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Senate Rejects NNPCL’s Explanations on Unaccounted N210 Trillion, Threatens to Subpoena Former Executives

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Abuja, November 12, 2025 – The Nigerian Senate has dismissed written submissions from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) regarding a staggering N210 trillion in financial discrepancies spanning 2017 to 2023, escalating its probe into alleged mismanagement at the state oil giant.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Senator Aliyu Wadada (APC, Nasarawa West), took the decisive step during a session on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, after NNPCL management failed to appear in person despite prior agreements. The committee, tasked with scrutinizing 19 audit queries from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, described the company’s responses as evasive and riddled with contradictions.

“This date was chosen by NNPCL itself, yet none of their officials showed up,” Wadada told reporters, expressing frustration over Group Chief Executive Officer Engineer Bayo Ojulari’s absence. “The public deserves transparency. While we can’t conclude without their input, the committee will share our findings based on the documents provided.”

Red Flags in NNPCL’s Financial Claims

Wadada highlighted two primary issues totaling the N210 trillion shortfall: N103 trillion in purported accrued expenses and N107 trillion in receivables.

  • Accrued Expenses (N103 Trillion): The committee challenged NNPCL’s claim of paying this sum in cash calls to joint venture partners in 2023 alone. “Cash calls were abolished in 2016 under the Buhari administration,” Wadada noted. “How could NNPCL pay N103 trillion in one year when it generated only N24 trillion in crude revenue from 2017 to 2022? Where did this money come from? As far as this committee is concerned, it’s unjustifiable. The N103 trillion must be returned to the treasury.”
  • Receivables (N107 Trillion): Equivalent to about $117 billion at current rates, this figure—allegedly including funds held in defunct banks—was rejected outright for lacking specifics. “No bank or amount was named. This contradicts evidence provided by NNPCL itself,” Wadada said. “The committee is duty-bound to reject it.”

The probe also spotlighted the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), a subsidiary under NNPCL’s umbrella. Wadada accused NAPIMS of operating independently with its own accounts, in violation of legal mandates. “If the current management can’t provide answers, we’ll subpoena former GMDs [Group Managing Directors] and NAPIMS officials,” he warned.

No More Excuses: GCEO’s Presence Demanded

In a stern directive, Wadada mandated Ojulari’s personal attendance at future hearings. “Being out of the country is no longer an excuse. The next invitation requires the GCEO’s physical presence,” he stated. He further declared that the committee would no longer accept any NNPCL representations without the CEO’s involvement, signaling a hardening stance against perceived “offensive evasiveness.”

All committee members present endorsed Wadada’s position, underscoring bipartisan concern over the oil sector’s accountability.

Context of the Probe

The investigation stems from the Auditor-General’s reports, which flagged NNPCL for failing to remit or justify the N210 trillion amid broader questions on revenue transparency in Nigeria’s vital energy sector. NNPCL, restructured from the state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in 2021, has faced mounting scrutiny under Ojulari’s leadership—despite separate commendations from industry groups praising his push for “transparent leadership.”

This development intensifies pressure on NNPCL as Nigeria grapples with fuel subsidy reforms, oil theft, and fiscal shortfalls. The committee has vowed to reconvene with NNPCL officials soon, potentially invoking subpoenas to compel testimony from past executives if cooperation falters.

The full implications for NNPCL’s operations and Nigeria’s energy governance remain under watch, with Wadada emphasizing the probe’s role in safeguarding public funds.

FCT Minister’s Aide: Ex-Naval Chief ‘Scammed’ in Fraudulent Land Deal, Resorted to ‘Military Might’

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Senior Special Assistant on Publicity and Communications to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, Mr. Lere Olayinka, has accused a retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, of attempting to use military influence to enforce an invalid claim over a disputed plot in Abuja following a fraudulent land transaction.

Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Olayinka defended Minister Wike’s actions during Tuesday’s confrontation with Naval Officer A.M. Yerima, framing the incident as a fallout from a deliberate scam that misled the former naval chief into purchasing land never intended for private development.

Land Allocated for Public Use, Not Housing

Olayinka revealed that the contested property in Mabushi District was originally allocated in 2007 to Santos Estate Limited strictly for “park and recreation” purposes.

“That land was allocated to a company in 2007—Santos Estate Limited—for park and recreation,” he said. “It’s a parkway, a walkway, a road corridor. You don’t build there.”

He explained that in 2022, the company applied to convert the land use to commercial, but the request was rejected by the then-FCT Minister—before Wike assumed office.

“Despite the rejection, the company illegally subdivided the land and sold portions to unsuspecting buyers, including Vice Admiral Gambo,” Olayinka alleged.

‘He Was Scammed—Then Chose Military Might’

Rather than pursuing legal recourse against the fraudulent seller, Olayinka claimed, the retired admiral opted to deploy serving personnel to secure the site.

“The Chief of Naval Staff was scammed. He now realizes he was scammed,” Olayinka stated. “Instead of seeking help through proper channels, he resorted to military might.

“After selling land allocated for park and recreation for residential construction, who should he hold accountable—the scammer or the government? He chose not to pursue the company that defrauded him.”

No Valid Title, No Approved Plans

Olayinka emphasized that the Mabushi area is zoned exclusively for public and corporate buildings, not private residences.

“That portion is designated for public and corporate use—near the Ministry of Works and Environment. Residential construction is prohibited,” he said.

He further asserted that Vice Admiral Gambo lacks any legitimate title document.

“As of today, Vice Admiral Gambo does not have a title document proving ownership. He does not own the land,” Olayinka declared.

Even if a title existed, he argued, development could not proceed without mandatory approvals.

“Before any development begins, a building plan must be submitted to the Department of Development Control for approval,” he noted. “Nigerians should ask Vice Admiral Gambo: Did he submit a building plan? Was it approved?”

Broader Implications

The aide’s statements add a new dimension to the public dispute, shifting focus from the on-site clash to allegations of systemic land fraud and abuse of military privilege.

The incident has intensified scrutiny over land administration in the FCT and the role of security agencies in private property disputes, with growing calls for transparency and accountability on all sides.

Constitutional Expert Condemns Naval Officer’s Obstruction of FCT Minister Wike as ‘Breach of Law’

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and constitutional law scholar, Prof. Sebastine Hon, has strongly criticized Naval Officer A.M. Yerima for blocking Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike from accessing a disputed plot in Abuja, labeling the action a clear violation of the law.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Hon rejected Yerima’s claim of acting under “superior orders,” asserting that no lawful military directive could justify impeding the minister’s statutory duties.

“Setting aside sentiments, I condemn in its entirety the conduct of Naval Officer A.M. Yerima, who prevented the FCT Minister from entering the land under the pretext of obeying superior orders,” Hon wrote. “While obedience to superiors is a cornerstone of military discipline, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has firmly established its limits.”

Citing landmark judgments in Onunze v. State (2023) 8 NWLR (Pt. 1885) 61 and Nigeria Air Force v. James (2002) 18 NWLR (Pt. 798) 295, Hon emphasized that military personnel are not obligated to follow illegal or manifestly unjust commands.

“The order’s illegality arises chiefly because no military service law authorizes an active-duty officer to guard the private construction site of a superior—particularly under these suspicious circumstances,” he argued. “If genuine security concerns existed, the retired naval officer involved should have involved the civil police.”

Hon underscored Wike’s constitutional authority, noting that under Sections 297(2) and 302 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President has delegated full powers over FCT land administration to the minister.

“On that day, Mr. Wike acted in loco parentis to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” Hon stated. “Even a serving superior officer could not lawfully obstruct him. This was a direct affront to civilian authority.”

While acknowledging Wike’s confrontational style, Hon maintained that the minister’s actions were “legal and lawful in every respect.” In contrast, he said, Yerima’s obstruction violated the Constitution, military regulations, and Section 114 of the Armed Forces Act, which holds service personnel criminally liable for civil offenses.

“The officer could face court-martial for obstructing a public official in the discharge of his duties,” Hon warned.

He cautioned against glorifying the incident, predicting that impunity could erode civilian oversight of the military.

“If this young officer’s intolerable conduct is celebrated or goes unpunished, it may embolden security forces to terrorize civilians—boasting, ‘We did it to Wike and nothing happened,’” he concluded.

Background to the Clash

The controversy stems from a heated confrontation on Tuesday at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja, where FCT officials, acting on Wike’s directive, attempted to enforce a stop-work and demolition order due to missing title documents.

Widely circulated video footage shows uniformed personnel blocking Wike’s convoy, leading to a tense exchange with Officer Yerima. The minister accused the developers and military personnel of land-grabbing and vowed not to yield to intimidation.

Speaking to journalists afterward, Wike said: “I was informed the military chased away my team earlier. Today, when they returned to enforce my directive, the military had taken over the site. I had to come myself.

“I don’t understand how a senior officer, facing an issue, fails to approach my office but uses military status to intimidate Nigerians. I will not succumb to blackmail.”

The incident has sparked widespread debate, with Hon’s intervention adding legal weight to calls for accountability and respect for civilian authority.

2027 Election: Tinubu, APC Unstoppable, Declares Kalu

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission and former Abia State Governor, has dismissed any notion of credible opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential race, framing the contest as “Tinubu versus Tinubu.”

In a wide-ranging interview with the Senate Press Corps at the National Assembly foyer on Tuesday, the Abia North representative hailed the All Progressives Congress (APC) as deeply entrenched nationwide, crediting Tinubu’s policies with steady gains in economic stabilization and security. “Our party is fully on the ground and fully with the people,” Kalu asserted. “Nobody can say we don’t have the people on our side. We will continue to do what we can to help the Nigerian masses progress.”

Kalu likened the scenario to Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo’s re-election bid, insisting Tinubu faces no viable challengers. He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s backing of the administration under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, prioritizing legislation to alleviate economic woes. “Whatever the problem, the Senate is more interested in making laws that will help President Tinubu overcome the economic challenges our people are facing,” he said. “We are focusing on redeeming Nigerians so they can eat three times a day.”

Backs Trump’s Remarks on Killings: “He Told the Truth”

Kalu endorsed recent comments attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump on Nigeria’s escalating violence, rejecting claims of bias and emphasizing the non-sectarian toll. “If it’s a lie, then the answer is that it’s not a lie because he said the truth,” Kalu stated. “Nigerians are being killed whether they are Christians or Muslims. There are jihadists who just want to destroy Nigeria. We should blacklist them without pity so that they will be smoked out.”

Drawing from personal diplomacy, Kalu disclosed consultations with two former U.S. presidents—one Republican, one Democrat—and six current U.S. senators, all expressing willingness to aid Nigeria’s anti-terrorism efforts. “Before President Trump says a word, the American intelligence community must have found out where these terrorists are located,” he noted, pointing to recent Nigerian Air Force strikes as evidence of fruitful U.S.-shared intelligence. “That’s how it should be.”

While identifying as “pro-America,” Kalu critiqued U.S. foreign policy legacies, linking the 2011 killing of Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi and Iraq’s Saddam Hussein to unchecked arms proliferation across Africa. “When you killed Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein, it became a problem because those people were maintaining their borders,” he explained. “After their deaths, light and heavy arms spilled all over the world, and we are suffering from it today.”

He quashed rumors of U.S. antagonism toward Tinubu’s government, clarifying: “Nigerians are clapping hands, and political opponents are thinking that the U.S. is after Tinubu’s government. No! They are going after the jihadists.”

Dismisses Defection Rumors, Predicts APC Gains in Southeast

On speculation surrounding Abia Governor Alex Otti’s potential shift from the Labour Party to the APC, Kalu denied any coercion. “Neither me nor other senators, the Senate President, or President Tinubu have ever forced anybody to join our party,” he said. “I have met with my governor; he is my brother and used to be my banker. Whether he joins or not is up to him.” Nonetheless, Kalu vowed full commitment: “As for me, I will work 100% for the APC, campaign in the state, and ensure victory for President Tinubu and every APC candidate.”

Kalu was more bullish on Soludo’s trajectory, predicting the APGA governor’s eventual alignment with the APC post-re-election. “Soludo is a progressive like myself, President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, and the governors of Imo, Ebonyi, and Enugu,” he said. “He has no alternative than to come and join us—it’s confirmed.”

Economy: Macro Gains Amid Micro Hardships

Assessing Nigeria’s fiscal landscape, Kalu conceded the daily struggles felt by many while highlighting positive macroeconomic trends. “As a businessman, I am feeling the pain too,” he admitted. “The macro economy is doing well, but the micro economy is not. Foreign investors are coming in, and what is left is for this progress to trickle down to the masses so that people can eat daily and return to farming.”

He lauded Tinubu’s personal investment in reforms and the Senate’s complementary role in fostering food security and growth. “President Tinubu has put his life into revamping the economy, and the Senate is also doing its best to ensure that Nigerians feel the progress.”

Senate Unity: Impeachment Rumors “Family Misunderstanding”

Addressing early whispers of an impeachment plot against Akpabio, Kalu downplayed the discord as internal friction swiftly resolved. “There were attempts, but we didn’t allow that to happen,” he said. “We are one big family, and it’s not going to happen.”

Kalu’s statements reflect staunch loyalty to Tinubu and the APC, a collaborative approach to security with international allies, and measured optimism that targeted interventions can surmount Nigeria’s intertwined economic and stability hurdles.

Katsina Police Debunks Alleged Death Of Football Player, Report Is Untrue, Mischievous

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Katsina state police command has debunked the alleged reports circulating on the social media that Nana Abraham, a professional football player of Barau FC was slaughtered by fan(s) of the Katsina United FC.

DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the state Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Katsina on Monday, said such incident did not happen during their recent NPFL Week 12 away match at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

“This report is entirely false, mischievous, and a calculated attempt to breach the relative peace being enjoyed in the state. Nana Abraham is safe and accounted for”, he said.

According to him, the preliminary investigations revealed that all players, staff, and officials involved in the match are safe as there was no report of any physical contact between fans and players, staff, or officials before, during, or after the match, as a result of the adequate security arrangements.

“Moreover, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has investigated the incidents related to the match, listed out offences committed by the home team, Katsina United FC, and sanctioned them accordingly. Notably, there was no report of a football player’s death”, the statement added.

It stated that, the Command therefore warned mischief makers to desist from propagating and peddling false information, as doing so is an offence punishable by law.

“We will not hesitate to track down and prosecute anyone found guilty of spreading false information liable to cause a breach of public peace”.

The Command also urged the public to rely on verified sources of information and disregard this type of unsubstantiated report.

The Command under the able leadership of CP Bello Shehu, remains committed towards ensuring the safety and security of life and property across the state, the statement concluded.

“Kill the Terrorists or Resign”: Prince Adebayo Challenges Tinubu on Insecurity, Urges Mass Action for Electoral Reform

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo has issued a blunt ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: decisively eliminate terrorists ravaging the nation or step down, as insecurity remains a core failure of governance.

Delivering a fiery keynote at the National Electoral Reforms Summit in Abuja on Tuesday—themed “Critical Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections in 2027″—Adebayo linked rampant violence to Nigeria’s electoral dysfunction, calling on citizens to mobilize en masse for reforms rather than rely on elite rhetoric.

“Nigerians must stop waiting for leaders to fix the system; we have to compel them,” Adebayo told delegates, including civil society leaders, labour unions, and political stakeholders. “If you don’t say it, nobody here will say this man only talks when he’s out of government. Token discussions won’t produce change.”

He lambasted self-serving debates on electoral reform, accusing many politicians of defending a flawed status quo that lines their pockets. “Most Nigerians who speak about this electoral reform depend on where their stomach is facing,” he quipped. To end manipulations, Adebayo advocated grassroots vigilance: “If you come out en masse, nobody will write any result. Nobody will take away the result sheet.”

On insecurity—described as inextricably tied to political rot—Adebayo spared no punches. “If your people are losing their lives in dozens, you already failed the primary assignment of governance,” he declared. “Kill the terrorists, or use the pen to resign.”

Adebayo also urged restraint against exploiting foreign interest in Nigeria’s crises, referencing potential U.S. involvement under a Trump administration. “We must not use the Trump intervention as a basis to litigate our hatred for each other,” he cautioned. “Any external assistance must serve all Nigerians impartially.”

Diving deeper, he pinpointed systemic barriers to reform: a political elite viewing office as a welfare scheme, disenfranchised youth starved of opportunities, identity politics fueled by region and religion, and “weak, principle-less” parties. “Before you can reform INEC, you must reform the political parties—they’re the factory from which you train leaders,” he asserted.

Paying homage to civil society and unions for sustaining democratic discourse amid setbacks, Adebayo framed democracy as an unending test: “It is one exam you will never pass. If you pass an exam in democracy, you’re only entitled to the next.”

In closing, he called for ethnic and religious unity to “put fire to the feet of our government to protect us,” while appreciating global scrutiny but insisting on homegrown solutions. “Be thankful for international attention, but sustainable change starts with us.”

The pan-Nigeria multistakeholder dialogue, aimed at advancing constitutional amendments for 2027 polls, continues with sessions on institutional reforms to bolster electoral integrity and citizen engagement.

Health Advocates Urge Immediate Release of 2025 Funds for Family Planning, Adolescent Health, and Immunisation

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) has demanded the urgent release of allocated funds for family planning, adolescent health, and immunisation in the 2025 national budget, warning that delays threaten critical service delivery across Nigeria.

The appeal, issued ahead of the Joint Annual Review (JAR) of the health sector commencing Wednesday in Abuja, was led by AHBN Executive Director Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba. The review, themed “All Hands, One Vision,” will convene the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, state commissioners, development partners, and National Assembly members to assess progress and chart reforms.

“We call on the Federal Government and the Ministry of Health to fully release the 2025 family planning budget, including the $4 million counterpart funding under the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Health Value Chain,” Dr. Magashi stated during a congress of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ) in Abuja.

He further urged all tiers of government to disburse the full adolescent health and well-being allocation, emphasizing its role in reducing youth mortality and strengthening health systems. “Investing in young people is investing in Nigeria’s future,” he said.

AHBN also pressed for transparency in the management of the recently released ₦32.9 billion under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and demanded the immediate disbursement of the ₦231 billion earmarked for immunisation in 2025—none of which has been released to date.

“Progress has been made with direct funding to facilities, but accountability must be airtight,” Dr. Magashi stressed. “Every naira must translate into measurable health outcomes.”

Speaking as ANHEJ patron, Dr. Magashi advocated for a robust media and communication strategy to amplify health advocacy. He pledged support—through AHBN and partners like the Community Health and Development Foundation (CHDF)—to revitalize ANHEJ’s digital presence, including regular website updates and active social media engagement.

“A dormant website is a missed opportunity,” he warned. “We need a dedicated communication focal person—perhaps a young, tech-savvy health journalist volunteering their skills—to keep our platforms alive and impactful.”

Dr. Magashi also called for streamlining the Health and Emergency Fund to provide swift support to journalists facing medical or financial crises. He recommended recruiting members with fundraising and ICT expertise to enhance efficiency and explore online crowdfunding.

“Bureaucracy must not stand in the way of helping our own,” he insisted.

Commending the media’s role in driving accountability, Dr. Magashi urged journalists to leverage their platforms to sustain pressure on government commitments. “Our collective voice is a catalyst for change,” he concluded. “Through transparency, collaboration, and relentless advocacy, we can ensure no Nigerian is left behind in the quest for better health.”

NUPRC Launches 2025 Oil Licensing Round Amid Push for 1MMBOPD Production Boost

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has officially unveiled the 2025 Licensing Round, set to kick off on December 1, 2025, as part of a broader strategy to attract investment and ramp up crude oil output.

The announcement came from NUPRC Chief Executive Engineer Gbenga Komolafe during the Project 1MMBOPD Additional Production Investment Forum in London on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Speaking to an audience of oil executives, bankers, and investors, Komolafe emphasized the initiative’s alignment with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and its endorsement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who serves as Minister of Petroleum Resources.

“We are ready, following the approval of the Minister of Petroleum Resources in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, to commence the 2025 licensing round beginning from December 1, 2025,” Komolafe declared, according to a statement from Eniola Akinkuotu, Head of Media and Strategic Communication.

The forum, a two-day gathering aimed at bridging funding gaps in Nigeria’s upstream sector, highlighted persistent challenges like siloed operations and capital shortages. Komolafe positioned the NUPRC as a key enabler, facilitating connections among stakeholders—including Bank of America representatives—to drive the ambitious goal of adding one million barrels per day (MMBOPD) to national production.

“One of the factors that affected business is that activities were happening in silos, but the NUPRC now realizes the need to bring everyone together,” he noted. “We want you all to network.”

Komolafe touted recent gains under the Tinubu administration, including average daily crude production of 1.71 million barrels per day (BOPD)—with peaks reaching 1.83 MMBOPD—and the approval of 46 Field Development Plans (FDPs) since January 2025. Rig counts have also surged past 60, with at least 40 operational, signaling a ripe moment for deeper investments.

To achieve and sustain the 1MMBOPD target, the sector will require significant infrastructure, including Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units, Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessels, Modular Offshore Production Units, and Early Production Facilities, Komolafe explained. “All these need investments, and the prospects are here in Nigeria.”

Legislative leaders echoed the pro-investment stance. House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) Chairman Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa assured attendees that the PIA would remain intact, with no arbitrary amendments to deter capital inflows. “The House of Representatives reaffirms its commitment to the PIA and will resist any arbitrary changes that will undermine investments,” he stated.

His Senate counterpart, Senator Eteng Williams, reinforced the message, pledging continued passage of business-friendly legislation and praising Komolafe as an effective enabler.

OPEC Governing Board Chairman Mr. Ademola Adeyemi Bero underscored the petroleum sector’s pivotal role in Tinubu’s vision for a $1 trillion economy, urging investors to seize the opportunities presented by the forum.

The event drew top-tier participants, including Seplat CEO Roger Brown; TotalEnergies Nigeria Managing Director Matthieu Bouyer; ExxonMobil Nigeria Managing Director Jagir Baxi; AA Holdings Chairman Austin Avuru; NUPRC executive commissioners; and representatives from various investment firms.

Bandits Ambush and Kill Three Koro Farmers En Route to Atukpo Community in Nasarawa

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Suspected bandits ambushed and killed three farmers from the Koro ethnic group on Monday morning in Nasarawa State, heightening fears over escalating insecurity in rural areas.

The attack occurred around 8 a.m. along a route to Atukpo community in Doma Local Government Area, as the victims traveled to deliver a message on behalf of their father. Eyewitnesses and relatives identified the deceased as Tailor Gayu—widely known as “Reverend Father”—Zacharia Wudu, and James Delle Iwala, all married men with families.

One relative, speaking on condition of anonymity during a telephone interview, recounted how the group was set upon by the gunmen shortly after leaving home. “They set out early, full of life, only to be cut down in such a senseless way,” the relative said, urging authorities to bolster security patrols along vulnerable rural paths.

Mr. Nathaniel Ajeh, another family member, decried the incident as “unfortunate, sad, and barbaric,” emphasizing the toll on farming communities reliant on safe access to fields and settlements. “The government must act decisively to curb this rising tide of violence before it spirals out of control,” Ajeh told Daily Independent. “Our people deserve to go about their daily lives without fear.”

Efforts to obtain an official response from the Nasarawa State Police Command proved unsuccessful, with repeated calls to the Public Relations Officer going unanswered at the time of reporting. Local leaders have called for immediate investigations and enhanced community policing to prevent further tragedies amid a surge in banditry across the North-Central region.

Wike Vows to Halt Illegal Land Development in Abuja, Accuses Ex-Naval Chief of Orchestrating Military Encroachment

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

By Toyin Adebayo, Abuja

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has ordered an immediate stop to unauthorized development on a disputed Abuja property, accusing a former Chief of Naval Staff of deploying military personnel to intimidate government officials and seize the land.

Wike made the declaration during an on-site inspection Monday, following reports that armed soldiers had expelled FCT Administration (FCTA) enforcement teams attempting to enforce development control regulations.

“No individual, regardless of past rank or influence, will be permitted to undermine lawful authority or flout urban planning statutes,” Wike stated. “The Departments of Land and Development Control are mandated to curb illegal construction and land grabbing. Any encroachment lacking valid documentation—regional planning approval or lawful title—will not be tolerated.”

FCTA officials had initially visited the site to implement the minister’s directive but were forcibly removed by soldiers allegedly acting on the retired officer’s instructions. Wike, upon receiving a second alert of military occupation, personally intervened to assess the situation.

“It is regrettable that a former senior military officer would resort to coercion rather than due process,” he said. “When challenged to produce title deeds or building permits, none were presented. This sets a dangerous precedent: if the powerful can bypass the law, what recourse remains for ordinary citizens?”

The minister confirmed he had engaged the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Naval Staff, both of whom pledged to address the matter. “We seek no confrontation, only compliance with the rule of law,” Wike emphasized. “Enforcement will proceed uniformly, irrespective of the perpetrator’s status.”

Reaffirming his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on land infractions, Wike warned that the FCTA would reclaim all illegally occupied government property, regardless of the influence behind the encroachment.

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