Category: News

By Jabiru Hassan

The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian judiciary for the successful prosecution and conviction of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, over a ₦33.8 billion money laundering and fraud case.

In a statement signed by CACOL’s Director of Administration and Programmes, Tola Oresanwo, on behalf of the organisation’s Chairman, Debo Adeniran, the group described the judgment sentencing Mamman to 75 years imprisonment as a landmark victory in Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight.

According to CACOL, the ruling sends a strong message that no public office holder is above the law.

“The conviction reinforces public confidence in the anti-corruption war and demonstrates that accountability and justice can still prevail despite the numerous challenges confronting the nation’s judicial and law enforcement institutions,” Adeniran said.

The organisation also called on relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the INTERPOL, to collaborate in facilitating Mamman’s arrest if he is found to be evading justice.

CACOL further urged the government to identify, seize, and permanently confiscate all assets and properties allegedly acquired through illicit means by the former minister.

The anti-corruption group argued that the diversion of funds meant for Nigeria’s power sector has contributed significantly to the country’s persistent electricity challenges, including unstable supply and the deterioration of critical infrastructure.

According to the organisation, corruption and mismanagement in the sector have continued to undermine efforts to improve electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, worsening economic hardship for millions of Nigerians.

CACOL stressed that funds allocated for national development should not be converted into personal wealth by public officials.

The organisation also praised the EFCC for what it described as resilience and professionalism in prosecuting the case despite possible pressures and distractions, while commending the judiciary for demonstrating courage and impartiality.

Adeniran said the conviction should serve as a deterrent to public office holders across the country.

“Public office holders must understand that power is a trust bestowed upon them by the people and that their actions or inactions while in office will someday be brought to account,” he said.

CACOL reiterated its commitment to combating corruption, abuse of office, and economic sabotage, while calling for stronger institutional reforms to promote transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources, particularly in the power sector.

Deputy Governor to chair; Speaker, others as members

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has approved the constitution of a high-level Consensus Committee on Party Harmonisation and Aspirants’ Engagement as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen internal democracy, promote cohesion among stakeholders, and sustain party unity ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

The committee will be chaired by the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, with the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly serving as a member.

According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, the initiative is designed to deepen mediation and constructive engagement among aspirants across the state, while fostering mutual understanding, political stability, and consensus-building within the party.

The Commissioner explained that the committee would interface with aspirants, party leaders, and other critical stakeholders with a view to facilitating amicable resolutions in constituencies where multiple interests exist, while also encouraging voluntary withdrawals where necessary in the broader interest of party harmony and electoral success.

“The constitution of this committee reflects the commitment of Governor Uba Sani to inclusive leadership, internal cohesion, and the preservation of unity within the party,” the statement said.

Other members of the committee include the State Party Chairman, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Chief of Staff to the Governor, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, and the Deputy Chief of Staff (Legal Services). The State Party Secretary will serve as Secretary of the Committee.

The statement further noted that the move aligns with Governor Uba Sani’s broader vision of strengthening democratic processes through dialogue, consultation, and consensus-driven engagement, while positioning the party for a united and successful outing at the polls next year.

Stakeholders in Bayelsa East Senatorial District have endorsed Senator Benson Agadaga for a second term in the 2027 general elections, citing what they described as his strong performance and delivery of key constituency projects.

The endorsement was led by Dr. Iti Orugbani, former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and Special Adviser to Governor Douye Diri on Political Affairs, who praised the senator’s projects across Ogbia, Brass, and Nembe Local Government Areas.

Orugbani said Agadaga had executed several impactful projects including landing jetties, telecommunication masts, and town halls, noting that his performance in three years has surpassed that of previous representatives in the district.

He also called for the implementation of a 2022 zoning arrangement reportedly signed by political leaders across party lines, which introduced a minimum two-term tenure for senators from the district.

“In 2023, the district had an APC senator who was given a second term ticket. Now that we have Senator Benson Agadaga from Ogbia, he deserves the same,” he said, urging stakeholders to allow Ogbia begin the new arrangement.

The endorsement also received support from Mrs. Owadaba Jokori, Women Leader of the Agadema Women Support Group, and Comrade Ikio, Information Officer of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Central Zone.

Both praised the senator’s infrastructural projects, particularly the construction of landing jetties in several communities across the three local government areas.

Senator Agadaga, a former Chief of Staff to Governor Douye Diri, expressed appreciation for the endorsement and said his emergence in 2023 was backed by wide consultations across the district.

He pledged to continue delivering effective representation, lawmaking, oversight, and constituency development if re-elected.

“I’ve continued to deliver on representation, lawmaking, oversight, project execution, and constituent support. I shall do even more if re-elected,” he said.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has distanced itself from Tuesday’s incident at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), involving operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This followed social media reports alleging that police officers invaded the hospital, assaulted medical personnel, and used force during the operation.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Tinfom John, the Command clarified that the operation was solely carried out by EFCC operatives, while police officers were only invited after a distress call from the hospital authorities.

According to the statement, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UUTH had contacted the Commissioner of Police over the presence of armed men within the hospital, whose identities were initially unknown.

“The CMD further informed the CP that he had directed the closure of the hospital gates as a precautionary measure,” the statement said.

It added that the Commissioner of Police immediately deployed officers to the hospital strictly to assess the situation and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

On arrival, police reportedly confirmed that the operatives were EFCC personnel on a lawful assignment and informed the CMD accordingly, advising that the hospital gates be reopened to allow them exit peacefully.

However, the Command alleged that the advice was not complied with, leading to tension within the facility.

The statement further claimed that EFCC operatives were temporarily held within the premises and pelted with stones before forcing their way out of the hospital.

The Police Command emphasized that its personnel did not participate in the operation, nor did they assault hospital staff or use teargas as alleged in viral reports.

It described the claims linking police to the incident as false and misleading, warning that such narratives could incite unnecessary tension and damage public trust.

“The Command remains committed to professionalism, lawful policing, and the protection of lives and property across the State,” it added.

Meanwhile, the EFCC stated that its operatives visited the hospital to verify a medical report submitted by a suspect under remand by Justice M.A. Onyetenu of the Federal High Court, Uyo.

According to the Commission, two letters sent to the hospital dated March 11 and April 20, 2026, requesting authentication of the report were not responded to.

The EFCC said its officials visited the hospital as a last resort but were allegedly confronted by staff who mistook them for armed intruders and raised a false alarm.

It further alleged that hospital gates were locked during the incident, forcing operatives to exit under tense conditions while exercising restraint.

The Commission maintained that its officers acted within lawful duties and did not disrupt hospital operations.

From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has assured students of improved welfare and renewed efforts to address infrastructural challenges across the institution.

He gave the assurance on Tuesday during an interactive meeting with the Students’ Union Government (SUG) executive and Hostel Governors, led by SUG President Ridwan Abubakar.

According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale, the Vice-Chancellor commended student leaders for their maturity, discipline, and perseverance in handling campus issues.

Prof. Usman disclosed that the university has about 13 boreholes, but only one was functional at the time he assumed office, describing the situation as a major infrastructural challenge.

He said the management had already taken steps to address the problem, including drilling a new borehole, rehabilitating five non-functional ones, and repairing water tankers to improve water supply across hostels.

He urged students to use available facilities responsibly and reaffirmed the management’s policy of non-interference in the internal administration of student bodies.

The Vice-Chancellor also called for unity among students and encouraged them to support both the university management and the state government in efforts to improve campus conditions.

He further advised students to remain security conscious and avoid involvement in social vices and criminal activities.

Prof. Usman reiterated the ban on final-year celebrations within the university community, stressing the need to maintain order and discipline.

In a gesture of support, he announced that Hostel Governors would no longer be required to pay for accommodation and directed that refunds be made to those who had already paid.

Earlier, the SUG President appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for the engagement and said the meeting provided an opportunity to highlight pressing hostel challenges, particularly issues of sanitation and blocked toilet systems.

He suggested the provision of designated waste disposal pits to address recurring sanitation problems in the hostels.

In separate remarks, the Hostel Governors thanked the Vice-Chancellor for the opportunity and pledged their continued cooperation with management to improve living conditions on campus.

The meeting was attended by the Bursar, Mr. Ahmed Hudu Abdulsalami; the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Adetunji Sunday Adegoke; and the Director of Works, Engineer Shaibu Abutu Ukwenya.

By Israel Adamu, Jos

A human rights lawyer and indigene of Tarok Nation in Plateau State, Barr. Timzing Venyir Ramnap, has appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to expedite hearing of a pending appeal at the Supreme Court over the Ponzhi Tarok traditional stool.

The appeal, with suit number SC/114/2021 — Mr. Clement Cirman & 3 Ors v. Executive Governor of Plateau State & 3 Ors — concerns the appointment of a substantive Ponzhi Tarok, the paramount ruler of the Tarok people.

The case, filed at the Plateau State High Court on December 17, 2010, has passed through the Court of Appeal and is now awaiting final determination at the Supreme Court.

Both parties have filed and exchanged their briefs of argument, but a hearing date is yet to be fixed.

In a letter addressed to the CJN, Barr. Ramnap urged accelerated hearing of the matter, stressing that its resolution is crucial to leadership structure, unity, and development within Tarok Nation.

He expressed concern over the prolonged delay, noting that the traditional stool has remained vacant for years, a situation he said has affected governance and peace in the area.

“The prolonged delay in hearing this appeal is of great concern. Justice delayed in a matter affecting traditional leadership and community peace is justice denied,” he stated.

The lawyer urged the Chief Justice to direct the Supreme Court registry to assign an accelerated hearing date, describing the matter as one of urgent public importance.

Copies of the letter were also sent to the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, the Governor of Plateau State, and the Acting President of the Tarok Traditional Council.

He called on stakeholders to continue to pursue a peaceful and lawful resolution through the judicial process.

By Israel Adamu, Jos

The Riyom APC Youth Council has endorsed President Bola Tinubu, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and the member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, Hon. Engr. Dalyop Fom Chollom, for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group also expressed support for Vice President Kashim Shettima and Plateau State Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo, citing what it described as visible achievements, inclusive governance, and commitment to development.

Speaking to journalists in Jos on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Riyom APC Youth Council, Comrade Pam Nuhu Daniel, alongside the Secretary, Comrade Patience Shishang Chaimang, said the endorsement followed wide consultations with stakeholders, including party elders, youths, women groups, and community leaders across Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.

The youth council also condemned recent attacks in Rim, Jol, Bachit, Fan, Nding, and other parts of Barkin Ladi LGA, describing them as “barbaric, painful, inhuman and unacceptable.” The group warned that such violence threatens peaceful coexistence in affected communities.

They sympathised with families of victims and urged youths not to take the law into their hands or be used to incite further violence.

On national leadership, the group endorsed President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for a second term, stating that the administration’s economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda are aimed at long-term growth and national stability.

“We recognise the bold economic reforms and strategic efforts being undertaken by the administration to reposition Nigeria for long-term growth, economic recovery and national stability,” the group said.

The council also commended the Plateau State Government and security agencies for efforts toward restoring peace and improving security in the state.

They further praised Governor Mutfwang’s administration for initiatives in infrastructure, workers’ welfare, healthcare, education, peacebuilding, and youth engagement.

The group congratulated Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda on his emergence as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressing confidence that his leadership would strengthen internal democracy and reposition the party.

They also commended the Plateau State APC leadership for maintaining stability within the party.

On legislative representation, the youth council reaffirmed support for Hon. Dalyop Fom Chollom, praising his performance in youth empowerment, healthcare support, accessibility, and constituency development.

The group referenced a stakeholders’ resolution reportedly reached on April 28, 2026, where elders agreed on a rotational arrangement for the House of Representatives seat between Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs.

The youths appealed to political actors to respect the arrangement, avoid divisive politics, and prioritize peace and political harmony in the constituency.