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Court remands Blessing CEO over ₦36m ‘fraud’

Esther Tomo
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Court remands Blessing CEO over ₦36m ‘fraud’

A FEDERAL High Court in Lagos State has remanded self-styled relationship coach, Blessing CEO, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly defrauding a litigant N36 million.

Blessing was arraigned before a judge in the court, D.I. Dipeolu on Friday, May 15.

The accused, whose real name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, is facing a two-count charge relating to obtaining money by false pretence and alleged theft.

Court documents presented by the EFCC claim that between July 14 and 17, 2024, she received N36 million from a woman, Ifeyinwa Okoye. The money was reportedly paid for the lease of a six-bedroom detached house located at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, off Kuboye Road in the Lekki area of Lagos. She is also accused of converting the funds for personal use.

During the hearing, her lawyer, P.I. Nwafor, told the court that part of the money had already been returned. According to him, there were ongoing efforts to settle the remaining balance with the complainant.

“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million.

“We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance. The nominal complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail on the EFCC to drop the case.”

The prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, opposed any move to delay the arraignment, stressing that the matter was a criminal case involving the Federal Government and not just a private agreement between individuals.

“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment. We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” he said.

In his ruling, Dipeolu noted that any discussions between both parties could continue outside the courtroom but would not stop the case from proceeding.

“The defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge. It does not affect the proceedings before the court. The defendant will take her plea,” the judge ruled.

Blessing pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following her plea, the prosecution requested that she be remanded in a correctional facility while awaiting trial. Her lawyer, however, informed the court that they had just been served the charges and needed time to file a bail application.

He further asked that she remain in EFCC custody until her bail conditions were completed, a request the court approved. The judge subsequently ordered her remand in EFCC custody.

The case has been adjourned to June 5, 2026, for the hearing to commence.

GIJN invites applications for AI training in data-driven investigations

Blessing OTOIBHI
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GIJN invites applications for AI training in data-driven investigations

THE Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) is seeking applications for its training on the Introduction to AI for Data-Driven Investigations for journalists.

This workshop offers a practical introduction to using AI for investigative journalism, focusing on real-world reporting applications.

It covers workflows for extracting structure from text, cleaning data, identifying patterns, and checking findings with greater speed and depth, with demonstrations drawn from reporting on audit reports, public budgets, climate spending, and ad library data.

It also shows how investigative journalists can use AI tools to explore complex information and develop story ideas.

Date for the programme is May 21, 2026, and time is 9:30 am EDT

Interested applicants can register here for the training on Zoom.

Energy Commission announces DG’s return after EFCC arrest

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Energy Commission announces DG’s return after EFCC arrest

THE Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has announced the return of its Director General, Mustapha Abdullahi, to office following his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged money laundering offences.

The commission announced this on its official X handle on Thursday, describing Abdullahi as its “capacity DG.”

“Our Capacity DG is back!” the commission caption the post accompanied by a video showing Abdullahi walking into the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The commission also explained that the director-general had officially resumed duties at the agency’s headquarters and expressed gratitude to God and President Bola Tinubu.

“The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the (ECN), Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, has officially resumed duty at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. He expresses gratitude to God almighty,  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” it added.

The ICIR reported that EFCC operatives arrested Mustapha on Wednesday in Abuja over alleged money laundering offences involving more than N500 billion.

ECN debunked the arrest in a statement, stating that Mustapha only honoured an invitation to the EFCC, in line with due process and his respect for constituted authorities. 

“It is important to clarify that he was not arrested but attended the engagement voluntarily as a responsible public servant committed to transparency and accountability,” it read.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Abdullahi as DG and chief executive officer of the commission on October 24, 2023, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s energy transition and renewable energy drive.

Abdullahi is a mechanical engineer and energy expert. He hails from Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, although he was born in Kano State in January 1985. Before his appointment as the commission’s DG, he served as senior technical adviser and chief of staff to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.

Before his appointment, Abdullahi had worked for more than 10 years at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

In December 2025, the Network Against Corruption and Drug Trafficking (NACAT) petitioned Tinubu, the EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged corruption within the commission.

The group accused Abdullahi of involvement in what it described as a coordinated scheme involving the award and payment of solar streetlight contracts worth hundreds of millions of naira to five companies allegedly linked to the same individuals.

NACAT alleged that the companies were registered within the same period, shared similar addresses in Abuja, and had common directors.

The organisation also alleged that procurement laws were violated in the award of the contracts.

Rufai Oseni amplifies misleading claim about Pantami crying over APC ticket

Zainab ABDULRASAQ
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Rufai Oseni amplifies misleading claim about Pantami crying over APC ticket

Arise News anchor, Oseni Rufai, on Tuesday, May 12, posted a video on X showing former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, shedding tears.

He claimed the video showed Pantami’s reaction after he was denied the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Gombe State.

The video, first published by a news blog, @daily_newspaper_headlines, on Instagram, was shared by Rufai without verification.

As of 14:44pm (GMT) of that day, his post had garnered over 10,000 views, 100 likes, and 42 reposts, with many commenters believing the claim to be true.

READ: Oseni Rufai shares false claim about underdosed paracetamol tablets in Nigeria

CLAIM

Isa Ali Pantami was crying because he was denied governorship ticket by the APC.

Screenshot of the viral post on x

FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING.

The post gained traction amid Pantami’s governorship ambition on the ruling APC platform in Gombe State.

In recent public appearances, he has projected himself as a strong contender, citing his federal experience and technical background as qualifications to lead the state.

However, despite his clear interest in the race, he was recently denied the party’s ticket following the APC’s adoption of Jamilu Gwamna as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The FactCheckHub subjected keyframes in the video shared by Rufai to Google Reverse Image Search, and the result shows that the video is not recent and has no connection with the party’s decision to deny him the ticket.

The original footage was posted by Pantami on his official TikTok account on April 18, 2024. The video captures the former minister delivering a religious lecture during a Ramadan sermon at the Al-Noor Mosque in Abuja.

His emotional state was a response to the message regarding the virtues of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the mercy of Allah.

Despite the clear religious context of the original footage, the video was stripped of its background by the platform to fit a political narrative and reposted by Rufai without verification.

READ ALSO: News anchor makes false claim about commissioning status of Kugbo Bus Terminal

VERDICT

The claim that the video shows Pantami shedding tears after being denied the APC governorship ticket is MISLEADING. The footage predates the current political development and shows Pantami becoming emotional during a religious sermon in 2024, not reacting to the APC’s governorship ticket decision.

Makinde declares 2027 presidential bid under APM amid PDP crisis

Mustapha USMAN
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Makinde declares 2027 presidential bid under APM amid PDP crisis

OYO State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement amid growing coalition talks among opposition parties.

Makinde made the declaration on Thursday, May  14, during a rally at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, where leaders of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party and the APM formalised a political alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing supporters at the event, the governor formally unveiled his bid for Nigeria’s top office.

“I, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, Excellency, announce my candidacy for the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the governor said at the event.

The announcement followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the APM and the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the PDP.

The agreement was signed in Ibadan by representatives of both parties, including Seyi Bamidele for the PDP faction and Oladele Oyadeji for the APM. Makinde and APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, also signed the pact on behalf of their respective political camps.

Speaking earlier on the alliance, the spokesperson for the Turaki-led PDP faction, Ini Ememobong, reportedly said the partnership emerged from opposition meetings held during the All Opposition Political Party Leaders summit in Ibadan in April.

The ICIR reported that on Saturday, April 25, leaders of major opposition political parties in Nigeria resolved to work towards presenting a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general election as part of efforts to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The resolution was announced at the end of the National Summit of Opposition Political Party Leaders held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where key opposition figures gathered to discuss coalition-building and preparations ahead of the next general election.

Among those present were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Rauf Aregbesola, among others.

Speaking at the summit, Makinde warned against one-party dominance, invoking the memory of the violent political crisis known as “Operation Wetie,” which rocked the old Western Region in the 1960s.

Since then, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has conducted its primary elections, while some political actors, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, have moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to pursue their presidential ambitions.

The ICIR reports that the latest development came against the backdrop of a prolonged leadership crisis within the PDP, which has deepened since the fallout from the party’s 2023 presidential primary.

The internal dispute began after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the PDP presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 election, defeating former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, and other aspirants. The outcome triggered divisions within the party over zoning arrangements and leadership control.

The disagreement later evolved into a wider power struggle between camps loyal to Wike and those aligned with governors including Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.

By late 2025, the crisis worsened after rival conventions and parallel National Executive Committee meetings produced opposing leadership structures within the party. A faction backed by Wike installed a caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and recognised Samuel Anyanwu as its national secretary, while another bloc elected Kabiru Turaki as national chairman during a separate convention in Ibadan.

The conflict subsequently led to suspensions, expulsions and court battles between both camps.

Recently the Supreme Court nullified the Ibadan convention organised by Makinde-backed faction of the PDP in November 2025. The court had lampooned the faction for disobeying subsisting court orders.

The convention produced a National Working Committee led by Turaki. The court also struck out the majority judgment of the Court of Appeal, which in December had upheld the removal of Anyanwu as the PDP’s national secretary.

Following the judgment, both Makinde and Wike-aligned blocs have continued to assert control over the PDP, with each side interpreting the ruling in its favour.

While the Makinde faction has insisted on restructuring the party through its organs, the camp loyal to the minister maintained that the Supreme Court decision validated its control and structures.

Alleged cybercrime: court strikes out Justice Chidiebere’s bail application

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Alleged cybercrime: court strikes out Justice Chidiebere’s bail application

The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out the bail application filed by detained podcaster Justice Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack.

Chidiebere is facing charges bothering on allegations of inciting soldiers to create discontent within the Nigerian Army.

A judge , Joyce Abdulmalik, made the decision following a disagreement among the defendant’s lawyers over legal representation during Thursday’s proceedings.

He consequently adjourned the case to May 18 for hearing of a fresh bail application.

The decision followed an application from a former counsel to Chidiebere, Marshall Abubakar, to withdraw the bail application earlier filed on behalf of the defendant.

The ICIR reported that Chidiebere was arraigned by the State State Services (SSS) last week in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/253/2026, as the SSS accused him of alleged cybercrime offences linked to a viral video concerning the Nigerian Army.

Chidiebere was accused of circulating false information and publishing materials capable of causing public unrest, and was reportedly arrested by the Nigerian Army before being handed over for prosecution.

The video was said to have been accompanied by statements posted on his X handle, alleging inadequate feeding of Nigerian soldiers.

The court had, on May 4, scheduled May 14 for the hearing of his bail application after he was arraigned by the DSS and pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge.

When the case was called on Thursday, Leyii Abueh, from the Federal Ministry of Justice, informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had taken over the matter from the SSS in line with the relevant section of the law.

However, lawyers Femi Balogun and Abubakar both announced appearances for the defendant, with Balogun informing the court that he had been briefed by Chidiebere’s family to take over the bail application already before the court.

Abubakar, however, insisted that he remained the defendant’s counsel, stating that he had been appearing in the case and had not been formally disengaged.

The judge thereafter asked the defendant to identify his counsel, and the accused pointed to Balogun, a development that made Abubakar applied to withdraw all processes he had filed in the case, including the bail application relied upon by Balogun.

The judge struck out the applications filed by Abubakar and adjourned the matter until May 18 for hearing of a fresh bail application.

Court orders forfeiture of N1.9bn worth of shares linked to former AuGF Nwabuoku

Esther Tomo
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Court orders forfeiture of N1.9bn worth of shares linked to former AuGF Nwabuoku

A FEDERAL High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of assets linked to former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, following his conviction for money laundering and abuse of office.

A judge, James Omotosho, gave the order after ruling that the properties and funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.

The assets forfeited to the Federal Government include shares valued at about N1.9 billion, cash assets worth over N288 million, and a five-bedroom duplex located at No. 20 City Gate Estate, Kukwaba, Abuja.

The forfeiture followed an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the confiscation of the assets traced to the former AGF.

According to court documents, the shares linked to Nwabuoku in several security companies were valued at N1,941,805,342 as of March 29, 2026.

The court also approved the forfeiture of funds held in accounts connected to companies including Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited and Arrafura Transnational Afro Ltd.

Part of the money forfeited included N220 million earlier refunded by Nwabuoku into the EFCC recovery account domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Delivering the ruling, Omotosho held that the court was convinced the funds, shares and property were acquired through illegal means, especially considering the earlier judgment delivered against the former accountant-general.

The judge subsequently directed that all the assets be permanently handed over to the Federal Government.

Nwabuoku was sentenced in March 2026 after the court found him guilty on a nine-count charge bordering on money laundering involving N868.46 million.

Omotosho convicted him on all counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment on each charge, bringing the total sentence to 72 years. However, the sentences are to run concurrently.

The EFCC had accused the former AGF of working with several companies to move and conceal funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

Confirming the conviction in an earlier statement posted on X, the anti-graft agency said, “The former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, who was prosecuted by the EFCC at the Federal High Court, Abuja, for money laundering involving N868.46 million, has been convicted and sentenced to jail for 72 years.”

 

APC disqualifies 105 Kwara Assembly aspirants ahead of 2027 polls

Esther Tomo
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APC disqualifies 105 Kwara Assembly aspirants ahead of 2027 polls

AHEAD of the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has dropped 105 aspirants from the race for the State House of Assembly tickets following the party’s screening exercise.

The screening outcome, displayed at the APC secretariat in Ilorin on Thursday, showed that several lawmakers seeking another term in office failed to scale through the process and were marked ‘uncleared’ by the panel.

The names of the affected politicians appeared in an official document titled, “All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Nomination of Candidates for the 2027 General Election.”

Checks showed that 158 aspirants purchased nomination forms to contest the Assembly election under the ruling party, but only 53 were approved to continue with the process.

In Kwara Central, nearly all lawmakers seeking re-election were successful in the screening. The only exception was the representative of Alanamu/Ajikobi Constituency, Ayishat Alanamu, who did not make the list of cleared aspirants.

The exercise recorded more casualties in Kwara South, where a number of serving lawmakers were unable to secure approval from the committee.

Among them were. Ganiyu Salahu of Omupo Constituency and. Owolabi Rasaq of Share/Oke-Ode Constituency, both from Ifelodun Local Government Area.

Other lawmakers affected by the decision include Bamigboye Joseph of Oke-Ero Constituency, Omotosho Rasaq representing Isin Constituency, and Yusuf Gbenga of Essa/Shawo/Igboidun Constituency.

Meanwhile, lawmakers from Oyun Local Government Area, including the Deputy Speaker of the House, Ojo Oyebode, were cleared by the committee.

In Kwara North Senatorial District, the two lawmakers from Moro Local Government Area who are seeking re-election also made it through the screening.

The member representing Edu Constituency, Issa Gideon, was equally denied clearance. Gideon is currently serving a suspension from the Assembly over allegations of misconduct and actions said to have damaged the image of the legislature.

The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu-Salihu, did not obtain a nomination form to return to the Assembly. Salihu is widely seen as one of the major contenders for the APC governorship ticket after reportedly participating in the party’s screening in Abuja ahead of the primaries.

Also absent from the Assembly race was Ganiyu Gabriel, who represents Ekiti Constituency. He is believed to be preparing for a House of Representatives bid for the Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency seat.

Addressing party members before the screening began, the chairman of the committee, Success Musa, a professor, described the large number of aspirants as evidence of the APC’s growing influence in the state.

“I learnt we have 158 aspirants for the House of Assembly alone. That is democracy. That is what APC represents. It is the leadership shown by the chairman and our governor,” he said.

The development has reportedly created uncertainty among some lawmakers and their supporters, especially those hoping to secure second or third-term tickets under the ruling party.

Kwara State currently has 24 lawmakers in its House of Assembly, representing constituencies spread across the state’s 16 local government areas.

The latest development in Kwara comes days after a similar controversy in Rivers State, where the APC screened out 65 aspirants linked to Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the party’s primaries for the 2027 elections.  

Nigerian professor jailed in US for $1.4 million fraud

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Nigerian professor jailed in US for $1.4 million fraud

A UNITED States court has sentenced a Nigerian professor, Nkechy Ezeh, to nearly six years in prison for masterminding a massive fraud scheme that diverted more than $1.4 million intended to help low-income preschool children in West Michigan.

Chief US District judge Hala Jarbou delivered the ruling and condemned the 61-year-old Founder of Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative, calling her a fraud and a thief.

The court ordered Ezeh to repay $1.4 million to fraud victims, an additional $390,174 to the Internal Revenue Service and be taken into custody immediately to begin serving her prison sentence.

Ezeh was once widely celebrated in Michigan’s education and nonprofit sectors for running a nonprofit organisation that provided preschool support services including meals, transportation, advocacy, and educational funding in underserved communities across Kent County, Kalamazoo, and Battle Creek.

The organisation received financial support from federal programmes including Early Head Start and the US Department of Education, along with major private charities, but prosecutors said Ezeh used the nonprofit as a personal cash pipeline.

According to court filings, she diverted nonprofit funds to finance luxury travel to Hawaii, Europe, and Africa, paid for a family member’s wedding, and placed relatives on ELNC’s payroll despite them performing little or no legitimate work.

Authorities also said she used intermediaries to wire hundreds of thousands of dollars to family members in Nigeria, noting that the fallout devastated the organisation and the communities it served.

ELNC shut down in 2023, leaving dozens of employees suddenly unemployed and cutting off services to children living in poverty.

Federal prosecutors noted that 72 per cent of the children served by ELNC lived below the federal poverty line and were primarily children of color under the age of five.

Ezeh’s former bookkeeper and co-conspirator, Sharon Killebrew, was previously sentenced to 54 months in prison for her role in the scheme.

The investigation was led by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and IRS Criminal Investigation.

The sentencing comes amid a broader federal crackdown on fraud involving taxpayer-funded programmes. Earlier this year, the Department of Justice announced the formation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, aimed at aggressively prosecuting individuals who misuse federal funds.

Ezeh had publicly denied wrongdoing as federal investigators spent years unraveling the collapse of ELNC. Prosecutors said the case involved years of alleged fraud, litigation, and mounting financial irregularities tied to the nonprofit’s operations.

Ezeh eventually reversed course and entered a guilty plea to wire fraud and tax evasion charges in federal court, admitting that she conspired to steal approximately $1.4 million from ELNC and its donors between 2017 and 2023. According to court records, she accepted responsibility as part of a plea agreement reached shortly after her arrest by the FBI in December 2025.

Doctors threaten strike, N1bn lawsuit against EFCC over hospital raid in Akwa Ibom

Esther Tomo
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Doctors threaten strike, N1bn lawsuit against EFCC over hospital raid in Akwa Ibom

THE Nigerian Medical Association has threatened to file a N1 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged assault of a senior doctor during a raid by the commission at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

The association said the planned legal action followed what it described as physical, emotional, professional and institutional harm caused by EFCC operatives during the operation carried out at the hospital on Tuesday.

The anti-graft agency had reportedly visited the hospital while investigating a fraud case involving a suspect receiving treatment at the facility. According to the EFCC, its operatives were there to verify a medical report submitted by the suspect and later approached the hospital’s Chief Medical Director after encountering resistance during enquiries.

The commission maintained that its officers withdrew peacefully and did not disrupt activities within the hospital.

However, the NMA gave a different account of the incident.

Addressing journalists in Uyo on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom NMA, Aniekan Peter, a professor, accused masked EFCC operatives of attacking Eyo Ekpe, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery at the hospital.

He said, “We observed that Prof Eyo Ekpe was apprehended within the premises of UUTH by masked EFCC operatives who physically assaulted him, beat him to the point of bleeding, handcuffed him alongside other doctors and hospital staff who attempted to intervene.”

The NMA leader also alleged that he was affected during the operation while trying to seek clarification from the officers.

“Professor Peter, Akwa Ibom NMA chairman, was shoved and exposed to teargas when he approached the scene seeking clarification from the operatives,” he said.

The association described hospital premises as a sacred environment that should not be subjected to violent security operations. It further condemned the raid, calling it “barbaric, degrading, inhuman and a gross violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment.”

Reading a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the association, the Assistant Secretary of the NMA, Dr Unyime Ndoh, announced that the body had resolved to take legal action against the EFCC.

“We shall institute a legal action against the EFCC with a demand for damages in the sum of N1 billion for the physical, emotional, professional and institutional damages caused,” the communiqué stated.

The statement, endorsed by the NMA chairman in the state and its secretary, Ighorodje Edesiri, added that doctors would withdraw services until their demands were met. The demands include a public apology to the affected doctors as well as the identification and prosecution of officers involved in the operation.

The association also stated that there was no formal invitation extended to Ekpe or the NMA leadership before the raid took place.

In addition, the NMA announced that its members would suspend medical services to EFCC personnel and their relatives pending the resolution of the dispute.

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