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Alleged forgery: Presidency under pressure to probe Interior Minister’s NYSC certificate saga

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The Presidency has confirmed receipt of a formal petition calling for the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to step aside pending a thorough investigation into allegations concerning his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, reportedly issued in 2023.

According to reports, the petition was submitted on Tuesday by a coalition of civil society organizations and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Chief of Staff. A copy of the petition was also forwarded to the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

The coalition described the case as “a constitutional and ethical matter that strikes at the very heart of integrity, justice, and public accountability,” insisting that no government official should be shielded from scrutiny.

According to the petition, Tunji-Ojo was first mobilised for the NYSC scheme in 2006 at the age of 24 but allegedly absconded from service.

The NYSC, the petitioners claimed, officially confirmed that the minister did not complete his one-year mandatory service.

Thirteen years later, in 2019, Tunji-Ojo was said to have been re-mobilised to complete his service year.

However, during that same period, he was serving as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Akoko North-East/North-West Federal Constituency of Ondo State — a dual role that, according to the coalition, violated constitutional provisions prohibiting public officers from holding two remunerated positions simultaneously.

Despite reportedly completing the service in 2020, no discharge certificate was issued at the time.

The groups alleged that a new certificate mysteriously surfaced in 2023, signed by an NYSC Director-General who was not in office during the purported service year.

The NYSC’s explanation — that Tunji-Ojo’s name was “omitted during printing” — was dismissed by the petitioners as “suspicious, irregular, and inconsistent with established NYSC administrative procedures.”

The coalition cited several laws that may have been breached, including: Sections 2 and 13 of the NYSC Act, which criminalize absconding from service or using forged NYSC certificates; Paragraph 2, Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits public officers from receiving salaries from more than one public office; and Sections 19 and 25 of the ICPC Act, which prescribe up to seven years’ imprisonment for any public officer who receives double remuneration or acts corruptly.

They argued that if Tunji-Ojo indeed participated in the NYSC programme while serving as a federal lawmaker, it would constitute “an abuse of office, conflict of interest, and violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.”

The petitioners also accused the Tinubu administration of selective justice, referencing the resignation of a minister from the South-East over certificate irregularities.

“Just as a minister from the eastern part of Nigeria was asked to resign pending investigation over certificate irregularities, the same standard of accountability must apply to Minister Bunmi Tunji-Ojo,” the coalition wrote. “Justice must not wear ethnic or political colours.”

The coalition outlined four major demands: That Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo step down immediately to allow for an independent investigation; That the Presidency direct the NYSC, ICPC, and Code of Conduct Bureau to investigate the authenticity of the 2023 certificate; That the National Assembly open an inquiry into possible double remuneration between 2019 and 2020; That the issue be treated as a matter of national integrity, not political affiliation.

The coalition urged President Tinubu to act “decisively for history, for justice, and for Nigeria.”

“This is not merely about Bunmi Tunji-Ojo — it is about whether the rule of law still governs our democracy,” the petition stated.

“If selective justice is allowed to stand, it will erode public confidence in government institutions and deepen cynicism.”

Anambra: Showing the way forward as Nigeria’s golden opportunity for heritage tourism

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As edited by Ayo Oyoze Baje,

 

 

According to Mr Don Onyenji, the honorable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture in Anambra state.heritage has become a powerful driver in the global tourism economy. From Kyoto in Japan, where centuries-old temples and geisha traditions continue to draw millions annually, to Fez in Morocco with its ancient medina, musical heritage and craftsmanship, destinations are leveraging their culture and investing in their historic sites and cultural resources as a competitive tool to attract visitors.

 

 

Heritage tourism accounts for nearly 40 per cent of all international tourism, according to the United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism). A market analysis report by Grandview Research shared that the global heritage tourism market was valued at approximately US$605 billion in 2024, and is projected to grow by 4.5 per cent annually from 2025 to 2030.

 

 

What exactly is this new sense of appreciation for heritage tourism, one might ask? It stands to reason that in the evolution of the tourism industry, people start to ask for more from their destination. Beyond a nice hotel or resort, there is a timeless quest for meaning, identity and connection. “Travel far enough, you meet yourself,” the popular Hemingway quote says. Even as travelling helps us to connect more with others, it also contributes to helping us understand more about ourselves, as we begin to understand our perspective through the lens of seeing how others have navigated similar challenges and experiences. Travel provides a sense of wisdom that can only be gained through exploration.

 

 

Global tourism trends point to the tourist of the future seeking more meaningful experiences that are designed for reflection, interaction and provide a chance to connect with the local community. Well-established tourist destinations are investing heavily in heritage tourism, as a contributor to authentic experiences. This is particularly challenging for the more established destinations who have to reinvent themselves, and in some cases, like in Italy and Spain, have had to grapple with issues of overtourism and the commoditization of experiences.

 

 

Closer to home, Ghana’s “Year of Return” campaign in 2019, attracted over one million visitors and generated US$1.9 billion in tourism revenue. Across the West Africa region, there are comparable cultural resources that can be developed to boost the tourism economy. In Nigeria, our tourism potential remains underharnessed, and this presents an opportunity to take advantage of the global trend towards heritage tourism, which could not have come at a more opportune time. Our natural and cultural heritage remain our unique value proposition, providing experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. We simply need to make these experiences visitor-ready, and with coordinated delivery and strong branding, we can be positioned within the US$605 billion global heritage tourism market.

 

 

Home to over 370 ethnic groups, Nigeria is one of the most ethnically diverse nations in the world , each community carrying its own language, history, cuisine, customs, and cultural identity. From the ancient Benin Kingdom and Nok Civilization to the Arochukwu Long Juju Slave Route and the Ifá Corpus of the Yoruba, our heritage wealth is vast and distinctive. For now, Nigeria remains underrepresented on the global map of thriving heritage destinations, but not for long.

 

 

Anambra State is leveraging its rich cultural assets to drive sustainable tourism development. Known for its deep Igbo heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and forward-looking development agenda, the state is positioning culture as a key pillar of its economic growth. Sites such as the Ogbunike Caves, Owerre-Ezukala Caves, and Agulu Lake, among others, have been shortlisted for development and investment as anchor projects for heritage tourism development.

 

 

The Anambra State Government is developing its Heritage Tourism Development Masterplan, working with Red Clay, a tourism advisory practice, to transform its cultural and natural heritage into meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike. The goal is to enhance Anambra’s tourism offerings through immersive experiences that balance innovation with respect for tradition, as a way This initiative is setting a new benchmark for heritage-driven economic development in Nigeria.

 

 

Heritage is uniquely place-based. It cannot be outsourced or replicated. It supports local artisans, historians, storytellers, musicians, local transport, fashion, food, tour guides, etc., building an entire ecosystem around community-based economic growth. The potential impact on employment and rural revitalization of this interconnected tourism ecosystem, at a conservative estimate will lead to the creation of about 5,000 direct jobs annually with a multiplier effect of up to tenfold in indirect employment that will emerge from tourism development of the shortlisted sites.

 

 

In Anambra State, the vision of the governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, is to transform the state into a thriving mega city , a place to live, work, and play. A key part of this vision is positioning Anambra as a leading destination for tourism in Nigeria. The Governor has already completed and commissioned Solution Fun City, the largest fun centre in Nigeria, which is now operational. Building on this momentum, the State is preparing to launch its Heritage Tourism Masterplan as a living document to guide the sustainable development of heritage tourism and unlock the wider tourism economy. This initiative will establish Anambra as Nigeria’s preferred destination for heritage tourism, attract investment in essential infrastructure (including roads, signage, visitor information centres, and accommodation), and empower local communities, traditional leaders, custodians, and artisans as key partners in its implementation. Through heritage tourism, we aim to create interconnected tourism circuits linking sites across the state and the wider region, enhancing domestic and regional tourism.

 

 

As we continue to play our part in developing tourism in Nigeria, we are equally committed to helping reposition the country as a leading heritage tourism destination. Our stories, history, festivals, and traditions already hold immense value, they simply need to be organized, developed, and presented with the strategic intent they deserve.

 

 

Heritage tourism is a powerful development tool, for economic and social transformation and Anambra State is positioned to harness this a new frontier of growth, to create jobs and enhance the well-being of Anambrarians.

 

 

Mr Don Onyenji is the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture in Anambra State.

NIPSS: DIG Oyebade Calls for Emotionally Intelligent Leadership in Nigeria’s Security Sector

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  • Ex–Police Chief Delivers Strategic Lecture on Negotiation, Conflict Management, and Command Responsibility

Segun Atanda/

Retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police and Directing Staff at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), DIG Adeleye Oyebade, mni, has urged Nigerian security agencies to elevate their approach to leadership by integrating negotiation, conflict management, and emotional intelligence into command strategy.

Delivering a thought-provoking lecture at the Strategy Course for Command Responsibility, Cyber-Security, and Intelligence Management (SCCR 14), Oyebade emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s security architecture depends not only on tactical capability but on leaders who can “think, communicate, and influence as effectively as they can command and control.”

The session was convened at the invitation of the Acting Director of Studies, Barr. N. Salan Mann, mni, as part of NIPSS’ advanced capacity development programme for mid- and senior-level security and intelligence officers.

Oyebade argued that contemporary security challenges, ranging from insurgency and banditry to cybercrime and communal unrest, are rooted in human relationships and grievances rather than brute force.

Retired DIG Leye Oyebade (middle, front row) with participants at the Strategy Course for Command Responsibility, Cyber-Security, and Intelligence Management (SCCR 14), at NIPSS, Kuru, Plateau State.

“Force may silence the gunfire temporarily,” he said, “but dialogue, understanding, and trust sustain peace.”

He explained that effective officers must be skilled negotiators capable of engaging community leaders, local politicians, and even non-state armed actors under pressure, with the goal of preventing escalation while maintaining institutional legitimacy.

Drawing from inter-agency experiences across the armed forces, police, and intelligence services, Oyebade described conflict management as “a critical command responsibility that determines operational success, force protection, and public confidence.”

He cited real-world examples, such as clashes between military and police units in Taraba State and coordination issues in multi-agency operations, to underscore the need for clear command structures, early communication, and institutional respect among security bodies.

“Recognizing mandates, demonstrating professionalism, and applying empathy,” he said, “can turn potential clashes into cooperation.”

Referencing Daniel Goleman’s model of Emotional Intelligence, Oyebade highlighted self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management as essential competencies for modern command.

He noted that emotionally intelligent officers can de-escalate tense encounters, interpret unspoken motivations, and maintain composure in crises.

“An officer who can not manage his emotions can not manage a team,” he said.

In the cyber and intelligence domains, he added that emotional intelligence enables collaboration across agencies such as the DSS, NITDA, and ONSA, especially when managing sensitive data and jurisdictional overlaps.

Oyebade called for the institutionalization of emotional intelligence and conflict management training across all security agencies, supported by counselling, stress management, and reflective leadership programmes.

He concluded that negotiation, empathy, and self-discipline are now as vital to Nigeria’s national security as operational strategy or weaponry.

“The leaders Nigeria needs today are those who can fight and plan, but also negotiate wisely, manage conflict constructively, and lead with emotional maturity,” he said.

The key recommendations by the retired DIG are:

  1. Incorporate emotional intelligence into all command and staff courses.
  2. Establish conflict resolution frameworks across security agencies.
  3. Institutionalize psychological and stress-management support for officers.
  4. Promote reflective and adaptive leadership at all operational levels.
  5. Strengthen inter-agency communication for coordinated national response.
 

Defence Headquarters Dismisses Rumoured Coup Plot Against Tinubu as ‘Nonsense’

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked claims by an online publication alleging that the cancellation of activities for Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an attempted military coup.

In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military described the report as false, malicious, and deliberately crafted to create fear and distrust among Nigerians.

According to General Gusau, the referenced publication also misinterpreted a previous DHQ statement concerning the arrest of 16 officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct. He clarified that the investigation was a routine internal process aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

Read Also: President Tinubu Commends Olukoyede Over Impressive Asset Recovery, Conviction Records

“The decision to cancel the 65th Independence Anniversary parade,” he explained, “was made to enable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad, and to allow military formations sustain focus on ongoing counterterrorism, anti-insurgency, and anti-banditry operations.”

The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its loyalty to the Constitution and to President Tinubu, emphasizing that the Armed Forces remain committed to protecting democracy and national unity.

“The public is advised to disregard the baseless claims spread by mischief makers,” the statement read. “The AFN remains steadfast in its constitutional duty to defend the nation and support the democratic institutions of government.”

Our Children’s Anthem

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By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

 

Quote:

 

“We are the children of the poor

Born without our mothers’ consent

Tortured without a protest

Buried without a name”

 

-Ayo Oyoze Baje ( poem of the same title, published by the Nigerian Herald, July 1988 )

 

When we blame our youths for the escalating wave of sundry crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, rape and terrorism we hardly ask ourselves if we, as their parents, guardians and elders have been there for them, or playing our parts. Yet, the pertinent questions remain: Do the perpetrators of these heinous crimes appear from Planet Mars or Jupiter? Don’t they have parents, teachers, pastors or Imams as their guiding moral compass? Have the governments (local, state and federal) acted as the father-figure to provide for their welfare and protect them against social and food insecurity as aptly enshrined in Section 14,Sub section 2(b) of the 1999 Constitution,(as amended)? The answer is obvious.

 

 

These were similar questions yours truly raised through an article titled: ‘ What type of future are we leaving for our children?’ as severally published on October 12, 2017. But has the sordid situation improved as at this day? Not at all. It has worsened, as parents groan with the highest inflation ever characterized by soaring costs of food items, electricity tariff, rent, and school fees all triggered by the sudden removal of fuel subsidy back in May 2023. Yet, while some 133 million citizens grapple with the survival mode, the children of the rich political helmsmen live large; openly displaying their frivolous lifestyle to satisfy their epicurean taste as if they were elected along with their parents into office. As if that was not insulting enough, turning our democracy into oligarchy, recently the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC came out proposing to increase the pay packages of the Lord’s of the Manor by over 100%! Outrageous, is it not? Of course, it is like adding salt to the people’s injury.

 

 

In response, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC has described it as “insensitive, unjust and inequitable”.On his part, renowned human rights advocate and lawyer, Femi Falana has raised alarm over it, warning that the economic situation is in dire straits and the RMAFC, which is making the proposal for the second time in two years ought to have considered giving a listening ear to the cries of the long-suffering, marginalized masses. In fact, methinks, this should be a moment for sober reflection.

What we need is leadership by example- a selfless service to the people. Now is the time for them to make the much needed sacrifice, instead of turning our democratic culture to that of plutocracy, which is a government of the rich, by the rich and to reward the supporters of the political pilots. Indeed, they should borrow a fresh leaf from some past political leaders of some other countries such as Italy and Uruguay, when their nations were faced with harsh economic situation as we currently battle with.

 

 

It would be recalled that between 2010 and 2015 when

President Jose Mujica ( now of blessed memory) piloted the affairs of Uruguay he shunned the luxurious house that the Uruguayan state provided for its leaders. He opted instead to stay at his wife’s farmhouse, off a dirt road outside the capital, Montevideo.

 

The president and his wife worked the land themselves, growing flowers. They had only two cars.This austere lifestyle – and the fact that Mujica donated about 90% of his monthly salary, equivalent to $12,000 (£7,500), to charity – led him to be labelled the “poorest president in the world”.

 

In a similar vein, it was reported in May 2021 that Italy’s Prime Minister known as ‘Super Mario’ waived his entire £100,000 salary to ‘show solidarity with his nation hit by recession’. Leadership by example was what the two men with the sweet milk of human kindness demonstrated, when their two countries were caught in the web of economic recession, not an obscene lifestyle.

 

 

It is the best of times for our own political leaders- from the local government chairmen, through the lawmakers at all levels to the state governors and the federal executive

to climb down from their high horses of ego tripping to wear the tattered shoes of the common man and do the needful. Lest we forget the World Bank, International Monetary Fund,IMF and the Economist Magazine published in the United Kingdom,UK warned

back in 2010 that the humongous salaries of our politicians in office ranked amongst the highest in the world then while the people stew in persisting, preventable poverty. Unfortunately, their words of admonition fell on stone – deaf ears.

 

 

Let us for a moment consider the mind-boggling and humungous sums of public funds serially siphoned to feather the nests of members of the political class ever since independence in 1960.Couldn’t that have facilitated in providing quality education, sustainable food security, sound healthcare delivery and the enabling infrastructural environment to provide mass employment for the youths?

 

 

Another source of serious concern is the inability of some state governments to pay the minimum wage, up till the moment, as agreed.

We should recall that President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage into law on July 29, 2024, after meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.Yet, in spite of the monthly allocations from the Federation Account and their Internally Generated Revenue,IGR some civil servants and their dependants are left in misery.

 

 

Indeed, one’s increasing fear about the nature and texture of the future the current crop of Nigeria’s political leaders is bequeathing to our rudderless youths is predicated on the prevailing poverty and hunger in the land. Consider the scary scenario where instilling the Fear Factor on a hapless, hungry citizenry through well calculated punitive measures are meted out on the voices of courage and truth who dare criticize government’s policies? What do we make of the sudden swerve of defections, especially by some state governors who are afraid of being investigated for one case of corruption or the other all in the bid to hang on to political power come the next election? All these, in addition to the evils of vote trading- selling and buying -are antithetical to democratic norms

 

 

Our leaders should be worried about the moral lessons they are teaching our children, who have to grow up daily in hunger and misery, in a thorny, political jungle where might is right. What we need is the deployment of our best brains including eggheads on the economy to come up with pro-people policies with the enabling environment for businesses to thrive. We have abundant natural resources to get Nigerians out of the ignoble pit of poverty with the right leadership policies driving the economy. Not the time for the poor to tighten their belts to keep satisfying the insatiable political elite, as the RMAFC wants done with increased pay packages.

Newswatch Editors Faced Abacha’s Wrath Over David Mark Interview, Memoir Reveals

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A rare interview granted to Newswatch magazine by Brig.Gen. David Mark landed the publication’s directors in hot water with the late Gen. Sani Abacha, according to Yakubu Mohammed, former Executive Editor of the now-defunct magazine. Mohammed recounts the experience in his recently published memoir, “Beyond Expectations.”

 

Following Abacha’s ousting of the Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government (ING) in 1993, Mohammed writes that Abacha moved to remove perceived loyalists of former head of state Ibrahim Babangida from key military positions, including Gen. Aliu Gusau and Brig.-Gen. David Mark.

 

Mark, feeling betrayed, decided to expose Abacha’s true motives in an interview with then Newswatch editor-in-chief, Dan Agbese, while in London.

Mark revealed that Abacha’s claim of removing the ING to pave the way for M.K.O. Abiola’s presidency or fresh elections was a deception.

 

According to Mark, the plan was to hold a constitutional conference to draft a new constitution, an idea conceived by Gen. Oladipo Diya, Abacha’s second-in-command.

 

Mark believed Abacha intended to remain in power for at least five years before transforming into a civilian president.

 

The publication of the interview on April 11, 1994, triggered a manhunt for the Newswatch editors by the State Security Service (SSS).

 

Mohammed detailed his experience of being identified and apprehended in Lokoja, Kogi State, while attempting to meet with the military governor. He also recounted the arrests of Dan Agbese and Ray Ekpu.

 

Mohammed described the harsh conditions of their detention, with the three editors confined to a single cell with a single bed and constant light.

 

He noted that intervention from media colleagues, the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, the Guild of Editors, and elder statesmen, including Adamu Ciroma, eventually led to their release after gaining Abacha’s attention.

 

—NAN

PSC Receives Presidential Delegation, Demands Mandate Protection And Adequate Funding.. says it is prepared to take Government Renewed Hope to the next level

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

The Police Service Commission today, Monday, 25th August 2025, received a Presidential delegation led by Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head, Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit.

 

Ms. Usman led a strong delegation on an engagement Meeting with the leadership of the Commission to identify areas of support required for effective service delivery by the Commission.

 

According to PSC spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, who led the Commission’s team, told the visitors that the Commission is presently faced with the twin problems of inadequate funding and unending and surreptitious attempt to hijack its mandate.

 

The Chairman noted that the Commission is grossly underfunded and incapable of effectively and efficiently executing its constitutional mandate of Police recruitment, promotion and discipline, adding that this anomaly is also worsened by a struggle by different and divergent interests to hijack its mandate and dilute its efficiency and effectiveness.

DIG Argungu said the Commission is committed to leverage on it’s established Policy of accountability and Transparency, to herald a Police Force ready and prepared for the 21st Century policing.

 

He mentioned inadequacy of staff returns from the Nigeria Police Force, institutional conflicts, limited nationwide presence, inadequate funding and public trust deficit as some of the areas of support the Commission requires from the visiting team.

 

According to him, “one of the key problems the Police Service Commission is facing is unnecessary interference into its Constitutional and statutory mandate” adding that the Central Result Delivery Coordination Unit should assist the Commission fence off these interlopers and ensure that the Commission is allowed to do its work.

 

The PSC Chairman complained on the envelope budgetary system which ” creates a ceiling in the budgeting process thereby limiting funding to the core Functions of the Commission.

 

DIG Argungu recommended “an independent budgeting system for the Commission that gives it the ability to submit its budget directly to the Presidency noting that ” the PSC act of 2001 Section 15(1) mandates the Commission to submit its estimate of expenditure and income during the next succeeding year, not later than 30th September in each year to the President.”

Responding, the leader of the visiting delegation, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman pledged to work to ensure that the Commission is allowed to execute its constitutional mandate. “We will look at your mandate and will ensure you are allowed to do your work. We will de-bottleneck the problems and we will have a PSC that stands alone and not an attachment of any Ministry.

 

She said the objective of the working visit “is to strengthen the collaboration between the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Ministry of Police Affairs and clarify the role of PSC in the achievement of the Presidential Area on Strengthening National Security for peace and Prosperity”.

 

The PSC team at the Meeting included Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, JSC retired, Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary, DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd fdc, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission

Drug kingpin, 5 others in NDLEA custody over arrest of 3 Nigerians in Saudi Arabia

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By Ebinum Samuel

Face multiple charges for trafficking illicit substances to Jeddah as Marwa engages Saudi counterpart on the innocence of detained pilgrims

 

A 55-year-old drug kingpin Mohammed Ali Abubakar alias Bello Karama and five members of a syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Kano have been taken into custody by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following the discovery that they are behind the shipment of illicit substances for which three innocent Nigerians who went on lesser hajj pilgrimage to the holy land were being detained in Jeddah for alleged drug trafficking.

This was disclosed at a press conference addressed by the Agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi along with the Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, Dr. Abdul Ibrahim and Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Theresa Asuquo, at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja on Monday 25th August 2025.

Explaining how the syndicate implicated three unsuspecting pilgrims in drug trafficking allegations in Saudi, the NDLEA said following receipt of complaints by its Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) from three Nigerian families over the detention of their family members in Saudi Arabia after the completion of their lesser hajj pilgrimage on an allegation of trafficking in illicit substances into Saudi Arabia, an investigation was launched to unravel what happened.

The Agency said the three Nigerians detained in Saudi: Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi; Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu; and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddiq boarded an Ethiopian Airline flight ET940 which departed Kano on 6th August 2025 to Jeddah enroute Addis-Ababa were unfortunate to be tagged with six additional bags not belonging to them, three of which were found to contain illicit drugs.

“Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi while embarking on this flight, only checked in one luggage weighing 9 kilograms on the 6th day of August, 2025 which incidentally did not arrive with her to her destination. Her husband was only informed of the arrival of their luggage on 16th August, a day before the date of their departure from Jeddah which was to be on the 17th day of August, 2025. Following this allegation, she was detained in Jeddah and is still in detention till date. The case of the other two persons followed the same pattern and were reported to the Agency shortly after Maryam Hussain’s complaint”, the Agency stated.

It revealed its swift investigation revealed that “the bags containing illicit drug substances intercepted in Saudi Arabia were checked in against the complainants’ names by members of a criminal syndicate operating in Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport without the knowledge of the three complainants.

“All the bags were traced to one Ali Abubakar Mohammed (aka Bello Karama), the leader of the syndicate who checked them into the Ethiopian Airline on the 6th day of August 2025, the same day the three complainants travelled on board the same airline from Kano enroute Addis-Ababa to Jeddah. It is interesting to note that the said Ali Abubakar Mohammed who also travelled to Jeddah on the same date boarded Egypt Air rather than Ethiopian Airline where he checked in his contaminated bags.

“The bags were tagged and checked in by members of staff of Skyway Aviation Handling Company who are also members of the criminal syndicate, to the names of the three complainants secretly and without their knowledge or consent. The bags illegally tagged against the complainants’ names are the ones intercepted in Saudi Arabia and found to contain the illicit drug substances.

“For the above reasons, the three complainants were arrested and detained for crimes they had no knowledge of. In the light of the forgoing, and the evidence gathered by the Agency in the course of our investigation, it is clear that Mrs. Maryam Abdullahi and two others who are being detained in Saudi are victims of circumstance, implicated by the activities of a criminal syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.”

The Agency said six members of the syndicate are already in its custody with four already charged to court awaiting arraignment including Ali Abubakar Mohammed (aka Bello Karama); Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Akande Olalekan and Celestina Emmanuel Yayock. “They have all made confessional statements. While Ali had admitted bringing in seven luggage, Celestina confessed checking in two of them for a fee of N100,000 and another suspect Jazuli Kabir who checked in two other bags admitted collecting N100,000 for the dirty job, while Ali travelled with the other three bags on Egypt Air. We have the receipts for the transfer of N200,000 from Ali to Celestina who in turn transferred N100,000 to Jazuli.”

It said based on the outcome of its investigations it is spearheading a dialogue with the authority of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia to see that the three innocent Nigerians are exonerated.

“As a result, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency is presently on his way to attend an International Drug Conference which will be attended by a delegation from the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC), who he intends to meet one on one, to present our findings and seek the cooperation of our Saudi counterparts in ensuring that Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, and the two others who remain stranded in the Kingdom, get the justice they deserve. If required, the CCEO is also prepared to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia personally to pursue this matter to its conclusion”, Babafemi stated while assuring that Nigeria will never abandon its citizens, especially when the facts clearly show that they are victims of criminal conspiracies.

The Agency assured the public of its commitment to fight the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country adding that “while there are no sacred cows in our enforcement duties which can be attested to by the number of high-profile arrests, seizures, convictions and forfeitures recorded, it will not support the innocent being punished for crimes they did not commit.”

“While investigations continue, the CCEO will like to appreciate the Hon. Min of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Managing Director of FAAN, the AVSEC and the DSS for their collaboration on this case and for the interim measures that have been approved in MAKIA to prevent a reoccurrence of this type of situation”, he stated.

GPAAN decries vote buying that marred the recent by-elections

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

The Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria ( GPAAN ), the nation’s foremost organization for public affairs analysts and political commentators has raised alarm over the recurring ugly decimal of both vote selling-by some corrupt politicians and vote buying by the gullible electorate – which have become endemic in our political clime. The disturbing dimension to the electoral process marred the conduct of the recent by- elections across 12 affected states in the country.

 

 

It would be recalled that GPAAN, as led by Ayo Oyoze Baje, the National President, Lekan Sote ( Vice President ), Victor Anya ( General Secretary ) in addition to the Zonal Chapter Chairmen in Enugu, Port Harcourt, Ilorin and Abuja, FCT has remained an advocate of sustained Voter Education for the electorate since October 2022 as part of the organization ‘s matching mandate in the pursuit of good governance in Nigeria.

 

 

Sadly however, going by several media reports the nauseating menace of vote buying was recorded in Oyo, Ogun, Kaduna, Kano states and led to protests that stalled the balloting in Enugu state. It was also one of the reasons responsible for the arrests of some politicians and INEC officials apprehended by EFCC operatives in some states.

 

 

Worthy of note is that the by- elections came about due to the death and resignation of the former occupants, which prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) to declare their seats vacant.

 

 

According to INEC a total of 3,553,659 registered voters were considered eligible to participate in the by-elections, distributed across 32 local government areas, 356 wards and 6,987 polling units spread across the 12 states involved in the exercise.

 

 

With regards to the incident of alleged vote buying, precisely in Ogun state two chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP were arrested with huge sums of cash allegedly for vote buying during the Remo Federal Constituency House of Representativess by-election. And in a similar vein, the African Democratic Congress,ADC candidate for Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, Femi Akin-Alamu

alleged that large scale vote buying characterized the election in Oyo state. In fact, there was open display of financial inducement to eligible voters in some other states, including Kano during the by-election.

 

 

Though the EFCC deployed some of its officials to track down the masterminds behind the political malfeasance, it has got worse over the election seasons. Concerned analysts such as Joseph Amaoru ( National Treasurer), Richard Inumah ( Assistant National Secretary), Sola Adesanwo ( Chairman Award Committee) and Comrade Pascal Chimezie have raised concern over the issue insisting that

it should not be allowed to continue as it is inimical to the dictates of democratic culture. The identification of the root causes of vote-buying and the frontal battle to combat such has therefore, become an imperative.

 

 

The fundamental reasons of course, include the high levels of the twin evils of corruption and poverty bedeviling the country, Nigeria. These, along with electoral violence are fratricidal factors that have undermined the people’s choice and brought forth political predators who have no allegiance to the people but exhibit crass corruption once they mount the pedestal of political power. To them is all about self aggrandizement, as they see it as a business venture through which they invest by vote selling.

 

 

These are evidenced by the disturbing increase in the price of votes now. It used to be about N2000 which later increased to N5000 but reports of the last election mentioned figures between N10,000 and N25,000 per vote. In instances of primary elections, we have seen reports of votes being bought in dollars.

 

 

What it means is that we are not practicing true democracy but plutocracy. While democracy is the government of the people by the people and for the people, plutocracy is the government of the rich, by the rich with the dividends meant for the rotten rich.

 

 

As a way forward, the responsibility to stop vote buying and selling starts from the family level, through the religious and traditional institutions to the schools and the community that nurtures the people. It has become a moral burden on us all as concerned citizens to ensure that INEC adheres strictly to rules and regulations guiding the process to ensure that only the choice of the people get into positions of political power.

 

 

Furthermore, the National Assembly should do the needful through thoroughbred

electoral reforms. The least we should settle for, is for election results to be transmitted from the polling units as was promised in the 2023 elections but was aborted by glitches that have remained unexplained.

 

 

Of compelling significance also is the need for the political helmsmen to combat the challenge of persisting poverty in the land, instead of latching on it to promote vote selling and buying. The consequences would eventually be dire for both the political elite and the led majority. Prevention would therefore, be safer and cheaper than cure.

“I WILL RUN IN 2027,” ATIKU DISOWNS STATEMENT TO THE CONTRARY

Posted on by admin50

 

By Ebinum Samuel

 

Contrary to recent reports to the effect that he may opt out of the 2027 presidential contest, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has restated that he will run for the nation’s top job.

 

Atiku was quoted to have said at the weekend that have said that his commitment to the evolution of a better Nigeria, outweighs his quest to be President. Prof Ola Olateju of the Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State who represented Atiku at the defection of several top political figures to the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), in Lagos at the weekend, suggested that Atiku was not enamoured about occupying Aso Rock at all costs.

 

According to Olateju: “Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria, it’s not about being President. It’s about establishing a government that works for Nigerians. That’s why some of us are with him, not because Atiku must be President at all costs.”

 

In a telephone conversation with the respected journalist and media scholar, Tunde Olusunle, after reading the report, however, Atiku disowned the statement. He spoke from his holiday home in the United Arab Emirates, (UAE). “I did not issue that statement,” he said. “When people stand in for me at events, we preview my thoughts on the instant subject and what my contribution or intervention will be, so we are on the same page. In this particular instance, there was no engagement with me to distill my thoughts. Prof Olateju was not speaking for me.”

 

According to the elder statesman, “I will run in 2027. Nigeria needs to be decisively rescued from the intensive care unit it has been consigned. The degeneration in our country, the level of poverty and pain, the anguish, is unacceptable. The accompanying deceit, the loss of values, the mega-scale, unimpeded thievery, the absolute lack of accountability, must disturb every concerned patriot. I will be offering myself to lead the reclamation and reconstruction of our traumatised homeland.”

 

Continuing, Atiku noted that the coalition which he is leading under the ADC is the galvanise popular support for the liberation of Nigeria. He said a platform which was adopted just a few months ago cannot be expected to engender upsets in by-elections. “ADC is leading a pottent mass movement which will shock the world. We will upstage the status quo in a way which will leave doubters dumbstruck.”