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A Nigerian Army Private, Mohammed Yusuf Amutu has been declared wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements.

Amutu, who was with Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) was said to have absconded from his unit on 3 June 2026.

He was declared wanted in a statement issued by Major Oluwatope Dorcas Aluko, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps on Thursday.

According to the statement, Amutu soldier was serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory before he absconded.

‘Consequently, he has been declared wanted by the appropriate military authorities, while intensive efforts are underway to locate and apprehend him to face a full investigation and appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with extant military laws.

‘The Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps wishes to state unequivocally that it has zero tolerance for misconduct, indiscipline, or any act capable of compromising the operational effectiveness, integrity and reputation of the Nigerian Army or threatening national security.

‘Any personnel found to have aided terrorists, criminals or other non-state actors through the unauthorized sale, diversion or distribution of military uniforms, accoutrements or other controlled items will be subjected to the full weight of military and civil laws, the Army spokesperson said in the statement.

The Army also appealed to members of the public to support efforts to apprehend the deserter by providing credible information that could lead to his arrest.

It directed that such information should be reported immediately to the nearest military formation or any security agency.

‘The Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps reassures Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to accountability, professionalism and the protection of military assets.

‘The Corps will continue to strengthen internal control measures and ensure that every allegation of misconduct is thoroughly investigated while those found culpable are held fully accountable,’ the statement concluded.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined to hear a fresh application by detained National President of Miyetti Allah Kauta Kore, Bello Bodejo, seeking an order varying his bail conditions.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a ruling, held that since the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is contesting the application, the court might be unable to conclude its proceedings before the court vacation commences.

EFCC charged Bodejo with money laundering involving 2.63 million U.S. dollars.

Justice Ekwo had, on Monday, admitted Bodejo to a N2 billion bail with two sureties in the like sum.

The judge ordered that one of the sureties must present a three-year tax clearance evidence and must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, while the second sureties must have a land worth N2 billion in Abuja.

When the case was called on Thursday, Bodejo’s lawyer, Mohammed Sheriff, informed the court about the application by his client, seeking, among others, the variation of the conditions attached to the bail granted him.

The lawyer to the anti-graft agency, Fatai Erewunmi, said he was served with the application and had responded by filing a counter affidavit.

But the judge said upon looking at the tenure of the application, which is being challenged, the court might be unable to conclude proceedings in the application before the court’s vacation.

The judge then advised parties to approach a vacation judge, during the court’s vacation, to hear the application.

He said after then, the substantive case can be returned for trial before his court.

Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until Oct. 5 for the commencement of trial.

The EFCC accused Bodejo of accepting 100,000 dollars from Sa’idu Abubakar a former Accountant-General (AG) of Bauchi State who is currently in the lawful custody of the Nigerian Police Force, among other cash in hard currency.

The EFCC said the sum exceeded the statutory cash transaction threshold of N5 million prescribed under Section 1(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), without routing the said transaction through a financial institution as required by law.

He was said to have committed an offence contrary to Section 16(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 16(2)(b) of the same Act,

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 19(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act.

The Organized Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has cautioned the Federal Government and the National Pension Commission (PenCom) against plans to increase mandatory pension contributions, warning that the proposal could undermine job creation, suppress wage growth and threaten business sustainability.

The OPSN, comprising the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), and 25 other sectoral employer associations, described the proposal as a potential ‘Greek gift’ to Nigerian workers.

The warning follows comments by PenCom Director-General, Omolola Oloworaran, on plans to increase mandatory pension contributions and introduce an additional annual contribution equivalent to three per cent of employers’ total wage bills.

While acknowledging the need to strengthen Nigeria’s pension system, the OPSN argued that introducing additional statutory payroll costs amid prevailing economic challenges would place further strain on employers and workers alike.

According to the group, Nigeria’s current mandatory pension contribution of 18 per cent-comprising 10 per cent from employers and eight per cent from employees-is broadly comparable to the 18.8 per cent average mandatory contribution rate among OECD countries.

It insisted that any proposal to increase the contribution rate must be backed by comprehensive actuarial evidence demonstrating that the current rate is inadequate and that higher contributions would not negatively affect employment, wages, compliance or business survival.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Director-General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, faulted the timing of the announcement, saying it was premature to signal an increase while stakeholder consultations were still underway.

‘The OPSN supports efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s pension system and improving retirement outcomes for workers. However, announcing that contribution rates will increase while consultations are still ongoing risks prejudging the outcome of the process and reducing subsequent stakeholder engagements to a mere formality,’ he said.

Oyerinde stressed that previous pension reforms followed extensive consultations involving government, employers and organised labour, adding that any future review should emerge from credible economic assessments and transparent social dialogue.

The Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, warned that manufacturers are already grappling with soaring energy costs, high interest rates, exchange-rate volatility, multiple taxes and weak consumer demand.

According to him, imposing additional employment costs could force businesses to freeze recruitment, delay salary reviews, reduce workforce numbers, suspend expansion plans or pass the increased costs to consumers through higher prices.

‘The proposed increase may directly raise employee contributions, but its broader consequences could include weaker wage growth, fewer employment opportunities, job losses and higher prices,’ he said.

Also expressing concern, NACCIMA Director-General Sola Obadimu said the proposal contradicts ongoing government efforts to improve the business environment through economic reforms.

He argued that introducing new statutory financial obligations at a time businesses are struggling to recover could erode the gains of recent fiscal and tax reforms.

Similarly, Director-General of NASSI, Ifeanyi Oputa, warned that micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) would bear the heaviest burden.

He noted that many small businesses are already operating on thin margins amid rising operating costs, adding that higher pension obligations could force more businesses into informality and weaken compliance with the pension scheme.

The OPSN urged the Federal Government to focus on tackling inflation, preserving workers’ purchasing power and creating a more enabling environment for businesses before considering any increase in pension contributions.

It also called for a comprehensive economic and employment impact assessment, genuine stakeholder consultations and greater consideration of the proposal’s implications for investment, job creation, inflation and enterprise sustainability.

The group maintained that while it supports reforms aimed at improving retirement security, sustainable pension reforms must strike a balance between protecting workers’ future benefits and preserving the businesses and jobs that fund the pension system.

‘A strong pension system cannot be built on weakened enterprises, declining formal employment and rising business closures,’ the OPSN said, warning that any reform that increases employment costs without addressing current economic realities would ultimately amount to a ‘Greek gift’ to Nigerian workers.

Former Lagos State Governor and former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, has ruled out contesting for the presidency, saying he has no such ambition.

Speaking on TVC on Wednesday, Fashola gave a blunt response when asked if he would run for president.

‘No,’ he said.

When pressed further, he replied with a smile, ‘President of what? I’m president at home.’

Reflecting on his years in public service, Fashola described the experience as a privilege.

‘My journey has been an unimaginable privilege, and I hope that it, in some way, inspires another generation about the possibilities of this country,’ he said.

He added that Nigeria remains a land of opportunity, with many stories of ‘rags to riches and grass to grace.’

On how he hopes to be remembered, Fashola said: ‘Let history write whatever history wants to write. It is not in my place.’

The former governor also confirmed he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council but stressed, ‘There is a thin line between intervention and interference.’

Fashola urged Nigerians to protect the judiciary, backed a vibrant opposition, expressed support for state police, and said tackling Lagos flooding requires both government action and public cooperation. He also said President Bola Tinubu is pursuing important fiscal and monetary reforms while carrying greater national responsibilities.

Yiaga Africa has raised concerns about the credibility of the upcoming Osun State governorship election, warning that the poll could be affected by voter inducement.

In its pre-election report, the organisation said its observers recorded an increase in the sharing of cash and gift items by politicians and their supporters during campaign activities and community visits.

The report, based on observations carried out between June 14 and June 29, 2026, said many of the items were presented as charity or social support, but their timing close to the election could influence how people vote.

Yiaga Africa said incidents were reported in Irepodun, Ola-Oluwa, Olorunda and Osogbo Local Government Areas.

According to the report, a group known as the ITK Sisters shared cash, garri, beans and other food items with residents in Ilobu and Erin in Irepodun LGA. Similar distributions were also reported in Ekerele-Iwara in Ola-Oluwa LGA, as well as parts of Olorunda and Osogbo.

The organisation also reported a more advanced form of voter inducement in Ife South LGA. On July 7, 2026, some residents of Ara Joshua Village in Osi Ward reportedly received electronic transfers of N10,000 with the description, ‘Renewed Hope Ambassadors/APC EPYT.’

Yiaga Africa said the payments were linked to an earlier exercise in March 2026 when individuals collected voters’ Voter Identification Numbers (VINs) and National Identification Numbers (NINs). The same people later returned in June to collect beneficiaries’ bank account details before sending the money.

The organisation warned that this method of influencing voters is more difficult to detect because it happens long before election day and leaves little evidence compared to traditional vote buying at polling units.

Yiaga Africa also expressed concern over the low level of voter education for women, young people and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

It said voter education programmes for women were only reported in Irewole and Ola-Oluwa LGAs. Youth-focused campaigns were conducted by INEC in Irewole and Ola-Oluwa, while a civil society organisation carried out a similar programme in Ede South LGA.

For Persons with Disabilities, Yiaga Africa said only INEC organised targeted voter education, and this was limited to Ola-Oluwa LGA.

The organisation called for greater efforts to protect the integrity of the election and ensure all eligible voters receive proper civic education before the governorship poll.