A civil society organisation, Concern Youth for Better Leadership (CYBEL), including a political group, APC Ambassadors For Good Governance, has condemned the recent calls for the suspension of Dr. George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The groups described the accusations as baseless and motivated by corrupt interests seeking to undermine the significant progress Akume had made so far as the secretary of the government of the Federation.
The groups strongly condemn the recent call for the suspension of the SGF, Senator Dr. George Akume, describing the allegations against him as baseless, unfounded, and politically motivated, and pledge support for his leadership style.
In a press statement issued on Sunday and made available to the pressmen, the group leaders, including Hon. Dr Aliyu Mohammed Doffanni
National Coordinator (CYBEL), Hon. Lukman Ibrahim, Secretary, APC Ambassadors, accused the cultural group behind the suspension call of attempting to mislead the public by wrongly linking Senator Akume to a corruption act, which investigations are currently being handled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the group, the case under EFCC investigation involves Mr. Torhile Uchi, a Senior Special Assistant to the President who is attached to the SGF’s office, not the SGF himself.
“The case under EFCC investigation does not directly implicate Sen. George Akume. There is no evidence or official indictment linking him to any wrongdoing. Due process must be allowed to take its course before concluding,” the statement emphasised.
The groups offered a detailed portrayal of Senator Akume’s distinguished public service record, calling him a statesman, strategist, and a champion of good governance.
Senator Dr. George Akume’s political career spans over four decades of dedicated service to Nigeria.
“A former Governor of Benue State, a three-term Senator of the Federal Republic, and a former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs,
“Dr. Akume has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership, administrative expertise, and a firm belief in the power of governance as a tool for national transformation.”
The statement added that SGF in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu plays a pivotal role in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“He has helped streamline governmental operations, strengthened inter-agency coordination, and championed transparency and inclusiveness in governance.
“His bridge-building qualities and deep understanding of Nigeria’s political landscape have made him an indispensable pillar in the APC-led federal government.
“Calling for Sen. Akume’s suspension without a shred of evidence is not only unjust but also a threat to the integrity of the administration. It is a calculated attempt to disrupt the machinery of government and distract from the real progress being made,” the group added.
The group noted that any attempt to suspend Akume on unproven grounds would not only be unfair but also detrimental to the progress of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which relies heavily on experienced technocrats like him to drive critical reforms.
Reaffirming its solidarity, APC-IGG declared that Senator Akume remains a vital force in the success of the current administration and a symbol of patriotism, credibility, and public trust.
“We urge the public and the media to reject any attempt to tarnish the image of a man who has dedicated his life to national development. The future of Nigeria depends on responsible leadership and the protection of reputations built on decades of committed service,” the statement concluded.
The groups expressed disappointment in those who have sought to discredit George Akume, suggesting that the calls for his suspension are orchestrated by individuals benefiting from the previous corrupt practices in Nigeria.
The group urged President Bola Tinubu to reject these demands
In a country often plagued by leadership inertia and institutional opacity, Umar Ajiya Isa stands tall as a symbol of transformational leadership, financial discipline, and patriotic commitment. A native of Isa Local Government in Sokoto State, his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a central figure in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is nothing short of inspirational. Today, he is not just a former NNPC executive, but the Ajiyan Sokoto—a revered title that reflects both his professional accomplishments and his service to the community.
Ajiya’s remarkable journey began with a solid academic foundation and matured through a stellar 22-year career at Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), where he developed the strategic and financial acumen that would later power his transformational work in the public energy sector. His deep understanding of the global gas economy and project financing made him a valuable asset as he transitioned into higher responsibilities at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
As Group General Manager of Corporate Planning and Strategy at NNPC, he introduced robust business models for Autonomous Business Units and revived the long-dormant Price Review Committee. These reforms became the foundation for NNPC’s dramatic turnaround—culminating in the first profit declaration in its history: ₦287 billion in 2020, ₦674 billion in 2021, ₦2.52 trillion in 2022, and a record ₦3.30 trillion in 2023.
As Managing Director of Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Ajiya engineered an unprecedented revival. He reversed decades of losses by introducing the PMS ex-coastal price correction policy, saving Nigeria ₦72 billion annually. He championed digital transformation, led SAP implementation, and fostered critical stakeholder synergy. PPMC, for the first time in its 28-year history, declared profit under his watch in 2018.
Appointed NNPC’s Chief Financial Officer in 2019, Ajiya unlocked monumental financing opportunities. He secured $1 billion for NPDC to settle outstanding Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT), helping shield the Federation Account during the 2020 COVID-19 downturn. He also coordinated $1 billion in equity financing for Nigeria’s stake in the Dangote Refinery—ensuring national participation in Africa’s largest refinery project. Even more critical was his role in facilitating a $3 billion crude-backed financing arrangement for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stabilize the Naira during forex volatility.
Notably, Ajiya’s reforms elevated NNPC to the rank of Nigeria’s highest taxpayer, a feat reflecting unmatched fiscal transparency and revenue optimization. He also drove upstream and midstream project financing models and successfully restructured NNPC’s balance sheet in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), steering the Corporation into a new commercial era.
Beyond the boardroom, Ajiya’s philanthropy and community leadership speak volumes. From supporting educational initiatives to youth empowerment in Isa Local Government, he has given back meaningfully. His recent appointment as Co-Chair of the Sokoto State Economic Advisory Council underscores his continued commitment to public service and regional development.
Umar Ajiya Isa is more than a technocrat—he is a nation-builder whose legacy will echo for generations. As Ajiyan Sokoto, he carries not just a title, but the trust of a people and the credibility of a life defined by service, excellence, and vision.
A viral interview conducted by an ex-inmate named Shehu Adamu, who claims to be detained at Goron-dutse Correctional Facility for 9 years and has made serious allegations regarding the conditions within the facility. According to his account, inmates are subjected to hunger and starvation, which he asserts have led younger inmates to succumb to acts of sodomy as a desperate means of survival, which he further urges the relevant authorities to verify these claims.
Adamu who was arrested in 2015 over a robbery case linked to a stolen mobile phone, he was acquitted by the Federal High Court on April 29, 2025.
A team of journalists visited the Goron Dutse correctional centre in kano state for confirmation and investigation.
The team of journalists interacted with the Area Controller of Nigeria Correctional Service Kano State command Ado Inuwa, CC Kafilu Abdullahi, who is in charge of the Goron Dutse correctional centre, some inmates that interviewed which includes Sadiq Dauda popularly known as’General Liman’ who is the Imam of the inmates, Head of the Christians Chaplain Francis Nathaniel, which they all denied the allegations in the entirety.
The inmates that spoke with journalists said is entirely false, baseless, the viral claims made by Shehu Adamu, a recently released inmate, who alleged widespread abuse, rape, and inhumane conditions at the Goron Dutse Correctional Centre in the State.
The Controller also described Adamu’s allegations as a calculated attempt to malign the state, Islam, and the practice of Shariah in Kano State.
“Nothing he said is true, because there’s was no evidence of rape, hunger, or abuse. His story was concocted to generate controversy and damage the reputation of islam”.
The Controller lamented that some journalists are always spreading unverified claims on social media, calling on media to remain cautious and responsible.
The Controller refuted the claims of sodomy, rape, and deaths due to hunger as baseless and unsupported by evidence.
Adding that the Kano Command strictly adheres to the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.
ACC Kafilu Abdullahi in charge of the Goron Dutse correctional centre described Adamu’s claims as false. Adding that Adamu was never held at Goron Dutse, he was remanded at Kurmawa custodial centre.
“Contrary to the claim that Shehu Adamu spent nine years awaiting trial, official records show he was remanded for only four months on charges of conspiracy and criminal breach of trust before his release”.
“Adamu was ever held at Goron Dutse, he was remanded at the Kurmawa Custodial Centre, as documented in the official registers.” Kafilu added.
Kaduna State is witnessing a quiet but powerful transformation in its road infrastructure—one that does more than connect people and places. Under Governor Uba Sani, road construction is rewriting the political narrative of performance, equity, and quality in governance. For the first time in over a decade, Kaduna’s rural communities and farming hubs are finally at the centre of a strategic infrastructure vision that prioritizes both food security and inclusivity.
What makes this change even more telling is the historical contrast it draws. For instance, roads built under the late Governor Patrick Yakowa—such as Yakowa Way in Millennium City and the Yan Karfe to Emanto Junction Road in Zaria—still stand strong more than a decade later. Constructed around 2010, these roads have withstood the test of time, weather, and usage. They are physical testaments to Yakowa’s principled commitment to quality, functionality, and sustainability. In a state where infrastructure is often politicized, Yakowa’s legacy remains quietly unshaken, in contrast to El-Rufai’s.
By comparison, the road projects under Governor Nasir El-Rufai, completed just a few years ago, have failed to demonstrate the same resilience. Roads like Rafin Guza and FRCN Road—once flagged as part of a grand “urban renewal” agenda—have become early casualties of poor durability. Governor Uba Sani is now not only reconstructing these roads but expanding them. The Rafin Guza project, for example, is being extended to Hayin Naiya, Malalin Gabas, and Kukumake, ultimately linking to the KASU Permanent Site—a move that reflects deeper planning and inclusive connectivity.
It doesn’t stop there. Several other roads built under El-Rufai—Lugard Roundabout to Kawo, College Road in Unguwan Dosa, Rigasa to Railway Station Road, Mando to Rigasa Road, and Sabon Birni Road in Kawo—have all required urgent maintenance under Uba Sani’s administration, despite being only a few years old. These are not isolated failures; they are symptomatic of a governance model that emphasized optics over durability, urban showpieces over rural necessities.
Governor Uba Sani’s approach marks a radical departure. His road transformation is not just about fixing inherited decay—it’s about building a people-first roadmap that reconnects Kaduna’s economy to its agricultural heartbeat. His government is focusing on roads that matter to the majority: rural roads that open up farmer markets, connect villages to processing centres, and reduce post-harvest losses. This strategy, rooted in economic pragmatism, is already playing a vital role in Kaduna’s growing push for food security.
Under the so-called “Urban Renewal Programme,” the El-Rufai administration focused on road development in just seven LGAs, leaving vast swaths of the state underdeveloped. Even more damning, 76% of these projects were concentrated in just one local government area—Kaduna North—revealing a deeply skewed development pattern that alienated rural dwellers and undermined the potential of the agricultural economy. Governor Uba Sani has responded with a statewide rural road inclusion policy, distributing development more evenly and rebuilding trust between government and the governed.
This is not mere road construction—it is a philosophical reset. While El-Rufai’s infrastructure legacy is beginning to unravel just two years after he left office, Uba Sani’s roads are being laid with vision, purpose, and rural empowerment at their core. The rural farmer in Giwa or the market woman in Kauru now has just as much right to smooth roads as the civil servant in Barnawa. That is what inclusive governance looks like.
As one political analyst aptly puts it, “Inclusive governance is not when everyone claps in the city, but when development reaches the quiet corners where voices are seldom heard.”
The contrast is now impossible to ignore: while El-Rufai built for applause, Uba Sani is building for impact. While Yakowa built for posterity, Sani is building for prosperity.
If the roads of a state can tell a story, Kaduna’s roads are today telling one of truth, equity, and overdue correction. Governor Uba Sani’s quiet revolution is not only correcting the wrongs of the past—it is setting the pace for what infrastructure should mean in a democratic society: service to all, not a few.
This Friday sermon (Jumu’ah Khutbah) was prepared for delivery today Friday, 4th Zul-Kidah, 1446 AH (April 2nd, 2025) – The Importance Of Both Self-reliance And Integrity In Business
This Friday sermon by Imam Abubakar Ishaq Al-madany, Chief Imam of Jami’u Bin Muhammad Mosque, Hayin Danmani Kaduna, which the Imam highlighted the importance of both self-reliance and integrity in business. Self-reliance empowers individuals to take ownership of their lives and create opportunities, while ethical business practices, including honest sales, build trust and reputation within the community.
The Friday sermon discuss the importance of both self-reliance and integrity in business. Self-reliance empowers individuals to take ownership of their lives and create opportunities, while ethical business practices, including honest sales, build trust and reputation within the community.
Friday Sermon: Self Reliance, Let’s be truthful, avoid cheating and deception!, By Imam Abubakar Ishaq Al-madany. Whoever falls into something of cheating and deception must repent to Allah the Almighty, regret what he did, resolve not to return to it, and seek forgiveness from Allah the Almighty.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is His servant and Messenger.
Dear brothers and sisters! Know that, wallahi cheating and deception are despicable characteristics that are beneath a decent person. Intentionally distorting the truth in order to mislead others contradicts the values of honesty, which requires an attitude of sincerity, straightforwardness, and fairness that leaves no room for cheating, lying, trickery, or deceit. There are many texts from the Qur’an and the Sunnah conveying the meaning that cheating, whether the target be Muslims or non-Muslims, is forbidden.
Accepting the guidance of Islam leads a person to truthfulness, which means a person completely avoids cheating, deception and back-stabbing. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever bears arms against us is not one of us, and whoever cheats us is not one of us.” [Muslim]
Audience Feedback Survey According to another report, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) passed by a pile of food in the market. He put his hand inside it and felt dampness, although the surface was dry. He said:
“O owner of the food, what is this?’ The man said, ‘It was damaged by rain, O Messenger of Allah.’ He said, ‘Why did you not put the rain-damaged food on top so that people could see it! Whoever cheats us is not one of us.” [Muslim]
Respected servants of Allah! True Muslim society is based on purity of feeling, love, sincerity toward every Muslim, and fulfillment of promises to every member of society. Its members are endowed with piety, truthfulness, and faithfulness. Cheating and deception are alien characters in contrast to the noble character of a true Muslim. There is no room in it for swindlers, double crossers, tricksters, liars, deceivers, cheaters or traitors.
Dear brothers and sisters! Deception and cheating are forbidden by our pure Islamic law (Shari’ah), and the evidence for their prohibition is abundant. It is also narrated on the authority of Abu Hurairah may Allah be pleased with him that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:
“He who treats us dishonestly does not belong to us.” [Muslim]
Accordingly, whoever falls into something of cheating and deception must repent to Allah the Almighty, regret what he did, resolve not to return to it, and seek forgiveness from Allah the Almighty.
Because in all his dealings, a true and sincere Muslim is supposed to be transparent and Allah-fearing. He is not allowed to deceive others or to cheat them.
Abu Hurairah reported: The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:
“Years of treachery, cheating and deception will come over people in which liars are believed and the truthful are denied, the deceitful are trusted and the trustworthy are considered traitors, and the Ruwaibidah will deliver speeches.” It was said, ‘Who are the Ruwaibidah?’ The Prophet said, ‘Petty men with authority over the people.” [Ibn Majah]
Also the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
“Before the Hour comes, there will be years of deceit, in which a truthful person will be disbelieved and a liar will be believed; and the insignificant will have a say.” [Ahmad]
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers.
The personal Assistant and loyalist to AIG Ahmad AbdurRahman, the Chief Security Adviser to the Bauchi State Government has decried unfairness, injustice and betrayal from his boss after appointing him as his aide perhaps sought for an interview with our paper. Abdullahi Ishaq a trained Intelligence expert and seasoned Investigator who started his career with the EFCC eighteen years had undergone training with both the Police, DSS, EFCC and the FBI which made him to be very professional in the Intelligence Service.
Soon after his Boss appointment he was requested to relocate to Bauchi to serve him as PA precisely in December 2024. That upon arriving in Bauchi his boss introduced him into two different offices and asked him to one in the Deputy Governor’s former office. That after spending three days he was made to return back to Kaduna and to resume full work after the Christmas and new year Break but to his surprise after the break he call his boss to inform him of his intention to return work as agreed but to his surprise his Boss didn’t pick it return his call until after a month. Even though before his Boss could return his calls in over one month he was reliably informed that two other officers were employed in his boss office as PA and SA but he pretended he didn’t know and decided to play along with his boss.
After a few weeks Ahmad AbdurRahman asked Abdullahi to report to Bauchi for the second time precisely four days to this year fasting. Upon arriving in Bauchi his boss requested another office to be allocated to him because the first office given was slated to used for a different purpose. His boss still requested him to return back to Kaduna to commence the Ramadan and after the Sallah break they will resume office.
That after the sallah break his boss Ahmad AbdurRahman called to tell him that he is returning to Bauchi for an urgent assignment in Abuja which the Governor has directed him and go with one Commissioner for about a week. He further said that after a week I would return to Bauchi along with his Orderly Inspector Abubakar Haruna but two days later he called the Orderly to tell him to pick his Bauchi State Government staff car and meet him Abuja without telling me. Still after the assignment in Abuja his boss refused to call or pick his calls to tell him the next line of action. They returned to Kaduna from Abuja and proceeded back to Bauchi.
When Abdullahi Ishaq discovered there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding appointing him as PA and his possible resumption in office he proceeded to Bauchi the third time without notifying his boss he was coming. Upon arriving he called to tell the CSA, he had arrived in Bauchi. CSA Ahmad AbdurRahman responded through his Orderly Inspector Abubakar Haruna that on no account the PA should resume work in the government house and why would he even follow him to Bauchi even. In the circumstances PA Abdullahi Ishaq requested to see the CSA one on one to be sure if the message the Orderly conveyed to him emanated from Ahmad AbdurRahman and what was the rationale behind conveying such an insulting message to him. Upon reaching out to AbdurRahman in person, he requested Abdullahi Ishaq to relinquish his role as PA and that there are serious allegations against him of investigating the Executive Governor and he didn’t give him a free and fair hearing nor provide evidence either documents, video or audio to claim the purported allegations against his PA. He only insisted that he had dropped him as his PA to avoid problems with the Executive Governor. Following the provoking and counter productive statements from his boss he now reasoned why it took his boss all this long wasting his time without telling him the truth. That he is not surprised by his boss utterances he has already used body language to communicate the message to him but thank God since he had made it clear to him now. But he would ensure he met the Executive Governor personally to report the purported allegations leveled against his and seek for a free and fair hearing on the matter. He further averred that over time he has tried as much as possible to maintain his loyalty to Ahmad AbdurRahman despite his boss shortcomings and inconsistency but since it has taken that dimension everything is over.
That his boss is a greedy and self centered person who doesn’t help his boys to rise up, who looks down on others. He has pride as well as underrating anybody that works with him. Over the years he has been with he contributed immensely in destroying his career but he still managed to work with him. After his boss appointment as CSA in Bauchi he has had so many problems with other appointees. He slanders and undermines his colleagues by persuading the Governor to relieve them of their appointments. Despite his appointment as Chief Security Adviser he often lobbied the Governor to remove the Commissioner of Internal Security, the Chairman Bauchi State Anyi Corruption Commission or the Chief of Staff and gave it to him. AbdurRahman has not been contented with his appointment as CSA he still lobbied to be appointed Commissioner of Internal Security in Kaduna State, he lobbied the position using the Chief Imam of Sultan Bello and his so called friend Baballe Na Abba.
Ahmad AbdurRahman a serial betrayal is well known slandering, destroying people’s images even the Governor that appointed him is not left behind. He pretend to be a Godly person which is not true. He pretended to be an incorruptible officer but silently made millions in many areas as CP in many states Commandant Polac etc. While in Polac he denied his aides all their entitlements rather using the money to paying media outlets to boost his images as well as covering dirty deals among other things.
The trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman has been stalled before the Abuja division of the Federal High Court due to the absence of an interpreter. When the case was called on Friday, the prosecution counsel, A O. Mohammed informed the court that though the matter was for continuation of trial-within-trial, however, he was experiencing difficulty in getting an interpreter. He said he was informed that the official interpreter of the court was on an official engagement. The prosecution counsel consequently requested for a short adjournment to enable the presence of an interpreter. His oral application was not objected by the defence counsel, Emmanuel Hassan. Accordingly, Justice James Omotosho adjourned further trial to May 8 and 9, 2025. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Mamman in a charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024 bordering on alleged money laundering.
However, the defendant who has since denied the allegations, said that operatives of the EFCC interrogated him under duress, during their investigation over the alleged fraud. Following his claim, the court is presently conducting a trial-within-trial as ordered Justice James Omotosho, to a certain the veracity of his claim. Meanwhile, the prosecution has already called witnesses to testify in the trial including a deputy Manager, Domestic Payment division of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Okoroafor Chinyere, who told the court that the apex bank managed a project account on behalf of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF).
Okoroafor, who was led by the defendant counsel, Femi Atte (SAN), confirmed to the court that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) wrote a letter to the bank, demanding for details on a Mambila / Zungeru special project account, domicile with the CBN.
While speaking on the project account with the documents being tendered and admitted as exhibits before the court, Okoroafor confirmed that the bank manages the account on behalf of the accountant general office.
But when asked whether it was possible for the former minister or his office to make approval, she said: “I cannot say”.
“We don’t receive instructions to make payment on remita, we only get a directive from OAGF,” Okoroafor said.
Another prosecution witness, Abdullahi Suleiman, a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator, testified before the court that the narration of funds paid into his account did not indicate they came from the ministry.
Abdullahi Suleiman, said his companies received funds in their different bank accounts before and after Mamman’s tenure as minister. It was learnt that one Mustapha Bidda, is the Account officer in charge of the special project account with two other assistant under him, all of them staff of the office of the accountant general of the federation.
During the cross-examination by the defence counsel, Femi Ate (SAN), Suleiman admitted that the funds contained in the Accountant General of the Federation entries were paid into his companies’ accounts.
He told the court that the payments are: Fullest Utility Concept received N254m and N49.6m on May 9, 2018; N659.9m was received on January 16, 2019; and N407m was received on July 20, 2019.
Platinum Touch Enterprise Ltd received N849m on October 21, 2021, N86.5 m, 86.9m, and N97m on October 29, 2021.
Silverline Ocean Ventures received N90m on February 24, 2022; N82 m and N90m on March 30, 2022; Bureau Change received N90m and N92m on March 30, 2022; and Royal Promoter Venture received N85m. The court was however told that the defendant has no relationship whatsoever with those companies. Mamman, in a video clip played in the open court during his trial told Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, that he had already told the operatives of the commission that he was not in the right frame of mind as he was just leaving sick bed during their investigation.
Before the clip was played, Counsel to the EFCC, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had told the court that the reason for playing the video is to show the court that a previous statement which the EFCC sought to tender in evidence was made voluntarily by the ex-minister.
While the counsel of the minister, Mr Femi Atte, SAN, interjected that it was made under duress because the minister was not in his right frame of mind as he had already told them he just left sick bed.
In the video clip, the minister was seen telling operatives of the EFCC that he left sick bed to to honour the invitation of the commission.
He also denied ownership of a property in Wuse 2 Nowhen he was asked by the officials of the EFCC during the investigation.
Alleged fraud: Trial of ex-Power Minister, Sale stalled over absence of interpreter
The trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman has been stalled before the Abuja division of the Federal High Court due to the absence of an interpreter. When the case was called on Friday, the prosecution counsel, A O. Mohammed informed the court that though the matter was for continuation of trial-within-trial, however, he was experiencing difficulty in getting an interpreter. He said he was informed that the official interpreter of the court was on an official engagement. The prosecution counsel consequently requested for a short adjournment to enable the presence of an interpreter. His oral application was not objected by the defence counsel, Emmanuel Hassan. Accordingly, Justice James Omotosho adjourned further trial to May 8 and 9, 2025. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Mamman in a charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024 bordering on alleged money laundering.
However, the defendant who has since denied the allegations, said that operatives of the EFCC interrogated him under duress, during their investigation over the alleged fraud. Following his claim, the court is presently conducting a trial-within-trial as ordered Justice James Omotosho, to a certain the veracity of his claim. Meanwhile, the prosecution has already called witnesses to testify in the trial including a deputy Manager, Domestic Payment division of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Okoroafor Chinyere, who told the court that the apex bank managed a project account on behalf of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF).
Okoroafor, who was led by the defendant counsel, Femi Atte (SAN), confirmed to the court that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) wrote a letter to the bank, demanding for details on a Mambila / Zungeru special project account, domicile with the CBN.
While speaking on the project account with the documents being tendered and admitted as exhibits before the court, Okoroafor confirmed that the bank manages the account on behalf of the accountant general office.
But when asked whether it was possible for the former minister or his office to make approval, she said: “I cannot say”.
“We don’t receive instructions to make payment on remita, we only get a directive from OAGF,” Okoroafor said.
Another prosecution witness, Abdullahi Suleiman, a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator, testified before the court that the narration of funds paid into his account did not indicate they came from the ministry.
Abdullahi Suleiman, said his companies received funds in their different bank accounts before and after Mamman’s tenure as minister. It was learnt that one Mustapha Bidda, is the Account officer in charge of the special project account with two other assistant under him, all of them staff of the office of the accountant general of the federation.
During the cross-examination by the defence counsel, Femi Ate (SAN), Suleiman admitted that the funds contained in the Accountant General of the Federation entries were paid into his companies’ accounts.
He told the court that the payments are: Fullest Utility Concept received N254m and N49.6m on May 9, 2018; N659.9m was received on January 16, 2019; and N407m was received on July 20, 2019.
Platinum Touch Enterprise Ltd received N849m on October 21, 2021, N86.5 m, 86.9m, and N97m on October 29, 2021.
Silverline Ocean Ventures received N90m on February 24, 2022; N82 m and N90m on March 30, 2022; Bureau Change received N90m and N92m on March 30, 2022; and Royal Promoter Venture received N85m. The court was however told that the defendant has no relationship whatsoever with those companies. Mamman, in a video clip played in the open court during his trial told Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, that he had already told the operatives of the commission that he was not in the right frame of mind as he was just leaving sick bed during their investigation.
Before the clip was played, Counsel to the EFCC, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had told the court that the reason for playing the video is to show the court that a previous statement which the EFCC sought to tender in evidence was made voluntarily by the ex-minister.
While the counsel of the minister, Mr Femi Atte, SAN, interjected that it was made under duress because the minister was not in his right frame of mind as he had already told them he just left sick bed.
In the video clip, the minister was seen telling operatives of the EFCC that he left sick bed to to honour the invitation of the commission.
He also denied ownership of a property in Wuse 2 Nowhen he was asked by the officials of the EFCC during the investigation.
The Kaduna Youths for Peace and Development (KYPD) group has denied reports of the arrest of Nura Usman, a self acclaimed youth activist and advocate for good governance, by the Kaduna government.
According to the group ,Usman was invited by the police to explain a malicious Facebook post, but he evaded arrest and switched off his phone to create a false narrative.
Sahara Reporters claimed Usman was abducted and tortured by security operatives over his Facebook posts criticizing government policies.
But in a reaction, KYPD denies Usman’s arrest and torture, calling the report false and a cheap blackmail.The group claimed Usman posted a false and inciting statement capable of breaching public peace in the state.
In a Statement jointly signed by the Chairman,Comrade Musa Lere and Secretary,Comrade Joseph Maigari the group which expressed sadness over the Sahara Reporters’ story on Kaduna Government Critic, Nura Usman Abducted, Tortured Over Facebook Post As Wife reported is nothing but false.
It stated further, “He was never arrested and still on the run.He is running away from the law. He posted a false and inciting statement capable of breaching public peace in the state. He couldn’t substantiate his claim. His invitation by the security operatives has nothing to do with Kaduna State Government as reported.”
Nura Usman had posted on Facebook handle:”Information reaching my desk just now has revealed that some aides of a governor from Kaduna State have met with some selected student leaders of the state-owned university.
“These aides have commissioned the student leaders to hold a press conference and publicly condemn the ongoing strike by lecturers, who are urging the state government to fulfill outstanding demands after multiple unmet promises.
“Sources indicate that the student leaders have received the sum of N20,000 from the aides in question to facilitate this press conference. We shall see”.
On those behind Nura Usman inciting post ,the group averred,” We see him as someone allegedly being sponsored by former Kaduna State Governor,Mal. Nasiru Elrufai against Governor Uba Sani.
However, the Sahara Reporters quoted , a petition dated May 2, 2025,where he stated that ” a law firm alleged that Mr. Usman was abducted on the night of April 30 by heavily armed operatives of Operation Fushin Kada, a joint security task force comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy, DSS, Police, and other agencies.
“The law firm in the petition claimed the arrest was ordered by powerful officials within the Kaduna State Government, allegedly in retaliation for Facebook posts made by Mr. Usman on April 28 and 29 that criticized certain government policies.
“This is untrue and should be disregard by the public.”it stressed.
The Forum for Good Governance in Nigeria (FGGN) has asked Nigerians to ignore what he termed ‘Sponsored Groups ” mobilised against the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL) , Engineer Mele Kyari.
According to the group, Kyari has successfully served the country with a good sense of patriotism and should not be rewarded with such sponsored attacks and protests.
“Nigerians must learn to reward hard work and commitment to service as obtainable in most developed countries.” It added.
The group, which made the appeal in a Statement made available to journalists today expressed dismay over failure on side of these sponsored protesters to recognize and appreciate that sacrifices made by Mele Kyari to refloat the moribund refineries in Port Harcourt,Warri and Kaduna is worthy of commendation and not condemnation.
While stating that Kyari is the Best Group Chief Executive Officer that Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited ever had, the group condemned and wrote off those behind the sponsored groups as jobless people with no vision for future.
The statement signed by the Chairman Comrade Bala Usman Sani further reads: “We want those behind the sponsored attacks to know that Kyari inherited an NNPC that was still struggling to shake off the negative image of a national oil company where nothing works.But he turned the situation around and he was recognized as the “Outstanding Employer of the Year 2022” by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).
“He ensured that NNPC maintained a national strategic fuel reserve capable of serving the country’s needs for a reasonable period till normalcy was restored with the curtailment of massive smuggling of petroleum products across the country’s borders.
“Apart from encouraging private investors, like Dangote Group and other mini-refineries developers in the country to be involved in the construction of private refineries, Kyari ensured his agenda for the rehabilitation of the four refineries were on course, stopped oil theft and supported exploration of crude oil in the north
“We want to also remind them that he was instrumental to the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act(PIA) ensuring smooth transition of NNPC to a fully incorporated company under the Companies and Allied Matter Act
“Under Kyari,the national oil company achieved significant progress, which includes the revival of two major refineries, increase in domestic natural gas consumption, and a boost in oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day.
“Recalled that Kyari introduced the Transparency, Accountability, and Performance Excellence (TAPE) agenda, which helped to address inefficiencies within the corporation
When i came across of a write-up posted or published on social media with a caption ‘OVERHAULING NIGERIA’S SECURITY AGENCIES: A PATH TO STABILITY ‘ which the write further stated that, ‘Nigeria’s security system is in dire need of reform’, i just laughed, because he don’t know the challenges the security agencies are facing.
From my own perspective overhauling the security agencies is not the solution.
The writer should know that the military institution is one of the most important state institutions in Nigeria and indeed anywhere in the world . Apart from their traditional mandate to protect the country’s territorial integrity, the Nigerian military is also charged with ensuring internal cohesion. All over the world, the military is an organisation authorised to use coercive instruments, including the use of weapons, in defending the motherland by combating actual or perceived threats.
Adequate funding and support for Nigeria’s service chiefs are crucial for maintaining national security and stability. This includes addressing challenges like funding, logistics, and manpower, as highlighted by the Chief of Army Staff. The government and legislative bodies should provide the necessary resources to ensure the service chiefs can effectively carry out their duties.
Adequate funding is essential for the Nigerian Armed Forces to procure necessary equipment, train personnel, and ensure operational effectiveness.
There are a lot of challenges Facing the Service Chiefs, which related to funding, logistics, and manpower, indicating a need for increased support.
By providing adequate funding and support, the government can enhance the ability of the service chiefs to maintain peace and stability in the country.
The writer should know that on purchase of equipments which the military are using, the high dollar rate had hampered the purchase of relevant equipment needed to fight insecurity.
All the items procured are bought with hard currency, none in naira, and that most times when funds are converted, only very little could be bought.
Majority of nigerians are all aware of how the service chiefs infused new strategies in tackling the crisis (insecurity).
So, there is hope in the horizon. The service chiefs are doing their best. Let us support them now. The service chiefs are equal to the task.
Don’t forget that the CDS and COAS have been to the centre of the whole crisis. They know what to do.
Already, there is a close knitted effort and renewed collaboration among the different security agencies.
We must agree that the service chiefs has performed above average in the fight against insurgency. The CDS Gen. Christopher Musa has promised to add value to the security disposition, I beg Nigerians to give them opportunity to work and resolve the issues.
Also, the media houses to give Nigerians a hopeful angle of the ongoing crisis across the country.
In most Western nation’s, national interest is a consideration in war reportage. I beg the media to do the needful at this very crucial time in the history of our nation.
No one is saying you shouldn’t do your job, but we must ensure we do things that will unite rather than divide us.
REACH-24 