News
POLICE DISMISS KIDNAPPING CLAIMS AT EGBU POWER SUBSTATION, SAY INCIDENT STEMMED FROM INDUSTRY DISPUTE.
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
16- NOV- 2025
The Imo State Police Command has refuted reports suggesting that workers at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Owerri were abducted or held hostage, clarifying that the commotion resulted from an operational disagreement between electricity distribution companies rather than a criminal incident.
Widespread speculation over the weekend had alleged that personnel at the facility were detained at gunpoint during a forced disconnection. However, in an official statement released on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed that no staff of the National Independent System Operator (NISO) or the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) were abducted or compelled to carry out illegal operations.
According to the police, the situation was traced to a dispute involving the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and the Orashi Electricity Distribution Company. The presence of the Chairman of the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ISERC), Engr. Bede Okpara, helped calm tensions at the site.
DSP Okoye noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to launch a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the disruption. He assured the public that adequate security measures are now in place to ensure uninterrupted operations at the facility.
The Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding personnel working at key installations, stressing that no worker would be allowed to perform their duties under intimidation or duress.
Despite the police clarification, the Nigerian Independent System Operator had earlier raised alarm, alleging that its staff were forced to carry out a disconnection after armed individuals stormed the control rooms. NISO claimed that some of its personnel were still unaccounted for and warned that it might disconnect Owerri substations from the national grid if it could not confirm their safety.
Attempts by NISO to reach the Imo State Government were reportedly unsuccessful, though the group confirmed that Engr. Bede Okpara had acknowledged knowledge of the incident.
The conflicting accounts underscore ongoing tensions over oversight and operational authority at critical electricity infrastructure sites. Authorities say investigations are continuing and have urged the public and stakeholders to avoid spreading unverified information that could escalate concerns around national grid stability.
News
EFCC evicts Malami from Abuja home amid forfeiture dispute
Former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami says Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operatives forcefully evicted him and his family from their Abuja residence despite ongoing court proceedings over the property’s forfeiture.
He described the action as unlawful and vowed to challenge it in court.
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.
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