Author

Nelson Ugwuagbo

Shehu Baba Umar
Headlines

Shehu Buba withdraws backs Tuggar in tomorrow’s APC Primary elections

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo
Distinguished Senator Shehu Buba Umar has formally announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Bauchi State.
The decision, according to the Senator, follows what he described as persistent breaches of due process, internal democratic principles, provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, the APC Constitution 2022 (as amended), as well as established party guidelines governing the conduct of the primary process.
Senator Shehu Buba Umar stated that despite his commitment to a transparent, fair, and credible process, recent developments within the conduct of the exercise have raised serious concerns regarding equity, inclusiveness, and adherence to laid down democratic procedures. He noted that his withdrawal is therefore being made under protest and in defence of democratic values and party integrity.
The Senator further explained that after broad consultations with political associates, stakeholders, supporters, and elders across Bauchi State, he has resolved to endorse Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar as the most credible and experienced candidate capable of providing purposeful leadership for the state.
He described Ambassador Tuggar as a unifying figure with proven administrative competence, national and international experience, and the capacity to strengthen the APC’s chances in the forthcoming governorship election.
Senator Shehu Buba Umar called on his supporters across the state to remain calm, peaceful, and steadfast, while urging them to rally behind Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar in the overall interest of Bauchi State and the unity of the APC.
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Oyo State
Headlines

Protests Erupts in Oyo Over Kidnapped Students

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo
Protests erupted in Oyo State on Wednesday as youths and residents stormed the streets over the recent abduction of students and teachers in the state.
In a video going viral online, protesters were seen chanting, “Bring back our children,” “Bring back our teachers,” and “Free our children and teachers,” while demanding urgent government intervention.
The demonstration, which is ongoing in Ogbomoso, saw angry residents decry worsening insecurity and economic hardship, accusing the government of failing to safeguard lives and improve citizens’ welfare.
Some protesters were also seen pulling down billboards and banners bearing the image of President Bola Tinubu.
The protest followed the recent abduction of dozens of pupils and a teacher during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The teacher was subsequently beheaded by his captors
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Oyo Teacher
Headlines

Bandits Behead Oyo Teacher

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo
Michael Oyedokun, a teacher abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has been killed by his captors.
Oyedokun was reportedly beheaded in a disturbing video allegedly released by the kidnappers on Sunday
The video, obtained via Telegram on Monday, showed the teacher tied up and forced to speak before he was gruesomely murdered.
The killing has thrown the Ahoro-Esinele community into mourning, with residents, families of the victims and indigenes calling on security agencies and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to rescue those still being held captive.
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr. Suleimon Olanrewaju, confirmed the teacher’s death in a statement issued on Monday.
Olanrewaju said Governor Makinde had extended condolences to the family of the deceased and assured residents that the government would deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to secure the release of the remaining victims.
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House of Reps
Headlines

APC Majority Leader, 12 Other Reps Screened Out from Party Primaries

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Several serving members of Nigeria’s House of Reps failed to secure return tickets during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries conducted across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Among the notable casualties was the House Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, whose bid for a third term to represent Owan Federal Constituency in Edo State ended in defeat. Ihonvbere lost the APC ticket to former Commissioner for Mining, Andrew Ijegbai, amid reports of a zoning arrangement between Owan East and Owan West.

Also in Edo State, Eseosa Iyawe lost the APC ticket for Oredo Federal Constituency to former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu. Iyawe, who was originally elected on the platform of the Labour Party, later defected to the APC during his time in the Green Chamber.

In Imo State, four incumbent lawmakers were denied return tickets during the party primaries. They include Matthew Nwogu, representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency; Miriam Onuoha of Okigwe South; Harrison Nwadike, representing Isu/Njaba/Nkwerre/Nwangele Federal Constituency; and Emeka Martins Chinedu of Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency.

Similarly, Ismail Kayode, the incumbent representative for Ifelodun/Oyun/Offa Federal Constituency in Kwara State, lost the APC ticket to former Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Rafiu Ajakaye.

In Kebbi State, Mansur Musa Jega failed to clinch the APC ticket for Jega/Gwandu/Aleiro Federal Constituency following a consensus arrangement that produced former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Jafar Ahmed Jega, as the party’s candidate.

Jigawa State also recorded setbacks for four serving lawmakers during the primaries. Those affected are Muktar Muhammad, representing Kazaure/Roni/Gwiwa/Yankwashi Federal Constituency; Ibrahim Usman Auyo of Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency; Sa’adu Wada Taura of Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency; and Yusif Sa’idu Miga, representing Jahun/Miga Federal Constituency.

In Delta State, longtime federal lawmaker Nicholas Mutu suffered a major upset after failing to secure the APC ticket for Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency. Mutu, who has represented the constituency in the House of Representatives since 1999, lost the party’s ticket to Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Basil Okolobaowei Ganagana, who emerged as the APC flagbearer for the 2027 elections.

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Blessing Gozi
Headlines

EFCC Arraigns Bank MD Over 19m, $30,000 Fraud

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned the Managing Director of Viscount Microfinance Bank, Blessing Gozi-Anyaokei, over the alleged unlawful conversion of investment funds totaling N19 million and $30,000.

Gozi-Anyaokei was arraigned before Justice Y. Halilu of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on a two-count charge bordering on alleged illegal conversion and obtaining money under false pretence.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the defendant allegedly received N19 million from Ernest Terkula Jor in 2022 for investment purposes while serving as the bank’s managing director.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the funds were diverted for personal use, contrary to the provisions of the Penal Code Act.

The EFCC further accused the defendant of receiving an additional $30,000 from the same investor for investment purposes and dishonestly converting the money for personal benefit.

According to the commission, the alleged offences contravene Section 311 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990, and are punishable under Section 312 of the same Act.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court.

Following the plea, prosecution counsel S.N. Robert requested a trial date, while Justice Halilu granted the defendant bail with two sureties who must possess landed property within Abuja.

The court also ordered the surrender of her travel documents and barred her from travelling outside the country without prior court approval.

The case was adjourned until July 19, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

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Seyi Makinde
Headlines

Seyi Makinde Declares For President in PDP/APM Alliance

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party backed by Seyi Makinde and the Allied Peoples’ Movement on Thursday strengthened opposition collaboration ahead of the 2027 general elections by signing a Memorandum of Understanding in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The agreement was signed by Seyi Bamidele on behalf of the PDP faction, while Oladele Oyadeji signed for the APM. Governor Makinde and APM National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle also endorsed the pact on behalf of their respective parties.

The development comes as Governor Makinde also declared his intention to contest the presidential election.

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Mustapha Abdullahi
Headlines

BREAKING: EFCC Arrests Energy DG, Mustapha Abdullahi over N500bn Fraud

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Men of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, over alleged money laundering offences involving an estimated N500 billion.

A source within the anti-graft agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment publicly on the matter, disclosed on Wednesday that Abdullahi was arrested in Abuja and is currently in the custody of the commission.

According to the source, the alleged fraud is linked to funds amounting to about N500 billion.

“We have arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, for money laundering offences. He was arrested and is currently in our custody. The money involved is estimated at N500 billion,” the source said.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful as calls and messages were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Abdullahi as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria on October 24, 2023.

Further details are expected later.

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Selah Mamman
Headlines

Court Sentence Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman to 75 Years Imprisonment for Embezzling N33.8 Billion

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over a N33.8 billion money laundering and fraud case.

Mamman was convicted on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho sentenced the former minister to seven years imprisonment each on 10 counts, while counts four and five attracted three years and two years jail terms respectively.

The court ruled that the sentences would run consecutively and without the option of a fine, except for count four, where the convict was given an option of a N10 million fine.

Justice Omotosho also ordered the forfeiture of foreign currencies recovered from Mamman, alongside four high-value properties in Abuja linked to the proceeds of the crime.

The EFCC had arraigned Mamman in July 2024 on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering and conspiracy. The anti-graft agency accused him of collaborating with ministry officials and private firms to divert N33.8 billion earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

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Headlines

FG to Borrow Fresh $1.25 Billion Loan From World Bank

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Federal Government is currently in advanced discussions with the World Bank over a proposed $1.25 billion loan aimed at supporting economic reforms, job creation, and investment growth, according to a document obtained by Leading Reporters.

The document, titled Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration, revealed that negotiations for the facility have reached a critical stage ahead of its expected presentation for approval on June 26, 2026.

According to the report, the loan has moved beyond the initial concept and appraisal phases, indicating significant progress in the approval process.

If approved, the facility would rank as Nigeria’s second-largest World Bank loan after the $1.5 billion Reforms for Economic Stabilisation to Enable Transformation Development Policy Financing approved in June 2024.

The document identified the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the borrower, while the Federal Ministry of Finance is expected to serve as the implementing agency for the programme.

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NDDC
Headlines

Senate, Reps Approve N1.75tn NDDC Budget for 2026

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Senate and House of Representatives has on Tuesday passed the N1.75 trillion 2026 budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

They also approved the N2.285 trillion 2026 budget of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), with the Senate increasing the proposal by N84 billion from the N2.201 trillion initially submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in March.

A breakdown of the approved budget shows that N165.775 billion was earmarked for personnel costs, N378.231 billion for overhead expenses, while N1.741 trillion was allocated to capital projects.

The House of Representatives also passed the N1.75 trillion 2026 budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Presenting the report of the Senate Committee on the FCT, Senator Austin Akobondu of Abia Central said the committee engaged with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and other relevant officials to finalise the budget framework and spending plans.

According to the report, capital expenditure accounts for 76.19 per cent of the total budget, overhead costs represent 16.55 per cent, while personnel costs make up 7.25 per cent.

The budget was approved during plenary at the Committee of Supply after lawmakers overwhelmingly supported it through voice votes.

However, some senators expressed concern over the absence of a detailed revenue profile to support the proposed expenditure for the 2026 fiscal year, which is expected to run from January 1 to December 31, 2026.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio subsequently announced the passage of the appropriation bill following majority approval by lawmakers.

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