News
BPP Alleged Corruption: Coalition slams EFCC over inaction, heads to ICPC with fresh petition
The Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability, COCTA, has expressed concern over what it described as the lack of seriousness and concrete action by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following allegations of maladministration against the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, and his Chief of Staff, Olanrewaju Obasa.
The communiqué, signed by COCTA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Olumuyiwa Onlede, and the General Secretary, Haruna AbdulSalam, and dated January 19, 2026, was issued at the end of the group’s general meeting held in Abuja on Monday.
The coalition noted that the concerns stem from its earlier peaceful protest at the EFCC office and the formal submission of a petition detailing allegations against the BPP leadership, which, it claimed, have not received any visible or timely response from the anti-graft agency.
The group described the apparent inaction as troubling, particularly given the gravity of the allegations and the constitutional responsibility of anti-graft institutions to protect public trust and ensure the proper use of public resources.
“In light of this development, and in line with our mandate to speak for citizens without a voice, COCTA has resolved to escalate its advocacy actions,” the communiqué stated.
As part of the next phase of its engagement, COCTA announced plans to stage a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where it will submit a fresh and formal petition.
The coalition said it would demand a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the activities of the BPP Director-General and his Chief of Staff.
The coalition also clarified that an earlier planned protest at the President’s residence in Bourdillon, Lagos, was deliberately cancelled out of respect for the President’s private time and right to rest. It, however, stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as a retreat from its demands or a weakening of its resolve.
“We reaffirm that the struggle for transparency, accountability, and good governance is ongoing. Our advocacy will continue through lawful, peaceful, and sustained civic actions.
“As resolved, COCTA’s next phase of engagement will commence next week at the headquarters of the ICPC.”
Business
Fuel price hike: Gov Makinde announces N10,000 transport support for workers
The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance as a palliative for the state workforce to cushion the effects of the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, Kayode Martins, in a statement released on Monday, March 23, disclosed that the governor has granted the request of the union on the issue of transportation allowance.
The statement read
“Following the intervention and formal request made by the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) earlier this morning, the state government has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for all workers in the state.
The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges.
This development comes as a direct response to sustained advocacy by the state NLC, aimed at cushioning the impact of increased living expenses on the workforce.
Further details on implementation are expected to be communicated by the relevant government authorities in due course.”
News
Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, March 23, convicted and sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), to a 72-year jail term without an option of fine.
DailyTrust reports that in the judgment delivered, Justice Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.
According to the judge, the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.
Justice Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making 72 years.
The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently.
Justice Omotosho, who described Nwabuoku’s act of diverting funds meant for security and defence while he served as Director of Finance and Account in the Ministry of Defence as “appalling,” commended the EFCC for being detailed in its prosecution.
The judge observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded part of the siphoned money of over N200 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.
Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. He became acting Accountant General of the Federation in May 2022.
News
11 more arrested over Ozoro “r@ping festival”
The police in Delta state have arrested eleven more suspects over the sexu@l ass@ults recorded during what was described as a “r@ping festival” in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro last Thursday, March 19.
In a statement released on Saturday, March 21, the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.
Edafe said operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence, leading to the arrest of eleven additional suspects identified as Samson Atukpodo, Steven ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others. Edafe mentioned that these latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen (15)
“The Command reiterates that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexu@l v!olence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The Command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.”the statement in part reads
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GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI
