National

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over a N33.8 billion fraud case.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 12-count charge against the former minister over allegations of money laundering and conspiracy linked to funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

Justice James Omotosho found Mamman guilty on all the charges brought against him by the anti-graft agency.

The court sentenced him to seven years imprisonment on 10 counts. He also received three years imprisonment on one count and two years on another.

Justice Omotosho ruled that the prison terms would run consecutively. The judge also stated that the convict would not have the option of a fine except on count four, where he could pay N10 million.

The court further ordered the forfeiture of foreign currencies recovered from the former minister as well as four properties in Abuja linked to him.

The EFCC had arraigned Mamman in July 2024 on allegations that he conspired with some ministry officials and private firms to “indirectly convert” N33.8 billion meant for the execution of the power projects.

The former minister pleaded not guilty to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.

During the trial, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits before the court.

On May 7, the court convicted Mamman in absentia after Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Following the conviction, the court issued a warrant for his arrest.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, Mohammed Ahmed, counsel to the convict, informed the court that he did not know Mamman’s whereabouts. He added that attempts to reach him through his telephone lines were unsuccessful.

After delivering the judgment, Justice Omotosho directed security agencies to work with Interpol to ensure the arrest of the former minister.

The court also ruled that the prison sentence would begin from the day of his arrest.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially declared the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted.

The anti-graft agency issued the declaration on Friday following Farouq’s repeated failure to appear for a scheduled arraignment. She is facing 21 counts of alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and the diversion of public funds totalling billions of naira.

Central to the investigation is the alleged laundering of over N37 billion through a contractor, James Okwete, during her tenure under the Buhari administration. While Farouq had previously honoured some invitations for questioning, the EFCC moved for her arrest after she reportedly stopped complying with summons and became unreachable.

In April, a Federal Capital Territory High Court issued bench warrants for both Farouq and the ministry’s former Permanent Secretary, Bashir Nura Alkali, after they failed to appear in court.

The EFCC has urged anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to contact the nearest police station or commission office, as the manhunt for the former cabinet member intensifies.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Federal Government of Nigeria has barred recipients of honorary degrees from using the “Dr.” prefix in official and professional settings, warning that violations could amount to academic fraud.

Announcing the decision after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council, Education Minister Tunji Alausa said the move is aimed at curbing the abuse and politicisation of academic titles.

Mr Alausa further clarified that only holders of earned doctorates or qualified medical professionals may use the title, while honorary awardees must instead adopt post-nominal forms such as D.Sc. (Honoris Causa).

The National Universities Commission has also introduced stricter rules, limiting institutions to three honorary awards per convocation, requiring prior approval, and banning awards to serving public officials.

The reforms follow an investigation that uncovered 32 illegal “degree mills” selling fake titles, as authorities seek to restore credibility to Nigeria’s academic system.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Federal Executive Council has approved contracts totaling $2.99 billion for the construction of three major rail projects across Nigeria.

Announced by Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele, these projects aim to boost economic development and improve the quality of life for daily commuters.

The approved infrastructure specifically covers Phase 1A of the Lagos Green Line rail project, the Kano Metro rail project, and the Kaduna light rail system. The target cities were selected by the council due to their strategic importance as major national economic hubs.

The projects will be funded through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated on behalf of the federal government, with active support from standard counterpart funding arrangements.

Government authorities maintain that these major corridors will unlock job opportunities, alleviate heavy traffic gridlocks, and attract stronger local and foreign investments to the regions.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Thursday set aside an order of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum in the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, held that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal acted without jurisdiction when it issued the order after already dismissing the case filed by a rival faction.

The decision effectively restores the recognition of the party’s executive committee led by former Senate President David Mark.

Prior to the ruling, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had removed David Mark and his executive team from its portal in compliance with the lower court’s status quo order.

The Supreme Court directed all warring factions to return to the Federal High Court to continue and fully determine the substantive suit regarding the party’s leadership.

The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership crisis following a restructuring that brought David Mark in as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, a move fiercely contested by a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has approved N2 billion as relief support for victims of the March 29 attack in Angwa Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, amid criticism that victims of attacks in states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina have not received similar attention.

The attack in Jos left at least 28 people dead after gunmen opened fire at a popular bar.

The presidency made the announcement on Wednesday through Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy. He said Mohammed Dorro, minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, disclosed the intervention during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.

Onanuga explained that the meeting involved a 32-member delegation from Plateau State. Discussions focused on finding a lasting solution to recurring violence in the state. He added that the engagement fulfilled Tinubu’s promise to meet stakeholders after the Angwa Rukuba incident.

However, some observers have expressed concern that similar large-scale attacks in parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and other states have not attracted the same level of federal response, a situation they say raises questions about equity in addressing security crises.

Speaking at the meeting, Tinubu called on leaders to work together to restore peace. He said Plateau had long been known for peaceful coexistence. He urged participants to return to their communities and promote reconciliation with “open minds”.

“No protocols, no hinderances, we are here to speak our minds and find a permanent solution to a recurring conflict and chaos,” the president said.

Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, welcomed the federal government’s intervention. He described the meeting as significant. He noted that it was the first time all living former governors of the state gathered to deliberate on peace.

Mutfwang assured the president that stakeholders would implement agreed resolutions and sustain efforts toward stability. He also pledged commitment to unity. He said the state plans to “turn conflict into profit” by addressing poverty and exclusion.

“Our coming here today shows that there is a renewed spirit on the Plateau… we are determined to close all divides of religion and ethnicity,” the governor said.

Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the traditional ruler of the Berom community, called for stronger security measures. He requested increased military presence and the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems across Plateau. He also urged accelerated consideration of state police.

He further appealed for federal support to enable internally displaced persons (IDPs) to return to their ancestral homes before the rainy season.

The delegation included former governors Simon Lalong, Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Fidelis Tapgun. Others present were Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), traditional rulers, retired security chiefs, religious leaders, and youth representatives.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, Most Rev. Dr Matthew Kukah, has called on Nigerians to stop describing him as a Hausa man.

Kukah clarified that although he is often labelled that way, his identity does not align with such a description. He made the statement during the 16th convocation ceremony of the university, held at its auditorium on Saturday.

He urged graduating students to maintain good character in their dealings with their parents, the university community, Anambra State, the South-East, and Nigeria at large.

He also commended the Anambra State Government for its investment in education, noting that the state continues to perform strongly in the sector when compared with other parts of the country.

Kukah said:

“I am a typical Nigerian from Anchuna, Ikulu Chiefdom in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, but not a Hausa man by origin. Nigerians should stop addressing me as a Hausa person.

“As the new Chancellor of this institution, we will not only strive to achieve the university’s goals, but surpass them.”

He expressed appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his appointment as Chancellor of the institution. The governor formally installed him during the ceremony.

Governor Soludo, in his remarks, expressed satisfaction while decorating Kukah as Chancellor. He said he believed the cleric’s experience and moral standing would strengthen the university.

Soludo said:

“It was a great honour to be present at the 16th Convocation Ceremony of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University as a visitor to this great institution.

“The ceremony was a celebration of excellence, hard work, and the power of quality education. It was also a reminder of the critical role universities play in training skilled manpower, shaping character, advancing knowledge, and preparing young people to contribute meaningfully to society.

“I was particularly delighted to decorate the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, as the new Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

“I am confident that his wisdom, experience, and moral leadership will further strengthen the vision and standing of the university.

“In recognition of exceptional academic achievement, I announced a ₦4 million cash gift to Somtochukwu Augustus Ume of the Economics Department, who emerged as the overall best graduating student at COOU’s 16th Convocation with an outstanding CGPA of 4.85 out of 5.0.

“I also offered scholarships to 37 first-class graduates of the university’s 16th Convocation to support their postgraduate studies up to the highest level at any public university of their choice.”

He further charged the institution to focus on producing solution-driven graduates rather than mere certificate holders.

“Our institutions of higher learning must go beyond awarding certificates; they must raise innovative, solution-driven, and globally competitive graduates who can respond to the challenges of our time.

“To the graduands, I urged them to seize the moment and emerge as beacons of hope, disruptive thinkers, and agents of change in society. The future belongs to those who are prepared to lead with courage, creativity, and purpose,” he added.

By Anwar Usman 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned content creators to stop using its name and logo in their content and other media productions without approval, noting that such portrayals misrepresent its operations and that violators will be prosecuted.

This was contained in a video message shared on Saturday via its Facebook page, the commission said, “It has come to the attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that some individuals and content creators are using the name, logo and likeness of EFCC in skits and other media content.

“Many of these skits misrepresent our values and standard operating procedures. We wish to inform the general public that the EFCC has not authorised any such use.”

The message added, “The EFCC does not endorse, sponsor or approve any comedy, drama or online content that uses our identity without written consent.”

EFCC further urged the public to comply immediately, stating, “Therefore, the public is hereby advised to cease and desist from using our name, logo, uniforms or any identifying elements in skits or promotional content without prior written approval. Be warned, all who violate these instructions shall be prosecuted.”

The warning comes amid earlier concerns by the commission over rising cases of impersonation and fake sting operations by individuals posing as its officers.

The EFCC had said intelligence available to it indicated that fraudsters were deploying “ingenious but fraudulent means” to tarnish its image, including tactics involving gangs operating around popular eateries and fun spots in major cities, where unsuspecting youths are targeted.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Hundreds of residents streamed back to their village on Wednesday, ending two months of displacement after a major military operation flushed out armed terrorists from forest strongholds across three states.

The homecoming turned into a celebration, with men, women, and children singing and dancing as they reclaimed their ancestral homes. Many immediately began clearing overgrown bushes and inspecting their houses for damage.

Mansur had been a ghost town since February 26, 2026, when terrorists overran the community, forcing families to abandon their farms and homes. For nearly two months, the village lay empty.

The return was made possible by Operation BUGUN KARKANDA III, a clearance mission ordered by Army Headquarters and executed by the 33 Artillery Brigade. That operation followed an earlier phase, Operation WUTAN DAJI, designed to root out terrorists from their hideouts.

According to military statements, troops successfully cleared the dreaded Dajin Madam Forest in Plateau State and Kumbodoro Forest in Taraba State. Other cleared areas included the Yankari Game Reserve, Bogwas, and Rimi in Bauchi State, as well as Odere Forest, Shirnagol, Wanka, and Kukarlwa in Plateau State. In Taraba, Kumbodoro town and Angwan Jauro Sule were also secured.

With the clearance phase complete, the military moved to consolidate gains, handing over liberated towns to security agencies and government departments to maintain order and facilitate the return of displaced communities.

Local leaders praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for swift action, adding that the residents’ return marks a fresh start. For many villagers, the sight of soldiers on patrol now brings reassurance rather than fear.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

A Professor of Plant Pathology and Mycology at the Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK), Prof. Kasimu Shehu, has warned that fungal diseases are exacerbating hunger and posing serious health risks in Nigeria.

Shehu made the assertion on Wednesday while delivering the university’s 4th Inaugural Lecture in Birnin Kebbi.

The lecture, entitled “Invisible Enemies, Visible Losses: A Lifetime of Confronting Fungal Threats to Nigerian Agriculture and Public Health,” examined the growing impact of fungal infections on food production and public health.

The don said fungal diseases were responsible for significant losses in major crops, thereby worsening food insecurity across the country.

“Losses of up to 30 per cent of marketable produce occur due to fungal infections during pre- and post-harvest stages,” he said.

He identified maize, rice, groundnut, onion and vegetables as highly vulnerable crops, noting that poor storage and handling practices further increased contamination.

According to him, beyond reducing food availability, fungi also produce toxic substances known as mycotoxins, which pose serious threats to human health.

“ Chronic exposure to aflatoxins has been implicated in growth retardation, immunosuppression and increased disease susceptibility, particularly among children,” Shehu said.

He added that fungal contamination contributed to food insecurity by reducing both the quantity and quality of available food.

“ Contaminated crops may either be discarded or consumed despite health risks, thereby exacerbating malnutrition and poverty, especially in rural communities,” he said.

The professor identified high moisture levels, poor drainage and inadequate storage systems as major factors driving the spread of fungal diseases.

“ Elevated humidity levels in storage environments, as well as co-storage of infected and healthy produce, facilitate cross-contamination,” he said.

Shehu also warned that environmental and climate changes were accelerating the emergence and spread of fungal diseases.

He called for improved post-harvest handling, adoption of resistant crop varieties and increased investment in research and food safety systems.

“These constraints underscore the need for coordinated, multidisciplinary approaches to food safety mechanisms that integrate scientific research, policy development and stakeholder engagement,” he said.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of FUBK, Prof. Muhammad Zaiyan-Umar, who chaired the lecture, commended the lecturer for his contributions to research and national development.

The event attracted academics, including the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Gusau, Prof. Mu’azu Abubakar-Gusau, as well as students and stakeholders from the biosafety, agriculture and health sectors.

The inaugural lecture forms part of the university’s efforts to promote research aimed at addressing critical national challenges.