News
EFCC hands over N3.94bn recovered funds to NNPC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday said it handed over a total sum of N3,936,145,822 recovered stolen funds to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
The presentation was made on behalf of the Executive Chairman of the commission, Ola Olukoyede, by the Secretary to the Commission, Mohammed Hammajoda, during a brief ceremony held at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, according to a statement by the agency.
Speaking at the event, Hammajoda reiterated the commission’s commitment to tackling economic and financial crimes across the country.
He noted that the funds were recovered through diligent investigation and the professional uncovering of fraudulent activities involving some actors within the NNPC.
“On behalf of the Executive Chairman, we will continue to put ourselves on the line to serve over 220 million Nigerians,” he said.
“Along the line, many of our colleagues have paid the price, and others will still pay the price as we continue to do our work with courage and integrity.
“We will serve and continue to serve this country. So, on behalf of the EFCC, I present the sum of Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Six Million, One Hundred and Forty-Five Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Two Naira to you.”
Receiving the funds on behalf of the NNPC, the Executive Vice President, Downstream, Mumuni Dagazau, expressed appreciation to the commission for its role in the recovery.
Dagazau said the development underscored collaboration among institutions in the country.
“NNPC, over the years, has had its struggles and challenges, and one thing we have always tried to do is correct the system,” he said.
“When the opportunity came for this recovery from your people who handled this, it was something I was really proud of.
“I was also happy that we brought it to EFCC to help and support us. We are very excited. For me, this is a great day for us. We will continue to rely on you for assistance, and this is a real commitment for us moving forward.”
A university lecturer in Oyo State has petitioned Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) over the alleged unauthorised withdrawal of ₦9.98 million from his account, demanding the immediate reversal of the funds.
The professor, through his solicitors, submitted a petition to the branch manager of the bank in Oyo, alleging that the transactions were carried out without his knowledge or approval.
According to the petition dated February 21, 2026, two separate transfers were made from the lecturer’s account within minutes, resulting in the withdrawal of a total sum of ₦9,980,000.
Details of the transactions showed that the first transfer of ₦4,990,000 was carried out at 10:19 a.m. to an account belonging to Isah Ahmed Ahmed on the Paga financial platform.
Another transfer of ₦4,990,000 was allegedly made at 10:21 a.m. to Nasir Nasir Sanusi, also linked to an account on the same platform.
The lecturer, however, denied authorising the transactions, insisting that he neither initiated the transfers nor disclosed his banking security credentials to any individual.
His solicitors maintained that at no time did their client compromise his Personal Identification Number, token, or other security information associated with the account.
They argued that the bank owed their client a duty of care to safeguard his funds and ensure that unauthorised access to his account was prevented.
In the petition addressed to the bank’s management and copied to its legal department, the professor demanded the immediate reversal of the ₦9.98 million allegedly withdrawn from his account.
The legal representatives warned that failure by the bank to refund the money within seven days of receiving the letter would compel their client to institute legal proceedings against the financial institution.
“Our client categorically denies authorising the transactions and holds the bank responsible for the unauthorised debits which occurred within its banking infrastructure and security framework,” the petition stated.
They urged the bank to treat the matter with urgency and ensure the swift restoration of the funds to the lecturer’s account.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
