NIGERIA NEWS
DSS Moves Against Syndicates Blackmailing Heads of MDAs
The Department of State Services (DSS) is closing in on a number of syndicates believed to be behind the blackmail of heads of key federal government departments and agencies, security sources have disclosed.
According to the sources, the secret police is being flooded with requests from the heads of those agencies to help unmask the blackmail syndicates.
One of the sources disclosed that, while some of the blackmailers are believed to be working alone, some, however, have turned blackmail into a sprawling business enterprise, sometimes working hand-in-glove with disgruntled staff members, contractors and suppliers.
The source disclosed that, even though several government agencies have been targeted by blackmail syndicates, special attention was been paid to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Universal Education Commission (UBEC), and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
The source noted that some of the blackmailers begin with registering groups and associations and thereafter use the platforms to write the heads of the targeted government agencies.
“They often offer the CEOs concocted awards and recognitions for humongous fees. The moment these CEOs fail to pay up for such awards, the blackmailers move in, and use different platforms to write dubious petitions to anti-graft agencies
“The moment they pen their phantom petitions, they begin a smear campaign on social and conventional media all in the bid to get attention and be called to the negotiation table. All these are to frustrate and distract such CEOs to the point of capitulation,” disclosed the source.
“Worried by the antics of these criminal elements, some heads of agencies who are victims of these blackmailers, have officially reported the matter to the secret police,” he further noted, adding, “they are currently being investigated and would soon be invited for questioning.”
He disclosed that, aside immediate financial gains, the blackmailers sometimes work for bigger ones that feast on the greed of candidates who desperately want to succeed the current heads of those agencies.
“Recall the recent case of a former senator who collected N400 million to help a candidate secure a key federal government appointment. It was just weeks ago that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, discontinued the fraud case against the former senator. That was after he refunded the N400 million,” reminded the source.
Another source disclosed that the DSS is believed to be beaming its searchlight on those he described as “internal collaborators” who work with the concerned agencies yet maintain links with those who seek to undermine the agencies.
“The DSS is working on different leads, particularly on the realization that some staff if the agencies are stealing and selling official documents to these blackmailers, which is a serious crime and against the Official Secrets Act.
“They steal official documents, manipulates figures, dates and other relevant data therein. This is proving to be a huge challenge to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, as they now have to work more to sift out petitions with substance from the sham ones,” he added.
“Aside maintaining internal security, and providing VIP protection, the DSS is saddled with the responsibility of preventing subversion, sabotage, and economic crimes against national security, working behind the scenes to maintain stability,” he declared.
In a shocking turn of events, the decomposed body of Mallam Awwal Yakubu, a 45-year-old Quranic teacher and father of seven, was found in an uncompleted building at Talba Housing Estate in Niger State.
It was gathered that the body was discovered on Monday, December 8, 2025.
Yakubu, who operated a Quranic school in Barkin Saleh, had been reported missing since Thursday, December 4, leaving his community in grief.
The discovery was made by children from Talba Housing Estate who were searching for a missing fowl.
According to local sources, the body was found with a pack of matches and a bottle of tigernut drink lying beside it, while his clothes were on one side of the building and his shoes on another, suggesting a possible struggle or deliberate arrangement.
“This is sad, barbaric, and agonising. May Almighty God continue to protect us from such catastrophic incidents. Ameen,” a resident lamented in distress.
Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, stated that a report was received at about 10 am on December 7, indicating that a corpse had been found behind Talba Estate, Bida Road, Kpakungu.
He explained that police operatives from Kpakungu Division promptly responded and discovered the decomposed body in the uncompleted building.
According to him, “Relatives later identified the remains as Awwal Yakubu, a 45-year-old resident of the area.”
The body, suspected to have been dumped at the location, was evacuated to the hospital.
SP Abiodun disclosed that the police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances and cause of death.
The community, currently in grief, awaits further updates as police authorities work to bring clarity to the tragic incident.
- Nigerian musician Young John, also known as John Saviours Udomboso, defends his talent and dedication against criticism.
- He highlights the years of hard work that contributed to his current success.
- Recent backlash includes fans describing his music as “monotonous.”
Nigerian musician John Saviours Udomboso, widely known as Young John, has urged critics to refrain from undermining his talent and dedication, emphasizing the years of effort that brought him to his current status.
The appeal comes in the wake of recent backlash, with some fans labeling his music as “monotonous.” Responding to the criticism, Young John encouraged detractors to simply skip his music rather than belittle his hard work.
“If my music isn’t your style, that’s fine! But don’t diminish the years I’ve put into my craft,” he wrote on his X account.
Young John launched his career as a producer in 2010, earning recognition through his work with Olamide’s YBNL family. He transitioned to singing after joining Chocolate City in 2022.
His track Dada quickly became a hit, and the remix featuring Davido further cemented his reputation as a rising singer in the Nigerian music scene.
NIGERIA NEWS
FCT will continue to build houses for judges, Tinubu supporting to strengthen Judiciary – Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to strengthen the judiciary by providing better facilities, secure accommodation, and improved working conditions for judicial officers across Abuja.
Wike made this known in his goodwill message at the Special Court Session marking the start of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
He explained that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has made fresh budgetary provisions to build more residential houses for FCT High Court judges to ease accommodation challenges and ensure every judicial officer has a comfortable place to live.
“Providing comfortable and secure accommodation allows judges to focus entirely on the timely and efficient administration of justice, free from the distractions of inadequate living conditions,” he said.
The Minister noted that the FCTA has already taken major steps to support the judiciary. These include the formal handover of the Certificate of Occupancy for the Supreme Court’s land and the commencement of full perimeter fencing around the complex.
Wike said the move was meant to protect the nation’s highest court from encroachment and security threats.
He described it as a swift, long-awaited intervention that restores confidence in the system, adding that such confidence trickles down to each arm of the judiciary.
Wike also listed several other interventions being carried out by the FCTA under the President’s direction.
They include the construction of secure and befitting residential quarters for Heads of Courts, the ongoing development of a new Magistrate Court Complex in Jabi to reduce pressure on existing courts, and the construction of staff quarters for the Nigerian Law School.
Others are the design and construction of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division Complex and new residences for justices of the National Industrial Court, Federal High Court Abuja Division, and other key judicial bodies.
He stressed that all these projects are targeted at strengthening the justice system.
“Well-equipped court facilities, chambers, and support infrastructure ensure that judicial work is conducted in a professional, safe, and conducive environment,” he said.
Looking ahead to the new Legal Year, Wike said the FCTA is determined to build on ongoing reforms.
“We will aggressively push for the timely completion of the new residential quarters for Heads of Courts and the Jabi Magistrate Court Complex to ensure prompt utilization. “Furthermore, we have made budgetary provisions to construct additional residential houses for FCT High Court Judges to mitigate housing shortages and ensure all judicial officers are appropriately accommodated.
“We will continue to collaborate with the various FCT-based judiciaries (including the Court of Appeal) to support the digitization of court proceedings and registries to improve efficiency, reduce manual processes, and accelerate the dispensation of justice.
“Let me state that Justice must never be compromised under any circumstances, for it is the bedrock of our democracy and the safeguard of public trust. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders, judges, legal practitioners, government agencies, and citizens alike to work collaboratively to strengthen and improve our judicial system.
“I am confident that the commencement of this 2025/2026 Legal Year will herald a period of unprecedented success, wisdom, and efficiency for the Court of Appeal,” he said.
Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has disclosed that one of his most difficult moments in office occurred during the famous #EndSARS protests in Nigeria.
According to him, his wife and family members were victims of both online and offline bullying during that period.
Speaking during an interview with AIT ahead of the unveiling of a new book which chronicles his experiences in office during the administration of the late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, Mohammed narrated that the businesses of his wife and children were boycotted by Nigerians during that period.
The former Minister added that he almost resigned his position as Minister due to the pressure which followed the ENDSARS protests.
He said, “My wife and children were bullied online and offline.
“Their businesses were boycotted, and they were very unhappy because they felt I brought all these upon them.
“We held a family meeting, and it was agreed that I should resign.”
Mohammed added that the passion to serve his country, rather than the perks of office, prevented him from resigning.
According to him, no Minister earned up to ₦900,000 per month then.
“People talk about benefits from the office, and I laugh. In my time, no minister earned up to N900,000 a month.
“My total earnings were N860,000, including feeding and housing allowances.
“It is an honour to serve, but it is wrong to assume that becoming a minister solves all your problems,” he said.
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The Attorney-General of the Federation’s office on Wednesday arraigned former Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah on N2.5 billion fraud charges.
She was arraigned before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja alongside Gloria Odita, with whom the former minister faces another pending N5 billion money laundering trial before another court.
Wednesday’s charges alleged that the two defendants committed the offence in January 2014, just about a month before Ms Oduah was forced out of office over a procurement scandal.
Ms Oduah served as Minister of Aviation from 2 July 2011 to 12 February 2014 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. She also represented Anambra North Senatorial twice, in 2015 and 2019.
The five charges filed against her and her co-defendant accused them of fraudulently obtaining N2.5 billion disguised as cost of technical supervision and security from the Ministry of Aviation.
One the counts alleged that defendants obtained “the whopping sum” N2.5 billion (N2,469,030,738.9) from the federal aviation ministry “through Broad Waters Resource Nigeria Limited and Global Offshore Marine Limited by false pretence”.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants knew that representing the money as “cost of technical supervision and security integrated and logistics support services” was false.
The charge said the offence was contrary to sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of The Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
The duo pleaded not guilty to all the charges after they were read to them.
Bail
Thereafter, Ms Oduah’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), applied for her bail conditions, contending that the defendant is a well-known figure.
Similarly, Ms Odita’s lawyer, Wale Balogun, also a SAN, urged the court to grant his client bail.
Mr Balogun informed the judge that the defendants had complied with the bail conditions in a sister case before the Federal High Court in Abuja where all travel documents were deposited.
The prosecution team, personally led by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, also a SAN, did not oppose the motion for their bail but asked the court to set a definite date.
He said he would rather request a date for trial to commence, while he called on the judge to compel the defendants to submit their travel documents.
The trial judge, Hamza Muazu, granted bail to the defendants on self-recognition and instructed that their travel documents be submitted to the court.
Ms Oduah’s counsel subsequently requested her travel documents.
The judge expressed readiness to grant the request if the defendant applied for permission to travel. But he also indicated that granting the request will be subject to presentation of her case to the satisfaction of the court.
He therefore adjourned the case to 12 and 13 February 2026 for the commencement of the trial.
Ex-minister faces another trial
Ms Oduah is facing separate N5 billion fraud charges alongside Ms Odita, Chinese construction giant CCECC, and others, before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Others named in the case as defendants are Nwosu Nnamdi and Chukwuma Irene Chinyere, Global Offshore and Marine Ltd, Tip Top Global Resources Ltd, Crystal Television Ltd and Sobora International Ltd.
Although the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed the case with 25 counts on 17 December 2020, the arraignment did not take place until 21 July 2023, due to dilatory tactics stalling proceedings.
The trial, which started before a judge, Inyang Ekwo, who is now serving a one-year suspension by the National Judicial Council (NJC), has made little progress since the arraignment.
This newspaper reported that the 25 counts in the case centred on allegations that the defendants committed money laundering involving about N5 billion (N5,052,415,984) between February and June 2014.
The indictment also includes conspiracy to commit money laundering, transferring, taking control and taking possession of proceeds of fraud, aiding and abetting money laundering and opening anonymous bank accounts.
Specifically, the prosecution alleged in two of the 25 counts that Ms Oduah and Ms Odita opened anonymous “Private Banking Nominee” dollar and naira accounts with First Bank, thereby committing an offence contrary to section 11(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under section 11(4) (a) of the same Act.
READ ALSO: EFCC arraigns company official for failing to appoint anti-money laundering compliance desk officer
PREMIUM TIMES’ review of the charges showed that CCECC Nigeria Limited allegedly transferred over N2.5 billion into the naira account of a Private Banking Nominee between 31 March and 6 June 2014.
In seven of the counts where CCECC is indicted singly and along with Ms Oduah and Ms Oditah, the company was accused of “conspiring with the women to commit money laundering, and directly transferring to Private Banking Nominee account various sums of money totalling N2,583,385,246 which it reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity to wit: fraud…”
The defendants denied all the charges.
Sam Amadi, former chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has cautioned political actors against underestimating President Bola Tinubu, saying he is prepared to engage opponents “dirty” if they come at him with “dirty dress”.
In a post shared on Wednesday via X, Amadi said those urging young politicians to confront the president should be mindful of the consequences.
He noted that while Tinubu “is not clean”, he is relentless and will “fight dirty once you are dirty and fighting him”.
Amadi added that Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, is the only one capable of surviving the “coming hurricane” because “his clothes are not dirty”.
His remarks come amid reports that former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has spent a second night in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, custody as he faces investigations into alleged terrorism financing, money laundering, and abuse of office.
He wrote: “Those who are promising the youths that they can fight Tinubu with dirty dress should take note. Tinubu is not clean; but he will fight you dirty once you are dirty and fighting him.
“Only @PeterObi will survive the coming hurricane because his clothes are not dirty.”
A total of one hundred and fifty delegates is set to elect the Osun State governorship candidate of the Accord Party on Wednesday.
This comes barely 16 hours after Governor Ademola Adeleke officially joined the party at the Banquet Hall of the Osun State Government House, Oke-Fia, Osogbo.
The Nation observed heavy security presence at the venue, Oasis Event Centre, Agunbelewo, where the exercise will take place.
Operatives of the Department of State Services, the Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were stationed at the entrance, subjecting all entrants to thorough checks to maintain law and order.
Inside the hall, a section was designated for the 150 delegates who will vote in the primary, while other areas were reserved for observers and the media.
In the observers’ section, The Nation noted that many of those seated at a corner were members of the Peoples Democratic Party and aides of Governor Adeleke.
Confirming the process, the Osun State Chairman of the party, Pastor Victor Akande, told The Nation that 150 delegates would elect the governorship candidate of the party.
The former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has been taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after failing to meet the bail terms earlier granted to him.
His detention has drawn fresh attention to long-standing concerns surrounding the handling of recovered funds linked to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
According to officials familiar with the development, Malami remained with EFCC operatives late into Tuesday night as he struggled to satisfy the conditions attached to his temporary release.
The commission has insisted he must first clear a series of allegations before he can be allowed to leave their facility.
Investigators are probing several issues, including the management of accounts suspected to be linked to money laundering and the movement of funds traced to international recovery operations.
One senior officer revealed that the commission is also looking into allegations connected to terrorism financing and the whereabouts of looted Nigerian funds returned from Switzerland and the Island of Jersey.
The source stated that the former minister would remain with them until he meets his bail obligations and addresses all queries arising from the probe.
According to the official, the EFCC has lined up numerous allegations for him to answer.
The officer noted that Malami is required to appear at the agency’s office every day throughout December as part of the ongoing investigation.
At the moment, investigators are examining what they described as 18 separate infractions. These include suspected money laundering, abuse of office, and transactions that the agency believes must be further clarified.
The official added that the full financial details remain uncertain, as more information continues to emerge during the review of documents and accounts.
Malami, however, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He described the allegations as “fabricated,” insisting that his record in public office does not align with the claims being circulated.
According to him, ”For the avoidance of doubt, my public record in office stands in direct contradiction to any insinuation of complicity in terrorism financing.”
He further maintained that during his time as Attorney-General, he worked with key institutions to strengthen the country’s fight against money laundering and terror-financing networks.
Weeks after the kidnapping of the schoolchildren and their teachers from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State, one of the rescued girls has shared a chilling part of their experience in captivity.
The abduction, which took place on November 21, involved 303 students and 12 teachers.
The federal government secured the release of 100 students, while 203 students and 12 teachers remain in captivity.
The incident left many Nigerians shocked and worried about the safety of schoolchildren in the country.
Student Speaks About Ordeal
One of the rescued students, a girl, opened up in an interview shared by CNN.
She said the gunmen gave them tarpaulins to sleep on and ordered them to remain quiet.
“They gave us a tarpaulin, that we should put it down, we should lie down and sleep, that we should not make noise for them,” the student recounted.
Netizens React to the Release
The release of 100 students has sparked reactions online. Many expressed relief, while others raised concerns about those still being held in captivity.
See below;
@cnn
One hundred schoolchildren were rescued after being abducted last month from St. Mary’s Catholic School in central Nigeria. Many of them still remain hostage, according to a Reuters report. #CNN #news
♬ original sound – CNN – CNN
Chief executive officers of commercial banks have been directed to appear in person before an investigative panel of the House of Representatives over alleged illegal and unexplained deductions from customers’ bank accounts.
The summons was issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the House Ad-hoc Committee investigating the deduction of taxes from civil and public servants’ earnings and bank charges on customers’ accounts.
Commercial banks deduct various charges from customers’ accounts, including SMS charges, Maintenance charges, and transfer charges, among others.
Banks accused of perpetrating illegality
Speaking during the panel session, Committee Chairman, Rep. Kelechi Nwogu, accused commercial banks of engaging in systematic and unlawful deductions, including charges that are neither transparent nor remitted to the appropriate authorities.
“Commercial banks are perpetrating illegality by deducting inexplicable charges from civil servants, public servants and other customers’ bank accounts without remittances,” Nwogu said.
- He noted that banks routinely deduct a range of charges such as SMS alerts, account maintenance fees, and transfer charges, raising concerns over the legality, transparency, and utilisation of such funds.
- Reiterating the committee’s mandate, Nwogu said the investigation would ensure that all deductions imposed by banks are properly authorised, correctly computed, and appropriately utilised.
“Our mandate is clear. All deductions or charges must be deducted rightly, fined rightly, and used rightly,” he said.
He also disclosed that the committee had extended invitations to the Ministry of Finance and would work closely with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and commercial banks operating in Nigeria to ensure a thorough probe.
CEOs must appear; no proxies allowed
The committee chairman firmly rejected any attempt by banks to send representatives instead of their chief executives, stressing that the CEOs themselves must appear unfailingly before the panel.
“You cannot appear here without an identity. We are not here on our own. We are here on the mandate of the people that elected us into parliament,” Nwogu said.
He added: “We have resolved to meet next week Wednesday. You must submit all requested documents on or before Monday. We will go through all the documents and we will put you on oath.”
Four-day ultimatum to submit documents
The committee issued a four-day ultimatum to all banks involved to submit the relevant documents required for the investigation.
According to Nwogu, any bank that fails to comply with the directive by Monday will face sanctions.
The House panel, he said, is determined to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the reasons behind what it described as spurious and unjustified deductions from customers’ accounts.
What you should know
According to a recent Business Expectations Survey Report released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), excessive bank charges, multiple taxes, and inadequate infrastructure ranked as the top constraints in September 2025.
- The survey revealed that respondents identified High Bank Charges (70.8), High/Multiple Taxes (70.8), and Poor Infrastructure (70.7) as the three most pressing challenges hindering business operations across the country.
- Despite these challenges, the report showed a modest level of optimism among businesses.
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