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  • FOIA use will eliminate obstacles and biases against women – Stakeholders

    FOIA use will eliminate obstacles and biases against women – Stakeholders

    In apparent reaction to the senate debacle, stakeholders in Abuja on Friday, say the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) can help address obstacles and biases faced by women across various spheres.

    They spoke at a town hall meeting on the application of FOIA, organised by the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice and the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).

    The event, which had as its theme, “Leveraging FOIA to Promote Women’s Rights and Inclusion in the Fight Against Corruption,” brought together representatives of the Minister of Justice, Minister of Women Affairs, and the Minister of Youth.

    Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, noted that increasing the use of FOIA by Nigerian women would help eliminate systemic obstacles in both personal and professional spheres.

    Fagbemi was represented by Mr Garuba Godwin, Head of the FOI Unit at the ministry of justice.

    “Women should leverage on the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 to accelerate their inclusion in the activities of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    “The president is very ready to improve women’s involvement in the governance of this great country,” he said.

    He further said that the fight to accelerate action should not be left for the women alone.

    “The other gender must ensure that women are not discriminated against as both genders have equal right before the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “According to this year’s slogan, “Let’s Accelerate Action for gender equality. All hands must be on desk to ensure gender inclusivity in human endeavour”.

    In her remarks, Executive Director of CTA, Faith Nwadishi, said that the event was designed specifically, to coincide with the commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day.

    According to her, corruption is almost becoming a pandemic, pervasive and a threat to our collective existence as a people.

    “We need not be reminded that corruption undermines the rule of law,  perpetuates inequality, and disproportionately affects women and marginalised communities.

    “Nevertheless, our gathering today is not to lament and see women as victims of corruption but as amazons and powerful change agents.

    “All women need is information, access to resources, and opportunities to be able to demonstrate the transformative role that promotes accountability, transparency and good governance.”

    According to Nwadishi, FOIA enables citizens including women to hold governments and institutions accountable for their actions.

    “It allows them to track budgets, monitor programmes, and expose corruption where and when they occur”.

    Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasised that women’s rights, gender equality, and inclusion were causes deeply important to her.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who was represented by EmemMaria Offiong, noted that as Nigeria joined the world in marking International Women’s Day (IWD), it was crucial to highlight the ministry’s commitment to collaboration and creating an enabling environment for these ideals to thrive.

    “To achieve this, we need to create more awareness about the Freedom of Information Act, reshape public perception of the Act, and explore various ways to apply it effectively,” she said.

    A spat between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President, Godswill Akabio over seating arrangement had degenerated rapidly to include allegations of sexual harassments, leading to a controversial six-month suspension of the senator representing Kogi Central district.

  • Youth group launches anti-fake news campaign

    Youth group launches anti-fake news campaign

    A youth group in Abuja on Friday called on the Federal Government and major technology companies to take action against the spread of fake news and misinformation.

    The group also launched the Forward with Facts (#FWDWithFacts) mass media bus campaign to express its displeasure over the spread of fake news across Nigeria.

    Speaking to journalists about the campaign, the group’s media contact, Hannatu Asheloge, said the initiative utilises high-impact visuals on buses in Lagos and Abuja.

    She added that the initiative also involves displaying posters on buses in six states nationwide.

    Asheloge, who is also a Senior Analyst at Gatefield, an NGO, stated that the campaign aims to educate the public on the dangers of fake news while calling for greater accountability from Big Tech companies.

    According to her, fake news is Nigeria’s biggest online threat and has caused “99 per cent harm for online users, especially internet users”.

    She emphasised the urgency of the campaign, stating that reports on online harms highlight how critical it is for Nigeria to take action against this crisis.

    “If we don’t act, young Nigerians, especially young women, will continue to bear the brunt of misinformation and online abuse.

    “This not only harms individuals but also degrades the quality of the internet experience, which is fundamentally unfair.

    “That is why it is crucial for us to spread the word and push for accountability. It is time for regulators to step in, set clear rules for Big Tech, and hold them accountable to protect citizens from the dangers of online harms like misinformation,” she said.

    Asheloge added that Big Tech platforms have continued to allow false information to spread unchecked, even in countries like Nigeria.

    She noted that misinformation has continued to shape public opinion and fuel fear, particularly during elections, health crises, and national emergencies.

    According to her, social media companies profit from viral misinformation but do little to stop it, leaving users to deal with the consequences.

    Mr Silas Jonathan, a Research and Digital Investigation Manager at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, stated that technology platforms are now showing even less concern over the spread of misinformation.

    He noted that this is dangerous, adding that false information fuels fear, causes harm, and puts lives at risk.

    Jonathan said that if technology platforms refuse to act, action must be taken against them.

    He added that the Forward with Facts campaign advocates for a unified effort to push for better content moderation in Nigeria, particularly to protect vulnerable groups online and curb misinformation, which remains one of the biggest threats to African democracy.

    Speaking to a media agency, Hajarat Olapade urged the Nigerian government to introduce policies to regulate random messages that compel recipients to forward them to as many people as possible.

    According to Olapade, such messages contribute to the insecurity the country is experiencing and have led to loss of lives.

    Amen Peter encouraged Nigerians to always verify information before sharing it, adding that there are many online sources that can help determine whether information is genuine.

    Okeme Chubiyojo stated that fake news has helped promote radicalism and extremist ideologies among young people, particularly through social media content.

    She also called for policies to regulate information sharing.

  • Ministry of women affairs to intervene in Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio

    Ministry of women affairs to intervene in Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio

    The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development says it will broker peace between Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP/Kogi Central) and the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.

    The Minister, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said this while addressing State House Correspondents during the Meet-the-Press meeting on Friday.

    The Minister said the allegation of sexual harassment by Akpoti-Uduaghan, which led to her suspension from the Senate for six months, was an unfortunate incident that should not have happened.

    “It is unfortunate; we’re going to be brokering peace.

    READ ALSO: Alleged Boko Haram funding: senate moves to investigate USAID

    “In the last assembly, we had nine women senators; in this Assembly, we have four. We don’t want to lose any member of the Senate or House of Representatives.

    “We want to increase the numbers.

    “We will engage all the stakeholders to ensure that they temper justice with mercy,” she said.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim said she was at the National Assembly on Thursday, where they marked International Women’s Day.

    She said the last thing the President of the Senate said was, “We’re open to broker peace.

    “So, we’re going to be an intermediary between the two parties to see that peace reigns.

    “We will continue to sensitise women so that we will work better together as women and men.”

  • Ogun truck collision kills 1, 3 Injured—FRSC

    Ogun truck collision kills 1, 3 Injured—FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Ogun State Sector Command, has reported that one person died and three others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a truck accident near the SWAT office, opposite OOPL, on the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway.

    The sector command’s spokesperson, Mrs Florence Okpe, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday in Abeokuta.

    Okpe stated that the crash occurred at about 4:20 a.m. and involved a Zino truck and a Volvo truck, both without registration numbers.

    She attributed the accident to brake failure and loss of control, which led to the collision.

    She stated that nine men were involved in the accident, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.

    Okpe added that the injured victims were taken to the State Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, while the deceased was deposited at the hospital’s morgue.

    She quoted the FRSC sector Commander, Akinwunmi Fasakin, as advising motorists to conduct daily vehicle checks before setting out.

    “He further urged both motorists and passengers to prioritise safety while using the roads,” she added.

  • CBN, EFCC in legal duel over a N2.7bn property forfeiture case

    CBN, EFCC in legal duel over a N2.7bn property forfeiture case

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has pleaded with the Federal High Court, Abuja to throw out a case filed by the EFCC regarding the forfeiture of a property worth N2.7 billion.

    The property, located in the Karmo District of Abuja, was used as collateral for a loan given through the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL).

    The EFCC had earlier approached the court, seeking permission to temporarily seize the property while investigating Toks Properties Limited.

     The anti-corruption agency also requested approval to appoint someone to manage the property on behalf of the federal government during the investigation.

     In response, Justice Emeka Nwite granted the EFCC’s request in September 2024, barring any sale, lease, or transfer of the property.

    At a court session on Thursday, CBN’s lawyer, Joseph Abah, along with another legal representative from Salis Ventilated Homes Limited, sought permission to join the case as defendants.

     The CBN argued that it plays a key role in regulating banking activities and that the property in question was legally pledged as collateral for a loan under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP).

    According to the CBN, in 2020, it provided a loan of over N3.8 billion to Sadolen Interworld Limited for rice farming. The loan, with a 12-month term, was backed by a third-party guarantee from Toks Properties Limited. 

    To secure the transaction, the property was placed under a legal mortgage, with its title documents handed over to NIRSAL.

     The CBN also stated that the surety had agreed in writing not to sell or transfer the property without prior approval.

    Since the loan has not been fully repaid, the CBN insists that the property remains tied to the loan and cannot be forfeited.

     The bank has requested the court to dismiss the EFCC’s case, arguing that seizing the property would violate its legal rights as the mortgage holder.

    During the hearing, Justice Nwite asked the CBN’s lawyer whether the EFCC had been served with the necessary court documents, to which Abah confirmed they had. 

    The EFCC’s legal team acknowledged receiving the documents but requested more time to respond. The agency clarified that it only sought to secure the property while investigations were ongoing.

    After listening to both sides, Justice Nwite scheduled the next hearing for May 21, 2025, to review all pending applications related to the case.

  • Senate cmte recommends 6-month suspension for Natasha Akpoti

    Senate cmte recommends 6-month suspension for Natasha Akpoti

    … to forefeit salary and all privileges

    The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct has recommended a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing violations of Senate rules.

    The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, submitted its report on Thursday, urging the suspension to take effect immediately from March 6, 2025.

    According to the committee’s recommendations, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will be barred from entering the National Assembly premises during the suspension.

    Her office will be shut down and her salary and allowances shall be stopped during the period.

    Additionally, she will be prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator.

    The committee also stated that the senator could be given the opportunity to submit a written apology, which may be considered if the Senate decides to review the suspension at a later date.

    The final decision will be made after a vote by the entire Senate, which could strip her of all legislative privileges for the duration of the suspension.


    Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a new petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.

    The petition, reportedly signed by her constituents, was presented during plenary on Thursday.

    When asked whether the case was before any court, she confirmed that it was not.

    In accordance with parliamentary procedure, the Senate referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.

    The committee has been given four weeks to examine the allegations and report its findings.

    This is the second time Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has raised similar allegations against the Senate President.

    A previous petition was dismissed on procedural grounds on Wednesday.

  • Atiku must not be given 2027 Presidential Ticket – Bode George

    Atiku must not be given 2027 Presidential Ticket – Bode George

     

    Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George, has urged party leaders not to consider former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as their presidential candidate for the 2027 election. 

    He said that allowing Atiku to run again would weaken the party’s chances in the poll.

    George accused Atiku and his allies of neglecting the South during the 2023 election process, which led to dissatisfaction among southern members of the party. 

    He recalled how the treatment of the region caused a rift within the PDP, leading some members, including a group of governors, to withdraw their support.

    He warned that choosing another northern candidate in 2027 would be unfair to the South and could cause many southern politicians to lose interest in campaigning for the party.

     He insisted that power should return to the South after President Bola Tinubu’s tenure before the North considers another run.

    Speaking on Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, George stated that Obi would struggle to achieve his ambition with the Labour Party due to its weak structure. 

    He argued that only the PDP has the necessary support base to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election. 

    While he acknowledged that Tinubu’s re-election would not be an easy task, he maintained that the PDP could only succeed if it prioritizes fairness and unity.

    George also addressed Nyesom Wike and others who had opposed the PDP in the last election, urging them to put the nation’s interest first. 

    He called on Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the country’s current economic state to support the opposition.

    Expressing concern over the federal government’s involvement in political affairs in states like Lagos, Rivers, and Osun, he warned that such interference could lead to instability. 

    He further stressed the need for Nigeria to restructure its governance system to operate under true federalism.

  • Nigerians are the sixth most terrorised people globally

    Nigerians are the sixth most terrorised people globally

    Nigeria has climbed to the sixth position in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), moving up from eighth place in the previous two years. 

    The report, released on March 5, 2025, assessed the impact of terrorism worldwide, with Burkina Faso ranking as the most affected country, followed by Pakistan, Syria, Mali, and Niger.

    The data showed that Nigeria recorded 565 terrorism-related deaths in 2024, continuing an upward trend in fatalities.

     The number had previously dropped to 392 in 2022, the lowest since 2011, but it surged by 34% in 2023 and increased further in 2024. 

    While the global trend shows a decline in terrorism-related deaths since 2015, Nigeria’s situation appears to be worsening.

    One of the key concerns raised in the report was the growing presence of IS-Sahel, a terrorist group that has expanded its reach beyond its usual areas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

     In 2024, the group carried out 16 attacks in Nigeria, in addition to several others in neighboring countries.

    The report also indicated that more countries are now experiencing terrorist attacks, with the number rising from 58 in 2023 to 66 in 2024, the highest level since 2018. 

    The Sahel region has become the most violent hotspot for terrorism, accounting for over half of the terrorism-related deaths worldwide last year. 

    The overall number of deaths linked to conflict in the region surpassed 25,000, with nearly 4,000 directly caused by terrorist attacks.

    Despite Burkina Faso maintaining its position as the most impacted country, the number of attacks and fatalities there declined in 2024. 

    However, Niger experienced a sharp rise in terrorism-related deaths, nearly doubling to 930 fatalities. 

    This shift raises concerns that any progress in the fight against terrorism in the region might only be temporary.

    The findings in the report paint a worrying picture of the security situation in Nigeria and the broader West African region. 

    With terrorist groups expanding their activities and more countries seeing a rise in attacks, tackling the growing threat remains a pressing challenge.

  • Akpabio’s Wife Sues Senator Natasha for Defamation, Seeks ₦250bn Damages

    Akpabio’s Wife Sues Senator Natasha for Defamation, Seeks ₦250bn Damages

    Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has filed two lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accusing her of defamation and violating her fundamental human rights.

    The legal battle stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent claims that her challenges in the Senate began after she rejected alleged sexual advances from the Senate President.

    In the first case (Suit No: CV/814/25), filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, Mrs. Akpabio argued that the senator’s statements had subjected her and her children to emotional distress and fear for their safety. 

    She requested the court to rule that the allegations violated her right to dignity as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. 

    She is demanding ₦250 billion in damages and a permanent injunction to prevent further statements from Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    In a separate defamation case (Suit No: CV/816/25), Mrs. Akpabio refuted the senator’s allegations against her husband, calling them false and malicious. 

    She claimed that the accusations had brought her family into public disrepute. As part of her demands, she is seeking ₦1 billion in damages and a court order compelling Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish a public apology in The Guardian and ThisDay newspapers.

    “The allegations have caused untold pain and emotional trauma to me and my family,” Mrs. Akpabio stated in her court filings.

    The court has not yet scheduled a hearing for the cases.

    Tensions between the lawmakers escalated after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate seat was reassigned without prior notice, prompting her to protest during a plenary session. 

    The Senate later referred the issue to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imaseun of Edo South, for investigation, with a two-week deadline for its report.

    In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and his senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick.

     Her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, argued that a Facebook post by Patrick titled “Is Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” contained derogatory remarks implying that she viewed her Senate position as an opportunity to showcase makeup and revealing outfits. Giwa contended that the statement damaged her reputation among colleagues and the public.

    The controversy intensified when Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where she reiterated her claims of sexual harassment against the Senate President. 

    She alleged that colleagues had warned her to accept the seat change, suggesting it was part of a broader plot against her.

    Mrs. Akpabio has strongly denied the allegations, dismissing them as baseless and false.

  • EFCC takes former Abia Gov, son, and three others to court

    EFCC takes former Abia Gov, son, and three others to court

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken former Abia State Governor, Senator Theodore Orji, his son, Chinedum Orji, and three others to court over alleged mismanagement of public funds.

     The case was heard at the Abia State High Court on Friday.

    The EFCC accused them of conspiracy and misuse of billions of naira meant for state development. 

    Others charged alongside them include former Finance Commissioner Dr. Philip Nto, former Director of Finance Romanus Madu, and a contractor, King Obioma.

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    The charges, filed in October 2024, include allegations of misusing N22.5 billion security funds between 2011 and 2015, N2 billion meant for small and medium enterprises from the Central Bank, and N12 billion from the Paris Club refund.

    They were also accused of misusing N13 billion from a loan granted to the state by the former Diamond Bank.

    During the court session, all the defendants denied the charges.

    The judge granted them bail at N50 million each and set the next hearing for June 18 and 19, 2025, when the EFCC will present its case.

    One of the defence lawyers described the charges as excessive but expressed satisfaction that the court granted bail.

    The EFCC now has the responsibility of proving the allegations against the accused persons when the trial resumes.