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Just In: Akpabio finally submits NDDC’s forensic audit report
Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has formally disclosed that the final report of the forensic audit of the administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been submitted.
The minister disclosed this while receiving in audience members of the NDDC Forensic Audit Security Committee, led by Admiral Bamidele Oluwagbamila, in his office, Abuja.
Speaking shortly after receiving the security report, the minister thanked members of the committee for their commitment to the success of the exercise.
“I am delighted to receive your report on this exercise, which started in 2020 and ended in July 2021. Though I have not looked at the nitty gritty of the report, but from my observation in your speech, I want to thank you for taking this national assignment seriously”, he said.
The assignment, according to Akpabio, “was not from us, even though the ministry supervised it. This assignment was from the President and Commander-In-Chief, Muhammadu Buhari. I want to, on his behalf, thank the security committee.”
The former Senate Minority Leader noted that “from what you have said, it is very clear that you were not only committed to your work, but you also carried out your assignment with professionalism.
“As you said earlier, there was no incidence concerning the field nor lead auditors at their residences, as well as the communities, either group or individuals.
“You were able to endear yourselves to the host communities and they, in return, gave you all the support in your assignment.”
Speaking further, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, added, “to the glory of God, the Forensic Audit Report is ready for submission to Mr President.
“It was also important that we also hear from the Security Team, thank them for their comportment, candor and discipline throughout the exercise.
“The forensic audit couldn’t have been successful without the involvement of the security agencies. We equally thank you for deeming it necessary to also give your independent report on what you saw, how you saw it and what the situation is in the Niger Delta Region, apart from providing security.
“If there are areas I need to take extracts for the Commander-In-Chief, to take further actions, I will do so. I know that history will remember you for good and what you have done. This exercise definitely is a turning point for the NDDC and the development of the Niger Delta Region,” he stressed.
Earlier in his speech, the leader of the security committee, Admiral Bamidele Oluwagbamila, thanked the president through the minister for the opportunity given them to contribute their quota to bring about the needed change in the commission.
“We are very happy to report that after almost over a year after the commencement of this assignment, that job has been successfully completed. We worked with the Auditors and provided them the right environment for them to do their job successfully.
“We secured them in their hotels and the projects’ site. Throughout the period, we enjoyed the support of the ministry, which provided all the logistics needed for the job. Over 398 personnel from across the services were engaged for the exercise.
“This exercise is a big plus for the Ministry of Niger Delta. I want to congratulate the minister for carrying it out, as directed by our Commander-In- Chief.
“Throughout the duration of the exercise, nobody died and all the property under our care can conveniently be accounted for. Once again, it is a honour and privilege to have worked with you in this task,” he declared.
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.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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