The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Glitches: EFCC returns N802.4m to First Bank

    Glitches: EFCC returns N802.4m to First Bank

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over  N802,420,000, which it recovered out of  N1.3billion to the First Bank Nigeria Plc.

    The cash was intercepted from a customer by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the commission following glitches in the bank. 

    The customer and his relationship manager, who took advantage of the errors, have been  charged to court.

     According to a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, the money was retrieved from a suspect, Ojo Eghosa Kingsley, who took unlawful possession of over N1.3 billion belonging to the bank.

     The statement said: “The bank,  in its petition to the EFCC,  had alleged that system glitches led it to erroneously credit the account of Kingsley, a customer of the bank with the said amount.  

    “The commission in its investigation discovered that the suspect,  upon the receipt of the money,  transferred a good measure of it to the bank accounts of his mother, Itohan Ojo and that of his sister, Edith Okoro Osaretin, and committed part of the money to the completion of his building project and the funding of a new flamboyant lifestyle.

    Read Also: Olukoyede: EFCC not victimising Malami, I inherited his case

    “With the recovery of the money from the identified bank accounts, the EFCC handed it over in drafts to First Bank.”

     The Acting Director, Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC,  Deputy Commander of the EFCC,  DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, while handing over the money,  said the EFCC will continue to discharge its mandate effectively in the overall interests of the society. 

     Sa’ad added: “The EFCC Establishment Act empowers us to trace and recover proceeds of crime and restitute the victim. In this case,  First Bank was the victim and that is exactly what we have done. 

    “We will continue to discharge our duties to ensure that fraudsters do not benefit from fraud and that economic and financial crimes are nipped in the bud.”

    In his response, Olalere Sunday Ajayi, Business Manager, First Bank, Benin, who received the drafts on behalf of the bank,  commended the EFCC for the swiftness and the professionalism it brought to bear in the handling of the matter and expressed the bank’s gratitude to the Commission. 

    He described the EFCC as one of Nigeria’s most effective and reliable institutions.

    Kingsley and all other suspects in the matter have been charged to court for stealing by the EFCC.

  • Kano APC to mobilise for e-registration

    Kano APC to mobilise for e-registration

    The Kano chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday called for massive mobilisation to strengthen the ongoing e-registration of party members.

    The party said the move was a strategic step towards securing a decisive victory at next year’s general election.

    The strategy was adopted during a marathon meeting that ended on Tuesday.

    Former APC National Chairman of APC Abdullahi Umar Ganduje highlighted that the e-registration exercise was vital for building a comprehensive, credible and verifiable membership database, which would significantly enhance the party’s electoral performance nationwide.

    Following detailed briefings from Kano APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas and the Kano e-registration coordinator Shafi’u Darma, the meeting resolved that, given the party’s substantial grassroots support in Kano, every member should ensure they are registered and actively encourage others to register.

    The meeting further stressed that the e-registration exercise will strengthen the party’s prospects, building on over one and a half decades of loyalty and organisational influence in the state.

    Read Also: Ex-governor Segun Oni rejoins APC

    Stakeholders called for sustained and effective mobilisation, noting that “accurate registration is instrumental in reinforcing the party’s political structure, expanding voter outreach and maximising electoral performance in the coming elections.”

    Members were also urged to remain united and rally behind the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The meeting, chaired by Ganduje, was attended by many APC chieftains, including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin; Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, (Kano South); Hon. Kabir Abubakar Bichi, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and Hon. Murtala Sule Garo, APC gubernatorial and deputy gubernatorial candidates in 2023.

    Others are Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata and Dr. Mariya Mahmud Bunkure, Ministers of state for Housing Development and Federal Capital Territory respectively; Alhaji Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo, former deputy governor and former Minister of Housing Development; Party elder, Alhaji Nasiru Aliko Koki

    Others are Managing Director, Hadejia Jama’are and River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi; Director General, National Productivity Centre, Hon. Baffa Babban Dan’Agundi, Arch. Aminu Dabo; Bashir Maisango, deputy state secretary; Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya, Hon. Ma’aruf Maiwake, Hon. Nasiru Aminu Bala Ja’oji and Comrade Muhammad Garba.

  • TETFund to share N6.452bn to 271 tertiary institutions under 2026 intervention

    TETFund to share N6.452bn to 271 tertiary institutions under 2026 intervention

    The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced plans to share N6.452 billion to 271 tertiary institutions under its 2026 intervention cycle to strengthen critical physical infrastructure and enhance academic programmes.

    The money is also expected to boost research and innovation and drive overall transformation in the tertiary education sector.

    The disbursement guidelines were approved by President Bola Tinubu.

    According to the guidelines, the funds would be released directly to over 271 beneficiary institutions across the country.

    Under the 2026 intervention cycle, the agency will disburse N2.525 billion to beneficiary Universities as an annual direct intervention, while polytechnics would receive N1.871 billion and Colleges of Education would get N2.056 billion.

    Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono gave the details on Tuesday in Abuja during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting with heads of beneficiary institutions on the 2026 disbursement guidelines.

    During the programme, allocation letters for the 2026 intervention were also distributed to the institutions. 

    Read Also: TETFund unveils 2026 intervention, approves N6.5bn for tertiary institutions

    Echono said the total annual direct disbursement accounted for approximately 90.75 per cent of the funds, with annual direct disbursements at 50 per cent and special direct disbursements at 43.75 per cent.

    He commended President Tinubu for his timely approval of the 2026 Disbursement Guidelines and for his steadfast commitment to the repositioning of Nigeria’s tertiary education sector in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Echono noted: “All universities, regardless of age, size, or enrolment, will receive N2,525,932,228.02 per university, all polytechnics will receive N1,871,059,920.53 each, and all Colleges of Education will receive N2,056,527,973.04 each.

    “These funds are meant to strengthen critical physical infrastructure, enhance academic programmes, boost research and innovation, and drive overall transformation in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.”

    The executive secretary said the funds were meant to strengthen the quality and impact of research in beneficiary institutions.

    According to him, in an attempt to further strengthen the quality and impact of research in the beneficiary institutions, TETFund has introduced a new Intervention Line in the Year 2026 annual direct intervention, which is the Nigerian Research and Education Network (Ng REN).

    “This new intervention line aims to improve access to global academic resources and to integrate the Tertiary Education, Research, Applications and Services (TERAS) platform into NgREN with effect from the 2026 intervention. 

    “With these investments, 2026 promises to be a year of growth, innovation, and measurable impact,” the executive secretary stated.

    Speaking further, Echono noted that the agency would continue to equip and upgrade research and development (R&D) offices, laboratories, and workshops. 

    He added that student exposure programmes will be strengthened through private-sector partnerships and direct construction initiatives.

    Echono said: “We are sustaining interventions in security infrastructure and training, completing long-abandoned projects, and enhancing design-technical relationships.

    “Research and innovation remain priorities, with support for the National Research Fund, the Research Meets Industry initiative, and the commercialisation of research outcomes. ICT development also remains a key focus. Multiple research labs are under development.

    “Four are expected to be completed and commissioned this year, and two more have recently commenced, with completion scheduled for next year. In agriculture, we are transitioning large university farms to modern greenhouses and equipment to improve productivity and reduce labour intensity.

    “Our ICT roadmap will be strengthened through expanded digital services, experience centres, substation-based internet access, and advanced international education, research and application services. We are also conducting assessments of how institutions use their resources, which will inform discretionary budget allocations. Performance will guide additional allocations.”

    He further urged all heads of institutions to fully utilise their 2025 allocations, saying that the Fund will base future allocations on performance, enrolment, and demonstrated progress.

    “Institutions with unutilised funds will not receive additional allocations until existing resources are fully deployed. We are promoting knowledge sharing, supporting initiatives that enhance skills, and ensuring prompt payment to contractors. 

    “Applications for fund releases will be processed quickly, and contractors will be paid within two weeks of milestone completion to avoid delays,” he added.

    The executive secretary of TETFund highlighted some challenges faced during the 2025 intervention cycle, including undue delays in processing projects for approval in principle and obtaining due process for implementation, which is worrisome.

    Echono, therefore, advised beneficiary institutions to execute their procurement planning processes early enough to avoid these delays.

    He added: “Also worrisome is the slow and reluctant utilisation of the TERAS platform with all its associated services by some beneficiary institutions.

    “The Fund will be paying closer attention to this in the year 2026. The Fund also expects better documentation and knowledge of its guidelines for its training and content intervention lines.”

  • INEC begins preparation for 2027, reaffirms commitment to electoral integrity

    INEC begins preparation for 2027, reaffirms commitment to electoral integrity

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has begun early strategic preparations for the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 general elections,  reaffirming commitment to strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.

     Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan disclosed  this on Tuesday while speaking  at a Leadership Workshop organised by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) for the leadership of the electoral umpire in Lagos.

    Amupitan, who described the workshop as timely, said  the Commission was navigating a critical period of leadership transition marked by changes at the top and the retirement of several directors and senior management staff after years of distinguished service to the nation.

     He said institutional continuity must be anchored on clarity of purpose, integrity of leadership and unity of vision, rather than the mere preservation of structures, adding that continuity does not imply sameness but the ability to faithfully carry forward INEC’s constitutional mandate while adapting to emerging realities with insight and resolve.

    Speaking specifically on the 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 general elections, the INEC Chairman said Nigerians expect an electoral management body that is independent in thought and action, transparent in its processes, professional in conduct and credible in its outcomes. 

    Read Also: INEC: why LP can’t participate in FCT Area Council polls

    According to him, these expectations informed the Commission’s ongoing induction and strategic retreat aimed at setting a clear direction for 2027 and beyond.

    He said  despite significant reforms recorded between 2015 and 2023, public confidence in the electoral process remains fragile and  warned that democracy cannot thrive without trust, noting that misinformation and disinformation have increasingly undermined confidence in elections.

    “In an era where fake news travels faster than the truth, INEC is often compelled to defend its integrity against orchestrated falsehoods even before the first vote is cast,” he said.

    Amupitan said under his leadership, the Commission remains firmly committed to delivering free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections in strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines. He added that rebuilding public confidence is a daily operational responsibility that guides every decision of the Commission.

     IFES Regional Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Seray Jah, said the workshop marks the early strategic phase of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 General Election, stressing that the credibility of elections is largely shaped by decisions taken early in the electoral cycle.

    He said IFES has partnered with INEC since 1998 in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system through support for strategic planning, election operations, technology deployment, institutional reform and inclusion.

    According to him, the workshop provides INEC’s leadership with an opportunity to reflect on emerging challenges, including increasingly complex logistics, the responsible use of technology, misinformation and AI-driven risks, internal coordination, and public confidence in a highly polarised environment.

    Jah reaffirmed IFES’ commitment to supporting INEC throughout the 2027 electoral cycle and beyond, while also acknowledging the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in promoting electoral integrity and democratic governance in Nigeria.

    The three-day workshop brought together INEC National Commissioners, senior management staff and international partners to deliberate on strategic opportunities and challenges in electoral administration, with a focus on leadership, institutional resilience and public trust.

  • Kidnappers of hotel lodgers in Edo reduce ransom to N40m

    Kidnappers of hotel lodgers in Edo reduce ransom to N40m

    Abductors of eight persons from a hotel in Ibillo, Akoko-Edo local government area have reduced their ransom demand from N100m to N40m.

    The kidnappers dressed in military uniforms to gain access into the hotel where they abducted the owner and seven lodgers.

    Traditional ruler of the town, Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Abudu, said the kidnappers reduced the ransom on Monday evening.

    He said they are negotiating with the kidnappers to reduce the ransom to N20m.

    Read Also: One injured as kidnappers demand N100m ransom for eight victims in Edo

    Oba Abudu said all stakeholders and members of community have been placed om standby to raise the cash after conclusion of negotiations.

    He said: “We have continued to negotiate with the kidnappers and they have agreed to reduce the ransom to N40 million. But we hope the can bring it down to N20 million.

    “Our people are on standby to raise the money for the ransom. And payment will be made as soon as the cash is complete.

    “We are worried over the safety of our people as it has been five days since they were kidnapped.”

  • Olukoyede: EFCC not victimising Malami, I inherited his case

    Olukoyede: EFCC not victimising Malami, I inherited his case

    Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman Ola Olukoyede has faulted the persecution claim by the immediate-past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN).

    He described it as unfortunate that some Nigerians were buying into the narrative when Malami’s probe started before his appointment.

    Malami is standing trial alongside some family members on 16 counts of money laundering involving about N8.7 billion.

    Speaking on a national television yesterday, Olukoyede dismissed Malami’s claim of vendetta against him, saying the commission has not wavered in investigating and prosecuting those suspected to have been involved in corruption cases.

    “There’s nothing like that. The particular case predated my appointment. And, I didn’t give a nod to initiate proceedings until I found that we have a water-tight investigation,” he said.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Court grants EFCC’s request for temporary forfeiture of Malami’s 57 property

    The EFCC boss denied being indicted by Justice Ayo Salami’s panel.

    Olukoyede said: “I challenge those making such claims of indictment against me by Justice Ayo Salami Panel to publish the report.

    “Let me tell Nigerians that the commission’s investigation panel cleared me of any wrongdoing. The presidency at the time also cleared me. Also, the law enforcement agencies handed me a clean bill.

    “I can say clearly that there’s no report anywhere that I’ve been involved in any fraudulent dealings, whether as the commission’s chief of staff, secretary, and now, the chairman of the commission.”

    Noting that the commission, under his watch, made notable achievements last year, he said: “Our big win in 2025 was our ability to review and revive old cases that Nigerians thought were dead.

    “Some of the cases affect past governors and ministers, and many such cases are in courts.

    “We were able to recover assets. Nigerians are aware of the Lokogoma assets. One major recovery was a university.”

    The EFCC recovered Nok University in Kachia, Kaduna, after a court ordered its final forfeiture because it was built with stolen public funds by a former civil servant.

    It was converted to the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, turning the illegally acquired asset into a public institution.

  • Awujale: Fusengbuwa House resumes nomination process today

    Awujale: Fusengbuwa House resumes nomination process today

    • KWAM1 condemns exclusion

    Fuji music star and Olori Omooba of Ijebuland, Wasiu Ayinde, aka KWAM 1, has expressed concern about perceived moves by Fusengbuwa Ruling House to exclude him from the nomination process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

    He alleged that the ruling house, which is next in line to produce the new Awujale, has been taking decisions that run contrary to the Chieftaincy Declaration, Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State.

    In a letter written to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, KWAM 1, who is said to be from Fidipote Ruling House, claimed Fusengbuwa House was sidelining him from the ongoing selection process for the next Awujale.

    Fusengbuwa Ruling House resumes nomination process today in Ijebu Ode, the headquarters of Ijebu Ode Local Government, after an initial halt to the process.

    Several princes were said to have indicated their intention to succeed the last Awujale, the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who joined his ancestors at 91 on July 13, 2025 after 65 years reign on the throne.

    KWAM1’s allegations of exclusion were contained in a letter dated January 8, 2026, sent to Governor Abiodun by the musician’s lawyer, Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN.

    Earlier, he had approached Ogun State High Court in Ijebu Ode seeking an interim injunction to restrain Governor Abiodun and six others from proceeding with the selection process, but the court declined the request.

    The musician eventually withdrew the suit without providing explanations.

    Read Also: Awujale succession: Only male-line ruling house candidates are eligible — Analyst

    However, in the recent letter to the governor, he recalled that Ijebu Ode Local Government had through a letter dated January 6, 2026, from its Secretary, Oke Adebanjo, granted Fusengbuwa Ruling House the approval to begin the nomination process and conclude it within 14 days, starting from January 6.

    He said he was surprised to know that while the family members were preparing for the meeting, Prince Adeleye Ademuyiwa, the family’s spokesman, issued a notice directing candidates to collect nomination cards and appear before a screening committee.

    KWAM1 noted that the directive scheduled the nomination exercise for Monday, January 12, 2026.

    The letter said: “It is a matter of deep concern to our client that all these directives, which contravene the Chieftaincy Declaration, Obas and Chiefs Law, and the letter from the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, were included in the family’s letter dated January 6, 2026.

    “It is clear that there are plans by the leadership of the ruling house to disenfranchise members desirous of participating in the nomination of candidates for the Awujale stool.

    “We wish to emphasise that members of the ruling house are entitled to attend the meeting to nominate candidates of their choice.

    “A group of people in the ruling house cannot usurp these rights. The directive providing for screening and nomination by delegates is inconsistent with the spirit and letter of the Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021.

    “In the interest of justice and compliance with due process, we urge timely intervention to address these concerns, ensuring the integrity of the process and protecting our client’s rights.”

  • APC chief demands Adeleke’s resignation

    APC chief demands Adeleke’s resignation

    • Govt: allegations baseless

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Surulere Constituency II, Lagos State, Quassim Shittu, has called for the resignation of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke over allegations of N13.7 billion payroll fraud.

    Speaking with reporters in Lagos, he urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct an independent investigation, stressing that the claims required scrutiny to protect public funds.

    The allegations emanated from findings presented by a Lagos-based forensic audit firm contracted by Osun State Government in April 2023 to undertake a comprehensive verification of the state’s payroll.

    According to the firm, its audit reduced the monthly payroll from N4.48 billion for 37,456 workers and 17,918 pensioners in January 2023 to about N3.34 billion for 29,004 workers, with the pensioners’ figure unchanged.

    It further alleged the discovery of 8,452 ghost workers, estimating monthly savings of N1.14 billion and annual savings of N13.7 billion.

    Shittu condemned the alleged findings, saying Osun State required leadership driven by accountability and transparency.

    Read Also: Prioritise payment of local contractors, APC group charges Tinubu, Ministers

    He said if validated, the allegations should compel Governor Adeleke to resign.

    He urged residents to support the APC’s 2026 governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, whom he described as a credible alternative with the capacity to reposition the state, citing his experience as a former managing director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

    However, Osun State Government has dismissed the allegations, describing the audit firm’s claims as an attempt to impose a flawed and possibly fraudulent report on the state.

    In a statement issued at the weekend, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the figures presented by Sally Tibbot Consulting Ltd were inflated, prompting a re-verification exercise that uncovered substantial discrepancies.

    According to the government, many individuals labelled as ghost workers appeared physically during the re-verification, confirming they were legitimate employees.

    The government said it offered to provide the firm with proof of the workers’ existence, noting that the company neither requested the documentation nor issued an acceptance letter for payment based on the 1,316 workers who were genuinely unaccounted for.

  • Oyebamiji: we will resist rigging against APC

    Oyebamiji: we will resist rigging against APC

    The candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming governorship election in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has vowed that the party would resist rigging during 2026 election slated for August 8.

    He alleged APC was rigged out during the 2022 Osun State governorship election, asserting that the party would take over governance in 2026.

    The standard-bearer, speaking yesterday at the APC state secretariat in Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo, during a meeting with the youth arm of the party, urged members to begin door-to-door awareness.

    Addressing the youth, he said: “I want to assure you that 2026 will not be like 2022 when we were rigged out of office. We should work hard. For this forthcoming election, governments across the world will stand with us.

    Read Also: Oyebamiji’s posters, billboards flood Osun

    “Many people, who are seeing what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing, are willing to join the cause. We must deliver. You must work. This government will be for youths. We are going to programme a system that will reward youths.”

    He admonished the youth not to be lackadaisical about the forthcoming poll.

    “We are eager to take over, but we have yet to work towards it. God has given us a goal post and set us up to play penalty into an empty net. Despite this, we should work assiduously.

    “We must go back to doing house-to-house, door-to-door awareness about the forthcoming election. Our opponents have started lying to Osun people, you must break these lies.”

    The state APC Youth Leader, Olagoke Akinwemimo, said: “The choice of Oyebamiji is perfect, which has shattered the expectations of the opposition, who predicted division and failure within our party.”

  • Stalwart felicitates Aiyedatiwa at 61

    Stalwart felicitates Aiyedatiwa at 61

    A scholar, Dr. Akinola Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa, has felicitated Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on the occasion of his 61st birthday.

    In a congratulatory statement, he lauded the governor’s contributions to the development of the state.

    Dr. Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa described Governor Aiyedatiwa as a problem-solver, whose pragmatic and inclusive approach had fostered stability, progress and renewed hope across the state.

    “The governor’s leadership has brought stability and progress to Ondo State

    “His commitment to infrastructure, security, education, health care and economic empowerment has not only addressed challenges, but also laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

    Read Also: Sule, Otti, Soludo, Adeleke, Aiyedatiwa, Abiodun, Zulum, Yusuf sign 2026 budgets into Law

    ”Governor Aiyedatiwa should rededicate himself to the service of the people of Ondo State by building on the remarkable achievements recorded so far,’’ he said.

    The APC chieftain expressed confidence that the governor would sustain his efforts to better the state, inspire current and future generations with his visionary leadership and passion for inclusive development.

    “As Governor Aiyedatiwa enters this new year of life, Dr. Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa wishes him good health, wisdom, divine guidance and greater successes in steering Ondo State toward even brighter horizons,” the statement said.