Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has arraigned two Abuja-based lawyers, Victor Giwa and Ibitade Bukola, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over alleged forgery and impersonation.

This follows previous adjournments for arraignment which subsequently led to issuance of bench warrant for arrest of the lawyers.

The defendants were arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie sitting at Apo, Abuja, on a three-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy to commit forgery, false personation and fraudulent execution of documents.

In the charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/150/25, both defendants were alleged, among others, to have on June 28, 2024, purportedly forged a letter using the official letterhead of Awa U. Kalu SAN and addressed same to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

The forged letter titled ‘Urgent and Solemn Appeal to Suspend the Arraignment of Our Colleague Victor Giwa on Charge Number: CR/222/2023’ allegedly sought to influence the AGF to stop Giwa’s arraignment scheduled before Justice Samira Bature at the High Court, Maitama.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them in the open court.

Following their not-guilty plea, the prosecuting counsel, Asaph Eristo, asked the court to remand Giwa in prison custody, citing the need to prevent interference with investigations.

On his part, counsel for the defendants, Edwin Anikpenu SAN, while seeking the leave of the court to make oral amendment to the existing bail application before the court to include the second defendant, urged the court to admit both defendants to bail, adding that they are legal practitioners.

He added that apart being lawyers, the second defendant, Bukola is a nursing mother.

As for Giwa, Anikpenu urged the court to consider admitting him on self-recognition or to the custody of a reputable executive of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Garki Branch, promising that he would not interfere with the case.

The prosecutor, however, opposed the application on the ground that Giwa is a flight risk, noting that public funds were used to effect his arrest.

Justice Onwuegbuzie, however, expressed the court’s displeasure with the oral bail request, saying that, ‘It is shocking that a lawyer would come with an oral application and attempt to add another defendant without documentation. With 13 lawyers present, none deemed it fit to file a proper bail application.’

He subsequently refused bail for the second defendant and remanded her at the Suleja Correctional Facility in Suleja, Niger State.

The court then granted Giwa bail in the sum of ?30 million, with two sureties in like sum, who must be civil servants not below Grade Level 16, resident in Abuja, with verifiable addresses and valid ID cards. They must also submit their international passports.

The judge ordered that Giwa be remanded in police custody till he perfects his bail conditions.

He subsequently adjourned the case to October 15 for hearing.

The Executive Director, Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Muazu Musa Omeiza, has said the state government is targeting over 1.9 million children aged between 9 months to 14 years, with the Measles-Rubella vaccination, protecting them from two highly infectious and potentially deadly diseases.

He stated this at the Integrated Measles-Rubella campaign flag-off ceremony in Lokoja sponsored by UNICEF and other donors.

‘We are deploying the novel Oral Polio Vaccine (nOPV2) to strengthen our defence against any resurgence of the polio virus and maintain Nigeria’s hard-earned polio-free status.

‘In some of our communities yet unreached, we are introducing the HPV vaccine for girls aged between 9 to 14 years and following up in communities where girls within the targeted age range may have been missed. The HPV vaccine aims to prevent cervical cancer, which has claimed too many lives of women, lives we can now save through timely vaccination.

‘The campaign came at a critical time across the country and globally, where we are witnessing rising cases of vaccine-preventable diseases due to immunity gaps worsened by disruptions in services during the past years.

‘Our teams are prepared. We have conducted microplanning down to the ward level. Cold chain and logistics have been mobilised. Social mobilisation teams are working to engage every segment of the community. The structures are in place; what we need now is the full participation of every household,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the Okehi local government area Immunisation Officer (LIO), Mr Salami Oni Salihu, while speaking with our correspondent on Wednesday in Ihima, stated that they are targeting about 88,854 children for Polio vaccination, while they are also targeting 147,580 children for Measles-Rubella vaccination.

He commended the state government and UNICEF, and other donors that sponsored the programme.

In the area of challenges, he further disclosed that the lack of funds is preventing them from reaching Fulani settlements in that local government for immunisation.

He pleaded for more funds so that children in the Fulani community can always benefit from the immunisation.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with our correspondent commended the Kogi State government and UNICEF, and other donors, for the sponsorship.

Hajia Rabiu Suleiman and Miss Rebecca Joseph respectively said that given their children’s immunisation will enhance their good health, as they thank the sponsored UNICEF.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the sum of ?70 billion for the implementation of the Mini-Grid Solar Power Project under the 2025 Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention cycle.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of TETFund, Aminu Bello Masari, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the 2025 TETFund National Town Hall Meeting, which brought together stakeholders, including top government functionaries, Vice-Chancellors of Universities, Provosts, Rectors, and representatives of Academic Staff Unions of tertiary institutions, among others.

Former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, also speaking at the event, called on the National Assembly to come up with a piece of legislation that would stop new universities and other tertiary institutions from benefiting from the TETFund intervention until they are 5-10 years old.

Years in operation.

Masari, who was a former Executive Governor of Katsina State and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, highlighted key milestones of TETFund, especially under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the Town Hall Meeting was significant in the collective journey towards building a more transparent, inclusive, and responsive tertiary education system.

On the Mini-Grid Solar Power Project, Masari said the project would provide renewable and sustainable energy solutions to twelve (12) selected institutions across the country, in the first instance.

The institutions include Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State; Northwest University, Kano; Ambrose Alli University, Edo State; Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri, Imo State; and Lagos State University, amongst others.

He also revealed that under the leadership of President Tinubu, the Fund has sponsored 3332 scholars for Master’s and 4796 PhDs for the local component of the TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff.

‘The Fund continues to support teaching practice, conference attendance, research and development thereby ensuring that Nigerian tertiary institutions are well equipped with the right workforce of highly trained and globally exposed academics,’ he stated.

The Board of Trustees has envisioned Nigerian tertiary institutions that are globally competitive, research-oriented, and innovation-driven, producing graduates who are not only employable but are job creators and solution providers.

‘To achieve this, we will continue to strengthen accountability and transparency frameworks, expand investments in alternative energy and digital learning platforms, promote advanced research in agriculture, health, and technology, and deepen collaboration with industries and international partners to drive research commercialisation and sustainable impact,’ he stated.

Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, on his part, applauded President Tinubu for his overwhelming support towards ensuring that the Fund actualizes its mandate and the ongoing transformation of tertiary education into a driver of innovation and productivity in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the President had approved the increase in the percentage allocation of education tax from 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent, saying this has had a tremendous impact on the intervention programmes of the Fund.

Echono also spoke on why the TETFund had to suspend the training of scholars abroad except for some specialized courses, disclosing that the federal government is developing a framework to ensure students sponsored abroad on government scholarships return home to contribute to national development after their studies.

He said the development followed a directive by President Tinubu to address the issue of scholars absconding after years of free education and failing to return after completing their studies overseas to contribute to the development of the country.

‘Mr President complained that so many of the people we send abroad for studies do not return, and he felt it was unfair,’ Echono said. ‘He has therefore instructed that we must put measures in place, not to stop training abroad entirely, but to ensure that those who go are properly bonded and return to contribute their knowledge to national development.’

Immediate past President of ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, warned against the proliferation of universities, saying most of them created as ‘constituency projects’ were targeted at benefiting from TETFund intervention and must be discouraged.

He called on the National Assembly to come up with a piece of legislation that would prevent new universities not up to 5-10 years from benefiting from the TETFund intervention.

Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede on Wednesday disclosed that, the commission had created a cybercrime advanced research centre, to combat financial and cybercrimes.

He added that, the centre would focus on developing cutting -edge fraud detection and prevention technologies, create resources and promoting policy development and youth Empowerment in digital literacy.

The agency Chairman who made this known Speaking as a guest speaker at the 17th Convocation lecture of the Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Titled ‘Beyond Degrees: Cultivating purpose, Resilience and Service in a Complex World’, however warned youths not to cut corners in desperation to get rich quick.

Concerned about the negative deployment of youths energy and skills to criminality especial online fraud known as yahoo-yahoo, the EFCC boss, remarked that, only those who are able to whether the storms of life, holding on to their dreams, overcoming obstacles and challenges,will leave their marks in the sands of time and warned them against such an act.

He then reinterated that Nigeria youths should be resilient, hold on to their dreams in life and desist from pressure, desperation to get rich quick.

Kwara state government has completed production of a N290 million Nollywood movie series mirroring the devastating consequences of kidnapping in Nigerian society.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, the state commissioner for communications, Bola Olukoju, said that the debut film of the state film school, Sugar Factory film studios, titled ‘Ajuwaya’, had a total number of 1,211 people on set.

The commissioner, who said that the production of the film was a big win for the state, added that 712 people on the movie set had acquired residency in the state.

Featuring notable actors like Desmond Elliot, Keppy Ekpeyong, Femi Adebayo, Tina Mba, Segun Arinze, Monalisa Chinda, among others, Olukoju said that production of Ajuwaya was supported with a N350 million grant by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative programme.

’45 per cent of people in Nollywood are from Kwara state. And that’s what we lashed on. A whole new ecosystem of the creative industry is what’s being celebrated in Kwara state, as the production was done in a controlled environment where economic activities and job opportunities were opened up for fashion designers, carpenters, technicians, caterers, drivers, make-up artists, to develop their trades,’ Olukoju said.

Also speaking, the general manager of the Sugar Factory film studios, Olagbenga Titiloye, said that production of the movie was ‘a collaborative symphony of public leadership, private sector dynamism, artistic courage, and community support, all playing harmonious parts.

‘The Ajuwaya project is a beacon of what is possible when government, philanthropy, and industry align toward a common goal: to cultivate homegrown talent, generate employment, and reinforce our cultural identity on both regional and global stages.’

Olagbenga, who commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his willingness to champion a film studio in Nigeria, said that the effort ‘demonstrates not only a bold strategic mind but also a deep faith in our people and their talent.

‘It is through that foresight and resolve that we have arrived at this moment: a state-backed endeavour that nurtures artistry, innovation, and economic vitality.

‘We also extend appreciation to Her Excellency, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and to the Renewed Hope Initiative. Your partnership and generosity, embodied by the grant that helped Sugar Factory Studios shoot its debut movie, Ajuwaya, embody the very spirit of national renewal: investing in our creative economy, empowering filmmakers, and inspiring the next generation to dream bigger.

‘This grant is more than funding; it is a signal, a beacon, and a pledge that Nigeria will not only tell its stories but export them with pride and excellence.’

As cyber threats grow in scale and sophistication, early-stage startups are increasingly finding themselves in the crosshairs of global attackers.

In response, OpenSource in Cybersecurity, a non-profit cybersecurity initiative created to help early-stage startup without enough resources to buy cybersecurity services, is emerging as a crucial ally to early startup founders, offering vital cybersecurity support and guidance to early-stage founders at no cost.

Speaking with the founder, Mr Jamiu Olamilekan Akande, he described this support as social innovation support for early-stage founders to protect them against global cyber threat because he strongly believes early-stage startup founders are the builder of our world and deserve all the support, they can get to build a better world for all.

With limited budgets and lean teams, startups across Africa, Europe, and beyond often struggle to keep pace with the rapidly evolving threat landscape.

OpenSource in Cybersecurity steps in to bridge this gap, providing founders with access to enterprise-grade security resources and mentorship, all powered by a global network of volunteers.

The impact of the work being done by OpenSource In Cybersecurity is globally felt as we support early-stage startups from Lagos or London, our priority is to support those early-stage startups that require such support, said the founder.

He also mentioned they are unable to help founder that has become profitable or has raised large investment fund based on our terms of service as explain on their website, our focus is to help those without resources to get the paid services in the market.

By leveraging the power of open-source solutions, OpenSource in Cybersecurity is able to deliver robust, enterprise-level protection without the burden of licensing fees or complex contracts.

Founders benefit from step-by-step setup help, ongoing mentorship, and a supportive global community-all designed to make advanced cybersecurity accessible to even the smallest teams.

As remote work and AI-driven threats introduce new vulnerabilities, the need for accessible, high-quality cybersecurity has never been greater. OpenSource in Cybersecurity is expanding its mission, inviting founders and volunteers worldwide to join the movement and help build a safer, more resilient startup ecosystem as a way to improve our world and protect the early builders from global cyber threats.

Early-stage founders building innovative solutions and facing resource constraints are encouraged to seek free cybersecurity support from OpenSource in Cybersecurity, volunteers who believe in supporting early-stage startups can apply as well to help us support the founders.

APM Terminals Nigeria has emphasised that continuity and consistency in policy regulations are essential to creating an enabling environment for foreign investment inflow into the country.

This was stated by the Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, at the 31st Annual Nigerian Economic Summit, which recently concluded in Abuja.

The summit, themed The Reform Imperative: Building a Prosperous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030, brought together key stakeholders in the public and private sectors.

Speaking during a CEO Roundtable panel discussion on The Future of Infrastructure Funding in Nigeria, Klinke described Nigeria’s inclusion in every global investor’s portfolio as crucial to their long-term strategy for Africa.

He said, ‘What investors are concerned about is long term predictability; there must be policies in place that would not change. There is a lot of positivity around the reforms being taken by the government. However, there has to be the right regulatory environment for predictability that guarantees that the rules will not change.

‘The same goes for the commercial terms of these investments. When you operate in a volatile inflation and forex environment like Nigeria, investors understand that but there has to be assurance that the regulation in place allows for such volatility by enabling investors to adjust tariffs when inflation runs high. If that is not in place, that it becomes a huge hindrance to business.’

Other panelists who shared their recommendations on the topic included the Executive Director of InfraCredit, Daniel Mueller; the Director-General of the Nigeria Country Office, African Development Bank, Abdul Kamara; and the Chief Executive Officer of ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investments Limited, Rachel More-Oshodi.

Earlier, Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, during the opening ceremony, assured delegates that while Nigeria’s challenges were daunting, they were not insurmountable.

He said, ‘Every reform we have introduced has emerged from deep reflection and the courage to act in the interest of the nation. Our ticket to achieve inclusive and lasting prosperity is our series of sound policies, strong partnerships, and the commitment of the private sector. This is why we must use this platform to develop actionable recommendations to drive sustainable growth and strengthen our nation’s resilience. The government is ready to receive and implement recommendations that will emerge from your deliberations through the relevant MDAs. We will industrialise Nigeria through power, logistics and technology.’

Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Jobson Ewalefoh, described as unanimous the reality that political risk remains Nigeria’s biggest hindrance to investors.

He said, ‘The discussion before us goes beyond the funding of physical assets. Our infrastructure gap represents a significant challenge and transformative opportunity. Public resources can no longer support the transformation we envisage. This is exactly where ICRC serves as a catalyst; to regulate and oversee PPE projects.

‘As a country, we cannot run away from the fact that we have an infrastructure challenge. This is what we are trying to do differently at ICRC; we are trying to create solutions for the problems. We have begun this by streamlining the BPE process. Lots of people want to invest in Nigeria. Nigeria is open for business and the ICRC is available to guide investors.’

Officials of the Kwara state Fire Service on Wednesday recovered a lifeless male body from the Asa River along Emir’s Road, Ilorin, the state capital.

In a statement by the head, media and publicity of the service, Hassan Adekunle, he said that the discovery was made at about 11:06 am, adding that the victim was identified as a mentally challenged individual.

‘At about 11:06 hours on Wednesday, 8th October 2025, the Kwara State Fire Service recovered a lifeless body from the Asa River along Emir’s Road, Ilorin. The victim, identified as a mentally challenged individual, was discovered floating in the river.

‘The cause of the drowning could not be immediately ascertained. The recovered body was later handed over to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, for further necessary action.

‘The Director, Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, expressed sympathy over the unfortunate incident and advised members of the public to exercise caution and avoid risky movements around riverbanks and other water bodies to prevent similar occurrences,’ the statement read.

The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District and former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, has accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of ‘lying to Nigerians’ about his alleged bid to secure a third term in office during his tenure as Nigeria’s leader.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Kalu dismissed Obasanjo’s recent denial of the third term agenda as a ‘naked fallacy,’ insisting that the former president had personally confided in him and several other governors about his intention to amend the constitution to enable him to remain in power beyond 2007.

‘With due respect to President Obasanjo, what he said in Ghana was a naked lie, a naked fallacy,’ Kalu declared. ‘Many people who were part of that period are still alive – David Mark is alive, others are alive. They know the truth.’

The senator alleged that substantial sums of money were distributed to lawmakers in an attempt to gain their support for the proposed constitutional amendment that would have extended Obasanjo’s tenure.

‘Senator Wande brought ?50 million which they shared, and they asked me if I would take as a governor,’ Kalu recounted. ‘I said no – go and give it back. Even the National Security Adviser at that time was aware of what was happening. Obasanjo was at the centre of it all.’

According to Kalu, his refusal to support the move was the beginning of his political rift with the former president.

‘My quarrel with him started when I told Presidents Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and George Bush of the United States that Obasanjo was running for a third term,’ he said. ‘I even told Nelson Mandela, may his soul rest in peace. They all confronted him. I don’t know why Nigeria should be built on lies by statesmen.’

Responding to Obasanjo’s recent claim that no Nigerian ‘dead or alive’ could assert he sought a third term, Kalu maintained that the former president had personally discussed the plan with him.

‘Of course, he told me in the Villa,’ Kalu said. ‘That was the beginning. I told him it was not possible. He had already convinced some governors, but people like me and a few others said no. I am a committed Christian. I took an oath with the Bible to serve for only eight years, and that was the end of it.’

He added that Obasanjo often referred to long-serving leaders such as Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi as justification for his ambition, an idea Kalu described as fundamentally undemocratic.

‘He used to say Gaddafi was still there, others were still there,’ Kalu recalled. ‘But democracy is about the rule of law. The beauty of constitutional democracy is the time limits. If the constitution says eight years, nobody should go beyond that. Anyone who tries is inviting the wrath of God.’

Kalu maintained that the third term plot was widely known among the political class at the time.

‘He told many northern governors too. If those governors are courageous enough, they will say the truth,’ Kalu said. ‘He wanted a third term, and we stopped him. He was even at loggerheads with Governor Peter Odili over it. The man cannot rewrite history – it is clear he wanted a third term.’

The lawmaker stated that his resistance to Obasanjo’s ambition was motivated by his commitment to constitutional order rather than personal grievances.

‘We stopped him because of the constitution,’ he affirmed. ‘Our constitution is supreme. Even the U.S. government under President George Bush supported efforts to stop him. History will remember that some of us stood for democracy,’ he said.

Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the suspension of the vehicle tinted glass permit enforcement following a Court order.

The decision was disclosed by the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, during an interview on AIT.

According to Adeh, the police received the court order, and the enforcement of the tinted permit is now on hold pending the court’s verdict.

‘Information reaching me from the office of the PRO is that the order has been received and the enforcement of the tinted permit is now on hold pending the court’s verdict,’ she said.

The police directive to suspend enforcement will remain in place pending the outcome of the ongoing legal process regarding the tinted glass permit.

‘We are waiting for the verdict. We are not against the courts, and we will continue to wait until we get a verdict,’ Adeh added.

The tinted glass regulation was introduced for security reasons, with Adeh explaining that some criminal activities had been carried out using vehicles with darkened windows.

‘The law was not made by us. We are enforcers. The policy was purely security-driven. Some criminals were using tinted vehicles to commit offences, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify suspects,’ she said.

It emphasises the importance of the tinted glass permit as a measure to enhance safety.

Adeh also dismissed claims that the policy was designed for financial gain, stating that all payments related to tinted permits are made directly into the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA), not to the police.