DSS personnel, who expressed that Fasasi’s refusal to comply with the redeployment order is “unusual and ambiguous.” They warn that such actions could undermine institutional discipline and erode respect for constitutional authority.
Fasasi has also been accused of retaining close associates to work with him at the presidential villa.
Meanwhile, another security source indicated to PRNigeria that personal and security aides within the Presidential Villa operate at the President’s discretion. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the source noted that Fasasi plays a crucial role in ensuring the President’s safety, acting as a key point of access to him. His actions have reportedly earned him the trust of both the President’s immediate family and other principal officials within the villa.
The source further revealed that the executive training program Fasasi is expected to attend is set to commence in February 2025.
“The training program for Mr. Fasasi will begin in February, which is next month. He will remain in his position until the end of January 2025, after which he will embark on the training. This arrangement serves as a transitional period, allowing Fasasi to continue his duties while preparing for the upcoming training—unless the President decides to extend his tenure,” the source stated.
Meanwhile, security experts have noted that the standoff underscores the intricate balance between professional protocol and political influence in Nigeria’s security operations. The eventual resolution—or lack thereof—will likely set a significant precedent for managing similar issues in the future.
By PRNigeria
By Our Reporter
The Management of Federal Housing Authority FHA, under the leadership of Hon Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo has asked residents of its estates in Abuja to provide approvals and approved documents and building plans for commercial purposes to the office of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Housing Authority FHA, Abuja forthwith.
A Press statement issued by the management and signed by the Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Chigelu on behalf of the authority directed the submission to be carried out at the Authority’s Head office, Julius Nyerere Crescent, Asokoro , Abuja beginning from Wednesday , 3rd April , 2025.
The directives covers all buildings irrespective of the approval dates , that became expedient , following management discovery of sharp practices by commercial outlets ,as most of this buildings are built either without approval and or in contravention to the granted approval.
Chigelu stated that management discovered that some commercial buildings are in contravention of approval granted them, through alterations in total contravention to the development control regulations of the Authority.
Following the danger posed , management will not allow such negative consequences that will pave way for indiscriminate building collapse, therefore, a controlled demolition was carried out by the authority, with a building with structural defects in March , 2025, on 5th Avenue, Gwarimpa Estate.
Consequently, owners of commercial apartments, which included Hotels , Supermarkets, Hospitals, Schools and Banks including shopping malls through this announcement are expected to submit their approved plans for revalidation.
Management expect strict compliance to this directive, as violators will attract heavy sanctions with authority’s non negotiable stance .
The release further said ..
SPECIAL PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
“The Management of Federal Housing Authority, FHA hereby calls on all owners of commercial properties in FHA Estates in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory to submit their approved building plans to the office of the Managing Director and Chief Executive, at the Authority’s head office, No 26 Julius Nyerere Crescent, Asokoro Abuja from Wednesday, April 3rd, 2025.
“This directive which covers all buildings irrespective of when the approval was given, has become expedient following Management’s discovery that most commercial outlets in these Estates are built without approvals, or developed outside the granted approval.”
” Management has also discovered that some commercial buildings are in contravention of the approval granted them for alteration, in total contravention and disregard to Development Control regulations. ”
“Following the dangers posed by this development, the Management of FHA would not fold its hand to allow this looming disaster to happen. It is to avert the ugly incidence of building collapse that the Authority carried out a controlled demolition exercise of one of its buildings with structural defect on Monday, 24th March. 2025 in 5th Avenue. Gwarinpa estate.”
“Consequently, all owners of commercial outlets: hotels, supermarkets, hospitals, schools, banks, shopping malls etc through this announcement are requested to submit their building approved plans for revalidation. All such buildings must undergo an integrity test.
Strict compliance to this directive is not negotiable as severe sanctions await defaulters. “
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
The Taraba State Government, in partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has successfully intercepted eight trafficked children who were en route to the South East and Cameroon.
In a statement to journalists in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, revealed that the children had been deceived and transported to various southeastern states in Nigeria.
According to her, the children were trafficked to locations such as Aba, Onitsha, and Imo State under the false pretence that they were orphans.
The interception took place in Gembu, the headquarters of the Sardauna Local Government Area, where it was reported that the traffickers were seeking additional children to abduct.
Mrs. Sinjen affirmed, “Thanks to the prompt response from the Ministry and NAPTIP, eight of the children have been safely returned to Taraba State.
“The primary suspect, Mrs. Patience, along with several of her accomplices, has been apprehended and is currently in custody as legal proceedings commence.
“Search and rescue operations for other trafficked children are ongoing.”
She further emphasised that the state government will not tolerate any unscrupulous individuals who exploit children’s rights for illicit gain.
“This administration is wholly committed to ensuring justice, rehabilitating victims, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration to combat child trafficking,” she stated.
“We urge all residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities, as the welfare and protection of our children is a collective responsibility.”
In the meantime, authorities in Taraba have reiterated the importance of community vigilance and reporting any suspicious activities, stressing that safeguarding children requires a unified effort.
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has assured that all security challenges facing the nation will be effectively addressed by the year’s end.
This statement was made during the launch of attack drones and the demonstration of locally produced bombs, developed by a homegrown technology firm.
The event was attended by security specialists and senior government officials, as General Musa showcased the indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to the audience.
Accompanied by Ajao Adewale, the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, and Caleb Mutfwang, the Governor of Plateau State, General Musa emphasized the ongoing bureaucratic obstacles in acquiring military equipment from abroad.
Governor Mutfwang stressed the urgency for decisive measures against insecurity, calling on leaders to prevent any entity within the nation from possessing military capabilities.
The operational features of the UAVs were also demonstrated, with General Musa expressing satisfaction with this advancement, labeling it a pivotal step in combating insecurity in the country.