IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) has identified major obstacles to implementing the July 11, 2024, Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy.

Key Challenges:

749 out of 774 local governments have yet to submit their bank account details, a key requirement for receiving direct allocations.

Determining which LGAs have democratically elected leadership remains a challenge.

Government Efforts to Resolve Issues:

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) Technical Sub-Committee discussed the issue during a recent meeting chaired by AGF Oluwatoyin Madein.

The OAGF and the Attorney General’s Office have begun discussions to address the setbacks.

Only Delta State’s 25 local governments have submitted their account details so far.

CBN’s Role & ALGON’s Concerns:

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has started profiling local government chairmen and bank signatories to ensure financial accountability.

However, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) claims they have not been contacted for signatory verification.

Supreme Court Ruling & Current Status:

The Supreme Court ruled on July 11, 2024, that state governors can no longer control local government funds.

The Accountant-General was directed to pay allocations directly to LGAs.

Eight months later, financial autonomy is yet to take effect, with the delay linked to unresolved administrative issues.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has assured residents that his administration will implement the Supreme Court’s recent judgment after reviewing its Certified True Copy (CTC). 

The ruling invalidated the October 2024 local government elections and ordered the suspension of federal allocations to the state’s councils. In response, Fubara directed Heads of Local Government Administration to take over pending fresh elections. The judgment has sparked reactions from South-South leaders, with some calling for a political resolution while others criticize the court's decision. 

Kaduna – The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has voiced concern over the ongoing dispute in the 10th Senate involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur A. Muhammad-Baba, the ACF acknowledged the gravity of the allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation raised by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, which have fueled public debate.

The group warned that various reactions, including statements from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband, could damage the National Assembly’s reputation. It also expressed concern that the dispute may be undermining the representation of Kogi Central in the Senate.

Additionally, the ACF raised fears of bias against Northern Senators, citing recent sanctions targeting lawmakers from the region. The group urged an independent and transparent investigation to ensure fairness and prevent political interference.

The forum called on the Senate to refocus on lawmaking, especially as Nigerians face economic hardships. It also urged the Northern Caucus to support Akpoti-Uduaghan in securing a fair hearing and demanded that the National Assembly uphold integrity and discipline.

Emphasizing the need to protect the Senate’s credibility, the ACF urged all involved parties to prioritize national interest and preserve the institution’s integrity both locally and internationally. 

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has closed Runway 18R/36L at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, for rehabilitation work. The closure began at 3 a.m. on Monday to facilitate the asphalt phase of repairs on the A2 Taxiway link.

FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, confirmed the development in a statement, assuring that flight operations will not be affected as all flights will be diverted to the alternative Runway 18L/36R.

She reiterated FAAN’s commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and comfort of airport users. 

The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 11 suspected internet fraudsters in Niger State.  

The suspects were apprehended on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at White Hotel, Chanchangi Local Government Area, following credible intelligence on their alleged involvement in online fraud.  

During the operation, two vehicles and 13 mobile phones of various brands were recovered. The EFCC emphasized that the arrest was conducted professionally and in accordance with the law, dismissing any claims of misconduct.  

The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has seized more than 350 vehicles across the country within a month for using unauthorized number plates.

FRSC’s Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, revealed this in an interview with journalists on Monday in Abuja.

The nationwide operation, which commenced on February 3, aims to clamp down on vehicles with fake registration numbers and the illegal use of number plates by private, commercial, government, and diplomatic vehicles.

Ogungbemide stated that the initiative seeks to enhance road safety and strengthen national security, as the proliferation of fake number plates poses serious security threats and hampers law enforcement.

He explained that the initial phase of the operation, which lasted two weeks in Abuja, was later expanded to all states of the federation, leading to the seizure of 350 vehicles within a month.

According to him, some impounded vehicles bore fake diplomatic numbers and unrecognized number plates, raising concerns about their origin and authorization.

"The enforcement is still ongoing because this is not just a road safety issue; it is also a security matter," Ogungbemide said. "The uncontrolled use of fraudulent number plates is a serious security risk, and that is why we are determined to address it."

The FRSC spokesperson advised vehicle owners to obtain number plates legally through the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), stressing that the process is straightforward and affordable.

He also warned against the use of unauthorized fancy number plates, emphasizing that while such plates are allowed under the NVIS, they must be acquired through official channels to prevent security risks.

Ogungbemide reiterated the FRSC’s commitment to ensuring that all vehicles on Nigerian roads comply with legal registration requirements.

He urged the public to cooperate with FRSC officials and report any suspicious number plates to the nearest FRSC office. 

The Ondo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the assassination of Ismaila Awoyinka, a businessman who was killed in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Okitipupa, stating that efforts are underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing.

Residents of Ore were left in shock following Awoyinka’s assassination by unknown gunmen. The incident occurred on Saturday near his home, opposite Caring Heart Mega School in the Idi Mango area of Ore.

According to an eyewitness, the businessman—who dealt in building materials—was ambushed shortly after performing the Taraweeh prayer, a special prayer observed during Ramadan.

“He had just left the mosque at 8:35 p.m. when some men dressed in white arrived on a motorcycle. As he approached his residence, they shot him at close range,” the eyewitness recounted.

News of his death spread quickly, drawing a large crowd of sympathizers to his home, many of whom were left in disbelief.

Reacting to the tragedy, Taiwo Adegoroye, Chairman of Odigbo LGA, expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation, describing Awoyinka’s murder as a great loss. 

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to probe the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) over the delay in paying corps members the newly approved N77,000 monthly allowance.

NANS expressed disappointment that, despite the FG’s approval of the allowance increase from N33,000 to N77,000 in July 2024, corps members are yet to receive the new amount.

According to the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, the delay is due to the non-release of funds.

In a statement issued on Sunday by NANS National Vice President, Inter-Campus Affairs, Felicia Akinbodunse, the student body insisted that the NYSC must be investigated for failing to implement the new corps members’ allowance by the end of February, as earlier promised by the DG.

Akinbodunse questioned the reason behind the delay, noting that corps members only received N33,000 for February’s allowance instead of the expected N77,000.

She emphasized that while FG and many state governments have already started paying the new minimum wage of N70,000, there is no justification for the NYSC’s failure to implement the approved increase for corps members.

Describing the situation as unfair, she called on the NYSC to explain the delay and urged the Federal Government to intervene to ensure corps members receive their entitlements.

Akinbodunse warned that failing to pay the new allowance could demoralize corps members, especially amid the country’s challenging economic conditions.

She further stated that NANS leadership would engage with the NYSC to seek answers regarding the non-implementation of the new allowance, noting that NYSC staff are already benefiting from the increased wages. 

Ekaette Akpabio, wife of Nigeria’s Senate President, has filed multiple lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal High Court in Abuja, citing breach of fundamental rights and defamation over statements made by the Kogi Central senator on Arise News.  

In one of the suits, Mrs. Akpabio is seeking a perpetual injunction to restrain Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further allegedly scandalous statements. She is also demanding N250 billion in punitive damages for the alleged infringement of her fundamental rights and an additional N1 billion in damages for the purported harm caused by the defamatory remarks.  

Another lawsuit specifically challenges Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim on Arise News that Senate President Godswill Akpabio made sexual advances toward her, arguing that the statement has damaged her reputation and that of her family.  

Mrs. Akpabio is also asking the court to order a formal retraction of the statements and an unconditional apology published in two national newspapers, including ThisDay. 

The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that the local government election held in Rivers State on October 5, 2024, was invalid, illegal, null, and void. The election, won by the All Peoples Party (APP), was annulled due to non-compliance with legal requirements.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Jamilu Tukur stated that the Rivers State Electoral Commission disregarded essential legal procedures, violating Section 150 of the Electoral Act 2022.

Prior to the election, an Abuja Federal High Court had, on September 30, 2024, barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) with the voters’ register for the election. The court also prohibited the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Department of State Services (DSS) from providing security for the polls.

Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the Federal High Court ruling, stated that RSIEC acted unlawfully by setting the election date for October 5, 2024, without adhering to necessary legal provisions.

Key violations cited include:

Failure to publish the mandatory 90-day election notice as required by law.

Inadequate update and revision of the voters’ register before setting an election date.

As a result, the court ordered INEC not to release the certified voter register until all legal requirements were fulfilled. It also barred RSIEC from using any voter register for the election. 

Former lawmaker Shehu Sani has expressed disappointment over the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that it is unfortunate the issue has now shifted to matters of the “bed.”

His comment follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegation of sexual harassment against Akpabio during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show. She claimed that Akpabio obstructed her motions in the Senate after she rejected his advances.

However, Akpabio denied the accusation through his media consultant, Kenny Okulogbo.

Reacting to the controversy, Sani urged for caution and restraint, posting on his X handle:

"It’s unfortunate that the Senate issue was simply about seat and now about bed. Need for caution and restraint." 

A Delta State High Court in Warri has ruled against the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), declaring the 16-year minimum age requirement for university admission unconstitutional.

Presiding over Suit No: W/311/FHR/2024, Justice Anthony Akpovi ruled in favor of John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Warri Branch, who challenged JAMB’s restriction on the basis of constitutional rights.

Aikpokpo-Martins argued that the restriction violated Sections 18(1) and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandate equal educational opportunities and prohibit discrimination. He sought several declarations and orders, including:

Nullification of JAMB’s October 16, 2024, circular, which enforced the 16-year age restriction.

A directive for universities to admit candidates who turn 16 between January 1 and December 31, 2025, provided they meet other admission criteria.

A perpetual injunction preventing authorities from denying university admission based solely on age.

While granting Aikpokpo-Martins’ reliefs, the court, however, refused his request for damages. 

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has warned that foreign airlines refusing to patronize local caterers for outbound meals risk having their summer flight schedules rejected.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on ‘Transforming the Aviation Industry’ in Lagos on Friday, Keyamo criticized international airlines for neglecting local caterers. He insisted that approval for their flight schedules would be contingent on signing agreements with Nigerian catering companies.

“I will not approve the summer schedule for foreign airlines until they provide proof of partnership with our local caterers,” he declared.

The minister further stated that any airline unwilling to comply could stop flying into Nigeria, adding that local carriers like Air Peace could take over their routes.

Additionally, Keyamo announced plans to establish the first international airport in the North East, revealing that the Maiduguri airport is currently being upgraded to achieve international status. 

A Magistrate Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has ordered the remand of Austin Okai over allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation against Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The Department of State Services (DSS) sought the court’s approval to detain Okai while investigations continue, citing Nigeria’s Criminal Justice System, which mandates court authorization for detention beyond 48 hours.

Delivering the ruling on Friday, Magistrate Mobah Abdullahi of Chief Magistrate Court 1, Lugard Court, Lokoja, granted the request, ordering Okai’s remand at the Federal Correctional Center, Kabba. The case was adjourned to March 13, 2025.

Case Background

Okai, a former PDP candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in the 2023 elections, is facing trial over a social media post in which he accused Governor Ododo of misappropriating billions of naira allocated to Local Government Councils and state agencies.

The court’s decision ensures Okai remains in custody while investigations continue. 

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has called on external solicitors to assist in recovering assets from closed banks. NDIC Managing Director, Dr. Bello Hassan, made the appeal at a seminar in Abuja, emphasizing the role of asset recovery in settling uninsured deposits, contractor claims, and liquidation dividends.

He cited the collapse of Heritage Bank, highlighting the complexities of bank liquidation and the need for legal expertise. He stressed that NDIC plays a dual role in litigation, representing depositors and creditors while pursuing debt recovery.

Dr. Hassan reaffirmed that legal support is crucial to fulfilling NDIC’s mandate, particularly in orderly bank liquidation. He praised external solicitors for their efforts, noting that their contributions have improved legal diligence, judicial decisions, and public awareness of deposit insurance in Nigeria. 

Some Lagos State lawmakers have reiterated their stance against the return of embattled former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.  

While moving around the Assembly premises to assert their presence, the lawmakers, speaking through the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security, and Strategy, Steven Ogundipe, urged party leaders to clearly communicate their position on the situation and how it should be resolved.  

Despite their appeal for guidance, the lawmakers firmly maintained that they no longer want Obasa as Speaker.  

Meanwhile, Obasa, who arrived shortly after the lawmakers had left, insisted that he remains the legitimate Speaker. He added that while he has no objection to being removed, the impeachment process must be conducted lawfully and correctly. 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned the public about fraudsters using its logo and name to operate fake TikTok accounts aimed at deceiving unsuspecting individuals.

According to the EFCC, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, these fraudsters hosted a live session on TikTok to attract traffic and defraud users. They reportedly managed six fake accounts, falsely presenting them as official EFCC handles. Some of the fraudulent account names include:

EFCC of Nigeria

EFCC Lagos

EFCC Delta

EFCC of Benin

EFCC of Jos

EFCC Saga

The Commission has clarified that it does not have an official TikTok account and has urged the public to disregard any EFCC-affiliated accounts on the platform. 

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has announced that aspirants seeking to contest in the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State will be required to pay N30 million for the nomination and expression of interest forms.

This was revealed in a statement by APGA’s National Organising Secretary, Ifeanyi Mbaeri, on Thursday in Abuja.

Mbaeri also released the primary election timetable, stating that the party’s special state congress and governorship primary election is scheduled for April 5.

As part of its inclusivity measures, APGA has approved a 5% discount on the nomination form for female aspirants and persons with disabilities.

Key Dates:

Form Sales: Begins Friday, February 28, and ends March 20

Screening of Aspirants: March 28 at APGA National Headquarters, Abuja

Mbaeri added that the party leadership reserves the right to adjust the schedule if necessary. 

By Onyinyechi Nwankwo.

Not less than 600 under-25 athletes drawn from the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State will be representing the State at the Maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), billed to hold on 1st to 8th April 2025, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The festival being organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in partnership with Dunanis Icon Limited, as consultant, will be bringing together over 3,000 athletes, 600 coaches and 300 media practitioners from the nine NDDC mandate states, which are Imo, Abia, Rivers, Edo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross river, Ondo and Delta. 

During a world press conference at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Sports and Chairman of Imo State Liaison Committee, which serves as the State's Local Organizing Committee, Hon. Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha, hinted that the festival aims to promote talent discovery, human capital development and sports infrastructure in the region.

Onyeocha added that this laudable talent discovery project of the NDDC is aligning with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative and the vision of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s 3R Agenda for sports development.

Onyeocha noted that the selected athletes will be competing in the 17 featured sports including athletics, football, handball, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, swimming, weightlifting, table tennis, tennis, boxing, canoeing, cheese, scrabble, para-athletics, para-powerlifting and traditional wrestling. 

While encouraging eligible athletes to take advantage of the opportunity and register for the festival which closes on 7th of March, Onyeocha informed that the state trials is scheduled for Tuesday, March, 4, 2025, at Dan Anyiam Stadium. 

"Coaches from the 27 LGAs of Imo State, with their athletes, are requested to be at the Owerri Stadium before 9.00am that day.

"The Imo State's Open Camp Begins On 17th March to 23rd, 2025 at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, while the Closed Camp begins on 24th till decamping on the 30th of April, 2025, thereafter departure to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, follows on the 1st of April, 2025." Onyeocha declared. 

The number one sportsman in Imo, seized the opportunity to thank Governor Hope Uzodimma, who he described as Imo true father and leader for his immense support towards sports development.

Other members of the SLO including Hon. Willie T. C Okolieogwo, SA to the State Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Secretary to the SOC and Dunanis representative also appreciated the Governor for backing the initiative, assuring to put in their best to make him and the entire state proud by bringing home from the sports festival the gold medal. 

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has raised concerns over the growing presence of foreign fraud syndicates in Nigerian cities, where they are recruiting youths into organized cybercrime, including cryptocurrency fraud.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, noting that Olukoyede made the revelation while addressing participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 18 at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) on Wednesday.

Olukoyede expressed alarm over how insurgents and criminal groups have sustained their operations in Nigeria, citing the influx of small arms, illegal mineral exploitation, and the activities of non-state actors as compounding security threats.

“A recent and alarming discovery is that organized foreign fraud syndicates are establishing cells in Nigerian cities, recruiting young Nigerians into cybercrime, including cryptocurrency fraud,” he said.

According to him, investigations suggest that these groups may also be involved in smuggling arms into the country, using cryptocurrency as a means of payment.

During a recent special operation in Lagos, the EFCC arrested 194 foreigners in a building on Victoria Island. “The suspects included Chinese, Filipinos, Eastern Europeans, and Tunisians. Some lacked valid visas, and most of their financial transactions were conducted through cryptocurrency,” he revealed.

The commission also found that several of those arrested were ex-convicts in their home countries who had fled to Africa, establishing criminal cells across the continent.

Olukoyede called for stronger national and continental efforts to tackle internet fraud, emphasizing the need for security agencies to collaborate in addressing money laundering and threats to national security.

Earlier, NISS Commandant Joseph Odama, represented by Director of Studies Hyginus Ngele, commended Olukoyede’s leadership of the EFCC. He noted that the commission’s achievements in combating corruption and financial crimes had strengthened Nigeria’s global reputation.

Odama also acknowledged the EFCC’s role in exposing financial networks that fund hostile non-state actors, fueling instability in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. He urged deeper collaboration in strengthening legal and institutional frameworks to combat such threats while ensuring transparency and accountability.