By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has appointed former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), and former Minister of Defence and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, as co-chairmen of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund Board.

The inauguration, held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, marks a major step in the North’s regional response to worsening insecurity.

The board comprises retired military officers and former security chiefs drawn from the 19 northern states to provide strategic oversight, mobilise resources, enhance intelligence sharing and coordinate efforts against banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and cattle rustling.

Other members include former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (Sokoto); former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba (Yobe); former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha (Adamawa); Sen. Napoleon Bali (rtd) (Plateau); former Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Inuwa (Jigawa); AVM Kabiru Aliyu (Taraba); Prof. Usman Tar (Borno); Maj. Gen. A.M. Dikko (Niger); AIG Sunday Babaji (Gombe); AVM Farouk Omeiza Umar (Kogi); Maj. Gen. Muhammad Sani (Kano); Maj. Gen. Bello Sarkin Yaki (Kebbi); Maj. Gen. John Malu (Benue); and Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Agbab (Kwara), among others.

Speaking at the inauguration, NSGF Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the Trust Fund would complement, rather than replace, the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies.

He said the initiative must remain focused, responsive and credible, stressing that its success would be measured by its ability to protect lives and property.

The governors also resolved that each of the 19 northern states, alongside their local government councils, would contribute ₦1 billion monthly for 12 months to fund the initiative.

Traditional rulers, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, endorsed the initiative, describing it as a practical and long-overdue response to the region’s security challenges.

By Francis Wilfred

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged $2.33 million money laundering case.

Bodejo was arraigned before Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering and unlawful cash transactions, contrary to the provisions of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.

At the commencement of proceedings, EFCC counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN), informed the court that the 12-count charge was dated June 24 and filed on June 25, 2026, and urged the court to allow the defendant to take his plea. The request was granted.

One of the charges alleged that Bodejo knowingly accepted $100,000 in cash from Sa’idu Abubakar, a former Accountant-General of Bauchi State, on January 11, 2022, in Abuja.

According to the EFCC, the transaction exceeded the legal cash transaction threshold of N5 million and was not processed through a financial institution as required by law.

Another count alleged that he received $980,000 in cash from the same former government official on February 7, 2024, also in Abuja, without routing the funds through a financial institution.

The anti-graft agency maintained that the transactions violated the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The prosecution told the court that the alleged transactions formed part of a wider pattern of cash dealings amounting to about $2.33 million.

When the charges were read, Bodejo pleaded not guilty to all 12 counts.

Following the plea, Shittu asked the court to fix a date for trial and remand the defendant in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending further proceedings.

However, defence counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), urged the court to grant his client bail, relying on a bail application filed on June 30, 2026.

The prosecution opposed the application, relying on a 28-paragraph counter-affidavit filed on July 6, 2026.

Shittu argued that the defendant posed a public risk and could interfere with witnesses or obstruct the course of justice if released. He also informed the court that the Department of State Services (DSS) had an interest in the matter.

After hearing both parties, Justice Ekwo ordered that Bodejo be remanded in the EFCC holding facility pending a ruling on his bail application.

The court adjourned the matter until July 20, 2026, for ruling on the bail application.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Senator Aniekan Bassey, has reaffirmed the 10th Senate’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system through far-reaching legislative reforms aimed at improving the quality, accessibility, and regulation of health services across the country.
Senator Bassey made the declaration while representing the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, at the National Assembly’s Public Hearing on key healthcare bills, where he also formally declared the event open.
The public hearing brought together the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, lawmakers, healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies, and other critical stakeholders to deliberate on legislative measures expected to transform Nigeria’s health sector.
Speaking at the event, Senator Bassey emphasized that the 10th Senate remains focused on enacting people-oriented legislation that bridges the gap between policy formulation and the healthcare needs of ordinary Nigerians. He noted that improving healthcare delivery is central to the National Assembly’s legislative agenda and is essential to national development.
He explained that deliberations centered on two landmark bills designed to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare architecture.
The first, the University Teaching Hospitals Act (Amendment) Bill, seeks to modernize the country’s teaching hospitals by improving clinical training, upgrading medical infrastructure, and enhancing service delivery to align with global best practices.
The second, the National Health Facilities Regulatory Agency Bill, proposes the establishment of a regulatory framework that will enforce high professional standards, improve oversight, and guarantee patient safety across public and private healthcare facilities nationwide.
According to Senator Bassey, the proposed legislation reflects the Senate’s determination to build a healthcare system that is resilient, efficient, accountable, and capable of meeting the growing needs of Nigerians.
He expressed appreciation to the President of the Senate for the confidence reposed in him to represent the leadership of the National Assembly at the important national engagement, describing Senator Akpabio’s dedication to the welfare of Nigerians as a driving force behind the ongoing legislative reforms.
Senator Bassey stressed that lawmakers have a moral and constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and well-being of citizens through sound legislation that strengthens public institutions and improves service delivery.
He assured Nigerians that the Senate would continue to work with the Executive, healthcare professionals, and relevant stakeholders to enact laws that promote quality healthcare, protect patients, and expand access to affordable medical services across the country.
He added that the ultimate objective is to build a professional, accessible, and sustainable healthcare system that serves every Nigerian, irrespective of social or economic status.