The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed that it lacks sufficient evidence to support its charges of fraud, bribery, and conspiracy against the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke. This revelation was made in response to a no-case submission filed by Adoke, who is the first defendant in the charges related to the OPL 245 transaction of 2011. In its statement to the FCT High Court, the EFCC informed that it would not oppose Adoke’s no-case application. Furthermore, the anti-graft agency indicated that it would not contest similar applications by the other defendants, including Aliyu Abubakar,…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
The Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, has presented two cutting-edge unmanned water vessels to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The hi-tech vessels, known as the S2 and S3 Swift Sea Stalkers, were donated to the Nigerian Government by the Swift Ship Company in the USA. In a statement issued by the Director of Press, Information, and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, the Minister emphasized that the unmanned vessels would significantly contribute to the fight against insecurity, particularly on Nigeria’s waterways and across the nation. During the presentation, Minister Matawalle highlighted the importance of these…
The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of veteran Nollywood actor, Adedeji Aderemi, popularly known as Baba Olofana. In a condolence message released on Friday, Governor Adeleke described the actor’s death as devastating and painful, emphasizing that Baba Olofana had left an indelible mark in the movie industry. According to the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke acknowledged Baba Olofana’s significant contributions to the creative industry, stating that his demise represents a loss of one of the state’s greatest talents. Governor Adeleke extended his condolences to Baba Olofana’s immediate family, the people…
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the immediate suspension of the operations of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), a community policing initiative and public relations tool within the Force Public Relations Department. This decision, communicated through a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumiyiwa Adejobi, is part of a strategic effort aimed at conducting a comprehensive review of the unit and repositioning it for increased efficiency and enhanced service delivery. According to the statement released on Thursday via the NPF’s official handle, the suspension is necessary to facilitate a holistic assessment of POCACOV and…
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has appealed to all aggrieved factions in the state to prioritize peace and unity to avoid division and promote development. Speaking at the Ogoni Day celebration in Bori Town, Khana Council, Governor Fubara, represented by his deputy, Ngozi Odu, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace for the overall progress of the state. Governor Fubara stated, “I, therefore, want to plead with everyone to put our hands together and allow peace to prevail across the state because without peace, there will be unnecessary division. We don’t need that now.” He highlighted the significance of unity,…
The Federal Government has announced an extension of the free rail services for commuters, extending the period from December 21, 2023, to January 7, 2024. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) made this disclosure on its official website, revising the earlier announced end date of January 4, 2024. According to the NRC, the extension means that commuters who book their train tickets using the NRC’s e-ticketing platform can continue to enjoy free train rides nationwide for the next three days. The announcement on the NRC website stated, “Dear Passengers, we are pleased to inform you that train services will be free…
President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of executive directors for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), both agencies falling under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. At the Nigerian Ports Authority, Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet has been appointed as Executive Director of Finance and Administration, while Engr. Olalekan Badmus will serve as the Executive Director of Marine and Operations. Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar has been appointed as the Executive Director of Engineering and Technical Services. For the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Mr. Jibril Abba has been…
Senator Magnus Abe has announced his return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), emphasizing that his defection will not create internal strife within the party. Abe’s decision to leave the SDP and rejoin the APC comes after a period of disagreement with the former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, which led to his departure from the APC. Despite his initial inability to secure the APC ticket, Abe later emerged as the gubernatorial candidate for the SDP in the 2023 elections. Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, Abe reiterated his message of unity and…
The State Working Committee (SWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State chapter, has ratified Tola Alabere as the acting state chairman of the party. This decision was reached during an emergency meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Akure, the state capital, on Thursday. Alabere, who previously served as the party’s deputy chairman, assumed the role of acting state chairman following the purported suspension of Fatai Adams from the position earlier in the week. The appointment of Alabere comes amidst a leadership crisis within the state chapter of the party. The SWC, comprised of leaders of the party,…
The Nigerian Army (NA) has responded to a viral video circulating on social media, which depicts the arrest of fraudulent candidates involved in the ongoing 86 Regular Recruits Intake in Lagos State. The video shows the arrest of candidates attempting to manipulate the recruitment process to secure positions designated for Lagos State indigenes through fraudulent means. In a statement issued by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the NA affirmed its commitment to maintaining a transparent and credible recruitment process in line with its core values of integrity and fairness. Commitment to Transparency and Integrity The NA…
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has affirmed that the governors of the South-West zone will continue to collaborate to ensure the continuity of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps. Aiyedatiwa made this commitment on Thursday following a five-kilometer walk from the Cathedral area to the Governor’s office in Akure by officers and men of the Amotekun Corps. The walk was joined by Amotekun commanders from the five South-West states of Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, and Ondo to honor the late governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. Expressing appreciation for the corps’ efforts in safeguarding…
The Action Alliance (AA) has called on the Federal Government to fulfill its New Year promise of ensuring improved security for Nigerians and their property. In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the National Chairman of AA, Mr. Kenneth Udeze, the party urged President Bola Tinubu to provide adequate security to protect Nigerians in line with the Nigerian Constitution, particularly in states like Plateau, Taraba, and others facing security challenges. Mr. Udeze emphasized that the security and welfare of Nigerians are the primary responsibilities of the government at all levels, stressing the need for concrete actions to address…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to halt the scheduled inspection of the November 11, 2023, Kogi gubernatorial election materials by the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In a statement released by Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, the Spokesperson/Director of Media and Publicity for the APC Campaign Council, the party also demanded the removal and disciplinary action against the Kogi INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Gabriel Longpet. The APC alleged that the REC had been heavily compromised by the SDP and its candidate, expressing dissatisfaction with INEC’s readiness to allow the SDP’s legal team to…
The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed its lack of concern over the defection of some of its members to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement issued by the state PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom, the party acknowledged the departure of two of its officials to the APC. These officials are Mr. Yandev Amaabai, a National Ex-officio, and Mr. Mbakorlumun Chia, the state Vice-Chairman for Benue North-West Senatorial District. According to Iortyom, both officials are scheduled to be formally received into the APC at a ceremony slated for January 4. The PDP…
Sadiya Umar-Farouq, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development during the tenure of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has reportedly refused to honor an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding an alleged N37.1 billion laundering case involving a contractor, James Okwete. According to earlier reports by the media, Umar-Farouq was expected to appear before EFCC interrogators at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday at 10:00 am. However, a source within the EFCC, speaking anonymously, confirmed that she did not appear for the scheduled interrogation. “We just closed from work now because she didn’t…
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has revealed that a committee has been established to oversee the arrangements for the state burial of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. The announcement was made during a condolence visit by the Olubaka of Oka, Oba Yusuf Adeleye, to Governor Aiyedatiwa in Akure. Aiyedatiwa expressed his deep regard for Akeredolu, describing him as a friend, brother, leader, and former governor whom he deputized for three years. He acknowledged Akeredolu’s significant contributions to the state during his tenure and emphasized the need for a befitting burial to honor his legacy. Given Akeredolu’s service to the…
Reno Omokri, a prominent sociopolitical activist, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently ban all forms of sports betting in Nigeria, citing its detrimental impact on the country’s economy and youth. In a social media post, Omokri emphasized the need for President Tinubu to take decisive action to improve the economic conditions of Nigerians and strengthen the value of the Naira. He urged the president to authorize the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ban sports betting applications from GSM Internet Service Providers’ app stores and revoke the licenses of physical sports betting operators across the country. According to Omokri,…
Former Senator Magnus Abe, who previously represented Rivers South-East senatorial district, has announced his return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support President Bola Tinubu’s developmental agenda. Abe, who was the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general elections, revealed his decision to rejoin the ruling party during a stakeholder meeting with some members of SDP in Port Harcourt. He confirmed that he has officially rejoined the APC. Explaining his decision, Abe expressed his desire to collaborate with other Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s administration and ensure that the people of Rivers State are…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has expressed its commitment to showcasing a government that is dedicated to uplifting the less privileged in society. Tony Okocha, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of APC in the state, affirmed this during a visit to a motherless baby home and the home of the elderly in Port Harcourt, the state capital. Addressing reporters during the visit, Okocha emphasized the influence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, known for his compassion, on the party’s leadership in Rivers State. He stated, “We are in the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who the world knows as a…
NATO has announced plans to aid its allies in purchasing up to 1,000 Patriot missiles to enhance their territorial defense capabilities in response to Russia’s intensified air attacks on Ukraine. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency revealed that it would facilitate the acquisition of Patriots for several nations, including Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Spain. These missiles are designed to defend against cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as enemy aircraft. The contract for this purchase, estimated to be approximately USD 5.5 billion according to industry sources, is expected to enable allies to allocate more of their own defense resources…