The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

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Police launch manhunt for motorist who knocked down policeman in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the driver and conductor of a Mitsubishi L300 commercial bus that knocked down a policeman and dragged away his AK-47 rifle.

The command disclosed this in a Sunday statement signed by its Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Daniel Ndukwe.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 1:20 p.m. on July 9 at All Saints Roundabout, along Abakaliki Road, Enugu.

The statement reads, “Acting on information received from the Command’s Control Room that the driver and conductor had assaulted a traffic police officer on duty, operatives of the Command’s Distress Response Squad (DRS) intercepted and flagged down the vehicle.

“However, instead of submitting to arrest, the driver deceptively slowed down before suddenly accelerating in an attempt to escape.

“In the process, he knocked down one of the operatives and dragged away the officer’s AK-47 rifle, which had become entangled with the vehicle.

“During the ensuing pursuit, the suspects threw the rifle out of the vehicle at IMT Bus Stop along the same road before speeding off.

“The rifle was immediately recovered intact, with its ammunition.”

The police said the suspects were being sought for the offences of conspiracy, serious assault on police officers, dangerous driving, attempted murder, and the snatching of a police rifle.

for the offences of conspiracy, serious assault on police officers, dangerous driving, attempted murder, and the snatching of a Police rifle.

The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a comprehensive investigation and intensified efforts to arrest and prosecute the fleeing suspects.

He warned the driver and conductor to voluntarily present themselves to the police for proper investigation, as every lawful measure is being deployed to apprehend them.

Giwa further urged the public to disregard misleading narratives surrounding the incident and cautioned against assaulting or obstructing police officers in the lawful discharge of their duties, stressing that such acts are serious criminal offences that will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.

July 13, 2026
After rescue of Oriire kidnap victims, gunmen kidnap another Oyo school headmaster, demand N30m ransom

A 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr Matthew Kolawale Owoade, popularly known as “Onaiye”, has allegedly been abducted by unidentified gunmen, a publication by Vanguard has revealed.

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According to the newspaper, the incident occurred on Saturday evening, July 11, 2026, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The victim’s son, Mr Abiola Owoade, said his father was returning from a visit to his farm when he was intercepted and abducted by the armed assailants.

Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ransom of thirty million naira (N30,000,000) for his release.

However, at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, a search team recovered the victim’s motorcycle, which had been abandoned in a bush.

The family, colleagues and the entire education community in Itesiwaju Local Government Area have expressed deep sadness over the incident and have appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies to intervene swiftly and secure the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Kolawale.

An appeal has also been made to members of the public to provide any information that could assist in ensuring his safe return.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said, “I can confirm to you that a farmer, Mr Owoade Mathew, was kidnapped at his farm in Budo Aare, and efforts are on to rescue the man unhurt and arrest the perpetrator.”

July 13, 2026
How Arrest of Kidnappers’ Relatives Paved Way for Rescue of Oriire Schoolchildren

Details have emerged on the intelligence-led operation that culminated in the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with security sources disclosing that the arrest of family members of the kidnappers proved to be a decisive turning point.

39 schoolchildren and seven teachers were abducted by terrorists on May 15, 2026.

While one of the teachers was killed in captivity, the remaining victims were rescued on July 10 during a coordinated operation involving the military and the Department of State Services, DSS.

According to security sources, after weeks of sustained intelligence gathering and military pressure, operatives of the DSS tracked down and arrested several wives and children of the kidnappers in different communities and cities across the country.

The operation, sources said, was coordinated by a senior DSS official after security forces had already sealed off the terrorists’ escape routes and surrounded their hideout inside the National Park forest.

‘’The family members were subsequently taken to Abuja, where the wives were interrogated in accordance with investigative procedures,’’ the sources said.

Terrorists’ proposed exchange rejected

Multiple security sources further disclosed that video recordings of the interrogations were somehow leaked to the kidnappers, a development that reportedly unsettled them and altered the course of negotiations.

“The kidnappers suddenly became more responsive. They abandoned their earlier hardline position and started making frequent contact instead of disappearing after making demands,” one source said.

According to the sources, the terrorists, thereafter, proposed releasing the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in exchange for the freedom of their wives and guarantees of safe passage.

Security agencies, however, rejected the proposal, insisting that the captives must first be released and that the kidnappers should surrender or face arrest or possible elimination during military operations.

Investigators believe the arrest of the terrorists’ family members reduced the likelihood that the abductors would harm the hostages, fearing possible consequences for their own relatives.

It was further gathered that just as contacts continued, the joint rescue force steadily tightened the cordon around the terrorists’ hideout.

Final order on rescue mission

A source familiar with the operation disclosed that the final order to storm the camp was issued on Thursday night after fresh intelligence reportedly confirmed that the abducted schoolchildren and teachers were no longer being used as human shields.

The assault, the source said, was swift, well coordinated and backed by overwhelming firepower, catching the terrorists off guard.

Multiple security sources added that in the weeks preceding the final assault, troops had engaged the terrorists in repeated gun battles designed to weaken their fighting capability and deplete their stock of ammunition.

“When the final operation commenced, the resistance was significantly lower than anticipated because they had already been weakened,” another source said.

During the operation, scores of terrorists were killed, while eight others were arrested.

Although members of the rescue team suffered casualties, all the surviving abducted schoolchildren and teachers were rescued safely.

Sources said the decision to launch the final assault, rather than prolong negotiations, was influenced by lessons learned from the abduction of Maj. Gen. Abubakar Rabbe, retd, in Katsina State.

According to the sources, the DSS had earlier recommended a military assault on the kidnappers’ hideout after concluding that such an operation offered the best chance of rescuing the retired general and his wife.

However, the recommendation was reportedly not adopted because authorities hoped negotiations would secure their release.

Gen. Rabbe later died in captivity, reportedly following a medical condition.

Security officials said the outcome reinforced the view that prolonged negotiations with heavily armed terrorist groups sometimes carry greater risks than carefully planned rescue operations backed by credible intelligence.

With the successful rescue of the Oriire victims and the arrest of some of the suspected kidnappers, investigations are continuing.

Security sources said children of the suspects who had committed no offence would be released, while any of their wives found to have actively participated in the criminal activities would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Multiple security sources revealed the arrest of terrorists’ family members in line with President Bola Tinubu’s new policy of not paying ransom or negotiating with terrorists.

Kidnappers’ demands

The kidnappers had initially demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related laws as conditions for freeing the victims.

They specifically requested the release of Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri.

Both men are identified by security agencies as leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram linked to Al Qaeda, and were arrested by DSS operatives last year. Vanguard

July 13, 2026
Peter ‎Obi to pay fine, apologise to airport workers for wrong parking – Aviation Minster Keyamo

‎…Keyamo narrates what transpired at Abuja Airport

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has refuted the claim made by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi that his vehicle was unfairly clamped at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, calling instead for Obi to apologize to airport staff and pay a parking fine of N25,000.

‎In a post Keyamo posted on his social media handle, he said an internal review of CCTV footage from the airport showed that Obi arrived at the domestic terminal on the evening of July 4, 2026, accompanied by a police driver and two other passengers.

The minister said the vehicle was parked in a restricted drop-off area and left unattended for roughly 30 minutes while the driver went into the terminal, in violation of airport rules requiring drivers to remain with vehicles in that zone.

‎Keyamo said airport security staff clamped the vehicle’s tyres only after it had been left unmanned, and that no one in the car at the time could have known whose vehicle it was.

He said the driver later called Obi after discovering the clamp, and that Obi spoke directly with an airport manager to secure the vehicle’s release without paying the fine.

The statement reads in part: “As the Minister of Aviation, I felt a moral duty to investigate and authenticate the claim made by opposition candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, a few days ago that the tyres of his car were ‘unjustly’ clamped at the airport, suggesting a ‘persecution agenda’ against him by the Federal Government. Politics aside, every Nigerian is entitled to fair treatment under the law.

“‎I therefore instituted an internal inquiry over the issue. Luckily enough, the entire Abuja airport is covered by CCTV cameras, real-time, 24/7. But apparently, this fact was unknown to Mr. Peter Obi. Otherwise, perhaps he would have been more circumspect before rushing to the media to cry ‘persecution’. From the recordings, these are the facts: On Saturday, July 4th, 2026, Mr. Obi arrived at the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja at exactly 20:28 pm, driven by a Policeman. He alighted with two other occupants and went into the terminal building.

“The police driver then parked the vehicle, almost blocking the entrance and came out himself and went into the terminal building too. The airport rule is that, apart from the fact that it is a drop-off zone, a driver must remain behind the wheels of the vehicle for it to be tolerated for some time within that zone. Still the vehicle tyres were not clamped.

‎“The policeman came back to the vehicle at about 20:32pm and collected something from the vehicle and went back into the building again, leaving the vehicle unattended to. At this point, the dutiful airport security staff came over and clamped the tyres of the car. In doing this, contrary to the claims by Peter Obi, nobody was inside the car and so nobody knew whether it was his car (not that it should matter, anyway).

“When the policeman returned again and discovered the tyres were clamped, he was directed to an office and upon getting there, he called Mr. Peter Obi on his phone and gave the phone to the manager. Mr. Peter Obi then introduced himself and spoke with the manager, peddled his ‘influence’ and requested for the release of the vehicle. His vehicle was then released without him paying the necessary fine. It is important to note that the time the vehicle was parked unattended to in that prohibited zone was about 30 minutes, which constitutes a security risk at an airport by global best practices.

“What has emerged from this is a clear case of an opposition candidate trying to whip up unnecessary sentiments for a wrong he committed with his driver. The excuse which Mr. Peter Obi gave that there were other offenders too on that day (which is completely false) cannot be an excuse for an individual aspiring to be President of Nigeria. He must live above board. This is a matter that was not even mentioned at all by the airport authorities and had been put to rest. But ever determined to milk any situation to score cheap political points, Mr. Peter Obi decided to go on air to render a false narrative.

“Therefore, he must also face the consequences of his actions. (I have attached the CCTV footages to this statement for the public to clearly see what transpired.) In the circumstances, consistent with the principle of equality before the law, as Minister of Aviation, I make the following demands on Mr. Peter Obi: That he tenders an unreserved, public apology to those hardworking, ordinary Nigerian workers at the airport, just doing their jobs dutifully and whom he sought to blackmail as his ‘persecutors’.

‎“That Mr. Peter Obi voluntarily goes back to the airport and pay the appropriate fine of N25,000 for wrongful parking at the airport for which he used ‘influence peddling’ to bully his way out on that day. He cannot be bigger than the law. If these demands are not met within one week, I will be giving the necessary directives to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to take the next steps against him.”

July 11, 2026
Makinde commits to rehabilitation of rescued Oyo pupils, teachers, as Obi hails rescue

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the immediate priority of his administration is to reunite the pupils and teachers rescued from captivity in Oriire Local Government Area with their families and provide them with rehabilitation after their 56-day ordeal.

This is also as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has welcomed the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, describing their safe return as a moment of thanksgiving while urging the government to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

In a post on his X handle following the successful rescue of the victims, Makinde who expressed gratitude over their safe return after nearly two months in the custody of their abductors, said the state government would ensure the rescued pupils and teachers received the necessary care to recover from the physical and emotional trauma they experienced during their captivity.

“Our priority now is to ensure they are reunited with their families and support their rehabilitation after this traumatic experience,” he said.

The governor also commended the security agencies involved in the rescue operation, praising their courage, professionalism and commitment to securing the victims’ freedom.

He said, “We also commend the security agencies that took part in the rescue operations for their sacrifices.

“May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace, and may God comfort their families.”

His comments followed the Presidency’s confirmation that the abducted pupils and teachers had been rescued alive during a coordinated security operation.

Obi hails rescue of Oyo pupils, seeks stronger protection for schoolchildren

On his part, Mr. Peter Obi, in a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, expressed relief over the successful operation and commended the security personnel and others who worked to secure the victims’ release.

“I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped. I sincerely thank all those whose tireless efforts made their freedom possible, especially the security personnel and everyone who worked behind the scenes,” he wrote.

While celebrating the rescue, Obi said no child should have to experience the trauma of abduction, stressing that the repeated kidnapping of schoolchildren highlighted the urgent need to improve security across the country.

“The recurring incidents of kidnapping, particularly of schoolchildren, underscore the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture and make the protection of lives and property the foremost responsibility of government,” he said.

According to Obi, every Nigerian child deserves to learn in a safe environment free from fear and violence.

“Our children deserve to learn in an atmosphere of safety, not fear. We must continue to work towards building a Nigeria where every child can pursue education without the threat of violence or abduction,” he added.

The former Anambra State governor also rejoiced with the rescued pupils, their families, schools and Nigerians over the successful operation.

Obi’s reaction followed the Presidency’s confirmation that the abducted pupils and teachers were rescued alive during a coordinated operation involving security agencies.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested while several others were killed during the operation.

According to Onanuga, the victims were rescued without negotiations or concessions to the abductors, despite their demand for the release of one of their detained kingpins.

July 11, 2026
Enugu Government Urges Residents to Take Precautions as Flood Risks Increase

The Enugu State Government has urged residents to take proactive measures to protect lives and property as heavy rainfall continues across the state, warning that the intensifying rainy season has increased the risk of flooding in many communities.

In a public service announcement signed by Dr. Malachy Agbo, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communication, Enugu State, the government advised residents against dumping refuse into gutters, drainage channels, streams, and rivers, stressing that blocked waterways remain a major cause of avoidable flooding that endangers homes, businesses, public infrastructure, and lives.

The government also called on households, landlords, business owners, and community leaders to maintain clean surroundings and ensure that drainage channels and waterways within their neighbourhoods are kept free of refuse and other obstructions to allow the free flow of rainwater.

Residents of flood-prone areas were advised to monitor weather updates closely and be prepared to relocate to safer locations whenever necessary. The government further cautioned members of the public against walking, swimming, or driving through floodwaters, noting that their depth and current may be difficult to determine and could pose serious danger.

Reaffirming that flood prevention is a shared responsibility, the Enugu State Government urged residents to work together to keep the environment clean and drainage systems unobstructed, saying such collective efforts would significantly reduce flooding and help safeguard communities throughout the rainy season.

The government appealed for the continued cooperation of all residents in ensuring a safer and more resilient Enugu State.

July 11, 2026
Tinubu Hails Security Forces, Says No Ransom Paid as Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Regain Freedom

President Bola Tinubu has commended the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for rescuing pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, declaring that no ransom was paid and no concession was made to secure their freedom.

The President made the disclosure on Friday following the successful rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity, describing the operation as a testament to the courage, professionalism and resilience of Nigeria’s security agencies.

“Tonight, our nation has reason to give thanks.

“The children and teachers abducted by Ansaru terrorists in Oyo State have been rescued by our security forces, alive and unharmed. No ransom was paid. No concession was made,” Tinubu wrote on his verified X handle.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when suspected Ansaru terrorists attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting about 39 pupils and seven teachers.

One of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed while in captivity.

The abductors had reportedly demanded the release of two detained Ansaru commanders—Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, also known as Abubakar Abba or Isah Adam—who were being held by the DSS.

The Federal Government, however, rejected the demand, insisting it would not negotiate with terrorists.

In a separate statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the victims were rescued during a coordinated military, police and intelligence-led operation.

According to the statement, the operation resulted in the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised.

Tinubu praised the security agencies for conducting the rescue without collateral damage.

“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso, in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and led to the arrest of eight of them.

“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular,” he said.

The President also saluted the personnel involved in the operation.

“I salute every officer and operative whose courage, discipline, and professionalism made this possible,” he stated.

Tinubu further commended the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts and urged the state to strengthen security around schools.

“I must commend the Government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” he said.

The President directed relevant emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care, psychosocial support and other relief assistance to the rescued pupils and teachers.

He also pledged that justice would be served for the victims and the family of the slain teacher.

“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, whom the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” he said.

Tinubu warned terrorists that his administration would remain resolute in confronting insecurity across the country.

“To those who seek to spread fear through terror, know that the Nigerian state will pursue you relentlessly. We will protect our people, defend our communities, and never relent until peace and security prevail across our country,” the President declared.

July 10, 2026
State Police: Mbah Presses for Financial Autonomy, Investment in Technology

…Allays fears of abuse, says no one would be governor forever

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has called for financial autonomy and investment in modern security infrastructure for state police services when created, stressing the need for any legal framework for state police to take into account the need for national standards, national support, local capability and local decision-making.

Mbah made his position known during the town hall themed, “Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security,” organised by Arise News in Abuja on Thursday.

The governor emphasised that prioritising security through adequate funding for state police services and investment in technology would enable those responsible for security at the subnational level to deliver the expected outcomes.

“The importance of funding the state police system effectively cannot be overemphasised. And having a State Police Service Commission that has a first-line charge on the Consolidated Revenue Fund is in order.

“Many other institutions in the states – the judiciary and the legislature – have the first-line charge. The key thing is providing enough funding to be able to sustain the state policing system,” he said.

Sharing the Enugu State experience on the importance of prioritising security, he recalled that at the inception of his administration in 2023, the state was under siege, with nightlife gone, some areas even in the state capital barricaded, Mondays gone, while many students lost an entire academic year, as they could not sit important final-year examinations due to the illegal sit-at-home orders.

“If the Enugu experience is anything to go by, we came into office recognising that we had made commitments to eradicate poverty, to grow the economy exponentially, to make Enugu State the preferred destination for business, living, and investment.

“We immediately recognised that if we didn’t address the security challenges, we could not achieve those objectives. Therefore, we had to invest hugely in technology, in building a Safe City Surveillance System with CCTV cameras that are AI-enabled, as well as having both static and mobile cameras. All these come with huge costs.

“But the human element is also important, which is essentially why we had to set up the Distress Response Squad (DRS). As a governor, you want immediate action because matters of security are measured in minutes. You must be in a position where you are able to act swiftly.

“So, you must build the capability to first nip crime in the bud. But where there has been a breach, you must have the capacity to act swiftly. And if the Enugu experience is anything to go by, that essentially is what we did that enabled us to drive down violent crime by over 90 per cent.

“Therefore, when you talk about funding, you can see that the states are already carrying quite a huge burden in terms of funding, because you are investing in technology.

“We also ensured that there is a unified communication system between the agencies. Our Command and Control Centre houses all the security agencies in the state – the police, the army, and the Department of State Services. They all have a channel of communication,” he stated.

Governor Mbah also called for a constitutional provision that guarantees state police while preserving the details for an Act of the National Assembly to allow for amendments in the future without going through the rigours of constitutional amendment.

“So, in amending the Constitution, we must, by all means, make sure that it is not verbose. There should be a provision that allows us to reform the system in future, if needed, when we have tried it,” he said.

Mbah also stressed the need to focus on operational authority for state police rather than on watering down the powers of governors, who would be in office for a maximum of eight years only.

“By the way, there is this idea that governors are likely to abuse state police and that we should, therefore, do as much as we can to water down their powers.

“Nobody is a governor forever. We are also going to one day leave that office and become regular citizens. We just want to be sure that there is enough operational authority given to the governors so that you do not give someone a performance target without providing him or her with the control needed to achieve the required outcome,” he concluded.

July 9, 2026
15 reported dead, 17 injured in auto crash in Kwara

Scene of the accident

Fifteen persons, all males, have died in an auto crash at Muslim cemetery, along Ogbomoso-Oko Olowo route on Ilorin-Jebba expressway, Kwara State.

Vanguard reliably gathered from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) report that the fatal crash, which occurred in the wee hours of Monday at about 2:32 am, was a lone accident, involving a trailer vehicle, a DAF XF, with registration number GWL274XC.

The trailer with humongous loads and several owners on top suddenly went off track from the main road while the driver was asleep, causing the long truck to detach from its head while all the loads fell off on the owners.

The FRSC report, which said that a total number of 48 people (all males) were involved in the crash, added that 17 people sustained varying degrees of injury and 16 persons were reported unhurt.

The report also had it that the types of injury sustained include fracture, dislocation and bruises.

The auto crash was confirmed by the FRSC sector commander, Kabiru Babatunde Kazeem, who gave the name of the driver as Nasiru Mohammed.

The FRSC boss said that the injured victims had been taken to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for medical attention, adding that the corpses had been handed over to the representatives of the families and Sarkin Hausawa, Oko Olowo, in the Moro local government area of Kwara State.

He said that the search for more victims that were buried under the load was going on, adding that the rescue operation was jointly carried out by personnel of RS8.15 Oloru and RS8. 1 Kwara (Oko Olowo outpost).

The sector commander said that the command intended to intensify public enlightenment through the town hall meeting with relevant stakeholders while he advised motorists to avoid mixed loading and night traveling. Vanguard

July 6, 2026
Calls for independent probe of ‘fake’ PFIPC grows

There is a growing demand for an independent, transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the operations of the disputed Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to be the Director General of the council.

The Presidency has also directed security and anti-graft agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute government officials who may have collaborated with Adeyemi to run the ‘phantom’ council.

This is coming amid more revelations on the existence of the fictitious council, the inclusion of its N1.3bn allocation in the 2026 budget, approvals for employment of over 300 staff members and an office space at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja.

Gbajabiamila had issued a disclaimer, dismissing the existence of the council, but Adeyemi, in a press conference on Thursday, June 25, countered the disclaimer, describing it as “a cloud of public misrepresentation, institutional denial and a deliberate attempt to silence legitimate questions that concern matters of national interest.”

He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to set up an independent investigative panel to, among others, compel the Chief of Staff to produce all the official documents he has signed since assumption of office for forensic analysis, review budgetary references and institutional records, investigate alleged assassination attempts on his life and compel Gbajabiamila to step aside pending the outcome of the probe.

Consequently, the Presidency, in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, tagged Adeyemi a “con artist,” adding that a criminal charge had been filed against him after a police investigation.

However, the statement was silent on the inclusion of the disputed council in the 2026 budget with an allocation of N1.3 billion; an alleged sum of N400 million Adeyemi claimed to have paid Gbajabiamila by proxy to facilitate his appointment, with a balance of N200 million, and 48 per cent of the council’s N27 billion take-off grant allegedly demanded by the former Speaker.

A scrutiny of the statement, as well as insights from senior retired civil servants and civil society organisations, raised more critical questions bordering on public accountability, transparency and institutional integrity.

There are also questions over how the council, whose existence the Chief of Staff denied in an October 2025 response to the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s inquiry, still made it to the 2026 Appropriation Bill submitted to the National Assembly by the president two months later.

President Tinubu presented a N58.18 trillion budget to the Senate on December 19, 2025.

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), in a statement on Sunday by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, called for an independent investigation and urged the immediate suspension of the Chief of Staff, pending the outcome of the probe.

The civil society organisation said the allegations surrounding the PFIPC had raised serious concerns about transparency, accountability and governance in the country, noting that “the grave allegations” should be subjected to an independent and transparent investigation.

According to CHRICED, the controversy reinforces concerns about what it described as increasing opacity in governance and the need for stronger institutional accountability.

Among its demands, the organisation called for the immediate suspension of Gbajabiamila pending the conclusion of investigations, the establishment of an independent investigative panel comprising civil society representatives, anti-corruption experts and jurists, and the publication of details of all government-linked councils, committees and intervention bodies, including their mandates, funding and operational structures.

CHRICED maintained that the PFIPC controversy should be thoroughly investigated to strengthen public trust in government institutions and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.

Expose Adeyemi’s collaborators, Presidency tells investigators

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, has also urged investigators to go beyond Adeyemi and expose the internal network that enabled him to operate.

Ajayi, in a statement on his verified X handle, urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate all officials within public institutions who might have aided the scandal.

He, however, said much of the public debate had ignored the fact that the government institutions detected the alleged fraud and acted on it.

“What is not in doubt is that internal collaborators enabled Adeyemi to get this far. That is precisely what investigators from the DSS, the Police and the EFCC must now unravel.

“The criminal network within the affected institutions must be dismantled and everyone found to have played a role should be arrested and prosecuted.”

‘SGF invited council to summit’

Meanwhile, fresh questions have emerged over an invitation letter purportedly issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and addressed to Adeyemi. The letter, dated June 24, 2025, was issued on the letterhead of The Presidency, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Political and Economic Affairs Office.

The letter, which was signed by Engr. Nadungu Gagare, former Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, invited “the Director General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) to join Nigeria’s delegation to the Canada-Africa Fintech Summit (CAFS) scheduled for August 3–8, 2025, at the Sheraton Centre Hotel in Toronto, Canada.”

“Given the above, you are urgently requested to register and involve other stakeholders in the program. Your experience, technical support, and presence will strengthen this delegation,” it read.

When contacted, Yomi Odunuga, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Federal Government, Sen George Akume, declined to comment on the letter.

“I am not empowered to speak on that matter. Wait till tomorrow (today),” he said briefly.

Our correspondent also reached out to the Director of Press at the SGF office, Christopher Ugwuegbulam, who simply said in a WhatsApp message, “I completely align with the response you got from SA (Media).” Daily Trust

July 6, 2026
Gov Mbah Charges Enugu Public Officers on Accountability

…Says ‘Every naira stolen robs state of development’

Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, has urged public office holders to embrace the three pillars of his administration, namely, transparency, accountability and traceability, noting that every naira lost to corruption, financial misconduct and non-compliance ultimately deprives the people of the state of quality social services and critical infrastructure.

Mbah gave the charge on Thursday when he declared open a two-day training programme, Compliance with Anti-Corruption Policies and Financial Regulations Frameworks, organised by his administration for the state’s political appointees and civil servants.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, spoke on the theme, “Enhancing Governance through Compliance: Navigating Anti-Corruption Policies, Financial Regulations and Emerging Taxation Frameworks.”

He said the training, facilitated by Xavine Consulting Limited, was designed to strengthen compliance with anti-corruption laws, financial regulations and emerging tax policies as well as equip participants with the knowledge required to uphold ethical standards and improve public sector governance.

He described corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to development because resources are diverted through fraudulent practices, thus directly reducing government’s capability to provide essential social services.

“Therefore, Enugu State, under our leadership, set out three governance principles that would serve as a guide for our governance thinking and delivery strategy —Transparency, Traceability and Accountability. These three pillars have informed a lot of our procurement and systems-thinking model, our e-governance initiatives and our financial management across the state.

“This is because every naira lost to corruption, financial irregularities and non-compliance means fewer resources for smart schools, primary healthcare centres, roads and other critical infrastructure. Our governance is built on transparency, traceability and accountability, and compliance begins with knowledge,” Mbah said.

He urged public servants to stay abreast of emerging taxation and regulatory frameworks, stressing that ignorance of the law would no longer be an excuse for non-compliance. He also tasked participants to cascade the knowledge acquired to their colleagues in their various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and assured that government would continue to monitor compliance across the public service.

Speaking at the event, the consultant, Justin Kuatsea, noted that corruption had become deeply entrenched and could only be overcome through collective action and exemplary leadership.

Kuatsea, a certified management trainer and retired Deputy Director, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), maintained that the anti-corruption fight must begin with individuals in their homes, workplaces and communities, while political leaders must lead by example by demonstrating integrity and accountability.

Kuatsea identified employment irregularities, recruitment abuses, concealment of official files, irregular promotions, contract inflation, payments for unexecuted contracts and other financial misconduct as common corruption indicators in the public service.

“That was why I said that the fight against corruption must start with individuals, but political leaders must lead by example,” he said.

Also speaking, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Xavine Consulting Limited, Catherine Kadiri, said the training was designed to ensure that civil servants fully understand anti-corruption policies, financial regulatory frameworks and emerging taxation laws.

Kadiri said the programme would significantly tackle ignorance of ethical and operational standards in the public service, noting that participants would gain practical knowledge applicable to their respective roles.

She disclosed that 16 resource persons, including experts from the ICPC and Nigeria’s financial regulatory sector, were engaged to facilitate the sessions and expose participants to global best practices in governance and compliance.

According to her, the programme underscored the Mbah administration’s understanding that it could not build its envisioned $30 billion economy without a solid, committed, ethical, accountable, and highly responsible public service.

“There should be no excuse for non-compliance. This programme is designed to ensure public officers understand the dos and don’ts of governance, financial regulations and anti-corruption frameworks.

“We are also adding integrity to the core pillars so participants leave with the right values to drive good governance,” Kadiri concluded.

July 3, 2026
ICPC Confirms Arrest of Ex Minister Uche Nnaji

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the arrest of the immediate past Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, over allegations bordering on certificate forgery.

The anti-graft agency said Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.

In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor OdeyHead, and shared on the Commission’s verified x handle, the commission said the former minister was apprehended with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) upon his arrival at the airport and was subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.

The commission disclosed that it had earlier invited Nnaji for investigative interviews through a letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOL.V/16, dated May 15, 2026.

According to the ICPC, the invitation was served to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his email address, but he allegedly failed to honour the invitations, prompting the commission to seek legal action.

The commission said the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, granted an order in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026 on June 11, 2026, authorising the arrest of the former minister to facilitate investigations.

It said the investigation centres on allegations of forgery of academic credentials, specifically a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as the alleged submission of a false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023.

The ICPC said Nnaji is currently in its custody at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are continuing.

The commission assured the public that the matter would be pursued diligently and in accordance with the law.

The full statement reads:

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji (M), following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

The arrest was effected on Wednesday, 1st July 2026 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon Mr. Nnaji’s arrival. He was apprehended with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) and subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.

The Commission had earlier extended formal invitations to the former minister through a letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated 15 May 2026. The invitation notices were duly served to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as via his electronic mail address. Despite service through multiple channels, Mr. Nnaji failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, necessitating further legal action.

The legal action followed a court order granted by the Federal High Court in the Abuja Judicial Division (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026). The order, issued on 11 June 2026, directed the ICPC to arrest the former minister to enable investigation into allegations bordering on:

1. Forgery of academic credentials, specifically concerning a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); and

2. False National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Discharge Certificate, which was submitted during his ministerial screening process in 2023.

Following the arrest, Mr. Nnaji has been taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are expected to continue. The Commission assures the public that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law.

J. Okor Odey
Head, Media and Public Communications, ICPC

July 1, 2026