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AFCON 2025: CAF Sanctions Algeria For Violence Against Super Eagles

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles vs Algeria

By Akinwale Kasali

The 2025 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, Championship hosted by Morocco has come and gone, but the Confederation of African Football, CAF, is still wielding the big stick on Teams over misconduct during, and after games played at the tournament.

The Algerian National Team, popular as the Desert Foxes or Fennecs, has been handed multiple sanctions by CAF following misconduct during and after the Quarter-Final match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, CAF announced that its Disciplinary Board convened to deliberate on incidents arising from the Group-stage encounter on January 10, 2026, and reached several decisions.

CAF Disciplinary Board decision read: “Suspend Algeria player Luca Zidane for two (2) CAF official matches with the Algeria national team for misconduct.

“Suspend Algeria player Rafik Belghali, player for four (4) CAF official matches with the Algeria national team, for aggressive and intimidating behaviour towards the match referee at the end of the match.

“However, two (2) matches are suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) was also hit with a series of fines totalling USD 100,000 over the conduct of its players, officials, and supporters.

These include: “Impose a fine of USD 5,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for the conduct of the senior (“A”) national team, having received five (5) cautions (yellow cards) during the match, in violation of Article 130(a) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

“Impose a fine of USD 25,000 on the Algerian Football Federation due to the inappropriate behaviour of its players and officials at the end of the match, which brought the match into disrepute, in violation of Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

“Impose a fine of USD 5,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for the use of smoke devices by its supporters.”

Other fines include “a fine of USD 5,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for the throwing of objects by its supporters.

“Impose a fine of USD 10,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for failure to comply with security measures, due to the behaviour of its supporters who attempted to force the security barriers.

“Impose a fine of USD 50,000 on the Algerian Football Federation for offensive and abusive gestures (displaying banknotes) committed by its supporters towards the match officials.”

CAF did not announce any sanctions against the Nigerian team in relation to the match.

Recall that the incident occurred immediately after the final whistle in the match, where Super Eagles advanced with goals that Algerian players and fans disputed, particularly over an alleged missed penalty call in their favour.

Videos circulating on social media showed Algerian players confronting referees and engaging in physical altercations, escalating tensions that also involved fans throwing projectiles and security lapses.

In response, the FAF has confirmed it will appeal the sanctions,arguing that the penalties are disproportionate and calling for a review of the match officiating.

PSC Debunks Delays In Promotion Of Inspectors

By
The Source
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DIG Hashimu Argungu - PSC Chairman

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has noted with concern a recent report published by Sahara Reporters on January 21, 2026, titled “‘We’ve Done Everything Required’: Police Inspectors Protest Delayed Promotion Months After Passing 2025 Board Exercise.” The PSC, wishes to categorically rebut the claims made in the article, which appear to be based on unsubstantiated anonymous sources and misrepresent the Commission’s processes and commitments.

First and foremost, the Commission reaffirms its dedication to transparency, fairness, and merit-based promotions within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Promotions are governed by established guidelines, including the successful completion of the Departmental Selection Board (DSB) exercises, and are processed in accordance with statutory timelines and resource availability. Contrary to the report’s assertion of “total silence” and “no explanation” from the PSC or Force Headquarters (FHQ), all officers who participated in the 2025 DSB, including those from the specified zones and commands, have been duly informed through official channels about the status of their evaluations. The Commission maintains comprehensive records of communications, and any officer experiencing issues is encouraged to verify through their respective commands or directly with the PSC.

The claim that promotions for these inspectors have been “stalled” while Senior Officers were elevated “within three weeks” is misleading and overlooks the distinct procedural tracks for different ranks. Senior-level promotions, often involving fewer candidates and streamlined reviews, may indeed proceed more swiftly due to their operational urgency. However, Inspector-Level promotions involve larger cohorts and additional layers of verification, including background checks, performance audits, and other considerations across states and commands. The 2025 DSB exercise, conducted in December 2025 as referenced in the police wireless message, was completed successfully, and processing is ongoing as per schedule. There is no evidence of undue delay; in fact, the PSC has accelerated efforts to finalize announcements in the coming few days, aligning with fiscal and administrative cycles.

Furthermore, suggestions of widespread demoralization, threats of early retirement, or erosion of Junior Officers’ confidence are speculative and not reflective of the broader sentiment within the Force. The Commission regularly engages with officers through official communication channels to address concerns. We have not received formal complaints from the affected officers via institutional channels, which raises questions about the anonymity-driven narrative in the report. Officers are advised to utilize established grievance procedures rather than relying on media outlets for resolution.

The PSC, under the leadership of Chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu, in collaboration with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, remains committed to upholding the welfare and career progression of all NPF personnel. We have successfully promoted thousands of officers in recent years, including batches from similar cohorts, and will continue to do so without favoritism. Any perceived delays are often due to rigorous due diligence to ensure integrity and equity, not neglect.

We urge Sahara Reporters and other media outlets to verify facts with the PSC before publishing potentially divisive stories that could undermine public trust in our institutions.

For accurate information, members of the public and officers alike are invited to contact the PSC Public Affairs Section or visit our official website: www.psc.gov.ng.

The PSC will not be deterred from its mandate and assures all stakeholders of continued professionalism in service delivery.

Torty Njoku Kalu,
Head, Protocol and Public Affairs,
Police Service Commission,
Abuja.
22 January 2026

Al-Mustapha, Fmr CSO To Late Head Of State, Abacha, Cleared By Supreme Court On Murder Of  Kudirat Abiola

By
Ayodele Oni
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Major Hamza Al- Mustapha
Major Hamza Al- Mustapha.

By Ayodele Oni

Citing lack of interest by the Appellant, the Supreme Court on Thursday,  dismissed the trial of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd), the former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha in the murder of late politician, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

Kudirat Abiola was the wife of the late businessman cum politician, Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election that was annulled by former President Ibrahim Babangida.

Mrs Kudirat Abiola was however murdered in Lagos during the nationwide crisis which followed the annulment and in the course of her persistent struggle to get the annulment reversed by the military.

The trial of Al-Mustapha in the murder charge, brought against him by the Lagos State government, was laid to rest by a 5-man panel of Justices of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Uwani Aba-Aji.

At the proceedings where the Lagos State was slated to re-open the trial, no legal representation was made while no process was filed since 2014 when and order to re-open the case was granted in its favour.

When the matter was called, Paul Daudu, SAN, stood for Al-Mustapha and informed the Justices that Lagos has not taken any step to implement the order granted it in 2014 to re-open the trial.

He said that not even a notice of appeal was filed by Lagos as the appellant to demonstrate its seriousness to prosecute the trial.

The senior lawyer informed the Apex Court that in 2014 when the order to re-open the trial was granted, Lagos was issued a 30 day ultimatum to file its notice of appeal.

Daudu explained that more than nine years after, nothing was done to comply with the order.

He therefore urged the Court to hold that the appellant has abandoned the case and should be dismissed in its entirety.

Justice Uwani Aba-Aji who presided over the matter sought to know if Lagos was served with hearing notice, the question that was answered in the affirmative by the Registrar of the Court.

In a brief ruling, the Supreme Court in a unanimous decision agreed that Lagos has lost interest in the matter and consequently abandoned it.

Justice Aba-Aji held that nine years was long enough for the appellant to have filed notice of appeal and the brief of appeal in the matter.

Besides, the Court expressed disgust that no legal representation was made by the state government, while no information was made available to the Court and the respondent despite being served with hearing notice since 2020.

Consequently, the matter marked SC/CR/45/2014 was dismissed.

Another matter by the Lagos state, marked SC/CR/6/2014  on the same trial was also dismissed on the same ground.

The Court of Appeal had earlier in 2013, ruled that the former CSO was not guilty of the offence, and discharged and acquitted Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, in the murder case of late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

Impeachment: Rivers CJ, Citing Court Order, Delays Constitution Of Investigative Panel

By
Ayodele Oni
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The Honourable Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi
The Honourable Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi

By Ayodele Oni

There seems to be a stalemate in the impeachment process initiated by the Rivers state House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy Ngozi Odu.

The latest development stems from the refusal of the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Chibuzor Simeon Amadi’s refusal to constitute a seven-member panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Sim Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu.

In a letter dated 20th January 2026, addressed to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, Justice Amadi cited two court orders barring him from receiving, forwarding, or considering any requests to form such a panel.

The orders were served on his office on 16th January 2026 and remain in force.

The Chief Judge emphasized that constitutionalism and the rule of law require all authorities to obey subsisting court orders, irrespective of their perception of the orders’ validity.

Simi Fubara and Professor Ngozi Odu
Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu,

He referenced legal precedents, noting that in a similar case in 2007, the Chief Judge of Kwara State was condemned for ignoring a restraining court order when setting up an investigative panel, a decision later voided by the Court of Appeal.

Justice Amadi further observed that the Speaker has already filed an appeal against the court orders at the Court of Appeal, adding another layer to the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the allegations.

NAFDAC Begins Enforcement Of Ban On Alcohol In Sachets

By
Ayodele Oni
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Sachet Alcoholic Drinks

By Ayodele Oni

Citing backing by the Senate, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has began full enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcohol  packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres.

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, announced the development  in Lagos during a media briefing organised by the agency.

She said the move followed fresh formal authorisation from the Nigerian Senate, adding that enforcement activities are already underway across the country.

NAFDAC had earlier announced plans to commence total enforcement of the ban by December 2025, in line with a Senate directive, saying the new approval from the upper legislative chamber has accelerated the process.

A report monitored on TVC News, stated that the Senate resolution arose from a motion sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), during which Lawmakers raised concerns over the widespread sale of high-alcohol-content drinks in sachets and small bottles.

They warned that the products’ low cost and ease of concealment posed serious public health and social risks, especially to minors and young adults.

The motion received bipartisan support and was adopted during plenary.

Following the resolution, the Senate directed NAFDAC to enforce existing regulations prohibiting the sale of alcohol in sachets and small-volume containers.

Adeyeye explained that the enforcement drive is aimed at protecting public health and shielding vulnerable groups from the harmful effects of alcohol abuse.

“The widespread availability of high-alcohol-content drinks in sachets and small containers makes them cheap, accessible and easy to conceal,” she said.

She stressed that NAFDAC is not opposed to alcohol consumption, but to its packaging in forms that expose children and young people to harm.

Adeyeye revealed that before her tenure, some sachet alcohol products contained between 50 and 90 per cent alcohol,  describing the levels as dangerously high.

She pointed out that the agency has directed manufacturers to reduce alcohol content to 30 per cent adding that, many resisted, citing fears of job losses and investment setbacks.

The issue was later escalated to the Federal Ministry of Health which granted manufacturers a five-year transition period, from December 2018 to January 31, 2024, to restructure and comply with regulations.

Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to public safety. She said the agency will continue to prioritise the protection of vulnerable populations through sustained and strict enforcement.

Atiku: Bandits Have Become Bolder Under Tinubu

By
James Orji
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Atiku Abubakar

Former  Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar says bandits have become bolder under the All tProgressives Congress, APC,  administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC Presidential hopeful made the remark in his reaction to the abduction of over 170 churchgoers in Kaduna, Nigeria’s North Central last weekend.

The former vice president’s reaction was contained in a statement signed on Wednesday by his media aide, Dr Paul Ibe, and made available to journalists.

According to Abubakar, it’s a shame on the APC-led government of Tinubu that bandits and other non state actors have taken over the country, and that the government appears to be helpless, saying Nigerians no longer believe on the government promise that the security situation in the country will soon be brought under control.

The magazine had earlier reported that bandits had, last Saturday, stormed two Cherubim and Seraphim churches and one ECWA church, in the Kurmin Wali community of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during church services, and seized over 170 persons, who they later led them into the bush.

The state government and the Nigerian Police had earlier denied the abduction, saying nobody was kidnapped. They have now confirmed the incident, as security agencies have now swung into action to rescue the abductees.

Reacting, Abubakar criticised the government slow response to security problems in the country, saying pro-active measures should be applied rather wait until attacks happen before the government responds. He also called on the government to stop making deals with the bandits, saying the criminals have devised means to fool the government.

He urged security agencies to quash the bandits saying what they understand is the language of force.

“Those peace deals always favour the bandits more than their victims, and they have always fooled the government’s negotiators,” Abubakar said.

“Nigerians are no longer impressed by the powerful language of condemnation by the government. They’re more interested in results than rhetoric. Experience has shown that if rhetoric were enough to deter the bandits, the menace would have ended a long time ago.”

Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN has called for the safe rescue of the abducted church members. The President of CAN,  Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement on Wednesday criticised the police and state government’s initial position that there was no abduction, warning that Nigerians are beginning to lose confidence in the government because of the manner it has handled the issue.

Okoh: “The initial public dismissal of reports about this incident, before thorough verification, was deeply troubling.

“It generated confusion, heightened fear, and unfairly questioned the credibility of nearly 170 worshippers, their families, clergy, and eye-witnesses who raised the alarm.

“While the need to prevent panic is understandable, caution must not be communicated in ways that suggest denial or indifference.”

Prof Nentawe Lacks ‘Gravitas’ To Be APC Chair- Ex- Presidential Aide

By
James Orji
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Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda
APC National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda

A former Presidential aide, Laolu Akande has questioned the qualification of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as the National Chairman of the ruling All Progress Congress, APC. He said the APC boss does not have the “gravitas” to superintend the affairs of Nigeria’s ruling party.

Akande, a former spokesman to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, during the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration made the remark on Channels Television programme on Thursday, saying Prof Nentawe became the National Chairman of the party as a result of the benevolent of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The former presidential aide also criticized the APC chairman over his recent comment that non APC members will no longer be appointed into government starting from 2027.
Prof. Nentawe spoke on Tuesday night in Abuja at an event tagged “Renewed Hope Promise Kept 2027: Meet and Greet North-West Mobilisation,” organised by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo.

The remark, according to sources, has riled not a few officials in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly non APC members.

The magazine had earlier reported that Nentawe, a former Senator was picked through consensus to become the party’s boss, to replace Abdulllahi Ganduje, a former governor of Kano state, who many believed was forced by the president to vacate the position last year.
The professor was said to have been handpicked by the president among other aspirants who have indicated interest in the position, including a former governor of Nasarawa state, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura who said during one of his interviews with journalist that he was prepared to do whatever the president said. The president never looked on his side, instead Tinubu picked Prof Nentawe, who according to many lacksed the experience required to chair the biggest party in the country.
According to Akande, the current APC National Chairman does not have what it takes to run the ruling party in the country, saying he’s only there because that’s what President Tinubu wants.
He stressed that the professor does not command respect of the president, referencing the late National Chairman of the defunct National Party of Nigeria, NPN Adisa Akinloye, known to be very influential and powerful when he ran the affairs of the ruling party during Nigeria’s Second Republic.
“President Shehu Shagari used to leave the the Federal Executive Council, FEC meeting to pick the calls of Akionloye,” Akande said, wondering whether Prof Nentawe command such respect from Tinubu.
In a viral video now generating furore on social media, Prof Nentawe had said that non APC members will no longer be considered for federal appointments after the 2027 elections. He has been widely criticized by not a few Nigerians who said government appointments should not only be for party members, that it should also be merit-based, notwithstanding your party affiliation.

Nentawe: “As party chairman, I will stand strong to defend the position that if you are not prepared to join us, you shouldn’t be given an appointment. If you are a technocrat, go and be a consultant.
“Government policies are campaign promises that must be defended, explained, and promoted by those implementing them. Appointees cannot divorce themselves from party objectives,”

Rivers: We Are Angry Because Fubara Refused To Pay Us N1bn For Constituency Projects

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Governor Siminalayi Fubara

More facts have emerged on why members of the Rivers state House of Assembly are trying to impeach the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara. The lawmakers are unhappy that the governor refused to pay them N1 billion for Constituency Project for the 26 lawmakers, being one of the agreement reached between the governor, the lawmakers, and a former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT, believed to behind the impeachment saga, in the aftermath of the six months Emergency Rule declared in the state by President Tinubu last year.

Governor Fubara was retuned to office on September 18, 2025 following the expiration of the Emergency Rule.

One of the lawmakers  representing Etche Constituency I, Ignatius Obenachi Onwuka, made the revelation on Wednesday during a ward meeting with his constituents in the state, saying the governor had agreed to pay the lawmakers the sum as soon as he returned to office. .

According to Onwuka, Governor Fubara had agreed to pay the 26 lawmakers N1 billion but has only released N350 million to each of the lawmakers, saying the governor later reneged from the agreement, a situation that has prevented the Assembly members from executing projects in the in constituencies.

Onwuka said the lawamekrs are very angry with the governor because the N350 million released to each of the lawmakers is grossly inadequate, adding that the state government has enough money to meet the lawmakers demands, citing that there is over N600 billion lying fallow in the state government’s Account. .

“As it stands now, my constituency project is stalled because the ₦350 million cannot successfully cover the scope of work,” Onwuka stated.

On January 8, the 26 lawmakers moved to impeach Governor Fubara an, accusing him of gross misconduct in the way he has managed the affairs of the state since he became thw Chief Exedcutive of the oil bearing state.

Speaking during the state Assembly plenary, the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule said the governor will be informed on the decision taken by the lawmakers to remove him from office.

“I will ensure that this letter is forwarded to His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, within seven days,” he told the House,” Amaewhule said.

The governor had since been served the Impeachment Notice, and the lawmakers have also written  a letter to the state Chief Judge, asking him to set up a panel to investigate the alleged impeachable offences raised against Fubara.

CNPP Hails Court Verdict on Labour Party Leadership, Calls It ‘Triumph of Rule of Law’

By
The Source
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Labour Party

Abuja, January 21, 2026

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the country, has described the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, affirming Senator Esther Nenadi Usman as the valid National Chairman of the Labour Party as “a clear victory for constitutionalism, internal party democracy, and the supremacy of the rule of law.”

In a strongly worded press statement issued on Tuesday, the CNPP said the ruling, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Nenadi Usman–led Caretaker Committee as the legitimate authority of the Labour Party pending the conduct of a national convention, represents a major boost for Nigeria’s democratic development.

According to the CNPP, the judgment, which it noted was “firmly anchored on the binding decision of the Supreme Court,” sends “an unmistakable signal that no individual ambition, factional interest, or political manipulation can lawfully override the authority of party constitutions and established democratic procedures.”

“The CNPP warmly welcomes and commends the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which affirmed Senator Esther Nenadi Usman as the valid National Chairman of the Labour Party and ordered INEC to recognise the Nenadi Usman–led Caretaker Committee as the legitimate authority of the party pending the conduct of a national convention,” the statement said.

The group went further to praise the judiciary for what it described as courage and integrity in handling the matter, stressing that the ruling stands out in a challenging political climate.

“The CNPP particularly salutes the courage, clarity, and integrity displayed by the judiciary in this matter,” the statement read. “In a political environment where undue influence, intimidation, and coercion are often deployed to bend institutions to partisan interests, this judgment stands out as a reassuring testament to judicial independence.”

The CNPP warned that Nigeria’s democracy would remain endangered if the judiciary failed to act boldly in the face of pressure. “Unless the judiciary continues to act with boldness and fearlessness—resisting political pressure and vested interests—Nigeria’s democracy will regrettably continue to suffer stagnation and retardation,” it stated.

Addressing the broader implications of the ruling, the CNPP stressed that democracy cannot thrive where court orders are ignored or selectively obeyed. “Democracy cannot deepen where court orders are treated with contempt or subjected to selective obedience,” the statement said, adding that it also “cannot flourish where party constitutions are trivialised and internal democracy sacrificed on the altar of personal control and selfish ambition.”

The organisation said the Labour Party leadership crisis, now resolved by the courts, should serve as a warning to all political actors. “The leadership crisis in the Labour Party, now decisively addressed by the courts, must serve as a lesson to all political parties and actors that impunity is incompatible with democratic governance,” it declared.

The CNPP also issued a broader call to political parties and leaders across the country to recommit to democratic principles. “The CNPP therefore calls on all political parties and political leaders in Nigeria to shun selfish interests and recommit themselves to politics guided strictly by rules, principles, and respect for party constitutions,” the statement said.

It emphasised that political parties must respect internal structures and collective decisions. “Political parties must uphold their internal organs, respect collective decisions, and recognise that the supremacy of the party is superior to the ambitions of any individual or group,” the CNPP noted, stressing that “only in this way can parties earn public trust and contribute meaningfully to democratic consolidation.”

Turning to implementation of the judgment, the CNPP urged the electoral body and other authorities to act without delay. “We also urge INEC and all relevant authorities to give full, immediate, and unambiguous effect to the judgment of the court,” it said, warning that “the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral and democratic system depends not only on sound judicial pronouncements but also on their faithful and timely implementation.”

The CNPP congratulated Senator Nenadi Usman and members of the Labour Party Caretaker Committee, while urging restraint and inclusiveness in the discharge of their duties. “The CNPP congratulates Senator Esther Nenadi Usman and members of the Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party and urges them to discharge their mandate with restraint, inclusiveness, and strict adherence to the party constitution, as they work towards a credible, transparent, and unifying national convention,” the statement added.

Concluding, the CNPP reaffirmed its belief that strong institutions and principled leadership are essential to national progress. “Nigeria’s democracy can only be strengthened through strong institutions, respect for the rule of law, and principled political leadership,” it said, describing the court judgment as “a step in the right direction” that “must be defended by all democrats.”

Signed by Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary,
Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP).

EFCC Handover Diverted N1 .284 Billion  Smart Green School funds To Enugu State

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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EFCC Handover Diverted N1 .284 Billion  Smart Green School funds To Enugu State
EFCC Handover Diverted N1 .284 Billion  Smart Green School funds To Enugu State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, on Wednesday January 21, 2026, handed over the sum of N 1.28 billion to the Enugu state Government, being part of the recovery made from the funds ,allegedly, diverted by the contractor initially handling the State’s Smart School project.

The Source reports that the State Government had  last year petitioned the anti-graft Commission to assist it in recovering over N5 billion paid to Lagos based real estate developer, Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited.

According to the State Government, Mr Olasijibomi Ogundele, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Sujimoto had allegedly diverted the said sum  being part payment for the construction of 22 Smart School across the State at the total cost of about over N11 billion.

The  State Government accused Ogunleye of abandoning the project after, allegedly, tricking the State into paying the said amount into his account.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony which took place at the Enugu Zonal Office of the EFCC, Daniel Ise, the Zonal Head of the Commission noted that the recovery is pursuant to the  Agency’s core and statutory mandate of tracing, recovering and restituting public funds lost through criminal economic and financial activities.

He emphasized that the recovery was sequel to a formal complaint lodged with the Commission by the Enugu state Government urging it to assist in recovering the said funds.

According to the Zonal Director, the commission has, so far, recovered a total sum of N 1, 284 ,350 000.

He attributed the success recorded in the recovery efforts to the resilience, diligence and high level of professionalism exhibited by officers handling the matter.

However, he expressed the confidence that the hand over of the recovered sum will not signal the end of the investigations into the matter .

He promised that despite the success recorded so far, the Commission will continue to press on with the investigation with a view to ensuring that every Kobo lost is traced and recovered.

“As of today, we have been able to recover drafts to the tune of N1, 234 ,350,000 and additional N 50,000,000 , bringing the total to N 1,283,50,000 for the benefit of the Enugu state Government.

“This is not the end of the case. We will look at every facet of the petition to ensure that every Kobo belonging to the Enugu state Government that is not accounted for is tracked and recovered”, Ise assured.

Responding after receiving the recovered funds, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, while appreciating the EFCC for its efforts, noted that the recovery itself underlines the commitment of the present administration towards transparency, traceability and accountability, noting that the principles are central to the governance philosophy of Governor Peter Mbah.

This is as he assured that the recovered funds will be channeled into useful ventures for the benefit of the people.

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