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Foreign travel by law enforcement officials becoming a trend

The latest news is that officers from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have left for Australia to investigate and trace suspects in the case relating to an alleged bribe of $2 million from a European Airline during the acquisition process of a 10-aircraft fleet for SriLankan Airlines in 2013.

They hope to record a statement from one of the suspects in the case who is said to be residing in Australia.

Prior to this, a team from the CID travelled to the UK to investigate whether the University of Wolverhampton issued an official invitation to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, or if his 2023 trip to his wife’s graduation was a personal visit in the guise of being an official one.

A team led by CID Director Shani Abeysekara also travelled to France recently to record a statement from a man named Asad Maulana, who the CID thinks will provide the smoking gun to help them prove a conspiracy behind the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks. Moulana was entertained at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Paris by the CID officials who sat down with him for a few hours to record a statement. It didn’t cross their minds that Moulana is wanted in Sri Lanka in connection with two cases pending against him and is on the run seeking asylum in Switzerland.

Now the latest jaunt is to Australia where the CID/CIABOC officials think they can collect enough evidence relating to the SriLankan Airlines case.

The law enforcement authorities in Sri Lanka work with Interpol and other foreign law enforcement agencies including those in Australia and the UK and there is no need for local officials to travel at State cost to these countries, bag and baggage to record statements which, if necessary, can be done by video links. There are also serious questions if the statements they record will be admissible as evidence in court during a trial as they will be highly contested by the defence. All the while their overseas travel and accommodation bill will be incurred by State coffers.

The costs being incurred for such travel are being kept under wraps. Attempts to obtain how much was spent on the CID officers to travel to the UK for the Ranil Wickremesinghe case could not be obtained after the Police Department ignored a Right to Information (RTI) request filed by a journalist. An appeal is pending.

Certainly, there are many cases that warrant investigation and prosecution, especially where corruption and misappropriation of public funds are concerned but given that the CID and the CIABOC are turning a blind eye to corruption and wrongdoing within those in this Government makes it obvious that they are applying the law selectively to serve their agendas or those of their political masters.

Take the case of the $2.5 million (approx. Rs. 800 million) which went missing from the Treasury. Hackers had diverted a foreign bilateral debt repayment intended for Australia, transferring the funds into fraudulent US shell company accounts. Now that the CID and the CIAOBC officials are in Australia they should investigate this case as well and discuss with their Australian counterparts how the Sri Lanka Finance Ministry officials were so easily hoodwinked. While the CID is in a foreign travel mode, maybe a team should head to Japan too to see if they can trace the missing PhD of the former NPP speaker MP Asoka Ranwala.

There was a time whenever a high-profile crime took place in Sri Lanka, the governments in power would get down a team from Scotland Yard to assist in the investigation.

Since the NPP came to power, the trend is for CID officials to travel overseas, on business we are told.

While the CID and other Government intuitions should investigate criminal activity, travelling overseas to obtain evidence will not be of much help judging by some of the previous jaunts. What they should do is seek the assistance of the authorities in the countries concerned and use the connections with Interpol to assist them.

FCT: Police seek public’s help to find man missing since January

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has appealed to members of the public to assist in locating Emmanuel Terfa, a 25-year-old man who has been missing since January 8, 2026.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, made the appeal in a statement issued on Wednesday, urging anyone with useful information about Terfa’s whereabouts to report to the police.

According to the statement, Terfa, popularly known as ‘Stoner,’ is an indigene of Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State and a graduate of Benue State University.

He was said to be residing in Guzape Village, Abuja, before his disappearance.

Adeh described the missing man as being over six feet tall, with a chocolate complexion, a slightly heavy build and dreadlocks. She added that he speaks both English and Hausa fluently.

The police spokesperson said Terfa was last seen at his residence in Guzape Village on January 8, 2026, and has not been seen since.

The command appealed to anyone with information that could assist in locating him to report to the nearest police station or contact the FCT Police Command through 08180382808 or the Police Public Relations Officer on 07038979348.

The police said any information provided would aid efforts to reunite the man missing since January with his family.

Bea Alonzo, Vincent Co’s secret wedding surprised even the event stylists

The event styling team behind Bea Alonzo and Vincent Co’s intimate wedding revealed they only learned they were decorating the couple’s ceremony after completing the venue setup.

In an Instagram post, H.Lopez Event Styling shared that they received an inquiry on the morning of July 13 asking if they were available to style an intimate event scheduled for the same day.

‘The peg was sent and without hesitation, we said YES!’ the team wrote.

The stylists said the person who contacted them was the same client who had previously booked them for Alonzo’s bridal shower months earlier but didn’t reveal this time what the intimate event was or for whom it was intended.

The team said they did not suspect the event was for the actress. They only assumed that Alonzo might simply be attending the gathering as a guest.

‘With everything that has been circulating on social media, we honestly never imagined we were about to style their wedding,’ they said. ‘We simply focused on bringing the peg to life and making sure every detail was beautifully executed.’

It was only after they had finished decorating the venue that they realized the event was the actress’ wedding to Co.

‘Then we saw the newlyweds. That’s when we realized… We had just styled their wedding,’ they wrote.

Describing the experience as an unforgettable moment, the stylists said they were grateful to have been part of the couple’s intimate celebration.

‘We honestly still can’t get over it. Never in a million years did we think we’d go from styling Bea’s bridal shower to unexpectedly styling their wedding too,’ they said. ‘Our hearts are so full, and we’re just incredibly grateful to have been part of such a beautiful and intimate celebration.’

Alonzo and Co, who had been hounded by wedding woes since early this year, tied the knot in a civil ceremony in Makati City Hall on July 13.

The actress confirmed the marriage two days later by sharing photos from the ceremony on social media, captioning the post, ‘Home.’

Alonzo later revealed that her hairstylist accommodated a last-minute request for the wedding; she chose to do her own makeup for the occasion.

FULL LIST: Names of 68 lawyers elevated to SAN rank

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has conferred the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on 68 legal practitioners following its 174th plenary session held in Abuja.

The elevation was approved on Thursday during the committee’s meeting presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the LPPC, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

The decision was announced in a statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Akan.

According to the committee, the successful candidates were selected after fulfilling the requirements for the conferment of the country’s highest professional rank for legal practitioners.

The newly elevated Senior Advocates are listed according to their seniority at the Bar.

Full list of new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN)

Ibrahim Gamdeh Adamu

Jude Chukwuemeka Okafor

Godwill Achibong Umoh

Sunday Samuel Obende

Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe

Jimson Ejovi Okodaso

Olalekan Lawrence Bade-John

Olaotan Thomas Olusegun

Philemeon Audu Daffi

Adenrele David Adegborioye

James Eromosele Agbonhese

Alexander Nduka Muoka

Onome Okodiya

Emmanuel Akunke Akomaye

Ikhide Ehighelua

Mas’ud Mobolaji Alabelewe

Ogunmuyiwa Olayinka Balogun

Anthony Auditz Iroagalachi

Mohammed Tajudeen Mohammed

Odion Peter Odia

Gbemiga Adaramola

Moses Okoh Onyilokwu

Charles Azubuike Obodozie

Hakeem Obafemi Agaba

Bimbo Felix Atilola

Okechukwu Steve Emelieze

Joshua Demilade Olaniyan

Igonikon Abiola Adekunle

Christian Nnadozie Nwokorie

Sadiku Momoh Ilegieuno

Sarafa Kolawole Idowu

Olujoke Enitan Aliu

Oliver Onyenucheya Amuzie

Adebisi Emmanuel Adeniyi

Faruk Abdullah

Sagir Gezawa Suleiman

Ifeanyi Godwin Ezeuko

Adebayo Folorunsho Ologe

Sabiu Gumba Adamu

Eric Keme-Egolukumor Omare

Soibi Ideriah Ovia

Somina Peter Johnbull

Chinedum Ikenna Umeche

Emmanuel Eghiegba Ekhasemomhe

Mohammed El-Hassan Sheriff

Junaidu Bello Marshall

Olawale Sunday Fapohunda

Adebiyi Alaba Adetoboye

Senior Sulyman Ibrahim

Agba Eimunjeze

Ayobamidele Oyekunle Akande

Adetunji Taiwo Adedoyin Adeniyi

Olamide Moigbotoluwa Adekunle

Umaru Yunusa

Akorede Habeeb Lawal

Darlington Nnabuike Ozurumba

Nnaemeka Francis Patrick Egonu

Kayode Orire Omosehin

Mitchel Akinrinsola Aribisala

Bolu Agbaje Akadri

Oluwaseun Asimiyu Alao

Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala

Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja

Afees Hassan Adebayo

Mohammed Abiodun Adelodun

Jonathan Akintola Makinde

Olajide Salami

Academic category

The only successful candidate in the academic category is:

Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri

The SAN rank is Nigeria’s highest distinction for legal practitioners and is conferred on lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional excellence, integrity and outstanding contributions to legal practice or legal scholarship. The annual conferment is regarded as one of the most prestigious milestones in the country’s legal profession.

PHLPost clarifies: No valid ID required to apply for a Postal ID

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) clarified that Filipinos do not need an existing valid government-issued ID to apply for a Postal ID.

Applicants only need to submit a Birth Certificate, a Barangay Certificate or other acceptable proof of address, and a duly accomplished Postal ID application form. These have long been the standard requirements for first-time applicants.

Applicants who are unable to present a Barangay Certificate may instead submit other accepted proof of address, such as a recent electricity, water, internet, or other utility bill reflecting their name and current residential address.

PHLPost issued the clarification to reinforce public awareness of the Postal ID application requirements and address the misconception that applicants must already possess another valid government-issued ID before they can obtain one.

‘The Postal ID has always been intended to make it easier for Filipinos to establish their identity, especially those applying for their first government-issued ID,’ said Postmaster General and CEO Maximo C. Sta. Maria III. ‘By presenting a Birth Certificate and proof of address, eligible applicants can already begin the process of securing a trusted government-issued ID.’

As one of the country’s most accessible government-issued identification cards, the Postal ID is especially beneficial for first-time ID holders, students, job seekers, senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and individuals in underserved communities.

Widely accepted in both public and private transactions, the Postal ID may be used for opening bank accounts, applying for a passport, claiming parcels, sending and receiving mail, and processing various legal and financial transactions.

EFCC: APC chieftain warned me not to contest against Tinubu in 2027 – Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has disclosed that an unnamed chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had forewarned him not to contest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

Makinde made this known in the July 2026 edition of the Monthly Newsletter, a copy of which was obtained by Tribune Online in Ibadan on Thursday.

Makinde submitted that a day after the warning was handed over to him, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) requested copies of all the state government contracts and payments to contractors from 2021, without identifying any contractor, company, transaction, or alleged offence.

Tribune Online recalls that the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, in its ruling on suit no. FHC/IB/CS/61/2025, filed by the state government, acknowledged the EFCC’s statutory powers to investigate financial infractions and crimes but emphasised that such powers must be exercised strictly in line with the Constitution and the Rule of Law.

The special adviser to Governor Makinde on media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, was quoted in a statement as saying that ‘the EFCC’s proposed investigation into Oyo State’s finances, particularly the demands contained in its letter of 2 June 2025, was speculative and amounted to a fishing expedition.

‘His Lordship noted that the constitutional rights of the plaintiffs to fair hearing could not be trampled upon under the guise of investigation.’

Makinde, in his newsletter, was quoted to have said, ‘An APC chieftain warned him on June 1, 2025, against contesting the 2027 presidential election after President Bola Tinubu was endorsed as the APC’s sole candidate.

‘A day after the warning, the EFCC requested copies of all Oyo State Government contracts and payments to contractors from 2021, without identifying any contractor, company, transaction, or alleged offence.’

Makinde said his administration did not resist the investigation but asked the EFCC to specify the contractors or transactions under investigation so the relevant documents could be provided.

‘The EFCC did not respond, prompting the Oyo State Government to seek judicial interpretation of whether such a broad request was lawful.’

He said the court affirmed the EFCC’s constitutional power to investigate financial crimes but ruled that such powers must be exercised within the Constitution and the rule of law.

He noted that the court described the EFCC’s request as ‘speculative’ and a ‘fishing expedition,’ holding that requests for information must be tied to a specific allegation.

Makinde said he would not speculate on the timing of the EFCC’s letter but invited Nigerians to consider the sequence of events and draw their own conclusions.

He stressed that no government is above legitimate investigation, adding that his administration has always been open to scrutiny and accountability.

‘Accountability must be evidence-based,’ warning against broad investigations conducted in the hope of uncovering wrongdoing.

He described the court’s decision as ‘a victory for the rule of law, not against the EFCC,’ saying it reinforces the principle that all institutions must operate within constitutional and legal boundaries.

‘The judgment underscores the need for leadership that respects due process, constitutionalism and the rule of law.’

Tinubu approves expansion of Nigerian Army to 12 divisions

In a move to enhance the country’s security architecture and improve the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to 12 divisions.

President Tinubu also approved the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel and the acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to the statement, the approval underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to effectively address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and further strengthen the country’s defence capabilities.

President Tinubu approved the creation of four additional divisions, increasing the Army’s operational structure from eight to 12 divisions.

The new divisions will be located in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City.

According to Onanuga:

‘The establishment of the new divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.’

The statement further read in part:

‘Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate 12 divisions, strategically positioned across the country as follows:

1 Division Headquarters – Kaduna (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states)

2 Division Headquarters – Ibadan (Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states)

3 Division Headquarters – Jos (Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states)

5 Division Headquarters – Makurdi (Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states)

6 Division Headquarters – Port Harcourt (Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states)

7 Division Headquarters – Maiduguri (Borno and Yobe states)

8 Division Headquarters – Sokoto (Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states)

9 Division Headquarters – Ilorin (Kwara and Niger states)

10 Division Headquarters – Jalingo (Taraba and Adamawa states)

81 Division Headquarters – Lagos (Lagos and Ogun states)

82 Division Headquarters – Enugu (Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states)

83 Division Headquarters – Benin City (Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states).’

The statement noted that ‘implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9 and 10 divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.’

President Tinubu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.

AG opposes request to halt Yoshitha’s money laundering case

The Attorney General’s Department yesterday opposed a request made by lawyers for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son Yoshitha Rajapaksa seeking an order to prevent the hearing of a money laundering case filed against him in the Colombo High Court.

The objection was raised before the Supreme Court when Rajapaksa’s appeal was taken up for consideration.

Appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara strongly opposed the request, arguing against halting proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

How Inmate Allegedly Ran Car Theft Syndicate From Bauchi Prison

Two suspects arrested with a stolen vehicle have alleged that an inmate serving a jail term in Bauchi correctional centre coordinated the sale of stolen vehicles from inside the prison.

The suspects, who made the claims during interrogation at the Bauchi Metro Police Division, alleged that the mastermind, identified only as ‘Awwalu Teacher,’ coordinated their criminal activities from within the prison.

They claimed they first met ‘Awwalu Teacher’ while they were previously incarcerated in 2021, alleging that he recruited and trained them before establishing a vehicle theft syndicate, which he continued to direct from the correctional facility.

The prime suspect, Mohammed Isma’il, alleged that after stealing a vehicle, he would contact ‘Teacher’ using a mobile phone.

According to him, the inmate would then contact prospective buyers, negotiate the sale and facilitate the transaction.

Isma’il further alleged that the syndicate had successfully sold two stolen vehicles, with the inmate receiving between N50,000 and N100,000 from each transaction through electronic transfers.

He said the first stolen vehicle was taken to Bara, a town on the Bauchi-Gombe border, where it was delivered to a buyer.

He added that they were negotiating the sale of a second stolen vehicle when police intercepted them.

Another suspect, Abubakar, corroborated the account, claiming he also met ‘Teacher’ while in custody and later purchased one of the stolen vehicles through the inmate’s coordination.

How police arrested the syndicate

Confirming the arrests, the spokesperson of the Bauchi State Police Command, SP Nafiu Habib, said the command received a report on June 29, 2026, about a stolen green Opel Vectra.

‘Acting on credible intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer of ‘E’ Division intercepted the vehicle at Dorawan Dillalai. Follow-up operations in Gombe State led to the arrest of two additional suspects, Abubakar Musa and Usman Abubakar,’ Habib said.

When asked about the allegations that an inmate was using mobile phones to coordinate criminal activities from inside the correctional facility, Habib said the police could not comment on the operations of the Nigerian Correctional Service and referred inquiries to the agency.

Responding to the claims, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Bauchi State Command, DSC A.U. Tata, dismissed the allegation.

‘We don’t have any inmate bearing that name in our facility,’ he said.

However, senior officials within the service acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, stressing that any officer found aiding inmates to communicate illegally or engage in criminal activities would face immediate dismissal and prosecution.

Our correspondent reports that the allegations have reignited concerns over security lapses and corruption within Nigeria’s correctional centres.

Security sources said the smuggling of mobile phones into correctional facilities and the alleged compromise of some personnel remain major vulnerabilities in the system.

‘Illegally, some inmates coordinate organised crime from correctional centres through smuggled mobile phones and the assistance of corrupt officials,’ a warder, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

‘By bribing some staff, inmates are able to obtain unauthorised communication devices or, in some cases, arrange illegal movements outside the facility. From inside the prison, they continue directing criminal syndicates operating outside,’ he said.

Warders also blamed chronic congestion and the large population of awaiting-trial inmates for creating conditions that make it easier for organised criminal groups to recruit new members within correctional facilities.

They recalled the 2021 riot at the Bauchi correctional centre, which investigators linked to an officer accused of smuggling mobile phones and illicit drugs to inmates, saying the incident remains a reference point whenever concerns about prison security are raised.

Although some observers believe the suspects may have fabricated the allegations in an attempt to deflect responsibility or seek leniency, security experts insist the Bauchi State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service should thoroughly investigate the claims.

They argued that even if the allegations eventually prove to be false, the case has once again highlighted the need for tighter security, stricter surveillance of inmates and stronger internal accountability mechanisms within correctional facilities across the country.

Crackdown Imminent: Bauchi to close down all Illegal private schools

The Bauchi State Government has confirmed that they plan to prosecute proprietors of unregistered private schools operating in the state.

Abdulkadir Ibrahim, the state’s Commissioner for Education, announced this during an inspection tour of selected private schools in Bauchi metropolis.

Ibrahim explained that the move was part of efforts to sanitise the education sector and enforce compliance with minimum standards across private schools in the state.

He explained that only 17 of the 47 private schools inspected by the ministry were duly registered, adding that the remaining 30 were operating illegally.

He also stated that the government would continue to work with compliant school proprietors to improve learning outcomes and ensure quality education.