NIGERIA NEWS
PRALARG Int’l To Launch Non-Interest Loan Cooperative For Members, Inmates, Ex-Convicts
The welfare of inmates and ex-convicts in Nigeria is set to receive a significant boost as the Prison Rehabilitation and Law Abiding Organisation (PRALARG) International plans to establish a multipurpose cooperative society offering non-interest loans.
The Chief Executive Officer of PRALARG, Comrade Pralagian Olayemi Akinwunmi, disclosed this in a press statement, noting that the cooperative will operate a non-interest loan scheme aimed at supporting small-scale businesses, vocational ventures, and other income-generating activities.
According to the organisation, the initiative is designed to assist individuals transitioning from correctional facilities back into society and aligns with PRALARG’s core mandate of promoting human dignity, law-abiding conduct, and sustainable rehabilitation.
“These programmes will be rolled out progressively as part of our holistic approach to uplifting the downtrodden and promoting self-reliance,” the statement said.
PRALARG noted that limited access to finance remains a major challenge for ex-inmates seeking to rebuild their lives, often exposing them to stigma, unemployment, and the risk of reoffending. The cooperative, it explained, is intended to bridge this gap by providing structured financial support tied to accountability and productivity.
“This cooperative is a practical rehabilitation tool. It goes beyond welfare by equipping beneficiaries, especially reformed inmates, with the means to become economically independent and socially responsible citizens,” the organisation stated.
PRALARG International further disclosed plans to expand its empowerment programmes within correctional centres, focusing on skills acquisition, entrepreneurship training, and post-release support as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration framework.
Details regarding membership registration, operational guidelines, and the official launch date will be communicated through appropriate channels in due course.
Interested persons are advised to contact PRALARG International through its official communication platforms for further inquiries.
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Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCCC) has apprehended a suspected cyber fraudster linked to coordinated attacks on Microsoft 365 email platforms used by corporate organisations.
The arrest followed an intelligence-led investigation triggered by credible information from Microsoft Corporation in the United States, conveyed through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The intelligence exposed the deployment of a sophisticated phishing toolkit, known as RaccoonO365, designed to compromise Microsoft email accounts.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, explained that the toolkit was used to create fake Microsoft login portals that closely mimicked legitimate authentication pages.
Unsuspecting users were deceived into entering their credentials, which were then harvested and used to gain unauthorised access to corporate, financial and educational email systems.
According to him, the intelligence prompted a coordinated operation by the NPF–NCCC in collaboration with Microsoft, the FBI and the United States Secret Service.
“Investigations revealed that between January and September 2025, multiple organisations across different jurisdictions suffered unauthorised access to their Microsoft 365 accounts through phishing emails. These attacks led to business email compromise, data breaches and significant financial losses.
Acting on precise operational intelligence, NPF–NCCC operatives were deployed to Lagos and Edo States, where three suspects were arrested. Searches conducted at their residences led to the recovery of laptops, mobile phones and other digital devices. Subsequent forensic analysis linked the recovered items to the cyber fraud operation.
Further investigation identified Okitipi Samuel, also known by the aliases “RaccoonO365” and “Moses Felix,” as the principal suspect and the developer of the phishing infrastructure. Police findings indicate that he operated a Telegram channel through which phishing links were marketed and sold in exchange for cryptocurrency. The fraudulent Microsoft login portals were reportedly hosted on Cloudflare using stolen or fraudulently obtained email credentials,” he revealed.
The police, he added clarified that investigations so far have found no evidence connecting the two other arrested individuals to the development or management of the phishing infrastructure.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, the Nigeria Police Force said it would continue to deploy advanced technological tools, deepen international cooperation and strengthen investigative and prosecutorial efforts to effectively counter emerging and evolving cyber threats.
NIGERIA NEWS
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI decimate terrorists’ commander, others from Mandara mountains
… Foiled infiltration attempt into Bitta of Borno
By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have again decisively thwarted an early-morning attempt by terrorists operating from the Mandara Mountains to infiltrate Bitta, neutralising one of notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP Commander, (Name withheld), and several insurgents, dealing a significant blow to their operational capability.
This was disclosed on Thursday by a credible military Source, who is not authorized to talk to the press. He revealed that several arms and ammunition were recovered by troops during the early morning (Thursday) encounter.
His words: “At about 0030 hours on 18 December 2025, troops, supported by advanced surveillance systems, detected the movement of terrorists advancing towards the area.
“Exercising tactical restraint and professionalism, the troops allowed the terrorists to move into an effective engagement range before unleashing coordinated defensive fires. The engagement resulted in the neutralisation of several insurgents, including a top key terrorist fighter and his cameraman.
“As the surviving terrorists attempted to withdraw, follow-on precision strikes were subsequently conducted by the Air Component of OPHK, further decimating the retreating elements and disrupting their escape routes.
“Following the engagement, troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the area, leading to the recovery of significant terrorist equipment and logistics. Items recovered include a camcorder, AK-47 rifles, bandoliers, handheld radios, 11 AK-47 magazines with rounds, 7 mobile phones, PKT machine guns, several belts of PKT and GPMG linked ammunition, as well as motorcycles and bicycles.
“Further exploitation revealed multiple blood trails and shallow graves, indicative of additional casualties sustained by the terrorists during the encounter and subsequent air strikes.
“Troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high as operations continue to deny terrorists freedom of action and ensure the safety and security of communities within the area of responsibility.
“Troops of OPHK remain resolute in their commitment to decisively defeat all terrorist elements and restore lasting peace and stability across the North East region”. The Source revealed.
The post Troops of Operation HADIN KAI decimate terrorists’ commander, others from Mandara mountains appeared first on Vanguard News.
A political group in Kogi State, the Kogi APC Renaissance Forum, has expressed its support for President Bola Tinubu‘s efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria.
In a statement made by its spokesperson, Adejo Emmanuel, the forum emphasised that the recent crackdown on corruption by the Tinubu administration is not aimed solely at members of opposition parties; members of the APC are also facing prosecution.
A notable example is former Governor Yahaya Bello, who is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegations of diversion and misappropriation of Kogi State funds.
He faces a 16-count fraud charge totaling N80.2 billion and an additional N110 billion, among other accusations involving party members.
Corruption poses a significant challenge to governance, affecting democracy, electoral integrity, social cohesion, and economic growth.
It undermined economic and social development, despite various anti-corruption efforts made in the past. The pervasive and systemic nature of corruption in Nigeria demonstrates that it is deeply entrenched in governance.
The character of corruption in Nigeria, often perpetrated by politically exposed persons (PEPs), requires a much more robust approach to tackle it effectively.
Accroding to the group, President Tinubu has shown a strong commitment to addressing corruption, clearly distinguishing between partisan politics and effective governance.
“It is crucial that corruption is met with appropriate consequences, and diligent prosecution plays a key role in this process.
“The fight against corruption in Nigeria necessitates a paradigm shift and bolder actions to confront its deep-rooted and complex nature.
“The forum calls on all well-meaning Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed efforts against corruption, urging that those engaged in rampant corruption should cease their actions immediately or risk facing prison time.”
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The Lagos State Government, First Bank of Nigeria, Guinness Nigeria, The Address Homes, and several other organisations are co-sponsoring the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), scheduled to hold from January 7 to 11, 2026, in Lagos.
AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), unveiled its strong list of sponsors and partners, showing growing confidence in African music as a major cultural and economic force.
The 9th edition, themed “Unstoppable Africa,” has attracted support from key sectors including finance, real estate, beverages, digital platforms, media, hospitality and international cultural institutions.
Following the acceptance of Lagos State Government of the offer from the African Union, Lagos will once again serve as the Official Host City, reinforcing the state’s position as Africa’s leading creative and entertainment hub.
“With the strong backing of the awards from the Federal Government of Nigeria, the 9th AFRIMA promises to be hugely successful.
The African Union Commission remains AFRIMA’s legacy Institutional Partner, supporting its mission to promote African music and culture across the continent and beyond.
At the top level of sponsorship, fast-growing digital payments and lifestyle platform Utilita and leading gaming and entertainment brand Gobet247 are headlining the event as National Gold Sponsors.
At the Silver level, First Bank of Nigeria, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) and The Address Homes have been confirmed as National Silver Partners. Guinness Nigeria joins as the Official Beer Sponsor, bringing added energy to this year’s festivities.
AFRIMA also welcomes international cultural support from the British High Commission in Nigeria and the Embassy of Sweden, both serving as Cultural Exchange Partners.
In travel and hospitality, Wakanow, Pan Atlantic Travels and Dorf Travels & Tours Ltd have been named the Official Travel Partners. Vaniti Lagos and Knowhere Restaurant will host nominees and special guests as Hospitality Partners.
Popular youth culture platform Mainland Block Party Lagos is also supporting the celebration, adding street culture and community energy to the awards week at the AFRIMA Music Village held at Ikeja City Mall on Friday, January 9, 2026.
AFRIMA has also confirmed a strong coalition of leading media organisations across radio, television, digital platforms, print, and Out-of-Home (OOH) channels as its Official Media Partners for the 9th Edition. These include DSTV/Multichoice, HIPTV, Afro Music Pop, Base FM, Beat FM, Classic FM, Hot FM, Kennis FM, Lagos Talks, Inspiration FM, Traffic Radio, Radio Lagos, Eko FM, and Lasgidi FM.
Others on the partnership roster are The Culture Newspapers (TCN), Legit.ng, Max FM, Nigeria Info, Nigezie, Television Continental (TVC), and Yanga FM, along with top OOH companies led by MotoMedia, Yartview Ltd, Optimus Exposure, Plural Media, Folham Nigeria Limited and Nimbus Media.
Speaking on FirstBank’s support, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, said the partnership aligns with the bank’s long-standing commitment to Africa’s creative industry.
“At FirstBank, we are dedicated to promoting Africa’s vibrant creative industry, and our partnership with AFRIMA reflects this commitment.
“Through our First@Arts initiative, we have consistently supported projects across the creative value chain, nurturing talent and enabling production. In doing this, we preserve Africa’s rich cultural heritage while promoting unity, education and entertainment.”
From the international community, H.E. Anna Westerholm, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Nigeria, said, “Sweden is proud to join AFRIMA in celebrating the richness and global impact of African music. In 2026, we will mark 65 years of diplomatic relations with Nigeria, highlighting our strong ties.
“As the world’s third-largest music exporter, we believe in the power of collaboration and idea exchange. This partnership enhances our cultural and business connections, and we look forward to a meaningful week supporting the creative industries.”
Also speaking, Yinka Bakare, Marketing and Innovations Director at Guinness Nigeria Plc, said the brand’s involvement reflects its deep roots in African culture.
“Guinness has been woven into Africa’s most iconic cultural moments for decades, and our sponsorship of AFRIMA’s 9th edition reinforces that heritage.
“AFRIMA celebrates the extraordinary artistry that defines Africa, and we are proud to support a platform that showcases the continent’s greatness to the world.”
Founder and Chairman of The Address Homes, Dr Bisi Onasanya, described AFRIMA as an important platform for African creativity, collaboration and cultural identity expressions.
“AFRIMA represents the spirit of African excellence and innovation. At The Address Homes, we believe that culture, creativity and enterprise must work together to drive sustainable growth.
“Supporting AFRIMA is our way of building and investing in Africa’s talents, strengthening cultural pride and opening new opportunities for creative young people and business partnerships across the continent.”
Speaking during the sponsorship announcement in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, Ms Edwidge Goli, Director of Partnerships at AFRIMA, described the sponsorship line-up as a strong vote of confidence in African music.
“This is more than sponsorship. It is a historic show of belief in the power of African music, the brilliance of our talents and the future of our creative industries,” she said.
She thanked the Lagos State Government for hosting the event again and praised the commitment of the Gold and Silver sponsors, as well as international partners and media organisations.
The 9th AFRIMA will commence with the Nominees and Guests Welcome Soirees scheduled on January 7. This will be followed by the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS) on January 8 at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, Nigeria.
AFRIMA Music Village Concert and Diamond Showcase will take place on January 9 at the Ikeja City Mall, leading up to the grand Awards Ceremony on January 11 at the Eko Convention Centre at Eko Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria. Red carpet starts at 3:30 pm (WAT).
The awards ceremony, along with major live performances, will be broadcast to audiences in over 84 countries worldwide.
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Gunmen who attacked two churches in Aiyetoro Kiri community, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, have demanded a ransom of ₦600m for the release of 37 abducted worshippers, including children and elderly persons.
The coordinated attacks occurred on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when armed men stormed the First ECWA Church and the Apostolic Church during worship, throwing the once-peaceful community into panic.
Community sources said the assailants surrounded Aiyetoro Kiri and targeted worshippers who had gathered peacefully in the churches.
“The attackers, who surrounded the community, targeted worshippers at the churches, taking advantage of the peaceful gathering,” a source said.
While some worshippers reportedly managed to hide inside the Apostolic Church, many others were not so lucky.
“Children who couldn’t escape were abducted. Among the kidnapped victims were more than 10 elderly people who were over 70 years of age and over 12 children ranging from three to eight years old,” the source added.
Residents said the gunmen first contacted the community on December 15, indicating their intention to negotiate directly with the government.
However, by December 16, the tone reportedly changed as the attackers demanded a ransom of ₦600m, issuing an ultimatum to the victims’ families and warning of dire consequences if their demand was not met.
Sources further disclosed that the bandits operated without restraint for several hours.
“The bandits operated freely for hours, even forcing some captives to return home to collect ransom money before taking them away,” a resident said.
The attack reportedly claimed the life of a seminary graduate, Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi, popularly known as JJ, while two other worshippers sustained injuries.
The killing has deepened anger and grief within the Bunu community, where residents say the incident has been largely underreported.
Naija News reports that Sunday’s assault marked the third major attack on Aiyetoro Kiri in 2025.
On March 27, five people were kidnapped in the community and later released in July after a ransom payment. Another raid on November 26 resulted in the killing of one person and the seizure of petroleum products.
Community leaders believe the town has become a frequent target because it lies along a strategic route used by bandits moving to and from their hideouts.
Meanwhile, fear has forced residents to flee their homes. As of Thursday morning, December 18, 2025, Aiyetoro Kiri had become largely deserted, with families relocating to neighbouring towns and villages for safety.
“This town is empty now. People are not waiting to be next,” a resident told SaharaReporters.
“When a church is attacked and people are taken just like that, you start packing your life into bags.”
A video obtained from the community showed locked houses, deserted streets and only the sound of roosters crowing in the background. A lorry was also seen conveying residents out of the village.
In the footage, a distressed resident said in pidgin English, “See, there is no one. All of us have left the village. You can see all the doors; they are all closed. We are tired and we don’t know what to do. All these bandits have ‘killed’ our village.”
He added, “On Sunday, 14th of December, they entered our village. Now, see everywhere. They have taken people to the bush, close to 40 people. Please, help us. It is only fowls you can see. Everybody has left. See how they broke all those windows.”
Residents have lamented the absence of a sustained, government-backed security presence in the area, warning that continued neglect could worsen the situation.
With the abduction entering its fourth day, locals say the lack of significant response at the local, national and international levels has heightened anxiety over the fate of the captives.
The attack has once again drawn attention to the worsening insecurity in Bunu District, as residents urge authorities to act swiftly to protect lives, secure known bandit routes, and restore confidence in vulnerable rural communities.
The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law, NBA-SPIDEL, has expressed its willingness to provide free legal assistance to 115 inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Uyo, who currently have no access to legal services.
The Chairperson of NBA-SPIDEL, Associate Professor Uju Agomoh, stated this during a ceremony on “Data Collection of Inmates Without Legal Representation and Formal Presentation of Solar-Powered Installation for Borehole and Clinic Lighting Facility” held at Uyo Correctional Centre on Thursday.
Agomoh, who has newly assumed office as chairperson, also urged institutions to ensure that the justice delivery system is “fair, humane, and effective.”
She said, “Officer-in-charge has handed over to us a list of 115 inmates that do not have free legal support. We have taken hold of that list, and we will do the needful. I know that every inmate, all you desire is freedom.”
Agomoh expressed concern that out of the 1,725 inmates at the facility, 1,522 (1,432 males and 90 females) have not yet been convicted, saying this calls for deliberate, multi-layered interventions by the Nigerian Bar Association’s leadership.
Speaking on the solar-powered borehole donated to the facility, the chairperson said the organisation was moved to address reports of the prevailing water crisis at the centre, noting that the intervention followed a request for assistance during a visit to the facility in September 2025.
While urging inmates to take care of the facility and the contractor to ensure its maintenance at no cost, Agomoh also called on the Controller-General of Corrections to immediately map all custodial centres in the country, identifying their levels, status in terms of water provision, sanitation and hygiene, and highlighting where challenges exist so that targeted interventions can be implemented.
In his remarks, the Controller of Corrections, Akwa Ibom State Command, Theophilus Okoka, appreciated NBA-SPIDEL for its concern for humanity, noting that the intervention would address the acute water shortage the centre has experienced over the years.
“I must also commend NBA-SPIDEL for choosing a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution through the use of solar power. I assure our distinguished donors and partners that this facility will be properly maintained and judiciously utilised. The Command takes full ownership of this project and remains committed to ensuring its sustainability,” he said.
The officer-in-charge of Uyo Custodial Centre, Dr Ezekiel Inyang, who also thanked the organisation for addressing the water scarcity at the centre, presented a list of 115 inmates without legal representation for intervention.
The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has described the tragic fire incident in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, following the fall of a petroleum tanker, which led to a fire involving several vehicles, as painful and unfortunate.
Naija News reports Okpebholo, in a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Akhere Ebojele, condoled with Otaru of Auchi, Aliru H. Momoh Ikelebe III, and the people of Auchi sacred kingdom, noting that the incident has brought grief and distress to families, motorists, and residents of the area.
Okpebholo assured the people of Auchi that the Edo State Government is working closely with relevant emergency and safety agencies to assess the situation, support affected victims, and implement measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
He also urged motorists and tanker drivers to strictly adhere to safety regulations and traffic laws to safeguard lives and property across the state.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the safety and well-being of Edo people and called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as investigations continue.
The statement added, “On behalf of the Government and people of Edo State, the Governor commiserate with the Otaru of Auchi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh Ikelebe III, and the entire people of Auchi Sacred Kingdom over the tragic occurrence.
“This unfortunate incident is a painful reminder of the dangers associated with the transportation of petroleum products on our highways. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Auchi Sacred Kingdom at this difficult time.
“Governor Okpebholo extends heartfelt sympathies to all those who suffered losses, including individuals whose vehicles and properties were destroyed in the inferno, and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who may have lost their lives, as well as quick recovery for the injured.”
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday evening attended the National Caucus meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, alongside key stakeholders of the party.
The President arrived at the venue of the meeting at about 7:41 p.m. in the company of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as well as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.
The ongoing meeting is being attended by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen; APC governors; members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC); and principal officers of the National Assembly.
Also present at the meeting are former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and governors who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. They include Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri; Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah; Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno; Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; and Taraba State Governor, Kefas Agbu.
Former Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige, who was recently released from detention, is also in attendance.
Details later.
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The Jigawa State government has raised concerns over a sharp rise in blindness cases, warning that a severe shortage of eye care specialists is worsening the crisis.
According to official records, 81,797 cases of eye-related complications were reported in the state in 2024 alone, highlighting a growing public health crisis driven largely by cataracts and a shortage of eye care specialists.
The Acting Chairperson of the Jigawa State Eye Health Committee, Usman Muhammad, said the state is operating with only a fraction of the eye specialists it needs.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Dutse on Wednesday, Mr Muhammad described the manpower gap as alarming.
He attributed the worsening crisis to the “brain drain” phenomenon, where medical professionals migrate abroad in search of better opportunities
“In Jigawa, there is only one practicing ophthalmologist employed by the state government. At the two federal institutions, we have three ophthalmologists, meaning that we have a deficit of over 24 ophthalmologists in the state,” he said.
He added that regarding optometrists, the state has only three in the state.
“Unless we have a significant number of eye care specialists, we will not be able to reduce the backlog of eye diseases that cause blindness, especially cataracts, glaucoma, and others,” he said.
The burden of disease
The crisis is particularly acute among rural populations.
Mr Muhammad noted that the state currently lacks a practicing pediatric ophthalmologist and a glaucoma specialist.
“We treat no fewer than 50 patients daily. Out of these, 15 to 20 are typically found to be totally blind,” he said.
He confirmed that cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness, accounting for roughly 50 per cent of cases, a trend consistent with global and regional data.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, there should be a minimum of four ophthalmologists and 10 optometrists per one million people.
With a population of over seven million, Jigawa requires approximately 28 ophthalmologists and 70 optometrists to provide adequate eye care services across the state.
Barriers beyond manpower
Abalis Dasat, Eye Health Manager at the Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS), said poor access to healthcare facilities, lack of public awareness of preventable eye conditions and the need for facilities to be accessible to persons with disabilities continue to fuel the crisis.
Mr Dasat said the HANDS initiative focuses on strengthening the healthcare system to ensure that even those in difficult-to-reach locations receive care.
Data from the Federal Ministry of Health indicate that 24 million Nigerians live with some form of sight loss, while 1.3 million adults are completely blind.
Experts say 84 per cent of blindness in Nigeria is preventable or treatable, but gaps in awareness, funding and specialist care persist.
READ ALSO: Global leaders adopt historic declaration on non-communicable diseases, mental health
Geographically, the North-west, where Jigawa is located, and the North-east zone experience higher prevalence rates up to 6.1 per cent compared to the South-west, roughly 2.8 per cent, driven by ecological factors and a lack of specialised care.
Cataracts remain the leading cause of avoidable blindness, accounting for 43 to 45 per cent of cases, while glaucoma, often called the “silent thief of sight,” causes about 16.7 per cent and remains the leading cause of irreversible blindness.
NIGERIA NEWS
Interior Minister’s Certificate Saga: Tinubu Urged To Run Govt With Utmost Integrity In National Interest
A civil society organisation (CSO), Centre for Leadership Legacy International (Centre LLI), has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold the highest integrity in his government by ensuring that any act capable of bringing his government into disrepute is not entertained.
In a statement signed by the Spokesman of the Centre, Davies Isaiah Ijele, the group urged President Tinubu to look deeply into the serial allegations of certificate forgery against his Minister of Interior, Hon Olubumi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the statement, these allegations have become too weighty to be ignored, saying if not properly handled, can constitute a burden to the integrity rating or credibility of the government.
The group noted that Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s declaration in his official profile presented before the National Assembly for his 2019 House of Representatives run (INEC/EC9) listed his education as including a first degree from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and postgraduate study at London Metropolitan University, and that the
degree from OAU has no date or year of graduation, while the master’s degree
from London university has 2006 as year of graduation.
Secondly, the group alleged that during his 2023 Senate screening for a ministerial appointment, Tunji-Ojo presented a NYSC discharge certificate as part of the vetting paperwork of which the date was 2023 with explanation that he had been first mobilised in 2006 but absconded, then remobilised later (and the discharge certificate was printed/issued in February 2023). That NYSC clarification is widely reported in the press.
The group therefore concluded that the interior minister of Nigeria, handling the internal security for the country, has a degree certificate from Obafemi Awolowo University with no record of year of graduation, and has master’s degree from London Metropolitan University in 2006 while mobilised for NYSC service in Nigeria in the same 2006, hence his NYSC couldn’t be completed for him to be remobilised in 2019 while already elected as a House of Representative member in 2019, and his NYSC certificate couldn’t be printed in 2023 for presentation as his highest qualification for ministerial screening in 2023.
The group urged President Tinubu to wade into these discrepancies in Tunji-Ojo educational controversies in the interest of the integrity and accountability of his government.