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Category: Governance

  • Appeal Court affirms IPOB as a terrorist organisation

    Appeal Court affirms IPOB as a terrorist organisation

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the decision to label the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organization.

     The court, in a unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel led by Justice Hamma Barka, supported the Federal High Court’s 2017 judgment that banned the group.

     The court agreed that the Federal Government acted within the law due to the threat IPOB posed to national security.

     The court dismissed IPOB’s appeal, stating it lacked merit. 

    The IPOB’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chukwuma-Machukwu Umeh, had argued that the proscription was unlawful and misrepresented facts, claiming it unjustly labeled millions of Igbo Nigerians as terrorists.

     Despite this, the appeal was rejected, reinforcing the Federal High Court’s earlier ruling that prohibited IPOB’s activities, especially in the South-East and South-South regions.

  • Infantry commander charges officers on victory 

    Infantry commander charges officers on victory 

    The Commander Infantry Corps (CIC), Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, has urged Infantry officers, soldiers, and units to confront the enemy for a total defeat.

    Ibrahim issued this charge during a send-off ceremony for six senior officers, held at the Headquarters ICC Conference Room, Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State, on Friday.

    He also encouraged the posted officers to maintain professionalism and distinguish themselves in their new assignments.

    Ibrahim acknowledged the contributions of the posted officers, wishing them success in their future roles.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported the posted officers include Brig.-Gen. HM Bello, former COS HQ ICC, Brig,-Gen. AS Bugaje, and Col. OU Lawal.

    Also posted were Lt.-Col. YU Andrew, Lt.-Col. MM Garba, and Lt.-Col. A Audu, holding various roles at the ICC Records Office and Training.

    NAN reports that the redeployed officers will assume positions as Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, and Garrison Commanders, among others.

    Ibrahim praised the redeployed officers, describing them as hardworking, competent, and professional.

    He thanked them for their significant contributions and urged them to excel in their next assignments, meeting COAS Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede’s expectations.

    The CIC commander encouraged Infantry officers to look forward to serving at Jaji, whether in the Corps Headquarters, NASI, or other Infantry units, as Jaji is the Infantry’s home.

    He promised a shift toward a more cohesive, mission-oriented, and efficient Infantry.

    From the right Commander Infantry Corps Center Maj-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, presenting plaque to out gone Chief of Staff Infantry Corps Center Brig-Gen. Brig-Gen. HM Bello, on Friday at Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji Military Cantonment on Friday.

    In his vote of thanks, Brig,-Gen. Bello thanked God for the day and expressed gratitude to COAS for trusting them with key positions.

    Bello vowed that the posted officers would work hard to make the COAS proud and pledged loyalty to the Corps and Nigerian Army.

    NAN reports that senior officers at the ceremony lauded the posted officers’ contributions to the Corps and said they would be greatly missed.

    Highlights included the presentation of plaques to the posted officers by the Infantry commander.

  • Protest against telecoms tariff hike: NLC suffers setback

    Protest against telecoms tariff hike: NLC suffers setback

    The National Association of Telecommunication Subscribers (NATCOMS) on Thursday disassociated itself from the industrial action being planned by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to protest telecoms tariff hike.

    The President, NATCOMS, Mr Deolu Ogunbanjo, told news men in Lagos that the protest was uncalled for, as it would send wrong signals to investors.

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry’s regulatory body had on Monday released a statement saying it had acceded to the requests of operators to hike tariffs.

    The NCC said it had approved a maximal increment of 50 per cent tariff adjustments in response to prevailing operational costs.

    READ ALSO: Abia increases salaries of traditional rulers

    This resulted in NATCOMS and the NLC condemning the hike, saying the approved percentage was too prohibitive.

    The NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, had condemned the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike by the Federal Government.

    Ajaero urged the NCC and the National Assembly to stop the implementation of the tariff hike to allow for a reasonable conversation around it.

    He said that if the dialogue agreed on the need for the hike, a more humane increase could be sought, but not 50 per cent.

    The NLC president, therefore, called on all Nigerian workers and masses to reject the tariff hike while urging citizens to prepare for collective action.

    He said that this action included the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to compel the reversal of the punitive increase.

    “This is for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people.

    “The NLC remains resolute in defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses.

    “We will not allow the people to bear the brunt of policies that further entrench poverty and inequality.

    “Together, we will do our best to resist this injustice and demand that government prioritises the interests of its citizens over corporate interests,” Ajaero said.

    Meanwhile, Ogunbanjo, the NATCOMS President said that the civil way to go about ensuring reversal of the tariff hike was to go to court, if all negotiation and consultations prove unsatisfactory.

    According to him, this is the path that the NATCOMS has decided to tread if all negotiations fall on deaf ears.

    “We do not support the Nigerian Labour Congress’ call for an industrial action. No, we don’t! NATCOMS is not in support.

    “To investors and businesses, it is a wrong signal. Negotiation is still ongoing and the tariff hike is in February and we still have eight days.

    “We (NATCOMS) are meeting with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to engage them, to convince them, and we will be consulting with NCC tomorrow to map a way forward,’’ he said.

    According to him, it is after negotiations and consultations have failed that NATCOMS will head to court.

    NAN reports that the NCC, the industry’s regulatory body had justified the maximal increment of 50 per cent tariff adjustments by saying it was in response to prevailing operational costs.

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    It said that this was less than the 100 per cent demanded by some telecoms operators.

    Its decision, the NCC said, is pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators.

    The NCC said that, while recognising the concerns of the public, the decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors.

    “The NCC has prioritised striking a balance between protecting telecoms consumers and ensuring the sustainability of the industry, including the thousands of indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecommunications ecosystem.

    “The NCC recognises the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses and remains deeply empathetic to the impact of tariff adjustments.

    “To this end, the commission has mandated that operators implement these adjustments transparently and in a manner that is fair to consumers.

    It said that these adjustments would support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity.

    The NCC added that consumers would benefit from better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage within the country.

  • Tinubu Appoints Opeifa as NRC Managing Director

    Tinubu Appoints Opeifa as NRC Managing Director

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday named Kayode Opeifa as the new Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC). 

    Opeifa takes over from Ben Iloanusi, who had been serving in an acting capacity after the departure of Fidet Okhiria in October 2024.

    Opeifa, known for his work as Lagos State’s Commissioner for Transportation under Governor Babatunde Fashola, played a significant role in transforming the state’s transport system. 

    His efforts improved traffic management and earned Lagos recognition as a model for urban transport in Africa. Opeifa also served as Transport Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    As Vice-Chairman of the Presidential Task Team, Opeifa worked alongside former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to ease the traffic congestion in Lagos’ Apapa area. 

    Now, as the head of the NRC, Opeifa faces the task of enhancing Nigeria’s rail infrastructure.

  • NIPSS D-G calls for inter-agency data harmonisation to address challenges

    NIPSS D-G calls for inter-agency data harmonisation to address challenges

    The Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), has called for harmonisation of data for all agencies of government to utilise in addressing national security and developmental challenges.

    Omotayo made the call at the opening of the Leadership Course in Data Mining and Geospatial Intelligence, organised by the institute in collaboration with Peace Building Development Consult (PBDC), on Monday Abuja.

    The course was being hosted by the Defence Space Administration (DSA).

    He lamented that there were different organisations holding large and fertile sets of data that were not connected with any other organisation making it difficult to readily have access to needed data at a given time.

    According to him, we find ourselves looking for data that already some people have gathered and that they surely have, that they can easily use.

    SEE ALSO: EFCC auctions 891 forfeited vehicles

    Omotayo said the course was designed to build an ecosystem of data miners to conserve resources, and be able to interrogate things.

    “Our research efforts have shown that a whole lot of data in Nigeria is sitting in isolation. That is, we have data centers that are lonely and have important data on Nigerian citizens on the space and the rest of it.

    “So we decided to run this course because we feel that there is a need for synergy amongst the agencies that gather data.

    “If you have data sitting at different critical spaces in Nigeria, there should be a need for us to link this data together for the security of the nation.

    “Your NIN number should follow you anywhere you go so that whatever you do in the Nigerian space, we can find you at that point, wherever you interact on any space, economic or social.

    “We believe that for those who engage in nefarious activities, it will be easy to find them,” he said.

    The NIPSS boss said the course was also designed to develop leadership skills in bringing together those who run data centres and those who took critical decisions concerning Nigerian citizens, growing the economy in the business world and everywhere.

    SEE ALSO: Police enforcement of third party motor insurance policy a game changer – NIA

    He said the institute was partnering with the Defence Space Administration as a critical data centre for Nigeria.

    On his part, Mr Kayode Bolaji, Executive Director of PBDC, said the course helps participants to understand their strengths and weaknesses with a view to combining strengths to be able to provide security for the nation.

    Bolaji said that data was not just about security and intelligence gathering but also about geo-locating where resources were and knowing which agency or industry to connect with, to be able to assess a particular resource.

    He said the current course, being the second in the series, had participants for the private sector, as well from security, intelligence and other government agencies.

    He said the course would take advantage of the DSA’s facilities to conduct study tours of all its units to broaden the knowledge of the participants.

    SEE ALSO: Yobe Govt opens tenders for solid minerals development

    “We also expect that they will find a way to connect with security agencies to be able to use some of the data that they have to help in security management.

    “That is not something that is common in Nigeria,” he said. 

  • Nigeria accepts invitation to join BRICS as a partner country

    Nigeria accepts invitation to join BRICS as a partner country

    Nigeria’s economic growth and development aspirations have been boosted, following its acceptance on Saturday, the offer to become a BRICS partner country.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, its Acting Spokesperson.

    The alliance would assist in bringing Nigeria’s goals for regional integration and inclusive growth into compliance with the best practices of strategic autonomy, the statement said.

    Further, the statement reads, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has accepted the invitation to join BRICS as a partner country.”
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    It was also emphasized that Nigeria’s dedication to promoting global cooperation, taking advantage of economic possibilities, and developing strategic alliances that support the country’s development goals was underscored by this official admission.

    “BRICS, as a collective of major emerging economies, presents a unique platform for Nigeria to enhance trade, investment, and socio-economic cooperation with member countries,” the statement added.

    “Nigeria aims to use this partnership to advance shared goals in areas such as trade and investment, energy security, infrastructure development, technology, and climate change.”

    The statement also emphasized how the collaboration was in line with Nigeria’s strategic autonomous ethos and its national goals of inclusive growth, regional integration, and active involvement in creating a just and equitable global economic order.

    In line with national interests and strategic aims, the ministry stated its hope to work constructively with BRICS members to promote innovation and people-to-people interactions.

  • Do not lie against me, embattled producer tells Singer, Mercy Chinwo

    Do not lie against me, embattled producer tells Singer, Mercy Chinwo

    Mr. Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the founder of Eeze Conceptz Limited, has informed Mercy Chinwo, a renowned gospel singer, that her allegations against him are false and unfounded.

    This was said by Mr. Maxwell Opara, Onyedikachukwu’s attorney, in a statement he signed and provided to the media on Saturday in Abuja.

    According to Opara, Chinwo allegedly broke the terms of her record label and management agreement with her label, Eeze Conceptz Limited, and lied to the EFCC about his client.

    The lawyer made it clear that Onyedikachukwu was never Chinwo’s manager.

    READ ALSO: Police nab four in Gombe for vandalising electrical transformer

    He said that his client was her producer, who occasionally in 2017 scouted and found her singing talent, nurtured it, and put her in the spotlight inside the gospel music industry.

    He also said that the allegation that the embattled producer diverted the singer’s $345,000 U.S. dollars in royalties was false.

    “The members of public must take note; that the allegations made against our client by Mercy Chinwo and the EFCC before obtaining the arrest warrant order for the arrest of our client were false and unfounded.

    “This is evident as contained in the processes presented by the EFCC before the Honorable Court prior to obtaining the said order, wherein the EFCC alleged our client was Mercy Chinwo’s manager which he is not and never was.

    “Again, the allegation that our client diverted Mercy Chinwo’s funds is also totally false and that our client could not be reached, which both Mercy Chinwo, and the EFCC very well know how our client could be reached and apprehended in such events.”

    “Consequently, we have commenced the procedure in line with the rules of the Honorable acourt to have the said order set aside or vacated.

    “And we strongly believe that, once the facts and evidences are truthfully placed before the Honorable Court, the Honorable Court will do that which is right and just in the circumstance.

    “Hence, we urge the members of the public to disregard every smear publication and campaign coordinated by Mercy Chinwo against our client.”

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    He alleged that Chinwo signed a Label and Artist Management Contract for a five-year term beginning from 2017 to 2022 with their client but reneged.

    According to Okpara, the contract covers among  other things, ownership of the catalogue and splits of all royalties derived from the exploitation of music catalogue developed, financed and promoted  by the record label.

    The lawyer said in the midst of the dispute, Onyedikachukwu was allegedly detained at the EFCC Ilorin office between April 16, 2024 and April 25, 2024,

    He said during the period, the commission carried out extensive audit of Onyedikachukwu’s bank accounts and found no evidence of wrongdoings.

    He said a fundamental rights enforcement suit was filed at the Federal High Court (FHC) in Lagos Division on July 17, 2024, against the anti-graft agency, Chinwo and others, to restrain them from further harassment, arrest and detention of their client.

    “It therefore came as a rude shock for the same commission to claim that Mr Onyedikachukwu’s had not been located and procured an ex-parte warrant of arrest on him.

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    “These schemes are targeted to malign the Label and its Founder and they will be very firmly resisted within the ambit of the law,” he said.

    NAN reports that Justice Alexander Owoeye of a FHC in Lagos had, on Thursday, issued an arrest warrant against Onyedikachukwu.

    The order followed an ex-parte motion moved by EFCC’s lawyer, Bilikisu Buhari, over alleged diversion of the singer’s $345,000 in royalties from her digital platforms and events.

    Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter until Jan. 24 for Onyedikachukwu’s arraignment.(

  • FAAC: FG, Sub-nationals share N1.424 trn December 2024 revenue

    FAAC: FG, Sub-nationals share N1.424 trn December 2024 revenue


    In all, the Federal Government, states, and Local Government Councils (LGCs) have received N 1.424 trillion from the Dec. 2024 Federation Account Revenue.

    This is according to a statement by Bawa Mokwa, Director, Press and Public Relations, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF).

    Mokwa said that the revenue was shared at the January Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting on Friday in Abuja.

    Meanwhile, a communiqué from the FAAC meeting said that the N1.424 trillion total revenue comprised statutory revenue of N386.124 billion, and Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N604.872 billion.

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    It also comprised Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N31.211 billion and Exchange Difference revenue of N402.714 billion.

    The communiqué indicated that total gross revenue of N2.310 trillion was available in Dec. 2024.

    It said that total deduction for cost of collection was N84.780 billion while total transfers, interventions, and refunds were N801.175 billion.

    “Gross statutory revenue of N1.226 trillion was received for Dec. 2024. This was lower than the sum of N1.827 trillion received in of Nov. 2024 by N600.988 billion.

    “Gross revenue of N649.561 billion was available from VAT in Dec. 2024. This was higher than the N628.973 billion available in Nov. 2024 by N20.588 billion,” it said.

    The communiqué said that from the N1.424 trillion total distributable revenue, the Federal Government received the total sum of N451.193 billion, while the state governments received the sum of N498.498 billion.

    It said that the LGCs received N361.754 billion, and a total sum of N113.477 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.

    “On the N386.124 billion statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N167.690 billion, and the state governments received N85.055 billion.

    “The LGCs received N65.574 billion, and the sum of N67.806 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.

    “From the N604.872 billion VAT revenue, the Federal Government received N90.731 billion, the state governments received N302.436 billion and the LGCs received N211.705 billion,” it said.

    It further said that a total sum of N4.682 billion was received by the Federal Government from the N31.211 billion EMTL.

    READ ALSO: Abia increases salaries of traditional rulers

    It said that the state governments received N15.605 billion, and the LGCs received N10.924 billion.

    “From the N402.714 billion Exchange Difference revenue, the communiqué said that the Federal Government received N188.090 billion, and the state governments received N95.402 billion.

    It said that the LGCs received N73.551 billion, while the sum of N45.671 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.

    It said that in Dec. 2024, VAT and EMTL increased significantly while Oil and Gas royalty, CET levies, excise duty, import duty, petroleum profit tax and companies income tax decreased considerably.

  • Troops arrest 18 suspected kidnappers, gunrunners, rescues 18 victims 

    Troops arrest 18 suspected kidnappers, gunrunners, rescues 18 victims 

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, have arrested 18 suspected kidnappers, bandits and gunrunners in Plateau and part of Kaduna state.

    Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of OPSH disclosed this during a press conference on Thursday in Jos.

    Zhakom said that troops also rescued 18 victims kidnapped in a forest at the boundary communities between Plateau and Taraba.

    The media officer explained that the arrest followed an operation held between Dec. 2024 and Jan. 4.

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    “In continuation of efforts to ensure the security of lives and property across the joint operation area, our troops intensified offensive operations supported by robust non-kinetic engagements.

    “Notably, the past two months witnessed intensive and offensive operations around the borders between Plateau and Taraba state, especially around Bangalala and Kinishi forests around Wase and Karim Lamido LGAs of Plateau and Taraba state.

    “The operations led to the neutralisation of several bandits and destruction of their life support structures.

    “The move mounted pressure on the criminals leading to the rescue of 18 kidnapped victims who have been reunited with their families after profiling and documentation by relevant agencies.

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    “Troops have also neutralised some bandits and arrested some suspects in some parts of Southern Kaduna,” he said

    Zhakom added that the troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition and destroyed many criminal hideouts within its areas of responsibility.

    The media officer called on residents of  Plateau and Kaduna to support its efforts toward stemming the tides of insecurity in the areas. 

  • Alleged $9.6bn P&ID scam: I’ve no witness to call, Briton tells court

    Alleged $9.6bn P&ID scam: I’ve no witness to call, Briton tells court

    The British national, Mr. James Nolan, who jumped bail in the ongoing trial linked to alleged 9.6 billion dollars Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) Ltd scandal, on Thursday, said he does not intend to call any witness.

    Nolan told Justice Obiora Egwuatu of a Federal High Court in Abuja through his lawyer, Michael Ajara.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in the 20-count charge, named Micad Project City Services Limited and Nolan as 1st and 2nd defendants in the money laundering offences.

    Nolan and Micad Project, a company where he is a director, were arraigned in May 2022.

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    The duo pleaded not guilty to the charge and Nolan, who is also a director in P&ID Ltd, was remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.

    After he met his bail conditions of N100 million with a surety and was admitted to bail following the variation of the bail from N500 million, Nolan stopped attending court proceedings and fled Nigeria.

    Nolan was declared wanted by the court and an order was made for his arrest anywhere he is sighted.

    The EFCC lawyer, Bala Sanga, equally applied that Nolan should be tried in absentia and the prayer was granted.

    Although the fleeing Briton was arrested by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) in Italy on Jan. 27, 2024, during a visit he paid to his wife, he was yet to be extradited back to Nigeria to face his trial.

    READ ALSO: $225.8M Debt: Court Orders Arrest of Crude Oil Cargo linked to Mr. Obaigbena

    Meanwhile, when the matter was called on Thursday, Sanga told the court that the business of the day would have been for the prosecution to call their last witness.

    “But upon review of the case, we found that it is superfluous and therefore  we are dispensing with the last witness,” he said.

    Nolan’s counsel, Ajara, said he had no objection to the anti-graft agency lawyer’s submission.

    He, however, said that after the evaluation of the EFCC’s evidence, they would be relying on the prosecution’s case.

    “Based on the evidence already before the court adduced by the prosecution, we shall be resting our case on theirs.

    “So we don’t intend to call any witness,”:he told the court.

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    Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter until March 10 for adoption of final written  addresses of the parties.

    It would be recalled that a sister court presided over by Justice Donatus Okorowo had, on July 3, 2024, ordered the closure of two companies linked to Nolan, over the involvement in the P&ID Ltd fraud.

    Justice Okorowo, who had since been elevated to the Appeal Court, in two separate judgments, held that the two companies were found guilty of money laundering offences.

    Consequently, Okorowo ordered that the companies be wound up and their assets be forfeited to the federal government.

    The companies were Trinity Biotech Nigeria Limited and Resorts Express Concept Nigeria Ltd.