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  • IPOB’s Kanu: Court bars Sowore, others from protesting anywhere near Aso Rock Villa, NASS, others

    IPOB’s Kanu: Court bars Sowore, others from protesting anywhere near Aso Rock Villa, NASS, others

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred politician and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore and others behind the planned protest for the release on Nnamdi Kanu of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) from taking their activities anywhere close to the presidential villa, Aso Rock, Abuja and other important national institutions.

    Justice Mohammed Umar, in a ruling on Friday, also barred Sowore and his associates in the protest planned for October 20 to also steer clear of National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way, pending the hearing of the motion on notice filed by the police, on behalf of the Federal Government.

    In a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the order, signed on Saturday, Justice Umar said: “The respondents are hereby restrained in the interim from protesting in the following Areas; Aso Rock Villa, or anywhere close to Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and on Shehu Shagari way pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

     “The court hereby abridged time within which the respondents will respond to the application on notice to cause this ex-parte order be set aside on Monday, the 20th of October, 2025 at 9.00am. 

    “The order of this court together with the motion on notice be served on the respondents today, Friday, the 17th day of October, 2025.”

    Justice Umar adjourned till October 20 for hearing of the motion on notice. 

    The ruling was on a motion ex-parte, filed in the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 filed by the police.

    Listed as respondents are Sowore, Sahara Reporters Ltd, Sahara Reporters’ Media Foundation, Take It Back Movement (TIB) for the Transformation of Nigeria or any form of organisation or any other person(s) acting, either express or implied instruction or any other organisation or group with the like intention and unknown persons.

    Sowore, the presidential candidate of African Action Congress (ACC) in 2019 and 2023 recently announced plan a protest to compel the Federal Government to release Kanu, who being tried on a terrorism charge.

    The prosecution, in the case before a Federal High Court in Abuja, has sincled closed its case after calling five witnesses and rendering evidence including video a d audio recordings of Kanu’s activities as IPOB leader.

    On October 16, the presiding judge Kanu’s terrorism trial, Justice James Omotosho, read the concluding part of the report in the open court after Agabi confirmed that he received and read the report of the medical examination of his client by the NMA team.

    The report concluded that the ailments that Kanu complained about were not life threatening and that he was fit to continue to stand trial.

    When asked by the judge whether he had seen the report, Agabi confirmed receiving a copy, which he said he read and shared with members of his team.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s policies making Nigeria rich again – Uzodimma

    Agabi told the court that the defence team had nothing against the report.

    It was at the point that Justice Omotosho announced that, in view of the accelerated hearing earlier granted in the case, he would adjourned for six consecutive days for the defence to open and close its case.

    The judge then requested Agabi and Awomolo to agree on the dates convenient for them, following which the two lawyers suggested October 23 for the commencement of the defendant’s case.

    Shortly before he adjourned for the day, Justice Omotosho granted an oral application by Agabi that Kanu’s legal team be granted private consultation opportunity with the defendant, outside the premises of the Department of State Services (DSS), before the commencement of his defence.

    Agabi said the defendant’s legal team was afraid that its consultation with him (Kanu) could be secretly tapped or recorded by the DSS.

    Justice Omotosho also acceded to Agabi’s request that the private meeting with Kanu be held in the courtroom, during which only the defendant and his lawyers would be present. Agabi chose October 22, a day before the date set for Kanu to open his defence.

    Based on Agabi’s request, Justice Omotosho ordered that the private consultation meeting between Kanu and his legal team should hold within the courtroom between 9am and 12noon on October 22, while the trial will resume on October 23.

  • Tinubu lands in Abuja after Aqaba meeting in Rome

    Tinubu lands in Abuja after Aqaba meeting in Rome

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Abuja after a week away in Rome, the capital of Italy, where he had taken part in the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government meeting.

    Tinubu, whose aircraft touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 7:30pm, had participated in the high-level meeting aimed at strengthening regional and international collaboration in combating terrorism and violent extremism, with special focus on West Africa.

    The meeting was hosted at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, Rome.

    The Aqaba Process, launched in 2015 by King Abdullah II of Jordan, is co-chaired by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Government of Italy. 

    Since its inception, it has convened 33 meetings across different levels, from technical expert sessions to summits of Heads of State and Government, with its agenda built around prevention, coordination, and closing operational gaps in counterterrorism efforts.

    Read Also: Tinubu committed to constructing quality roads in Nigeria, says Umahi

    The Rome session was attended by several world leaders, including King Abdullah II, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the Presidents of Nigeria, Chad, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, and Togo. 

    Algeria’s Upper House President, Azouz Nasri, as well as delegations from Côte d’Ivoire, Kazakhstan, Mauritania, Senegal, and Uzbekistan, joined the deliberations, which were held behind closed doors.

    On the sidelines of the conference, President Tinubu held a series of bilateral meetings—first with Prime Minister Meloni on enhancing Nigeria–Italy economic and security cooperation; then with Massad Boulos, Senior Adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump on Arab and African Affairs, who reaffirmed Washington’s support for Nigeria’s efforts to resolve internal conflicts and fight terrorism.

    The Nigerian leader also met privately with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, where discussions centred on promoting religious harmony and addressing disinformation campaigns that falsely portray Nigeria as intolerant of faith diversity.

    President Tinubu was received on arrival by senior government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.

  • Army rescues 21 kidnap victims in Kwara, Kogi joint operations

    Army rescues 21 kidnap victims in Kwara, Kogi joint operations

    Twenty-one kidnap victims were rescued in coordinated operations by 12 Brigade and 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Kwara and Kogi States.

    The victims, comprising 14 males, five females, one infant, and four Chinese nationals, were rescued during the operations conducted on October 17.

    The spokesman of 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, stated in a statement on Saturday that the victims were freed by their abductors from different locations across the states, following the troops’ intensified offensive.

    He said some of the victims had been in captivity for over four months.

    According to Okoye, after their release, the victims were provided with necessary first aid and other relief items to assist them in recovering from the trauma they had endured at the hands of their abductors.

    He said: “The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for medical attention. 

    “Most of them who were physically weak and could not walk unaided, owing to extreme exhaustion, are responding to treatment, and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery.”

    Okoye said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Maj.-Gen. C.R. Nnebeife, who has been coordinating the operations, expressed sympathy for the victims and reassured residents that the Division remains committed to sustaining the ongoing onslaught against all criminal elements.

    Read Also: North-East is more secure now – Army

    He said Maj.-Gen Nnebeife also assured that there will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).

    “The GOC appreciated the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its continuous air support throughout the operations. He also thanked other security agencies for the synergy in tackling the myriad of security challenges in the State.

    “He commended the efforts of the troops and directed the Brigades to maintain the tempo of the operations towards restoring peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states within 2 Division area of responsibility,” Okoye said.

  • FG launches data-driven reform to clean up civil service records

    FG launches data-driven reform to clean up civil service records

    The Federal Government has commenced a comprehensive personnel audit and skills gap analysis across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as part of efforts to strengthen data integrity, improve workforce planning, and drive a merit-based civil service.

    ‎The exercise, known as the Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis (PASGA) Project, was officially launched in Abuja by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack. 

    She said the project would correct years of fragmented and outdated personnel data that had hampered effective deployment and planning in the service.

    ‎According to her: “PASGA is a key element of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025, designed to reposition the civil service as an efficient, accountable, and digitally driven institution in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.” 

    ‎She explained that the initiative would deliver accurate personnel records, identify skills gaps, and ensure targeted training and redeployment in line with government priorities.

    ‎Walson-Jack noted that the reform marks a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of the public service. She said the initiative reflects government’s commitment to innovation, talent optimization, and evidence-based human resource management. 

    ‎She commended the Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, and the Project Implementation Committee for their coordination and charged the consulting firm handling the project to demonstrate professionalism and technical precision throughout the exercise.

    ‎The Head of Service urged all permanent secretaries, directors, union leaders, and staff across MDAs to give their full cooperation, stressing that PASGA is not just an audit but a reform tool that will determine how placements, promotions, and performance are managed. She said the goal is to build a civil service that is data-driven, merit-based, and future-ready.

    ‎The Senior Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Knewrow Consulting, Mr. Ayo Muritala, whose firm is the implementing partner for the project, described the initiative as a defining moment for the Nigerian Civil Service. 

    ‎He said the exercise, codenamed Project Phoenix, represents the rebirth and renewal of the civil service and will set a new benchmark for how public service data and workforce planning are managed.

    ‎Muritala stated that the company views the project as a national service rather than a mere contract, adding that its implementation will be guided by the values of people, ownership, and ingenuity. He said every civil servant would be reached wherever they are stationed, assuring that no one would need to travel to Abuja for verification.

    ‎He explained that the verification teams have been trained and equipped to ensure the process is seamless, credible, and transformative. 

    ‎He added that the outcome of the project would not only meet expectations but also shape the future of the public service by improving accountability, data integrity, and workforce efficiency.

    ‎Muritala expressed appreciation to the Head of the Civil Service for her leadership and commitment to reform, saying the project signifies partnership with purpose and the pursuit of a legacy that will strengthen public administration for generations to come.

  • Genocide Claim: Boko Haram, ISIS killing more Muslims than Christians – Trump’s Advisor

    Genocide Claim: Boko Haram, ISIS killing more Muslims than Christians – Trump’s Advisor

    • Says US satisfied with Tinubu’s handling of farmer-herder conflicts, pledges support

    The Senior Advisor to the United States of America President Donald Trump on Arab and African Affairs, Mr. Massad Boulos, has dismissed recent claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria.

    He said the American government is aware that terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISIS have killed more Muslims than Christians in the country.

    US Senator Ted Cruz had in an X (formerly Twitter) post penultimate Tuesday accused the Federal Government of encouraging the massacre of Christians.

    Senator Cruz alleged that no fewer than 50,000 Christians had been killed since 2009, with 2,000 schools and 18,000 churches destroyed by what he called the Islamist armed groups.

    He therefore introduced a bill to sanction Nigerian officials whom he accused of ignoring and even facilitating the mass murder of Christians.

    But Mr. Boulos, who spoke with journalists in Rome after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday, described any loss of life as “unfortunate”, stressing that terrorism in Nigeria is indiscriminate and affects people of all faiths and ethnicities.

    “Those who know the terrain well know that terrorism has no colour, no religion, and no tribe.

    “People of all religions and all tribes are dying as a result of terrorist acts.

    “We even know that Boko Haram and ISIS are killing more Muslims than Christians.

    READ ALSO; What inspired me to write ‘Joromi’ song – Simi

    “This is not specifically targeted at one group or the other,” Boulos said.

    He added that the United States recognises the efforts of President Tinubu’s administration in tackling insecurity and addressing the farmer-herder crisis in the North-Central region.

    “The Nigerian government and President Tinubu’s administration have recently taken additional measures and put more resources in those areas, and we’ve seen some improvements in recent weeks.

    “We appreciate those measures, and we definitely look forward to more of those, and we look forward to ending these sorts of acts, wherever they come from,” he noted.

    Boulos emphasised that Nigeria remains a model of religious coexistence, describing it as a “melting pot” where Christians and Muslims have lived together in harmony for centuries.

    “Nigeria’s population is split almost 50/50 between Christians and Muslims.

    “This has never been a serious religious issue, and should not be.

    “We appreciate what President Tinubu has done, and we shall continue to work together to make sure it’s taken care of,” he said.

    He reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in resolving conflicts and strengthening national unity, urging continued collaboration to eradicate terrorism and foster peace across all regions.

  • EFCC’s witness confirms receiving, transferring $3m to Aisha Achimugu’s firm

    EFCC’s witness confirms receiving, transferring $3m to Aisha Achimugu’s firm

    A witness of the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Trinity Usman, yesterday  told the Federal High Court in Abuja that he received and transferred $3million  into Mrs Aisha Achimugu’s company account.

    Usman, the 2nd prosecution witness (PW-2), testified before Justice Emeka Nwite, led in evidence by the EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN.

    The PW-2, a Bureau De Change operator, spoke in the ongoing trial of Halima Buba, Managing Director of SunTrust Bank, and her co-defendant, Innocent Mbagwu, the Executive Director/Chief Compliance Officer of the bank.

    The duo are being prosecuted on money laundering offences to the tune of $12 million.

    In a six-count charge, they were alleged to have aided high-value cash transactions without routing them through a financial institution.

    The offence is said to be contrary to Section 21(a), 2(1), and 9(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act.

    The defendants were, on June 13, arraigned by the anti-graft agency.

    READ ALSO; What inspired me to write ‘Joromi’ song – Simi

    They, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts and admitted to a N100 million bail with one surety, each in like sum.

    At the resumed trial, the witness said he was in court to tell what he knew about the transactions he had with Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, owned by Achimugu.

    Usman, who said he was a businessman and general contractor, said he was also into agro allied and oil business.

    He said he carried out the businesses with companies or registered names.

    He said his companies include Triple A and Tee Service Venture, T.M. Agro Allied Farm, Triple A and D Oil and Gas Ltd, Triple A and Tee BDC Ltd, among others.

    “Sometimes in April 2025, one Suleiman Ciroma contacted me that he had a transaction that he needed 3 million US dollars to be transferred to Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd.

     “In that particular time, I had the money in my Triple A and Tee Oil and Gas Nig Ltd account.

     “After we agreed with him, Suleiman Ciroma gave me the dollar payment in cash.

    “I paid him the dollars into Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Ltd account,” he said.

    He said the payment was made in April 2025

     “Can you remember the exact date you made the payment?” Iheanacho asked.

    “I made the transfer in four tranches but I cannot remember the exact day,” the witness responded.

    However, when the lawyer asked the witness if he knew Buba and Mbagwu, he said he did not know them.

    “Take a look at the dock and tell the court if you know the defendants,” Iheanacho asked, and the witness si

    Usman told the court that he did the transactions with Triple A and Tee Oil Nig Ltd.

     “It was from there I transferred the dollars into Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Ltd,” he said.

    But when Iheanacho asked the PW-2 if his BDC company, Triple A and Tee BDC Ltd, featured in the transaction, counsel for the 1st defendant (Buba), Johnson Usman, SAN, raised an objection.

    The senior lawyer argued that Iheanacho’s question was a ploy to give the witness tips on what to say and the judge directed him to rephrase the question.

    The witness said that the licence of Triple A and Tee BDC Ltd, as at the time of the transactions, had been suspended.

    He said the cash transactions from Ciroma were made through his staff.

    He mentioned the names of the staff as Abdulkadir Mohammed and Kabir Haruna.

    The BDC operator also said that he did an equal naira-to-dollar transaction with Ciroma.

     “The naira was transferred into Triple A and Tee Service Venture Ltd Bank account.

     “The naira also was converted into dollars and I sent the equivalent into Oceangate account,” he said.

    However, during cross-examination by Buba’s counsel, Usman SAN, the witness was asked to confirm to the court that Triple A and Tee BDC Ltd had been in operation to date, and he responded affirmatively.

     “After they suspended our licence, we proposed Triple A and Tee BDC Ltd to CBN last year and we have an approval in principle with CBN,” the witness responded.

     “Ciroma Suleiman contacted you in these transactions because he knows you as a BDC operator?” the lawyer asked, and the PW-2 responded affirmatively.

    When Usman asked the witness if it was on the basis of that knowledge that the PW-2 sent his staff to collect the dollars from Ciroma, Iheanacho also objected to the question.

    The witness admitted that he did not tell the defendants before the transactions that his BDC license was suspended at any time.

    He said his oil company account was used for the transactions because it was the account he had available dollars.

    ‘The choice of using your oil and gas company account to transfer the dollars to Oceangate was your own decision,” the lawyer asked, and the witness responded in the affirmative.

    Counsel to the 2nd defendant (Mbagwu), M.S. Ibrahim, SAN, asked the witness if he made any profit from the transactions, and he responded affirmatively.

     “Did you tell the defendants whom you have never seen or known before that you were going to make an inflow payment from your oil and gas company’s account?” Ibrahim asked, and the PW-2 said, “No.”

    After the cross-examination, the witness was discharged, and Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 for continuation of the trial.

    Earlier on Thursday, during the cross-examination of Suleiman Ciroma, the owner of Funnacle BDC Ltd and the PW-I by Usman SAN, the witness said the reason Achimugu requested the transfer of the money was that if she had deposited the money in cash in the bank, she would not be able to transfer it.

    Ciroma said Trimizi Usman and Hassan Dantani, upon their representatives collecting the money, in turn, transferred the dollar equivalent, “less their charges into a designated account provided by Aisha Achimugu.”

    He agreed with Usman’s question that in a forex transaction, a transfer can only be made from an account where the money came by way of inflow and not by cash deposit.

    When the lawyer asked Ciroma if Achimugu needed the dollar transfer to purchase her two oil blocks, the PW-1 responded affirmatively.

    The witness told the court that he is a member of the BDC Traders Association, Wuse Zone 4 in Abuja.

    He said that was why when he made his statements to EFCC on April 14, April 11 and May 7, the executive members of the association were with him at the time.

    Ciroma, who agreed that he was duly cautioned before writing the extra-judicial statements, admitted that there was no part he informed the defendants, particularly Buba, that his BDC licence had expired.

     Also, while being cross-examined by Ibrahim, who appeared for the 2nd defendant, Ciroma agreed that he had never seen Mbagwu physically before.

    He also admitted that he had never produced any text or WhatsApp message between him and Mbagwu before the court.

  • Police smash vicious interstate robbery gang, recover vehicles, firearms

    Police smash vicious interstate robbery gang, recover vehicles, firearms

    A dare-devil interstate armed robbery syndicate, which specialises in snatching cars, has been dismantled by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command.

    The suspects, Taiwo Alabi (42), Ogedengbe Lewis (46), Ighodalo Enato Francis (37) and Osaro Eghe Abiodun (34), were arrested across four states — Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Edo — by crack detectives who trailed their activities following an operation in Lagos.

    The Nation gathered that one of the suspects was a priest in a popular church in Benin City while the other was an Uber driver in Lagos whose wife had a baby barely two months ago.

    The driver, who admitted knowing that his passengers were armed robbers, told detectives that they carried the firearms in a suitcase and opened it when they were ready to strike.

    He said the suspects paid him N500,000 for one night, claiming it was the only time he had followed them.

    READ ALSO: No plans to join APC, says Lawal

    The driver was apprehended in Lagos following which he led detectives to Godwill Street, Idowu Egba in Isheri-Igando Road, where detectives recovered exhibits including a semi-automatic pump action with breech no: 000565; An English pistol; 48 9mm ammunition, 46 live cartridges, one cutlass and charms.

    The police also recovered two Lexus ES350, a Toyota Sienna and one Corrolla vehicles from the gang.

    Addressing journalists at the Igando resident of the gang, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Olohundare Jimoh, said their arrest followed a car theft they carried out in Lagos last month.

    He said two of the suspects entered a private car owned by a civil servant who decided to pick up passengers after work to augment his fuel money.

    Unknown to the motorist, the two men he picked up around Lekki/Ajah were armed robbers who attacked him once they got to an isolated area.

    “They robbed the motorist of his vehicle, and immediately the matter was reported, I directed that the complainant should be contacted for more details so we could get to the roots of the matter.

    “When the complainant gave details of what happened, tactical teams were deployed to fish them out, and this investigation took detectives to three other states where these suspects had been operating.

    “So, we are sending this for members of the public to be assured that the Nigeria Police Force has the capacity to protect every Nigerian throughout the length and breadth of this country.

    “This is what we have exemplified in the successes recorded by the Lagos State Police Command.

    “The tactical commander that you see with me here is making a lot of successes in terms of violent crime prevention and apprehension of those who engage in the act.

    “I want to use this opportunity to admonish Lagosians to stop using their private vehicles to pick up passengers.

    “It is a dangerous thing to do because you do not know who the person you want to carry for a fee is.

    “It is better to park your vehicle when you do not have fuel money than to use it to pick up people you don’t know on the road.

    “That is the modus operandi this gang deployed in Lagos, but they were caught.

    “Let me also appeal to residents to always provide information to the police.

    “You can see where this house is located. It is not hidden or isolated. It is sandwiched between buildings, and even in the compound, there are other tenants.

    “So, our people need to help us secure them better by providing information about suspicious persons or activities so that the police can investigate…

    “Let me assure residents that there is no need to be scared or to panic, because we are committed to their safety and security.

    “We have a formidable team in the Lagos State Police Command to ensure safety throughout the length and breadth of the state.

    “We appreciate the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun, for all the logistics support and technical aid to the command.

    “You can see the vehicles and equally the APC, one of which is mounted here today.

    “We equally appreciate the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his concern and commitment to security in the state.

    “We appreciate him for all the valuable support and other assistance that he has continuously rendered to the Police Command…”

    One of the vehicles recovered by the police was snatched from the owner between Lagos and Ogun border.

     The victim, who could not contain his joy, thanked the police for recovering his vehicle.

    He explained that he was attacked on September 7 while driving towards Alagbado.

    He said: “It was around past 9pm and I stopped to get something.

    “Less than 30 seconds after I stopped, someone banged my door and said I should wind down. So, I asked why?

    “The next thing, I saw he had a pump action gun.

    “Out of fear, I opened the door and there was another guy on the other side who had a pistol. They both jumped into my car, collected my three phones, jewellery and other items in the car.

    “Then they told me they were going with my car; that I should come down and face the wall.

    “When they told me to face the wall, I was afraid they wanted to shoot me, so I fled in the opposite direction.

    “They left with the car, a Lexus, and I reported to the police.

    “I did not pay anything to the police. No money was requested from me.

    “I am very thankful to the police, especially the tactical squad, for their intervention.”

  • FAAC shares N2.103tr to FG, States, LGAs for September 2025

    FAAC shares N2.103tr to FG, States, LGAs for September 2025

    A total of N2.103 trillion has been shared to the Federal, States, and Local Governments from the Federation Account Revenue generated in September 2025.

    The allocation was at the October 2025 meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in Abuja.

    According to a communiqué at the end of the meeting, the N2.103 trillion total distributable revenue comprised N1.239 trillion from statutory revenue, N812.593 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT), and N51.684 billion from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL).

    The communiqué stated that the total gross revenue available in September 2025 was N3.054 trillion.

    From this amount, N116.149 billion was deducted as the cost of collection while N835.005 billion was set aside for transfers, interventions, refunds and savings.

    It added that the gross statutory revenue for September 2025 stood at N2.128 trillion, which was N710.134 billion lower than the N2.838 trillion recorded in August 2025.

    In contrast, gross revenue from VAT amounted to N872.630 billion, showing an increase of N150.011 billion compared to the N722.619 billion generated in August 2025.

    From the N2.103 trillion total distributable revenue, the communiqué disclosed that the Federal Government received N711.314 billion, while the State Governments received N727.170 billion. The Local Government Councils got N529.954 billion, and N134.956 billion, representing 13 percent of mineral revenue, was allocated to oil-producing states as derivation revenue.

    Giving further details, FAAC stated that from the N1.239 trillion distributable statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N581.672 billion, the States received N295.032 billion, and the Local Governments got N227.457 billion. The sum of N134.956 billion was shared to the oil-producing states as derivation revenue.

    From the N812.593 billion distributable VAT revenue, the Federal Government received N121.889 billion, the States received N406.297 billion, and the Local Governments received N284.408 billion.

    In the distribution of the N51.684 billion EMTL revenue, the Federal Government received N7.753 billion, the State Governments received N25.842 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N18.089 billion.

    The communiqué also noted that in September 2025, revenue from Import Duty, VAT, and EMTL increased significantly, while revenue from Companies Income Tax (CIT) and Common External Tariff (CET) levies declined. It added that Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) recorded a marginal increase, while Oil and Gas Royalty and Excise Duty declined slightly.

    The Federation Account Allocation Committee meeting was attended by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and representatives of State Commissioners for Finance and State Accountants-General.

  • PSC appoints one DIG, promotes top police officers

    PSC appoints one DIG, promotes top police officers

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the appointment of AIG Dankwara Adamu Mohammed to the next rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police to represent the North East Geopolitical zone and replace DIG Sahabu Abubakar Yahaya who has since retired from Service. 

    The Commission also approved the promotion of CP Abibo Deinma Reuben from the rank of Commissioner to the next rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police. 

    PSC further approved the promotion of eleven Deputy Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Substantive Commissioners.

    They are Naziru Bello Kankarofi; Nendel Joseph  Gomwalk; Tijani Olaiwola Fatai; Wilson Aniefiok Akpan; Morkwap Dongshal and Abdullateef Ajape Yusuf. Others are Cletus Nwadiogbu, Deputy Commissioner Finance and Administration, Taraba State; Ahmed Mohammed  Bello; Abdulraheem  Nurudeen; Patrick Daaor and Umar Mohammed  Hadejia.

    The promotions were one of the highpoints of the 2nd Plenary Meeting of the Commission which began at the Solomon Arase Conference hall and presided over by Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd and attended by Commissioners, Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Police Matters, Justice Christine Ladi Dabup and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission. 

    According to a statement on Friday by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission also approved the promotion of 13 Assistant Commissioners of Police to the rank of Deputy Commissioners. 

    The newly promoted Deputy Commissioners include David  Gbenga Ojo, Umaru Bello Bichi, Bala Salihu Jarumai, Makanjuola Abiodun, Shafii Abdulkarim, Mohammed Ajose, Mukter Bello, Delta Command and Mada mani Adamu. Others are Omololu Vaughan,  Linus  Ogbodo, Emmanuel Anene Ogbuanya, Tijani Richard  Gotom, Shehu  Sambo  Bawa Ibrahim, Specialists, Dr. Onwuegbuzie Gerald Awele (medical Doctor) and Hamza Ali, a nurse.

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    Forty four Chief Superintendents of Police were elevated to the next rank of Assistant Commissioners of Police including Victoria Olayinka Mulero, Commanding Officer, SPU Base 22, Oyo State, Alirat Odunola Adedeji, Olufunmilola Oluwaseun Amore,  Ezeokafor Emmanuel Nnonso, Conchita Ngozi Uzoma Braide, Onaji Patrick, Anayochukwu Henry Ekeocha and Alkali Abbah Hadeja (Works) among others.

    The Commission also approved the promotion of 412 Superintendents of Police to the rank of Chief Superintendents. 

    They include: Odey Peters Idaba, Emmanuel Peter Okoh, Mohammed Dan-Mallam Abdulrahaman, Fawole  Oludayo,  Ntum  Onyekachi. Nwaneri Georgina Oluchi, DPO Abakaliki Road and Tudon George. Others include Njoku  Chibueze Onwe, DPO Akwete Abia Command, Chukwuemeka Howells  Anyimukwu; DPO Uturu, Abia State, Ngozi Ajaegbu, Police Special Fraud Unit, Lagos Annex; Okoye Tobechukwu  Godwin, Unwana Division, Ebonyi Command, Sarah Maximus Oloto,  DCO, A Division Uyo, Usman Nuhu Iluobe, FCT Command, Ugwu Chiagozie, Ikpeamah Joy Chidinma, Nnamdi  Okeke, second in Command X Squad zone 13 Ukpo and Oke  Oluleke Oluseye CSO, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. Others include Marcel Amaechi Ozochi second in Command SWAT Ebonyi Command, Isiaku Tanko, Secretary to former PSC Chairman, IGP Mike Okiro rtd,  Mojirade Obisiji, Admin Officer IGP Monitoring Unit, Oluseye Samuel Anota, IGP Special Investigation Unit, Force Headquarters, Agba Benedicta Mwuese, second in Command SPU Base 6 Portharcourt, John Okwa, DPO Ogui Enugu Command, Ejiofor  Charles Emenike DCO Abakpa Nike Enugu, Edobor Idowu, 25 PMF Azumini, Alexander  Bassey, DCO Nyanya Division Nasarawa state, Mohammed Kanoma Abdulrahaman, DPO Bompai Div, Kano, Chukwu  Peters Okike O/C Provost 54 PMF Onitsha, Okoro Chinedu Gabriel Commander  Tactical support Team, Niger state Command, Chukwuka Odum, Commander Anti Kidnapping Unit Enugu State Command, Ikemere Nduka Charles, DPO Nekede, Imo Command, Ikpa Sylvester Ujor Officer in charge D24 SCID (Disaster management) Uyo Akwa Ibom Command, Haanongon Alfred Terungwe, DPO Arochukwu, Abia State, Muhammad  Nazir, FCID Abuja, Ogunmuyiwa Rotimi, Cyril Daniel Dalyop, Commander Quick Response Squad Zone 2 Headquarters Onikan, Lagos, Fasasi Abiodun, IGP Special Special Investigation Unit Force Headquarters Abuja and Musa Diza Jikwoyi, 62 PMF, Kafanchan, Kaduna Command.

    Some of the DSPs promoted to the next rank of Superintendents are; Rekpene Ukpabi Ekoh, Ebonyi Command; Tonga Monday, 48 PMF Ahoada Rivers state; Omiegbu Christian  Emenike, Delta Command, Kolos Nathaniel, 16 PMF  Abeokuta, Ochenehi Mathew Ugwa and Umar Abdulkadir, PMF 18 Owerri.

    The Commission also confirmed Assistant Superintendents of Police Obike Elizabeth  attached to SPU National Assembly, Adeoye Olufemi Staff Officer PPRO, Lagos state Command, Osuagwu Precious Chioma, SPU Base 6, Portharcourt, Ani Emmanuel, Amamba John Eze, second in Command Provost SPU Base 29 Force Headquarters, Ella Mogbor, Chime Joan Nnenna, SCID Enugu, Apie Jeremiah, Chibuzor Wobounqawta, Igwe Dominic, Marcus Gah, Bello Abdullahi, Chinedu Agbo, Zakah Faruk, Ayoh Francis, Mathew Nwaosugwu, Bakinde Agyo, Patience Ohuabunwa, Aleleware Tomarautare and Sunday ladam Akwanga Division Nasarawa state amongst many others. 

    Chairman of the Commission, DIG Argungu congratulated the newly promoted Officers and called for their rededication to the service of the Nigerian nation.

  • NIHSA raises flood alert in Kogi, Delta, others

    NIHSA raises flood alert in Kogi, Delta, others

    ‎The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has raised an alert over possible flooding in parts of Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Niger, Benue and Adamawa States as water levels along the Niger and Benue Rivers continue to rise.

    ‎The Director General of NIHSA, Engr. Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja, where he urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and consider moving to higher grounds in line with official advisories from local authorities.

    ‎Mohammed said current hydrological data indicate high water levels along the two major rivers, increasing the likelihood of localized flooding in surrounding communities.

    ‎He said: “Our hydrological monitoring shows high water levels along parts of the Niger and Benue Rivers, with the possibility of localized flooding in Kogi, Anambra, Delta, and other downstream communities. We advise residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and to follow official advisories.”

    ‎The NIHSA boss emphasised that early warning and timely relocation remain the most effective measures to prevent loss of lives and property. He explained that NIHSA, as the nation’s authority responsible for monitoring and managing surface and groundwater resources, generates critical data that help government, communities, and individuals plan for safe and sustainable water use.

    ‎He said the agency’s work cuts across several sectors including agriculture, energy, dam operations, and environmental management, adding that every data collected contributes to saving lives and strengthening Nigeria’s resilience against climate change.

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    ‎Mohammed said the agency has in recent years expanded its real-time data collection capacity, upgraded its early warning systems, and improved the accuracy of its forecasts through the use of satellite imagery, digital modeling, and on-ground measurements.

    ‎He noted that NIHSA’s Annual Flood Outlook remains one of its flagship products, providing detailed forecasts of likely flood scenarios across states, while sensitization campaigns are carried out to help state governments and communities prepare ahead.

    ‎He revealed that recent water quality assessments conducted during flood evaluations showed contamination in some shallow wells due to floodwater intrusion, calling for stronger collaboration among relevant ministries, humanitarian partners, and local authorities to ensure access to safe drinking water in affected communities.

    ‎Looking ahead, the DG said NIHSA is developing a Five-Year Strategic Action Plan that focuses on innovation, regional empowerment, and stronger stakeholder engagement. He said the agency is also strengthening its zonal and field offices to bring its services closer to the people, while leveraging technology and partnerships with institutions such as NIMET, NEMA, the National Water Resources Institute, the World Meteorological Organization, and UNESCO.

    ‎Mohammed reaffirmed NIHSA’s commitment to providing accurate and timely hydrological information that protects lives, supports development, enhances economic growth, and ensures a safer, more resilient Nigeria.

    ‎He stressed that as floods, droughts, and other climate-related challenges intensify, collective action and early response remain key to preventing avoidable disasters and ensuring that no Nigerian suffers loss due to lack of information or warning.