NIGERIA NEWS
Police release FIJ journalist Sodeeq Atanda who was lured
The Nigeria Police Force on Monday night released Sodeeq Atanda, a senior investigative reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), hours after officers attached to the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit arrested him in Lagos.
FIJ reported that Mr Atanda was released a few minutes before midnight on Monday.
The President of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, told PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday that the journalist was released following the intervention of the institute.
Mr Mojeed who condemned the arrest, said he engaged senior police officials over the matter.
“I was able to convince the police to release the gentleman last night,” Mr Mojeed, who is also the Editor-in-Chief of PREMIUM TIMES, said during a phone interview.
Also, Benjamin Hundeyin, the police spokesperson, stated on Tuesday that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered Mr Atanda’s immediate release after being informed of his arrest.
Mr Hundeyin disclosed this in a post on his X handle while responding to a post by activist Omoyele Sowore on Monday evening.
He said the IGP was alerted to the arrest after Mr Mojeed contacted him and that the police chief expressed displeasure over the incident.
“I promptly informed the IGP, and he was miffed,” Mr Hundeyin wrote.
According to him, the IGP directed that the head of the unit responsible for the arrest be contacted and ordered to release the journalist immediately, adding that the officer would be sanctioned.
Mr Hundeyin said the IGP would not condone any action capable of undermining the police’s commitment to press freedom.
PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that police officers attached to the IGP Monitoring Unit, Lagos Annex, arrested Mr Atanda after allegedly detaining his wife and nine-month-old child to lure him out.
FIJ’s founder and editor-in-chief, Fisayo Soyombo, confirmed the arrest to this newspaper on Monday evening.
“They released the wife and the child and arrested Sodeeq. They handcuffed him. The wife confirmed this to me at 8:24 p.m.,” Mr Soyombo said.
According to FIJ, the officers had first arrested Mr Atanda’s wife and infant at their residence and detained them for several hours at the Owutu Police Station in Ikorodu, Lagos.
The organisation alleged that the officers coerced the wife into calling her husband under the pretext that their child was ill and hospitalised.
The journalist’s wife gave a similar account, saying the officers later drove her and the baby to a street close to their home and waited for Mr Atanda to arrive.
“When they realised my husband was no longer far from the house, the policemen drove me and my baby to a street not far from our home,” she said. “And when they saw him, they handcuffed him and took him away. That was when they released my baby and me.”
She said Mr Atanda was taken to the Force Headquarters in Obalende, Lagos.
As of the time of filing this report, the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit had not issued any statement on the arrest.
Calls by PREMIUM TIMES to the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, were unanswered.
This came just a day after President Bola Tinubu urged government institutions and officials to emulate the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, who recently won recognition as a champion of press freedom by the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI).
Incidentally, the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, was among those blacklisted by the IPI Nigeria due to incessant harassments of journalists by the police, while Mr Ajayi was commended for his commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists and media organisations.
Disputed police invitation
The arrest followed a police invitation sent to Mr Atanda on 26 November by a person who identified himself as “Omo Eleniyan,” claiming to be attached to the IGP Monitoring Unit, Lagos Annex.
In a WhatsApp message seen by PREMIUM TIMES, the sender wrote: “I’m a police officer attached to IGP Monitoring Unit Lagos Annex… An approved petition was referred to my department from the office of the inspector general of police for further investigation.”
Mr Atanda responded by requesting that the invitation be formally sent to FIJ’s official email address. However, the sender replied: “The invitation Is [sic] for you not [sic] for the organisers [sic].”
When Mr Atanda explained that he worked for FIJ and that such correspondence should go through the organisation, the sender replied: “Alright, sir. No problem.”
Previous police interrogation
This is not the first time Mr Atanda would be arrested or interrogated by the police.
In September, he was detained and questioned for about 11 hours by the Ekiti State Police Command following petitions by Abayomi Fasina, the on-leave vice-chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
The petition accused Mr Atanda of cyberbullying, blackmail and criminal defamation over FIJ’s reports alleging sexual harassment by Mr Fasina against Folasade Adebayo, a director at the university.
Mr Atanda said officers of the State Intelligence Department questioned him extensively about his sources and pressured him to disclose them, a demand he refused, citing journalistic ethics.
“They asked who my sources were and insisted there must be an origin of the information I published. I told them I was not obligated to disclose my sources,” he said.
He also alleged that investigators attempted to dictate the contents of his written statement and questioned him over reports not directly related to the petition.
Mr Atanda was eventually released that day following the intervention of the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, who, according to the journalist, acknowledged that he was only doing his job.
Pattern of arrests
PREMIUM TIMES has documented a growing pattern of harassment and arbitrary arrests targeting Nigerian journalists.
Friday Alefia, Lagos-based publisher of Naija News Today, was released after 22 days in detention at Kuje Correctional Centre following delays in meeting stringent bail conditions.
His detention followed allegations by Chinedu Ogah, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State, accusing him of publishing false reports.
Mr Alefia faced five cybercrime charges and remained in custody for two months while attempting to fulfil court-mandated bail requirements.
Rights activists criticised these conditions as unrealistic and “frivolous,” noting the difficulty defendants face in securing senior civil servants as sureties.
Earlier in January, rights activist and former AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore similarly rejected bail conditions requiring a Level 17 civil servant, describing them as “unrealistic and frivolous.”
FIJ had reported incidents to include the detention of their reporter, Daniel Ojukwu, who was abducted and held incommunicado for 10 days in May 2024 before being transferred to Abuja and released after public outcry.
Other FIJ reporters, including Emmanuel Uti, have also been summoned and detained by police units in Lagos and Abuja.
Also, Mr Soyombo had faced multiple arrests since the organisation’s launch in January 2021.
Rights groups and media advocates have repeatedly raised concerns about the use of police arrests, cybercrime charges, and restrictive bail conditions as tools to intimidate journalists and suppress investigative reporting.
Cybercrime law and media freedom concerns
The Cybercrimes Act and strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) have increasingly been criticised as tools to intimidate journalists and civil society.
In December, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) warned that authorities were exploiting legal loopholes to suppress criticism and limit civic space.
Veteran journalist Richard Akinnola described the Cybercrimes Act as being “weaponised by political leaders,” drawing parallels with the repressive Decree 4 of 1984.
The Centre for Journalism and Innovation Development (CJID) reported a rise in attacks on media practitioners nationwide, with Lagos recording persistent high-severity violations.
SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, warned that arbitrary arrests, digital surveillance, and SLAPP suits pose a serious threat to freedom of expression and democracy.
The organisation and NGE urged governments, security agencies, and lawmakers to release individuals detained solely for exercising their rights, withdraw SLAPP suits, review restrictive laws, including the Cybercrimes Act, protect journalists and human rights defenders, and respect court judgments.
They also appealed to the international community to hold Nigerian authorities accountable for human rights violations.
NIGERIA NEWS
Canada-based Nigerian Mum of 4 Accuses Husband of Impregnating Maid, His Kinsman Reacts
- A Canada-based Nigerian mother of four went viral after accusing her husband of impregnating their maid and that was why she left the marriage
- A kinsman of her husband has now responded to the allegations in a Facebook post, pointing out what he noticed about the woman’s claims
- What he said sparked fresh debate about the trending issue, as many took to the comment section to share their opinion
The marital drama between popular Facebook user, Ada Igbo, and her husband, Chinedu Igbo, has taken a new turn.
Ada, a Canadian-based Nigerian mother of four, accused her husband of impregnating her maid, highlighting it as one of the reasons she left the marriage.
Canada-based Nigerian Mum of 4 Accuses Husband of Impregnating Maid, His Kinsman Reacts
Source: Facebook
Responding to her claims, a kinsman of the husband, known as Nkwo De Mc on Facebook, faulted what she said.
His Facebook post read:
“ORAUKWU MEN: A STANDARD OF HONOUR, RESPONSIBILITY, AND MARRIAGE EXCELLENCE. Oraukwu men have long been known for their strong values, integrity, and commitment to family life. When it comes to marriage, responsibility, and respect for women, Oraukwu men stand tall as role models within Igboland and beyond. 
Read also
Buhari, Osinbajo and the politics of posthumous truth
“They are raised with discipline, taught accountability, and guided by the principle that a man’s name is his greatest asset.“Recently, an allegation was circulated by Ada Igbo , claiming that a brother from Oraukwu impregnated her maid in January 2025. As responsible people who value truth and evidence, we challenged this claim openly and respectfully.“Biology and common sense are clear: a pregnancy that allegedly began in January 2025 should, by now, have resulted in childbirth. Till today, no maid has been presented, no baby has been shown, and no medical or factual evidence has been provided. Silence and absence of proof speak louder than fabricated stories.“The conclusion is therefore obvious. This allegation was not driven by truth, but by an attempt to pressure, manipulate, and turn an innocent man into an ATM machine. The story was manufactured purely to “pepper” the man and extract financial gain, not to seek justice.“Oraukwu men are not reckless, and they do not hide from responsibility when facts are proven. But they will never accept blackmail, lies, or emotional extortion disguised as allegations.”
Read also
Ned Nwoko Throws Jab Amid Fallout with Regina Daniels, Elicit Reactions: “This Thing Really Pain You”
Canada-based Nigerian Mum of 4 Accuses Husband of Impregnating Maid, His Kinsman Reacts
Source: Facebook
Reactions as man’s kinsman responds to cheating claims
Nweke Omah Happyness said:
“So she getting pregnant meant she must give birth..?? What if she or they got rid of the pregnancy..??? Did HE do it or not..??? That’s the question..!!!!”
Sunshine Ijeoma said:
“Always igbo men!! Always!! You guys are never beating the allegations!! Tueh.”
Adaobi Onyeka said:
“Why are you roping Oraukwu men into this? So that people will leave the issue at hand and face Oraukwu people.”
In related stories, a lady showed what her husband did to a pot of jollof rice.
Lady leaves abusive marriage after 4 years
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a young lady announced that she had left her abusive marriage, as she shared her sad experience.
She narrated what she faced at the hands of her husband and how she planned to finalise the separation process.
Many who came across the woman’s post sympathised with her after reading her story and encouraged her.
Source: Legit.ng
NIGERIA NEWS
“Is he really like this?” – Man who sat right behind Buhari’s son at Mosque shares what surprised him
GistReel
A Nigerian man has captured attention online after sharing his personal observation about Yusuf Buhari, son of the late former president, Muhammadu Buhari.
The post, shared on X (formerly Twitter), quickly gained attention, with many users reacting and sharing similar experiences.
Man Shares Personal Encounter at Mosque
The young man, identified as @oil_shaeikh on X, revealed that he recently saw Yusuf Buhari at a mosque in Abuja.
According to him, the encounter happened at the Baze University mosque during a Friday prayer.
“No Noise, No Escorts”
Describing what stood out to him, the man said Yusuf Buhari arrived quietly and left the same way.
He wrote:
“I saw him at Baze University mosque last week Friday. He came in, no noise, no escorts, put his prayer mat on the floor, prayed, and got out.”
Observer Reportedly Sits Close to Buhari’s Son
The man added that he was seated very close to Yusuf Buhari during the prayer session, which allowed him to clearly observe his actions.
Sharing more details, he explained the seating arrangement inside the mosque.
“He’s a Simple Man”
In another post, the X user praised Yusuf Buhari’s humility and calm nature.
He wrote:
“He’s a simple man. I was at the row behind him, same column! Then next row was [Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed OON] and [former Zamfara governor Ahmed Rufai Sani Yerima].”
Netizens React
The post drew reactions from many Nigerians, with several users commending Yusuf Buhari for his modest lifestyle despite his background.
Some commenters also shared similar encounters, noting that they had seen the former president’s son move around without attention or heavy security.
See below;
The immediate Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Maria Edeko, representing Esan North-East II constituency, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC.
DAILY POST reports that Hon Maria Edeko was the Deputy Speaker in the hitherto dominated PDP House during the twilight of the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki and the early period of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The Speaker of the House, Hon Blessing Agbebaku, disclosed this during the Monday, December 22, 2025, plenary sitting.
With her defection, APC now has 22 members while PDP has only two.
The remaining PDP members are Hon Charity Ighodala, minority leader and the representative of Ovia North-East II, and Hon Natasha Irobosa Osawaru, representing Egor constituency.
Announcing the former deputy speaker’s defection, Blessing Agbebaku said she defected to the APC in her ward in Esan North-East Local Government Area over the weekend.
Agbebaku, who welcomed his former deputy to the party, noted that by her defection, her constituents stand to enjoy more dividends of democracy.
DAILY POST recalls that the Speaker, had on December 15, 2025, while announcing the defection of Hon Frank Omosigo, representing Oredo East constituency to APC cautioned members in the opposition parties that it would be
difficult for them to attract development to their constituencies.
He noted that lawmakers should prioritise the interests of constituents above their personal interests.
According to him, one of our colleagues just joined the moving train. The honourable member representing Oredo East. He has finally joined the All Progressive Congress. This increases the number of APCs in the house to 21.
“So let me congratulate him. But let me say that it is very dangerous for a member of the House to be in opposition. It has been so.
“If you find yourself in opposition, taking a development to your area will be very difficult. It is not about you. It is about your people. That is the truth,” he said.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State has condemned an assault involving an aide to the Gombe State governor attached to the Office of the Chief of Staff and a serving councillor in a viral video that sparked widespread public outrage.
LEADERSHIP gathered that civil society organisations, including Amnesty International, Gombe State Network of Civil Society organisations, have condemned the alleged assault by the aide, demanding justice and calling for his sacking.
A viral footage showed one of Gombe governor’s aides, attached to the Chief of Staff, identified as Adamu Abdullahi Danko, assaulting the helpless councillor, Abdulrahman Abubakar.
The human rights organisation also described the assault as outrageous and a reflection of the wider and increasing impunity and repression by officials of the state government.
The APC, in a statement on Tuesday by its State Publicity Secretary, Moses Kyari, expressed deep concern over the video, stressing that the party unequivocally condemned all forms of violence and unlawful conduct.
The party described the incident as troubling and inconsistent with the party’s values, discipline and democratic culture.
Kyari stated that the party has launched a comprehensive internal investigation into the incident and has summoned the individuals involved to determine the causes of the altercation, thereby upholding accountability, safeguarding the party’s integrity, and preventing a recurrence.
The State party spokesman stressed that the action captured in the viral video was carried out solely at the individual’s discretion, without any instruction, approval or authorisation from the party or any government office, adding that taking the law into one’s hands is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The APC also commended the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari, for his swift decision to suspend the aide, Adamu Danko, pending the outcome of the investigation, describing the move as a clear demonstration of commitment to discipline and justice.
The party’s spokesman assured the general public that the investigation would be thorough and transparent, guided by the APC constitution, relevant laws and established procedures.
Kyari noted that the probe would examine all material facts surrounding the incident, including the circumstances leading up to it and a review of an audio message allegedly triggering the altercation.
The party further reassured the public, human rights organisations and other stakeholders of its commitment to accountability, due process and the rule of law, adding that any individual found culpable would face appropriate sanctions in line with party rules and the law.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the permanent takeover of a large expanse of land earlier approved for the Goodluck Jonathan Legacy Model Housing Estate by the Federal Government.
The court ruled that the disputed property, valued in several billions of naira, should be finally forfeited to the Federal Government.
The order effectively hands over the stalled housing estate project to government control after years of inactivity and allegations of financial misconduct.
Justice Mohammed Umar gave the ruling after granting a motion filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The application was not opposed by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), which is the only respondent in the case.
In his decision, the judge directed the ICPC to supervise the completion of the housing estate on behalf of the Federal Government.
He said the supervision must be carried out jointly with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria to ensure the project is completed as originally planned.
Justice Umar stressed that the 962 housing units proposed for the estate must eventually be allocated to Nigerians who genuinely need them.
He added that the goal of the forfeiture was to protect public interest and recover value from a project that had consumed huge public funds.
The court ordered the final forfeiture of two major plots of land located in Kaba District, Abuja. One of the plots measures over 122,000 square metres and was valued at nearly ₦2 billion, while the second covers about 157,000 square metres with an estimated value of over ₦3.3 billion. The judge held that both plots were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.
Justice Umar further directed that the forfeited properties be formally handed over to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, which the court recognised as the victim of the alleged illegal transactions tied to the project.
The ruling, which was delivered on December 11, also instructed the ICPC and FMBN to jointly set up a committee. The committee is expected to oversee the completion of the housing project and ensure proper use of the estate when completed.
Earlier in the case, the court had granted an interim forfeiture of the same plots in July after the ICPC approached the court through an ex parte application. At the time, the judge ruled that the land should be secured pending the final determination of the case.
Investigations by the ICPC revealed that the land was allocated free of charge by the Federal Capital Territory Administration for the construction of 962 housing units under the National Housing Fund Scheme. The project was designed to provide affordable housing for low-income Nigerians.
According to court filings, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria engaged Good Earth Power Nigeria Limited as the private developer for the project. The estate was approved in 2012 and named in honour of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Findings presented before the court showed that FMBN secured a loan facility of 65 million dollars for the project and paid the full amount to the developer.
However, investigations revealed that no single housing unit was constructed on the site despite the release of the funds.
The ICPC also told the court that the developer allegedly attempted to sell off the land to members of the public, raising concerns that the property could be lost permanently if urgent action was not taken.
The anti-corruption agency argued that the forfeiture was necessary to prevent further losses and to protect public assets. It also raised questions about why the full project sum was released without visible progress on the ground.
Justice Umar agreed with the ICPC’s position and queried the payment structure that allowed the entire project cost to be disbursed upfront without safeguards.
The average retail price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), widely known as petrol, fell to N1,061.35 in November 2025.
This is according to the latest Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
This represents a 12.59% decline compared to N1,214.17 recorded in November 2024, offering consumers some relief amid persistent cost-of-living pressures.
However, the price rose slightly by 0.86% from October 2025’s N1,052.31, highlighting ongoing month-to-month fluctuations.
What the data is saying
The NBS data show clear regional disparities in petrol pricing. Borno State recorded the highest average retail price at N1,133.86, followed by Sokoto (N1,118.83) and Kogi (N1,111.00).
On the other end of the spectrum, Oyo State had the lowest price at N997.39, while Nasarawa and Lagos States posted N1,015.12 and N1,021.14, respectively.
Zonal analysis showed that the North East recorded the highest average petrol price at N1,084.04, while the South West had the lowest at N1,036.12.
Context and expert insight
Experts say the modest month-on-month increase is tied to fuel supply logistics, exchange rate fluctuations, and distribution challenges, even after the downstream petroleum sector’s full deregulation.
Analysts say petrol price stability hinges on improved refining capacity, efficient distribution, and a stable naira.
Historically, petrol pricing in Nigeria has been highly influenced by regional supply constraints and transportation costs.
The year-on-year decline suggests that consumers are seeing some respite compared to 2024, though monthly volatility remains a concern for households and businesses reliant on fuel.
What this means
The NBS figures indicate that petrol costs remain a key driver of inflation and transportation expenses across Nigeria.
While the overall decline provides temporary relief, persistent state-by-state price gaps highlight the importance of infrastructure improvements and efficient distribution for achieving nationwide price stability.
Consumers and businesses are likely to continue monitoring petrol prices closely, as they directly impact economic activity and household budgets.
What you should know
Reinforcing its commitment to national fuel sufficiency, the Dangote Group on December 1 pledged to supply 1.5 billion litres of petrol monthly from its Lagos-based refinery.
This move, announced by company management, is part of efforts to deepen local production and wean Nigeria off fuel imports permanently.
The development followed earlier expressions of full government support, including the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) October endorsement of the refinery’s scale-up to 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd).
The company also said the recent petrol price drop was due to its own earlier price cut, not the temporary reversal of the 15% import tariff as speculated.
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NIGERIA NEWS
Abia state governor, Alex Otti, restores electricity to 33 communities after nine-year blackout
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has ended a nine-year blackout in Ukwa West Local Government Area by restoring electricity to 33 communities.
Community response and future plans
The Power Restoration Project was carried out by the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ASOPADEC), under the supervision of the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities, fulfilling a promise Otti made in March 2025.
During the official switch-on ceremony at Central Primary School in Obehie, the governor, accompanied by his cabinet members aboard the newly launched Abia Green Shuttle EV bus, called on residents to protect the electricity infrastructure.
“I believe that we have a responsibility to protect what is in our community. Nobody can do it better than you. And those thieves do not come from heaven. They are all part and parcel of the community,” Otti said.
Project details and infrastructure upgrades
Addressing concerns about the affordability of electricity bills, Otti instructed stakeholders to meet and devise ways to support residents who might struggle with payments.
The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, highlighted the technical aspects of the project, including the rehabilitation of 30 transformer distribution substations, installation of 12 new transformers, and restoration of 37.5 kilometres of high- and low-tension lines.
Aba Power Limited CEO, Prof. Bartholomew Nnaji, assured residents of continuous power supply, noting that electricity would now be generated outside the national grid.
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff, several commissioners, and former government officials, marking a major milestone in Abia’s development agenda.
Wale Igbintade
A youth advocate and social critic, Nwabueze Onwuneme, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure an unhindered, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into allegations of massive corruption in Nigeria’s oil industry raised by billionaire industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Onwuneme made the call while reacting to the confirmation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of its readiness to investigate a petition submitted by Dangote against the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.
The activist described the allegations as a critical opportunity for the federal government to confront what he termed “deep-seated and long-standing corruption” in the oil sector, warning that failure to act decisively could attract international attention.
According to Onwuneme, President Tinubu must treat the allegations with the seriousness they deserve, given the strategic importance of the oil industry to Nigeria’s economy and the credibility of the petitioner.
“Dangote should be taken seriously because he is not known to be flippant. As a major player in the sector, he understands how the industry works and what obtains there,” he said.
Dangote, Africa’s richest man and Chairman of the Dangote Group, had on December 16, 2025, submitted a petition to the ICPC through his lawyer, Chief James Onoja, SAN, accusing Farouk Ahmed of corrupt enrichment, abuse of office, and impunity.
In the petition, Dangote specifically alleged that Ahmed diverted over $7 million in public funds, which he purportedly used to finance the overseas education of his four teenage children in named foreign institutions.
Following the petition and the ICPC’s confirmation that it was set to investigate the allegations, Ahmed resigned on Wednesday from his position as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA.
In a related development, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, also resigned his appointment, further deepening the fallout from the unfolding scandal.
Reacting to the resignations, Onwuneme welcomed the development, describing it as a necessary step to ensure that investigations are conducted without interference.
“The resignation of the heads of the downstream, midstream, and upstream regulatory bodies should aid a thorough and credible investigation into these grave allegations of corruption,” he said.
He added that corruption across Nigeria’s oil industry had become an “open secret,” spanning the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, and warned that the country could no longer afford to ignore such allegations.
“The issue of high-level corruption in the oil sector is so central to Nigeria’s economic survival that President Tinubu cannot afford to treat this matter lightly. The stakes are simply too high,” Onwuneme said.
The youth advocate also issued a stern warning, threatening to escalate the matter beyond Nigeria if the federal government fails to act within a reasonable time frame.
“If the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government fails to conduct a satisfactory investigation and take appropriate action, I will personally report this matter to the United Kingdom Parliament for greater global attention,” he said.
Onwuneme commended Dangote for what he described as a patriotic intervention, noting that corruption in the oil regulatory agencies affects not only government revenues but also the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“Dangote’s action is patriotic. Corruption in this critical sector undermines the very foundation of our economy and affects every Nigerian, directly or indirectly,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has accepted the resignations of both Ahmed and Komolafe.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development, stating that the President had already forwarded the names of proposed replacements to the Senate for confirmation.
According to Onanuga, the President has nominated Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, while Engineer Aliyu Mohammed has been proposed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The Federal Government has fulfilled its housing and land pledges to Super Eagles players for their runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had confirmed that players received certificates for the allocated plots of land and housing units promised by President Bola Tinubu.
Similarly, Promise Efoghe, the Media Officer of the Super Eagles told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the documents were presented to the players at the team’s camp in Fes, Morocco, on Monday.
Nigeria finished second at the tournament, played in 2024, after a 2–1 defeat to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final.
On their return, Tinubu hosted the team at the Presidential Villa and conferred the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on each squad member.
The president also approved a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory and a flat for every player in recognition of their performance.
NAN also reports that certificates were also presented to the players as instruments of conferment of OON by Sen. Abdul Ningi, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
Speaking at the presentation, NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, said the gesture underscored the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to Nigerian sports.
Gusau said, “The president graciously promised houses and lands, as well as national honours, and today those promises are being fulfilled.
“There was no reason to begin another AFCON campaign without honouring that pledge. This shows seriousness and respect for the players.”
He expressed confidence in the team’s prospects at the tournament in Morocco.
“We have prepared with the clear objective of winning the trophy. Success here will lift the spirits of Nigerians everywhere,” he said.
Gusau added that the federation maintained high standards in travel, accommodation and logistics despite global economic challenges.
“It has not been easy, but the players deserve comfort and respect. We must always find ways to support them,” Gusau added.
He expressed confidence in the technical crew and players to make the nation proud.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), said government resolved to deliver all promises before the tournament began.
“It was a firm decision of government that every promise must be fulfilled before our first AFCON match,” Dikko said.
He recalled delays in fulfilling similar promises in the past.
“Previously, such pledges took nearly 20 years. This time, we acted promptly to show a new trajectory for Nigerian sports,” he said.
Dikko described the development as a reflection of the Renewed Hope agenda.
“Whatever President Bola Tinubu promises, he delivers on time. This is about trust, motivation and shared prosperity,” he added.
Nigeria will face Tanzania in their opening Group C match on Tuesday at Complexe Sportif de Fès stadium, Fez city, Morocco from 5:30 p.m.
The Super Eagles arrived in Fez on Dec. 18 aboard a chartered flight from their final training camp in Cairo.
Nigeria will also face Tunisia on Saturday and Uganda on Dec. 30, as they seek a fourth continental title. (NAN)
The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has dismissed claims that Nigerians’ bank accounts will be frozen or automatically debited from January 2026, describing the reports as false and misleading.
Oyedele made the clarification in a post on his X handle on Tuesday, saying there is no provision in the new tax and financial reform laws that authorises the freezing of bank accounts.
He wrote, “Don’t let anyone manipulate you. Your bank account is safe.
“Misinformation makes you panic and fear a reform that is designed to help you. When they tell you that your account will be frozen or automatically debited from January 2026, ask them for the evidence in the new law.”
Recall Vanguard reported earlier that Oyedele also dismissed fears that the government plans to deduct money directly from bank accounts, insisting that such claims are “false, dangerous and capable of destabilising the economy.”
Speaking during a media workshop on the new consolidated tax law on December 13, Oyedele said the warnings trending on social media were based on ignorance and deliberate misinformation.
“Let me say this clearly: nobody — not FIRS, not CBN, not any government agency — has the power to debit your bank account,” he declared. “Whether you have ¦ 50,000 or ¦ 50 million, nobody is taking any money from your account. It is simply not true,” he said.
The post Tax reforms: No plan to freeze or debit bank accounts in 2026, Oyedele clarifies appeared first on Vanguard News.
Iconic Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Ahmed Ololadelisten, known professionally as Asake has expressed deep sorrow over the death of a young woman who reportedly lost her life in a stampede during his concert in Nairobi, Kenya.
Taking to his Instagram page, the award-winning artist described the incident as devastating, noting that it occurred at a festival on December 20 in the Kenyan capital. Asake said he was heartbroken by the tragic turn of events at a show meant to spread joy through music.
“I am devastated by the tragic incident that took place at the festival on Dec 20th in Nairobi,” he wrote.
The singer extended his condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased identified as Karen Lojore, while pledging to support efforts to uncover what led to the incident.
“My heart goes out to the family, friends, and loved ones of Karen Lojore, and I pledge to support and do my best to understand what happened,” Asake said.
He also stressed the need for accountability, stating that those responsible for the tragedy should be held to account.
According to Asake, music has always been his way of spreading love and happiness, making the loss even more painful.
“Music has always been my way of sharing love and joy, and it breaks my heart that anyone had to experience such loss,” the statement read.
Asake concluded his message by offering prayers for the bereaved family and the country, adding, “My thoughts are with everyone grieving, and I pray that Karen rests in peace. God bless Kenya.”
The incident has sparked conversations around crowd control and safety measures at large-scale entertainment events.
Ahead of this year’s Christmas celebration, security operatives in Kaduna have intensified patrols along the Kaduna-Abuja Highway and other major roads in Kaduna metropolis.
The state police command explained that the action of the security operatives is a result of the directive of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetekun.
In a statement, the police spokesman in the state, DSP Mansir Hassan, said, “Proactive security measures have been put in place, sequel to the directives of Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to ensure a hitch-free festive season”.
Subsequently, he said, “The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, CP Rabiu Muhammad, alongside all Tactical Commanders under the Command, conducted a joint anti-crime patrol and monitored the Kaduna–Abuja Highway to ensure safety and security of all commuters flying the road on a 24-hour basis.”
Hassan explained, “The patrol exercise was carried out in collaboration with the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, reinforcing inter-command cooperation and strengthening security along the major transit corridor to the northern region.”
“The operation also covered all border areas between Kaduna State and the Federal Capital Territory, aimed at deterring criminal activities, boosting visibility policing and reassuring the commuters flying the road and members of the public that adequate security has been provided before, during and after the festive season”, he added.
He further stated, “The commissioner of police emphasised that the command remains committed and resolute in safeguarding the commuters, residents and travellers. He also assured the public that patrols and surveillance will be sustained throughout the festive season and beyond the yuletide to prevent any form of criminal activity.”
“The commissioner of police further applauded the military for their immense contribution and the other security agencies for their role in policing the highway.”
He said the commissioner also admonished those who continually mislead the public on social media about negative publicity regarding the road, saying it is this and that, to desist; otherwise, they will face the full wrath of the law.
“The commissioner solicits the cooperation of the members of the public to achieve success,” he added.
In other news, troops have arrested two persons for impersonating the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, at Utesi in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The Director Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, who disclosed this in a statement, said the arrest was made on December 11, 2025, following intelligence reports.
Onoja said that the suspects are in military custody, undergoing investigation before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
The statement gave an update on military operations across all theatres in the past week.
It said troops foiled an oil theft worth over N15 million in the South-South. The breakdown indicates 6,52000 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,510 litres of AGO and 2,015 litres of PMS, while three illegal refining sites were discovered and destroyed.
As part of proactive security measures put in place Kaduna police under the leadership of the state police commissioner, Rabiu Muhammad will conduct a joint anti crime patrol along the Kaduna–Abuja Highway to ensure safety and security of all commuters flying the road on 24 hours basis.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO) DSP Mansir Hassan and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday.
The statement therefore directed,” all Tactical Commanders under the Command to conduct joint anti-rime patrol and monitoring the Kaduna–Abuja Highway to ensure safety and security of all commuters flying the road on 24 hours basis.
ALSO READ: Nigerians will resist new taxes without transparency — Aborisade
It said the patrol exercise will be carried out in collaboration with the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, reinforcing inter-command cooperation and strengthening security along the major transit corridor to the northern region.
“The operation also covered all border areas between Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory, aimed at deterring criminal activities, boosting visibility policing and reassuring the commuters flying the road and members of the public that adequate security has been provided before during and after the festive season.
“The Commissioner of Police emphasized that, the Command remains committed and resolute in safeguarding the commuters, residents and travelers.
“He also assured the public that, patrols and surveillance will be sustained throughout the festive season and beyond the yuletide to prevent any form of criminal activity, he further applauded the military for their immense contribution and other security agencies in policing the highway.
“The commissioner also admonished those who always mislead the public on social media about negative publicity that the road is this and that to desist otherwise they will face the full wrath of the law. and Commissioner solicits the cooperation of the members public to achieve success.”
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) OSE on Monday, December 22, 2025, rescued 20 crew members from the Motor Vessel (MV) Chimba Express following a fire incident along the Calabar Channel.
NNS OSE, which was on routine patrol, responded to a distress call at about 1:00 p.m. from the vessel, which was en route from Gabon to Calabar carrying scrap materials and other logistics.
Speaking on behalf of the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY, the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander K.K. Ahunanya, reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to ensuring the safety of seafarers and maritime assets, in line with the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff.
The vessel was reportedly crewed by 21 persons, comprising 14 Nigerians and seven Cameroonians.
Upon arrival at the scene, thick smoke was observed billowing from the vessel, prompting immediate rescue operations. Crew members who had abandoned the ship, as well as those stranded on deck, were rescued using life buoys.
A total of 20 crew members were successfully rescued and administered first aid, according to the report.
However, the Chief Engineer reportedly jumped overboard due to fear of an explosion and remains missing as of the time of filing this report. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.
Personnel from Forward Operating Base (FOB) IBAKA, Naval Security Station 030 Houseboat, and local fishermen supported the rescue effort.
NNS OSE also deployed portable pumps to combat the fire, which affected the midship and aft sections of the vessel.
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The immediate past Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Barrister Alphonsus Eba, has been expelled from the party.
The decision was taken by the APC Cross River State Caretaker Committee during a meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Calabar.
The committee, led by Mr. Ekum Ojogu, announced the expulsion of Eba after invoking Article 21.5(v) of the APC Constitution (as amended in 2022).
Ojogu explained that the provision mandates the automatic expulsion of any party member who institutes legal action against the party without first exhausting internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
“He was expelled in line with the constitution of the party,” Ojogu said.
The Caretaker Committee also upheld the suspension of the State Special Leader, Dr. Juliet Diwa, following deliberations on a petition from the Boki Local Government Area.
Diwa was accused of gross misconduct at the ward level, including the alleged assault of the Ward Chairman, Mr. James Abang. After reviewing the allegations, the committee resolved to uphold her suspension pending the outcome of the party’s disciplinary committee.
It will be recalled that Alphonsus Eba was earlier impeached as state chairman after some party members accused him of misconduct, including allegations of withholding the salaries of some party stakeholders.
The Caretaker Committee reaffirmed its commitment to party discipline, internal democracy, and strict adherence to the APC Constitution, stressing that no member is above the rules of the party.
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