ABUJA — Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has ordered the deployment of a high-powered ministerial team to Niger State to investigate the deaths of detained persons in Minna over allegations linked to illegal mining.
Alake, who expressed shock and sadness over the incident, also condoled with Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the families and communities affected by the tragedy.
The minister said the team would work with other investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and submit a comprehensive report.
“Given the allegation that the detained persons were arrested on suspicion of carrying out illegal mining, I have deployed a high-powered team of officials to Niger State to investigate the circumstances and ascertain the facts of the matter,” Alake said.
He commended Governor Bago for declaring a period of mourning and setting up an investigative framework to uncover what transpired.
According to Alake, a thorough, transparent and independent inquiry is necessary to establish accountability and ensure that a similar incident does not occur again in detention and correctional facilities.
He said the loss of lives was deeply painful, adding that his thoughts and prayers were with the bereaved families and communities mourning the victims.
Alake prayed for comfort for the affected families and eternal rest for the deceased.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has questioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ekiti South West/Ikere/Ise-Orun Federal Constituency, Engr. Toyin Zacheous Okoro, over allegations bordering on conflict of interest, public contracts and false declarations.
Okoro, who is contesting the House of Representatives seat in the 2027 election, appeared at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, September 17, following an invitation from the anti-graft agency. He was reportedly questioned for more than two hours before being released on bail and directed to return for further questioning.
The invitation, dated September 7, 2026, was reportedly signed by Oshinyemi Oluwaseun, Head of the ICPC Special Duty Team, and issued pursuant to Sections 28 and 40 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Okoro reportedly arrived at the commission’s headquarters at about 2pm and was taken into an interrogation room around 2:40pm.
Among the issues being examined is an allegation that Okoro operated a private company as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer while serving as a Senior Legislative Aide at the National Assembly.
Investigators are also looking into claims that he allegedly used his position as a public servant to facilitate government contracts for the company from agencies including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
The investigation also reportedly covers allegations that Okoro continued to receive National Assembly salaries and allowances while allegedly retaining beneficial interests in the private company.
Another aspect of the probe concerns an alleged resignation from the company, with investigators reportedly examining claims that documents relating to the resignation were backdated after questions were raised about his involvement with the firm.
The ICPC is further examining alleged discrepancies between information contained in Okoro’s submissions to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and records held by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the National Assembly.
Okoro, a former Senior Legislative Aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, emerged as the APC candidate for the constituency after the party’s May 2026 primary. His name has subsequently appeared in reports on the party’s 2027 candidate for the constituency.
The allegations under investigation have not been established as findings of guilt, and Okoro has not been convicted of any offence. Reports indicate that the ICPC investigation remains ongoing and that he is expected to return for further questioning.
A survivor of the deaths involving suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has alleged that overcrowding and lack of ventilation caused the deaths.
The survivor, Dauda Shehu, an indigene of Allawa in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state, also challenged the NSCDC’s account that the deaths were caused by an undisclosed disease.
Shehu said he and 64 others were allegedly crammed into a small detention cell where, according to him, there was little or no ventilation.
“We were jam-packed in a small space. There was no ventilation or air coming in for us to breathe well. We realised that we could not breathe properly again and we were all scampering for fresh air before some of us started collapsing,” he said.
According to him, the detainees repeatedly pleaded with officers to open the cell after the atmosphere became unbearable, but their pleas allegedly went unanswered.
“We begged them several times when the atmosphere inside the cell started choking us. We banged on the cell door several times, but they refused to answer us.
“Even when we raised the alarm that some people were already dying from suffocation, nobody answered us. They watched us gasping for air and screaming for help, but they ignored us,” Shehu alleged.
He further questioned the number of deaths announced by the NSCDC, saying that 65 people were initially arrested.
“Out of the 65 of us that were in the cell, they brought only six of us to the General Hospital. Where are the remaining 26 people if they claim it is only 33 that died? We were 65 that were arrested,” he said.
Another survivor, who declined to give his name, said those who survived were closer to the entrance of the cell and continued screaming for assistance.
“We survived because we were close to the entrance and we were screaming for help. Some died last night, some this morning. Even when we were telling them that people were dying, they did not believe us,” he said.
The survivor also rejected descriptions of the detainees as criminals, saying many of them had turned to mining to survive after being displaced from their communities by insecurity.
“We were chased away from our homes in Allawa by armed bandits. We are just trying to earn a living. We do not carry arms or weapons. They are lying,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abdullahi, a parent of one of the victims identified as Salim, said his son was the breadwinner of the family and had left home three days earlier for mining.
According to him, the family was later informed that Salim and others had been arrested by the NSCDC.
“For the past three days, we have been coming and appealing to the command for their release, but the officers told us they could not release them,” he said.
Abdullahi said relatives had continued taking food to the detainees, including on the previous day, when, he claimed, his son and others ate and appeared well.
“It was when we came this morning to give them food that we saw that my son and many others were already dead,” he said.
Calling for an independent investigation, Abdullahi said families of the victims wanted access to the remains of their loved ones to determine the actual cause of death.
“They should tell us what truly killed our children. Is it that they poisoned them or tear-gassed them to death? What is their reason for killing my son and the others?
“We need justice. They should release the corpses to us and we will seek independent autopsy. We will not let this go down like this,” he said.
The development has sparked tension in parts of Minna, the Niger State capital, with reports of youths protesting and burning tyres in some areas.
Residents have expressed concern over a possible breakdown of law and order following the deaths.
The NSCDC had previously attributed the deaths to an undisclosed disease, while investigations into the incident are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatalities. The allegations by the survivors have not been independently established.
Nigeria and Spain are seeking stronger cooperation in agricultural technology and investment, with improved seedlings, livestock production, irrigation and food preservation identified as areas with potential for expanded collaboration.
The discussions took place when Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, paid a courtesy visit to Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas Puchades, at the Palacio de Fomento in Madrid on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Planas congratulated Ikpeazu on his appointment as Nigeria’s principal envoy to Spain and on the successful presentation of his Letters of Credence to King Felipe VI, saying his assumption of duty would further strengthen relations between both countries.
The Spanish minister highlighted Spain’s experience in crop disease prevention and the development of high-yielding improved seedlings, which have contributed to large-scale agro-food and livestock production.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s agricultural potential, noting that more than 40 per cent of the country’s total land area is arable and presents opportunities for increased food production and value-chain development.
According to Planas, Spain currently produces more food than it imports, with improved seedlings, food preservation policies and consumption strategies contributing to the development of its agricultural sector.
He said innovative technologies contributed to a 20 per cent reduction in food loss in 2025, with additional preventive measures being implemented.
Ikpeazu said increased agricultural production remained a priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly given Nigeria’s large youth population and the employment opportunities available across the agricultural value chain.
The ambassador said greater utilisation of Nigeria’s agricultural potential could improve food security, create jobs and help address irregular migration challenges in Africa.
Ikpeazu commended Spain’s innovations in improved seedling production, livestock development and food preservation, and expressed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with Spain to increase agricultural productivity and reduce losses linked to inadequate preservation facilities and transportation networks.
He cited Spanish investment in Nigeria, including GB Foods’ operations in Kebbi and Ogun states, where he said improved seedlings had helped increase tomato yields from 10 tonnes to more than 60 tonnes per hectare.
The ambassador also expressed Nigeria’s strong interest in expanding animal production for domestic consumption and export, and indicated the country’s willingness to partner with Spain in developing the sector.
Both sides agreed that closer cooperation in technology transfer and investment promotion could deliver mutual benefits.
They also committed to facilitating and considering proposals from relevant government agencies and private-sector stakeholders as part of efforts to expand agricultural cooperation and deepen Nigeria-Spain relations.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Managing Director of Debasilio Construction and Estate Development Limited, Basil Iwoba Ochili, over an alleged N128 million land fraud in Awka, Anambra State.
Ochili was arrested by operatives of the EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate following a petition alleging that he falsely presented himself as the owner of five plots of land and offered them for sale.
The EFCC disclosed this in a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
According to the commission, the five plots are located beside the Anambra State Secretariat, near Stamford Hotel, Aroma Junction, Awka.
The petitioner alleged that in September 2022, Ochili represented himself as the owner of the property and offered the five plots for sale.
Believing that he had the authority to dispose of the land, the petitioner reportedly paid N128 million into the account of Ochili’s company.
However, after completing the payment, the petitioner was allegedly unable to take possession of the property.
The EFCC said preliminary investigations indicated that Ochili allegedly knew the property encroached on land belonging to the Anambra State Government Secretariat when he offered it for sale.
The commission further alleged that rather than refund the N128 million, the suspect issued two dud cheques to the petitioner.
“Instead of refunding the petitioner’s money, the suspect offered him two dud cheques,” the EFCC stated.
The agency also alleged that Ochili used part of the money to settle personal debts.
The EFCC further said preliminary investigations showed that Debasilio Construction and Estate Development Limited had allegedly not been tax compliant.
The commission said Ochili would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The allegations against Ochili have not been proven in court, and he remains presumed innocent unless found guilty by a competent court.
The Federal Government, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and prominent opposition figures have rallied around former Zamfara State governor and Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, following the death of his maternal aunt, Hajiya Rukiya Jibril.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, on Thursday led a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, to commiserate with Yari and his family.
Hajiya Rukiya was the immediate younger sister of Yari’s mother.
Delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolence message, Akume assured Yari and his family of the Federal Government’s solidarity during their period of mourning.
The SGF described death as a transition and return to Allah, saying it occurs according to the divine will and wisdom of the Almighty.
He urged the bereaved family to draw strength from their faith and the knowledge that the deceased had completed her earthly journey.
Akume prayed Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, accept her good deeds and grant her eternal mercy among the righteous.
Responding, Yari thanked President Tinubu for the gesture of compassion and solidarity, as well as Akume and members of the delegation for travelling to Talata Mafara to identify with the family.
He described the visit as a source of comfort and encouragement to him and his family during the difficult period.
Yari also prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, protection and blessings upon the President, the SGF, members of the delegation and the Federal Government.
The former governor appealed to Nigerians to remember his late maternal aunt in their prayers and seek Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and peaceful repose for her soul.
Members of the Federal Government delegation included Niger State Governor, Umar Bago; APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru; former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha; and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, among others.
The condolence visit also attracted prominent politicians from opposition parties, highlighting the broad political relationships surrounding the former Zamfara governor.
Former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, accompanied by Senator Abdul Ningi, attended the visit as representatives of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Similarly, Senator Tony Nwoye led a delegation of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to Talata Mafara to condole with Yari and his family.
The gathering brought together serving and former government officials, as well as political leaders and chieftains from different platforms, who joined the Yari family in mourning Hajiya Rukiya Jibril.
The Federal Government has again ruled out any immediate increase in electricity tariffs, saying its priority is to improve power supply, expand metering and protect vulnerable consumers.
The Minister of Power, Tegbe, stated this while speaking with journalists after commissioning a 3MW captive solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja.
“There are no immediate plans to increase electricity tariffs. Our goal is to build a commercially viable power sector while protecting vulnerable consumers,” the minister said.
Tegbe said the government was focused on improving service delivery, strengthening the reliability of the national grid and accelerating universal metering under the Presidential Metering Initiative.
According to him, increased metering would ensure that consumers are billed based on actual electricity consumption.
He disclosed that power generation had stabilised at around 5,000 megawatts in recent weeks, adding that the government was also working to improve grid reliability, address legacy debts and attract fresh investment into the sector.
The minister’s clarification comes amid renewed concerns over a possible electricity tariff increase following discussions around the future of electricity subsidies.
Tegbe, however, stressed that tariff increases were not an immediate consideration, saying the government was concentrating on improving electricity services and rebuilding consumer confidence.
He said the administration would continue to examine reforms to the electricity subsidy framework while taking into account the needs of vulnerable consumers.
Solar Project Cuts Diesel Dependence
The newly commissioned solar hybrid project at Yakubu Gowon University is expected to provide more stable and cleaner electricity to the university community of about 58,726 students.
Developed by the Rural Electrification Agency under Phase II of the Energising Education Programme, the project comprises a 3.3MWp solar array, 3MW AC output and a 2MWh battery storage system.
It is also supported by dedicated grid supply during periods when solar generation is unavailable.
The project includes 388 solar-powered street lights installed across the campus to improve visibility and security for students and staff after dark.
Tegbe said the project demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the reliability and quality of electricity supply while pursuing reforms aimed at creating a sustainable power sector.
He said the government was addressing the structural and financial challenges facing the electricity industry while seeking greater efficiency and accountability across the value chain.
The minister reiterated that universal metering remained a major priority, saying it would improve billing transparency and ensure consumers pay for electricity based on measured consumption.
He said the broader objective was to build a financially sustainable and investment-friendly electricity market capable of supporting infrastructure development, improving generation and distribution, and delivering more reliable power to households, businesses and public institutions.
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has seized on remarks by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, on the economic turbulence surrounding the Federal Government’s reforms, saying the comments vindicated its earlier criticisms of the Tinubu administration.
Bagudu had said the government did not anticipate the scale of the global economic turbulence that followed the removal of the petrol subsidy and foreign exchange reforms. He also acknowledged that the reforms and external pressures had contributed to cost-of-living challenges, while maintaining that the measures were aimed at strengthening public finances and putting the economy on a sustainable growth path.
Reacting in a statement issued in Abuja, APM National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, said the minister’s remarks confirmed the party’s concerns about the implementation of the reforms.
The party argued that the removal of the petrol subsidy, naira floatation and tax measures should have been accompanied by stronger safeguards to cushion their effects on households and businesses.
“Bagudu’s admission is a gross admission of incompetence which also validates our position that the Tinubu government lacked the coherent economic blueprint, policy foresight and adequate safeguards required to manage a nation,” the party said.
The APM said it had warned about the possible consequences of the reforms, particularly their impact on household incomes, businesses and the productive sector.
It alleged that rising energy, transportation and food costs had placed significant pressure on Nigerians, while businesses had also faced increased operating expenses.
The opposition party further alleged that some multinational companies had scaled down operations or exited the country, while many small and medium-sized enterprises had struggled with the prevailing economic conditions.
The APM said the Federal Government should take responsibility for the consequences of its economic decisions and engage Nigerians on measures to reduce pressure on households and businesses.
The party also called on President Bola Tinubu to take responsibility and reconsider his 2027 presidential bid, a demand that represents the APM’s political position.
The APM said Nigeria needed what it described as a “hard reset” in economic management, with greater emphasis on production, employment, policy consistency and citizens’ welfare.
It also called for economic reforms to be accompanied by safeguards aimed at protecting vulnerable Nigerians from disproportionate effects.
The party used the development to promote the presidential candidacy of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, whom it described as having a blueprint for addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.
The APM urged Nigerians to support Makinde ahead of the 2027 presidential election and said it would intensify mobilisation across the country.
The party said its campaign would focus on presenting an alternative to the economic policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The Federal Government, states and local government councils have shared N2.338 trillion from the Federation Account as revenue distributable for August 2026.
The allocation was announced after the September 2026 meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), chaired by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr Shamseeldeen Ogunjimi.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Efe Ovuakporie, the N2.338 trillion distributable revenue comprised N1.565 trillion from Statutory Revenue and N773.233 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT).
The statement explained that the Federal Government received N804.897 billion, states got N794.313 billion, while local government councils received N555.142 billion.
In addition, N184.388 billion was shared as derivation revenue among oil-producing states, representing the constitutionally prescribed 13 per cent of mineral revenue.
The figures came after deductions and allocations for the cost of revenue collection, transfers, interventions and refunds.
VAT Revenue Rises
FAAC said gross VAT revenue for August stood at N834.843 billion, representing an increase of N40.875 billion compared with the N793.968 billion recorded in the preceding month.
However, N100.545 billion was deducted as the cost of collection, while N1.184 trillion was allocated for transfers, interventions and refunds.
The remaining N733.233 billion was distributed among the three tiers of government, with the Federal Government receiving N77.323 billion, states N425.278 billion and local government councils N270.632 billion.
Statutory Revenue Drops
Gross Statutory Revenue fell sharply to N2.850 trillion in August from N4.359 trillion in July, representing a decline of N1.509 trillion.
From the statutory revenue, N24.597 billion was deducted for the cost of collection, while N37.014 billion was allocated for transfers, interventions and refunds.
The balance of N1.565 trillion was distributed among the three tiers of government.
The Federal Government received N727.573 billion, states got N369.035 billion, while local government councils received N284.511 billion.
The mineral-producing states also received N184.388 billion as derivation revenue.
Mixed Revenue Performance
The FAAC communiqué showed that revenue from Petroleum Profit Tax, Hydrocarbon Tax, VAT, Customs and Excise Duties levies and Excise Duty recorded significant increases during the period under review.
However, revenue from Companies Income Tax/Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duty Tax, Petroleum Royalties, Mineral Royalties, Gas Flared Penalty, Import Duty, Rental, Gas Flared Fee and Miscellaneous Oil Revenue recorded declines.
FAAC said the total revenue available for distribution for August 2026 was N2.338 trillion, comprising N1.565 trillion from Statutory Revenue and N773.233 billion from VAT.
National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has explained that he rejected the option of joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) because he did not want Nigeria to become a one-party state.
Dickson, a former Bayelsa State governor, made the disclosure in Abuja on Thursday when the management of LEADERSHIP Newspaper, led by its Vice Chairman, Mike Okpere, presented him with the notification of the newspaper’s 2026 Politician of the Year award.
According to Dickson, the decision followed what he described as the decline of his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Rather than defect to the ruling APC, he said he chose to help establish the NDC as an alternative political platform and contribute to sustaining multiparty democracy.
“I did not believe Nigeria should become a one-party state,” Dickson said.
He said the NDC was established at a time when there were limited expectations that a new political platform could develop into a significant force.
However, Dickson said the party had since expanded into what he described as a major opposition platform.
“Months down the line, we have built a formidable party and a major opposition platform in Nigeria,” he said.
The NDC leader expressed appreciation to Nigerians, as well as leaders, members and supporters of the party, for their confidence in the political project.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the development of the NDC.
Dickson urged NDC members to put behind them disagreements arising from the party’s nomination process and focus on the 2027 general elections.
He called on members to mobilise support for the party’s candidates and pursue political competition through democratic means.
The former governor also appealed to President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to provide a peaceful environment for political parties and candidates to campaign freely ahead of the 2027 elections.
He further urged political actors to respect the judiciary and resolve political disputes through democratic processes.
Dickson dedicated the LEADERSHIP award to NDC members and Nigerians who, according to him, had supported the party’s efforts to strengthen multiparty democracy.
ABUJA — Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has ordered the deployment of a high-powered ministerial team to Niger State to investigate the...
