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INEC Proposes ₦873.78 Billion Budget for 2027 General Elections

by Folarin Kehinde February 12, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has submitted a proposed budget of ₦873.78 billion to conduct the 2027 general elections. The commission also requested ₦171 billion for its 2026 operations, including bye-elections and off-season polls.

INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan presented these figures to the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Abuja. The proposals comply with the Electoral Act 2022, which requires election budgets to be prepared at least one year in advance.

2027 Election Budget Breakdown (₦873.78 billion total)

Operational costs- N379.75 Billion

Administrative costs – N92.32 Billion

Technological costs – N209.21 Billion

Election capital costs – N154.91 Billion

Miscellaneous expenses – N42.61 Billion

This represents a significant increase from the ₦313.4 billion released for the 2023 general elections.

2026 Operations Budget Proposal (₦171 billion requested)

Personnel costs – N109 Billion

Overheads – N18.7 Billion

Election-related activities – N42.63 Billion

Capital expenditure – N1.4 Billion

The Ministry of Finance provided an envelope of only ₦140 billion, which INEC says is insufficient due to the need for urgent and flexible funding.

 

February 12, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

Engine Failure: Passengers escape death as Arik Air makes emergency landing

by Folarin Kehinde February 11, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

It was panic galore on Wednesday morning among passengers of an Arik Air flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt when the aircraft was diverted after developing an engine issue mid-flight.

The airline confirmed that its Boeing 737-700 aircraft, registered 5N-MJF, operating Flight W3 740, was descending into Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the flight crew heard a loud bang from the left engine.

Arik Air in an update confirmed that all 80 passengers and crew members on board disembarked safely, with no injuries reported.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft, registration 5N-MJF, operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos (LOS) to Port Harcourt (PHC) earlier today, experienced an in-flight engine anomaly and diverted safely to Benin Airport (BNI).

The Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance,Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, in a press statement on Wednesday said during the cruise phase of flight, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines.

She explained that in accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin.

She said the aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported.

She also assured that preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment.

“In line with its statutory mandate and in accordance with international standards under ICAO Annex 13 and applicable Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the NSIB has commenced an investigation into the occurrence.

“A preliminary assessment team is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.

“The NSIB is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other relevant stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and any contributing factors.

“A Preliminary Report will be issued within 30 days in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 provisions.

“A Final Report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.The safety of passengers, crew, and the public remains our highest priority.

“The NSIB encourages any member of the public with relevant information regarding this occurrence to contact the Bureau through its official channels,” she said.

 

February 11, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

Senate adopts electronic, manual transmission of election results

by Folarin Kehinde February 10, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Senate on Tuesday made a U-turn by rescinding its earlier decision rejecting real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission Results Viewing Portal (IReV) “provided that if the electronic transmission fails and it becomes difficult to transmit the results, the form EC8A will be the primary means of collation.”

The resolution followed its consideration and approval of a motion moved by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) during its emergency plenary session in Abuja.

The Minority Leader, Abba Moro, seconded the motion.

The proposal in clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026, was amended by the Senate before it was passed by the Senate.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the new amendment before putting it to vote.

Akpabio said: “The clause being debated provided that presiding officers shall electronically transmit the results from the polling units to the INEC’s IReV portal and provided that if the electronic transmission fails and it becomes difficult to transmit the results, the Form EC8A will be the primary means of collation.”

Monguno’s motion titled “Motion for rescission on clause 60(3) of the electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026” read: “The Senate: Recalls that the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill was passed by the Senate on Wednesday, 4th February, 2026;

“Notes that upon careful examination of the Bill, fresh issues have emerged in respect of Clause 60(3), which requires further legislative consideration in order to ensure the conduct of smooth, transparent, and credible elections in Nigeria; and

“Relying on the provisions of Orders 1(b) and 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 (as amended).

“Accordingly resolves to: (i). Rescind its earlier decision on Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill as previously passed; and (ii). Recommit Clause 60(3) to the Committee of the Whole for further reconsideration and passage.”

Monguno said the decision to rescind the Senate’s earlier rejection of electronic transmission was informed by the need for the Electoral Act to reflect the wishes of Nigerians.

“This amendment is to bring our laws to make it a replica of the wishes and aspirations of the people,” he said.

Majority of Senators voted to approve the new amendment when the new amendment was put to vote.

 

February 10, 2026 0 comments
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InvestigationHeadlines

BURSTED: NSITF CEO MOVES On ₦297Billion Fund, Operates Over 100 Bank Accounts Linked To One BVN

by Leading Reporters February 9, 2026
written by Leading Reporters
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Oluwaseun Mayomi Faleye, is accused of operating more than 100 bank accounts linked to a single Bank Verification Number (BVN) and granting himself “unlimited spending powers” to siphon and misappropriate funds belonging to Nigerian workers.

Multiple internal documents, bank records, and testimonies obtained by allege that Faleye unilaterally conferred these powers on himself and authorised the disbursement of hundreds of billions of naira belonging exclusively to Nigerian workers, without lawful approval, board oversight, or adherence to federal financial regulations.

₦297 Billion Workers’ Funds, ₦243 Billion Allegedly Spent Without Approval

According to documents reviewed by US, between January 2 and October 9, 2025, the NSITF recorded total lodgments of ₦297,019,145,288.60.

The funds, insiders stressed, were derived entirely from compulsory employer contributions under the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA), a statutory scheme designed to protect Nigerian workers injured, disabled, or killed in the course of employment.

Within the same period, records show that ₦243,203,518,621.17 was spent. Multiple senior officials alleged that a significant portion of this expenditure was carried out without the approval of the NSITF Management Board, in violation of the Act establishing the Fund and existing federal financial regulations.

“This is not government money. This is workers’ money, contributed mandatorily under the law,” one senior NSITF official said.

“Every kobo is supposed to be protected by layers of checks and balances. What we are seeing here is a complete collapse of those safeguards.”

‘No Approval Limit’: How Faleye Allegedly Gave Himself Unchecked Spending Powers

Central to the allegations is a document dated March 4, 2025, signed by Mr. Faleye and obtained by .

The document is an extract from the minutes of the 46th Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting held at the NSITF Boardroom, and chaired by Faleye, detailing approval limits for financial transactions within the Fund.

According to a document obtained by US, the EXCO resolution set clear limits for other officials: other general managers, ₦25,000; General Manager (Finance), ₦50,000; other executive directors, ₦750,000; and the Executive Director (Finance and Investment), ₦1,000,000.

However, under the same resolution, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Faleye, and the chairman, approved no limit for his own spending authority.

Nsitf

According to multiple sources, this effectively gave Mr. Faleye unrestricted power to approve payments of any amount, without recourse to the Management Board or external oversight.

“He simply wrote and signed a document granting himself ‘No Approval Limit’,” a senior official disclosed. “There is absolutely no legal basis for this in the NSITF Act or in federal financial regulations.”

Another insider added, “This amounts to usurping the powers of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Under existing rules, even Managing Directors of parastatals are capped. They cannot wake up and approve unlimited spending.”

Current federal thresholds reportedly allow Managing Directors to approve up to ₦30 million for works and ₦10 million for goods and services, and even those approvals remain subject to board oversight.

“What happened here defies every known rule of public finance management,” a source said.

Several NSITF insiders described deep distress over the alleged abuses.

“This is the most reckless abuse of power I have witnessed in over 20 years in the public sector,” a senior official told Our Reporters.

“He effectively sidelined the Board, ignored the law, and treated workers’ funds as personal cash. The emotional toll of witnessing this level of corruption is enormous. I can’t even sleep.”

Millions of Dollars Allegedly Traced to Faleye, Linked Entities

In a separate document exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters, investigators traced alleged inflows of millions of dollars and hundreds of millions of naira into bank accounts linked directly to Mr. Faleye and entities reportedly associated with him.

The transactions listed include: Faleye Oluwaseun Mayomisola, GTBank USD Account 0111206422 – $336,917.00

Faleye Oluwaseun Mayomisola, GTBank USD Account 0004754113 – $6,743,421.00

Faleye Oluwaseun Mayomisola, GTBank NGN Account 0004754096 – ₦291,182,605.00

Fides & Fiducia Client Account, Access Bank NGN Account 0718896883 – ₦584,950,000.00

Fides & Fiducia, Access Bank USD Account 0690403396 – $626,279.00

Fides & Fiducia, Zenith Bank NGN Account 1013806407 – ₦93,757,500.00

Pluschess Limited, Zenith Bank USD Account 071315271 – $20,000.00

Faleye Oluwaseun Mayomisola, GTBank USD Account 3001101016 – $75,558.00

Nsitf

The total dollar inflow alone is estimated at over $7.3 million, excluding naira-denominated transactions.

“These are not small transfers. The volume, frequency, and structuring suggest deliberate efforts to move and possibly conceal funds,” a source familiar with the documents said.

Over 100 Bank Accounts, One BVN

Perhaps most alarming is another document obtained by US, which reportedly shows more than 100 active bank accounts linked to a single BVN belonging to Mr. Faleye.

The BVN profile details are as follows: The registration date is June 10, 2015. The first name is Oluwaseun, the middle name is Mayomi, and the last name is Faleye.

Ndit

The date of birth is August 28, 1977. The enrollment bank is Guaranty Trust Bank, and the enrollment branch is Ajose Adeogun.

Sources allege that many of these accounts received funds traceable to NSITF operations.

“The scale is staggering,” one insider said. “You don’t run over 100 accounts accidentally. This points to systematic structuring.”

‘₦5.5 Billion Commission Payments Approved Without Board or Ministry’

Beyond personal accounts, sources allege that Mr. Faleye authorised speculative commission payments totalling over ₦5.53 billion without approval from either the NSITF Management Board or the Ministry of Labour.

The payments, allegedly ranging between 15% and 20% commission, include: “09/10/2025, Assurance Services ST ADBA Ltd: ₦1,379,186,010.00, 18/03/2025, TAGG Global Resources Ltd: ₦865,000,000.00, 17/09/2025, Rate Seal Support & Project Ltd: ₦683,777,666.40, 16/05/2025, Rate Seal Support & Project Ltd: ₦659,303,810.50.

“16/05/2025, Rate Gold Solution Nig Ltd: ₦648,750,000.00, 01/08/2025, Gold Solution Nig Ltd: ₦648,750,000.00, 01/08/2025, TAGG Global Resources Ltd: ₦648,750,000.00, Total: ₦5,533,517,486.90.

“This money was approved and paid without lawful authority,” a source said. “No board resolution. No ministerial approval.”

Board Absence and Alleged Exploitation of Governance Gap

Sources further disclosed that Mr. Faleye was appointed Managing Director in July 2023, while the NSITF Management Board was not constituted until around January 2025, a gap of more than one year.

“NSITF is not meant to operate without a board,” a top official explained.

“The Act expressly forbids Executive Management from spending funds without board approval. If there is no board, spending should not take place.”

Although the Ministry of Labour has historically attempted to fill temporary governance gaps, insiders insist this does not override the law.

“At no point has Executive Management been allowed to approve financial transactions for itself,” a source said.

“What happened here is unprecedented. This is not mismanagement. It is misappropriation and outright theft.”

‘This Is Workers’ Money, Not National Cake’

Multiple officials emphasised that NSITF funds are distinct from regular government revenue.

“Government contributes nothing except as an employer like everyone else,” one source said.

“Under the law, every employer pays one percent of payroll. The money belongs to Nigerian workers, not the government.”

However, to safeguard this fund, the Act established a strict tripartite governance structure. This structure involves three key stakeholders: the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Federal Ministry of Labour.

“These stakeholders jointly crafted the law,” a source said. “The structure was deliberately designed to prevent exactly this kind of abuse.”

When we contacted the NSITF Chief Executive Officer, Faleye, he said he was not aware of the allegations.

However, when asked about the dollar account and how $7.3 million was allegedly transferred into it, he abruptly hung up the call.

Efforts to get him to respond to the allegations afterward were unsuccessful.

We also reached out to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Salihu Usman, to ask whether they approved a ₦5 billion commissioning project and how ₦240 billion was allegedly mismanaged.

He denied being aware of the allegations.

When we contacted the Chairman of the NSITF Board, Shola Olofin, he said, “Please give me time to verify this information and claims.”
News credit: saharareporters.com

February 9, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

Peter Obi joins #OccupyNationalAssembly protest over electronic transmission of results

by Folarin Kehinde February 9, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Monday February joined Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, a coalition of 70 non-governmental organisations, during the #OccupyNationalAssembly protest in Abuja.

The protest is happening day before emergency plenary session by the Senate.

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February 9, 2026 0 comments
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Police
Headlines

Tension As Popular Gospel Singer, 3 crew members found Dead Inside Studio

by Folarin Kehinde February 9, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

Confusion, tears, and rage from residents have followed the death of a gospel artiste, Matthew Ogundele and three of his crew members who were found dead in a Lagos music studio in Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos State.

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the incident, even as it commenced investigation to unravel the mystery behind the deaths.

“Investigation is ongoing, as there was no sign of violence on the remains of the victims,” Police source stated.

It was gathered that the victims stayed overnight after performing at a birthday praise event, and were later discovered unresponsive.

The deceased crew members were identified as Joseph Sanya, Itunu Ogundele, and a blogger, Matthew Awosanya, otherwise known as JoesTv.

It was gathered that the victims were invited to perform on Tuesday, February 3, which was the second day of a three-day birthday praise organised by another female gospel artiste, Olanireti Akinbola.

A police source disclosed that the crew finished late and decided to sleep over in the studio, where their remains were later found the following day,

According to the source: “The convener invited some gospel artistes to minister during her three-day birthday praise, which started on Monday.

“Segun Praise was scheduled to minister on the second day, and he came with his crew. The session started in the evening and ran late, so they decided to stay overnight in the studio.

“It was the following morning that we heard that their lifeless bodies were found in the studio.”

In reaction to the sudden deaths, some colleagues and friends of the deceased have, in a series of posts online, demanded justice for them.

Pictures of the victims circulating on social media show blood stains in their noses, ears and mouths, fueling concern and speculation over the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

When contacted, Abimbola Adebisi, the Lagos Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident, saying the incident was reported on Wednesday, February 4, by the owner of the studio, Akintayo Akinbola, who is also the husband of the celebrant.

According to her, Akintayo said he left the artistes at his music studio located inside the HFP Shopping Complex on Tuesday night, February 3, after buying food for them, as they were preparing for a music concert.

He explained that the artistes returned to the studio after collecting the food, while he went home.

Adebisi said: “However, at about 11 am on Wednesday, Akintayo said he returned to the studio and discovered that the door was locked from the inside.

“Alarmed by the situation, he reportedly called for help, and the door was eventually forced open. On entering the studio, the lifeless bodies of the four artistes were discovered.”

She added that detectives from the command visited the scene, where photographs were taken, confirming that no marks of violence were found on the bodies, while investigation has commenced into the incident with a view to get to the bottom of it.

February 9, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

2027: Wike Establishes Radio Station For Tinubu Campaign In Rivers

by Folarin Kehinde February 7, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has established a new radio station, Majority FM 89.5, for the reelection campaign of President Bola Tinubu.

The radio station is located inside the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The development came amid intensified political mobilisation for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign in the South-South.

In a video circulating online, Wike is seen inspecting the newly launched radio facility, moving through the studio and interacting with staff. The station, according to sources, was designed to serve as a strategic communication platform for the Renewed Hope movement, a group widely known for its alignment with Tinubu’s administration.

“This will take messages from all over the 666 units of Rivers state, we are ready for this job, we are ready for 2027,” Wike said during the commissioning.

Political observers said the establishment of Majority FM further cements Wike’s influence in the state’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election.

As of press time, Wike and the Renewed Hope Ambassadors were yet to issue an official statement on the operational direction of the station.

 

February 7, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

2026 budget: Borno Govt allocates N150m to feed sheep, goats

by Folarin Kehinde February 5, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Borno State Government has earmarked N150 million for the feeding of sheep and goats kept within the Government House, according to details contained in the state’s 2026 budget estimates.

The allocation, listed under recurrent expenditure, was captured in the approved budget documents published on the official website of the state government.

The provision is understood to cover the cost of animal feed and routine upkeep for the livestock maintained at the Government House.

A breakdown of the estimates did not immediately specify the number of animals involved or the duration the funds are expected to cover.

However, officials familiar with the budget process said such provisions are typically made annually for the maintenance of livestock used for official functions and ceremonial purposes.

The development has sparked mixed reactions among residents and civil society groups, with some questioning the size of the allocation at a time when the state continues to grapple with humanitarian challenges and post-insurgency recovery needs.

As of the time of filing this report, the Borno State Government had not issued an official statement explaining the rationale behind the N150 million provision.

February 5, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

Former NEXIM MD bags 490-year jail term

by Folarin Kehinde February 5, 2026
written by Folarin Kehinde

An FCT High Court has convicted and sentenced a former managing director of Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Robert Orya, to 490 years in jail over a N2.4 billion fraud.

Justice F.E. Messiri on Thursday sentenced Orya to 10 years imprisonment for on each of the 10-count charge after finding him guilty of the allegations.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed the charge through its counsel, Samuel Ugwuegbulem.

Orya served as the managing director of NEXIM Bank from around 2009 to 2016, during which time he had been credited with efforts to refocus the bank on supporting non-oil exports and turning around its performance after earlier financial challenges.

The EFCC had brought the 49-count charge alleging that Orya fraudulently diverted funds amounting to about N2.4 billion.

 

February 5, 2026 0 comments
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Lassa Fever
Headlines

Three Die as Lassa Fever Breaks Out in Plateau

by Nelson Ugwuagbo February 5, 2026
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Plateau State Government has confirmed the deaths of three additional persons from Lassa fever, intensifying concerns over the spread of the disease in the state.

The latest fatalities come shortly after the death of Dr. Salome Oboyi, a resident doctor at Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) in Jos, who reportedly contracted the virus while treating an infected patient.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed the new casualties during an interview with Channels Television in Jos on Wednesday. He assured residents that surveillance efforts and public health interventions are ongoing in affected communities and healthcare facilities.

Baamlong explained that laboratory tests confirmed the victims were infected with the viral disease before they succumbed.

He added that emergency response measures have been activated to curb the spread of the infection and safeguard residents across the state.

February 5, 2026 0 comments
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