By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has approved a reorganization of its media and communications structure, directing that only three officials may speak on its behalf.

In a press statement dated November 11, 2026, the council said the campaign’s Director-General, Senator Abdulaziz Yari; the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, who is the official spokesperson; and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, are now authorized to speak for the council.

It said all previously announced persons who had been speaking in that capacity would henceforth become members of the Directorate of Media and Strategic Communications.

The statement advised radio and television stations to take note of the changes and act accordingly, adding that the campaign would delegate appropriate persons for appearances when necessary.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A notorious bandit leader, identified as Kachalla Bello, has reportedly been killed during a violent confrontation between rival armed groups in a forest around Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday evening when two rival bandit factions engaged in a fierce gun battle, according to local sources cited by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama.

Bello was said to have been among those killed in the exchange of gunfire, although details surrounding the circumstances of his reported death remained unclear as of Wednesday.

The bandit leader was accused of terrorising farming communities through kidnappings and forced labour.

According to the report, Bello allegedly abducted residents from their farmlands and compelled them to work on his farm before eventually releasing them.

His reported death is expected to bring relief to communities that have suffered intimidation and other criminal activities attributed to his group.

However, security authorities had yet to independently confirm the killing or establish the full circumstances surrounding the clash.

The incident also highlights continuing rivalries among armed groups operating in parts of Katsina State, where disputes over territory, resources and criminal activities have reportedly triggered violent confrontations.

When contacted by TheCable on Wednesday, the Katsina State Police Command spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, said he was unaware of the incident but would make enquiries.

“I am not aware of the incident; I will make an enquiry and call you back,” he said.

During a follow-up conversation about three hours later, Sadiq-Aliyu said he was still trying to establish the exact location of the reported clash so he could contact the relevant Divisional Police Officer.

He explained that identifying the precise location would help him reach the appropriate police division and verify the report.

As of the time of reporting, the police had not provided independent confirmation of Bello’s reported death.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Six of Nigeria’s leading listed banks recorded a combined profit after tax of ₦3.11tn in the nine months ended September 30, 2026, representing a 7.5 per cent increase from the ₦2.90tn reported in the corresponding period of 2025.

Their combined total assets also expanded by 6.73 per cent, rising from ₦182.79tn to ₦195.08tn, according to their unaudited financial statements.

The banks covered in the report are Access Holdings Plc, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Zenith Bank Plc, First HoldCo Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc.

The lenders collectively added ₦12.29tn to their asset base within the period.

However, banking analysts noted that the growth was unevenly distributed, with First HoldCo and Zenith Bank accounting for a significant share of the increase.

Olamide Ologunagbe, an Associate in Investment Research and Consulting at Afrinvest, described the expansion as a positive development but cautioned that a larger balance sheet does not necessarily translate into better asset quality or stronger earnings capacity.

She noted that First HoldCo and Zenith Bank jointly contributed ₦9.01tn, representing approximately 73 per cent of the total asset growth recorded by the six lenders.

According to her, increased investment in securities, particularly government instruments, alongside higher lending, accounted for much of the expansion.

Ngozi Odum, a Senior Associate in Financial Services Research at CardinalStone, also observed that the growth was concentrated among the larger institutions, particularly First HoldCo and Zenith Bank.

Access Bank retains lead in asset size

Access Holdings remained the largest institution by total assets, recording ₦52.60tn as of September 30, 2026, compared with ₦52.20tn a year earlier. This represented a modest increase of 0.78 per cent.

Ecobank followed with ₦47.92tn, while Zenith Bank reported ₦34.39tn. First HoldCo recorded ₦32.20tn, GTCO had ₦18.37tn, and Stanbic IBTC posted ₦9.60tn.

Ecobank’s naira-denominated assets declined marginally by 0.11 per cent from ₦47.97tn to ₦47.92tn. However, its assets increased by 10.9 per cent in dollar terms, rising from $32.43bn to $35.96bn.

Odum explained that Ecobank’s performance was better assessed in dollars because of its extensive operations across Africa, noting that exchange-rate movements could distort its performance when measured solely in naira.

She added that the naira had appreciated by 7.5 per cent against the dollar since the beginning of the year, making the growth in Ecobank’s dollar assets appear considerably smaller when converted into the local currency.

First HoldCo records highest asset growth

First HoldCo recorded the strongest expansion among the six banks, with its total assets increasing by 21.95 per cent from ₦26.40tn to ₦32.20tn.

Its investment securities rose by 62.4 per cent to ₦10.31tn from ₦6.35tn, while financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss increased more than sixfold, reaching ₦2.22tn from ₦352.38bn.

The bank’s property and equipment also more than doubled, rising from ₦258.97bn to ₦548bn.

Stanbic IBTC ranked second in asset growth, recording a 14.53 per cent increase from ₦8.38tn to ₦9.60tn.

Its other assets rose to ₦1.21tn from ₦640.38bn, while loans and advances increased by 16 per cent to ₦3.04tn.

Zenith Bank recorded a 10.30 per cent increase in total assets, moving from ₦31.18tn to ₦34.39tn.

Its loans and advances grew by 24.2 per cent to ₦11.64tn from ₦9.37tn, while cash balances held with the Central Bank of Nigeria increased to ₦7.66tn from ₦6.85tn.

However, its Treasury bills holdings declined from ₦4.19tn to ₦3.28tn, partly offsetting the growth recorded in other asset categories.

GTCO’s total assets rose by 10.29 per cent, increasing from ₦16.66tn to ₦18.37tn.

Its investment securities held at fair value through profit or loss surged to ₦605.55bn from ₦13.61bn. However, loans to customers declined by 7.4 per cent to ₦3tn.

Access Holdings recorded an 11.2 per cent increase in customer loans, which rose to ₦14.33tn. However, its cash balances dropped by 27.6 per cent from ₦8.73tn to ₦6.32tn, contributing to its relatively slow overall asset growth.

Ologunagbe said the sustainability of the banks’ expansion would depend on whether it translated into improved earnings, stronger asset quality and adequate capital levels.

Profit rises despite decline in interest income

A comparison of income and profit performance was based on the five banks with consistent nine-month figures for both years: First HoldCo, Ecobank, Zenith Bank, GTCO and Stanbic IBTC.

Combined interest income for First HoldCo, Zenith Bank, GTCO and Stanbic IBTC declined by 4.28 per cent to ₦6.55tn from ₦6.84tn recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

GTCO was the only one of the four to report an increase, with interest income rising by 4.96 per cent to ₦1.29tn.

First HoldCo’s interest income fell by 8.69 per cent to ₦2.09tn, while Stanbic IBTC recorded a 5.35 per cent decline to ₦545.35bn. Zenith Bank’s figure also dropped by 4.52 per cent to ₦2.62tn.

Despite the decline in interest income, the five banks recorded an increase in overall profitability.

Their combined profit before tax rose by 12.37 per cent from ₦3.79tn to ₦4.26tn, while profit after tax increased by 7.5 per cent to ₦3.11tn.

The improvement was attributed partly to lower impairment charges recorded by First HoldCo, Zenith Bank and GTCO, alongside stronger fee and trading income at First HoldCo and Stanbic IBTC. Ecobank also maintained a relatively steady performance.

The figures indicate that while the six lenders continued to expand their balance sheets, the extent of growth and the factors driving profitability varied considerably across the institutions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A witness from the Department of State Services (DSS) has told a Federal High Court in Abuja how a suspect, Michael Okafor, allegedly participated in the killing of the agency’s operative, Ekpenyong Owoh, before taking his vehicle and handing his phone to his girlfriend.

The witness, identified only by the code name AAA for security reasons, gave the account on Wednesday while testifying as the first prosecution witness in the trial of four defendants accused of terrorism, kidnapping and murder.

According to a report by The Punch newspaper, he alleged that after Owoh was killed, Okafor took possession of his Toyota Pontiac and began using it as his personal vehicle. He also reportedly gave the deceased’s mobile phone to his girlfriend, Chinyere Okabue, as a gift.

The witness, a DSS investigator with about 17 years of service, said the agency granted Okabue administrative bail after establishing that she was unaware of the abduction of its operative.

Okafor is standing trial alongside Chinedu Chukwudozie, Chibunna Olisa and Chigozie Olisa. They were arraigned on September 28 on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism and kidnapping, to which they all pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution accused the defendants of conspiring to commit acts of terrorism, abducting Owoh while he was travelling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Awka, Anambra State, and subsequently killing him.

They were also accused of belonging to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), as well as unlawfully possessing firearms, including an AK-47 rifle and a pump-action gun.

How DSS tracked the deceased’s movements

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Munirat Oladunjoye, AAA said the DSS began investigating Owoh’s disappearance after his wife reported him missing in February 2022.

He told the court that technical analysis of the operative’s movements indicated that he was last seen alive in Osomogu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. His Toyota Pontiac was also traced to the same community.

According to him, the DSS collaborated with the military to conduct operations in the area because it was considered a stronghold of IPOB and ESN.

The witness said the operation resulted in the arrest of one Okabue on June 20, 2026, and information obtained during the investigation subsequently helped security operatives track down the four defendants.

He said Okafor was arrested on September 14, while the other three suspects were apprehended on September 20.

Suspect allegedly ordered to execute DSS operative

Recounting how the killing allegedly occurred, AAA said Owoh had spoken with his wife on February 23, 2022, informing her that he was returning home to see their newborn baby.

The witness alleged that Okafor, whom he described as an ESN sub-commander, and the other defendants intercepted the operative and took him to their camp.

He further told the court that Chibunna Olisa drove Owoh’s vehicle to the camp, where the victim was held until a sub-commander identified as Double Lion allegedly instructed Okafor to kill him.

According to the witness, Owoh was shot several times before his body was buried in a shallow grave.

“He was shot several times and buried in a shallow grave,” AAA told the court.

The investigator also alleged that the defendants had marks bearing ESN insignia on their bodies, which he said were given to them as a form of protection.

Following the testimony, the presiding judge directed the defendants to step forward and expose the marks for inspection. The witness and defence lawyers, K.C. Ekwe and G.U. Oputa, confirmed their presence.

Witness narrates Okafor’s movements abroad

AAA further told the court that Okafor travelled to Côte d’Ivoire and later India, where he allegedly became involved in criminal activities before being deported around 2024.

He said Okafor subsequently returned to Nigeria, maintained a low profile and worked as a bricklayer in Azia, Ihiala Local Government Area, until his arrest.

The witness also stated that all four defendants made statements voluntarily in the presence of a lawyer from the Legal Aid Council.

According to him, they were informed of their right to remain silent and warned that any statement they made could be used as evidence against them.

The statements were admitted as exhibits after the defence lawyers raised no objection to their admission.

The court adjourned the matter until November 16 for the cross-examination of the witness during the trial-within-trial and the continuation of proceedings.

The judge also cautioned the defence lawyers that failure to appear could result in their right to cross-examine the witness being forfeited.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a man identified as Ahmed Usman for allegedly sexually assaulting a nursing mother and recording her nakedness after she reportedly failed to meet the repayment terms of a ₦600,000 loan, The Punch newspaper reported.

The suspect was paraded by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, in a video shared on her Facebook page on Wednesday.

Adeh said Usman allegedly specialised in lending money to widows and vulnerable women before imposing weekly interest payments on them.

She explained that the incident leading to his arrest was reported at the Lugbe Police Division on November 5, after the suspect allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted the nursing mother over a missed loan repayment.

According to the police spokesperson, Usman had lent the woman ₦600,000 and required her to pay ₦30,000 weekly as interest, in addition to repaying the principal.

Adeh said the woman defaulted on one of the payments because of poor sales and approached the suspect with the ₦24,000 she had managed to raise.

She alleged that Usman forced the woman into his vehicle, threatened her with a knife and drove her to an isolated location behind the chief’s palace in Lugbe, where he sexually assaulted her.

The suspect allegedly threatened to kill the victim if she failed to pay the outstanding amount. The woman subsequently raised the money and transferred it to him before reporting the incident to the police.

Adeh said officers launched an investigation, tracked down the suspect and arrested him. She added that Usman attempted to flee with a police officer in his vehicle during the operation but was eventually apprehended.

Suspect admits assault and recording victim

During his interrogation, Usman admitted lending the woman ₦600,000 and collecting weekly payments of ₦30,000.

He also acknowledged asking her to remove her clothes, having sexual intercourse with her and recording her nakedness.

In his account, he said he invited the woman to his Toyota vehicle after she failed to make the agreed payment, where he asked her to undress before recording her.

He further admitted that he recorded intimate parts of her body after instructing her to expose herself.

The suspect also confirmed driving away with a police officer during the arrest operation. He claimed he later realised that the officer was the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), made a U-turn and returned to drop him off.

Usman, who identified himself as a native of Nasarawa State, disclosed that he was married with six children and appealed for forgiveness.

He expressed regret over the incident and pleaded for another opportunity to turn over a new leaf.

Investigation ongoing

Adeh said investigations were continuing, adding that the police command was collaborating with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) on the case.

The police have yet to announce the conclusion of their investigation or any court proceedings against the suspect.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Katsina State Hisbah Board has prohibited girls from engaging in street hawking after 10pm, warning that anyone found violating the directive will face enforcement measures.

The Commandant General of the board, Saifullahi Musa, announced the restriction on Tuesday during a press briefing at the agency’s headquarters.

He explained that the measure was introduced to protect girls from sexual abuse, harassment and other social dangers associated with late-night trading.

Musa said the restriction applied to all public places where hawking takes place, including markets, motor parks and other busy locations across the state.

According to him, the board had received reports of girls involved in night trading being exposed to sexual exploitation and other activities considered contrary to Islamic teachings.

He alleged that some of the girls engaged in illicit activities, while others were victims of rape, adding that the board would not allow such practices to continue.

The commandant disclosed that Hisbah personnel would be deployed to strategic locations across the state to monitor compliance with the directive.

He also appealed to parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for their children’s safety by ensuring that girls were not allowed to engage in hawking late at night.

The Katsina State Hisbah Board was established in 2023 by Governor Dikko Radda to address social and moral concerns and promote Islamic values in the state.

Hisbah to regulate traditional medicine dealers

In another development, Musa announced plans by the board to regulate the activities of traditional medicine dealers to ensure that their operations conformed to Islamic principles.

He expressed concern over the use of vulgar and offensive expressions by some practitioners when advertising their products, warning that the board would no longer tolerate such conduct.

The commandant also raised concerns over reports that some brothels had reopened in parts of the state. He directed their operators to shut down or risk legal action.

He further maintained that the prohibition on the sale of alcoholic beverages, particularly beer, remained in force in Katsina, cautioning traders against selling such products in public places.

Musa urged residents, especially Muslims, to support the board in carrying out its responsibilities, insisting that its mandate was to promote adherence to Islamic principles rather than victimise members of the public.

He assured residents that the board would carry out its duties in accordance with the provisions of its enabling law while enforcing its directives across the state.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Kano State Government has proposed allocating 30 per cent of its ₦1.107 trillion 2027 budget to education, making it the sector with the highest allocation in the proposed fiscal plan.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting the 2027 budget estimates to the Kano State House of Assembly, describing education as a priority in the administration’s human capital development agenda.

He said the proposed allocation would consolidate existing achievements and sustain reforms aimed at improving access to quality education and learning outcomes across the state.

The governor highlighted the recruitment of 8,588 teachers in 2026, comprising 4,900 permanent teachers and 3,688 under the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) programme.

He also listed the payment of examination fees for more than 150,000 students sitting for NECO, NBAIS and NABTEB examinations, as well as the settlement of outstanding boarding school feeding obligations and rehabilitation of educational facilities.

Yusuf further said the government had supported students taking the JAMB/UTME examinations through the provision of registration forms and preparatory training.

He added that Kano maintained its leading position in the 2026 NECO performance chart for the second consecutive year.

The governor assured that his administration would continue investing in teacher development, school infrastructure, instructional materials and digital learning facilities to strengthen the education sector.

By Isyaka Laminu Badamasi

If it is true that there were anti-party activities and discord between the state assembly candidate representing the Disina constituency in Shira Local Government and certain key APM stalwarts that contributed to his defeat in the recent by-election, then this matter must be urgently investigated and addressed.

This situation may turn out to be a blessing in disguise, as it happened at the right time and will help leaders and stakeholders identify similar issues in other constituencies, preventing a recurrence in the future. 

There are many ways to resolve this problem, but I will focus on emphasising the importance of reconciliation between aggrieved stakeholders and including everyone who matters to ensure the party’s victory as we head into the 2027 general elections. 

Some might say it is too late because the candidates have already been selected, but this is actually the perfect opportunity to bring about reconciliation in the party. This matters if we remember how disunity crippled the APC after the 2015 general elections, and again in 2019 and 2023. We don’t need to allow this to happen in APM.

Observers have already begun identifying some reasons the candidate for the Disina constituency failed to make it to the state assembly. While some believe the selection process itself was faulty, others describe the candidate as disrespectful to the elders and party stakeholders of his LGA. 

Furthermore, some argue that instead of supporting the die-hard loyalists who worked tirelessly for this administration’s emergence and remain faithful to this day, the administration has prioritised defectors, leaving its original supporters to wallow in discomfort. Whatever the reasons, the solutions are not far-fetched, and the time is now.

I do not need to tell the stakeholders what to do, but in my simple understanding of the matter at hand, and considering the number of constituencies in the state, which totals about forty-six (46), including the 12 National Assembly constituencies and 3 senatorial districts, bringing aggrieved party members to the negotiating table is paramount at the moment. 

If ensuring that peace reigns and securing the party’s success are what led the member representing the Bogoro constituency in the State Assembly, Hon. Musa Wakili Nakwada, to relinquish his candidacy to Mr Isahaya Dangana, then similar uncomfortable decisions must be replicated elsewhere, if needed.

On supporting decampees and leaving party loyalists unattended, I must confess this administration has done very well in supporting those who worked tirelessly for its emergence. Many were appointed to strategic positions and are doing very well. However, the issue shouldn’t be ignored or discarded; there is a need to revisit it and put the house in order

While these underground touches are paramount to preventing a recurrence of the Disina experience, the campaign directorate should consider publicising His Excellency’s good works that have put the state on the path of progress as part of the campaign messages. 

The achievements of this administration are unquantifiable, but unless they are displayed, the common man at the grassroots (polling unit) will never know about them; this is a must and is non-negotiable. On this, I recommend adopting the slogan: “Girman ka Akwatin Ka”.

It is also important for candidates seeking election to come together strategically and work tirelessly in their respective constituencies, as campaigning in isolation will not bode well for the party.

As the title of this post, humility costs nothing; I still insist: Sunkuya wa Wada ba Gajiyawa ba ne. 

Isyaka Laminu Badamasi writes from no 555 Ajiya Adamu Road, Bauchi, Bauchi State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr are reportedly arranging a private jet to fly Portuguese forward João Félix back to Saudi Arabia immediately after his international assignment, in a move aimed at ensuring his availability for their crucial encounter with Al-Ahli.

Saudi newspaper Al-Youm reported on Tuesday that the club’s management were making arrangements for a special flight to transport the forward to Jeddah following Portugal’s international fixture against Wales.

The plan is intended to minimise his travel time and avoid possible delays associated with commercial flights, giving him a better opportunity to feature in the highly anticipated league fixture.

Félix has established himself as an important member of Al-Nassr’s attacking unit since joining the club. His creativity and attacking contributions have made him one of the players relied upon by the coaching staff to unlock opposing defences.

However, his return on a private jet does not automatically guarantee his inclusion in the matchday squad. The technical team will first assess his fitness and physical condition after his international commitments and journey before deciding whether he is ready to play.

The proposed arrangement underlines Al-Nassr’s determination to have the Portuguese forward available for the high-profile meeting despite the demands of the international calendar.

The Saudi Pro League Matchweek Nine encounter between Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr is scheduled for Friday, November 20, 2026, at Alinma Stadium, King Abdullah Sports City, in Jeddah.

Kick-off is set for 8:30 pm Saudi time, corresponding to 6:30 pm Nigerian time.

The November FIFA international window runs from November 9 to 17, with national teams expected to play up to two matches during the period.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Mele Kyari, has denied allegations that N210tn was unaccounted for in the company’s financial records, insisting that the discrepancies arose from accounting entries rather than missing funds.

Kyari made the clarification on Tuesday when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts to respond to audit queries covering the company’s financial records between 2017 and 2023.

He maintained that no funds were lost during his tenure as head of the national oil company between 2019 and 2025, describing the flagged figures as bookkeeping issues that had been misinterpreted as financial misconduct.

“I wish to confirm that nothing was lost. It is simply not possible that such an amount could have been lost under my care and leadership. The matter relates to accounting entries, which have nothing to do with any financial loss.

“They are bookkeeping issues, and I believe the appropriate explanations have been provided in my report,” he said.

The former NNPC boss also dismissed claims that the company spent N5bn to change its name from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to NNPC Limited after the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act in 2021.

Addressing questions about the company’s incorporation, Kyari explained that NNPC initially paid the expenses on behalf of the Federation before recovering the amount through deductions from government revenue.

He said, “At the time of incorporation, the company was not owned by the federation in the same manner. The federation was therefore responsible for the payment relating to the incorporation of NNPC.

“However, NNPC made the payment on behalf of the federation and subsequently charged it to the federation’s revenue, which was reflected in what we referred to as the former NAPIMS account of NNPC.

“This was simply an accounting entry, involving approximately N2.99bn. It was a payment made to government institutions responsible for providing the relevant services. I have also seen comments suggesting that N5bn was paid for the naming of the company. That is incorrect.”

Kyari further defended his leadership record, claiming that his administration turned the national oil company around from a loss-making entity into a profitable organisation.

Appearing before the committee, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, who represents Gombe North, he disclosed that the company recorded a loss of about $803bn in 2018, a year before he assumed office as Group Managing Director.

He said his administration introduced changes that eventually enabled the company to achieve sustained profitability for the first time in its 44-year history.

“Mr Chairman, you may be aware from the financial records that the company recorded a loss of about $803bn in 2018.

“I took over in 2019, and we did everything possible to transform the company into a profitable organisation, which made it, for the first time in its 44 years of existence, record sustained profits.”

In his response, Dankwambo said the committee would scrutinise the figures and documents submitted by the former NNPC chief before determining whether another invitation would be necessary.

“We shall interrogate the figures submitted by the former GMD to know whether to invite him again. For now, he has responded to the two issues relating to his leadership of NNPC during the period under review,” he said.

Kyari’s appearance followed months of controversy surrounding the Senate’s investigation into unresolved audit queries and financial discrepancies in NNPC’s accounts for the 2017–2023 period. The issues reportedly involve more than N210tn.

The Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation had forwarded the queries to the Senate committee for examination.

Before his appearance, the committee had threatened to use its constitutional powers to compel Kyari to honour its invitations after he allegedly failed to attend several previous sessions.

The pressure intensified after Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, moved a motion over the former NNPC chief’s continued absence.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole had also called for Kyari to appear personally before the lawmakers to account for his stewardship, while urging the committee to issue an arrest warrant against him.

The Senate, however, clarified that committees could not independently issue, authorise or execute arrest warrants outside the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and without the express approval of the Senate President.

The upper chamber also distanced itself from Oshiomhole’s description of the NNPC as “a bunch of criminals and thieves”, stressing that the statement did not represent the official position of the Senate.

The committee is expected to review Kyari’s explanations and supporting documents to determine whether they sufficiently resolve the outstanding audit queries.