Metro
EFCC to invite Ondo Speaker over N200m for phone calls, investigates N11.5b allocation to finance ministry

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has started investigating the allocation of N11.5 billion as a security vote for the Ondo State Ministry of Finance in this year’s budget.
Vanguard gathered that personnel of the EFCC have arrived in the state to verify the budget details.
The leadership of the State Assembly would soon be summoned to provide further insights into the budget’s passage, particularly the N11.5 billion allocation for the Finance Ministry as a security vote.
The allocation of N11.5b and others for the finance ministry has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the state’s financial management regime.
Also, in the Ministry of Finance 2025 budget, an additional allocation of N250 million was budgeted for honorarium and sitting allowances and N1.5 billion for contingencies.
Recall that the state governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on December 10, 2024, presented a N655 billion budget to the Ondo State House of Assembly.
Aiyedatiwa on December 30, 2024, signed into law the budget passed by the Assembly after it had been increased by N43.4 billion, bringing the total budget to N698 billion.
Meanwhile, The Nigerian Anti-Corruption Network (NACN) has condemned the inclusion of the N11.5 billion security vote.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Mike Aderosoye, the group expressed outrage over what it described as an “affront to the sensibilities of Ondo State citizens.”
Aderosoye said that “It is unacceptable for a commissioner, who reports to the governor, to appropriate a security vote budget head when the governor is already receiving one.
This raises suspicions of gross mismanagement and deliberate looting of public resources.
It also criticized Governor Aiyedatiwa for failing to prioritize meaningful governance.
“It is shameful that a governor who has not commissioned a kilometre of road in the past year and has abandoned countless projects would allow his commissioner to insert such an outrageous sum into the budget for personal gain,” the group stated.
The NACN urged the EFCC to thoroughly investigate the matter, warning against any attempt to sweep it under the carpet.
“The EFCC must prove its commitment to fighting corruption. We will not hesitate to seek legal redress if this case is abandoned,” it said.
The group called on the state government to redirect the N11.5 billion to developmental projects, including roads, healthcare, and education.
“This money belongs to the people of Ondo State and should be used to alleviate their suffering, not to fund dubious security votes.
A top civil servant staff who spoke on condition of anonymity described the allocation as “strange.”
A source in the EFCC said that “We are investigating whether such an amount has ever been allocated to the ministry in previous budgets.
We are also interested in understanding the purpose of this allocation and how it will be spent, especially since the governor already receives a security vote package which is not disclosed.
“This is not a witch hunt but a clear way of trying to find out the truth of the matter on the case at hand.
Several anti-corruption bodies have called and made inquiries on the matter like you are also doing right now”
Meanwhile, members of the public have expressed concern over the allocation of N200m to all members of the Assembly on phone calls and also that of the speaker which is to gulp N280,000,00 in the fiscal year among other expenses accrued to the Assembly including travelling and Security.
In an interview, civil servants said that “the allocation is nothing but misplacement of priorities on the part of the Assembly members and that of the government.
They said further that, the constituencies of the members are nothing to write home about in terms of infrastructure and Education
“it’s a pity that we are where we are today in the state. According to her ” She said the state is the least developing state in terms of infrastructure in the southwest, that the assembly members can not fight for this but rather to be sharing the commonwealth of the people.
The Finance commissioner, R S Omowunmi Isaac, could not be reached for comment.
But a top officer in the ministry said that the allocation to the finance ministry has been thoroughly scrutinized by the assembly and passed.
He said that there is no reason to raise unnecessary alarm.
Also, efforts to speak with the Speaker, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji proved abortive.
A lawmaker who spoke in confidence said that the members are not afraid of the EFCC officials since they don’t have skeletons in their cupboards.
The anti-graft agency officials are not lions. We’ll open our books for them to scrutinise. The budget is now a public document. There’s nothing to fear.
Vanguard
Metro
Gunmen storm University of Benin teaching hospital, kill doctor

Unknown gunmen have reportedly shot dead a doctor on duty at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Edo state.
The victim, simply identified as Dr. Alex, was said to be in the physiotherapy department inside the health facility when the tragic incident occurred.
Following the shooting, it was gathered that there was confusion in the hospital as healthy workers and patients scampered for safety.
The incident was said to have occurred on Friday, but became public knowledge after health workers protested the gruesome killing of their colleague inside the hospital facility.
The workers brandished various placards to register their displeasure over the incident.
The hospital’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Joshua Uwaila, confirmed the killing on Tuesday.
Uwaila said: “A physiotherapist with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital was shot dead on Friday.
“The authority of the hospital has reported the matter to the security agencies and are awaiting the outcome of their findings.”
Blueprint reports that the killing occurred amid renewed cult clashes between members of the notorious Black Axe and Maphites confraternity groups.
A member of the Edo State Security Corps, an Estate developer and three others are said to have been feared dead between Thursday and Monday.
The Edo state police spokesman, CSP. Moses Yamu, was yet to respond to the developments as at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the Edo state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed deep concern over the resurgence of cult-related violence in some parts of the state .
In a statement issued by his apecial adviser on Media and Publicity, Bugie Okhuemoi, the governor directed security agencies to move in decisively against papetrators.
The statement noted, “The Governor had made it abundantly clear that the State would no longer tolerate the senseless killing of our youths and the destabilization of our communities.
“Regrettably, recent developments indicate that some individuals and groups have chosen to defy that understanding.
“This administration remains unshaken in its commitment to rid Edo State of cultism, criminality, and all threats to peace and order.
“We urge all law-abiding residents to remain calm and continue with their daily activities.
“The security agencies are fully mobilised and working around the clock to restore and maintain peace.”
Metro
FCTA destroys 601 motorbikes over violations

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has destroyed 601 impounded motorcycles in Abuja, in a move to reinforce traffic regulations and address security concerns.
Mandate Secretary for Transport in FCTA, Dr. Elechi Chinedum, explained that the exercise carried out on Tuesday by the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) was in compliance with the regulation of the FCT.
“The most recent regulation, effective from January 1, 2023, was signed into law by the immediate-past administration of Mohammed Bello. Using motorbikes in certain areas is against the law, and today we are here to enforce that,” the mandate secretary said.
Chinedum emphasised the importance of following the law, saying, “All laws are made, and people take it upon themselves to violate the law. Initially, it was about aesthetics for the FCT, but now it concerns security and criminality. The DRTS is here to enforce regulations and ensure safety.
“If you have a motorcycle at home, we’re not coming after you. However, if you bring it into a prohibited area, we will impound it. We will continue to enforce the law, and if there are defaulters, we will be relentless,” he said.
The head of DRTS, Dr Abdulateef Bello, also highlighted the ongoing ban on commercial motorcycles initiated in 2006 as a measure to curb traffic abuses.
“This exercise supports the existing ban on the use of commercial motorcycles in the Federal Capital City,” he said. Adding, “Today, we are sending a message to those still investing in this business: think twice, as we will continue to impound and crush motorcycles forfeited by the court”.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, FCT Command, Mode Magawata, stressed the criminal implications associated with motorcycles.
“We cannot fold our hands. These motorcycles are often used in crimes, including armed robbery and kidnappings.
“The minister emphasises that there should be no motorcycles in restricted areas, and we are here to ensure that the law is enforced,” Magawata said.
Metro
Man commits suicide after wife’s death in Niger

A young man identified as Stephen Moses has reportedly committed suicide after the death of his youngest wife in Ikumi Village, Shako District, Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State,
Sources told Daily Trust that Stephen, 30, had battled mental and emotional health challenges since the death of his second wife in March this year.
Sources said he had constantly stated that he could not have a comfortable life without his late wife.
Daily Trust gathered that he used his dane gun with which he hunted to kill himself on his farm.
One of the sources said he left behind his first wife and two children.
Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust.
He said the incident happened on April 24, 2025.
According to him “On 24th April, 2025 at about 8pm, report received that one Stephen Moses 30yrs of Ikumi village via Shako District of Gawu-Babangida, Gurara LGA earlier around afternoon period shot himself on the chest with a Dane gun in his farm.
“Police operatives of Gawu-Babangida Div visited the scene, found a Dane gun and the body on the ground, corpse was taken to the hospital while preliminary findings revealed that the deceased was mourning the death of his wife who recently passed on, and has been threatening to commit suicide, and his relatives didn’t inform the Police for preventive measure”.
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