Nigeria

By Anwar Usman

The Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has endorsed the G-100, a coalition of 100 opposition stalwarts, in its efforts to establish a united opposition front to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Ini Ememobong, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary in a statement on Tuesday said the decision was informed by the “wailings of Nigerians groaning under the repressive Bola Tinubu APC-led Federal Government,” and the need to cooperate with other credible political forces to unseat the incumbent at the federal level.

The National Chairman said “Our participation is anchored on the promise that the process will be hinged on the philosophical underpinnings of transparency, equality, data-driven decisions and egalitarianism. Any result birthed by a process midwifed by these virtues will certainly offer Nigerians a credible leadership capable of alleviating the skyrocketing poverty and rising insecurity in the country.”

Further more, Ememobong added, “This new move aligns with our earlier stated disposition of working with like-minded political parties and organisations desirous of salvaging the country from the many vices orchestrated by the ruling APC.

“Our participation at the first meeting of the G-100 on 31st August, 2026 is a further indication of our preparedness to contribute our quota in the quest for an all-opposition platform that will take power from the incumbent and rebuild Nigeria for the good of all Nigerians.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, to appear before the agency for questioning over an alleged $14.86m fraud case.

The commission declared Sylva wanted in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion involving $14,859,257.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, made the call on Monday while responding to accusations by the former governor that the anti-graft agency had become more of a political arm of the All Progressives Congress than a state institution.

“He has been declared wanted; he should make himself available to the commission,” Oyewale said.

The development came on the same day Sylva announced his resignation from the APC after more than a decade as a member of the ruling party.

In his resignation letter, which was addressed to the APC chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Sylva said he had also sent copies to the national chairman of the party, the EFCC chairman and the APC chairman in Bayelsa State.

Sylva said his decision followed consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and supporters.

He described the APC as a “floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities.”

The former governor also accused the party’s leadership of abandoning the principles that informed its creation.

In the letter dated August 31, 2026, Sylva wrote, “As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the Party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted.

“Moreover, I cannot, in all good conscience, continue to belong to a Party whose leaders believe that ‘all is fair in politics;’ and have consistently demonstrated that belief in practice.

“All cannot be fair in any endeavour of life. The demands of basic decency and morality forbid it. Unfortunately, this mentality appears to underpin virtually every action, and even inaction, of this administration.”

Sylva further criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, claiming that the Federal Government had failed to live up to the expectations of Nigerians.

“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians. And I can see neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of a revamp,” he stated.

He said he had decided to leave the party because he believed Nigerians would seek a political change at the next election.

“I am therefore left with no other choice than to jettison a floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities. I have no doubt that, in the coming election, Nigerians will vote for Nigeria and free the Country from this stranglehold on our beautiful country,” he said.

Sylva also explained why he copied the EFCC in his resignation letter, accusing the commission of acting in a manner that suggested political alignment with the APC.

He wrote, “I am deliberately putting the EFCC in copy of this letter because, of late, it has conducted itself more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of State.

“I am fully aware that this action of mine may invite a redoubled witch-hunt against me and my associates, but that is a risk I am willing to take.”

The EFCC had declared Sylva wanted in November 2025 over the alleged $14.86m transaction.

The former governor has also been linked to an alleged plot against the Tinubu administration. He is listed as a defendant in a 13-count Federal High Court charge that includes allegations of treason, terrorism-related offences, conspiracy and money laundering.

He has denied involvement in the alleged plot.

Reports linked Sylva to an alleged financial contribution of about N785m to the purported operation through Purple Waves Limited, an Abuja-based company. Investigators reportedly traced the money through the company and a bureau de change operator.

The wider investigation allegedly involved more than N5bn, which investigators said was pooled for the operation. Funds paid into Purple Waves were also reportedly linked to contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission and loans secured by the company.

The allegations remain before the courts, and Sylva has not been convicted of the offences.

In July 2026, the Department of State Services arraigned five associates of the former governor over allegations that they concealed his whereabouts after he was declared wanted in connection with the alleged plot. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

Earlier, in May 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim forfeiture order over nine properties linked to Sylva following an application by the EFCC.

Sylva served as governor of Bayelsa State from 2007 to 2012, although his tenure was affected by court decisions. He later served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A sworn declaration filed by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has acknowledged that Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the subject of a criminal investigation linked to drug trafficking in the early 1990s.

The declaration was submitted before the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on August 28, 2026, as part of a legal dispute over records requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

The document was obtained by Von Batten-Montague-York, a Washington-based lobbying firm engaged by former Nigerian Vice-President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The firm published portions of the document on X and said it had received a large volume of records from the FBI, which it was reviewing.

In its sworn declaration to the court, the FBI stated, “The responsive records herein were compiled in furtherance of the FBI’s investigation of multiple individuals for drug trafficking crimes.”

The agency also stated that “the court has already determined that an official acknowledgement had been made of an investigation of Bola Tinubu”.

The declaration was signed by an FBI official who serves as Acting Section Chief of the Record/Information Dissemination Section.

It concerns FOIA requests submitted by American transparency activist Aaron Greenspan, who sought records connected to the investigation.

Among the materials requested were the “entire FBI file for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, DOB 3/29/1952, President-Elect of Nigeria as of February 2023” and “FBI 302 interviews with Bola Tinubu from FBI Case No. 245-IP-71386-UUUUUU during the timeframe 1992-1993”.

Court Had Earlier Rejected FBI’s ‘Glomar’ Response

The latest declaration follows an April 2025 ruling by US District Judge Beryl Howell concerning requests for records held by the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration.

The court ruled that the agencies could no longer use “Glomar” responses to refuse to confirm or deny the existence of records concerning the Tinubu investigation.

Judge Howell held that the agencies had not provided sufficient privacy grounds to keep secret the fact that Tinubu had been the subject of a criminal investigation.

The FBI’s latest filing explains why some of the requested records remain withheld under FOIA Exemptions 6, 7(C), 7(D), 7(E), and 7(F).

The exemptions cover areas such as personal privacy, confidential sources, law-enforcement procedures and information whose release could potentially endanger individuals.

Von Batten-Montague-Mork further stated in a post accompanying the document: “Update: We received a huge amount of records, which we are carefully going through and redacting where we see fit. Posted below are portions of the @FBI’s own sworn declaration submitted to the court on August 28, 2026.”

The firm added: “The FBI states under oath that the court has already determined that a criminal investigation of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu (@officialABAT) was officially acknowledged.

“Let that sink in: This is a sworn declaration submitted by the FBI to a United States federal court stating that Nigerian President Bola #Tinubu was criminally investigated in connection with the trafficking of #heroin.”

The lobbying firm also said: “We are posting this document to counter the claim made yesterday that President #Tinubu was never criminally investigated and is simply following the law to protect his privacy. That claim is false, as shown by the FBI’s sworn declaration below.”

FOIA Case Dates Back To 2022

The dispute arose from FOIA requests submitted by Greenspan between 2022 and 2023.

He requested records from six US federal agencies concerning a Chicago-based heroin trafficking operation that was active in the early 1990s.

The requests identified four individuals, including Tinubu, Lee Andrew Edwards, Mueez Adegboyega Akande and Abiodun Agbele.

The April 2025 ruling by Judge Howell formed part of the legal proceedings over the agencies’ handling of those requests.

The FBI’s latest declaration was submitted as the agency sought to justify continued withholding of portions of the records under federal disclosure exemptions.

The allegations and records concern events from the early 1990s. The court proceedings relate to access to government records under US law.

By Anwar Usman

The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, says more than 40 staff members have been sacked for corruption and financial related matters in the last three years.

The Chairman revealed this on Monday in Abuja at a media interactive session to mark his three-year stewardship at the commission’s headquarters.

Olukoyede also said that other five of the commission’s staff are currently being prosecuted for corrupt practices.

“In the past two and a half to three years of my service, I have asked them to dismiss over 40 staff on account of corruption and financial malpractice. More than five of them are being prosecuted at the moment,” he said.

The EFCC chairman further revealed that, some of the affected staff members are already being prosecuted, while case files involving others are being prepared for prosecution.

“You can follow those cases in court; they are public knowledge.

“If that is what people do in other agencies and I arrest them, I investigate them, I prosecute them, why must I just dismiss you if you do it within our own system and I’m not prosecuting you?” he asked.

Olukoyede said the disciplinary measures were part of efforts to ensure EFCC personnel were held to the same standards of accountability the agency demanded from other Nigerians.

“You must be sure that your hands are clean. You can’t be fighting corruption when your hands are soiled with corrupt practices,” he said.

The EFCC chairman also announced the renaming of the commission’s former Internal Affairs Department to the Department of Ethics and Integrity as part of its drive for “internal cleansing.”

He said the commission had also introduced a gift policy to strengthen transparency and prevent conflicts of interest.

According to him, under the policy, staff will be required to declare gifts above a specified value, including those received from friends and relatives at home and abroad.

“The commission will also define the categories of gifts personnel can accept and require officers to account for their sources of income and standard of living,” he added.

NAN reports that, the commission called for stronger institutional reforms and policy changes to fight corruption, saying law enforcement alone could not win the war.

“The most effective system that fights financial crime is not law enforcement. It is the policy regime, institutional reforms that close leakages,” he said.

He urged the media and civil society to return to their watchdog roles.

‎By Kasim Isa Muhammad


‎The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Yobe State, Barrister Saleh Samanja, has been conferred with the traditional title of Maradi of Fika by the Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa.

‎‎Samanja received the official appointment letter from the Fika Emirate Council at a ceremony held in Potiskum Local Government Area of the state and attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, political associates and well-wishers.

‎‎The traditional title was conferred on Samanja in recognition of his exceptional service to the community, dedication to the advancement of Fika Emirate and his respected standing within society.

‎‎Speaking shortly after receiving the appointment letter, Samanja thanked the Emir of Fika and the Emirate Council for the honour, describing the restoration of the title as a source of immense joy.

‎He said the recognition also came with responsibility, assuring the traditional institution and the people of Fika Emirate of his loyalty and commitment.

‎‎Samanja said, “I feel highly elated, happy with the title restored on me. I want to assure the Emirate and the entire people of Fika that I have wholeheartedly accepted this title given to me.

‎‎“I will do my utmost best to ensure that I live up to His Royal Highness’ expectations as Maradi of Fika.”

‎The APC chieftain pledged not to betray the confidence reposed in him by the Emir, promising to uphold the values and responsibilities associated with the title.

‎He said the honour would further strengthen his commitment to supporting the traditional institution and contributing to the unity, progress and prosperity of the people of Fika Emirate.

‎‎Samanja also expressed surprise at the large turnout of people who gathered to witness the occasion, describing the reception as overwhelming and beyond his imagination.

‎‎“I am flabbergasted. I feel highly elated and beyond words. The level of attendance I witnessed today is something I never imagined,” he said.

‎‎He thanked Almighty Allah and appreciated the people who, despite all odds, came out to celebrate with him, describing their support as a gesture he would never forget.

‎Samanja said the occasion would remain indelible in his memory, adding that the honour had further inspired him to continue working for the unity, progress and prosperity of the people.

‎He said the traditional title would serve as an additional motivation for him to contribute to the development of Fika Emirate and support initiatives that would improve the wellbeing of its people.

‎‎The APC chieftain assured the Emirate of his continued loyalty, saying he would work to justify the confidence reposed in him by the traditional institution.

‎‎Samanja thanked the Emir, members of the Fika Emirate Council, community leaders and the people who attended the ceremony, saying their presence had made the occasion memorable.

‎‎He reiterated his commitment to supporting the traditional institution and contributing to the development and prosperity of the people of Fika Emirate.

‎Speaking on behalf of Samanja, the Marafan Machina, Engr. Mohammed Kati, thanked the Emir of Fika for the honour and confidence reposed in the APC chieftain.

‎‎Kati described the conferment as a significant recognition that also carried responsibility, saying Samanja would continue to uphold the values of loyalty, humility, service and commitment to the development of the emirate.

‎‎He said, “The conferment of this title is a significant recognition that carries responsibility. Barrister Samanja will continue to uphold the values of loyalty, humility, service and commitment to the development of the Emirate and its people.”

‎‎Kati said the honour would further strengthen Samanja’s dedication to supporting the traditional institution and contributing positively to the progress of Fika Emirate.

‎He thanked the Emir for finding Samanja worthy of the title and expressed confidence that the APC chieftain would justify the confidence reposed in him.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested 17 suspects over alleged involvement in theft, shop breaking, cattle rustling, vandalism and other criminal offences across the state.

The command said the arrests were made during separate operations in Malam Madori, Gwaram, Garki, Kiyawa, Taura, Birniwa, Dutse, Ringim, Miga, Kazaure and Roni Local Government Areas.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shiisu Lawan Adam, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday. He said the operations were based on credible intelligence, prompt responses and investigative efforts by the command.

Among the items recovered were five motorcycles, five cows, two goats and one sheep.

The police also recovered nine Android smartphones, a keypad phone, 44 batteries, four SIM cards and a Lenovo laptop.

Other items recovered included a plasma television, a solar battery, a ceiling fan, cutting pliers, a ring spanner, two pairs of shoes and parts of vandalised school desks.

The command further reported the arrest of three suspects over an alleged armed robbery involving a Boxer motorcycle valued at N1.2 million. The motorcycle has yet to be recovered.

Police said efforts were underway to trace the owners of the recovered property and return the items to them on bond. The command also said it was working to recover the stolen motorcycle.

The suspects were identified as Usman Sale, Abubakar Aminu, Musa Sale, Abubakar Bashir, Yau Yahaya, Shaibu Muhammed, Anas Uba, Gali Ibrahim, Shafiu Ilyasu, Haruna Alhaji, Musa Haruna, Basiru Datti, Abdullahi Bello, Usman Adamu, Adamu Sani, Umar Wada and Salisu Nasiru.

According to the command, the suspects had been taken before a court for prosecution. The armed robbery case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse for further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to strengthen intelligence-led policing, surveillance and coordinated operations across Jigawa State.

He also warned criminals and those who assist them to abandon their activities, stressing that the police would ensure that offenders face the full weight of the law.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of the traditional ruler of Igbesi community in Isin Local Government Area of the state.

The monarch, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, the Kabiyesi Onigbesi of Igbesi land, was reportedly taken away by armed bandits who invaded the community in the Oke-Onigbin area at about 11 p.m. on Saturday.

The state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident.

The development was also confirmed by the Coordinator of Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, Comrade Zubair Olaitan.

Olaitan said a joint search and rescue operation had commenced to locate and rescue the monarch.

According to him, soldiers, police officers, local vigilantes, hunters and members of Sunday Igboho’s Iru-Ekun group were part of the operation.

The whereabouts of the traditional ruler remained unknown at the time of the report.

However, the police commissioner clarified that the monarch was the only person abducted during the incident.

The police boss said, “Efforts are in top gear to rescue the victim.

“The narrative of attacks within the past 24 hours is far from the truth; nothing of such,” he added.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates on the rescue operation and the circumstances surrounding the monarch’s abduction.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Benue State Police Command has arrested a 500-level student of Fr Moses Adasu University, formerly known as Benue State University, over an alleged attack on a fellow student with hot water.

The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, August 28, 2026, after a disagreement between the two female students who were living together.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Peter Aondongu, confirmed the incident to journalists on Saturday and said an investigation had commenced to determine what led to the confrontation.

He said, “Yes, it happened yesterday, Friday, August 28, 2026.

“From the information I have, both students were staying in the same room and had an issue. The suspect allegedly boiled water, added salt and pepper, and poured the mixture on the victim and then locked her inside.

“After some time, people became aware of what had happened and were able to intervene and rescue the victim. She was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment, while the suspect was arrested.

“I don’t have much information yet about the genesis of the disagreement or what led to the incident, but I can confirm that the incident happened. I also understand that both of them are students of the Benue State University.”

The victim, identified as Rose, is a 200-level Political Science student of the university, while the suspect was identified as Felicia.

The Students’ Union President, Akighirga Vitalis, who visited Rose at the hospital with members of his executive, said the victim told them that a disagreement with Felicia over personal matters had preceded the alleged attack.

According to Vitalis, the two students had been living together before unresolved personal issues reportedly affected their relationship and eventually resulted in the confrontation.

The Students’ Union president expressed concern over Rose’s condition and condemned the alleged assault, describing it as “a grave and unacceptable assault on the life and well-being of a fellow student.”

He said, “We are deeply concerned about this incident. The Students’ Union will follow this matter closely until justice prevails.”

Vitalis also said the union would work with the relevant authorities and monitor the police investigation as well as any disciplinary proceedings that might follow within the university.

He added that the Students’ Union would back appropriate disciplinary measures under the institution’s regulations if the allegations against Felicia were established through due process. Such measures, he said, could include expulsion where warranted.

“The Students’ Union will not condone violence or any conduct capable of endangering the life of another student,” Vitalis said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 2, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have recovered two AK-47 rifles and other military-related items after a suspected terrorist was killed during a stop-and-search operation in Plateau State.

The incident occurred at Zak village in Wase Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

Counter-terrorism expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the development in a statement shared on X on Saturday.

According to the statement, the incident happened at about 9:50 a.m. when troops carrying out security checks in the area stopped a green-coloured Golf vehicle with registration number DKA-808XM.

A search of the vehicle reportedly revealed a concealed compartment inside the dashboard.

The driver was asked to open the compartment but allegedly refused and escaped into a nearby bush. While some soldiers went after him, others stayed behind to secure the vehicle and continue the search.

The fleeing suspect was later apprehended but reportedly attempted to disarm one of the soldiers. The troops reacted immediately, and the suspect was killed.

A further search of the vehicle led to the discovery of two AK-47 rifles bearing registration numbers 506034 and 4690, alongside one magazine.

The troops also recovered two wooden rifle butts, nine magazine pouches, two camel bags, six jungle hats, one mobile phone and an ATM card.

Zagazola said the discovery had heightened concerns about the movement of arms through the region.

“The recovery of the weapons and military-style accessories from a vehicle fitted with a concealed compartment has raised further security concerns over attempts by criminal and terrorist elements to move arms through the region.

“The operation forms part of sustained stop-and-search activities by troops of Operation Enduring Peace aimed at disrupting the movement of armed groups, illegal weapons and other threats across Plateau State.

“Security forces have continued to intensify patrols and intelligence-led operations across vulnerable communities and major access routes in the state as part of efforts to prevent attacks and protect civilians.

“The latest operation also demonstrates the importance of routine vehicle checks and vigilance by security personnel in identifying concealed weapons and preventing their movement into communities,” Zagazola said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Moody’s Ratings has revised Nigeria’s credit outlook from stable to positive, citing stronger-than-expected economic growth and improved macroeconomic stability, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The credit rating agency affirmed the nation’s long-term issuer rating at B3, which remains six levels below investment grade. However, the positive outlook revision signals that Africa’s largest oil producer is moving closer to a potential credit upgrade.

In a statement released Friday, Moody’s analysts Jorge Valez and Matt Robinson highlighted the country’s strengthening external buffers and greater macroeconomic stability. The agency also noted that rising oil production is expected to boost economic growth in 2026 and 2027.

“If sustained, the economic growth would enhance the country’s capacity to absorb external shocks, strengthen economic resilience and, over time, support a gradual increase in government revenue,” the analysts wrote.

The positive assessment underscores President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to fiscal consolidation and economic reforms, which have been a cornerstone of his administration’s policy agenda since taking office.

The outlook revision comes amid ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to address structural challenges in the economy, including foreign exchange shortages and inflationary pressures. Tinubu’s administration has implemented several bold policy measures, including the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of the exchange rate, aimed at attracting foreign investment and stabilising the economy.

Economic analysts view the Moody’s decision as a vote of confidence in the administration’s reform trajectory, though they caution that sustained implementation will be critical to achieving a full credit rating upgrade.

Finance Ministry officials welcomed the development, describing it as recognition of the government’s prudent economic management and reform agenda.

The improved outlook is expected to boost investor sentiment and potentially lower borrowing costs for the West African nation, which has faced significant economic headwinds in recent years.

Moody’s noted that continued policy discipline and sustained economic growth would be key factors in determining Nigeria’s future credit rating trajectory.