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Springer Nature organises webinar on migration, sustainability

Blessing Amala Muonwe
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Springer Nature organises webinar on migration, sustainability

Springer Nature is inviting journalists who have an interest in exploring migration and sustainability to a webinar.

The webinar-themed “Migration: the missing link” is part of a webinar series of Science for a Sustainable Future, a joint initiative of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN) and Springer Nature.

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In this webinar, speakers will explore how journalists can effectively measure, predict, and respond to migration and what the research tells us about solutions for managing and adapting to population movement across disciplines.

The panel will also consider how migration can and should be involved in broader sustainability discussions and the essential role of diverse representation.

The webinar will be held on May 2. To apply, click here.

Rivers Attorney-General rejects redeployment, resigns from cabinet

Bankole ABE
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Rivers Attorney-General rejects redeployment, resigns from cabinet

THE Rivers State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Zacchaeus Adangor, has rejected his redeployment to the Ministry of Special Duties and resigned from the State Executive Council (SEC).

Adangor, a close ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, had earlier resigned as the state’s Attorney-General on December 14 when the state governor, Siminalayi Fubura’s with Wike was at its peak.

However, he and the other commissioners who resigned due to the crisis rejoined the administration after being reaffirmed by the state House of Assembly.

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 In his resignation letter, sighted by The ICIR, Adangor rejected his new position and claimed that Fubara interfered with his ability to carry out his obligations as the state’s Attorney-General.

“I wish to state for the record that I am no longer willing to continue to serve in the administration of His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, in any capacity whatsoever.

“It is important to mention that the Governor of Rivers State had in the past couple of weeks wilfully interfered with the performance of my duties as the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Rivers State, by directing me not to defend, oppose, or appear in suits instituted against the Honourable Attorney-General and the government of Rivers State by persons admittedly hired and sponsored by the government of Rivers State,” the former commissioner stated in the letter.

Adangor stated that having ‘dutifully’ served the government and Rivers State for five years, he must quit the Fubara administration to preserve his reputation.

Fubara reorganised his cabinet earlier in the week and appointed Adangor as Commissioner for Special Duties (Governor’s Office).

The governor redeployed two Wike’s loyalists during the reorganisation.

In addition to Adangor, Fubara moved the Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu to the Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment.

This minor cabinet reshuffle was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, April 23.

 The development followed a protracted feud between former Governor Wike and his successor, Fubara.

Following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, an eight-point ceasefire was reached, which mandated Fubara to reappoint several commissioners who resigned from his government.

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Before Tinubu’s intervention, 27 members of the state House of Assembly had defected from the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in which Wike is serving as a minister under the Nigerian government in Abuja.

While Tinubu’s peace deal appears to have failed to end the feud between Wike and Fubara, virtually all the Assembly members who defected to the APC have opposed several of the governor’s decisions and overruled him.

 

 

UNESCO invites journalists to annual World Press Freedom Day conference

Itoro ETUKUDO
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UNESCO invites journalists to annual World Press Freedom Day conference

THE United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is collaborating with the government of Chile to invite journalists worldwide to a global conference to celebrate World Press Freedom Day.

The theme for this year’s annual World Press Freedom Day Global Conference is “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.”

The conference is set to focus on the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.

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It will highlight the significant role played by the press, journalism, access to information, and dissemination of information in ensuring and securing a sustainable future that respects individuals’ rights and diversity of voices, as well as gender equality.

The conference will be held on May 2 to 5 in Santiago, Chile. Interested journalists can join virtually or in-person.

Interested journalists can register here.

Kaduna Assembly begins probe of el-Rufai’s administration

Mustapha USMAN
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Kaduna Assembly begins probe of el-Rufai’s administration

THE Kaduna State House of Assembly has launched an investigation into the administration of the state’s former Governor Nasir el-Rufai.

Consequently, the Assembly is demanding details and documents of the administration’s expenditures and contract awards.

The demands, seeking details of transactions from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023, focus on loans, financial transactions, contractual liabilities, and other relevant matters, as contained in a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Finance, referenced LEG/S.382/VOL.II/615.

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The latest development came a week after the Kaduna Assembly set up a committee to investigate all finances, loans, and contracts awarded under the former governor.

The chairman of the House Committee on Information, Henry Zacharia, confirmed the development on Tuesday, April 16.

Zacharia said the eight-member fact-finding committee was also set up to investigate the activities of Jimi Lawal, the former governor’s senior aide and investment counsellor.

The formation of the committee followed the state Governor Uba Sani’s outburst over the huge debt he allegedly inherited from El-Rufai. Sani stated that his government could not pay salaries because of the debt.

The governor claimed he inherited about $587 million and also alleged that his government inherited N85 billion and 115 contract liabilities from the previous administration.

Meanwhile, a letter signed by the Clerk of the state Assembly, Sakinatu Idris, and obtained by newsmen on Wednesday, April 24, directed the ministry to submit detailed documents on El Rufai’s tenure.

Part of the letter read, “I am directed to request that you forward to the ad-hoc committee memorandum the under-listed documents and all other documents you consider relevant to the assignment of the committee:

“(i) (a) Total loans from May 2015 to May 2023 with the approvals of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, the accounts into which the loans were lodged and drawn as recorded by Project Finance Management Unit (PFMU) & Debt Management Office (DMO). (b) relevant state executive council minutes of meetings, council’s extracts and resolutions with regards to the loans.

“(c) Payments and outstanding labilities to contractors from May 2015- May 2023. (d) reports of salaries paid to staff from 2016-2022. (e) Dloyd Reports on KADRIS from 2015 to 2023.

(ii) Terms, purpose and conditions on those loans. (iii) appropriation items related to the loans. (iv) all records of payments made to all contractors engaged by the state government and relevant documents from May 2015 to May 2023, including bank statements. (v) modalities for payments of contracts. (vi) documents of all payments made to the contractors. (vii) sales of government houses/properties and accounts the proceeds were lodged and how the money was expended.”

MRS Oil seeks voluntary delisting from Nigeria stock market

Ehime ALEX
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MRS Oil seeks voluntary delisting from Nigeria stock market

THE Board of MRS Oil Nigeria Plc has revealed plans to voluntarily delist from the Nigerian stock market, joining the list of companies delisting from the exchange.

Seven companies delisted from the Nigerian stock market in 2023, and about six others have also initiated the move to delist.

In a statement on Tuesday, April 23, to the investing public, MRS Oil said it would request approval from shareholders at the company’s extraordinary general meeting (EGM), scheduled to be held in Lagos on May 21.

The statement read, “That the voluntary delisting of all the company’s issued shares from the daily official list of Nigerian Exchange Limited be and is hereby approved, on such terms and conditions (including but not limited to timing of implementation, arrangements for dissenting shareholders (if any) and the fulfilment of specific conditions precedent to effectiveness (if any)), that the board of directors of the company deems appropriate in connection with the voluntary delisting; and subject to obtaining all requisite regulatory approvals.”

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The MRS Oil also proposed an amendment to its memorandum and articles of association to authorise the company to undertake a share buyback and share capital reduction, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

It said upon the conclusion of the voluntary delisting and while the company remained a public limited liability company, the company be allowed to take all such action as might be required to admit its shares on the NASD OTC Securities Exchange to ensure that dealings in its shares are implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Rules on Trading in Unlisted Securities.

On Tuesday, MRS Oil share price closed flat at N135.00 from what it traded the previous day.

In 2023, the Nigeria Exchange Limited (NGX) recorded the delisting of companies worth over N264.92 billion.

The companies were Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN), Courteville Business Solution, Capital Hotels, Ardova, Global Spectrum Energy, Sterling Bank, and Consolidated Hallmark Insurance.

The last two companies, however, relisted on the exchange as holding companies.

Ardova was delisted from the exchange at N16.75 per share, the highest price on the lot and UBN shares were delisted at N6.65 per share.

Courteville’s entire 3,552,000,000 ordinary shares worth N2.131 billion were delisted, Capital Hotels, valued at N9.545 billion, was delisted, and Global Spectrum Energy’s 800 million shares were delisted at N0.50 per share.

Other companies that had initiated moves to delist from the NGX and had yet to perfect the delisting processes include Oando Plc, Glaxo SmithKline Consumer Nigeria, PZ Cussons Nigeria Limited, and Coronation Insurance. 

Shaibu, Pedro, Ekpenyong, other deputy governors impeached since 1999

Kehinde OGUNYALE
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Shaibu, Pedro, Ekpenyong, other deputy governors impeached since 1999

ON Monday, April 8 2023, Philip Shaibu joined the long list of deputy governors who have been impeached in Nigeria following several rifts between him and the governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki. 

The ICIR reported that Shaibu’s impeachment was adopted after a 7-man panel investigation was set up by the state’s chief judge, Daniel Okungbowa, to probe allegations of misconduct against him.

The panel found him responsible for the offence of revealing official secrets.  Of the 20 state assembly members present, 18 voted in favour of the impeachment, while one opposed it, cementing the resolution to impeach Shaibu.

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Several reports by The ICIR have captured the prolonged battle between Obaseki and Shaibu, especially the latter’s interest in succeeding the former as state governor in the upcoming gubernatorial elections in September 2024.

Meanwhile, a look through media reports has shown that between 1999 and 2024, 24 years of Nigeria’s uninterrupted democracy, 18 deputy governors have been impeached in 16 states. 

Trend on impeachment

Here are the lists of deputy governors who have been impeached from office:

Iyiola Omisore:

In November 2002, Iyiola Omisore, Osun state’s deputy governor, was impeached following the endorsement of 17 out of 26 lawmakers in the state’s assembly.

Omisore was accused of breach of oath of office and conflict of interest with the state government.

He was also said to have divulged official secrets of the State Executive Council (SEC) and dragged the state government to court over a 1.5 million dollar water chemical contract.

Abubakar Argungu:

Abubakar Argungu, who was the first deputy governor to governor Adamu Aliero of Kebbi state, was impeached after being found guilty, by an investigative panel, of misdemeanour in office. He was removed from office in December 2002. 

Enyinnaya Abaribe:

In March 2003, the Abia State House of Assembly impeached the deputy governor of the state, Enyinnaya Abaribe, for gross misconduct. His impeachment was reported seven days after he resigned from office.

Uba Maigari Ahmadu:

The Taraba state deputy governor, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, was impeached in March 2004 by the House of Assembly following a report by an investigation panel set up by the state chief judge, Adamu Aliyu.

Ahmadu was found guilty of five out of the seven allegations of gross misconduct levelled against him.

Abiodun Aluko:

The former deputy governor of Ekiti state, Abiodun Aluko, who had a long rift with the then governor of the state, Ayodele Fayose, was impeached in September 2005 after being alleged of 16 impeachable offences raised against him by the lawmakers, 22 of who voted for his removal.

Chris Ekpenyong:

In 2005, the Akwa-Ibom State House of Assembly, impeached the embattled deputy governor, Obong Chris Ekpenyong, following allegations of gross misconduct.

However, the intervention of the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, forced the lawmakers to reverse the impeachment.

Ekpenyong was later forced to resign. 

Otunba Femi Pedro:

The former deputy governor, Otunba Pedro, was impeached in May 2007, by the Lagos state House of Assembly, after a resolution adopted by the 32 members of the Assembly.

The impeachment came 24 hours after Pedro announced that he had tendered his letter of resignation from office.

Garba Gadi:

Garba Gadi was impeached in 2009 by the Bauchi state assembly following the report of the seven-man investigative panel set up to probe the allegations against him.

Prior to this impeachment, the deputy governor had a rift with former Governor Isa Yuguda over the refusal of the deputy to decamp to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

Peremobowei Ebebi:

The former Bayelsa state deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi, was, sacked by the state assembly in June 2010, just barely 23 days after the assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against him.

Ebebi was impeached for allegedly being guilty of nine of the 10 offences levelled against him.

Sani Abubakar:

In October 2012, 20 out of 24 members of the Taraba State House of Assembly removed the state’s Deputy Governor, Sani Abubakar, from office on allegations of fraud and abuse of office.

The assembly upheld the recommendations of a seven-member judicial commission of inquiry against the deputy governor.

Jude Agbaso:

In 2013, Jude Agbaso was sacked as the deputy governor of Imo State by the State House of Assembly.

His removal was following the adoption of a report of a judicial panel which investigated allegations of impropriety against him.

However, in 2021, the court nullified the assembly’s impeachment. 

Sunday Onyebuchi:

The deputy governor of the Enugu State, Sunday Onyebuchi, was impeached by the 24-man members of the state assembly in August 2014, over an indictment on misconduct. 

His impeachment was, however, nullified by the court a year later. 

Ali Olanusi:

In 2015, the Ondo state deputy governor, Ali Olanusi, was impeached by 22 out​ of the 26 members of the Assembly who alleged that the deputy governor was involved in financial misappropriation, absenteeism from official duties and causing disaffection in the state cabinet.

Eze Madumere:

The deputy governor of Imo state, Eze Madumere, was sacked from office in July 2018 by 19 of the 27 members of the Imo House of Assembly.

The assembly was said to have received a report by a seven-member panel set up by the state chief judge which allegedly the deputy governor of gross misconduct.

Simon Achuba:

Simon Achuba, a deputy governor of Kogi state, was impeached in 2019 by members of the Kogi State House of Assembly following the submission of a report of the committee set up by the State chief judge, Nasir Ajana, to investigate an allegation of gross misconduct against the former deputy governor.

In 2022, an industrial court in Abuja ordered the Kogi State Government to pay Achuba N180 million and all security votes. 

Mahdi Aliyu Gusau:

The Zamfara House of Assembly, in 2022, impeached Mahdi Aliyu Gusau, a former deputy governor of the state after receiving the report of the seven-member committee set up by Kulu Aliyu, chief judge of the state, to investigate the allegations against the deputy governor.

Rauf Olaniyan:

In July 2022, the Oyo State House of Assembly impeached the deputy governor, Rauf Olaniyan, during its plenary.

The assembly found the deputy governor guilty of all the allegations levelled against him following the reports of a seven-man panel constituted by the state chief judge, Munta Abimbola.

Let us know if we skipped anyone in the comment section. 

EFCC quizzes former Aviation minister Hadi Sirika over alleged N8bn fraud

Bankole ABE
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EFCC quizzes former Aviation minister Hadi Sirika over alleged N8bn fraud

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly quizzed the former minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over alleged N8 billion money laundering.

Sirika reportedly accepted an invitation from the EFCC On Tuesday, April 23, and showed up at the commission’s Abuja office, where he was interrogated.

It was learnt that the former minister is currently meeting with EFCC investigators to answer questions on alleged fraudulent contracts he awarded to Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika.

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A source within the EFCC told the Punch that “Sirika was taken into our FCT custody. He is currently meeting with EFCC investigators over the alleged N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud.”

Another source alleged that the latter’s company carried out the aviation ministry contract fraud with his younger brother, Abubakar.

In December 2023, President Bola Tinubu dismissed several senior aviation officials due to widespread fraud in the ministry.

Those affected included managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Kabir Yusuf Mohammed, managing director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Tayib Adetunji Odunowo, director-general of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) Akinola Olateru,  director-general of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) Mansur Bako Matazu and rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Alkali Mahmud Modibbo. 

According to the statement, the director-general of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nuhu, was suspended from office to enable the EFCC to conduct an unfettered investigation into his activities and other senior officials of the agency.

Tinubu directed Chris Najomo to assume office as the acting director-general of the NCAA.

The ICIR reported on June 15, 2023, that EFCC summoned ex-minister Sirika over the N3 billion Nigeria Air project.

The former minister on an Arise Television programme on Sunday, June 11 2023, argued that of the N5 billion budgeted for the project take-off, only N3 billion was released, contrary to the speculation that the Aviation ministry had spent N85 billion on the failed Nigeria Air project.

The bulk of the expended funds, according to Sirika, was channelled into consultancies, salaries, and administrative costs associated with setting up the national carrier.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives committee on aviation had criticised the unveiling of the Nigeria Air aircraft, with the latter labelling it a “fraud,” the ICIR reported.

This is as aviation unionists called for Sirika to be probed.

The former minister unveiled an aircraft branded Nigeria Air on Friday, May 26, three days before the end of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, amid controversies over its specification, documentation, ownership, and technical agreement.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the regulatory body, had on June 4 reportedly disclosed that the airline was still in the first stage of a five-phase process of obtaining an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to operate as a commercial airline.

The ICIR‘s efforts to speak with the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Sirika’s arrest were unsuccessful. He did not respond to calls or messages sent to his phone.

Dana Air grounds aircraft after skidding off Lagos runway

Ehime ALEX
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Dana Air grounds aircraft after skidding off Lagos runway

DANA Air management said it grounded the aircraft that skidded off the runway in an attempt to land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Tuesday, April 23, pending further investigation.  

The 5N BKI aircraft, which was carrying 83 passengers from Abuja, suffered a runway excursion at the Lagos Airport.

The airline confirmed the incident to The ICIR in a statement from its Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Ezenwa.

A runway excursion occurs when an aircraft veers off the runway in use during the take-off or landing run.

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According to the statement, the incident has been reported to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Board (NSIB) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

“Dana Air regrets to inform the public of a runway incursion involving one of our aircraft, registration number 5N BKI, which was flying from Abuja to Lagos today 23/04/24.

“We have also updated the AIB and NCAA on the incident, and the aircraft involved has been grounded by our maintenance team for further investigation,” the airline stated.

It noted that passengers onboard the aircraft were safely disembarked without injuries and apologised to all passengers, commending the efforts of the airport authorities.

“We wish to thank the airport authorities, and our crew for their very swift response in ensuring the safe disembarkation of all passengers following the incident and our sincere apologies and appreciation to the passengers on the affected flight for their patience and understanding.

“We wish to reassure our passengers that their safety will always be our top priority, and we are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Dana Air has had troubles with safe operations in recent years, The ICIR reports.

In January 2018, a commercial aircraft belonging to Dana Air used its left wing to hit a fence at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In July 2022, the NCAA suspended the airline’s Air Transport Licence (ATL) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC), on issues of financial obligations and conduct of safe flight operations.

The suspension came following an emergency landing due to what its management described as “an indication” on one of its engines.

In 2012, 159 passengers died on one of the airline’s flights when it crashed into buildings in Lagos.

Airline apologies for flight cancellation

In a related development, Dana Air has apologised to passengers for schedule disruption caused by the runway excursion involving one of its aircraft at Lagos airport.

The airline said, ”We understand the frustration and inconvenience experienced by passengers whose travel plans were disrupted due to the incident, and we are deeply sorry.’

”Our remaining flights for the day have all been retimed, and all the passengers on these flights have been updated via email, SMS and calls. We wish to also reassure affected passengers that we are working diligently to minimise disruption and accommodate their travel needs.”

CBN resumes dollar sales to BDCs at N1,021/$ amid naira slight depreciation

Harrison EDEH
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CBN resumes dollar sales to BDCs at N1,021/$ amid naira slight depreciation

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has resumed fresh dollar sales to Bureau De Change (BDCs) at N1, 021/$, to stabilise the currency market.

Nigeria’s apex bank disclosed this on Tuesday, April 24, in a circular signed by its Director of Trade and Exchange Department, Hassan Mahmud.

“We write to inform you of the sale of $10,000 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to BDCs at the rate of N1,021/$1. The BDCs are, in turn, to sell to eligible end users at a spread of not more than 1.5 per cent above the purchase price,” the circular posted on its website read.

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It added, “All eligible BDCs are therefore directed to commence payment of the naira deposit to the under-listed CBN naira deposit account numbers from today, Monday, April 22, 2024, and submit confirmation of payment, with other necessary documentation, for disbursement of FX at the respective CBN Branches.”

CBN’s move is coming as the naira is recording a slight depreciation against the dollar after weeks of gains.

In late March, the bank also sold $10,000 to each of the eligible Bureau De Change (BDC) operators in the country at the rate of N1,251/$1.

Like in the most recent sales, it warned BDCs against breaching terms of the dollar sales, vowing to sanction defaulters “including outright suspension from further participation in the sale”.

The fortunes of the naira have fallen sharply since President Bola Tinubu took over in May, 2023.

Inflation figures have reached new highs, and living costs are hitting the rooftops.

Before the naira’s slight depreciation, the appreciation recorded by the naira against the greenback on the parallel market marked the first time the naira reached this level since September 26, 2023.

However, the daily foreign exchange (FX) turnover declined by 10.57 per cent, reaching $251.60 million on Monday, April 15, compared to the $281.34 million recorded on Friday, April 19.

Furthermore, the highest spot rate observed on Monday stood at N1,227, with the lowest spot rate recorded at N1,000.

Checks at the official National Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) official window showed the dollar closing sales on Tuesday, April 23, at N1300.15/$l, an indication that the CBN is still selling at a lower rate to the BDCs to control the market and ward off speculators.

Nigeria’s currency slid to about N1,900/$ some months ago at the parallel market. But in recent weeks, it has gained against the dollar.

The Nigerian authorities have also doubled their crackdown against cryptocurrency platform Binance and illegal BDCs to strengthen the naira.

 

We’ll bring everyone who blocked Yahaya Bello’s arrest to book – EFCC chair

Bankole ABE
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We’ll bring everyone who blocked Yahaya Bello’s arrest to book – EFCC chair

THE chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has vowed to bring to book all the people who obstructed the arrest of the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, by the commission.

Olukoyede revealed this while addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, April 23.

He vowed to follow Bello’s prosecution to a logical conclusion.

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The ICIR reported that the EFCC declared Bello wanted over alleged N80.2 billion fraud.

The anti-corruption agency revealed this on its verified Facebook handle on Thursday, April 18.

 The photograph of the former governor was displayed with the inscription ‘WANTED’ in the notice.

The agency said it wanted Bello for offences relating to economic and financial crimes amounting to N80.2 billion and requested anybody with information about his whereabouts to report to the commission or the nearest police station.

Operatives of the EFCC had stormed the Abuja home of Bello on Wednesday, April 17, to arrest him.

The planned arrest was over the alleged sleaze he perpetrated in office.

However, the arrest was unsuccessful, as reports suggest that the Kogi State governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, smuggled out the former governor. Ododo drove into Bello’s residence Wednesday afternoon while the EFCC surrounded the building.

According to reports, the development forced the commission’s operatives to leave Bello’s residence.

Gunshots allegedly rented the air while the former governor was being smuggled out of the premises by his successor, widely believed to be his kinsman.

This came a few hours after the commission told the Federal High Court in Abuja that it would do everything possible to arrest and prosecute Bello over his money laundering case.

The EFCC said it would execute the arrest warrant issued against the former governor, even if it would involve using the military.

 Regarding the fight against fraud and other financial crimes in Nigeria, Olukoyede said banks in Nigeria had lost over N8 billion to internet fraud in 2022. 

He said cybercrime affected over 71 per cent of Nigerian businesses in 2022. 

He also stated that the anti-graft agency‘s battle against online fraud aimed to preserve the country’s future.

Olukoyede said the commission had established a cybercrime research centre where convicted online scammers – “Yahoo Yahoo boys” in the community – would receive training on how to apply their skills to support society.

 

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