Category: PM News

The trial of BFI Group Corporation and seven others before Justice M.S. Idris of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Jabi, could not continue on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, following the sudden ill-health of the third defendant, Ozor Chidi Jerry in court.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting the company alongside Reuben M. Jaja, Ozor Chidi Jerry, David Femi James, Imeobong Jumbo Udom, Adeolu Edward, Emeka Emmanuel Okorie, Johnson Gabriel (now at large) on amended five-count charges to the tune of pound 100 million (One Hundred Million Euros).

At the Tuesday proceeding, prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, told the court that the matter was for the cross-examination of the First Prosecution Witness PW1, Babajide Adesanya.

However, no sooner had the cross-examination begun than the third defendant fell ill, resulting in the abrupt abortion of the process.

Count one of the five charges against the defendant reads: ‘That you, BFI Group Corporation, Reuben M. Jaja, Ozor Chidi Jerry, David Femi James, Imeobong Jumbo Udom, Adeolu Edward and Emeka Emmanuel Okorie and Johnson Gabriel (now at large) and other persons (at large) between the 12th of August, 2020 and March, 2021 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, conspired among themselves to induce the Central Bank of Nigeria to confer benefit on BFI Group Corporation by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 8(a) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.’

Justice Idris adjourned the matter to October 21 and 22, 2026 for continuation of cross examination and hearing.

Special Representative and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) Leonardo Simão, on Tuesday, briefed the Security Council on political and security developments in Nigeria, West Africa and the Sahel.

Simão, briefed the council on the Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2026/537), which was circulated to Council members on June 30 and covers developments from Nov. 29, 2025 to June 30.

The Secretary-General’s report described the regional security landscape as being characterised by interstate tensions, terrorist and insurgent attacks, and transnational organised crime.

Simão said three broad trends stand out in the region: the concerning security situation, the renewal of momentum for dialogue and cooperation, and finally, the democratic developments occurring in the region.

He said the threat posed by terrorist and other non-state armed groups remains acute, especially in the central Sahel and northern Nigeria.

In Nigeria, he said, insecurity persists in the North and Middle Belt regions, where terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and intercommunal violence continued to result in high levels of civilian casualties.

Between Jan. 1 and Feb. 10 alone, 1,258 civilians were killed, including 170 in a Feb. 3 attack in Kwara by a Boko Haram splinter group, according to the report.

He added that these groups are adapting their tactics, increasingly using advanced technology, such as drones and cryptocurrencies.

Their attacks are coordinated across multiple fronts, including across countries, and their actions intersect with transnational organised crime.

The human cost of the violence is devastating the Special Representative said, adding that regional actors are working hard to find solutions.

He told Council members the region was also experiencing a renewed momentum for dialogue and noted that on issues related to the Sahel.

He said there’s a shift from confrontation toward collaboration and constructive engagement that is beginning to produce concrete results.

Simao flagged peaceful elections in Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea, as well as reforms and continued steps towards accountable governance in the region.

Some Council members who spoke reiterated the need to pay closer attention to West Africa and the Sahel, expressing concern about the continued deterioration of the security situation across the region.

They stressed the importance of strengthening regional cooperation to address cross-border threats posed by terrorism and transnational organised crime.

They also underscore the important role of UNOWAS in advancing preventive diplomacy and fostering regional dialogue.

In his remarks, U.S. Representative for UN Management and Reform, Amb. Jeffrey Bartos thanked Simão for his leadership and engagement across the region.

The envoy said he was looking forward to receiving the United Nations strategic assessment of the mission in the coming months.

He said terrorism continued to fundamentally disrupt and shatter the lives of millions of people across Sahel and West Africa.

‘The latest attacks are more sophisticated, more coordinated, and are escalating in intensity.

‘The United States condemns in the strongest terms all terrorist attacks, including the April 25 terrorist attack in Mali, and the June 18 attack on the airport in Niamey, Niger.

‘We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed.

‘There must be accountability for the attacks perpetrated by al-Qa’ida-affiliated JNIM, ISIS-Sahel, ISIS-West Africa, Boko Haram, and all other terrorist groups operating across the region.’

Bartos said the Council should encourage greater coordination between the Alliance of Sahel (AES) states and their coastal neighbors.

‘The current lack of coordination serves only the interests of the terrorist organisations operating in the region, as they eagerly exploit these political fractures.

‘The United States remains committed to engaging constructively with all countries in the region.

‘Earlier this month, our Deputy Secretary of State met with the ambassadors of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in Washington to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to working with these countries based on respect for sovereignty and advancing mutual interest,” he said.

The envoy further urged the Sahelian States and their Coastal West African neighbors to set aside their differences and seek a unified, coordinated response to terrorism; one that respects the rule of law and human rights, including military cooperation and intelligence sharing.

‘African ownership of the regional security situation, with a coordinated response among all countries in the region, is critical.

‘The United States, in turn, will continue to work with our regional partners to counter these common threats,” he said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has threatened legal action against the contractor responsible for renovating the National Assembly complex following persistent technical failures in the refurbished chambers.

Akpabio issued the warning during Wednesday’s plenary after senators repeatedly struggled with malfunctioning microphones.

The development comes despite the billions of naira reportedly spent on renovating the complex.

Since lawmakers returned to the refurbished chambers in April 2024, they have battled defective microphones, poor audio quality and a non-functional electronic voting system.

The failures forced the Senate and House of Representatives to abandon electronic voting and adopt manual procedures while considering crucial constitutional amendment bills, including the proposal for state police.

Akpabio said he and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas were ‘thoroughly embarrassed’ by the facilities during Tuesday’s opening of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week.

‘Distinguished colleagues, I hope you are taking note of the fact that our microphones are not working well because we are going to take action,’ Akpabio said.

‘I was at the House of Representatives yesterday to represent you at the opening of their National Assembly Week, and in the course of it, myself and the Speaker were thoroughly embarrassed.’

The Senate President noted that the contractor responsible for renovating the House chamber also handled the Senate’s refurbishment.

‘The same contractor that handled the renovation of the House of Representatives handled this one,’ he said.

‘If this continues, we have steps we can take legally to ensure that a good job is done because this is an embarrassment to our nation.’

Akpabio disclosed that the Senate leadership was documenting the recurring technical problems ahead of possible legal action against the contractor.

‘I hope you are taking note of it so that when they go to social media to start complaining after we have taken action, you will know why we took the actions,’ he added.

‘We are all witnessing what is going on now.’

The contractor responsible for the renovation was not identified in the report and had yet to respond publicly to Akpabio’s warning.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has blocked a second attempt to launch an independent legislative investigation into the controversy surrounding Adeniyi Adeyemi and the disputed Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Adeyemi is accused of presenting himself as the director-general of the purported government agency using an appointment letter allegedly forged in President Bola Tinubu’s name.

Senator Suleiman Kawu brought the matter before the Senate on Wednesday under matters of urgent public importance after an earlier attempt to secure an investigation failed last week.

The Senate, however, declined to consider the motion.

Akpabio ruled that a separate legislative investigation would be inappropriate because Adeyemi had been charged in court and Tinubu had directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate the allegations within 30 days.

‘In my view, the issue has been overtaken by events as the culprit has been charged to court,’ Akpabio said.

‘It is now sub judice to attempt to go into it again. Mr President has already directed an investigation. If we go into it now, we will probably be jumping the gun.’

Kawu disagreed with the decision, arguing that the National Assembly retains a constitutional responsibility to conduct oversight regardless of investigations initiated by the executive.

The controversy intensified after police arrested Adeyemi following an order issued by Justice Umar of the Federal High Court.

The order was granted after police lawyer Wisdom Madaki made an oral application seeking Adeyemi’s arrest and production in court.

Adeyemi was expected to enter a plea to eight charges bordering on alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation.

The court subsequently directed security agencies to produce him on September 30 for arraignment.

Prosecutors accused Adeyemi of forging an appointment letter purportedly issued by Tinubu and signed by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

He is also accused of forging presidential letterheads and a State House request for office accommodation.

The Federal Government alleged that Adeyemi used the purported appointment to seek official recognition, diplomatic assistance and visa facilitation.

Investigators are also examining allegations that multiple bank accounts were opened in the names of purported government agencies using forged documents.

Pictures showing Adeyemi with prominent Nigerians had circulated on social media while he presented himself publicly as the council’s director-general.

He also claimed that he gave money to Gbajabiamila to secure the purported appointment. The Presidency strongly denied the allegation.

Adeyemi previously said he was prepared to allow the court to determine the case.

‘Let the court take its course,’ he said during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Amid the controversy, Tinubu directed the ICPC to investigate the alleged forged appointment documents, bank accounts and attempts to obtain official or diplomatic recognition.

The Senate maintained that conducting another investigation while the criminal case and ICPC probe were ongoing could interfere with the existing processes.

A Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, on Wednesday rejected the argument of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to grant Danladi Umar, a former chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) bail in the sum of N100 million.

In addition, the defendant is to produce one surety in like sum with proof of property ownership in Abuja.

Justice Peter Kekemeke admitted Umar to bail after his counsel, Sunday Edward, argued for it, though the prosecution counsel, Christopher Mshelia, objected.

Justice Kekemeke, in granting the bail, held that the prosecution did not prove that the defendant would interfere with proceedings.

He then adjourned until Oct. 29 for the commencement of trial.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged Umar with abuse of office in a four-count charge.

It was alleged that in 2021 he used his wife’s bank account to collect N5.5 million from a contractor engaged to paint the headquarters of the CCT in Abuja.

The anti-graft agency further alleged that on Jan. 25, 2024, the defendant also used his wife’s account to collect N6 million from a contractor who handled the digitisation of the CCT’s records.

The defendant was also accused of directing another contractor to pay N2.43 million for the tuition fee of his daughter at Baze University, Abuja.

He was said to have committed offences that are punishable under section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Umar, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Earlier, Edward, the defendant’s counsel, urged the court to grant the defendant bail.

He submitted that the defendant cooperated with the EFCC during its one-year investigation and always honoured its invitations.

He also told the court that Umar did not jump bail after the EFCC granted him one.

However, EFCC’s counsel, Mshelia, opposed the bail application, saying that the gravity of the offence carries a punishment of five years upon conviction.

He added that the nature of the evidence was different from the time he was not charged.

Mshelia told the court that the witnesses worked under the defendant.

‘There is a likelihood of interference, he argued.

The court then asked him, during the investigation, ‘Did you grant him bail? Did he run? Mshelia replied, ‘No.’

The prosecution counsel further explained that during the investigation, there was no certainty that the investigation would lead to a charge, while the circumstances differed.

Thereafter, Justice Kekemeke said that he had considered their arguments and that a defendant was innocent until proven guilty.

He held that unless the prosecution proves that the defendant would interfere with the evidence, commit another crime, intimidate witnesses, conceal or destroy evidence, the defendant has the right to bail.

Kogi governor, Ahmed Ododo has ordered massive multi-agency security operation for the rescue of four students and principal abducted from Government Secondary School (GSS), Olowa in Dekina Local Government Area of the state.

The students and the principal were abducted during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.

Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communications revealed this in a statement on Wednesday.

According to him, the rescue operation is being coordinated by Ododo’s Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), with the full participation of all security and intelligence agencies operating in the State.

He listed those involved in the operation to include officers and men of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja, 21 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Anyigba, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Kogi State Vigilante Service, local hunters and other security outfits.

Fanwo said the operatives have all been deployed for the rescue of the abductees.

‘Advanced technology is also being deployed to support the operation, and encouraging progress is being recorded,’ the Kogi Commissioner said.

Fanwo identified the victims abducted by the bandits to include Elder Daniel Iyanaa, the Principal of the School, Mr. Solomon Audu, a NECO official; Miss Dorcas Sunday, a NECO candidate; and another female NECO candidate identified simply as Miss Dorcas, whose surname is yet to be confirmed.

The Kogi Commissioner noted that five people were initially abducted by the bandits, but one of the victim has been rescued.

However, the Commissioner said preliminary findings indicated that the examination centre, located in a remote and vulnerable area, was being used as a ‘miracle’ centre for external candidates.

He also claimed that the two female candidates abducted by the bandits were not regular students of Government Secondary School, Olowa.

Fanwo added that the examination arrangements at the school did not align with the security framework put in place by the Kogi State Government to protect candidates writing the ongoing NECO examinations across the State.

But he stressed that that this does not diminish Kogi State Government’s responsibility to protect every resident and every Nigerian within its borders.

‘The victims are our people, and the Government will spare no effort in ensuring their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the crime,’ he said.

He added that to protect the integrity of the ongoing operation, the Government will not disclose further operational details at this time.

The Kogi Commissioner also urged residents of Olowa and surrounding communities to cooperate with security personnel by providing credible information and complying with security directives.

‘The Kogi State Government remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and will continue to work closely with security agencies until the victims are safely reunited with their families,’ the Commissioner said.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a leader who backs his promises with decisive action.

Akume said this while commending what he described as the President’s strategic leadership that culminated in the successful rescue of the abducted Oriire pupils and teachers in Oyo State.

The SGF spoke while receiving members of the Global Association of Christian and Muslim Youth for Peace and Development led by its President, Peter Asuquo Bassey on Tuesday in Abuja.

Akume averred that the successful rescue operation underscores the Tinubu Administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians through well-coordinated security operations rather than public grandstanding.

The SGF, while making allusion to the complaints made by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that he was yet to receive a call from the President, noted what was before the President was more important than a telephone call as that would not have resolved the problem at hand.

The SGF noted that the President has consistently demonstrated that effective leadership is measured by tangible results.

He said: ‘We live in a society where everything is politicised. Yes, we inherited difficult situations but we are improving by the day. I just had a meeting with the Italian Ambassador this afternoon and I told him that terror has no boundary. It is everywhere.

‘I also assured him that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken the fight against insecurity very seriously. You could see the political sagacity and strategy of the president by ensuring the release of our dear ones who were held captives by these crooks. Why would anyone hold people in captivity including the young ones if not for self-seeking opportunism. They are looking for money.

‘When the noise was rife that the Presodent didn’t place a phone call to someone, it doesn’t make sense. Would a telephone call to that person have resolved the case? Would those held captives have been released? No. It is the strategy being used to ensure the safety of those held in captivity that should be paramount. We should be interested in the release of these children and others. We should not be interested in a telephone call.

‘This is why I tell people that Asiwaju (the President) is a doer. He is not a talker. He is like the Centurion of the old Roman Empire whose services were rendered in deeds and not in words. His leadership is defined by action and results. Nigerians wanted to see the safe return of those innocent children and, today, they have been rescued through the strategic efforts of our security agencies under the President’s leadership. That is what matters.’

He emphasised that the Federal Government has adopted a deliberate and intelligence-driven approach to combating insecurity, stressing that terrorism and kidnapping require carefully planned security operations rather than political rhetoric.

‘The President has taken the fight against insecurity very seriously. His administration remains focused on restoring peace across the country, protecting lives and creating an environment where Nigerians can live and pursue their legitimate aspirations without fear’, he said.

Akume commended the association for bringing together Christian and Muslim youths under one umbrella to promote peace, unity and national cohesion, describing the initiative as timely and commendable.

‘I am particularly impressed that you have chosen unity over division. Whether one is a Christian or a Muslim is not the issue; what matters is that we are Nigerians united by a common destiny. Your association demonstrates that peaceful coexistence is not only possible but essential for national progress.’

Having assured them of his continued support, he urged the association to continue mobilising young Nigerians towards peace-building, civic responsibility and national integration, assuring them of the Federal Government’s support for initiatives that foster unity and social harmony.

Speaking earlier, the President of the Global Association of Christian and Muslim Youth for Peace and Development, Peter Asuquo Bassey said the Association had followed Senator Akume’s public service record over the years and was inspired by his commitment to nation-building, prompting the visit to formally establish a closer working relationship with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

‘We have come to familiarise and strengthen our relationship with you because we believe strongly in your leadership. We have followed your antecedents over the years and we are convinced that you are committed to the service of our nation. We want you to know that you have young Nigerians who believe in what you are doing and are ready to support your efforts.’

Bassey stated that the association would continue to engage young Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides, encouraging them to embrace peaceful coexistence while promoting factual information about the programmes and policies of the Federal Government. He added that the organisation was committed to demonstrating that Christians and Muslims could work together to advance national unity and support initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.

He further disclosed that preparations are in top gear to host a National Peace Summit in September 2026, to canvass for peaceful co-existence and tolerance among ethno-religious divides to entrench peace and unity. He also sought the support of the SGF to ensure the success of the Summit.

Senators on Wednesday agreed to donate N50 million to families of five people killed in the process of abduction and rescue of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State.

The abducted teachers and school children were recently rescued by security operatives.

The Senate had on Tuesday commended security operatives and President Bola Tinubu over the abduction of the students.

However President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Wednesday announced the N50 million donation to family of the five victims.

He described the death as a painful sacrifice in the fight against insecurity.

He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity.

He said N10 million would be presented to each of the bereaved families of the two slain teachers and three soldiers who died during the rescue operation.

The deceased teachers were identified as Michael Oyedokun, who was beheaded by the abductors while in captivity, and Mr John Olaleye, who, according to the school principal, was shot dead during the attack on the school premises.

The soldiers were also identified as Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome, all of whom lost their lives during the rescue mission.

Akpabio, said the donation was meant to provide support to the grieving families while recognising the ultimate sacrifices made by the deceased during the tragic incident.

He said the victims were among those affected by the abduction of pupils and teachers from two schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Olakunle Nafiu, has warned that organisations that fail to provide accommodation and transportation for corps members posted to them may be blacklisted.

Nafiu gave the warning during a workshop in Lokoja, Kogi State, where discussions focused on improving the welfare of corps members serving in different organisations across the state.

He assured corps members that the Federal Government remains committed to their welfare and security. He also called on state and local governments, as well as other stakeholders, to provide more support for the NYSC scheme.

The NYSC boss advised corps members to always put their safety first and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

He also urged them to remain disciplined, dedicated to their duties, and stay away from activities that could damage their reputation.

Nafiu encouraged corps members to take the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously. According to him, the programme can help them develop useful skills and create opportunities for self-employment after service.

He advised them to identify business opportunities within their host communities and start earning income while still serving.

He also urged corps members to manage their finances wisely and use their service year as a period to learn important financial management skills.

Speaking at the event, the NYSC Coordinator in Kogi State, Tochi Chris-Moneke, thanked the Director-General for the visit. He said the visit showed the DG’s commitment to the welfare and security of both corps members and NYSC staff.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday in Abuja, received commendations from Deloitte Africa for the ongoing financial and fiscal reforms in the country and was encouraged to pursue a stronger partnership that supports investments, youth training, and employment.

The President, who received a delegation from Deloitte Africa, led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ruwayda Redfearn, at the State House, said the reforms had steadily stabilised the economy over three years, with growing plaudits for positive development and growth indicators.

‘We are following the example of Deloitte’s greatness to change things from the foundation, building the necessary future for our people.

‘Yes, reforms are difficult. It has not been a McDonald’s customer relationship but a harvester of good things, if implemented well, and that is what we are about.

‘Thank you for your partnership in paying attention to what we are doing here, as we have heard from the Honourable Minister of Finance about the fiscal, revenue and tax reforms that have taken place and are moving the nation forward.

‘The reforms on revenue will continue to stimulate growth. And the effect of the reform? Yes, some issues are difficult to take the bitter medicine, but it is working well.

For the economy, Nigeria is making serious foundational progress,” the President said at the meeting, which was also attended by the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele and the Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji.

President Tinubu said the reforms had stimulated the economy, strengthened the fiscal and revenue sectors, repositioned financial institutions, and prepared the country to be more globally relevant and competitive.

The President urged Deloitte Africa to improve its impact on the Nigerian economy by training and recruiting the dynamic youth population.

‘The family of Deloitte; you just reminded me of my cradle years in accountancy and where I cut my childhood accounting teeth in Chicago. Deloitte has a good training programme, and I believe you will continue to reflect that,” he stated.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, who spoke on the reforms and impact, urged the leadership of the accounting and business firm to focus on building capacity among the youth.

The CEO of Deloitte Africa, Ruwayda Redfearn, said the global organisation is primarily focused on digital and business transformation, with over 500,000 employees worldwide working across various roles and locations, including over 6,000 in Africa.

She said the accountancy firm’s revenue was $74 billion in 2025.

‘We are before you to say that we want to serve. We have a local team on the ground that is ready, as well as the global firm, to support you and support your administration as you lead the country,” she said.

The Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte Africa, Yomi Yomi Olugbenro, assured the President of the firm’s support for the reforms.

We do what we do because of the philosophy that our Africa CEOs talk about – making an impact that matters. Where we are at the moment, we believe that the ground has been solidly laid.

There is a need to truly extract more value and deliver the dividends of democracy to ordinary Nigerians on the street. The bigger work is really about how to cascade some of those big reforms further down.

‘We do believe that with the capabilities that the firm has all over the world, with the half a million people that our CEO spoke about, we have used cases, examples, experiences of how we supported nations all around the world, so Nigeria will definitely benefit from those experiences.

‘So that is why we are here, and we welcome the invitation that you may grant us as to where exactly you want us to support you,” he added.