Author: Solomon Odeniyi
Breaking News: EFCC Deploys Operatives to Tackle Vote Inducement in Edo State Ahead of Governorship Election In a bid to ensure electoral integrity in the upcoming September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been deployed to all local government areas. The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede, emphasized the EFCC’s commitment to insulating voters from financial inducements. Olukoyede sternly warned against vote buying, labeling it as a criminal offense that the EFCC will not tolerate. He stated, “Our operatives have been deployed to monitor the conduct of the…
Controversy surrounds former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello as he reportedly evaded arrest by the EFCC with the help of his successor, Governor Usman Ododo. The EFCC attempted to apprehend Bello over an alleged N80.2bn fraud case, but Ododo’s intervention, leveraging his immunity as a sitting governor, allowed Bello to avoid capture. This incident is not the first time Ododo has reportedly assisted Bello in escaping EFCC operations. The agency denied having Bello in custody after a visit by both governors, citing Ododo’s actions as the reason behind their inability to arrest Bello despite his alleged involvement in the fraud…
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, recently announced Nigeria’s enrollment in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Public Key Directory and Public Key Infrastructure. This move allows for the authentication of e-passports and travel documents at border crossings, enhancing global ranking and internal security. Participating in the Import Ceremony in Montreal, Canada, Tunji-Ojo highlighted the government’s focus on modernizing border control systems to reduce waiting times and improve travel experiences. The Minister emphasized President’s commitment to growth and development, ensuring a seamless travel process for all. With the implementation of PKD/PKI, Nigeria aims to boost its economy, tourism, and national security.…
Nigerian Army Rescues 24 Abducted Citizens The Nigerian Army successfully rescued 24 citizens who were abducted by terrorists in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State after a fierce gun battle with the terrorists. Additionally, four residents were rescued in Kaduna State, and several weapons were recovered during the operations. According to a statement released on Wednesday, the troops raided a terrorist stronghold in the Mandara mountains, resulting in the rescue of the hostages. In a parallel operation in Kaduna State, troops neutralized a criminal and rescued four victims from a kidnappers’ den. Furthermore, the Army apprehended a notorious arms…
The Federal Government is set to arraign some of the organisers of the recent hunger protest before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges include accusations of treason, destabilising the country, and intimidating the President. The protests, which aimed to address economic hardship, led to the arrest of over 2,000 individuals. Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, revealed that many of those arrested lacked legal representation and were remanded in prisons. The National Coordinator of Take It Back, Juwon Sanyaolu, confirmed that the defendants would be represented by Falana in court. Meanwhile, activists have petitioned the International Criminal Court and…
A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, highlighted the need for the institutionalisation of the Offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Secretary to State Governments for legal protection. In a meeting of the Forum of SGF and SSGs in Abuja, Anyim pointed out that these offices were not established by law, despite their mention in the constitution. He suggested seeking advice from the Attorney General to create a legal framework to institutionalise these roles and coordinate government activities. SGF George Akume emphasized the importance of policy coordination and implementation…
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced the successful rescue of 20 medical students in Benue State, with the elimination of a notorious kidnap kingpin and the arrest of two abductors. The students, from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were kidnapped while en route to Enugu for a convention in August. Egbetokun highlighted the collaborative efforts with other security agencies, local vigilantes, and tactical maneuvers that led to the students’ safe return without paying ransom. He emphasized the resolve to combat criminal elements and ensure a safer Nigeria for all citizens. The Vice Chancellor of…
The brutal murder of the Head of Gatawa District in Sokoto State, Isa Bawa, has sparked outrage and condemnation from Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. Bawa, who was kidnapped alongside his son and six others in July, was found dead after a ransom delivery gone wrong. In response to this heinous crime, Matawalle has ordered the Chief of Defence Staff to launch a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. The minister emphasized that such senseless acts of violence will not be tolerated. Security remains a top priority for the government, with support from…
Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, recently commented on the challenging situation the police may face in prosecuting the 783 individuals detained for waving the Russian flag during a hunger protest. Falana questioned how the court would view this action as a crime when many establishments in Nigeria display foreign flags without repercussions. He also highlighted the arrest of seven Polish students in Kano for allegedly taking photos during the protest, suggesting that they could be charged with espionage. Falana expressed doubts about the likelihood of successful prosecution in a country where various foreign flags…
**Unveiling the Truth Behind Allegations of Funds Sharing at EFCC** Recently, reports surfaced claiming that officers at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had shared funds forfeited by associates of former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele. Allegedly, a whopping ₦54 billion was distributed among government officials and EFCC personnel. However, the EFCC swiftly debunked these claims, with Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, stating unequivocally that no officer of the Commission has ever been involved in such illicit activities. Oyewale emphasized that the notion of sharing forfeited assets is completely alien to the EFCC’s modus operandi. The author of…