Home Blog Page 365

Civil Society Groups Urge FG to Declare Rimingado Anti-corruption Hero

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado

By Akinwale Kasali

The Federal Government has been asked to declare former Chairman,  Kano State Anti Corruption and Public Complaints Commission, PACPCC, Muhuyi Gado Rimingado a national anti-corruption hero.

The Coalition of many Civil Society Groups described Ramingado as one of Nigeria’s most outstanding anti-corruption fighters who risked his life for the good of Nigerians but has been facing threat to his life from politicians who seem desperate to eliminate him.

The over 130 Civil Society Groups under the aegis of the Nigeria Human Rights Community, NHRC, called  for an immediate halt to the harassment, intimidation and humiliation of the former PACC Chairman.

It also urged the Federal Government to stop all trials instigated against him for his stance against corruption.

And that the Police should stop the surveillance placed on him and his family by suspected corrupt officials.

At a press conference in Lagos, the Group said Rimingado is currently being hunted for exposing scandalous sleaze running into billions of Naira being the fall out of the mismanagement of Kano State public funds.

Speaking at the event on Thursday, the NHRC Deputy President, Babatunde Adeleke said the Nigerian civil rights groups are deeply concerned about the threat to the life Rimingado and his family having exposed stupendous corruption perpetrated by politically exposed persons in Kano State.

The NHRC said by declaring him a national hero, the Federal Government would have inspired millions of Nigerians who are shocked that a man of conscience can be so hunted for speaking the truth.

The group said Kano State represents the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria and by far the richest state in the North yet with a high rate of school drop outs and poor access to health, partly due to official corruption.

It added that during his tenure, he launched an intensive investigation into public finances based on complaints he received from the public.

“He did his job diligently and in good faith to God and to mankind. In the process, he discovered corruption running into over N20b. He did not allow himself to be politically influenced. He continued with his work as a dedicated and loyal servant of the people”.

The PCACC was established in April 2005 to fight corruption in Kano State.

The NHRC said a forthnight ago, armed men bundled Rimingado into a vehicle where he was sandwiched between armed policemen who drove all nightfrom Kano to Abuja in order to gag him. If armed bandits had attacked the convoy, there was only a slim chance that Ramingado would have escaped.

The rights group said the gross mismanagement of public funds he discovered were linked to the outright stealing of the state’s Internationally Generated Revenue, (IGR).

Adeleke said those responsible for the stealing made every effort to bribe him, when that failed they started to force, blackmail him to retreat, but his good conscience prevailed.

The group said being a principled servant of the people, the Kano State Government decided to sack him even without due process. The accusation against him was that he had the courage to investigate cases of corruption involving government officials.

“Since his dismissal by the Kano State Government, his life has been in serious danger. Day and night, he and his family are hunted and threatened with death”.

It however urged the Federal Government to recall that Rimingado has said that fighting corruption was like confronting the Columbia drug cartel.

In Columbia, the Medlein Cartel led by Pablo Escobar and the Cali Cartel dominated cocaine trafficking leading Columbia to vast illicit wealth of the few which promoted  corruption, violence, mass public revenge and prolonged bloody gun fights with the authorities.

The event was attended by several leaders of civil society in the country.

The event hereby draw the attention of the world to the consistent persecution of one of Nigeria’s most outstanding whistleblowers, Muhuyi Gado Ramingado.

“They are planning to silence him. We don’t want him to be killed. The world need to rise up in defence of Ramingado”, the group said.

The rights coalition said the story began with the creation of the anti-corruption commission in Kano.

This was a novel idea.

It said while the EFCC investigates series of corruption cases, it is obvious that the EFCC and the ICPC cannot handle all the various vases of corruption in the country.

“This was the idea behind having state level anti-corrutpion agencies”.

The Government of Kano led the way by establishing the anti corruption body at the state level.

Currently, he is being persecuted and hunted by the various government authorities and powerful individuals, mostly, politically exposed persons.

The cases he started investigating in Kano involved billions of public funds  diverted by public officials.

“It is clear now that politically exposed persons are desperate to kill him in order to sit comfortably on stolen funds. This was why he said fighting corruption was like  the battle against drug cartels in Colombia.

“Corruption cannot be fought effectively when law enforcement agents are compromised by the same corrupt politicians who have no respect for accountability”.

The group called on the Federal Government to strengthen the anti corruption laws to empower whistle blowers.

The NHRC observes that some policemen are currently being used against him by powerful but stupendously corrupt politicians who feed on the misery of the toiling masses.

“We are deeply concerned that the Police initiated criminal investigation into a judicial process, contrary to Section 211 of the Nigerian Constitution and that it is pre-judicial for the police to hunt and malice someone who has filed corrupt charges on behalf of the State against politicians that consistently ruin the frontiers of democracy and human prosperity.

“The police have no legal or moral reasons to enquire about what is already before the Court of Law especially a criminal matter.

“That politicians indicated by his investigations will be held personally responsible if any harm comes his way.

“Today, corruption remains one of the most dangerous threats to human and environmental development in Nigeria. Corruption undermines the integrity of the country and stunts the greatness of Nigeria. It promotes poverty, hunger, starvation and unprecedented human misery.

“Corruption is partly responsible for terrorism and the geo-metric increase in violence and banditry spreading across Nigeria like the speed of light. Lack and honesty and transparency in Nigeria has compounded the growth and development of democracy in  Africa’s largest democracy and the biggest configuration of black people all over the world.

“Corruption continues to compromise the integrity of Nigeria making the country the least attractable destination for foreign investors”.

It is estimated that Nigeria loses some $18 billion annually to corruption.

These are however related to financial crimes in public and private procurement, contracts for construction works, kickbacks by private and public individuals and corporate institutions.

It is believed that Nigeria loses not less than $15 billion annually to illicit financial flows while corruption in cash bribes is put at some N721 billion.

These were paid to public officials in the year 2023 alone.

In Nigeria, experts put the percentage of Nigeria GDP that could be lost to corruption at some 37% of Nigeria’s GDP by the year 2030.

Fmr. Minister,  Ngige, Granted Bail By Court

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Chris Ngige in Court
Dr Chris Ngige

By Ayodele Oni

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, who is facing an eight-count corruption charge.

The court had earlier, on Monday, adjourned ruling in his bail application till Thursday.

Ngige, who served as Minister from November 2015 to May 2023, was accused of contract fraud totaling over N2.2 billion.

Justice Maryam Hassan granted Ngige bail, adopting the terms of the administrative bail previously granted him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The conditions include producing a surety who is a Federal Government Director, owns property in the FCT, and submit his travel documents to the Court.

Ngige’s lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, had argued that his client is not a flight risk and should be released on bail, citing health concerns.

However, the EFCC opposed the bail request, alleging that Ngige had violated administrative bail conditions by failing to return his international passport after traveling abroad for medical treatment.

The court has adjourned the trial to January 28 and 29, 2026.

Ngige pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include abuse of office and accepting kickbacks from firms awarded contracts by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

Let Us Allow President Buhari To Rest In Peace” – El Rufai

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Nasir El-Rufai and Muhammadu Buhari2

By Ayodele Oni

As more barrages of accusations and allegations as contained in a published book on late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration continue to unfold, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El Rufai, has advised that the soul of the late President be allowed to rest.

Some appointees in the administration and even the wife  of the former president, Aisha, had revealed some events during the administration as contained in the book, “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari’, a biography written by Dr Charles Omole.

El Rufai, in a post on his Facebook page, noted that the recent launch of a book on the life and legacy of late leader, President Buhari, has stirred deep emotions and renewed divisions among those who once formed his inner circle.

He stated: “Having followed the headlines and images from the event, I felt compelled to make a simple but urgent appeal: let us allow President Buhari to rest in peace.

“A careful look at those who dominated the book launch revealed the same factional lines that existed during Buhari’s lifetime. One camp was prominently represented, while others—equally close to the late president—were excluded.

“This selective engagement compounded by the choice of location of the event were red flags, and raises concerns about whether Buhari’s legacy is now being shaped to serve narrow interests rather than historical truth.

“More troubling was the presence of long-time critics of Buhari, some of whom now hold high office, delivering glowing, but clearly faked tributes.

“These are individuals who once blamed his administration for nearly every challenge facing Nigeria, but who now appear eager to revise history—perhaps to deflect responsibility for present failures.

“It was also unsettling to see individuals celebrating Buhari in death who had neither his trust nor his respect in life. President Buhari was a principled man who did not easily forget personal or political disrespect, and he made his preferences clear to those around him.

“I have not yet read the book, Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, and it is possible that some media reports lack context.

“However, many of the so-called revelations attributed to the late president appear one-sided and unfair, especially as he is no longer alive to respond.

“Explaining the thoughts and motivations of a complex leader through selective anecdotes risks distorting, rather than preserving, his legacy.

“President Buhari was far from perfect. Many of us who supported him expected much more from his civilian presidency.

“However, as someone who worked closely with him in opposition political, and governance roles for over a decade, I believe much of his administration’s shortcomings stemmed from the actions and failures of a powerful inner circle—relatives, advisers, and officials who did not always share his commitment to integrity and public service.

“Buhari himself remained, to the end, a man of deep faith, personal discipline, and unquestioned patriotism. Those now invoking his name for self-justification should reflect on whether they can claim the same standards.

“My appeal here is simple: to all Nigerians, admirers and critics alike—let President Muhammadu Buhari rest in peace. Let history judge him fairly, without opportunism or revisionism.

“The truest way to honour him is not through selective storytelling, or attempting to exhibit new-found love, but by upholding the values he embodied: simplicity, integrity, humility, and service to Nigeria with all he had.

Stolen Vehicle In Delta Recovered In Ondo Three Years After

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Police Officer

By Ayodele Oni

Three years after, Ondo state Police Command has recovered a Lexus ES350 car earlier reported stolen in Warri, Delta State.

Police sources revealed that the vehicle was recovered at a point its documents were to be renewed with the old registration number intact.

Spokesman of the command, Jimoh Kazeem, in a statement on Thursday, explained that “the success followed intelligence-driven operations by operatives of the Command, coupled with robust inter-agency collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

“This led to the interception of the vehicle when it was presented at the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) Office in Akure for document renewal.

“Preliminary verification revealed that the vehicle’s registration number had not been captured on the NVIS portal, prompting a discreet and thorough investigation.

“Subsequent inquiries confirmed that the Lexus ES350 was forcefully stolen at gunpoint in Warri, Delta State, in February 2022.

“Acting on this development, operatives of the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad arrested Alawuye, male; aged 31 and Tosin, male; aged 32 years, in connection with the crime and successfully recovered the vehicle.

“The suspects have made useful statements that are currently aiding efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal network.

“In furtherance of strong inter-command collaboration between the Ondo State Police Command and the Delta State Police Command, arrangements have been concluded for the release of the recovered vehicle to its rightful owner in Delta State.”

In another operation, operatives attached to the Highway Patrol Team along the Uso Expressway intercepted a motorcycle during a routine stop-and-search operation, a measure that has continued to yield significant results in crime prevention and detection.

In the course of this operation, and upon sighting the police operatives, the motorcyclist abandoned his two passengers and fled with the motorcycle, leaving the passengers behind. Consequently, the two individuals were promptly apprehended by the operatives.

Following their apprehension, the suspects were identified as Daniel (male), aged 22 years, and Jamiyu (male), aged 27 years.

A thorough search conducted on them led to the recovery of a black bag containing a cut-to-size single-barrel firearm.

The suspects are currently in police custody and have made useful statements, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing motorcyclist and to determine the source and intended use of the recovered firearm.

Why EFCC Raided My Houses, Offices – Malami, Fmr AGF/Minister for Justice

By
The Source
-
0
Abubakar Malami
Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN

By Gideon Njoku

A former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, has disclosed why the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, raided his homes and offices.

Salami, a Minister under the Government of late President Muhammadu Buhari has been in the custody of the  EFCC for about two weeks after the Commission revoked an earlier administrative bail granted him.

Speaking through his Media Assistant, Mohammed Bello.Doka, Malami said his homes and offices in Kebbi and Abuja were raided by the Commission because he dared make public parts of the findings of an investigation of the EFCC, ordered under him, which allegedly indicted the incumbent Chairman, Ola Olukoyede who was then the Secretary.

In his citation of the findings, Malami  referenced Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report.

The statement said the EFCC operatives who raided his homes and offices, allegedly, targeted the documents related to that chapter, without prior notice.

It described the action of the EFCC’ as “deeply alarming”, and noted that they amount to intimidation and retaliation, because he called on the EFCC chairman to recuse himself from his ongoing probe because of alleged bias which stems from the Salami Report.

Chapter 9 of the Salami report allegedly contains findings implicating senior EFCC officials, including the  Olukoyede.

“We hereby place Nigerians and the international community on notice that any harm to our personnel or to Abubakar Malami, SAN, will be solely attributable to this pattern of conduct,” the statement warned.

It  urged the media and the public to question the timing and justification of the raids, as well as the long-standing contention over Chapter 9. It, also,  called on the civil society, professional bodies and human rights groups to demand the full release of the Salami report for transparency.

Among other things, Malami is being investigated by the EFCC for alleged abuse of office, money laundering, and issues related to Abacha loot recoveries.

The former Minister who is married to one of Buhari’s daughters has denied all allegations, insisting they are politically motivated.

A foundation member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, he has since resigned and joined the African Democratic Congress, ADC, under which he is aspiring to the office of the Governor.

Tinubu To Present 2026 Budget To NASS Friday

By
James Orji
-
0
Tinubu Presenst Budget To NASS
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will on Friday present the 2026 budget estimates to the joint session of the National Assembly.
This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Clerk to the National Assembly, CNA who said the event is slated for 11 am at the National Assembly Complex tomorrow.
According to a memo, titled “Presentation of 2025 Budget” dated December 17, and signed by the Secretary , Human Resources and Staff Development, in the CNA office, Essien Eyo Essien all officials are to be seated before the aforesaid time, “otherwise they would not be allowed access into the Complex .
This was confirmed via a memo titled: ‘Presentation of 2026 budget’, dated December 17, 2025 and signed by Secretary, Human Resources and Staff Development, Essien Eyo Essien.
Part of the memo:“I am directed to inform you that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is presenting the 2026 proposed budget to the Joint Session of the National Assembly at 2:00 pm, on Friday, 19th December, 2025.
“Consequently, all accredited persons must endeavour to be at their duty posts by 11:00 am, otherwise they would not be allowed access into the Complex for security reasons. Non-accredited persons should stay away from the National Assembly on that day.
“Except for the CNA, DCNA, CS, CHR and other Deputies, every other Member of Staff is required to park hs/her vehicle at available spaces at the Annex or the new car park by NASS Gate.”
The magazine reports that controversy has trailed the partial implementation of the 2025 Budget by the Tinubu administration. Less than 70 percent of this year’s budget remained has been deferred to next year, according to checks from federal government.

Faced With Allegations Of Corruption By Dangote, NMDPRA Boss, Resigns Tinubu Replaces Him

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Farouk Ahmed
Farouk Ahmed

By Adesina Soyooye

Embroiled by allegations of corruption to the tune of about seven million US Dollars made against him by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, the Managing Director of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, has been forced to resign from office. President Bola Tinubu who accepted his resignation, immediately, appointed his replacement, Saidu Mohammed, an Engineer.

Ahmed was appointed by the Government of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, and was expected to leave office in September 2026 before the corruption allegations swept him out.

And as if seeking a balancing act, President Tinubu also removed from office the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum  Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) Gbenga Komolafe and replaced him with Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan.

Main Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement Wednesday night said: “President Tinubu has formally written to the Senate, seeking approval for the appointment of Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC and Engineer Saidu Mohammed as Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA.

“The request for expedited confirmation follows the resignations of Engineer Farouk Ahmed and Gbenga Komolafe, who were appointed in 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari to lead the agencies established by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

“Both nominees bring extensive experience in the oil and gas sector. Ms Eyesan, an Economics graduate of the University of Benin, spent nearly 33 years at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiaries. She retired as Executive Vice President, Upstream (2023–2024), and previously served as Group General Manager, Corporate Planning and Strategy, from 2019 to 2023.

Mr Mohammed, born in 1957 in Gombe State, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1981). He was recently appointed an independent non-executive director at Seplat Energy.

“His career highlights include serving as Managing Director of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company and the Nigerian Gas Company, as well as chairing the boards of the West African Gas Pipeline Company, Nigeria LNG subsidiaries, and NNPC Retail.

“Mr Mohammed also served as Group Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Gas & Power Directorate, where he provided leadership on major gas projects and policy frameworks, including the Gas Master Plan, Gas Network Code, and contributions to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

“He was instrumental in delivering critical infrastructure projects such as the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline Expansion, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, and Nigeria LNG Train projects.”

Dangote Vs Farouk: Tinubu Appoints New NMDPRA, NUPRC Chief Executives

By
James Orji
-
0
Heineken-Lokpobiri Minister of State For Petroleum
President Bola Tinubu is seeking the Nigerian Senate approval for the appointment of Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC and Said Aliyu as the Chief executive of the
Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA
Their appointment comes on the heels of Wednesday resignations of former chief executives,  Farouk Ahmed of the , NMDPRA, and Gbenga Komolafe, of the NUPRC.
Both officials were appointed in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari into the position.
Their resignations, also come following the allegation of corruption leveled against Farouk by President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote.
Dangote had accused the former NMDPRA of paying over $5 million for his four children school fees in Switzerland, wondering how Farouk could afford such a humongous amount as a public servant.
The Dangote Boss has also petitioned anti graft agencies in the country to investigate Farouk urged senators to treat the nominations with urgency, saying their confirmation would ensure continuity in the upstream and downstream petroleum sector.
Eyesan is a seasoned petroleum economist with nearly 33 years of experience at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. and its subsidiaries.
She is a graduate of Economics from the University of Benin and retired as Executive Vice President, Upstream, at NNPC Ltd., serving between 2023 and 2024.
She earlier served as Group General Manager, Corporate Planning and Strategy, from 2019 to 2023, contributing to strategic reforms in the upstream sector.
Mohammed, born in 1957 in Gombe State, is a Chemical Engineering graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned his degree in 1981.
He recently served as an independent non-executive director at Seplat Energy and has decades of leadership experience across Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

ADC Gets Its First Senator As Ireti Kingibe Dumps LP

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Senator Ireti Kingibe
Senator Ireti Kingibe

By Adesina Soyooye

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, now boasts of its first Senator since it was founded.

Senator Ireti Kingibe, ex-wife of Babagana Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has officially defected to the Party.

Senator Kingibe’s official registration is scheduled for today Thursday, December 18, at the ADC national headquarters Abuja.

A statement released on Wednesday by the Senator’s media aide, Kennedy Mbele, said the move marks Kingibe’s exit from the Labour Party (LP) and her entry into the ADC.

It noted that the  ceremony will be attended by senior party officials, ADC candidates contesting the February 21 FCT area council elections, party supporters, and members of the media.

The statement said: “Kingibe’s bold step of joining the ADC makes her the only serving Senator in the new but vibrant opposition party.”

Burkina Faso Finally Releases Nigeria’s Military Personnel NAF Aircraft

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Tuggar and Nigerian soldiers in Burkina Faso
Yusuf Tuggar and Nigerian soldiers in Burkina Faso

By Adesina Soyooye

After an almost two-week face-off, the Burkina Faso Military Junta has finally released 11 Nigeria Airforce Personnel and their C-130 Military Aircraft.

Recall that the Aircraft was forced to land at Burkinabe’s Bobo Dioulasso  Airport after it over-flew the country’s airspace without authorisation. Thereafter, the 11 Military Personnel and the Aircraft were detained.

In reaction to that, the Confederation of Sahel States – Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso – in a strongly-worded statement issued by the Malian Leader, Assimi Goita, accused Nigeria of an  “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law”, and warned that member states were now on alert to neutralise aircraft violating their airspace.

In response, the Nigerian Air Force treated the incident as no issue. In a statement, its Director of Public Relations, Ehimen Ejodame, explained that the Aircraft and Personnel were on a ferry mission to Portugal when the crew noticed a technical issue and so, carried out a precautionary landing at the nearest airfield in line with international aviation protocols. The impression was also given that the Military personnel and the aircraft were not detained, that the personnel were received cordially, well looked after, and would soon be on their way to Portugal.

However, that never happened. They were kept in detention and the Burkinabe junta refused the Nigerian Acting Ambassador access to them when he tried to see them.

But now, thanks to a high level delegation sent by President Bola Tinubu, and led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, to Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso to sort the embarrassing situation out, the Air Force personnel have been released. This was confirmed on Wednesday night by the Nigerian Government.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the aircraft and personnel had been released. He was quoted as saying: “Yes, they have been released on Wednesday after Tuggar met with Ibrahim Traore, the Leader of Burkina Faso.”

1...364365366...3,038Page 365 of 3,038