Category: Nigeria

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Tunji Disu sets up committee on establishment of state police

Tunji Disu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has inaugurated a seven-member steering committee on the establishment of state police in Nigeria.

The committee, which will be led by Olu Ogunsakin, a professor of police studies, was inaugurated on Wednesday.

Speaking during the inauguration, Disu, who was recently appointed as IGP, asked the committee to propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.

The IGP asked the committee to review issues pertaining to training, recruitment, resource allocation, and oversight mechanisms necessary for the state police structures.


Disu said the decentralisation of the police will enable state government and local authorities to respond to specific security challenges within their jurisdictions.

“It is my greatest privilege to formally inaugurate this committee on state policing. The task before this committee is both significant and timely as it speaks to our reflective demand to strengthen Nigeria’s security,” he said

“The committee we are inaugurating today has a critical responsibility. Your work will help shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria in a manner that strengthens, rather than fragments, our national security system.

“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as ours.

“Among other responsibilities, the Committee is expected to: review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria; assess community security needs and emerging risks across the country; propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of State Police structures; address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards, and resource allocation; develop robust accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.

“If thoughtfully designed and effectively implemented, State Policing holds significant potential benefits for our country.

“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats.”

Other members of the committee are Bode Ojajuni (secretary), Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor, Tolulope Ipinmisho, and Emmanuel Ojukwu.

On numerous occasions, President Bola Tinubu has promised that his administration will create state police as part of the measures to address the country’s insecurity.

Recently, Tinubu asked both chambers of the national assembly to amend the 1999 constitution to create a legal framework for the establishment of state police.

The national assembly has commenced the process of amending the 1999 constitution to accommodate the establishment of state. (TheCable)

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EFCC hands over recovered ₦279m to Wole Soyinka Centre in Lagos

As part of efforts to combat corruption and recover misappropriated public funds, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over the sum of ₦279 million to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Theatre, Lagos.


The handover ceremony took place on Friday at the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi.

A statement by the Head, Media and Publicity of the agency, Dele Oyewale, said the Commission had, in 2009, received a petition from Kabir Yusuf, former General Manager/CEO of the National Theatre, against one Prince Benjamin Apugo and others, alleging that a contract worth ₦299,707,828.00 was awarded through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation to Techno Exportstroy Nig. Limited for the construction of five gates, sand filling, and reclamation works at the National Theatre.

It disclosed that investigations revealed that the suspect, Yusuf Ahmed Atai, in his capacity as Acting General Manager of the National Theatre, released the sum of ₦334,229,794.24 to the contractor, which exceeded the original contract sum by ₦34,521,966.00.


“Further investigations showed that the contractor only executed work valued at ₦55,910,744.00, leaving an outstanding balance of ₦243,799,132.25 in unexecuted work.

The suspect also failed to refund the excess payment of ₦34,521,966.00.

“Upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspect was charged in court for prosecution.
During the course of the trial, a total sum of ₦279,000,000.00 was recovered from the defendant on behalf of the complainant,” the statement partly read.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, represented by the Acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi,  Assistant Commander of the EFCC,  ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to ensure that public funds are properly accounted for and returned to their rightful owners.

He urged the management of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts to use the recovered funds judiciously.

“We cannot suffer to recover this money for you and then have it used for purposes other than what it is meant for after receiving it from us. We have already asked you to tell us what you intend to do with it, and you should know that we will keep an eye on how it is utilised.

“Nigerians have always sought to know what the Commission does with recovered funds,” he said.

He added that the Commission would periodically inspect the project for which the funds would be used.

“We will be visiting from time to time to monitor the progress of work. Our eagle eyes will be watching the pace of work. Do not tamper with the recovered funds. Use them for the benefit of Nigeria and all of us,” he added. (Channels)

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Tinubu approves postings of 65 ambassadors

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the postings of 65 ambassadors, comprising 31 non-career and 34 career diplomats, to Nigeria’s foreign missions across the world and the United Nations.

The envoys had earlier been confirmed by the Senate in December 2025 following their nomination by the President.

A statement on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already secured agreement from the United Kingdom for Nigeria’s High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, and from France for Ambassador Ayo Oke.

According to the Presidency, the ministry has also transmitted the names of the remaining envoys to their respective host countries, requesting diplomatic clearance in line with established international protocol.

“President Tinubu has directed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should immediately commence the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and High Commissioners,” the statement said.

Among the prominent non-career ambassadors approved for postings are former Adamawa South lawmaker, Senator Grace Bent, who will serve in Lomé, Togo; former presidential adviser, Senator Ita Enang, posted to South Africa; former Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, assigned to Spain; and former Independent National Electoral Commission chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, posted to Qatar.

Other notable postings include former Chief of Naval Staff and Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), to the Philippines; former Interior Minister, Lt-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), to China; former Ogun State deputy governor, Olufemi Pedro, to Australia; and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayodele Oke, to France.

Also appointed are former presidential aide and media personality, Reno Omokri, to Mexico, former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, to Germany; Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Prof. Isaac Adewole, former Minister of Health, to Canada.

Other non-career envoys include Barrister Chioma Ohakim to Poland, Senator Nora Daduut to South Korea, former intelligence chief Ayodele Oke to France, Yakubu Gambo to Saudi Arabia, and Lateef Kayode Are to the United States.

For the 34 career ambassadors, Ambassador Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka has been posted to Côte d’Ivoire; Ambassador Besto Maimuna Ibrahim to Niger; Ambassador Monica Okwuchukwu Enebeli to São Tomé and Príncipe; Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele to Algeria; and Ambassador Endoni Syndoph Paebi to Burkina Faso.

Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno will serve in Egypt; Ambassador Jane Adams Michael to Jamaica; Ambassador Alexandra Clark-Omeru to Zambia; Ambassador Chima Geoffrey Lioma David to Mali; and Ambassador Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah to Equatorial Guinea.

Ambassador Segun Ige will represent Nigeria in Lebanon, while Ambassador Ruben Abimbola Samuel has been posted to Italy, and Ambassador Ogechukwu Kingsley Onaga to Mozambique.

Other postings include Ambassador Magaji Umar to the Democratic Republic of Congo; Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru to India; Ambassador Abdussalam Habu Zayyad to Senegal; Ambassador Shehu Ilu Barde to Ghana; and Ambassador Aminu Nasir to Ethiopia. (Nation)

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Taiwo Oyedele says 12 states have enacted tax harmonisation law

Taiwo Oyedele, minister of state for finance-designate, says at least 12 states have enacted the tax harmonisation law.

The tax harmonisation law is part of the broader tax reform agenda introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

On January 1, the president said harmonised tax laws will boost the federal government’s capacity to fund infrastructure projects.

According to NAN, Oyedele spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during the graduation ceremony of 5,900 young entrepreneurs trained by the MTN Foundation on entrepreneurship, business and innovation.

He said 13 other states have already presented the proposed law before their respective state houses of assembly for consideration, while others are at different stages of implementing the reforms.

The minister-designate added that the tax reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu are designed to modernise Nigeria’s fiscal framework, support business growth, protect vulnerable groups and reset the country’s economic structure.

Oyedele said the states tax harmonisation law seeks to eliminate nuisance taxes and prevent harassment of citizens under any guise.

He added that the law will simplify the tax system, protect taxpayers’ rights and address unfair tax treatment.

“Transparency, fiscal discipline, responsibility and accountability remain critical pillars of an effective tax system,” he said.

On June 26, 2025, Tinubu signed the four tax reform bills into law.

The president said the reforms are not about raising taxes, but about creating a structural reset, driving harmonisation and strengthening the social contract. (TheCable)

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Senate grills JAMB officials over charges, rural access

The Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund on Wednesday met with officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), raising concerns over examination charges, system failures, and access to tertiary education, particularly for students in rural communities.

During the session, Senator Amos Yohanna (PDP/Adamawa North) faulted what he described as mounting financial burdens on students amid prevailing economic hardship.

Yohanna questioned the justification for the fees the board is charging candidates, noting that many families are struggling with poverty.

Lawmakers also highlighted recent technical challenges experienced by candidates while attempting to log into JAMB’s portal, asking the board to outline measures being taken to make the system more seamless and user-friendly for prospective students.

The Committee Chairman, Mohammed Dandutse (APC/Katsina South), urged JAMB to improve coordination within the tertiary admission process, underpinning that each year, students encounter difficulties securing admission into universities and other higher institutions due to a lack of synergy among stakeholders.

According to the committee chair, ensuring that revenue generated by the board is fully remitted to the Federation Account in line with government financial regulations to guarantee sustainability is paramount.

Other lawmakers drew attention to the plight of students in rural communities, noting that many lack adequate access to registration and examination facilities.

Lawmakers also queried the board over its increased budget allocation, reportedly rising to over a billion naira. They sought clarification on whether the increase was intended for staff recruitment and requested details of the proposed expenditure framework.

In response, JAMB officials disclosed that additional Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres would be established nationwide to ease access challenges, particularly for candidates in underserved areas.

The board also revealed that about one million candidates are expected to participate in the 2025 admission cycle, representing a significant increase in enrollment figures.

It also announced a proposed Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of ₦23.8 billion for the 2026 fiscal year. (Channels)

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Gunmen abduct four worshippers in Ondo church

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted four worshippers from a church in Uso, Owo Local Council Area of Ondo State.

The worshippers were kidnapped during a night service in the Celestial Church situated along the Owo/Akure highway when armed gunmen stormed the church.

The latest attack comes barely days after suspected bandits killed the Alagamo of Agamo, Oba Kehinde Jacob Falodun, in Akure North Local Government Area during a failed abduction attempt.

In the past few weeks, the state has been faced with increasing security challenges, with the weekly abduction and killing of residents.

According to a resident within the axis, who gave his name as Tomiwa, the kidnappers, who were fully armed, arrived at the church around 1:00 am in the early hours of Wednesday.

Tomiwa disclosed that one of the worshippers was able to escape while the abducted victims were moved to an unknown destination.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command revealed that a suspect who is connected to the abduction of the worshippers had been arrested.

The command in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, stated that police and other security agencies in the state have mobilised assets towards rescuing the victims and apprehending the suspects.

He said: “At approximately 12:50 a.m., six worshippers were abducted at a Celestial Church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway in Uso. The victims were reportedly taken to an unknown destination by the attackers.

“Upon receiving the report, the Operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, immediately mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations.

“As a result of sustained joint efforts, one of the kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued. Additionally, one suspect linked to the incident has been arrested and has made useful statements that are assisting with ongoing investigations.

“Security operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of all perpetrators involved.

“Residents are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that may assist ongoing operations.” (Guardian)

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Coroner’s inquest into death of Chimamanda Adichie’s son to begin April 14

The Coroner sitting at the Yaba Magistrate Court has adjourned till April 14, 2026, the commencement of the inquiry into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu, son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege.

Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji fixed the date on Wednesday when the matter came up before the court.

When the case was called, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kemi Pinheiro, announced appearance for the family, while Adebola Rahman appeared on behalf of the Attorney-General of Lagos State.

Cheluchi Onyemelukwe of Health Ethics and Law Consulting represented Atlantis Hospital, while another counsel represented Euracare.

In a preliminary meeting with the parties, Magistrate Adetunji stated that the court received an application from the Chief Coroner of Lagos State following a request by the Attorney-General of the state that an inquest be conducted.

She said that the Lagos State Government also considers itself bereaved.

“The Lagos State Government is also bereaved; that is why the Attorney-General has taken this step. It is not just the family of the deceased that is affected,” she said.

The magistrate further explained that the preliminary session was to determine whether a formal inquest would proceed.

She directed all parties to file their witness statements before the next adjourned date and cautioned them to approach the proceedings carefully, stressing that the court’s goal was to determine the cause of the incident.

Magistrate Adetunji also said that an autopsy is generally the starting point in every inquest.

“For every inquest, the starting point is that there must be an autopsy done to give us a professional report,” she said.

Pinheiro urged the court to proceed with the hearing, stating that the parents maintain that the child’s death was unnatural and occurred during medical intervention.

He said the family would present evidence alleging gross medical negligence, possible overdose, wrongful prescription, improper administration of propofol, and wrongful diagnosis.

According to him, the family plans to call five independent medical professionals, including an anesthesiologist, a paediatric anaesthesia specialist, a radiologist, an intensivist, as well as the child’s father, who is also a medical doctor.

Pinheiro also urged the court to direct Euracare to preserve all physical and electronic evidence from January 6, 2026, including CCTV footage, electronic monitoring data, pharmacy records, emergency equipment logs, internal communications, and morbidity and mortality reviews.

He suggested that Euracare should open the hearing, followed by the family, and then Atlantis Hospital.

The magistrate agreed that Euracare would proceed first, but ruled that the family would present its case next, followed by Atlantis.

Earlier, Onyemelukwe told the court that Atlantis would present its account of events.

She stated that she only became aware of the court appearance on Tuesday after receiving a letter.

Rahman, representing the Attorney-General, said that following news of the child’s death, the Lagos AG applied for an inquest.

“Since all the parties are here, we would be asking the court to open the hearing. We pray this court to commence with the hearing,” he said.

The court will reconvene on April 14, 2026, to commence the substantive hearing. (Channels)

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15 Adamawa lawmakers quit PDP amidst Fintiri’s planned defection

Fifteen lawmakers of the Adamawa State House of Assembly have resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing ongoing internal crises at the national level of the party.

The announcement was made on Wednesday during plenary by Speaker Bathiya Wesley, who also disclosed that he and his deputy, Buba Jijiwa, have quit the PDP.

“All the resignation letters conveyed the same message,” Wesley said. “The lawmakers pointed to the prolonged crisis at the national level of the PDP as the main reason for their decision. They also expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunity to contest and win elections on its platform.”

The departing lawmakers include Kefas Calvin, Bulus Geoffrey, Haruna Jilantikiri, Kefas Emmanuel, Ahmed Belel, Moses Zah, Kate Mamuno, Pwamwakeno Mackondo, Adun Alaba, Bulus Kantom, Musa Kallamu, and Japhet Hammanjabu.

Separately, Abubakar Abdullahi, representing Girei State Constituency, resigned from the PDP on Tuesday.

Reports indicate that the lawmakers are set to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), though a formal announcement is yet to be made.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri is also reportedly finalising plans to move to the APC. Last Saturday, he hosted APC leaders at an iftar ceremony (breaking of the Ramadan fast) at the Government House, Yola, describing the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen dialogue, foster cooperation, and reaffirm a shared commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development in Adamawa State. (Guardian)

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Amupitan meets RECs, to investigate staffers responsible for shortfalls in Kuje, Kabusa

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has said that employees of the agency who were responsible for shortfalls recorded in Kuje and Kabusa during the Federal Capital Territory elections will be investigated.

He said the workers would be punished if found guilty.

According to him, the transporters who were responsible for the delay in the movement of logistics to the Kwali area council will also be blacklisted.

Amupitan stated this while reviewing the FCT polls at a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

The meeting is being held exactly four days after the conduct of the Federal Capital Territory council elections and by-elections in Rivers and Kano states on Saturday.

Apart from reviewing the outcomes of those elections, the meeting is expected to allow the INEC chairman to get feedback from the resident electoral commissioners about their concerns and preparations for the 2027 general election.

All resident electoral commissioners from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory were invited to the meeting.

Also attending the meeting is the forum of state independent electoral commissions, who are on a courtesy visit to the INEC chairman.

In Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), APC’s Christopher Maikalangu was returned elected after polling 40,295 votes out of 62,861 valid votes cast.

In the Kwali Area Council, APC’s Daniel Nuhu secured 17,032 votes to defeat PDP’s Haruna Pai, who polled 8,575 votes.

In Gwagwalada Area Council, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate Mohammed Kasim won the chairmanship seat with 22,165 votes, defeating the APC’s Yahaya Shehu, who scored 17,788 votes. (Channels)

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Tinubu decorates Disu as Acting IGP

President Bola Tinubu has decorated Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu with his new rank at the State House, Abuja.

The decoration ceremony, which followed his swearing-in, took place at the first floor office of the President during an expanded session attended by top government and security officials including National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the immediate past IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.

Tinubu, who pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform commended the outgoing IGP Egbetokun for his service to the nation.

Disu’s appointment came just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he would have reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

However, under the amended Police Act, which allows Inspector-General of Police to serve a four year tenure regardless of age, Disu may remain for the next couple of years.

Until his elevation, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

He previously held strategic roles, including Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. (ThisDay)