Category: Daily Trust

A 2025 Transparency and Integrity Index report has revealed that only six out of 517 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) passed the minimum benchmark, leaving 511 trapped in the red zone.

The report, revealed in Abuja by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI), painted a troubling picture of how critical agencies from finance to defence, agriculture to education, continue to lag behind in accountability.

CeFTPI’s Executive Director, Dr Umar Yakubu, said the assessment, conducted in partnership with government oversight bodies, exposed deep gaps in disclosure, ethics, and service delivery.

‘The figures speak for themselves. Citizens rely on these agencies every day, yet the institutions meant to manage trillions in revenue and services lack the transparency expected of them,’ he explained.

Yakubu noted that the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) came first for the second consecutive year with a score of 78.84 percent, followed by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) with 78.21 per cent, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) with 78.13 percent.

He added that three institutions were in the yellow zone with borderline scores: the Development Bank of Nigeria (62.60 per cent), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (54.12 percent), and the Bank of Industry (51.29 percent). ‘The rest of the 511 MDAs all fall in the red category, which means they failed the integrity test,’ he said.

Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dasuki Arabi, noted that the poor showing was not only about corruption but also weak compliance.

‘This is about systems that are supposed to work for Nigerians but often don’t. Our job is to close those gaps and make transparency the norm,’ he said.

Agencies on red zone

The report showed that even agencies at the heart of Nigeria’s economy fell short. These include the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Debt Management Office (DMO), the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation all performed poorly. Analysts say the implications are dire. ‘When the institutions that manage our money cannot fully account for their processes, then trust in the economy suffers,’ Yakubu added.

Other agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) also failed to inspire confidence as well as The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Despite being Nigeria’s main revenue source, transparency remains elusive in the oil and power sectors.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) all scored below expectations.

Similarly, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) failed the transparency test.

Yakubu said the failure of such agencies raised red flags because of their centrality to the country’s finances.

The Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Shippers Council were all among the 511 agencies that scored poorly.

The aviation sector was not spared either, with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) both performing below standards.

On land, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) equally fared badly, raising concerns about transparency in major infrastructure projects.

Despite consuming a huge chunk of the federal budget, the Ministry of Defence, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force all recorded dismal performances.

The Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also failed to meet transparency standards. Yakubu said the results were particularly worrying given ongoing security challenges.

Commenting, Arabi said, ‘Defence and security institutions cannot continue to operate like black boxes. Nigerians deserve to know how their resources are being deployed.’

He added that even agencies created to check corruption and abuse of office performed poorly. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), and the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) were all listed among those that failed the test.

Arabi said this contradiction was a wake-up call. ‘If anti-corruption institutions themselves cannot fully comply with disclosure, then it undermines the fight against corruption,’ he added.

The Federal Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the Court of Appeal, the National Judicial Council (NJC), and the Federal Judicial Service Commission also recorded poor results. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly Service Commission were not left out.

The Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) were all in the red zone. Agencies like NAFDAC, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and several Federal Medical Centres and Teaching Hospitals also failed to pass the test. Health watchers say this could undermine service delivery.

‘When hospitals and health regulators are not transparent, citizens lose faith in the system, especially in times of crisis,’ Arabi said.

The Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) all ranked poorly. Major examination bodies such as JAMB, WAEC (Nigeria), and NECO also scored low.

Yakubu noted that lack of openness in the education sector was hurting young Nigerians. ‘Students and parents deserve accountability in how resources are used,’ he said.

Agencies critical to Nigeria’s food security were also implicated. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), and the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) all failed the test. Others included the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), the Bank of Agriculture, and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). Observers said the result was worrying given rising hunger. ‘Agricultural agencies are supposed to support farmers and boost food production. Their failure reflects directly on food prices,’ one analyst noted.

In the technology and media sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Galaxy Backbone all failed.

The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) also performed poorly.

Agencies entrusted with pensions and welfare also fared badly. The National Pension Commission (PENCOM), the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) were all in the red zone. The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and the Family Homes Fund Ltd also recorded weak compliance.

‘Index not to shame institutions’

Despite the poor numbers, CeFTPI said the index was not meant to shame institutions but to guide reforms.

‘We want to see improvement. Transparency is not a luxury, it is a necessity for national development,’ Yakubu stressed.

Arabi added that reforms would be pushed harder. ‘We will continue to work with agencies to mainstream openness and accountability. Nigerians deserve no less,’ he said.

The 2025 Index is expected to form part of broader governance reforms, but for many citizens, the revelations only confirm what they already know, that too many of the country’s most important agencies operate in secrecy, while service delivery suffers.

The number of those who were involved in a boat tragedy in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State has risen to 36.

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) confirmed this in an update on Wednesday night.

The agency said 40 persons were rescued from the ill fated boat.

The boat capsized at the bank of the river around Akpu and Odumomo settlements.

It was reportedly carrying passengers from riverine communities in the areas to Ilushi in Edo state.

Majority of the passengers include, children, women and some mourners who came for burial ceremony in the town and were on their way back to Ilushi.

NIWA’s Head of Idah station in the flank of the state , Williams Isaac, disclosed the latest update to NTA’s ‘News Xtra’.

He said the most affected people were from Onugwa and other riverine communities in Ibaji Local Government Area .

Isaac added further that the rescue efforts are still ongoing, stressing that the journey turned tragic when the boat conveying about 80 passengers capsized midway to its destination.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had expressed shock over the accident, directing all relevant agencies to swing into action on rescue operation.

The Governor further enjoined the would -be travellers by river to adopt simple safety measures, as he commiserated the families of the victims and prayed to God to grant the deceased external rest.

The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the October 1 National broadcast of President Bola Tinubu as uninspiring and disappointing.

Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, on Thursday, Ologunagba said the President’s Independence Day speech was ‘uninspiring and disappointing.’

Ologunagba, who spoke on various other issues in the party, noted that the National convention of the party is sacrosanct.

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On the Independence Anniversary speech, the PDP spokesman said as usual, the speech was full of misleading claims and statistics that do not reflect the reality Nigerians face.

He said Independence Day should have been an opportunity to give a true account of the past year and highlight genuine progress, ‘instead, what we got was the same failed narratives and empty rhetoric.’

He said the President claimed that the economy is performing well, but Nigerians are asking: ‘which corner has the economy really turned? Is it the corner of insecurity, where violence has crippled farming and production? The corner of rising costs, where parents cannot pay school fees? Or the corner where families live in fear of kidnappers and bandits? Talk is cheap. What matters is what people feel in their daily lives, and the hardship on the streets tells a very different story.

‘The reality is that insecurity remains a serious threat. Just a few days ago, in Abuja, we saw the gruesome murder of a brilliant lawyer and journalist. That is only one of many incidents that show how unsafe people feel. Families live in constant fear, yet the government keeps insisting that things are improving. Independence should mean freedom from fear, but Nigerians do not feel free.

‘The government has taken us backwards compared to the past. Under the PDP administration, Nigeria paid off its debts and created real economic opportunities. Today, the APC has plunged the country into unsustainable debt, much of it without any clear link to development projects. Instead, borrowing has fuelled corruption and waste. That is not progress. It is dependence, not independence.

‘We are told that trillions have been saved through subsidy removal, but Nigerians cannot see where the money is going. We hear of trillions saved, but also of trillions borrowed. What projects have these funds been tied to? Where is the transparency? Without accountability, these so-called savings mean nothing to ordinary people.’

He said, ‘the independence speech by the President yesterday, which, to say the least was pathetic, it was boring, it was uninspiring, as true, as always, typical of the APC with their propaganda.

‘It was full of lies, false statistics that does not attune to the realities on ground. And some of them we have. We’ll go into that as we have this conversation. In specific terms, of course, you listen to this speech.

I don’t know how many Nigerians listen to it. From the body language of the President, even as he was reading those speeches, you know that he doesn’t even believe in it.

‘ When you prepare a speech as big as an independence speech, which you have a connection between the Person, which is the President who is actually making the presentation, and the body language should be able to show that.

‘Because the President knew, that the broadcast, that he was saying things that are completely not correct, it was false. Because it’s at variance, the whole content was at variance with the realities on ground that you and I and every Nigerian face today.’

Jigawa State is steadily positioning itself as Nigeria’s emerging hub for date palm production.

It is blessed with a unique soil composition that allows date trees to produce fruits twice a year, unlike many other countries where harvest comes only once.

Findings have shown that the state is leveraging on this natural advantage to drive job creation, boost internally generated revenue and diversify its economy.

For Jigawa State, date palm farming is more than an agricultural pursuit, it is a deliberate strategy to tackle unemployment, discourage irregular migration among youths.

More youth take up date farming

In September 2025, the state trained more than 2,000 young people under its Date Palm Development Programme. At least 400 of them were empowered with land, seedlings and farming tools, while 1,042 others received half a hectare of land each.

Governor Namadi emphasized that the programme is not just about farming but also creating a generation of agricultural entrepreneurs who will redefine Jigawa economy,’ the governor said.

Experts say the economic potential of Jigawa’s date palm industry is vast. Dr Abdulhamid Hamza Muhammad of the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) noted that a single tree could yield up to 70 kilograms of dates annually. With large-scale planting, a hectare could generate earnings of over N20 million yearly.

An agricultural economist, Malam Mu’azzam Musa added that Jigawa’s comparative advantage could soon make it West Africa’s top producer of dates.

‘With advanced technology and from what we have seen on the state’s commitment, date palm farming in Jigawa is not just profitable but also a pathway to transforming the state into a tourist and agricultural hub,’ he said.

The recent development, according to another agricultural economist, Mr Patrick Yelda, is that date palm fruit and trunk of date palm are utilised in local industries, which supply packing materials for local marketing of fruits and vegetables, as well as for many other uses, adding that with the recent commitment, date farmers are now exposed to these benefits along the value chain of the fruit.

He explained that the tree and fruit byproducts offer an extra income as various parts of the date trees have been used for the preparation of animal feed, construction materials, household goods and paper. And the trunk of a date tree is usually used to erect bucolic houses. These, according to him, mean additional income to the farmers.

He emphasized that there is a need for stakeholders to equip farmers with various marketing skills to fully explore the date palm business.

‘Marketing assists in providing income at the local, state, national and international levels. It is also aimed at providing support to producers and helps them increase production by adopting new and improved technologies. Moreover, any development in the volume of trade characterised by enhanced marketing will generate the government further support by providing basic amenities, such as roads, infrastructures and water storage facilities, among others; which will finally improve marketing efficiency,’ he said.

Farmers and beneficiaries speak

For farmers and trainees, the programme is already rewriting their future and changing their economic status. Abdullahi Babaro, a beneficiary from Birniwa Local Government Area expressed optimism thus: ‘I believe I will become a millionaire within three years. Date palm production is like gold in Jigawa.’

Another trainee, Ibrahim Sani, highlighted the training in processing, packaging, and creating date-based foods and drinks. ‘We now see endless opportunities in the value chain,’ he said.

A veteran farmer, Malam Shehu Umar, who has cultivated dates for over 30 years, praised the initiative. ‘Previous governments overlooked the sector, but this administration’s intervention is already changing the economic narrative of Jigawa,’ he said. he further revealed that with the present support date farming will no doubt take op the shape it ought to have taken years ago, stressing that in Nigerian history, Jigawa State is now synonymous to date palm.

Saudi partnership sparks new hope

In February 2025, Jigawa struck a strategic partnership with a Saudi Arabian business delegation to scale up date palm production. Receiving the team at Government House, Dutse, Governor Namadi described the deal as ‘a game-changer’ that would reposition the state’s agricultural economy.

‘This partnership is expected to boost agricultural productivity and economic growth in the region. Saudi Arabia is among the world’s top three producers of dates, and by tapping into their expertise, Jigawa can maximise its unique potential,’ the governor said.

He stressed that the collaboration would reduce dependence on federal allocations, strengthen Jigawa’s revenue base and open the state to foreign investments in cultivation, processing, packaging and marketing of dates.

Abdul’aziz Abdurrahman Al-Awf, who led the Saudi delegation, pledged support through expertise-sharing, technology transfer and global best practices. He said, ‘We believe that by sharing our expertise and technology we can help Jigawa State achieve its agricultural goals.’

This partnership had triggered new hope in the state, taking into consideration that various governments have come and left with little or no consideration given to the sector. The move by the state government had rekindled a light of hope as new farmers were being encouraged to complement the old hands in the business.

A future written in dates

Jigawa’s experiment with date palm production may soon become a model for agricultural transformation in Nigeria. If current efforts continue at this pace and with strategic partnerships, youth empowerment and modern farming techniques adopted, the state is on course to redefine its economic identity and become a key player in Africa’s agricultural map. Therefore, for Jigawa State, the path to prosperity may well be lined with date palm production.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly exploring a move for Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, whose future at the Santiago Bernabéu has come under fresh scrutiny.

According to reports from Fichajes, Spurs have identified the Uruguay international as a potential transfer target as they look to bolster their midfield options.

Valverde, who has made over 300 career appearances for the Spanish giants, is said to be facing an uncertain situation in Madrid, with sections of the Spanish media critical of his recent performances.

Thomas Frank’s side are understood to be among the clubs monitoring the situation closely, viewing the 26-year-old as a high-profile reinforcement who could bring energy, versatility, and experience to the North London club.

As Nigeria marks 65 years of nationhood, this moment calls not merely for celebration, but for deep and sober reflection.

Sixty-five years in the life of a nation is both long enough to learn vital lessons and short enough to still dream of greater possibilities.

Our journey since independence in 1960 has been mixed experiences. We have celebrated moments of triumph, endured seasons of crisis, and watched countless opportunities slip through our hands.

From the optimism of self-rule to the turbulence of military coups, from the tragedy of civil war to the eventual return of democracy, the Nigerian story has been marked by resilience, sacrifice, and unfinished potential.

The dreams of our people have been pursued through several attempts, though too often without lasting fruition.

Successive development blueprints – Vision 2010, Vision 20:2020, the Seven-Point Agenda, and more recently the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) carried promises of transformation.

Many of these documents ended up as footnotes in history, gathering dust while poverty deepened, unemployment soared, and infrastructure continued to decay.

Leadership, the golden key to progress, has too often fallen short of expectation.

Corruption and self-interest weakened institutions that should serve the people. Electoral malpractice eroded trust in democracy.

Citizens who went to the polls in hope have at times felt betrayed by the very process meant to empower them.

Governance, in many instances, failed to reflect the aspirations of the people.

Yet history reminds us that great nations are not judged only by the weight of their problems, but by the courage with which they confront them.

Posterity will not dwell on our failures, but on our determination to overcome them.

The destiny of Nigeria does not rest in government alone; it rests in the hands of every citizen. Though our tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we must stand.

Nation-building is not about the scramble for office or the pursuit of personal gain, but about collective responsibility.

It requires both leaders and citizens to embrace sacrifice, discipline, and innovation.

A nation is not built by promises spoken, but by sacrifices made. True independence is more than political sovereignty.

Our flag and anthem may have declared liberty in 1960, but only morality, justice, and accountability can sustain it.

Leadership is a sacred trust, and integrity must remain its foundation.

If Nigeria must experience a rebirth, then we must confront the lessons of our past and chart a new path forward.

Inclusive leadership must be at the heart of governance. The diversity of our federation demands inclusivity, ensuring that no community feels excluded from the national project.

Marginalisation breeds resentment; inclusivity breeds trust and unity.

Credible elections must anchor our democracy. Votes must count, and the ballot must be stronger than the bullet or the bribe.

The independence of the electoral commission must be safeguarded, while the use of technology to transmit and protect results must be fully embraced.

Without electoral credibility, democracy becomes a hollow ritual.

Investing in leadership education is vital. Civic education, mentorship, and ethical training must be central to our schools and communities.

If we do not prepare the next generation of leaders, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past.

Nigeria’s future rests on young people who are disciplined, innovative, and committed to service, as economic transformation must go beyond oil.

Our greatness will not come from dependence on crude exports but from science, technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and innovation that uplift humanity.

The creativity of our youths in fintech, entertainment, and digital entrepreneurship is proof that Nigeria’s economic future lies in innovation, not extraction.

Strengthening national values is essential. Unity, discipline, and service must become lived realities, not empty slogans. If integrity does not become the measure of success, corruption will continue to undermine progress.

Back on October 1, 1960, when the green-white-green flag was hoisted before the world, it symbolised liberty, self-determination, and hope.

Despite their ideological differences, our founding fathers viz. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa shared a common vision to build a prosperous nation.

That spirit of unity is what we must rediscover today. For no nation divided against itself can prosper, but a people united in purpose can never be defeated.

At 65, Nigeria cannot live only for the present. The future belongs to generations yet unborn.

To build a secure tomorrow, we must act decisively today by strengthening institutions, promoting justice, diversifying the economy, and ensuring accountability in governance.

The ballot may elect leaders, but only character can sustain them.

This is why ethical education and civic leadership training must begin early. If we fail to prepare our young people, we will mortgage their future to the mistakes of the past.

Nigeria’s rebirth is not just a possibility, it is a necessity. It will not come by chance, but by deliberate choice:

The choice to act with integrity. The choice to defend our democracy.

The choice to place nation above self. History is watching.

The world is watching. And posterity will judge us, not by the weight of our problems, but by the courage of our response.

At 65, the question is not whether Nigeria will rise, but whether we will choose to rise together.

I believe we will. I believe we must. And by the grace of Almighty God, I believe we shall.

God bless the people of Nigeria.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

As Nigeria gears up for the next general election, a heated debate is brewing. Supporters of former President Goodluck Jonathan are rallying behind his potential return to the presidency, citing his experience and leadership skills.

However, others are raising constitutional concerns, arguing that a third term would be barred by the country’s laws. The debate is sparking intense discussions across the nation, with legal experts, politicians, and ordinary citizens weighing in on the matter. As the country navigates this complex issue, questions about the rule of law, political precedent, and the will of the people are coming to the fore.

Can Goodluck Jonathan’s supporters convince the nation that he’s the right leader for the job, or will the constitutional concerns prevail? The answer remains to be seen, but one thing is certain this debate will continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape in the months to come.’

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after his diplomatic mission representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and some ‘strategic engagements’ in Germany.

On arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport, Abuja the Vice President was received by top government officials and some of his aides.

During the week-long international engagement, the Vice President delivered President Tinubu’s national statement at the United Nations calling for comprehensive UN reforms, championed Africa’s sovereignty over its $700 billion mineral resources, and strengthened strategic partnerships with the United Kingdom, Gates Foundation, and other international stakeholders.

Later, Shettima met with the UN Secretary-General António Guterres and secured his commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent Security Council seat.

In another engagement, he showcased the country’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors.

The Vice President also assured the Nigerian diaspora community of robust engagement in the President Tinubu administration’s policies and programmes before his engagements in Germany.

The President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CiOD) Nigeria, Otunda Adetunji Oyebanji, has called on Nigerians to embrace responsibility, unity, and ethical leadership as the country marks its 65th independence anniversary.

Oyebanji, in his independence message, said the anniversary should not only be about counting years but should serve as a turning point for national renewal.

He urged leaders and citizens alike to ‘choose governance over impunity, accountability over corruption, and unity over division.’

Highlighting Nigeria’s progress over the years, he noted that the country has earned global recognition in arts, sports, technology, and entertainment, with young entrepreneurs and diaspora communities making significant contributions to its development.

The CiOD president commended the current administration for reform initiatives since 2023, including the removal of petroleum subsidies, efforts to unify the foreign exchange market, electricity sector reforms, and other interventions aimed at repositioning the economy.

He, however, warned that despite positive GDP growth, many Nigerians have yet to feel the impact due to inflation, rising living costs, insecurity, and infrastructure gaps.

These challenges, he said, can only be overcome through deliberate action rooted in transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.

Reaffirming the commitment of the institute to national development, Oyebanji said the CiOD will continue to promote good governance and corporate leadership ideals in both public and private sectors.

‘Our institute remains a partner in the Nigerian project, working alongside government, the private sector, and civil society to build a nation worthy of its potential,’ he stated.

Oyebanji congratulated Nigerians on the independence celebration and urged all citizens to rise to the challenge of positioning the country on a path to greatness.

‘Let us not only celebrate independence; let us live it every day, in our values, in our choices, and in our leadership,’ he said.

Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are investigating three youths residing in the Gwagwa community of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) over a robbery attack that recently took place in the area.

Many residents, who spoke to our reporter yesterday, lamented how a gang of youths went on a rampage from house to house in the Unguwar Kiriya area of the community, robbing them of their valuables.

The village head of Kiriya, Muhammad Sani, while speaking on the incident said some of the attacked residents were injured by the gang, including one who sustained a gun injury.

Sani explained that the attackers used various tools, including heavy hammers and saws, to destroy the gates and burglary proofs of some residences, robbing the owners of valuables such as cash, phones, and one motorcycle.

‘Fortunately, one of the attackers was identified and assisted in locating about three of his accomplices so far, who were handed over to the police,’ Sani said.

He added that members of the vigilante group were able to trace and locate two suspects initially on the following day, with residents insisting the suspects be handed over to them.

‘So, the police in Gwagwa division were informed about the development, and they used their wisdom to be able to take the suspects to their office,’ Sani concluded.

When contacted, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Gwagwa, CSP Muktar Adamu, confirmed the incident, adding that three suspects were handed over to the FCT Police Command for further investigation.