Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive officer of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA has tendered his resignation.

This is coming barely 24 hours after allegations of corruption leveled against him by Aliko Dangote, president and chief executive of Dangote Industries Limited.

Gbenga Komolafe of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC also resigned.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga announced the resignation in a statement on Wednesday, stating that President Bola Tinubu has nominated his replacement.

According to Bayo, Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve the nominations of two new chief executives for the NMDPRA and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC.

“To fill these positions, President Tinubu has written to the Senate, requesting expedited confirmation of Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as CEO of NUPRC and Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as CEO of NMDPRA.

“The two nominees are seasoned professionals in the oil and gas industry,” Bayo said.

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Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has claimed that his offices and residences have been raided by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking via a statement issued on Wednesday by his office, he lamented that the anti-graft agency raided his offices and private residences in Abuja and Kebbi state.

He alleged that the raid was because of his recent reference to the Justice Ayo Salami report.

The statement signed by Malami’s Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, disclosed that the raids occurred immediately after the ex-minister made a public statement referencing Chapter 9 of the Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report.

According to the statement, the EFCC operatives allegedly targeted documents related to that chapter, without prior notice.

The statement described the action of the EFCC as “deeply alarming”, noting that they amount to intimidation and retaliation, following Malami’s call for the EFCC chairman’s recusal from his ongoing probe due to alleged bias stemming from the Salami Report.

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

Malami’s office 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 called on the civil society, professional bodies and human rights groups to demand the full release of the Salami report for transparency.

This development follows ongoing EFCC investigation into allegations against Malami, including abuse of office, money laundering, and issues related to former military president Sani Abacha loot recoveries.

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The Senate on Wednesday withdrew a motion seeking to compel the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to halt the revocation and reallocation of lands in Abuja.

The motion, sponsored by the senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, was withdrawn following deliberations at plenary after a majority of senators opposed aspects of it through a voice vote.

Mr Wike, through the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has overseen the demolition of structures in several parts of Abuja, which authorities say were erected in violation of the city’s Master Plan.

Beyond demolitions, the minister has also revoked and reallocated land titles, in some instances assigning such lands to new beneficiaries.

The FCTA has consistently maintained that many of the demolished structures lacked valid titles or violated approved land-use plans, arguing that previous administrations allowed widespread infractions that distorted the original Abuja Master Plan.

Although Mrs Kingibe raised concerns over these actions during plenary, the motion was ruled inadmissible as a matter of urgent national importance, and she was directed to withdraw it.

Motion for urgent national importance

Earlier in the sitting, Mrs Kingibe invoked Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders to present a motion on urgent national importance, arguing that issues of national concern could be debated without prior notice if the presiding officer’s consent had been obtained.

The motion sought Senate intervention on waste management and sewage services in the FCT, protection of designated green areas, and an investigation into the alleged unlawful seizure of land belonging to Bwari General Hospital.

She told the chamber that she had informed the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, about the motion and secured his consent before presenting it.

Waste management concerns

While presenting the motion, Mrs Kingibe lamented that municipal waste collection across several districts of the FCT had stalled for weeks, leading to massive accumulation of refuse in residential, commercial and public areas.

She attributed the situation to the non-payment of contractors and workers under the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and other relevant FCT agencies, noting that they had reportedly not been paid for about nine months. This, she said, resulted in prolonged industrial action and the collapse of essential municipal services.

The senator further alleged that despite the outstanding debts owed to contractors between March and October 2025, the FCT minister awarded new waste management contracts, retaining only 50 per cent of the unpaid contractors while introducing new ones.

According to her, the newly engaged contractors have written to the minister, indicating their inability to commence operations without a 30 per cent mobilisation fee, further worsening the waste crisis.

She warned that sewage blockages and accumulated waste, which have persisted for nearly eight months, had reached crisis levels, posing serious public health risks, including exposure to waterborne diseases and environmental contamination.

Land revocation allegations

Mrs Kingibe also raised concerns over land revocations and reallocations in the FCT, alleging that Mr Wike had, in several instances, proceeded with demolitions and reallocations despite subsisting court processes, thereby undermining the rule of law.

She referenced a land dispute involving the University of Abuja and argued that such actions violated the FCT Act of 1976, the Land Use Act of 1978, and Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the National Assembly to investigate administrative actions in the public interest.

She therefore urged the Senate to mandate the FCT Minister and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to halt all revocations, reallocations, and alterations to designated green areas pending a comprehensive audit and compliance review of the Abuja Master Plan.

Senate debate and withdrawal

During the debate, several senators objected to the inclusion of land revocation issues in the motion.

Borno North Senator, Tahir Monguno, who initially supported the motion, later withdrew his support.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, dismissed the allegations against the FCT minister, describing them as baseless.

“There are now developments in the FCT. The current minister changed the face of Abuja. He’s doing extremely very well. You cannot solve all problems at the same time, if there are other areas that needed to be done, we should engage our committee to interact with the minister so that he could do more,” he said.

In his response, the Senate said Mrs Kingibe had only sought approval to present a motion on waste management and not land revocations, insisting that the latter did not qualify as an issue of urgent national importance.

READ ALSO: Reps pass second reading of N43.5trn Appropriation Repeal and Re-enactment Bill 2024/2025

Similarly, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, argued that matters raised under the category of urgent national importance must genuinely be of national scope, adding that the allegations should instead be brought as a substantive motion on notice.

Following the deliberations, Mr Akpabio urged Mrs Kingibe to withdraw the motion.

She complied, stating that she would re-present it solely as a substantive motion on waste management.

“I will re-present it as a substantive motion on waste management,” she said.

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December 17, 2025December 17, 2025

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By Jane Okeke

Social entrepreneur and education advocate, Mr Zion Oshiobugie, has announced plans to host The Royal Party 2025, a Christmas celebration aimed at restoring dignity and self-worth to 100 orphaned and vulnerable children drawn from underserved rural communities in Warri, Delta State.

The event, organised through the Clever Minds Educational Foundation, is scheduled to hold on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at the Brownhill Event Center, Ogunu, Warri.

Oshiobugie said the initiative is designed to go beyond conventional charity, offering selected children a carefully curated royal experience that includes custom-made outfits, professional styling, a banquet setting, ceremonial crowning and commemorative photography.

Speaking ahead of the event, Oshiobugie said the idea behind The Royal Party was to restore dignity rather than dispense handouts.

“This is not about handouts or sympathy. It is about restoring dignity. For one day, these children will not feel forgotten or marginalised; they will feel honoured, celebrated, and seen as royalty,” he said.

According to him, the 2025 edition will also serve as the official launch of the Clever Minds Educational Scholarship Fund, a programme designed to support the long-term educational development of children from disadvantaged backgrounds beyond the Christmas celebration.

He explained that attendance at the event would be strictly by invitation, with only 25 carefully selected distinguished guests expected.

As part of the ceremony, Royal Patron of Dignity Awards will be presented to individuals recognised for outstanding humanitarian leadership and commitment to child welfare and development.

The theme of the event, “A Christmas of Royal Worth — Where the Forgotten Feel Like Kings and Queens,” reflects the foundation’s belief that every child, regardless of background, deserves dignity, belonging and opportunity.

Oshiobugie added that the initiative is supported by private sponsors, community partners, fashion contributors and volunteers committed to social impact and child development.

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A member of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), Iorhuna Titus, shared his observation about Bishop Thomas Aremu at Shiloh 2025.

Shiloh is an annual programme hosted by the church at its headquarters, called Canaanland in Ota, Ogun State, with Bishop David Oyedepo as the general overseer.

“Seeing Bishop Aremu at Shiloh 2025 Brought Different Vibe”: Man Shares How Preacher Was Welcomed
Source: Facebook

Shiloh 2025: Man speaks about Abioye’s absence

This year’s Shiloh was the second after the retirement of Bishop David Abioye as the vice president of the Winners Chapel, after serving with Oyedepo for 44 years.

On his Facebook page, Iorhuna T. Titus highlighted the presence of another vice president of the church, Thomas Aremu, who attended Shiloh 2025 despite his retirement alongside Bishop David Abioye.

He shared his observations about how Bishop Aremu was received and welcomed at Shiloh

His Facebook post read:

“Seeing Bishop Thomas Aremu in Shiloh on the opening day of Shiloh 2025, brought a different vibes. Bishop Thomas Aremu was the 2nd vice president in living faith church, winners chapel.

Read also

Man analyses Bishop Abioye’s absence at Shiloh 2025 amid Bishop Aremu’s presence, post trends

“He was retired same time with Bishop David Abiye (who has gone on to start his own ministry.) Both Abioye and Aremu were absent in the previous Shiloh, and that raised a lot of dust. Fast forward to Shiloh 2025 and Bishop Thomas Aremu was on ground live.“Coming on to welcome the Apostle over the commission was met wit a lot of cheers. The excitement and cheers speaks a lot about the feelings of members of the church. Welcome Bishop Thomas Aremu.”

Shiloh: Reactions trail man’s observation about Aremu

Olajide Daniel said:

“I personally glofied God all our one time and present working Apostles they work so well To me it’s not as if Bishop Aremu had no calling or vision to open his own personal ministering but the reason for him not doing that is what I don’t want to confuse with my quest to deepen into his own arrangements with his maker. Because I have notice something which is very crucial. Knowing what you are sent to do and finding Out doing it is all different. And fulfilling in one life is not the same with successful in distiny so having knew all this.”

Stephen Mlumunga said:

Read also

“It’s difficult to imagine Shiloh without Bishop Abioye”: Winners member mentions preacher’s role

“History in the making.”

In related stories, a lady shared how she took flight to Shiloh while another shared why she won’t attend again.

Oyedepo’s video at Shiloh 2025 sparks reactions

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a video showed Bishop David Oyedepo introducing his first son at Shiloh 2025, which took place at Canaanland, Ota.

As the clip trended, many shared what they observed about what the Nigerian preacher said while greeting his son.

Some netizens also raised questions about Bishop David Abioye, who retired as the church’s vice president in 2024.

Source: Legit.ng

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Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has directed all political appointees and office holders who intend to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments ahead of time.

The governor said such officials must vacate their positions on or before December 18, as political activities gradually gather momentum across the state.

This directive applies to all categories of political appointees serving in the current administration.

The order was conveyed in an official statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode.

According to the statement, the decision became necessary following the growing interest among appointees to seek elective offices and the need to ensure discipline and fairness within government.

Part of the statement read, “In light of the recent increase in political activities within the state, and having observed with keen interest the diverse aspirations for leadership roles aimed at promoting good governance, and advancing the laudable achievements of Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia’s administration, we wish to state the following:”

The statement further clarified that any political appointee seeking an elective position must formally notify the government of such intention. This notification must be accompanied by a resignation letter.

It added, “Political appointees interested in contesting for elective positions are kindly requested to indicate their interest and submit a formal resignation letter accordingly.”

Governor Alia also directed that all letters of resignation and expressions of interest be submitted through an official channel for proper documentation and processing.

The statement noted that such submissions must reach the Office of the Deputy Governor on or before Thursday, December 18, 2025.

According to the statement, “All letters or expressions of interest for the office of your choice should be forwarded to the Office of the Deputy Governor of Benue State not later than Thursday, 18th December 2025. This will enable their onward transmission to His Excellency, the Executive Governor, for further consideration and processing.”

The state government stressed that the directive is aimed at maintaining focus in governance and preventing the misuse of public office for political ambition as preparations for the 2027 elections begin.

The statement concluded by appealing for cooperation from affected officials, saying, “Your prompt attention to this matter is highly appreciated.”

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International legal efforts are now being mobilised to challenge the life sentence handed to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

His legal team says lawyers across different countries are working together to overturn the conviction through coordinated global legal action.

According to the defence, the judgment that sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment is deeply flawed.

They insist the decision is riddled with constitutional and jurisdictional defects that make it legally unsustainable under Nigerian law.

In a detailed legal brief prepared by one of Kanu’s lawyers, Njoku Jude Njoku Esq, the team argued that the Federal High Court lacked the authority to convict Kanu under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013.

The lawyers said the law had already been repealed before judgment was delivered and replaced by the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

They relied on Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that no person can be convicted for an offence that is not defined by a law in force at the time of trial and conviction. The defence argued that convicting Kanu under a repealed law amounts to a clear violation of his constitutional rights.

The lawyers also referenced Section 122 of the Evidence Act and the Supreme Court ruling in NNPC v. Fawehinmi. They maintained that courts are required to take judicial notice of repealed statutes and that failure to do so strips the court of jurisdiction.

They further claimed that Justice Omotosho had earlier acknowledged on record that a conviction based on a repealed law would be unlawful. According to them, the court later reversed this position in the final judgment, an action they described as judicial estoppel, citing Ogoejeofo v. Ogoejeofo.

The defence described the process as a “constitutional ambush,” stressing that Kanu was unrepresented at the time the alleged reversal occurred. They argued that this denied him fair hearing and due process.

On jurisdiction, the lawyers faulted the court for postponing the determination of jurisdictional objections until judgment. They said this approach runs contrary to the principle established in Madukolu v. Nkemdilim, which holds that jurisdiction must be settled before a court takes any further step.

According to the defence, proceeding with the trial without first resolving jurisdictional issues rendered every subsequent action a nullity in law.

They also criticised the court’s reliance on a savings clause to justify prosecution under a repealed statute. The lawyers argued that “savings clauses are intended only to manage lawful transition, not to preserve extinguished laws.”

They further stated that “the judgment improperly blended provisions of repealed and extant terrorism statutes,creating what they described as “a fictional hybrid law unknown to Nigerian criminal jurisprudence.”

Addressing the substance of the charges, the defence argued that the alleged “offences were based on broadcasts made from the United Kingdom.” They insisted that Nigerian criminal jurisdiction is territorial unless clearly extended by statute.

According to them, the prosecution failed to establish the legal basis for extraterritorial jurisdiction. They said this includes the failure to prove double criminality under UK law, as required by the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.

They also noted that “no evidence was led to show that the alleged broadcasts were received, heard or acted upon in Nigeria.”

On Kanu’s arrest, the lawyers reiterated that “he was abducted from Kenya rather than lawfully extradited.” They stressed that “no extradition request was made, no Kenyan court authorised his transfer,” and added that “Kenyan courts have since declared the rendition illegal.”

The defence maintained that “Nigerian courts cannot derive jurisdiction from an unlawful arrest or benefit from executive illegality.” They cited the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Supreme Court decision in Abacha v. Fawehinmi to support their position.

They further argued that “reliance on the doctrine of male captus bene detentus could not cure” what they described as “fundamental statutory and constitutional violations.”

According to them, Nigerian law clearly prescribes extradition procedures and does not permit abduction.

The legal team disclosed that “Lawyers in several countries are now reviewing the case with a view to challenging the conviction through domestic appeals, constitutional actions and international legal mechanisms.”

They concluded that the combined weight of the alleged errors, including prosecution under a repealed law, failure to resolve jurisdiction, defects in extraterritorial claims and illegal rendition, makes the conviction unsafe.

“The only lawful outcome, in our view, is the discharge and acquittal of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the defence stated.

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At least 12 people were killed in a violent attack at a mining site in Ratoso Fan community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Tuesday night.

The victims were reportedly targeted while working at the site, with several others reported missing following the incident.

Violent attack claims 12 lives at mining site

Eyewitnesses said gunmen stormed the area and opened fire on miners, causing panic as many fled to safety. Local residents expressed shock and concern over the recurring insecurity in the region.

Dagallang Davott, Chairman of the Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation and Secretary of the Mining Committee in Barkin Ladi, confirmed the attack, noting that the full extent of casualties is still unknown.

“The incident happened during the night. Many fled for their lives, and 12 fatalities have been confirmed so far,” he said.

A resident of the community, Moses Daniel, also described the attack as alarming, highlighting the growing fears about safety at mining sites.

The Nigerian Army’s 3rd Division has reportedly been informed, with officials promising to follow up on the incident.

The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Plateau State, prompting renewed calls for improved security measures.

Authorities and residents demand increased security

Just days before, Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited key service chiefs in Abuja, including the Chiefs of Air and Naval Staff and the Minister of Defence, to discuss strategies aimed at curbing violence and ensuring the safety of rural communities ahead of the Yuletide season.

Authorities and community leaders are urging vigilance as investigations continue.

Residents remain anxious, emphasising the urgent need for strengthened security to protect civilians engaged in mining and other vulnerable activities across the state.

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Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has sought the approval of the House of Representatives to repeal and reenact the N43,561,041,744,507 budget for the 2024 fiscal year.

The president made the request on Wednesday in a letter titled: ‘Transmission of the appropriation (Repeal and reenactment bill), 2024-2025’, with Reference No: PRES/134-1/17/HR/ARRENB, dated December 16, 2025 and addressed to the Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.

He explained that the proposed bill seeks to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation of the total sum of N43,561,041,744,507, comprising N1,742,786,788,150 for Statutory Transfers, N8,270,960,606,831 for Debt Service, N411,268,513,380,853 for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure, and N22,278,780,968,673 for Capital Expenditure/Development Fund contribution, for the year ending December 31, 2025 (as provided in the Bill).

Tinubu noted: “I hereby transmit to the House of Representatives, the enclosed Appropriation (Repeal and Re-enactment Bill-2), 2024, for the consideration of the National Assembly, in accordance with the established constitutional and legislative appropriation process.”

“This Bill is to bring an end to the practice of running multiple budgets concurrently, while at the same time ensuring reasonable – indeed unprecedentedly high – capital performance rates on the 2024 and 2025 capital budgets.”

The president added that the Bill seeks to provide transparent and constitutionally grounded appropriation mechanism, for the orderly consolidation and appropriation of critical, time-sensitive expenditures necessarily undertaken in response to emergency exigencies (advancing the collective well-being of Nigerians and safeguarding national security) – while reinforcing fiscal discipline, accountability and prudent public financial management.

Tinubu said: “The House of Representatives may wish to note that, the Bill also strengthens implementation discipline and accountability by, among other provisions: requiring that appropriated funds are released and applied strictly for the purposes specified in the Schedules; providing that virement may only be effected with prior approval of the National Assembly; setting out conditions for corrigenda where genuine errors may hinder implementation; requiring separate recording of excess revenue and limiting its expenditure to an Act or approval of the National Assembly; and mandating due-process compliance and periodic reporting on releases and agency revenues/assistance.”

The president, therefore, solicited accelerated consideration and passage of the proposed budget estimate.

After reading the letter, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, ruled that the letter be considered as First Reading, and directed the Majority Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, to move that the bill should be ready for the second time.

His ruling however, did not go down well with the lawmakers as  they demanded that  members should be accorded copies of the president’s letter before it could be passed for second reading.

The bill was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Appropriations for further legislative action.

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Staying active as a producer and singer in the industry is one feat that has been known to not be common, as new talents emerge regularly, but Dr Roy has maintained his position as a leading figure in the gospel music industry.

David C. Chike, known professionally as Dr Roy, is a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, and record producer born on 1 January 1994 in Ukwa West Local Government Area, Port Harcourt. Based in Port Harcourt, he has been active in the Nigerian music industry for over ten years.

Dr Roy’s production work includes production and collaborations with Mercy Chinwo, Afy Douglas, Freke Umoh, Okey Sokay, Limoblaze, Prinx Emmanuel, Harrysong, and Wizard Chan. His productions and releases are available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Boomplay, Apple Music, and YouTube.

He continues to work steadily as both a producer and recording artist, with his own gospel singles on digital platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and others.

In addition to music, Dr Roy runs business ventures and actively supports youth empowerment programmes and community development initiatives across Nigeria.

He is currently developing the Dr Roy Academy, a dedicated training programme that will teach beat-making, songwriting, mixing, mastering, and complete music production, primarily aimed at upcoming gospel and inspirational artists and producers.

With the launch of the academy, Dr Roy is formalising the same mentoring approach he has applied for years in his Port Harcourt studio, an approach that previously helped shape the early careers of producers and artists, including Skerz Beat, Prinx Emmanuel, and Beky J, as well as giving Omah Lay his initial production training.

Through continued production work, new artist releases, business activities, and the forthcoming Dr Roy Academy, he remains focused on both creating music and building pathways for the next generation of Nigerian creatives.

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