The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is taking significant strides to enhance its fight against economic and financial crimes by leveraging advanced technology. The EFCC Chairman, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, emphasised this commitment during the inauguration of a state-of-the-art electronic learning management studio at the EFCC Academy in Abuja. This new initiative reflects the commission’s determination to modernise its operations and enhance the capabilities of its workforce in tackling corruption and other financial crimes. In his address, Mr Olukoyede highlighted the critical role of technology in the modern fight against corruption. He underscored how the financial landscape has evolved, with…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
The leadership of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has issued a strong call for an independent forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), focusing on the period of Engineer Mele Kyari’s leadership from 2020 to the present. This demand comes in response to recent revelations regarding NNPC’s financial operations, which have raised serious concerns about the management and transparency of the nation’s oil revenues. In a statement released on Thursday and circulated to journalists, the CNPP expressed profound shock and disappointment over NNPC’s recent request for the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to reimburse an…
The Action Alliance (AA) has expressed strong disapproval towards Mr Kenneth Udeze, accusing him of deliberately misleading the public and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding his standing within the party. In a statement released on Wednesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Olu Omotoso, the AA asserted that Udeze, having been both suspended and ultimately expelled from the party, has no legitimate authority to represent or speak on behalf of the Action Alliance. According to the statement, Udeze’s suspension and subsequent expulsion strip him of any moral or constitutional rights to act as a spokesperson for the…
In a significant legal development, the Benue State High Court in Makurdi has issued an injunction preventing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its planned state congress in Benue State. This judicial order, handed down by Justice Theresa Igoche, represents a substantial setback for the PDP’s organisational activities within the state and adds a layer of complexity to the internal dynamics of the party. The court’s decision follows a lawsuit initiated by a group of plaintiffs, including Igbawuwa Andover Alfred and others, who sought to challenge the planned congress. The legal action was directed not only against the…
The Osun State Police Command has successfully apprehended and paraded two individuals, Olugbode Joshua and Akinleye Ayodeji, for their alleged involvement in armed robbery, cultism, and other criminal activities. The arrests, which took place in different parts of Osogbo, have been hailed as a significant breakthrough in the fight against the growing menace of cultism and violent crime in the state. During a press briefing at the Osun State Police Headquarters on Wednesday, the Command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, provided detailed accounts of the suspects’ alleged crimes and the circumstances leading to their arrests. A Dreaded Cultist Taken Off the Streets…
Renowned human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has issued a stern ultimatum to the Nigeria Police Force, demanding that the detained protesters, currently remanded in prison custody, be formally charged in court by August 25 or face imminent legal action. Falana’s warning comes in response to what he describes as a blatant violation of the fundamental rights of the protesters, who have been denied access to legal representation, leading to their continued detention. In a strongly worded statement titled “Halt the Clampdown on Protesters,” Falana expressed grave concern over the treatment of the protesters, highlighting…
The Abia State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of the Chairman and several members of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC), following nominations made by Governor Alex Otti. This development was formally announced during a plenary session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Augustine Okezie. During the session, Professor George Chima was officially confirmed as the Chairman of ABSIEC. Alongside him, the House also confirmed Dr. Kelechi Okere, Joseph Uzoma Akara, Nkemdirim Kalu, and Bertha Ehumadu as members of the state’s electoral commission. These appointments mark a significant step forward in the preparation for upcoming electoral…
The political landscape in Benue State has taken a significant turn as the Benue State High Court has issued a restraining order preventing the All Progressives Congress (APC) from dissolving its State Executive Committee, currently led by Austin Agada. This legal intervention comes amidst rising tensions within the APC, particularly between Agada and the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. The rift within the party has become increasingly evident, with Governor Alia reportedly establishing a rival faction within the APC. This move culminated in his recent appointment of Benjamin Omakolo, the State Welfare Officer, as the acting chairman,…
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Edozie Njoku, has committed himself to revitalising the party despite facing significant challenges, particularly from within the party’s leadership in Anambra State. Njoku, who has been affirmed as the legitimate National Chairman by the Supreme Court and recognised by both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), continues to encounter resistance from Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, who has refused to acknowledge his leadership. Addressing members of the press in Abuja on Wednesday, Njoku expressed his determination to steer APGA towards a stronger future,…
A number of Nigerian students, including those hailing from Niger State, are facing the dire prospect of deportation from Moscow, Russia, due to their inability to renew their international passports. This alarming situation has arisen from a reported shortage of materials required for printing new passports, leaving many students in a precarious position. These students, who are currently pursuing their undergraduate studies in Russia, have reportedly contacted their families in Nigeria, expressing their fears of being deported if they fail to renew their travel documents in time. The imminent expiration of their green cards has compounded the anxiety, as they…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr Olaniyi Ijalaye, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ogun State. Ijalaye’s death, which occurred on Monday following his participation in INEC’s regular quarterly meeting in Abuja, has been met with widespread mourning within the commission and beyond. In a statement issued on Tuesday by Mr Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission extended its heartfelt condolences to Ijalaye’s immediate family. The statement highlighted the profound loss to the commission and the nation at large, and offered…
The Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Osun State, Tosin Odeyemi, has delivered a scathing critique of the nation’s two major political parties, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a statement issued on Wednesday in Osogbo, Odeyemi argued that both parties have failed Nigeria and called for a new, competent leadership to steer the country away from its current challenges. Odeyemi expressed deep concern over the state of the nation, pointing out that the best efforts of the APC and PDP have not only fallen short but have…
The Ogun State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has imposed a ban on unauthorised and sectional meetings organised by aspirants or their allies in the lead-up to the forthcoming Local Government elections scheduled for 16th November. This directive was issued by the State Party Chairman, Yemi Sanusi, in a formal statement released in Abeokuta on Tuesday. Sanusi’s directive comes as a stern warning to party members, stating that any individual who organises or attends unauthorised meetings concerning the upcoming elections does so at their own risk. He emphasised that the party will not hesitate to employ its full…
The Ogun State government has issued a 100-day ultimatum to traders at the well-known Kara market in Isheri, Ifo Local Government Area, instructing them to relocate to the Ogere International Market located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. This directive, set to expire on the 31st of December, signals the impending closure of Kara market, as the state plans to demolish all existing stalls, shanties, and temporary structures at the current location. The decision to relocate the market was announced by Dr. Sam Olugbenga Oyeleye, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment. According to Dr. Oyeleye, the relocation is necessary to…
In a determined effort to combat the growing menace of kidnapping and other criminal activities in Enugu State, security forces have successfully neutralised at least 27 kidnappers, including members of the notorious Auto Pilot faction of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), also known as Unknown Gunmen. This faction, allegedly led by Finland-based fugitive Simon Ekpa, has been a significant source of terror in Enugu and its surrounding areas. Over the past two weeks, these criminals have been taken down in a series of intense shootouts with security operatives across various locations in the state. The success of these…
The Niger State government has taken a decisive step towards addressing the alarming rise in the number of out-of-school children by establishing a committee dedicated to reviving Almajiri education. This initiative aims to restore the integrity and purpose of the traditional Islamic education system while simultaneously combating the growing issue of children who are left without formal education and vulnerable to exploitation. The committee, led by Alhaji Shuaibu Gwada, was established as part of the state government’s broader strategy to curb the escalating numbers of out-of-school children. This effort echoes similar initiatives undertaken by previous administrations, recognising the critical role…
A 30-year-old businessman, Oluwatimilehin Olorunfunmi, was brought before the Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State on Wednesday, facing serious allegations of assault and threats to life. The case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the charges, highlighting concerns about rising incidents of personal disputes escalating into violence. The defendant, whose residential address was not disclosed, is confronted with a three-count charge that includes misdemeanour, assault, and making threats to life. These charges stem from an incident that occurred on April 26, 2024, at around 2:00 p.m., at the Market Square in Okitipupa, a busy commercial hub…
The Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Umar Abba, has issued a stern warning regarding the receipt of stolen goods, emphasising that it is an offence more severe than theft itself. This caution was delivered during a recent meeting with the Osun State branch of the Scrap Dealers Association, where the Commissioner expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of theft in the state, particularly those linked to scavengers. CP Umar Abba used the occasion to address the alarming rise in the theft of household items, as well as property belonging to companies and government entities. The Commissioner pointed…
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has expressed strong opposition to what it perceives as the Anambra State Government’s disregard for the rule of law, particularly in relation to recent court judgments. The party is particularly incensed by the state government’s attempts to undermine its leadership, which was duly elected at the Owerri Convention and subsequently affirmed by the Supreme Court. The controversy stems from the Anambra State Government’s recent proposal to amend the procedure for endorsing nomination forms for candidates in Local Government Council elections. The proposed amendment seeks to replace the role of state or national party chairmen…
The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended and detained a 25-year-old woman on suspicion of embezzling a substantial sum of money from her employer. According to the police, the accused allegedly diverted N3 million, a sum that rightfully belonged to the company she worked for, into her personal bank account. This development was confirmed by the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, Superintendent of Police (SP) Benjamin Hundeyin, who addressed the media on Tuesday in Lagos. SP Hundeyin detailed the ongoing investigation and the circumstances leading to the suspect’s arrest. Although the police have chosen not to…