The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former Governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji, before the Abia State High Court over alleged misappropriation of N47bn during his time in office.

Orji, alongside his son, Chinedum Orji, a former Commissioner of Finance for Abia State, Dr Philip Nto, a government contractor, Obioma King, and a former Director of Finance for Abia State, Romas Madu, were arraigned on a 16-count charge brought against them by the EFCC.

The anti-graft agency accused them of conspiring to steal and convert for personal use billions of naira meant for various government projects in the state.

The EFCC accused them of misappropriating N22.5bn allocated for security votes from 2011 to 2015.

They were also accused of stealing N13bn from a loan facility granted by a defunct bank and illegally converting N12bn from the Paris Club refund.

The defendants were also accused of converting N10.5bn from another bank meant for the state, along with N2bn from the Central Bank of Nigeria designated for small and medium enterprises in the state.

However, when the charges were read to the defendants on Friday, they pleaded not guilty to all 16 counts.

Bode Olanipekun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria representing the first defendant (Orji), moved a motion for bail on behalf of his client.

In the same vein, Chikaosulu Ojukwu, K.I. Oleh, Okey Amechi, and Isaac Anya, all senior advocates, filed bail applications on behalf of their clients.

EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, did not object to the bail applications but asked the court to use its discretion.

The Chief Justice of Abia State and Presiding Judge, Justice Lilian Abai, granted the defendants bail and adjourned till June 18 and 19, 2025, for trial.

The Oyo State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress APC on Thursday 27th February 2025 welcomes former governorship candidate of the Advance Allied Party (AAP) in 2019 Oyo state governorship election and the Oyo South Senatorial Candidate of Young Progressive Party in the 2023 Senatorial election to the party alongside hundreds of her former party members and followers.

In her acceptance speech, Rev Dr. Adenike
Victor -Tade popularly called Mama Empowerment due to her many skill acquisition trainings and Empowerment for both youth and women in particular, appreciated the party members for their love and acceptance into the party APC.
She then pledged to bring in her expertise: skill training, mentorship, grassroots and human development among others to the development of the party in the local, state and National level.

Mama Empowerment emphasised why she joined the party, it was as a result of the share values, progressive ideals, leadership and integrity uphold by the Party members and most importantly the Party leaders led by The President Asiwaju Bola Hammed Tinubu GCOFR.

As the National President of Ultimate Total Life Concept with network in the 33 local governments of Oyo state as well as in the south west region of Nigeria. The South West Zonal coordinator of Progressive Empowerment for Nigerian Women. The State coordinator of No Women, No Nation
(Renewed Hope) all that contributed to the success of the election of the Asiwaju/Shettima ticket. All these she promised to use for the Party in the state and at federal level.

She then call for the corporation of the party members as she joined for a more vibrant collaboration in order to capture Oyo State for the next election come 2027 and beyond.

The Ibadan South West APC Chairman, Arch. Omoniyi Joseph in his address Promised Rev Dr Mrs Adenike Victor Tade a full support as she joined the party to realizing her dream and a strong collaboration to making the State and indeed the nation a place for all to live an enjoyable life.

The event was witnessed by all leaders of the party at her local government Ibadan south West where she was warmly welcomed

The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation must halt the release of funds to the Rivers State Government until the Rivers House of Assembly is properly constituted in line with the 1999 Constitution.

The apex court also affirmed the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers House of Assembly members as the valid lawmakers.

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, declared that no funds should be disbursed to the Rivers State Government until a lawful Appropriation Act is enacted in the state.

Justice Agim specifically upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court, which barred the allocation of funds to the state government.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja had, on October 24, 2024, issued an order preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria from further disbursing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State Government.

In her ruling, the judge also barred the Accountant-General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank, where the state holds accounts, from releasing funds to the government.

Justice Abdulmalik ruled that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s receipt and use of the state’s monthly allocations since January 2024 constituted a violation of the Constitution that could not be permitted to continue.

She also condemned Governor Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget to a four-member Rivers House of Assembly, stating that it was a direct violation of constitutional requirements.

Delivering judgment on the appeal brought before it by the 27 lawmakers, Justice Agim overturned the Court of Appeal ruling that had nullified the Federal High Court judgment on jurisdictional grounds and restored the trial court’s decision.

He declared, “The judgment of the Federal High Court is hereby affirmed.”
The Supreme Court further ruled, “The Rivers State allocation fund is to be withheld until the unconstitutional actions are rectified.”

Referring to the Appeal Court judgment that criticised Fubara for presenting the 2024 budget before only four Assembly members, Justice Akomaye likened the governor’s actions to “bigamy.”

The court reaffirmed that the presentation of the 2024 budget before four out of 31 members of the House of Assembly was unconstitutional and, therefore, void.

The justices criticised Fubara for demolishing the Rivers House of Assembly building, allegedly to prevent the 27 defected lawmakers from sitting, thereby forcing them to convene elsewhere to carry out legislative duties.

The court noted that it was becoming a pattern for those in executive power, when feeling threatened by impeachment, to resort to tactics such as demolishing buildings or other unconstitutional actions.

The court ruled, “Four members sitting as purported members of the House of Assembly in defiance of a subsisting court order is a nullity.”

The justices further stressed that the legislature is the core institution of governance and must be protected at all costs.

Justice Agim ordered that the Clerk and Deputy Clerk, who were unlawfully redeployed from the House of Assembly, be reinstated along with other Assembly staff.

The court criticised Fubara for using his immunity under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution to justify unconstitutional actions, including demolishing the Assembly, working with only four lawmakers, disobeying court orders, and disregarding constitutional provisions.

“In my view, this is an act of indiscipline born out of executive power,” Justice Agim said.

“This is a joke taken too far,” he added.

Justice Agim further ruled that the 27 members of the House of Assembly must be allowed to resume their duties without interference.

“Government cannot function without one of its three arms. The governor’s illegal actions cannot be justified,” the court declared.

The Supreme Court also imposed a fine of ₦5 million against Fubara.

President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the N54.99tn 2025 Appropriation Bill.

Tinubu signed the budget in the presence of principal officers of the National Assembly and other top government officials in a small ceremony in his office at the State House, Abuja, on Friday.

The bill was passed by the two Chambers of the National Assembly on Thursday, February 13, after Tinubu asked for an increase from the proposed N49.7tn.

The National Assembly approved a ₦54.99 trillion ($36.6bn) budget for the fiscal year, surpassing President Bola Tinubu’s initial proposal of ₦54.2tn.

This increase reflects additional anticipated revenues from agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigeria Customs Service.

The budget aims to address key areas, including security, infrastructure, education, and health, with an allocation of $200m to mitigate the impact of recent U.S. health aid reductions.

The 2025 budget is based on ambitious economic assumptions, including a crude oil production target of 2.06 million barrels per day at a benchmark price of $75 per barrel.

Additionally, the Federal Government projects an exchange rate of ₦1,500 to the U.S. dollar and aims to reduce inflation from 34.8 per cent to 15 per cent within the year.

A significant component of the fiscal strategy involves tax reforms, which Tinubu says, are designed to enhance revenue generation and economic stability.

The proposed tax overhaul includes increasing the value-added tax to 12.5 per cent by 2026 while exempting essential goods such as food and medicine to alleviate the burden on households.

The reform also proposes reallocating VAT revenues to favour states that generate more, a move that has sparked debate regarding regional economic disparities.

The 2025 Appropriation Act represents a 99.96 per cent increase from the 2024 Budget of N27.5tn.

Details later…

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Kaduna State, Alhaji Sadiq Mamman Lagos has said that former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, cannot decide on what will happen in 2027, but only God can decide.

He also decried El-Rufai’s comment against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State.

He told El-Rufai to steer clear of Kaduna, pointing out that “God will decide who wins the Governorship and Presidential election in 2027”.

Mamman Lagos spoke in an interview with journalists, even as Kaduna’s 255 Councilors in Kaduna State endorsed President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for a second term in 2027.

“We must set the record straight by reminding all who care to listen that our good and amiable Governor had never at any time interfered with the running of the state in the previous administration.”

“He concentrated on initiating and passing bills in collaboration with fellow lawmakers at the Senate and his constituents to make life better for people. We see no reason he should at this time be distracted by someone who feels he has the monopoly to either make or mar individuals.”

“Go round and see for yourselves how Governor Uba Sani has succeeded in reversing virtually all the unpopular and various anti masses policies of his predecessor who rode to power on the goodwill of the people and sacrifices made by grassroots politicians such as Uba Sani…”

“Governor Sani has surpassed the expectations of even the opposition who see in him a leader needed at this time to unite the people and bring back the lost glory of the state. He has virtually touched all aspects of governance to bring success…”

“Confiscated or demolished properties have been returned to their owners, high tuition fees charged by the previous administration have been reversed, traditional rulers deposed, got back their thrones.”

“There have been massive infrastructural developments cutting across all the three Senatorial Zones, correcting the hitherto impression of the APC as government of a particular segment.”

“We want to use this opportunity to admonish this individual and his co-travelers, if any, to desist from further making of inflammatory and empty threats as if he owns the key to political success in the next election. The electorate will decide who to pitch their tents with and can be relied on for his compassion and soft heart for the masses,” he said.

Early, the Councillors said there is no vacancy in the Presidential Villa Abuja and Sir Kashim Ibrahim Kaduna Government House come 2027.

Muhammad Sani Badiko, who addressed journalists on behalf of the 255 councilors, linked their support for Governor Uba Sani to the massive infrastructural developments which “are unprecedented in the history of Kaduna state”.

“We score the Governor high on rural development, economic recovery, education and healthcare positive intervention programmes for growth and innovation. We are going to mobilize grassroots support for the Governor’s reelection in 2027, we call on all political actors to sheath their swords and wait after 2031,” they said.

The ousted Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has stated that the same due process that led to his appointment must be followed for his removal.

Naija News reports that on Thursday, Obasa made a dramatic appearance at the Assembly complex, declared himself Speaker, and presided over a plenary session with only four lawmakers in attendance.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday evening, Obasa emphasized that he was not opposed to his removal, but insisted that due process must be adhered to.

“First, we were on recess. A motion was moved to adjourn till February 18 by the Majority Leader and was well seconded. So, I went on an official trip to Congress in the United States of America. The second trip was to be in Canada for a programme organised for some members of the House.

“So, we adjourned properly. When reconvening, it must go through the Majority Leader, the Clerk, and the Speaker. According to the rules of the House, only the Speaker can reconvene. If that process is not followed, then it doesn’t matter what forgery is being attempted.

“When I was elected as Speaker, the entire House supported me. When I took office in June 2023, the whole House backed my nomination, and I became Speaker. There is nothing wrong if the House decides otherwise. However, they followed a process to elect me, so if they wish to remove me, they must follow the same process,” he stated.

Meranda Withdrew From Speakership Race – Obasa

Obasa also revealed that his successor, Mojisola Meranda, withdrew from the Speakership race following a meeting with the party leadership in the state. He added that her withdrawal led to the removal of her security detail.

“When my security personnel were withdrawn, even while I was not in the country, without my knowledge or consent, did I complain? I did not. There was a meeting in Marina, attended by all party leaders and House members. During that meeting, Meranda openly stated that she had stepped down and resigned.

“When you resign from an office, the paraphernalia of that office is naturally taken away,” he explained.

Obasa Denies Friction With Governor Sanwo-Olu

When asked whether his political troubles stemmed from his ambition to become Governor or disrespecting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Obasa dismissed the claims.

“It is not a sin to have ambition — let’s correct that. Secondly, the Governor is my brother, my leader, and my everything. I have no reason to disrespect him.

“If I have taken any action that seemed disrespectful, it was likely unconscious. There is no reason for me to do such a thing. The Governor is number one in our state,” he said.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God has announced free medical surgeries to mark the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s 83rd birthday.

Adeboye was born on March 2, 1942, in Ifewara, Osun State. He will be 83 on Sunday.

According to a statement by his son, Pastor Leke Adeboye, on Thursday, the programme, which is part of the church’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, would offer free medical services in various areas, including obstetrics and gynaecology, surgeries, general surgeries, eye surgeries, dialysis sessions, reading glasses, and consultation.

According to the church, the free medical services will be executed by the Redeemer’s Health Centre.

The statement added that interested individuals can register for the various services by contacting the designated phone numbers or visiting the RHC premises.

It stated, “Pastor Adeboye’s commitment to giving back to society is evident in the church’s numerous CSR initiatives, which have impacted over 166 million lives and executed over 990,000 projects.

“We are committed to impacting lives across different sectors.

“Our CSR programmes are designed to provide support and care to those in need, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve.”

The RCCG’s health interventions have been extensive, with over nine million beneficiaries of free healthcare services, 33,052 completed healthcare projects, and four intensive care units/centres established in various locations.

The free medical services programme is a testament to Adeboye’s commitment to serving humanity and making a positive impact on society, the church added.

Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have rescued two children from their female abductors in two separate incidents, even as they rejected a ₦1million offer as bribe.

Police spokesperson in the state, DSP Henry Okoye disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday.

Okoye disclosed that on February 4th 2025, operatives attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, a resident of Umuanyo Eziobodo in Owerri West local government area.

Odoh was apprehended for allegely abducting her former neighbor’s 3-year-old son, Nzubechi Ududiri, three days earlier, on February 1, 2025.

The suspect was alleged to have abducted little Nzubechi while he was playing within the suspect’s house premises.

However, the child has been reunited with his parents, Mr and Mrs Michael Ududiri.

In another development, police operatives on a routine stop-and-search operation on the Owerri-Aba express Road also nabbed a 45-year-old Eze Chika, a female resident of Obiokwara Umualoma in Ideato North local government area of Imo State for being in company of an abducted four years old boy.

Chika offered a bribe of ₦1million during interrogation to the police operatives to pave way for her release after admitting that she bought the child for ₦1.8million from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba, Abia State.

Okoye said, “On February 4, 2025, detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, of Umuanyo Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA, for abducting her ex-neighbor’s 3-year-old son, Nzubechi Ududiri, on February 1, 2025. Investigations revealed she stole the child while he was playing in the compound where he resides.

“The child was rescued and reunited with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ududiri Michael, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend possible accomplices.

“In a separate development on February 21, 2025, operatives of the Safer Highway Unit, while conducting a robust stop-and-search along the Owerri-Aba Express Road, apprehended Eze Chika (45) of Obiokwara Umualoma, Ideato North LGA, found with a suspected stolen 4-year-old child. Initially, she claimed the child was hers but later admitted to purchasing the child from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba for ₦1.8 million.

“In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the suspect offered the officers a ₦1 million bribe, which was outrightly rejected. The officers proceeded with the lawful arrest and ensured the safe rescue of the child,” the police spokesman said.

Okoye added that further investigations revealed possible links to a larger trafficking network, saying more arrests are expected as efforts are underway to identify the child’s biological parents.

He expressed the commitment of the Imo State Police Command to combating child trafficking and other organised crimes.

Residents, especially parents, are also urged to stay vigilant, monitor their children closely, and report suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station or via 0803 477 3600, 08148024755.

A FinTech Executive and Techpreneur, Tope Dare, has warned that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s revised ATM withdrawal fees, set to take effect on March 1, 2025, will hurt low-income Nigerians while benefiting wealthier individuals.

“This policy ultimately favors those who can afford to withdraw larger sums, while the average Nigerian, who withdraws in smaller amounts, bears the brunt.

“For many low-income earners and small business owners, withdrawing N5,000 or N10,000 at a time is a daily necessity. Now, they face unfair charges that wealthier Nigerians can easily avoid,” he stated.

According to Dare, the new policy introduces a tiered fee structure, charging N100 per N20,000 withdrawal at ATMs within bank premises and up to N500 for withdrawals from off-site ATMs in locations like malls and fuel stations.

Meanwhile, he further mentioned that while the CBN insists the policy is necessary for banks to recover operational costs and expand ATM networks, critics argue that it disproportionately targets those who withdraw small amounts frequently.

According to the expert, a recent street survey further highlighted public frustration.

He said many respondents expressed their concerns over the elimination of three free interbank withdrawals per month, which previously allowed them to access funds from any ATM without penalty.

Also, consumer rights group Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has already taken legal action against the CBN, calling the policy “unfair, unreasonable, and unjust.”

SERAP argued that the revised fees violate sections of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, which aims to prevent exploitation and ensure fair market practices.

However, Dare said the lawsuit seeks to have the policy overturned, citing its disproportionate effect on the poor.

Beyond the direct financial impact, Dare warned of potential long-term consequences.

He stressed that Nigeria was already struggling with financial inclusion, with at least 31 per cent of the population lacking sufficient education to navigate complex banking policies.

He added that many worry that confusion over the new charges could drive people away from formal banking, increasing reliance on costly and unregulated alternatives.

“The CBN should focus on making banking more accessible, not discouraging small transactions. 

“If this policy must stand, there should be exemptions or lower fees for small withdrawals to protect vulnerable Nigerians,” he mentioned.

Dare noted that “As the implementation date approaches, public pressure on the CBN continues to mount. Whether the apex bank will reconsider the policy or push forward despite growing opposition remains to be seen.”

However, Dare stated that “Without adjustments, Nigeria’s most financially vulnerable citizens stand to lose the most.”

A total sum of N 1.703 trillion, being January 2025 federation account revenue, has been shared to the federal, State and local governments in the country by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

The outcome of the FAAC meeting was announced after a similar meeting for sharing of the statutory revenues was deadlocked last week over alleged discrepancies in the funds that were remitted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The revenue was shared at the February 2025 FAAC meeting held in Abuja.

The N1.703trn total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N749.727bn, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N718.781bn, electronic money transfer levy revenue of N20.548bn and augmentation of N214bn.

A communiqué issued by FAAC on Thursday stated that total gross revenue of N2.641trn was available in January 2025. The total deduction for the cost of collection was N107.786bn while total transfers, interventions, refunds and savings was N830.663bn.

According to a statement that was issued by the director of information in the office of the Accountant-general of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa, gross statutory revenue of N1.848trn on was received for January 2025. This was higher than the sum of N1.226 trillion received in December 2024 by N622.125bn.

Gross revenue of N771.886bn was available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) in January 2025. This was higher than the N649.561bn available in December 2024 by N122.325bn.

The communiqué stated that from the N1.703trn total distributable revenue, the federal government received total sum of N552.591bn and the state governments received a total sum of N590.614bn.

The LGAs received total sum of N434.567bn and a total sum of N125.284bn (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

On the N749.727 billion distributable statutory revenue, the communiqué stated that the Federal Government received N343.612bn and the state governments received N174.285 billion.

The local government areas received N134.366bn and the sum of N97.464bn (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.

From the N718.781 billion distributable VAT revenue, FG got N107.817bn, states: N359.391bn while LGAs received N251.573bn.

A total sum of N3.082bn was received by the federal government from the N20.548bn revenue from electronic transfer levies, with states taking N7.192bn, local government areas: N10.274bn.

From the N214bn augmentation, FG received N98.080bn; 36 states: N49.747 billion. The LGAs got N38.353bn as their share of the money transfer levies, while the total sum of N27.820bn was shared with the specific states as (13% of mineral revenue) derivation revenue.