Category: PM News

Justice Jude Onwugbuzie of FCT High Court on Thursday granted application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for final forfeiture of the multi- billion naira properties and funds linked to Abuja socialite, Ms Aisha Achimugu to Federal Government of Nigeria.

Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for EFCC in a statement identified the properties to be forfeited by the businessman, according to the court order to include jewelries worth N4,645,170, 294.9 billion, 11 exotic cars worth N4.293 billion, $50, 000 and N30 million cash.

Oyewale said EFCC made the application for the forfeiture order after its investigations revealed that the assets were proceeds of unlawful activities by Achimugu.

The anti-graft agency said its investigations followed its receipt of financial intelligence showing huge inflows and outflows from over 136 bank accounts linked to Aisha Achimogu which ran into billions of naira and millions of dollars.

EFCC said investigation carried out showed that the huge funds that passed through the companies operated by her were not disclosed as revenue of the companies in their financial statements filed at the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS).

The anti-graft agency added that in the course of investigation, it executed searches at the residence of Achimugu where the assets forfeited were recovered.

It also added that during her interrogation, Achimugu was given Assets Declaration Form to fill, but she did not disclose the recovered assets as her properties.

According to EFCC, investigations showed that the huge funds received into accounts linked to her were not from her legitimate business activities and that the recovered assets were not from lawful sources.

The anti-graft agency said based on the outcome of the investigation, its legal team led by Ekele Iheanacho SAN filed an application for an interim order forfeiting the properties to the Federal Government of Nigeria in line with Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie granted the application on April 23, 2026, and directed the EFCC to publish the said order in national dailies for any person in possession or interested in the assets to show cause within 14 days why the final forfeiture order should not be granted

EFCC said it complied with the order of the court and published the order.

The anti grat agency added that it further filed a motion for final forfeiture of the properties while Achimugu through her legal team filed affidavits to show cause why the assets should not be forfeited as well as a motion to set aside the interim order.

But this was further opposed by the EFCC through a counter affidavit following which the court adjourned today, July 16, 2026 for judgment.

On Thursday, the court delivered judgment and granted a final order forfeiting the assets to the federal government of Nigeria.

The court found that Achimugu did not dislodge the evidence led by the EFCC and also failed to discharge the burden of showing that the assets were from lawful origins.

The Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of the four persons kidnapped during the recent attack on an unauthorized NECO examination center in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area of the State.

Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

He said the rescue of the victims was as the outcome of a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the incident.

According to the Commissioner, Ododo directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate a joint rescue mission involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security operatives.

‘Shortly after the kidnapping incident, the Governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate the rescue operation. The State Security Adviser and the leadership of the 12 Brigade and the 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police and local security operatives stormed the forest to ensure the victims were rescued.

‘Just this evening, while inspecting the Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the Kogi State Government to strengthen the fight against criminality, the Governor assured newsmen that every effort was being made to secure the release of the victims.

‘A few hours later, the victims regained their freedom. The sustained pressure on the kidnappers and the saturation of the forest by heavily armed security personnel forced the criminals to abandon the victims and flee.

‘Security operatives remain in the forest, and the operation is still ongoing. We are determined to ensure that none of the criminals escapes justice. Our resolve is clear: anyone who chooses the path of crime in Kogi State will face the full weight of the law.

‘We can confirm that the School Principal, the NECO official, and the two students have all been rescued safely. They are hale and hearty and are currently with security agencies for debriefing and necessary medical checks.’

The Kogi Commissioner commended the gallantry and professionalism of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police, local security operatives and all other agencies involved in the rescue mission, describing their swift response as another testament to the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in the fight against insecurity.

The Commissioner also expressed the appreciation of the Kogi State Government to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his steadfast support for the state’s security efforts.

‘The President directed the heads of the security agencies to give Kogi every necessary support to rescue the victims. Today, that support has yielded the desired result. We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for standing firmly with Kogi State in our determination to protect lives and property.’

He reiterated that Governor Ododo’s administration would not relent in its efforts to rid every part of the state of criminal elements, assuring residents that the government would continue to invest in intelligence, security logistics and inter-agency collaboration to keep Kogi safe for all.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday granted the request of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for the forfeiture of 48 properties linked to former Attorney General, Abubakar Malami (SAN) to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The court granted the final forfeiture order after holding that the EFCC had successfully established that the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and were not acquired from lawful sources of income.

Recall on January 6, 2026, Justice Emeka Nwite granted the interim forfeiture order following an ex parte motion moved by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN.

Sequel to the granting of the interim forfeiture order, and in compliance with the order of the court, the EFCC published the interim order in national dailies, inviting interested persons to come forward and show cause why the final forfeiture order should not be granted in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The EFCC subsequently filed a motion for the final forfeiture of all the properties.

But following the publication of the interim order, Mr. Malami, SAN, and 14 other persons, mainly his family members and associates, filed applications to show cause and also urged the court to set aside the interim forfeiture order on the properties.

They further challenged the jurisdiction of the court to grant the order and urged it not to grant the final forfeiture order.

The case was heard before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on May 27, 2026, and the matter was thereafter adjourned for judgment.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, the court held that the EFCC had sufficiently established that the 48 properties were reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities, and that the respondents failed to discharge the evidential burden placed on them, as they could not show the legitimate sources of the funds used in acquiring the properties.

The court further held that the respondents merely claimed ownership of the properties without providing proof of how they acquired them with funds from lawful sources.

According to the court, non-conviction-based forfeiture proceedings require respondents to adduce evidence showing the lawful sources of the funds used in acquiring the properties and not merely make bare assertions of ownership.

Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson of the EFCC, in a statement listed the 52 properties linked to Malami to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. However, the Minister can appeal the judgement and if he successful at the appeal, he can reclaim his properties.

But for now, below are the 52 properties to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria by Malami, according to the Federal High Court court order.

Among the forfeited properties are Rayhaan University, Kebbi State, including the Rayhaan University Permanent Site, Rayhaan University Temporary Site, Rayhaan University Third Site, the Rayhaan University Vice Chancellor’s House and Rayhaan Radio along Sani Abacha Bypass Road, Birnin Kebbi.

The properties finally forfeited to the Federal Government are: a luxury duplex at Amazon Street, Plot No. 3011 within Cadastral Zone A06, Maitama District, Abuja (File No. AN 11352); a two-winged large three-storey building situated at No. 3 Onitsha Crescent, Area 11, Garki, Cadastral Zone A03, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited); Plot 683, Jabi District, Cadastral Zone B04, comprising a five-storey building (now luxurious Meethaq Hotels Ltd., Jabi, with 53 rooms/suites); Property No. 3130 within Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja, comprising terraces; Property No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja (Meethaq Hotels Ltd., Maitama, with 15 rooms); and Plot No. 1241B, Asokoro District (No. 11A Yakubu Gowon Crescent), Asokoro District.

Others are: Shop No. C52, Citiscape – Shariff Plaza, Plot 739, Cadastral Zone A07, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, FCT, Abuja; No. 4 Ahmadu Bello Way, Nasarawa GRA, Kano; Plot 157, Lamido Nasarawa GRA, Kano; a commercial plaza comprising commercial toilets, laundering facilities, warehouse tanks adjacent to Birnin Kebbi Market; 100 hectares of land along Birnin Kebbi-Jega Road; and another 100 hectares of land along Birnin Kebbi-Jega Road.

Others are: a four-bedroom bungalow at Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi; Shops Nos. A36 and B3, Vegas Mall, Wuse II, Abuja; No. 26 Babbi Drive, BUA Estate, Abuja; No. 27 EFAB Estate, 5th Avenue, 59th Crescent, Gwarimpa, Abuja; a four-bedroom house with two-room boys’ quarters at No. 10B Doka Crescent, Abakpa GRA, Kaduna; Plot No. 13, IPENT 7 Estate, Karsana District, Abuja; a bedroom duplex with boys’ quarters at No. 12 Yalinga Street, off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja; two warehouse shops B40 and B46, Wuse Market, Abuja; acquisition of twin houses at Zone E, Apo Legislative Quarters, Cadastral Zone B01, Plot 1401, Gudu District, Abuja; and properties acquired by Khadimiyya for Justice and Development Initiative at the Academic Garden City, Birnin Kebbi, sold by the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage, namely: nine units of three-bedroom bungalows, three units of two-bedroom bungalows, and 5.4 hectares of land.

Also forfeited are the Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory in Kebbi State, including the factory buildings, factory machines and plant units, factory mosque, Rayhaan Mill staff quarters, and the Rayhaan Bustan Building.

Others are assets at Azbir Arena, Kebbi State, including Azbir Hotel, Printing Press, Gallery, Gardens, Mosque, Azbir Clothing, and Azbir Pharmacy and Supermarket.

Other forfeited properties include the Al-Afiya Energy tanker garage opposite Rayhaan University Health Centre along Sani Abacha Bypass Road, Birnin Kebbi; Rayhaan Security House off Sani Abacha Bypass, Birnin Kebbi; an uncompleted two-storey plaza located opposite Central Motor Park (Eastern Park), Birnin Kebbi; Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd. filling station structure along Sani Abacha Bypass Road, Birnin Kebbi, near Jambali Automobile Workshop; the assets of Zeennoor Hotel at Kabuga Satellite Town, off Gwarzo Road, Kano, with 131 rooms; Zeennoor Mosque at Kabuga Satellite Town, off Gwarzo Road, Kano; and the old Zeennoor Hotel building.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting human rights and strengthening adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in military operations.

Shaibu gave the assurance while receiving the Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Nigeria, Miss Doris El Doueihy, on Wednesday in Abuja.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja.

The COAS said respect for human rights, protection of civilians and stronger civil-military relations remained critical to enhancing operational effectiveness and public confidence in the Armed Forces.

He described the ICRC as a trusted strategic partner whose longstanding collaboration with the Nigerian Army had strengthened humanitarian action, operational professionalism and stability in conflict-affected areas.

Shaibu said the army had fully integrated International Humanitarian Law, human rights principles and standard rules of engagement into training programmes at all levels.

According to him, the Nigerian Army remains committed to implementing its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Plan, improving detention management, facilitating humanitarian access and adopting global best practices that support mission success while safeguarding civilian lives.

He reiterated the Army’s resolve to sustain collaboration with humanitarian organisations in line with international standards as well as Nigeria’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.

Earlier, El Doueihy commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism, transparency and sustained cooperation with the ICRC.

She said the collaboration had significantly enhanced the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance and the protection of vulnerable communities affected by conflict.

She also acknowledged the Army’s progress in detention management and its commitment to upholding internationally accepted humanitarian standards.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday threatened to foreclose Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters’ defence in the ongoing trial over alleged defamation.

Justice Mohammed Umar gave the warning after the Department of State Services (DSS)’s lawer, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, made the oral appllication shortly after Sowore sought an adjournment over his lead counsel’s absence.

Sowore, is also the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC).

He was alleged to have made false claims against the person of President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as ‘a criminal’ in a post he made on his ‘X’ and Facebook accounts.

Against this development, the DSS charged him with criminal defamation, cyberstalking and incitement.

When the case was called on Thursday, though Sowore was in court, no lawyer appeared for him.

‘Where are your legal team?’ Justice Umar asked.

Responding, Sowore said:’unfortunately, my lead counsel, Mr Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, travelled to the UK with the knowledge of the court.

‘Olumide-Fusika advised me to inform the court that he will not be available for today’s hearing and he will like to handle this case because he is a skillful lawyer.’

He said besides, the junior lawyer, Reuben Adakole, was in another jurisdiction.

‘I think the business of today is continuation of defence. That is my first submission my lord,’ he said.

The judge then asked Sowore what he wanted.

‘Do you want to proceed?’ Justice Umar asked.

Responding, Sowore said being a serious case, he would be asking for an adjournment.

‘I will urge your lordship to adjourn the matter because it is a serious case and I will need lawyer to defend me,’ he said.

The defendant also begged the court to allow him make another application.

But the judge told Sowore that if he applied to make another application other than the issue of adjournment, that would mean that he has decided to represent himself in court.

‘If you want to take up the case let us know.

‘If you have any application to make, it means you are planning to defend yourself.

‘If you are seeking an adjournment that your counsel is not in court, that will be considered after hearing from the prosecution.

‘But if you are making an application, it means you are telling this court that you are taking over the defence on your own,’ thr judge said.

In his response, the DSS’ lawyer said that Sowore’s application for adjournment would be the 11th time the trial would be adjourned at the instance of the defence.

‘With respect, this matter came up on July 13, 2027, and the defence counsel made an application for adjournment and the court adjourned to today because of the fact that their next set of witnesses are subpeaned witnesses and your lordship signed the subpeana.

‘This same excuse was given that the lead counsel was absence at the last adjourned date and this court said that the absence of lead counsel cannot stop this proceeding.’

Kehinde also argued that there was a subsisting order of the court that the trial is to be conducted day-to-day.

He said today’s application made it 11 times the defence would be making such request contrary to the provisions of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

The senior lawyer submitted that it was crystal clear that Sowore was not ready to proceed with his defence.

He, therefore, applied that his defence should be foreclosed.

‘I urge your lordship, in the interest of justice which is a three-way traffic; justice for the prosecution, the defence and the society, to foreclose the defence and made a consequential order accordingly,’ he applied.

Ruling, Justice Umar said he will give Sowore the last opportunity in the interest of fair hearing.

‘I have heard the application of the defendant, seeking for adjournment of the case on the basis that his lead counsel was not in court.

‘The defendant cleary stated that this is a serious matter of which the lead counsel needs to give serious attention to same.

‘I equally listened to counsel to the prosecution that this is the 11th adjournments and that the defendant’s defence should be foreclosed.

‘Fair hearing demands that all parties be heard and defendant presents his defrnce before court,’ he said.

The judge said though the court cannot enforce the defendant to defend himself, he would concede to Sowore’s application for adjournment.

Justice Umar, however, warmed that if he failed to continue with his defence on the next adjourned date, his defence may be foreclosed.

The judge adjourned the matter until July 22 for definite continuation of defence.

However, shortly after the ruling, Sowore indicated his interest to address the court and the judge granted him the leave.

The defendant therefore applied for his international passport to be submitted at the U.S. Embassy in order to address a family matter.

‘I want to bring it to your lordship’s attention a various serious issues.

‘I have a family emergency which requires that my passport be given to U.S. Embassy so that my children in the U.S. can attend to some emergencies,’ he said.

But Justice Umar directed him to file a formal application in that regard and for the prosecution to also respond accordingly before his decision is made .

Nigeria has stepped up efforts to curb the misuse of controlled substances while safeguarding access to essential medicines for patients who rely on them for pain management, mental health treatment and palliative care, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.

The global health agency made this known on Thursday after the conclusion of the National Drug Use Summit, a gathering of government officials, law enforcement agencies, development partners, civil society groups and healthcare professionals aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to substance abuse.

According to WHO, the summit reflected the country’s determination to confront drug misuse through a coordinated national strategy without restricting legitimate access to medicines required for medical care.

The organisation said the summit was organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations in Nigeria, with backing from development partners, including the Global Fund. The meeting focused on accelerating the implementation of Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan.

‘Nigeria is taking bold national action to protect young people and communities from drug misuse while ensuring safe access to the essential medicines needed for pain relief, mental health care, and palliative care.

‘The National Drug Use Summit, convened by the FMoHSW, NDLEA, and UN Nigeria with support from partners including The Global Fund, brought together government leaders, security agencies, civil society, and health experts to advance the National Drug Control Master Plan,’ the statement partly read.

WHO noted that substance abuse remains a serious public health concern in Nigeria, especially among young people. The agency recalled findings from the 2019 joint survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the NDLEA, which showed widespread drug use across the country.

The organisation also stressed that its role at the summit was to provide technical expertise to help policymakers strike the right balance between controlling drug misuse and ensuring patients continue to receive medicines that are legally prescribed.

‘Drug misuse remains a major public health challenge affecting millions of Nigerians. The 2019 UNODC/NDLEA survey found that 14.4% of people aged 15 to 64 used drugs in the past year, with rising misuse of tramadol, codeine syrup, and prescription sedatives continuing to impact young people and communities.

‘WHO Nigeria supported the Summit with evidence-based guidance on balancing drug control with safe access to controlled medicines. This work strengthens regulatory systems, protects medical access, and reduces the risk of diversion and misuse,’ WHO stated.

One of the major resolutions reached at the summit was the endorsement of a communiqué designed to reinforce the implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan.

‘A key outcome of the Summit was a Communique endorsed by partners to strengthen the pillars of the National Drug Control Master Plan,’ the WHO added.

Nigeria has in recent years expanded measures to combat the abuse of illicit drugs and controlled medicines through stronger enforcement, public education campaigns and improved treatment and rehabilitation services.

The National Drug Control Master Plan remains the country’s central policy framework for reducing both the demand for and supply of illicit drugs while promoting prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and international collaboration.

Troops of the 176 Guards Battalion, have arrested a suspected kingpin of an illegal mining syndicate and three other suspects.

The suspects were arrested during a raid on illegal mining sites in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This is contained in an operational report made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

The report said that the operation was carried out at about 8;30 p.m., on July 13 at Dukpa community following actionable intelligence.

It said that the intelligence was generated after the arrest of a group of illegal miners in the community on July 7, leading troops to identify and raid the syndicate’s operational base.

According to the report, the principal suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation to sponsoring the illegal mining operation.

It also disclosed that he recruited labourers from Katsina State to carry out illegal mining activities within the FCT.

‘Items recovered during the operation include one motorcycle, two digging tools, seven filter carpets, seven pumping machine nozzles, 53 wraps of suspected cannabis, ?360,400 cash and other mining implements. The suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in military custody pending further investigation and handover to the appropriate authorities for prosecution,’ the report said.

The report added that the raid was part of ongoing anti-illegal mining operations under Operation MESA, aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks, protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources and addressing security threats associated with illicit mining activities in the FCT.

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has commended the Federal Government on the launch of the National Guidelines for Public Procurement of Food and Related Services, describing the initiative as a landmark step towards creating healthier food environments and protecting millions of Nigerians who depend on publicly funded interventions for their meals.

Published in December 2025 and officially launched in Abuja on Monday, July 13, 2026, the Guidelines were issued by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP), relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, professional bodies and civil society organisations.

The Guidelines establish nutrition standards for food purchased with public funds across schools and school feeding programmes, hospitals, correctional facilities, NYSC orientation camps, orphanages, internally displaced persons’ camps, emergency shelters and other public institutions. It restricts the procurement, sale and service of sugar-sweetened beverages and beverages containing non-sugar sweeteners in these settings; provides limits for sodium, saturated fats and trans fats; promotes fruits, vegetables and whole grains; encourages local sourcing and integrates nutrition and food safety standards into public procurement.

According to CAPPA, public food procurement in Nigeria has long operated without uniform, nutrition-centric standards. As a result, cost and convenience have often taken precedence over nutritional quality, with highly processed foods containing excessive sugar, salt and unhealthy fats commonly supplied in public institutions and during emergencies. The organisation said the Guidelines have the potential to change this by placing nutrition at the centre of public food procurement. Against this backdrop, it urged public institutions at the federal, state and local government levels to fully implement the Guidelines.

Reacting to the development, CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, described the Guidelines as ‘a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards healthier food environments.’

‘Government remains one of the country’s largest purchasers of food. Every day, millions of meals are served through schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, NYSC camps, IDP camps and other public institutions. What government chooses to buy inevitably shapes what millions of Nigerians eat. The Guidelines recognise that public procurement is not just another purchasing activity but a powerful public health intervention.’

CAPPA particularly welcomed the introduction of maximum sodium thresholds for several processed and pre-packaged food categories in line with the National Guidelines for Sodium Reduction, 2024.

Another key provision requires each adult meal to contain no more than 35 per cent of the recommended daily sodium intake, equivalent to 700 milligrams of sodium or 1.75 grams of salt, with adjustments for children and other population groups.

The Guidelines also prohibit the purchase of partially hydrogenated oils and food products that list them among their ingredients. In addition, food products containing trans fats must not exceed two grams per 100 grams (2g/100g), while manufacturers are required to declare trans-fat content on product labels.

For retail outlets located on public property, the Guidelines encourage institutions to make healthier options more visible and affordable, discourage the promotion of unhealthy products, and use menus and signage to identify foods that meet criteria such as low sodium or no added sugar.

The organisation also identified the requirement that at least 30 per cent of institutional food procurement budgets be allocated to locally grown or produced foods supplied by smallholder farmers and community vendors as an important measure that could improve nutrition, strengthen local food systems and support rural livelihoods.

It noted that the new standards align Nigeria with growing international efforts to use government’s purchasing power to prevent diet-related diseases and create healthier food environments. The Guidelines also draw on the World Health Organization’s Action Framework for Developing and Implementing Public Food Procurement and Service Policies for a Healthy Diet.

While appreciating the Federal Government, CAPPA stressed that the success of the Guidelines would ultimately depend on faithful implementation. It encouraged the BPP to immediately constitute the National Food Procurement Oversight Committee (NFPOC), as provided for under the Guidelines, and commence the implementation measures contained in the instrument.

Under the Guidelines, the Committee will monitor compliance, investigate breaches, report violations to the appropriate authorities and provide a mechanism for civil society participation and independent reporting.

The group also called for the prompt designation of focal monitoring officers across institutions, routine inspections, quarterly compliance reports, annual independent audits, the establishment of a central compliance database and the publication of annual reports on institutional compliance.

‘Launching the Guidelines is an important first step. The real measure of success will depend on how faithfully these standards are applied in everyday procurement and food service operations. Procurement officers, caterers, contractors and food service providers must receive the training and support required to comply,’ Oluwafemi said.

CAPPA called on public institutions across all levels of government to begin aligning their procurement processes, contracts, menus and food service operations with the provisions of the Guidelines, noting that consistent compliance would determine whether the guidelines will translate into healthier meals for millions of Nigerians.

It congratulated the BPP, the FMBEP, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, participating government agencies, development partners including Resolve to Save Lives and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, professional bodies and civil society organisations that contributed to developing the Guidelines.

CAPPA added that it would continue working with relevant stakeholders to support implementation of the guidelines through research, public education, constructive engagement and independent monitoring.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified moves to pull Senator Rufai Hanga out of Rabiu Kwankwaso’s political camp ahead of the 2027 general election.

APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda raised the stakes on Thursday when he held talks with Hanga, a prominent Nigeria Democratic Congress chieftain and senator representing Kano Central.

Yilwatda described the meeting as a courtesy visit, saying their discussion focused on the ‘unity, peace, stability and future of Kano State.’

But the timing of the encounter has fuelled speculation that the ruling party’s national leadership has joined the campaign to lure Hanga away from Kwankwaso and the NDC.

The meeting came barely two days after a delegation of Kano APC leaders visited Hanga and openly asked him to join the ruling party.

Led by the party’s state vice-chairman, Salisu Maje Gwangwazo, the delegation claimed that Hanga had been sidelined despite his longstanding loyalty to Kwankwaso.

The APC leaders reportedly approached the senator after he failed to secure the NDC ticket to contest for another term in Kano Central.

Hanga had also been linked with the party’s deputy governorship ticket before the position reportedly went to another aspirant.

The Kano APC delegation urged him to follow Governor Abba Yusuf into the ruling party, promising that he would be respected and valued within its ranks. The Guardian

Fresh questions over Hanga’s political future emerged on Wednesday after photographs associated with the Kwankwasiyya Movement and NDC symbols were reportedly removed from his office.

Hanga did not explain the removal, while his aides offered no public clarification. He has also not formally announced his defection from the NDC. Independent

Speaking after Thursday’s meeting, Yilwatda avoided any reference to the defection controversy.

He said political leaders must work together to strengthen democracy and protect the interests of Nigerians, regardless of their party affiliations.

‘Nigeria’s progress is best served when we build bridges of understanding, encourage constructive dialogue, and place the welfare of citizens above partisan considerations,’ the APC chairman said.

He expressed confidence that such engagements would promote a more peaceful, united and prosperous Kano State.

However, his intervention has intensified the political battle for Hanga, one of Kwankwaso’s most prominent and longstanding allies in Kano.

The Conference of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has stated that the outcome of Saturday, July 11 local government elections in Edo State was not the expression of the will of the people.

CRPP in a statement on Wednesday, signed by Dr Samson Isibor and Hon Nkama Waribe, its National Chairman and National Secretary respectively, described the celebration of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s victory as an attempt to legitimise what it called manufactured figures rather than a genuine expression of the people.

It would be recalled that the APC had won in all the 18 local government areas and the 192 wards in the election.

The Coalition said it was surprising that the APC was celebrating claims of over two million votes in an election that was characterised by widespread voter apathy and extremely low turnout across the 18 local government areas of the state.

It noted that the election failed to generate public enthusiasm despite the APC being virtually the only political party that fielded candidates for the exercise.

The coalition noted that the poor turnout clearly reflected the growing disenchantment of Edo people with the APC administration at both the state and federal levels, citing worsening insecurity, hunger, unemployment, poverty and the rising cost of living as major factors responsible for the electorate’s loss of confidence in the ruling party.

CRPP maintained that no amount of inflated or manufactured figures could conceal what it described as the obvious rejection of the APC by the people of Edo State, insisting that the reality witnessed at polling units across the state was at variance with the impressive figures being publicised by the ruling party.

The coalition further alleged that the huge vote figures being brandished by the APC were intended to create a false impression before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Edo State remained firmly under the party’s control and that he could expect similar electoral support in the 2027 general election.

According to the CRPP, ‘The figures being celebrated are clearly designed to hoodwink President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into believing that the APC still enjoys overwhelming grassroots support in Edo State.

‘However, the reality on the ground tells a different story, as the empty polling units and low voter participation exposed the true mood of the people.’

The Coalition warned that the APC should not mistake questionable and unrealistic election statistics for genuine popularity, stressing that the hardship confronting Nigerians had fundamentally altered the political mood of the electorate.

Meanwhile, the CRPP has challenged the Chairman of Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, to disclose where he deployed the 10,000 ad hoc staff he announced to the world on July 9, that were recruited for the purpose of the election.

‘We make bold to say that the APC connived with the EDSIEC chairman to defraud Edo people by inventing such factitious figures of ad hoc staff that were never seen on ground. So, they should tell us how they used our money,’ the statement said.

CRPP, however, expressed confidence that the 2027 general election would present Edo people with an opportunity to freely express their democratic choice, adding that the APC would receive the ‘shock of its political life’ as voters had resolved to democratically reject the party through the ballot.

The Coalition therefore urged political leaders to focus on addressing the challenges confronting citizens rather than celebrating what it described as questionable electoral statistics, insisting that only good governance, transparency and accountability could restore public confidence in the nation’s democratic process.