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  • Senate Commends EFCC for Record 4,111 Convictions in 2024

    Senate Commends EFCC for Record 4,111 Convictions in 2024


    …praises anti-graft agency’s resilience, call for stronger legislative support

    The Nigerian Senate has lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for ecuring 4,111 convictions in 2024.

    The upper legislative body said the performance represents the highest annual figure since the anticrime agency was established.

    The commendation came following the adoption of a motion titled “Urgent Need to Commend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for Its Significant Gains Made in Recent Times, Particularly in 2024, Despite the Challenges It Has Encountered.”

    The motion was sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende Memga (Benue North-East) during plenary on Tuesday.

    Presenting the motion, Senator Udende described the EFCC as a “frontline agency mandated to combat economic and financial crimes in Nigeria,” with powers to investigate, prevent, and prosecute offenders involved in money laundering, cybercrimes, advance fee fraud, and other related offences.

    He noted that the Commission has played a crucial role in promoting accountability, transparency, and integrity across the public and private sectors, thereby safeguarding the country’s financial system.

    According to data presented to the Senate, the EFCC in 2024 received 15,724 petitions, opened and investigated 12,000 cases, and filed 5,081 cases in court.

    Despite operational and resource limitations, the Commission recorded 4,111 convictions, marking the highest number in any operational year since its inception.

    Senator Udende said, “The EFCC has remained steadfast and professional in the discharge of its statutory mandate despite threats to its personnel and the increasing sophistication of financial crimes. The Commission’s resilience is commendable.”

    He further disclosed that the EFCC’s efforts in 2024 led to significant monetary recoveries and asset forfeitures that comprised of
    173 automobiles, 378 electronic devices, 1 hotel, 2 gold Cuban chains, 14 landed properties, 784 estates, and Unspecified quantities of petroleum products.

    Seconding the motion, Senator Nwaebonyi Onyeka (Ebonyi East) described the EFCC’s effort as “unprecedented,” commending the Commission’s diligence in recovering the nation’s stolen wealth.

    He emphasized the need for the relevant committees of the National Assembly to strengthen legislative oversight and provide continuous institutional support to the Commission.

    Ruling on the motion, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the EFCC for its dedication and attributed the agency’s recent successes to what he described as “the right choice in the appointment of the Commission’s leadership” by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Akpabio also urged the EFCC to publish the total number of genuine convictions as well as petitions found to be frivolous or politically motivated, as a way of deepening public trust and enhancing the integrity of its anti-corruption drive.

    “Transparency in outcomes will further strengthen the EFCC’s credibility and sustain public confidence in the fight against corruption,” Akpabio stated.

    The Senate President further saluted the integrity and professionalism of EFCC staff, pledging the continued legislative support of the National Assembly to the Commission and other anti-corruption agencies in the country.

    Monetary recoveries included ₦9,477,977,318.78, $2,605,858.30, £1,600.13, and various digital currencies such as 13.37 BTC (worth $572,992.86), 5.97886094 Ethereum ($13,353.06), 298.4770071 Green Satoshi Tokens ($6), 1,002.547631 USDT ($1,002.22), and an additional 2,699,233 USDT (TRC-20).

    The Senate observed that these results have significantly enhanced Nigeria’s global image and public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption drive.


    The Lawmakers also acknowledged the sacrifices of EFCC officers who, despite operating under difficult conditions and personal risks, continue to pursue justice and protect the nation’s economic well-being.

    The upper chamber therefore resolved to commend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its dedication, professionalism, integrity, patriotism, and remarkable achievements in the fight against financial crimes.

    The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to supporting anti-graft institutions in their pursuit of integrity, national development, and financial accountability.

  • APC blames opposition for #FreeNnamdiKanuProtest

    APC blames opposition for #FreeNnamdiKanuProtest

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), reputed for street protests and demonstrations, has taken a swipe at organisers of the #FreeNnamdiKanuProtest.

    Mr Seye Oladejo, APC Spokesperson in Lagos, Monday in Lagos condemned nationwide street agitations being staged in parts of the country, especially across the South East and Abuja, the Nigerian capital.

    In a signed statement, Mr. Oladejo said that the party condemns, in the strongest terms what he calls “the orchestrated tension and politically motivated street agitations.”

    According to him, the party finds it deeply disturbing that certain opposition leaders, who should know better, are the ones  endorsing and sponsoring the protests.

    He said that the alleged the involvement of opposition leaders revealed what could only be described “as a classic case of the Biblical hand of Jacob but the voice of Esau”.

    He said that the protest was a deceitful manipulation hiding behind the façade of activism.

    “While freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are sacrosanct in any democracy, what we are witnessing is far from a legitimate call for justice.

    “It is a dangerous display of reckless politics, carefully scripted by desperate opposition figures who see chaos as their last political weapon.

    “This so-called protest is not about justice; it is about political frustration.

    “It represents the height of bitter, destructive politics – an attempt by those who have been roundly rejected by Nigerians at the polls to exploit national issues in search of cheap relevance,” Oladejo said.

    He described as shocking the insensitivity of the protest organisers and their sponsors.

    Oladejo lamented that the protesters were embarking on a protest at a time when the South East was still bleeding from years of mindless bloodshed, kidnappings, and enforced sit-at-home orders.

    He said that with all consequences of violent agitation, the protesters had chosen to mock the memories of the victims.

    “They ignore the tears of widows, the pains of orphans, and the devastation of communities ruined by senseless violence.

    “Their protest is not a demand for justice; it is a betrayal of the sacrifices of the innocent,” the APC chieftain said.

    According to him, for years, ordinary citizens in the South East have lived in fear.

    He said that traders were afraid to open their shops, transporters grounded by threats, children deprived of education, and families shattered by insecurity.

    Oladejo said: “Yet, instead of standing with their people to heal these wounds, these political opportunists have returned to fan the embers of division, hoping to profit from instability.

    “Let it be clear: no one is above the law. The case of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu remains a judicial matter properly before the courts.

    “Nigeria’s judiciary is competent, independent, and capable of delivering justice without recourse to mob pressure or street intimidation.”

    He called on security agencies to remain vigilant, urging  all patriotic Nigerians, especially leaders of thought in the South East, to reject the antics of those who traffic in bitterness.

    “Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we must not allow political desperation to tear it apart.

    “There must indeed be a limit to bitter politics,” he added.

    Media reports indicate that there have been several appeals to President Bola Tinubu to grant clemency to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

  • Senate Pushes for Establishment of National Sickle Cell Research, Treatment Centre

    Senate Pushes for Establishment of National Sickle Cell Research, Treatment Centre

    The Nigerian Senate has advanced a landmark Bill aimed at creating Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) Research and Therapy Centres across the country, following its successful second reading on Wednesday.

    The Bill was sponsored by Senator Katung Marshall (Kaduna South), and it proposes the establishment of specialized centres dedicated to the research, diagnosis, and treatment of sickle cell disease in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    The Bill also contains detailed provisions for the administration and operation of these centres.

    Senator Marshall, in his presentation, highlighted the severity of SCD in Nigeria, noting that the country remains the epicentre of the disease in sub-Saharan Africa.

    “Nigeria accounts for roughly half of the 300,000 babies born worldwide with sickle cell disorder each year,” he explained.

    “With over 650 children dying daily from SCD-related complications, many of whom do not survive past the age of five, the need for this legislation has never been more urgent.”

    The proposed Bill has garnered widespread support from lawmakers, who emphasized the critical need for a structured response to the high mortality and complications associated with the disease.

    Senators pointed to the inadequacies in the current healthcare infrastructure for managing sickle cell disorder, including the lack of specialized treatment facilities and the ineffective implementation of existing diagnostic tools.

    Senators Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), and Isa Jibril (Kogi West) expressed strong backing for the Bill, underscoring the potential of the research and therapy centres to alleviate the suffering of millions of Nigerians living with sickle cell disorder.

    “The establishment of these centres will be a game-changer,” said Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. “It will provide the much-needed care and treatment that millions of Nigerians are currently deprived of.”

    The Bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Health for further deliberation and is expected to be reviewed within the next four weeks.

    The proposed legislation outlines 27 clauses covering various aspects of the centres’ operation, including the establishment of a Board of Management, staffing structures

  • Ex-President Clinton urges Israel, Hamas to seize “lasting peace’

    Ex-President Clinton urges Israel, Hamas to seize “lasting peace’

    Former US President Bill Clinton has said he is “grateful” for the ongoing ceasefire in the Israeli war on Gaza.

    Mr. Clinton was the host of the signing of the historic Oslo Accords, which was the closest the warring parties came close to attaining a ceasefire.

    The Elder Statesman was magnanimous in attributing the current breakthrough to the efforts of Mr. Donald Trump, the current US President and Qatar, the lead mediating country.

    Jubilant Palestinians

    Clinton said “Mr. Trump and his administration, Qatar, and other regional actors deserve great credit for keeping everyone engaged until the agreement was reached.”

    Read Also: Putin Gives Conditions for Meeting Zelensky

    Mr. Clinton issued a statement on X where he said, “Now Israel and Hamas – with the support of the United States, the region, and the world – must try to turn this fragile moment into lasting peace that provides for the dignity and security of both Palestinians and Israelis,”

    Mr. Clinton urged that the warring parties- Israel and Hamas- with support of the United States, the Middle East region and the world should “try to turn this fragile moment into a lasting peace for the dignity and security of both Palestinians and Israelis.”’

  • Breaking: Council of State Approves Professor Joash Amupitan as New INEC Chairman

    Breaking: Council of State Approves Professor Joash Amupitan as New INEC Chairman

    The National Council of State has unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Professor Amupitan’s nomination during the Council meeting held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Prof Amupitan is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Kogi state. He replaces Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure ended in October 2025 after seving since 2015.

    This development was disclosed in a statement signed by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in Abuja.

    President Tinubu described Professor Amupitan as “a man of integrity and impeccable character who is not politically aligned,” noting that he is the first person from Kogi State and the North-Central region to be nominated for the position of INEC Chairman.

    Members of the Council unanimously endorsed the nomination. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State lauded Amupitan’s competence and reputation, describing him as “a man of honour, discipline, and deep commitment to national service.”

    In line with constitutional provisions, President Tinubu is expected to forward Professor Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

    Born on April 25, 1967, in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Professor Amupitan, 58, is currently a Professor of Law and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, Plateau State. He also serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.

    A renowned legal scholar, Amupitan specializes in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatization Law. He was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2014.

    He began his academic journey at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin (1982–1984), before proceeding to the University of Jos, where he earned his Bachelor of Laws degree (1984–1987). He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 and later obtained an LLM in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, both from the University of Jos.

    Following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation (1988–1989), Amupitan joined the University of Jos as a lecturer in 1989. He rose steadily through the ranks to become one of the institution’s leading academic administrators.

    He has held several strategic academic positions, including Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014); Dean, Faculty of Law (2008–2014); and Head, Department of Public Law (2006–2008).

    Outside academia, Professor Amupitan has contributed his expertise to national development through service on various boards and councils. These include the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, the Council of Legal Education (2008–2014), and Integrated Dairies Limited, Vom. He also served as a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja (1996–2004).

    A prolific legal author, his notable publications include Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), Principles of Company Law (2013), and An Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).

    Professor Amupitan is married and blessed with four children.

  • Israeli war on Gaza: Trump announces peace deal

    Israeli war on Gaza: Trump announces peace deal

    Hamas and Israel have signed on to the first phase of a peace deal, paving the way for the end of the Israeli war on Gaza.

    The breakthrough was announced by the US President, Mr. Donald J.Trump.

    Making the announcement around twelve midnight Nigerian time on his confirmed social media handle, @realDonaldTrump, the President of the United States (POTUS) said, “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed of on the first phase of our Peace Plan.”

    He went further to state, “ This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable and Everlasting Peace.”

    Mr. Trump who had earlier promised to visit the Egyptian venue of the peace negotiation this weekend assured that “All Parties will be treated fairly!”

    “This is a GREAT day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel,all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America.”

    Further, the President expressed his gratitude to the mediating countries, namely; Qatar, Egypt and Turkey,” who he said worked with the United States “to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen.”

    Mr. Ended the message with the biblical phrase, “blessed are the peacemaker.”

    The current Israel-Hamas war, now in its third year, began on October 7, 2023.

    A report by Reuters states that Palestinian health authorities say Israel’s two-year-old ground and air campaign against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip has killed more than 67,000 people, with nearly a third of the dead under the age of 18.

  • Senate Swears In Ikpea, Nwachukwu as Senators for Edo, Anambra

    Senate Swears In Ikpea, Nwachukwu as Senators for Edo, Anambra

    The Senate, on Wednesday, restored its full complement of 109 members with the swearing-in of Joseph Ikpea and Emmanuel Nwachukwu, representing Edo Central and Anambra South Senatorial Districts, respectively.

    Senators Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) were inaugurated following the by-elections held in September to fill the vacancies created by the exit of Senator Monday Okpebholo, now Governor of Edo State, and the demise of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024.

    The ceremony, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saw the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administer the oaths of office and allegiance to the new legislators.

    In his remarks, Akpabio described their election as a call to national service, urging them to familiarize themselves with the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders (as amended in 2023) to effectively discharge their legislative responsibilities.

    “Today, you have been called to national duty. You are no longer senators of your political parties; you are senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Akpabio stated.

    He further assured the new senators of the support of their colleagues in settling into their legislative duties, saying, “Your colleagues who have been here will continue to assist you, so you will get used to the nuances of lawmaking.”

    Among dignitaries in attendance were former Delta State Governor James Ibori, former Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, APGA National Chairman Sly Ezeokenwa, and several members of the House of Representatives from Edo and Anambra States.

  • APC Gains Two-Third Majority as Enugu Sen Kelvin Chukwu Defects from Labour Party

    APC Gains Two-Third Majority as Enugu Sen Kelvin Chukwu Defects from Labour Party

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) now holds a two-third majority in the Senate, following the defection of Senator Kelvin Chukwu of the Labour Party (LP) to the APC.

    Senator Chukwu represents Enugu East Senatorial District.

    With Senator Chukwu’s defection on Wednesday, the APC’s strength in the Senate rose to 73 members.

    The latest development further reduces the number of opposition lawmakers, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) now having 28 senators; Labour Party, 4; All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), 2; and both the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) holding one seat each.

    In a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and read during plenary, Senator Chukwu attributed his defection to internal crises within the Labour Party at both the state and national levels.

    “I write to formally, effective immediately, resign from the Labour Party. Recent developments in the Labour Party at both the state and national levels have made it difficult for me to represent my constituents under its banner,” the letter read in part.

    The Enugu lawmaker explained that his decision followed extensive consultations with his constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across different levels in Enugu State.

    “After careful reflections, I am convinced that the APC, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, provides a more inclusive platform for the nation.

    I remain committed to serving the people of Enugu East and hereby join the Progressives family in the 10th Senate,” he stated.

    Senator Chukwu further noted that his move to the APC was driven by the desire to better serve his constituents and contribute more meaningfully to national development.

    “This decision reflects my commitment to aligning with a platform that works. I believe I can represent the collective interests of my people better,” he said.

    He also claimed that his defection would enable him to deliver greater dividends of democracy to his district and Nigerians at large.

    “I will meet the aspirations of the good people of Enugu East Senatorial District and Nigerians at large,” he pledged.

  • NiMet migrating to AI-Powered Weather Forecasting

    NiMet migrating to AI-Powered Weather Forecasting

    NiMet Director General says move is to boost climate onformation for Nigerian Farmers

    Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Director General. Prof. Charles Anosike, has doubled down on the agency’s commitment to leverage artificial intelligence (AI)-powered weather forecasting.

    Prof Anosike promised that this realignment in technology will strengthen climate and weather information delivery for Nigerian farmers.

    Anosike made this known during a courtesy visit by the Agricultural Innovation Mechanism for Scale (AIM for Scale) team led by Imara Salas, Director of the AIM for Scale Secretariat, and Mohammad Farrae, Scientific Director, at NiMet headquarters in Abuja.

    AIM for Scale is a consortium of global partners promoting agricultural innovation and scaling up weather services for farmers.

    The visit focused on exploring areas of collaboration to co-develop strategies for expanding weather services and mobilising investments for innovative, data-driven agricultural solutions in Nigeria.

    The AIM for Scale consortium includes leading global institutions such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank.

    Others are U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), NASA, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Community Jameel, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and the University of Chicago’s Human-Centered Weather Forecasts and AI for Climate (AICE) initiatives.

    The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the United Nations Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) are part of the consortium.

    Speaking during the visit, Salas commended NiMet for its leadership role in advancing agricultural weather services.

    She explained that AIM for Scale creates tailored innovation packages and AI-driven weather forecasts designed to deliver scalable, cost-effective solutions through partnerships with key stakeholders like NiMet.

    In his remarks, Prof. Anosike thanked AIM for Scale for including Nigeria in its first African pilot project and for inviting NiMet to the recently concluded AI weather training in Abu Dhabi.

    He assured that NiMet is well-prepared to support the initiative, citing the agency’s technical expertise and growing demand for accurate weather and climate data among smallholder farmers.

    “NiMet is committed to deepening AI-powered weather services to improve forecasting accuracy and speed of delivery.

    These innovations will enable farmers and other users to make better decisions, reduce risks, and increase productivity,” Anosike said.

    He, however, highlighted existing infrastructure gaps, including limited in-situ weather stations and inadequate radar coverage, as challenges requiring attention to fully realise the benefits of AI-powered forecasting.

    Following the discussions, Prof. Anosike led the AIM for Scale delegation on a guided tour of NiMet’s central forecasting facility, showcasing the agency’s operational capabilities and readiness for collaboration.

    Both parties agreed to develop and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focusing on joint research and sustainable AI-driven weather service delivery for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

  • Nigeria/Morocco Strengthen Ties to Deepen AI-based Weather Collaboration

    Nigeria/Morocco Strengthen Ties to Deepen AI-based Weather Collaboration

    The Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has paid a working visit to his Moroccan, Mohammed Dhikissi.

    It was revealed that the visit is part of efforts to deepen bilateral collaboration on AI-driven weather forecasting and early warning systems.

    The visit took place on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations Systematic Observation Financing Facility (SOFF) workshop for Peer Advisors and Implementing Entities in Casablanca.

    The SOFF workshop is one of the programmes designed to strengthen technical cooperation between Nigeria and Morocco in advancing climate services, data management, and predictive meteorology.

    During the meeting, Prof. Anosike and his Moroccan counterpart discussed areas of mutual interest, including joint research on AI-enabled weather models, capacity building for meteorologists, and the exchange of best practices for enhancing regional weather observation networks.

    He emphasized that leveraging AI technologies in meteorology would significantly improve the accuracy of forecasts and the timeliness of climate-related warnings, thereby enhancing resilience in sectors such as agriculture, transportation, and disaster management across Africa.

    The NiMet DG also highlighted the importance of regional partnerships in addressing the growing impacts of climate change, stressing that “Africa’s future in climate resilience depends on collaboration, innovation, and the intelligent use of technology.”

    Prof. Anosike and Mr. Dhikissi

    Morocco’s Directorate of General Meteorology, renowned for its advancements in modern forecasting systems and climate services, expressed readiness to work closely with NiMet to develop a framework for continuous technical exchange and joint innovation in weather prediction and climate adaptation.

    The visit is expected to pave the way for a stronger partnership between both institutions under the broader framework of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), supporting the African continent’s push towards smarter, AI-enabled weather and climate solutions.