The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

LSSTF presents three operational vehicles to RRS

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr Ayo Ogunsan, has presented three new operational vehicles to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) as part of efforts to strengthen security operations in the state.

The presentation took place at the LSSTF office, when the RRS Commander, CSP Shola Jejeloye, paid a courtesy visit.

Ogunsan said the intervention was in line with the Trust Fund’s mandate to support security agencies in Lagos State with critical infrastructure to enhance efficiency, rapid response and crime prevention.

He described the RRS as a key component of the state’s security architecture and commended the squad for its role in maintaining peace and public safety across Lagos.

Ogunsan assured that the Trust Fund would consider the repair, refurbishment and rebranding of existing RRS operational vehicles, alongside other capacity building initiatives for security personnel.

CSP Jejeloye lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and critical to effective policing.

He said the provision of operational vehicles had improved response time and operational effectiveness, adding that the RRS remained committed to delivering on its mandate.

January 18, 2026
Drop Fubara’s impeachment or face lawsuit – Lawyers threaten Rivers CJ

The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has called on the Chief Judge of the High Court of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, to immediately recuse himself from any impeachment proceedings or risk being reported to the National Judicial Council (NJC).

In an open letter dated January 18, 2026, and shared with The Nation, ALDRAP warned that should the Chief Judge entertain any impeachment notice from the Rivers State House of Assembly, the association would pursue legal action and file a formal petition before the NJC.

The Abuja-based legal body cited a March 2025 petition sent by the Rivers Assembly to the Department of State Security Services (DSS), alleging age falsification by the Chief Judge, as a potential source of bias.

Titled “Recuse Yourself Immediately From Considering Any Letter Of Notice Of Impeachment Submitted By The Rivers State House Of Assembly Or Face The National Judicial Council (NJC),” the letter was signed by Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, former Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Copyright Commission and Executive Director of the Nigerian Law Society.

He stated, “Your Lordship, Chief Judge of the High Court of Rivers State, Sir, I do not need any introduction because you already know me personally.

“Also, our Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners-ALDRAP does not require any introduction because you already know the work that we did for the Rivers State Judiciary in the year 2021 when we installed the JURISCRIPTA software for the judges of the Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal.

“You spoke about this during the ceremony for the opening of the 2022 legal year of the Rivers State Judiciary.

“We write this letter to respectfully inform you of our Association-ALDRAP’s firm resolve to commence both a lawsuit and a petition against you, if you consider any letter of impeachment submitted by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“The major reason is that you are in a position of conflict of interest, and there is a strong likelihood of bias if you are to consider any letter of impeachment by this particular 10th Assembly of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“The reason is that in March 2025, this same Rivers State House of Assembly authored and submitted a petition against your good self to the Department of State Security Services (DSS), stating that they have documentary evidence that you engaged in falsification of your age of retirement. This is reported online.

“In the light of the foregoing, the most noble and legitimate course of action is to recuse yourself and write to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to appoint a neutral Chief Judge of another State of Nigeria to overseer the panel to consider any purported letter of impeachment from the Rivers State House of Assembly,” the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) demanded.

January 18, 2026
Idjerhe monarch attributes peace, progress in Kingdom to God’s grace

…marks 5th coronation anniversary, diamond jubilee

The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Udurhie I, has attributed the peace and steady progress recorded in his domain over the past five years to what he described as God’s sustaining grace.

Speaking on Sunday during a Thanksgiving service in Idjerhe, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, held to conclude activities marking his fifth coronation anniversary and 60th birthday, the monarch said his reign has experienced its share of challenges but has been upheld by divine favour.

He expressed gratitude for the kingdom’s growth, unity, and stability, noting, “Where we are today, we are grateful to God, and God will certainly take us higher.”

The monarch thanked members of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers for honouring his invitation, especially the council’s chairman and Orodje of Okpe, HRM Orhue I, whose attendance he described as a significant honour despite the short notice. He also acknowledged the support of his Otota and other traditional institutions, pledging continued unity and development.

The Thanksgiving service, held at the historic St. Peter’s Anglican Church founded in 1906, was attended by several traditional rulers, including the Ovie of Ughelli, HRM Oharisi III; the Ovie of Uvwie, HRM Abe I; the Pere of Akugbene Mein, HRM Kalanama XIII; and the Okobaro of Ughievwen, HRM Owhawha II.

January 18, 2026
ADC seeks clarification on U.S–Nigeria health MoU

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the federal government to urgently clarify and publish the full text of the recently signed health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and the United States, citing conflicting public explanations issued by both governments.

The party noted that while Nigerian authorities have described the agreement as a technical and inclusive framework aimed at strengthening health security, expanding primary healthcare, and improving domestic health financing, official statements from the United States have presented the MoU in materially different terms

According to the party in a statement by its national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Sunday, the U.S. description appears to introduce identity-based considerations and discretionary termination powers that were not reflected in the federal government’s public account, raising concerns about transparency, constitutional compliance, and national sovereignty.

The party warned that Nigeria should not enter into any international agreement that could undermine the country’s constitutional provisions on inclusion and non-discrimination, particularly in the delivery of essential public services such as healthcare.

The ADC said the divergence in the public framing of the MoU goes beyond a communication gap and called for clarity on which version accurately reflects the terms signed by Nigeria.

While affirming its support for foreign assistance and bilateral cooperation to strengthen the health sector, the party insisted that such partnerships must respect Nigeria’s diversity and constitutional guarantees of equality.

ADC further expressed concern over reports that Nigeria is committing more financial resources under the arrangement than its foreign partner, despite indications that key decisions and termination powers may rest outside the country.

January 18, 2026
Osun ex-lawmaker tasks NOA to increase sensitisation for Nigerians about the new tax law

A former lawmaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Hon Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has tasked the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to increase sensitisation for Nigerians about the new tax law.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, in a statement on Sunday, said the lack of proper understanding of the new tax laws has led to misconceptions, misrepresentation, and suspicion of the government’s intentions, calling for massive and sustained enlightenment about the new law.

According to him, widespread misinformation about the tax law has left many Nigerians, including the educated ones, confused about what, when, and how their earnings will be taxed.

He added that the alleged discrepancies between the bill passed by the National Assembly and the versions published in the official gazette have further contributed to the confusion.

Oyintiloye also noted that the government’s intention regarding the tax law towards low earners in the country remains very good, noting that widespread misinformation and confusion surrounding the implementation are casting a shadow on the real objectives of the law.

“Many Nigerians are still ignorant of the new tax law. Social media is filled with different explanations of the law, leading to widespread confusion among the people,” he said.

“The misinformation about the tax law is spreading faster than the true intentions of the law and its benefits. Till this moment, many Nigerians, both literate and illiterate, do not actually know what to believe about the tax law,” he added.

Oyintiloye, however, attributed the confusion to the slow pace of sensitisation and little public engagement on the new tax law before its implementation take-off date.

He urged relevant government agencies responsible for public awareness of government policies to rise to the occasion and do the needful.

He added, “I want to implore the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Federal Ministry of Information, and other relevant government agencies to step up their public awareness campaigns, especially on the tax reform law.

“This is important and necessary to enable people to understand the good intentions of the government, especially towards low earners, and to curb the spread of misinformation. Many people still do not know what the law entails or how it will apply to them.”

The APC chieftain also said various economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu have started yielding positive results, emphasising that the gains of these reforms should be properly packaged and showcased to Nigerians by the relevant agencies.

January 18, 2026
Fed Govt charges Ozekhome with forgery over UK property

The federal government has filed a three-count charge against Mike Ozekhome (SAN) over alleged forgery and use of false documents in a disputed property case in the United Kingdom.

The charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/010/2026, was filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on January 16 by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN).

Ozekhome is charged and accused of knowingly presenting forged documents, including a Nigerian international passport, to support his claim of ownership of a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, during proceedings before the London First-Tier Tribunal.

He is alleged to have given false information, used forged documents, and attempted to deceive a public authority.

According to the ICPC, the alleged offences were committed sometime in August 2021 in the Maitama area of the nation’s capital, within the jurisdiction of the FCT high court.

The counts read:

*That you Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) 68 years of No. 53, Nile Street, Maitama, Abuja, sometime in August, 2021 or thereabout at a place outside Nigeria i.e. London, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, directly received House 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX purportedly given to you by one Mr. Shani Tali, an act you knew constitutes a felony and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 13 and punishable under Section 24 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences, Act, 2000.

*That you Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) 68 years of No. 53 Nile Street, Maitama, Abuja, sometime in August 2021 or thereabout at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while being a legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria did make a fake document, to wit: Nigeria passport A07535463 bearing the name of Mr. Shani Tali with intent to use same to support claim of ownership of property known and described as 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX with intent to commit fraud and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 363 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code CAP 532 Laws of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, 2006.

*That you Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) 68 years of No. 53, Nile Street, Maiiama, Abuja, sometime in August 2021 or thereabout at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while being a legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria dishonestly used as genuine a false Nigeria passport A07535463 bearing the name of Mr. Shani Tali to support claim of ownership of property known and described as 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX when you had reason to believe that the said document was false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 366 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code CAP 532 Laws of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, 2006.

The Nation learnt that Ozekhome could be arraigned before the week runs out.

January 18, 2026
Kano killings: Barau hails police over arrest of principal suspects, seeks thorough investigation, speedy trial

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has commended the Kano State Police Command for the arrest of the three suspects over the gruesome murder of a housewife and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters of Kano metropolis.

Senator Barau, in a statement by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Malam Ismail Mudashir, described the arrest as soothing news and called for a speedy trial of the suspects.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, had in a statement on Sunday, listed the suspects as Umar Auwalu, ‘ m ‘, 23 years old of Sabuwar Gandu Quarters Kano, Isyaku Yakubu, ‘ m ‘, AKA ‘Chebe’, 40 years old, of Sagagi Quarters Kano, and Yakubu Abdulaziz, ‘ m ‘, AKA ‘Wawo’, 21 years old, of Sabon Gida Sharada Quarters Kano.

“I commend the command for its swiftness. This is the first leg; the command should conduct a thorough investigation and ensure a speedy trial so that these ‘killers’ are prosecuted and brought to book.

“They must face the full wrath of the law. We will follow this to its logical conclusion. Over the past hours, I have been traumatised, devastated, and overwhelmed by the gruesome murder of these innocent children and their mother. This is barbaric and beyond comprehension.

“May Almighty Allah grant the victims Aljannatul Firdaus and give the husband/ father of the children, Haruna Bashir, the strength to bear this,” he said.

January 18, 2026
NFIU hails Nigeria’s FATF, EU delisting as boost to financial system

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has described Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List and the European Union’s intention to delist the country from its high-risk third countries register as a major boost to confidence in the nation’s financial system.

The agency also commended government institutions, the private sector and civil society organisations for their roles in recording these achievements.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, said the decisions by the FATF and the European Union demonstrated the credibility and depth of Nigeria’s reforms in the fight against illicit finance, noting that the progress reflected a coordinated effort across government and society.

“Nigeria’s exit from the FATF Grey List and the European Union’s high-risk third country list reflects the strength of our collective resolve and the effectiveness of sustained, coordinated reforms. This milestone underscores our commitment to upholding global standards on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing and counter-proliferation financing, while reinforcing international confidence in Nigeria’s financial system,” Ms. Bakari said.

She attributed the achievement to what she described as a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach” to building stronger safeguards against financial crimes, extending appreciation to Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the Legislature, the Judiciary, the private sector and non-profit organisations whose joint actions contributed to the outcome.

Ms. Bakari said the success was guided by the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that his administration’s commitment to building a safe and prosperous Nigeria provided the political backing needed to sustain reforms across key sectors.

According to the NFIU, strategic oversight was delivered through the Inter-Ministerial Committee on AML/CFT/CPF, led by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, alongside the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, the Minister of Interior and the Minister of State for Finance. The committee, the statement said, ensured policy coherence and maintained momentum throughout the reform process.

The NFIU also credited the Ministers of Aviation, Budget and Economic Planning, Defence, Industry, Trade and Investment, and Solid Minerals Development for supporting regulatory measures that strengthened compliance frameworks across priority areas of the economy.

National security coordination was strengthened under the leadership of the National Security Adviser, particularly in addressing terrorism and terrorism financing through closer collaboration among security agencies. The statement noted that these efforts improved information sharing and risk management related to financial flows linked to security threats.

Financial sector oversight was reinforced by regulators including the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the National Insurance Commission and the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Their work, the NFIU said, focused on improving risk-based supervision, tightening market entry controls, enhancing suspicious transaction reporting and applying targeted financial sanctions.

On corporate transparency, the NFIU pointed to the role of the Corporate Affairs Commission, the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority in deploying systems aligned with international best practice to improve access to beneficial ownership information and strengthen regulatory monitoring.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Department of State Services, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Code of Conduct Bureau, were acknowledged for strengthening investigations and prosecutions of high-risk predicate offences.

At the nation’s borders and ports of entry, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority were recognised for their role in detecting cross-border cash smuggling and the illicit movement of high-value goods, with prosecutorial support from the EFCC.

The statement also referenced efforts within the non-profit sector, where safeguards were strengthened through the work of SCUML and its domestic and international partners to reduce vulnerabilities to terrorist abuse.

Further stressing the importance of sustained collaboration, Ms. Bakari said, “The successful delisting of Nigeria from the FATF Grey List and the EU AML/CFT list is a clear signal that our reforms are deep, credible and sustainable. It reflects years of disciplined implementation across government, law enforcement, the judiciary and the private sector.”

She noted that the Federal Ministry of Justice played a key role in securing convictions, facilitating mutual legal assistance and enabling the recovery and repatriation of illicit assets, while the Federal High Court was commended for timely adjudication and the application of proportionate sanctions to deter financial crimes.

Legislative support from the leadership of the National Assembly and relevant committees provided what the NFIU described as the legal foundation necessary to sustain reforms, particularly in the areas of anti-corruption, financial crimes and judicial oversight.

The NFIU said the contribution of compliance officers across financial institutions, designated non-financial businesses and professions, and virtual asset service providers remained central to the effectiveness of Nigeria’s AML/CFT/CPF framework.

Looking ahead, Ms. Bakari said the agency would continue to deepen cooperation and intelligence-led supervision as Nigeria prepares for its next mutual evaluation. “This achievement belongs to Nigeria and its partners. The NFIU remains steadfast in its resolve to deepen cooperation, enhance intelligence-led supervision and ensure that Nigeria continues to meet and exceed global AML/CFT/CPF expectations,” she said.

The NFIU concluded that the country’s recent progress marked a significant step in strengthening the integrity of the financial system and restoring international confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory and enforcement architecture.

January 18, 2026
Kaduna Assembly assures of speedy passage of bill seeking to provide life skills for girls

The chairman, Kaduna State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Mahmud Ismaila, has assured lawmakers’ commitment to pass the draft bill seeking to ensure protection and provide life skills for the girl-child.

Ismaila gave the assurance during a one-day follow-up critical stakeholders’ meeting on the strategic institutionalisation of life skills under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, organised by the Centre for Girls’ Education (CGE) in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government in Abuja.

The discussion focused on policy reforms and legislative actions, including updates on a draft bill to institutionalise life skills as a co-curricular subject across public secondary schools in Kaduna State.

The lawmaker assured stakeholders of the Assembly’s commitment to fast-tracking the draft bill.

“The essence of this bill is to protect our children and ensure quality education through Life Skills,” Ismaila said.

According to Ismaila, lawmakers would focus on ensuring the law is implementable, avoids duplication and clearly delivers its intended objectives.

He added that the Assembly had advised the Ministry of Education to establish a technical committee to refine the draft bill and develop an interim policy framework pending its passage into law.

Also speaking at the event, Executive Director, Centre for Girls’ Education (CGE), Habiba Mohammed, said discussions had moved beyond pilot programmes to system-wide reform aimed at embedding Life Skills permanently within the state’s education framework.

Mohammed said, “What we are seeing today is a shift from project-based experimentation to long-term system reform. Evidence from multiple programmes shows Life Skills education improves school retention, strengthens decision-making among girls, delays harmful practices, and improves relationships between schools, families, and communities.”

Mohammed noted that CGE’s Safe Space model, which blends life skills, literacy, numeracy, health education, and mentorship, has been implemented for over 18 years across Northern Nigeria, delivering consistent results across different communities.

In her remarks, AGILE Project Coordinator for Kaduna State, Maryam Dabgaji explained the push for institutionalisation was driven by the scale of investment already made under the World Bank-supported project and the need for sustainability beyond its lifespan.

“The AGILE project is nearing closure, and a lot of investment has gone into Life Skills education. We want the state government to sustain this investment by making Life Skills part of the normal school system, so that it continues even after the project ends,” Dabgaji said.

She explained that broad stakeholder buy-in, including from religious leaders, parents, legislators and budget authorities, was critical to avoiding community resistance and ensuring effective implementation.

“Life Skills cannot be institutionalised by pronouncement alone,” she said. “There must be policy backing, budget lines, trained teachers and mentors, and community understanding,” she added.

Permanent Secretary, Kaduna State Ministry of Information, Bashir Mohammed, said the initiative aligned with the state’s commitment to inclusive governance and long-term peacebuilding.

He said the ministry will work with local governments and community structures to drive awareness and public understanding of the reform

Mohammed said, “When Life Skills are integrated into education, the benefits are not only immediate; they extend decades into the future. A child who acquires skills early is less likely to depend on government jobs and more likely to contribute productively to society.”

The meeting, held under the AGILE project, brought together state lawmakers, education policymakers, religious and community leaders, civil society groups, and development partners.

Participants reviewed progress on a draft bill seeking to make Life Skills a co-curricular, non-examinable subject across public secondary schools in Kaduna State, as well as pathways for embedding the programme into existing education policies and budgets ahead of the AGILE project’s closure.

January 18, 2026
Police arrest six wanted armed robbers in Abuja over nightclub attacks, others

Police officers attached to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have arrested six notorious armed robbery suspects.

The suspects are linked to a series of violent crimes, particularly around nightclubs and recreational centres within the nation’s capital.

The robbery suspects are; Suleiman Magaji (25), Abdullahi Abubakar (20), Abubakar Shitu (25), Sani Ibrahim (17), Rabiu Dahiru (19) and Ahmen Abdullahi (26).

FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, who disclosed this on Sunday said; “On Friday, 17th January 2026, at about 5:45 pm., acting on credible intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to ensure the immediate arrest of the criminal gang.

“Consequently, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCID, DCP Aliyu Abubakar, deployed a discreet intelligence-led operation led by ACP Victor Godfrey, the Commander, Scorpion Squad.

“The team successfully tracked and raided the gang’s hideout at Dakwa, Dei-Dei area of the FCT, where the suspects were apprehended while planning a fresh attack.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are responsible for several armed robbery incidents within the FCT, including a recent robbery at Crystal Lounge, Wuse II, where a hotel guest was dispossessed of gold jewellery valued at approximately Fifteen Million Naira (₦15,000,000).

“The stolen items were reportedly sold by the suspects for the sum of One Million Two Hundred Thousand Naira (₦1.2 million).

“During the operation, the following exhibits were recovered: One black toy gun, Local charms, Long and short knives and forty-two (42) bags of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis-sativa

“The suspects and exhibits are currently in Police custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, commended the officers for their professionalism and gallantry.

“He also appreciated members of the public for the timely and useful information that led to the successful arrest of the suspects.

“The CP further urged residents to remain vigilant, security-conscious, and to continue supporting Police operations by promptly reporting suspicious persons or activities through the Command’s emergency lines:

08032003913 and 07057337653.

“Together, we will continue to rid the Federal Capital Territory of criminal elements.”

January 18, 2026