TRENDING NOW

Recent Post Recent Post
View More

at

 

A witness from the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Adams, has told the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, how the Chairman of the EFCC was blackmailed by a defendant through a Facebook posting.

He said that this was obtained when he explored the defendant’s phone and Facebook page during the investigation.

Adams said this led to the revelation of videos in which Moses Oddiri accused the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede.

He said the anti-corruption boss was accused of intercepting and stealing ₦4 billion released by Heritage Operational Services Limited in favour of the Orogun Community in Delta.

Adams, who testified as the first prosecution witness before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, identified himself as a personnel of the DSS serving in the Economic Intelligence and Investigation Department.

When asked if he knew the defendant, he responded: “Yes, my lord, I got to know him in the course of investigating his case.”

The witness told the court that on Sept. 23, 2025, his office received a petition from the EFCC alleging that Oddiri had published and circulated on social media false allegations that the EFCC Chairman embezzled over ₦4 billion.

The sum is said to be royalties released by Heritage Operational Services Limited in favour of the Orogun community and recovered by the commission.

“Based on this, my director instructed my team and me to investigate the matter,” Adams said.

He further disclosed that Oddiri was arrested on Nov. 10, 2025, in Lagos and brought to the DSS office for an interview.

“During the interview, which was audio-visually recorded in the presence of a legal aid counsel, Oddiri volunteered his statement under caution. Other witnesses were also invited and were interviewed,” he said.

According to him, the investigative team explored the defendant’s Facebook page and downloaded several videos in which he allegedly accused the EFCC Chairman, adding that the team requested receipts and bank statements from First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Zenith Bank.

The team also requested incorporation documents from the Corporate Affairs Commission relating to community development entities operating OML 30 in Delta State, including the Orogun Kingdom Community Trust registered by the defendant.

“We also obtained copies of letters of admonishment from the EFCC to a petition submitted by the defendant to the Commission.

“The petition written by the defendant accused the EFCC Chairman and was addressed to the Serious Fraud Office in the United Kingdom, and a letter written by Wahab Shittu (SAN), counsel to the EFCC Chairman, requesting the defendant to retract the allegation.

“We, thereafter, submitted a preliminary report to our superior,” Adams said.

On further steps taken, the witness stated: “My lord, we filed a certificate of compliance.

“Based on the recommendation of the preliminary report, we also requested information from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the industry regulator for the petroleum industry.”

Earlier in the proceedings, prosecution counsel, C.S. Orubor, had informed the court that the matter was slated for commencement of trial and consideration of bail.

“We are ready to proceed and our witness is in court,” he said.

Defence counsel, M. Adeniran, objected to the commencement of trial, claiming he had no access to his client who had been in DSS custody.

“We have a challenge in the issue of trial. The defendant has been in the detention of DSS, we have no access to him,” Adeniran told the court.

In spite of the objection, Justice Abdulmalik directed that the trial should commence.

The defence counsel maintained: “My lord, it’s a criminal trial and he has been in detention and has not been able to brief us. The DSS didn’t oblige us to see him.

“He has not been able to brief us on his defence. I am in court today but I don’t know what the matter is all about because I don’t have access to the defendant to brief me.”

The defendant also addressed the court, stating that his lawyer had not been briefed and that he did not know the facts of the case.

However, Orubor countered the defence’s position, insisting that all relevant materials had been duly served.

“It’s quite unfortunate that my learned friend is trying to mislead the court. He has been fully served with all the materials the prosecution intends to use.

“He was in court on the last adjourned date and he knows the business of the day,” he said.

After confirming that the defence had been served with the charge and that it had been endorsed, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the criminal trial would proceed.

She, however, adjourned the matter to March 13 for continuation of trial and hearing of the bail application.

Oddiri was arraigned on a two- count charge bordering on cybercrimes punishable under Section 24(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (Amendment) Act 2024. (NAN)


Continue reading

at

 

The 2023 presidential candidate and National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in Ibadan.

The visit was followed by a private meeting at the Governor’s Office.

While details of their discussions were not made public, the meeting comes amid shifting political alignments ahead of the 2027 general election. It is also believed to reflect ongoing efforts to reinforce the long-standing relationship between the two political figures.

Kwankwaso was accompanied by top members of the NNPP, including National Chairman Ajid Ahmed, National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson, and other party leaders.

Addressing journalists after the closed-door session, Kwankwaso explained that his trip to Ibadan was chiefly to inaugurate the NNPP’s new state secretariat as part of moves to deepen the party’s presence and cohesion in Oyo State in preparation for 2027.

He stressed, however, that his engagement with Makinde transcended partisan lines.

“I am here in Ibadan together with the national chairman of our party, NNPP, Dr Ajid Ahmed, and other party officials to open our office here and discuss important issues relating to our party in Oyo State.

“But before proceeding to the party office, I felt it was important to pay a courtesy visit to the governor, who has always been our friend. This visit is more about personal friendship than party politics,” he said.

Kwankwaso acknowledged that Makinde remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noting that he himself had deep ties to the party before leaving.

He said, “In fact, we formed the PDP in 1998. By 1999, I was elected Governor of Kano State under the PDP and later served as Minister of Defence.”

He recounted his subsequent move to the All Progressives Congress and eventual alignment with the NNPP, where he now serves as National Leader.

Continue reading

at

 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has arrested 19 suspects and dismantled several drug joints in Gezawa community as part of efforts to curb illicit drug activities during and after Ramadan.

This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Kano by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari.

Muhammad-Maigatari quoted the State Commander of the agency, Mr Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal, as saying that the operation was conducted as part of the command’s ongoing “Operation Ramadan Mubarak”.

He said the operation aimed at safeguarding public health and preserving the sanctity of Ramadan.

The NDLEA spokesman added the agency carried out the operation following credible intelligence from a concerned community member, adding that various illicit substances were recovered during the operation.

According to him, items seized during the operation include cannabis sativa, diazepam, Exol-5, a street drug popularly known as “Suck and Die,” pregabalin tablets and other controlled substances.

He added that the recovered exhibits were currently in NDLEA custody, while investigations were ongoing.

“Our objective is to ensure safe streets and enable residents to observe a peaceful and fulfilling Ramadan.

“If some individuals disregard their faith, health and the safety of others, the agency will act decisively to protect the wider community,” he said.

The commander commended members of the public for providing useful intelligence and urged continued cooperation to combat drug abuse and trafficking.

He noted that the operation aligned with the directive of the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba-Marwa, to sustain nationwide efforts against drug trafficking and abuse.

Yahaya-Lawal reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive enforcement and community partnership to dismantle drug networks and hold offenders accountable.

He also urged residents to report suspicious activities and illegal drug dealings to the NDLEA, stressing that timely information remained vital to protecting communities and public health. (NAN)

Continue reading

at

 

A United States district court has sentenced Paulinus Okoronkwo, a Nigerian American, to 87 months in prison for receiving a $2.1 million bribe from Addax Petroleum, a subsidiary of Sinopec, a Chinese state-owned petroleum and gas conglomerate.

Okoronkwo is a former General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), now NNPC Limited.

In a statement on Monday, the US government said John Walter, the district judge, ordered Okoronkwo to pay $923,824 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The judge also ordered the forfeiture of $1,039,997, which is the net proceeds of the sale of a home belonging to the ex-NNPC General Manager.

In August 2025, Okoronkwo was found guilty of transactional money laundering, tax evasion, and obstruction of justice.

According to US prosecutors, while serving as NNPC’s Upstream Division General Manager, Okoronkwo abused his position by accepting a $2.1 million payment from Addax Petroleum, the Switzerland-based subsidiary of Sinopec.

The prosecutors said the money, wired in October 2015 to his law firm’s trust account in Los Angeles, was disguised as payment for consultancy services but was a bribe to secure favourable drilling rights in Nigeria.

The prosecutors had presented evidence that Addax executives falsified records to show the payment as legal fees, dismissed internal staff who raised concerns, and provided misleading information to auditors.

Okoronkwo, who practised immigration, family, and personal injury law in Koreatown, was said to have later used nearly $1 million of the bribe money as a down payment on a home in Valencia, California, while failing to declare the income on his 2015 tax return.

In October 2025, a US court granted the forfeiture application filed by the US government against Okoronkwo’s property.

The property is located at 25340 Twin Oaks Place, Valencia, California 91381.

Continue reading

at

 

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday charged the newly decorated acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to make the Nigeria Police Force better than he met it, as the country grapples with banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities.

The President, who personally decorated Disu with his new rank at the State House, Abuja, said the appointment comes at “a defining moment for our nation’s security,” expressing confidence in the new police chief’s ability to restore public confidence in the Force.

“The commitment that I expect from you is for you to make it better than you met it. And I’m sure you can do it. Nigeria is challenged right now with banditry, terrorism and all sorts of criminal activities,” Tinubu stated during the decoration ceremony.

The President, who drew on his personal knowledge of Disu from his tenure as Lagos State Governor, said he believes in the dedication the new IGP exhibited while serving in Lagos.

“I know your record. I believe in the dedication that you’ve exhibited while you were in Lagos and I was the Governor of Lagos State.

“Now you assume this responsibility at a defining moment for our nation’s security,” the President said.

Tinubu outlined specific expectations for the new police chief, emphasising discipline, professionalism, and inter-agency collaboration.

“I expect you to strengthen the discipline, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police.

“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that safety of lives and property remains your highest priority,” he charged.

Acknowledging the magnitude of the task ahead, the President assured Disu of his full support.

“It is a daunting challenge. I know you can do it.

“You have my full support as you advance the security pillars of the Renewed Hope agenda.

“You are a straightforward individual, committed and respected. You have sufficient discipline,” Tinubu stated.

The President urged the new IGP to draw from the experience of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun, who attended the ceremony.

“You can draw from the experience of Kayode Egbetokun who had been there before you.

“You have been part of the thinking, and you’ve been part of the innovation.

“The challenge as you hold the baton of this leadership is the belief that you will excel and Nigeria will prevail,” he said.

Speaking to the outgoing IGP, Tinubu expressed gratitude for his service while linking his legacy to the success of his successor.

“To the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, I extend the gratitude of the entire country.

“Nigeria, we are a grateful nation to you for your dedication in service, expression of good leadership attributes within the Force.

“You have served with commitment and distinction, and Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order in our country,” the President said.

He added, “What you should look back and remember is this: you have not succeeded without a good successor.

“Therefore, the success of Tunji Disu as IGP, when confirmed, is part of your responsibility and the joy you should look forward to.”

Tinubu noted that Disu’s previous role as Principal Staff Officer to Egbetokun positioned him well for the new assignment.

“Having been part of your Principal Staff Officer, I have no doubt he understands the ins and outs of the operation.

“He will only improvise. He’s an operational person from what I know,” the President stated.

The decoration ceremony, which took place at 4:00 pm at the President’s office, had in attendance Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials.

President Tinubu personally pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform, marking the formal transfer of leadership of Africa’s largest police force.

In his response, Disu pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him, vowing to end impunity and enforce zero tolerance to corruption within the Force.

“The President mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I’ve worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotion to me, almost brought me to tears,” Disu told State House correspondents.

He added, “I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights. I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption.”

The new police chief emphasised that Nigerian citizens are the ultimate bosses of the police.

“One of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men, I’m going to talk to them, let them know that the citizen, the citizen of the country, are the boss. No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public,” Disu stated.

Egbetokun, in his remarks, expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to surpass his achievements.

N

The acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu and the former IG, Kayode Egbetokun. Photo: Police

“I invested in likely successors in the Nigerian Police Force, and I’m happy that one of those that I’ve invested in has been found most suitable for the job. I have so much confidence that he would surpass what I have done,” Egbetokun stated.

The decoration came barely 24 hours after Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter on Tuesday, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.

However, multiple Presidency sources told our correspondent that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with the President on Monday evening at the Presidential Villa.

Disu’s appointment came just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he would have reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

However, under the amended Police Act, which allows Inspectors-General of Police to serve a four-year tenure regardless of age, Disu may remain in office until 2030.

According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.

Born on April 13, 1966, on Lagos Island, Lagos State, Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, and has served for over three decades across multiple operational and leadership roles.

He rose to national prominence as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos State, where he served for six years. Under his leadership, the unit won the Best Anti-Crime Squad award in West Africa in 2016.

On August 2, 2021, he was appointed to head the Intelligence Response Team, replacing the suspended Abba Kyari.

Before his elevation to IGP, Disu was Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

Disu’s appointment will see the retirement of at least nine Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, in line with the tradition that senior officers vacate their positions when a junior colleague is appointed IGP.

Disu assumes duty

The acting Inspector-General of Police,  Disu, on Wednesday formally assumed duty following his decoration by President Tinubu earlier in the day.

The new police boss took his first salute as Inspector-General from members of the Quarter Guard and other officers at the Force Headquarters after returning from the Presidential Villa at about 4:15 p.m. He thereafter proceeded to the official handover ceremony with Egbetokun.

Egbetokun, dressed in a blue suit, white shirt and tie, attended the ceremony alongside Deputy Inspectors-General of Police.

In his remarks, Disu thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him, noting that the Nigeria Police Force possesses the capacity to address prevailing security challenges.

He said the Force is endowed with brave and professional officers whose institutional knowledge, passion and resilience have enabled the country to overcome difficult security situations.

The acting IG, however, acknowledged existing challenges within the Force, including a trust deficit with communities, outdated systems, resource gaps and instances of misconduct.

“These are truths we must confront with resolve in order to reposition the Nigeria Police as a trusted, people-oriented institution,” he said.

Disu outlined three priorities for his tenure: professionalism and modernisation; accountability and integrity; and community partnership.

On professionalism, he said the Force would embrace intelligence-led policing, forensic investigation, digital tools and evidence-based practices, adding that officers would be better trained and equipped.

Addressing accountability, he declared that impunity would not be tolerated under his leadership, stressing that disciplinary measures would apply across all ranks without exception.

He said,”I will say this plainly, so there is no confusion: the days of impunity are over. The badge is a symbol of public trust. Anyone who treats it otherwise will face the full consequences of our disciplinary processes.

This applies at every rank, without exception, including those closest to me. I will not ask the public to trust a Service that does not first hold itself accountable. We will strengthen our internal oversight mechanisms, make our processes more transparent, and mean what we say when we speak of the rule of law.”

He also pledged to strengthen internal oversight mechanisms and promote transparency in line with the rule of law.

On community partnership, Disu said effective policing requires collaboration with the public, noting that community policing would become central to the operations of the Force.

He urged officers to uphold integrity, compassion and courage in the discharge of their duties, while assuring them of improved welfare and dignified working conditions.

The acting IG also called on Nigerians to partner with the police by reporting crimes, engaging with officers and holding the institution accountable when necessary.


Continue reading

at

 

Organised labour in the federal public service has issued a Friday ultimatum to the federal government to release funds to settle three months’ outstanding wage award and other pending allowances owed workers in ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs.

The leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, JNPSNC, (Trade Union Side), labour warned that failure to meet its Friday, February 27, 2026, deadline would compel the eight unions in the civil service to take decisive action.

They accused the federal government of deliberately withholding funds meant for workers, despite agencies reportedly being ready to process payments once funds were released.

The wage award dispute, which has lingered for over two years, followed the federal government’s approval of a N70,000 minimum wage after the removal of fuel subsidy.

Labour leaders said while partial payments were made after sustained pressure, three months remained unpaid since July 2024, creating growing tension within the federal workforce.

Addressing the matter in a letter to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the union stated: “This wage award has dragged on for over two years now since the implementation of (N70,000) Minimum Wage Payment was approved.”

The unions recalled that “the wage award was approved as a cushioning measure, following fuel subsidy removal and was to run until the commencement of the new minimum wage implementation in July 2024.

“It is beyond the imagination and expectations of federal workers that federal government left five months unpaid abinitio, not until there was much pressure, there and then, federal government effected the staggered payment of two months, leaving the balance of three months since July, 2024 unpaid.”

The JNPSNC further alleged that “all relevant government agencies responsible for effecting payment are prepared to do so but are constrained by the non-release of funds by the ministry of finance.

“Available information revealed that all government agencies responsible for the payment of the wage award are ready to pay but this is subject to the release of funds by the minister of finance who is deliberately holding back the money.”

Beyond the wage award, the unions listed other financial obligations it said required urgent attention,

including promotion arrears for workers promoted over three years ago; salary arrears for employees recruited between 2015 and 2024; and accurate payment of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance based on the N70,000 minimum wage.

Warning of looming industrial unrest, the unions declared: “If the money meant for the payment of the wage award is not released on or before Friday, February 27, 2026, the national leadership will take the bull by the horns and ensure appropriate actions are taken.”

They added that workers’ entitlements should not be treated lightly, insisting that employees should not be made to suffer undue hardship over delayed payments.

Copies of the letter were also forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, security agencies, and affiliate unions for urgent attention and necessary action.


Continue reading

at

 

Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has banned the import of poultry and table eggs from 40 countries and imposed partial restrictions on certain regions in 16 other nations, as a precaution to protect public  health and ensure food safety in the domestic market.

The authority said, “the list of affected countries is subject to regular review in line with global health developments and epidemiological updates,” as quoted by Gulf News.

According to the latest revision, some bans have been in place since 2004, while others were introduced gradually over the years based on risk assessments and international reports on animal diseases, especially outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The updated list includes a full ban on imports from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Djibouti, South Africa, China, Iraq, Ghana, Palestine, Vietnam, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Cameroon, South Korea, North Korea, Laos, Libya, Myanmar, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Serbia, Slovenia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Montenegro.

Partial restrictions apply to specific states or cities in Australia, the United States, Italy, Belgium, Bhutan, Poland, Togo, Denmark, Romania, Zimbabwe, France, the Philippines, Canada, Malaysia, Austria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The authority clarified, “The temporary ban does not apply to heat-treated poultry meat and related products, provided they comply with approved health and safety standards.”


Continue reading

at

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, arraigned three senior officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, before the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja over alleged fraud and money laundering offences.

The defendants are: Felix Njoku, a former Director of Finance of the Nigerian Railway Corporation; Benjamin Chinwuba Iloanusi, presently a Director in the Procurement Department of the NRC, and Oche Jerry Ogbole-Inalegwu,  presently Director,  Mechanical.

They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged abuse of office, money laundering, and unlawful enrichment by public officials to the tune of over ₦2.04 billion.

Njoku was arraigned before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, on a 17-count charge involving an alleged fraud of ₦736,320,807.08.

One of the counts against Njoku reads: “That you, Felix Njoku transacting under the name of FC Njoku and Company, after leaving office as the Director Finance, Nigerian Railway Corporation, between 2nd January, 2024 and 3rd December, 2024 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, committed an offence, to wit; unlawful enrichment by receiving the cumulative sum of Two Hundred and Forty Million, Nine Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira (N240,940,000.00) from contractors of the Nigerian Railway Corporation through the bank account of FC Njoku and Company domiciled in Zenith Bank Plc with account number: 1014247906, on account of the contracts awarded to the contractors during the discharge of your official duties”.

It was alleged that Njoku, after leaving office as Director of Finance of the NRC, between January 2 and December 3, 2024, received ₦240,940,000.00 from NRC contractors through the bank account of FC Njoku and Company domiciled in Zenith Bank Plc, linked to contracts awarded during his tenure.

Iloanusi was arraigned before Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court on a 10-count charge involving an alleged ₦915,265,472.60 fraud.

One of the counts against Iloamusi reads: “That you Benjamin Chinwuba Iloanusi while serving as the Director Procurement Department, Nigerian Railway Corporation, between 4th January, 2022 and 30th December, 2022 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, committed an offence, to wit; corruption by receiving the cumulative sum of One Hundred and Sixty Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Four Hundred and Fifty Eight Naira, Four Kobo (N160,930,458.04) from contractors of the Nigerian Railway Corporation through your bank account domiciled in Polaris Bank Plc with account numbers: 1060170530 and 1767841197respectively, on account of the contracts awarded to the contractors during the discharge of your official duties”.

According to the charge, Iloanusi allegedly received ₦160,930,458.04 from NRC contractors through accounts domiciled in Polaris Bank Plc, while serving as Director of Procurement between January 4 and December 30, 2022.

The payments were allegedly connected to contracts awarded in the course of his official duties.

Ogbole was arraigned before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, on a nine-count charge involving an alleged ₦395,190,600.00 fraud.

One of the counts against Ogbole-Inalegwu reads: “That you, Oche Jerry Ogbole-Inalegwu, while serving as the Railway District

Manager, Nigerian Railway Corporation and transacting under the name of

Altech Engineering Services, between 12th February, 2019 and 29th October, 2019 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, committed an offence, to wit; corruption by receiving the cumulative sum of Eleven Million, Three Hundred and Ninety Seven Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (N11,397,500.00) from China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC)

Continue reading

at

 

Mounting allegations of torture, extrajudicial killings and large-scale extortion have triggered fresh calls for the disbandment of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Nigeria Police Force in Imo State, popularly known as “Tiger Base.”

The petition jointly signed by Prof. Chijioke Uwasomba and Dr Chido Onumah alleges that between 2021 and 2025, at least 200 persons may have died or disappeared in custody at Tiger Base.

In the petition dated February 23 and addressed to Governor Hope Uzodimma, a civic group, OGANIHU, described the unit as a “parallel detention regime” operating outside constitutional safeguards and urged immediate executive intervention, investigation and dissolution of the facility.

OGANIHU, which describes itself as a people-centred assembly for good governance in Igboland, said its petition relied on years of advocacy and investigative documentation by civil society organisations, including the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) and the Coalition Against Police Torture and Impunity (CAPTI).

The group copied the petition to the National Human Rights Commission, the leadership of the National Assembly, the Inspector-General of Police and the media.

The group also cited what it called “extensive documentation from survivors, families, legal practitioners, journalists, and civil society investigators,” pointing to a consistent pattern of abuse, including torture, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and sexual violence.

Among the cases referenced were Japhet Njoku, Magnus Ejiogu, Ekene Francis Elemuwa, Pastor Chinedu, Reverend Cletus Nwachukwu, Onuocha Johnbosco, Sunday, Calista Ifedi, and Mmesoma Chukwunyere.

In several instances, the petition claims, families were not formally notified of deaths, while some bodies were allegedly withheld or remain unaccounted for.

Survivor testimonies, the group said, describe torture as routine practice. Allegations include severe beatings, electric shocks, suspension by limbs, prolonged incommunicado detention and denial of access to lawyers and relatives.

Medical assessments reviewed by investigators reportedly corroborated injuries consistent with torture.

One case the petition described as particularly disturbing involved Linus Onyewuchi Anyanwu, who allegedly died in custody in May 2021 after being arrested alongside his daughter, Melody Eberechi Anyanwu.

According to the group, Melody, who was reportedly four months pregnant at the time, was severely beaten and lost her pregnancy.

She was later transferred between facilities without being properly charged in court.

“If established, these facts constitute grave violations of constitutional and criminal law protections,” the petitioners wrote.

The group also raised concerns about sexual and gender-based violence, alleging that female detainees and relatives seeking bail were subjected to coercion and exploitation.

It referenced the case of Gloria Okolie, who was detained for months and allegedly compelled to perform domestic labour while in custody.

The ECOWAS Court of Justice had ruled in favour of Okolie, finding that she was subjected to unlawful detention and degrading treatment, and awarded her compensation.

The judgment, OGANIHU noted, demonstrated that abuses in at least that case were judicially confirmed and not merely alleged.

Beyond physical abuse, the petition accused the unit of operating an extortion network, alleging that families were compelled to pay between N200,000 and N20 million to secure the release of detainees, including in matters described as essentially civil disputes.

It cited the case of Nmesoma Chukwunyere, a nursing trainee who was reportedly detained for months without charge despite an alleged lack of incriminating evidence.

“Tiger Base appears to have operated as a parallel detention regime outside constitutional safeguards,” the petition stated, adding that detainees were often held for weeks or months without being brought before a court.

The group further alleged obstruction of oversight, claiming that multiple petitions submitted to authorities, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission, have not resulted in any publicly known conclusive criminal investigation or prosecution.

It also alleged that oversight actors were denied access to detention facilities, including during a reported visit by the National Preventive Mechanism in June 2025.

OGANIHU argued that the alleged conduct violates the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the Nigeria Police Act 2020 and the Anti-Torture Act 2017.

It also cited Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the UN Convention Against Torture.

“The problem is not the absence of law, but the failure of enforcement and accountability,” the petitioners wrote, warning that continued inaction risks escalating public anger and eroding trust in government institutions.

Drawing parallels with the #EndSARS protests against police brutality, the group cautioned that allowing alleged abuses to persist without oversight could have grave consequences.

The petition urged Governor Uzodimma to publicly condemn torture and unlawful detention practices, establish or request an independent judicial commission of inquiry into Tiger Base, ensure the suspension and investigation of implicated officers, release or properly charge detainees held beyond constitutional limits, and facilitate forensic audits of detention and morgue records.

It also called for witness protection for survivors and families, as well as reparations for victims.

“Imo State must not repeat that trajectory,” the petitioners stated, urging the governor to act within 14 days to restore the rule of law and reaffirm that no unit of the state operates above the law.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the Imo State Government or the Imo State Police Command regarding the allegations.


Continue reading

at

 

Five African nations   Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Tanzania — have ranked highest globally for youth mental health, even as 41 percent of young adults worldwide struggle with significant psychological distress.

The 2025 Global Mind Health Report, published by Sapien Labs, revealed that 41 percent of internet-connected adults aged 18 to 34 across 84 countries are experiencing what researchers describe as a “mind health crisis.”

Released on Wednesday, the report draws on data from nearly one million participants surveyed through the Global Mind Project, one of the world’s largest ongoing assessments of mental well-being.

According to the findings, Ghana ranked first globally in youth mind health, followed by Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. All top five positions were occupied by sub-Saharan African countries. In contrast, wealthier nations such as the United States, Canada, Japan and Australia, along with several European countries, ranked near the bottom.

The rankings are based on the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ), an index measuring 47 aspects of emotional, cognitive, social and physical functioning needed for daily life, work and relationships.

In Nigeria, young adults aged 18–34 recorded an MHQ score of 64, placing the country second out of 84. Older adults ranked 10th globally, with a higher MHQ score of 113. Overall, Nigeria was among the top-performing countries in MHQ scores.

However, generational differences were evident. Among Nigerians aged 18–24, the average age of first smartphone use was 16, ranking 66th globally for early childhood smartphone exposure. Both younger (18–34) and older (55+) groups ranked in the bottom third for regular consumption of ultra-processed foods.

Family closeness rankings declined significantly between generations — from 15th place among those aged 55 and above (80 percent reporting strong ties) to 41st among 18–34-year-olds (61 percent). Both age groups scored highly in spirituality, ranking 13th among younger adults and 7th among older adults.

Researchers noted a striking generational shift. In the early 2000s, young adults were regarded as the most mentally healthy demographic. Today, they are four times more likely than those over 55 to experience clinical-level mental health challenges that affect productivity and quality of life.

Founder and Chief Scientist of Sapien Labs, Tara Thiagarajan, said the crisis reflects a steady generational decline that extends beyond rising cases of depression and anxiety. She explained that many young people now face difficulties with emotional regulation, relationships and focus.

The report identified four key factors driving the global decline: early smartphone exposure, increased intake of ultra-processed foods, weakening family bonds and reduced spirituality.

Among 18–24-year-olds, earlier access to smartphones was linked to higher rates of mental health challenges in adulthood. Ultra-processed foods were estimated to account for 15 to 30 percent of the mental health burden, even after adjusting for other variables. Individuals reporting weak family relationships were nearly four times more likely to fall into distressed categories compared to those with strong family connections.

Spirituality emerged as a significant protective factor. Young adults with a strong sense of connection to a higher power scored at least 20 points higher on the MHQ than those with low spirituality. Tanzania ranked highest globally in spirituality and also had one of the oldest average ages for smartphone adoption.

The findings suggest a possible inverse relationship between national wealth and youth mental health, with sub-Saharan African countries outperforming many high-income nations. Nevertheless, researchers cautioned that despite strong global rankings, African youth still scored lower than older generations within their own countries, highlighting a universal generational gap.

The divide between young and older adults began before 2020 and widened during the COVID-19 pandemic. While youth mental health declined sharply, older populations experienced only modest drops. Over the past five years, the gap has remained largely unchanged.

Thiagarajan noted that despite increased mental health spending in countries like the United States and across Western nations, improvements have been limited. She stressed the need to address broader social and lifestyle factors affecting young people’s productivity and well-being.

David Blanchflower, a professor of economics at Dartmouth College, warned that widespread distress among young adults poses serious economic risks.

“When almost half of the core workforce globally is struggling with mental health challenges, it threatens entire economies and societies,” he said.

The report recommended policy measures such as limiting smartphone use during school hours, setting minimum age requirements for social media access, and strengthening regulations on additives in ultra-processed foods.

For Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Tanzania, researchers emphasized the importance of preserving cultural and social factors supporting strong mind health outcomes while preventing the generational decline seen elsewhere.

Continue reading
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)