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Former Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of failing to tender all the statements he made during his interrogation before the court.
Naija News understands that Idris is facing trial on a 14-count charge alongside Geoffrey Akindele, Mohammed Kudu Usman, and the company Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited, at a High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama.
All the defendants in the case have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Idris, who was arrested on May 16, 2022, over allegations of funds diversion and money laundering, claimed that the EFCC has not presented all the statements he made during their investigation.
The presiding judge, Halilu Yusuf, has ordered a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statements should be admitted as evidence.
The counsel to Idris, Chris Uche, accused the EFCC of misleading his client, claiming that the agency had assured him no trial would take place if he provided information implicating a former finance minister and certain governors.
Idris, in turn, urged the court to reject his confessional statements, arguing that they were obtained under duress and in violation of sections 15(4) and 17(1)(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. He emphasised that his lawyers were not present during the interrogations and that the sessions were not recorded.
In response, Hayatudeen Suleiman, one of the lead investigators for the EFCC, denied the allegations made by Idris’ legal team.
The prosecution presented 13 of Idris’ 16 statements as evidence in the case, but Idris insisted that three key statements were not included.
He explained that these statements, which were made on June 10, 2022, June 27, 2022, and July 5, 2022, were dictated to him by EFCC investigators without the presence of his legal counsel.
Idris told the court, “Apart from the 13 statements brought to court by EFCC, I made a total of 16 statements on different days in the course of the investigation.”
He further revealed that the statements were dictated to him, and he was not allowed to write any cautionary words, contrary to what the EFCC has alleged.
“None of my written statements were video recorded by my interrogators,” he added, pointing out the lack of documentation in the process.
The trial continued on Wednesday, with Idris providing details of his interactions with the EFCC. The judge adjourned the matter to July 17 for the prosecution to begin cross-examining the former AGF.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has reacted to the reports of his suspension by the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party, LP, calling on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to quickly arrest Abure for alleged impersonation.
Otti, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, on Wednesday, described the news of his suspension as a joke taken too far and an affront on democracy.
According to the Abia Governor, the Supreme Court had ruled that Julius Abure is no longer the National Chairman of the LP, while the Nenadi-Usman-led Caretaker Committee had stripped Abure the authority to parade himself as the National Chairman of Labour Party.
“For the records, the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has rightly and unambiguously stated that Julius Abure is no longer the National Chairman of Labour Party,” he stated.
Otti urged Nigerians to disregard the news of his suspension by Abure.
“Just few hours after being summoned by a Committee Set up by the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee to come and respond to allegations of gross misconduct bordering on financial misappropriation,impersonation and anti party activities levelled against him, Abure decided to be smart by half by rushing to the press to announce the purported suspension of Governor Otti and other eminent members of the party.
“Finally, we call on the Inspector General of Police to quickly arrest Mr. Abure for impersonation, while INEC should ensure full implementation of the Supreme Court judgement as a way of preserving the integrity of the Supreme Court and protecting our democracy”, Ferdinand Ekeoma said on behalf of Otti.
[DailyPost]
- IFAD, AFD partner Nigeria
The Federal Government has signed a $158.15 financing deal for the Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN) as part of ongoing efforts to revolutionise the agriculture sector.
It was sealed yesterday at the State House in Abuja by representatives of the Federal Government, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the French Development Agency (AFD).
All the parties are co-funding the eight-year initiative, which was validated on March 21, last year following Vice President Kashim Shettima’s request during UNFSS stocktaking in Rome, Italy, on July 24, 2023.
Shettima had charged IFAD to scale-up its portfolio in Nigeria and mobilise more donor-partners to support the agri-food transformation and food security of the Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA).
The enterprise is expected to sustainably reduce poverty, enhance nutrition and better resilience of rural and most vulnerable populations in the nine Norths states of Borno, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoko, Yobe and Zamfara.
Speaking during the signing of the financing agreement, Shettima described the initiative as a product of critical thinking about the economic reality of the north.
In a statement issued by his media aide Stanley Nkwocha, the vice president described the initiative as a fulfilment of the promise made by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to reduce poverty and restore dignity to farmers and ensure food security.
The statement reads: “It is a declaration of faith in the North – not as a region of deficits, but as a place of abundance. It also invites us to play our part in fulfilling the promise to reduce poverty, nourish our people, and restore dignity to farming families across Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kano, Yobe, and Zamfara.
“What has brought us together today is an investment of $158.15 million, co-financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Federal Government of Nigeria, and other stakeholders. This reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to prioritising what matters most – people, productivity, and prosperity.”
According to Shettima, the VCN feed into the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) programme across the country.
He said: “It will serve as a steady pipeline of raw materials and ensuring our processors no longer grope for quality inputs.
“This synergy will shift us from exporting raw produce to exporting value-added goods- creating jobs, wealth, and industrial stability.
“The recent global trade disruptions and the resurgence of protectionism are loud warnings to Nigeria to begin to grow what its people eat and produce what they trade.
“The agricultural tariffs and retaliatory postures of global powers like the U.S. and China have rattled commodity chains. For a nation that has long relied on food imports, the message is clear: we must grow what we eat and produce what we trade.
“The VCN answers this call. By making wheat, maize, and animal feed viable for commercial cultivation, and by investing in irrigation, processing, and storage facilities in states like Kebbi and Jigawa, we are not just securing food—we are laying the groundwork for agricultural exports that can rival our oil.”
Former Senate President Ahmed Lawan who spoke for the National Assembly, commended IFAD, the federal government and other partners for the conception of the programme, describing it as a well-thought-out initiative that will transform the lives and livelihoods of many in the target states and beyond.
He pledged the commitment and support of the National Assembly in the implementation of the various interventions contained in the programme.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Abubakar Kyari said the deal represents a significant milestone in the efforts to transform the agricultural landscape in Nigeria under the RHA.
Kyari noted that the participation of the nine states and the presence of other critical stakeholders underscore the commitment of the sub-nationals and the federal government in fostering inclusivity in agricultural development and economic empowerment.
Governors of Borno (Prof. Babagana Zulum), Jigawa (Umar Namadi) and Katsina (Dikko Radda), applauded the leadership provided by Tinubu and Shettima in the implementation of the VCN programme.
They pledged their commitment and support in the actualisation of the objectives of the various components of the programme and urged the executors to review the implementation design and timeline for states to maximize benefits.
IFAD Country Director Mrs. Dede Ekoue said the programme is a 158.15 million dollars project designed to transform agribusiness in nine northern states of Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara, over a period of 8 years, targeting about 3.1 million households.
Also present at the meeting were some members of the National Assembly; Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; Regional Director of IFAD, Mr. Bernard Mwinyel Hien; the deputy governors of Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kano, Yobe and Bauchi States; heads of government agencies and representatives of development partners among others.
[TheNation]
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has warned Nigerians to avoid consuming too much salt following a viral video in which Pastor Chris Oyakhilome encouraged increased salt intake.
Oyakhilome, president and founder of Loveworld Incorporated (Christ Embassy), claimed in the video that Africans are intentionally discouraged from using salt to promote sales of sodium-based medications.
Reacting to the cleric’s claims, the ministry’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, laba Balogun on Wednesday, emphasised that while sodium as a key component of salt is essential for body functions, it must be consumed in moderation.
The ministry’s statement reads: “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has observed a widely circulated video in which a respected religious leader discourages Nigerians from heeding medical advice on salt consumption. While we deeply respect the important role of faith and religious leaders in our society, it is crucial to correct misinformation that poses a risk to public health.
“Salt is not the enemy. Salt contains sodium, an essential mineral that supports vital body functions such as nerve activity, muscle movement, and fluid balance. However, the concern lies in excessive consumption, not in salt itself. In line with global best practices, the World Health Organisation and the Nigerian Government recommend a maximum of 5 grams of salt per day (about one teaspoonful). Going beyond this threshold increases the risk of preventable disease and death.
“Research shows that most Nigerians consume more than double the recommended daily sodium intake. This excessive intake is a major contributor to high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease—non-communicable conditions that continue to claim thousands of lives annually.
“To address this growing health crisis, the Ministry is implementing a comprehensive national sodium reduction strategy. This includes the launch of the National Sodium Reduction Guidelines, which aim to reduce sodium content across all food categories—from processed and packaged foods to meals prepared at home or sold in restaurants and by street vendors. This initiative mandates food manufacturers, regulators, and the public in lowering sodium intake without compromising quality and nutrition.
“We wish to state clearly: Doctors do not lie. Nigeria’s health professionals are trained to offer evidence-based guidance rooted in decades of scientific research and patient care. The presence of regulated sodium compounds in certain medications is not equivalent to dietary salt (sodium chloride) and is safe when prescribed appropriately.”
The ministry reaffirmed that faith and science are not at odds—they can and should work together for the well-being of our people.
“We therefore urge Nigerians to seek accurate health advice from qualified medical professionals and to join hands with the Ministry in reducing the burden of preventable diseases,” the ministry urged.
The African Export-Import Bank, through its development impact investment arm, the Fund for Export-Development in Africa, has unveiled a $1bn Africa Film Fund to revolutionise the continent’s film and creative industry.
The announcement was made on Wednesday via an official statement posted on the bank’s Instagram page.
The fund, launched under the Creative Africa Nexus Programme, aims to support the production and global distribution of African films and television content, addressing key infrastructure and financing challenges that have stifled growth in the sector.
“African Export-Import Bank, through its development impact investment arm, the Fund for Export-Development in Africa, has committed to spearhead the launch of the Africa Film Fund (‘the Fund’) as part of its Creative Africa Nexus Programme. This transformative undertaking of up to $1bn is designed to revolutionise Global Africa’s film and creative industry,” the statement partly read.
According to the bank, the Africa Film Fund will be managed through FEDA as a private equity vehicle, offering long-term capital to enable the creation of high-quality content and empower African storytellers to compete globally.
President of Afreximbank, Benedict Oramah, stated, “Film is a cornerstone of the CANEX programme, and the establishment of the Africa Film Fund is timely as it will help accelerate the growth of Africa’s creative sector, which has witnessed rapid growth but continues to face significant challenges including funding, scaling and accessing global markets.”
He added, “Through investments in the film sector, alongside initiatives such as the CANEX Shorts Awards, Afreximbank is committed to celebrating and amplifying a diverse range of African voices and experiences, thereby catalysing the creative industry and unleashing its potential to drive economic growth across Africa.”
Also, the Chief Executive Officer of FEDA, Marlene Ngoyi, noted that the initiative goes beyond financing films.
“The Africa Film Fund is not merely about financing films – it is about building a thriving ecosystem that empowers Global Africa’s creative talent, fosters cultural exchange, and catalyses economic transformation.”
The Managing Partner of FC Media Group, Boris Kodjoe, said, “It has been a long-term dream of mine to be able to tell stories on a global scale. I am grateful and excited to partner with our friends at Afreximbank and FEDA in order to support quality content development and creation in Africa and beyond.”
The PUNCH reported that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has disclosed that Afrexim Bank has already raised $19bn for the take-off of the Africa Energy Bank in Abuja.
[Punch]
All occupants of an 18-seater bus plying the Itobe/ Ochadamu road in Kogi East Senatorial district have been abducted.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident happened around 5pm on Tuesday when the fully loaded Hummer Toyota bus with registration number LAM 979 LG was hijacked at Ajegwu before Ochadamu and all occupants were taken into the bush.
An eyewitness told our correspondent that the kidnappers intercepted the vehicle just behind his car and marched the bus occupants into the bush.
When contacted, the state police public relations officer, SP William Aya, said the command was still compiling information from the DPO in charge of the area.
He promised to get back to our correspondent as soon as he gets the details of the incident.
Downstream sector operators have adjusted the prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, and other petroleum products due to the continued fall in crude oil prices.
The downward adjustments, Vanguard gathered, was also driven by competition as local producers battle imported products.
According to Petroleum Price NG, Nipco and Rainoil adjusted their pump prices to N841 per litre from over N842 per litre. Similarly, Rainoil Delta in Warri adjusted its petrol price to N860 per litre from N865 per litre, while Mainland in Calabar adjusted its petrol price to N874 per litre from N875 per litre.
Nipco adjusted the price of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel, to N955 per litre from N980 per litre, while Dangote adjusted the price to N940 per litre from N946 per litre.
Meanwhile, the Petroleum Products Retail Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to ban the importation of foreign goods that are also produced locally, referencing petroleum products.
In a statement, PETROAN’s National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, commended President Tinubu for the bold step but advised the government to ensure that the policy does not lead to shortages or price increases, particularly in the petroleum sector.
[Vanguard]
Seplat Energy Plc says it will start exporting gas to enhance foreign exchange (FX) earnings and deliver greater value to stakeholders.
Dotun Isiaka, managing director of Seplat Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU), spoke during a panel session organised by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) at the ongoing offshore technology conference (OTC) 2025 in Houston, Texas, the United States (US).
In his remarks, Isiaka said the new plan follows Seplat’s recent acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU), which holds substantial gas reserves suitable for both export and domestic markets.
“We are focused on both domestic supply and export,” Isiaka said.
He emphasised Seplat’s dedication to ensuring energy access for Nigerians, saying “we believe gas should be the primary driver of the nation’s economy”.
The managing director, who stressed the importance of indigenous leadership within the industry, said Seplat is at the forefront, playing a leadership role.
“But this requires collaboration across the entire value chain,” he said.
Providing updates on Seplat’s gas reserves and production, Isiaka said the company currently has a combined processing capacity of around “550 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) between the Oben and Sapele gas plants”.
However, he said the oil firm is “pushing about 200 million cubic feet short of that capacity, so we need to bring in more gas from nearby suppliers”.
Regarding the ANOH Gas Plant, the SEPNU boss said its processing capacity of 300 mmscfd is nearly complete.
“While our initial plan was to channel ANOH’s output to the domestic market, in the near term we may need to explore alternative off-take options, including export,” he said.
Speaking on the MPNU assets, Isiaka said they contain over 14 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas, with infrastructure to support processing and distribution.
“These reserves are near existing infrastructure, including three compression hubs with a combined capacity of 1.7 billion cubic feet per day,” he said.
“The key requirement is upstream investment to extract and transport the gas to these facilities, followed by pipeline delivery to shore.”
The managing director reiterated that Seplat has sufficient gas to meet both domestic and export demands, adding that the company possesses enough resources to serve both markets effectively.
[TheCable]
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has described his purported suspension from the Labour Party by the embattled national chairman of the party, Julius Abure, as a desperate act of a clown looking for a crown.
Otti, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, on Wednesday, stated that the Supreme Court had in a judgment stated that Abure is no longer the national chairman of the party.
He called on the Inspector General of Police to arrest Abure for impersonation, while the Independent National Electoral Commission should ensure full implementation of the Supreme Court judgment as a way of preserving the integrity of the Supreme Court and protecting democracy.
The statement read, “The attention of Governor Alex Otti has been drawn to the news of his purported suspension alongside other eminent leaders of the Labour Party from the party by the former national chairman of the party, Julius Abure.
“The statement by Abure and his gang of commedians is not only a joke taken too far, but an affront on democracy by a group of inconsequential irritants who are desperate to use Gov.Otti’s name to advance their self-serving economic agenda.
“For the records, the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has rightly and unambiguously stated that Julius Abure is no longer the national chairman of Labour Party.
“The judgment which is in agreement with the constitution of the Labour Party, and formed the basis for the setting up of the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee, stripped Abure of every authority to parade himself as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.
“Just few hours after being summoned by a committee set up by the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee to come and respond to allegations of gross misconduct bordering on financial misappropriation, impersonation and anti-party activities levelled against him, Abure decided to be smart by half by rushing to the press to announce the purported suspension of Gov. Otti and other eminent members of the party.
“We enjoin Nigerians to disregard Abure’s laughable statement and continue to see him and his co-conspirators as a group of clowns in desperate search of a crown they do not deserve.”
Peter Obi of the Labour Party has taken a jab at prominent Nigerians and others who ganged up in protest against former President Goodluck Jonathan when he pushed for fuel subsidy removal in 2012, but are now silent as President Bola Tinubu implements the same policy.
At the memorial of the late Edwin Clark on Wednesday, Mr Obi described the statesman as one who sacrificed for Nigeria but berated other prominent Nigerians like Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, Tunde Bakare, Femi Falana, and others who led the protests that shut down the country over Mr Jonathan’s fuel subsidy removal move more than a decade ago.
“I listened to my brother Mike when you talked about, ‘may the Labour of our heroes’ past not be in vain’. I’m happy that Jonathan is here. But I can tell you their sacrifice is in vain. They have sacrificed for nothing. We were in this country, when people were protesting, when there was no need to protest under Goodluck Jonathan. Where are those protesters? Have they died? Where are they?” Mr Obi said.
Making reference to the historic #OccupyNigeria protest in 2012, Mr Obi said: “Jonathan increased fuel from N87 to N120 and people were protesting in this country. And when it was N900 they weren’t protesting. People protested when $1 was N180, and when it was N1,500 they weren’t protesting. Are they dead?”
The #OccupyNigeria protest broke out in January 2012 in response to Mr Jonathan’s move to scrap fuel subsidy, forcing a reversal of the policy.
Over a decade later, Mr Tinubu—who was a staunch opponent of subsidy removal—announced fuel subsidy removal on May 29, 2023, the day he assumed office as Nigeria’s 16th president. The announcement saw fuel prices skyrocket from N145 to over N1,000, and later drop slightly to N950.
Days later, Mr Tinubu also announced exchange rate unification—a policy that saw the Nigerian naira collapse from N750 to the dollar to over N1,500 to the dollar.
The dual policies of the Tinubu-led government have triggered unprecedented economic hardships, forcing Nigerians to hit the streets in protest.
Though some of the prominent Nigerians who participated in the #OccupyNigeria protests have remained silent, thousands of Nigerians shut down the country in a 10-day protest from August 1–10.
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Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, says the ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the state is still on.
The governor spoke on Tuesday at the inauguration of the reconstituted committee on revocation of illegal hotels, brothels, shanties and criminal hideouts.
The event held at the council chamber of the government house in Maiduguri.
Zulum said the ban on sale and consumption of alcohol stems from increasing cases of conflict among rival groups, cultism, prostitution, drug abuse, thuggery, and theft, which have led to loss of lives and valuables in Borno.
He also blamed the military for the proliferation of certain vices.
“I am happy to know that army officers are here, especially the military, police, and others are here because most of these activities were committed by whom? Some of them are dismissed army officers, dismissed security officers, current army officers, men and officers, including civilians,” he said.
“So, there should be no sacred cow in this matter if we want the Maiduguri metropolis and indeed the state to get rid of insurgency, terrorism and other sorts of criminalities.
“Ban on sale of liquor in Maiduguri is still in force, and there is an Act on this effect by the state house of assembly.”
The governor charged the reconstituted committee to cleanse the state of all forms of criminality and anti-social vices.
Members of the reconstituted committee include the military, police, civil defence, joint task force (JTF), and other security agencies.
In January 2017, the state government announced a ban on the sale of alcohol and prostitution.
The government also prohibited brothels and other spots where prostitution, sale and consumption of illicit drugs take place.
[TheCable]
The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has suspended six prominent members of the party including the party’s only elected Governor, Alex Otti of Abia State.
This decision was contained in a statement issued by the faction’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk, in Abuja, on Wednesday.
He said, “Recall that last Friday, 2nd of May 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party set up a Five man Disciplinary Committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr.Ayo Olorunfemi, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the National Secretary and three others to investigate Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti and any other party members over allegations of anti party activities.
The Disciplinary Committee has concluded their assignment and has submitted their report to the party leadership. The National Executive of the party met today May 7th, 2025 and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the Party Constitution has ratified the recommendation as submitted by the Disciplinary Committee.
Consequent upon that, the following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely and with immediate effect.
1. Dr. Alex Otti
2. Senator Ireti Kingibe
3. Senator Darlington Nwokocha
4. Hon. Victor Afam Ogene
5. Hon. Amobi Ogah
6. Hon. Seyi Sowunmi
By this suspension, these former members of the party will no longer act for and on behalf of the party. All concerned institutions including the Nigeria Governors Forum, the National Assembly, INEC and security agencies among others are to take note.
It will surprise Nigerians and party faithfuls that the name of one Nenadi Usman was conspicuously omitted from the list of the suspended members of the party. First, we have said repeatedly that the said Nenadi Usman was and is not a member of the Labour Party being not a card carrying member of the Party. We are aware that she is a member of the Obidient Support group that worked and is still working for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. We will therefore not honour her with any sanction being not a member of the party.
Again, we are aware that Ms Usman recently in a well televised occasion, in cohort with a former Kaduna state governor joined another political party where she pledged loyalty to the party. We are clearly confused where Usman Nenadi’s loyalty lies.
The party leadership is also surprised that Nenadi Usman is talking about corruption when indeed she is the head mistress of corruption. Nigerians are already aware of all the EFCC cases against her and we expect Ms Usman to come out and explain to Nigerians the story behind her Plea Bargain with EFCC and all the properties she allegedly forfeited. She should also tell Nigerians how she acquired her radio station in Kaduna, all her properties all over Nigeria and abroad, her companies in Cameroon, including her plantations. Nenadi Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption.
In any event, the party’s financial records are straight and it will interest the members of the public to know that the party’s audited account has been published. INEC being the regulatory body sent their external auditors to audit the party’s account and they gave a clean report and as well commended the party for its financial transparency. It is on record that among the comity of Political Parties in Nigeria, Labour Party financial records was adjudged to be among the best.
Finally, the party has since taken a position on the issue of coalition and we want to reiterate that the party is not interested in any overtures by any group or persons to go into any coalition or merger. Like we have earlier stated, the protagonists of the coalition; those driving the agenda lack the capacity, the character and competence to midwife such a political arrangement. These are people who have failed to manage one political party, how can they manage an amalgam of political parties and their varied interests. Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as stand alone party and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter.”
Gunmen suspected to be armed herders, on Tuesday evening, killed a chieftain of All Progressives Congress, identified as Akaabo Johnson and three other people during an attack on the Mbatsada communities in the Mbalom and Mbasombo council ward in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to the native, the suspected armed herders invaded the communities around 4:35 pm on Tuesday in a commando way and shot indiscriminately, resulting in the death of four people.
The Chairman of Gwer-East LGA, Timothy Adi, who confirmed the incident in a telephone chat on Wednesday, said the attack was unprovoked.
Adi, who decried the activities of armed herders in the council, said that the Tuesday attack was the second within the last two weeks.
He said that security men had been deployed to the area to secure the boundary lines of the local government area, in a bid to prevent further attacks.
Adi said, “Four dead bodies among them an APC elder in the ward were recovered and there bodies taken to St. Gregory Hospital morgue.
“I urge residents, particularly the youth, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to relevant security agencies.
“We must remain united and steadfast. This attack is a tragedy, but we will not allow fear to rule us. Governor Alia is not resting—plans are underway to put an end to these unprovoked attacks.”
The chairman commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his prompt intervention and timely support that had facilitated the rapid deployment of security forces to contain the situation.
Efforts to get the Benue Command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, to confirm the development were not successful as her phone rang out, and she has not responded to text messages sent to her cellphone as of the time of filing this report.
In a dramatic twist to the legal battle involving popular gospel music executive, Ezekiel Onyedikachi, better known as EeZeeTee, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dropped its initial allegations of fraudulent conversion of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo’s earnings and instead arraigned him for non-disclosure of his company’s financial transactions.
The EFCC had earlier accused the Chief Executive Officer of EeZee Global Concept Ltd of misappropriating proceeds belonging to Chinwo.
However, in a surprise move, the anti-graft agency, on Wednesday, filed an amended eight-count charge at a Federal High Court in Lagos, focusing instead on regulatory breaches concerning foreign exchange transactions and failure to report company earnings.
According to the new charges, EeZeeTee is alleged to have conducted unauthorized foreign exchange deals and failed to submit necessary disclosures to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) between 2022 and 2023.
During this period, the company reportedly received a total of $255,436 in its corporate account.
One of the charges reads:
“That you, Ezekiel Onyedikachi and EeZee Global Concept Ltd, sometime in June 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, not being an authorized buyer of foreign currency appointed by the Central Bank of Nigeria under Section 5(1) of the Foreign Exchange Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, CAP F34 LFN 2004, negotiated a foreign exchange transaction to wit: the naira equivalent of the sum of $52,895 with Mr. Oladotun Olaobaju Mureke.”
The commission also accused EeZeeTee and his company of engaging in another forex transaction amounting to $18,775 with one Gift Ugochi Christopher, without using the official foreign exchange market.
Upon arraignment, EeZeeTee pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Lead defence counsel, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the EFCC.
He urged the court to grant bail in liberal terms, revealing that parties were in active discussions to resolve the matter amicably out of court.
However, EFCC prosecuting counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, opposed the bail plea and requested that the defendant be remanded in custody pending determination of the application.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, presiding over the matter, sought clarification on how the defendant appeared in court. In response, the EFCC’s counsel claimed an arrest warrant had been issued.
But Ojukwu countered, stating that his client had been granted administrative bail by the EFCC and had willingly appeared in court.
He further argued that the EFCC had not provided any evidence of a formal invitation that his client ignored.
Following arguments from both sides, Justice Aneke adjourned ruling on the bail application to May 9, 2025.
In the interim, he ordered that EeZeeTee be released to his counsel.
Tension heightened shortly after the court session when EFCC operatives made an attempt to rearrest the defendant at the court’s entrance gate.
The situation, however, was brought under control following the intervention of a senior EFCC official, allowing EeZeeTee to depart peacefully.