News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has confirmed the receipt of a petition filed by the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed.

In a media release issued on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, by the Commission’s spokesperson, John Okor Odey, the anti-graft agency disclosed that the petition was formally submitted through Dangote’s legal representative.

The Commission stated, “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to confirm that it received a formal petition today Tuesday 16th December, 2025 from Alhaji Aliko Dangote through his lawyer. The petition is against the CEO of the NMDPRA, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed.”

The ICPC assured the public that the allegations contained in the petition would be subjected to due process.

According to the statement, “The ICPC wishes to state that the petition will be duly investigated.”

The confirmation follows recent public attention generated by allegations made by Dangote against the leadership of the NMDPRA, which have sparked debates and reactions across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has filed a petition against the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Ahmed Farouk, before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The petition, dated December 16 and submitted through Dangote’s lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, urged the ICPC to arrest, investigate and prosecute the NMDPRA chief over allegations of corruption and living far above his lawful income as a public officer.

The document, which was received by the office of the ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, SAN, alleged that Farouk spent more than seven million dollars on the education of his four children in Switzerland. The petition claimed that the fees were allegedly paid upfront for a six-month period without any legitimate source of income to justify such spending.

“That Engr Farouk Ahmed has grossly abused his office contrary to the extant provisions of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and, in doing enmeshed himself in monumental corruption and unlawful spending of Public funds running into millions of dollars.

“That Engr Farouk Ahmed spent without evidence of lawful means of income humongous amount of money of over 7million dollars of Public funds, for the education of his four children in different schools in Switzerland for a period of six years upfront,” the petition read.

Dangote listed the names of the four children, the Swiss schools they attend and the amounts allegedly paid on their behalf, stating that the details would enable the ICPC to verify the claims.

He further accused Farouk of using the NMDPRA as a tool to divert and embezzle public funds for personal benefit and private interests. Dangote said such actions had triggered public outrage and led to recent protests by different groups.

According to the businessman, Farouk has spent his entire adult working life in public service and could not, based on his legitimate earnings, have amassed funds close to the alleged seven million dollars used to sponsor his children’s education abroad.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.), has died at a hospital in Saudi Arabia.

“Ex-CJN Tanko Muhammad is dead. He passed away this morning at a Saudi Arabian Hospital,” a source said.

His death was later confirmed in a condolence message released by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, dated December 16, 2025.

The statement, titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria,” described the former CJN’s death as a significant loss to Nigeria.

“Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return,” the statement read.

“The Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, receives with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria. His demise is a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large.”

According to NAMLAS, Justice Muhammad earned respect during his time on the Bench and was known as “a towering figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice.”

The association stated that throughout his judicial career, the former CJN “exemplified the highest ideals of the Bench—fairness, courage, and fidelity to the rule of law.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A serious allegation has been made against Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

He is accused of spending over $5 million on the foreign secondary and tertiary education of his four children in Switzerland.

According to the allegation, the estimated cost for each child’s secondary education—covering annual tuition, air tickets, and upkeep—is $200,000. Over six years, this amounts to $1,200,000 per child.

For all four children, the total secondary education expense is estimated at $4,800,000.

Furthermore, an additional $210,000 was reportedly spent in 2025 for the MBA education of one of his children, Faisal. This brings the approximate total for tuition and upkeep across all children to around $5,000,000.

The statement, signed by Alliko Dangote, emphasizes that “facts don’t lie” and raises critical questions about the source of these funds.

It contrasts the enormous expenditure with the plight of many parents in Engr. Ahmed’s home state of Sokoto, who are said to struggle to afford school fees as low as ₦10,000 for their own children and wards.

The core demand of the allegation is transparency: “Nigerians deserve to know the source(s) of these sums of money paid by a public officer.”

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A political controversy erupted on Tuesday after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was seen pulling down a woman doctor’s hijab during a public event, triggering sharp reactions from opposition parties and civil society groups.

The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, occurred at an official function where the chief minister was interacting with health workers. In the footage, Kumar appears to reach out and adjust the doctor’s headscarf, an action many have described as inappropriate and disrespectful.

Opposition leaders condemned the act, questioning the chief minister’s judgment and mental state, and demanding a public apology. “This is not only an insult to a professional woman but also an affront to personal dignity and religious freedom,” a senior opposition spokesperson said.

The ruling Janata Dal (United) has sought to downplay the incident, with party members suggesting there was no malicious intent. However, the controversy has continued to spark debate nationwide about consent, gender sensitivity, and respect for religious symbols in public life.

As of press time, the chief minister had not issued a formal statement addressing the incident.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s resolve to prioritise the welfare, professionalism, and operational efficiency of the Nigerian Army.

The President made this known at the opening of the 2025 Chief of Army Annual Conference held in Lagos on Monday. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu assured the Armed Forces of sustained support to enable them carry out their constitutional responsibilities. The assurance was contained in a statement released by the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.

While paying tribute to both serving and retired military officers, the President acknowledged their enduring contributions to the institution.

“Their sacrifices, leadership, and institutional memory shape the Army. I commend the courage and patriotism of those placing national duty above personal comfort—their defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity is etched in our history,” he said.

The President noted that the annual conference provides an opportunity for strategic assessment in the face of changing security threats. He added that the presence of former Service Chiefs and elder statesmen reflected the rich heritage of the Armed Forces.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, described the conference as essential for assessing military operations and the Army’s preparedness in line with national objectives.

He stressed the importance of joint operations, stronger inter-agency cooperation, and a whole-of-society approach, urging that discussions at the conference translate into tangible results on the battlefield.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for demonstrating strong political will in areas of troop welfare, equipment provision, training, and institutional reforms. He also commended the National Assembly for its continued support.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said security remains the bedrock of development. He praised the Nigerian Army for its contributions to national stability and pledged the support of the state government.

The event drew senior government officials, Service Chiefs, former military leaders, heads of security agencies, diplomats, and other dignitaries.

According to the organisers, the conference will deliberate on key operational, administrative, and strategic matters. The programme will also feature the unveiling of a biography of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting at Gwarimpa, Abuja, has ordered that former Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre until December 18.

Justice Maryam Aliyu Hassan gave the order on Monday, directing that Ngige be kept in prison pending the determination of his bail application.

The court took arguments from both parties on the bail request before issuing the remand order. Justice Hassan fixed December 18 as the date to deliver a ruling on the application.

Counsel to the former minister, Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, urged the court to grant bail, citing health concerns. He assured the court that Ngige would not evade trial or interfere with witnesses if released.

In response, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, opposed the request. The anti-graft agency was represented by Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, who described Ngige as a flight risk.

Tahir informed the court that the EFCC had earlier granted Ngige administrative bail and allowed him to travel abroad for medical treatment. He said the former minister failed to report back to the Commission after the trip.

He also stated that the international passport released to Ngige to facilitate the travel had not been returned. According to him, it was only after Ngige was re-arrested that he claimed the passport was lost.

The senior lawyer argued that the claim of a missing passport was an afterthought and urged the court not to accept it.

Ngige was last Friday arraigned on an eight-count charge related to alleged corrupt practices.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service and the American Business Council have agreed to expand structured engagement to improve trade facilitation and boost investor confidence.

This understanding followed a courtesy visit by a delegation of the American Business Council to the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, where they were received on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

While welcoming the visitors, Adeniyi said the Service has taken deliberate steps in recent years to entrench transparency, stakeholder consultation and consistent interaction with private sector operators.

He stressed the importance of collaboration between Customs and business communities that operate through Nigeria’s ports and borders.

“No modern Customs administration can thrive without meaningful dialogue with the people who drive business across our ports and borders,” he said.

The Comptroller-General explained that Customs reforms now focus on creating predictability for traders. He pointed to the rollout of the One-Stop-Shop initiative in major commands, which he said has simplified procedures and reduced delays linked to cargo examination and documentation.

Addressing concerns raised by member companies of the Council, Adeniyi assured the delegation that the Service would continue to tackle operational challenges within its statutory powers. He noted that trade facilitation involves several government agencies and said continuous engagement remains vital for resolving issues promptly.

Earlier in her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, said the visit was intended to strengthen the relationship between the Council and the Nigeria Customs Service.

She commended Customs for what she described as “clear improvements in port processes, communication channels and the ease of resolving trade-related enquiries.”

Olele said several American firms operating in Nigeria have observed clearer Customs procedures over the past year. According to her, “Predictability and transparency are essential for businesses. We are encouraged by the modernisation steps taken under the legal framework of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to address remaining concerns.”

She also thanked the Comptroller-General for personally hosting the delegation, describing his engagement as a strong signal of Customs’ commitment to collaboration. Olele added that closer cooperation between Customs and the private sector would help to further improve Nigeria’s investment environment.

At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to institute quarterly engagement sessions. The sessions will review progress, address emerging concerns and sustain open communication for American companies operating in Nigeria.

Representatives of ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cisco, Mantrac and the United States Embassy, among others, attended the meeting.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

WWE icon John Cena has officially retired from professional wrestling, closing a 24-year career after his final appearance at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night.

Cena made his last stand at Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he faced Gunther in a highly anticipated farewell contest.

The 48-year-old legend suffered defeat after Gunther forced him to submit to a sleeper hold in a match that lasted just under 25 minutes, bringing an end to one of the most accomplished careers in WWE history.

Inside the arena, fans watched in shock as Gunther maintained pressure in the decisive moments. Loud chants echoed through the building as supporters urged Cena to continue fighting. When he finally tapped out, emotions spilled over, with several fans seen in tears.

The conclusion surprised many. Throughout his career, Cena had built a reputation for resilience and was rarely known to submit. On this occasion, he was forced to give in for the first time, succumbing to Gunther’s sleeper hold.

After the final bell, members of the WWE locker room came out to pay tribute. Cena then placed his wristbands and boots in the ring, a traditional signal of retirement, before walking up the ramp. He paused, turned back, and offered one last salute to the crowd and cameras.

Cena leaves the ring as a 17-time world champion, holding the record for the most recognised title reigns in WWE. He also headlined WrestleMania six times and earned widespread recognition as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.

His famous “You Can’t See Me” catchphrase became one of the most identifiable slogans in sports entertainment.

His WWE journey began in 2002 with a loss to Kurt Angle. Early struggles followed before a breakthrough arrived with the “Doctor of Thuganomics” persona, which featured freestyle rap promos and quickly won over fans.

Beyond wrestling, Cena built a successful acting career, becoming one of the few WWE stars to achieve lasting success in Hollywood.

Cena first announced his retirement plans at the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event on July 6, 2024, where he revealed that he would step away from in-ring competition at the end of 2025.

His farewell run started at the Royal Rumble in January, where Jey Uso eliminated him. He later shocked fans at Elimination Chamber on March 1 by adopting a villain role for the first time since 2003.At WrestleMania in April, Cena captured his record-breaking 17th world title by defeating Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

He later dropped both the title and the villain persona back to Rhodes at SummerSlam in August. WWE then organised a tournament to select Cena’s final opponent, with Gunther emerging victorious.

Speaking after the event, current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes reflected on Cena’s influence, visibly emotional as he spoke.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Mahmud Abubakar Gumi, has publicly endorsed the appointment of former Zamfara State governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence, arguing that his approach to insecurity prioritises dialogue and community engagement over purely military solutions.

In a post shared on his Facebook page, Gumi said security experts have long maintained that communal conflicts cannot be resolved through force alone, noting that military action accounts for “only about 25 per cent” of effective conflict resolution. He described Matawalle as one of the few political leaders who recognised this reality during his tenure as Zamfara governor.

According to Gumi, Matawalle’s outreach to aggrieved groups significantly reduced banditry in the state at the time, reopening major roads and markets that had been shut for years due to insecurity. He cited personal travel experiences along routes such as Gusau–Anka–Gummi and Wurno–Isa–Shinkafi–Gusau, which he said had become safe during that period.

“Cattle markets were opened, and life was returning to normal,” Gumi wrote, adding that the gains were later reversed following what he described as “military non-cooperation,” which led to renewed hostilities.

The cleric argued that Matawalle’s current role at the Ministry of Defence places “round pegs into round holes,” urging Nigerians to set aside “petty local politics” in support of what he called a new federal government paradigm shift in addressing insecurity. He concluded by praying for unity, peace, and progress for the country.

Gumi’s intervention has once again sparked debate, given his controversial role in public discussions on banditry and insecurity in northern Nigeria. While some supporters credit him with advocating dialogue as a pathway to peace, critics have accused him of being sympathetic to armed bandits—allegations he has repeatedly denied.

Security analysts remain divided on the effectiveness of non-kinetic strategies, with many arguing that dialogue must be carefully balanced with law enforcement and accountability. The federal government has yet to officially respond to Gumi’s remarks, but officials have consistently maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges require a mix of military action, intelligence-led policing, and community-based initiatives.

As the administration continues to recalibrate its security strategy, Gumi’s comments contribute to the ongoing national conversation on how best to end violence and restore stability across conflict-affected regions.