News
Nigerians Decry Corruption Yet Defend Corrupt Leaders – EFCC Chair
Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has expressed concern over the contradictory stance of many Nigerians regarding corruption.
He pointed out that while citizens frequently condemn corruption, they often rally behind corrupt leaders when they face prosecution.
Olukoyede made these remarks on Friday in Abuja during a visit by officials of the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by its Board of Trustees director, Chris Olukolade.
The EFCC chairman emphasized that corruption and financial crimes are among the biggest challenges hindering Nigeria’s progress. He asserted that tackling these issues requires collective responsibility, not just government intervention.
“One of the major problems in Nigeria, which, when tackled, will make underdevelopment a thing of the past, is corruption and financial crimes,” Olukoyede stated.
He stressed that national progress depends on both leadership and citizen action, urging Nigerians to actively uphold integrity in their daily dealings.
“A society that is ready to move forward is a responsibility not only of the government but of the citizens. This is why some of us are deeply committed to this cause. We are prepared to do what is necessary within the confines of the law and the powers granted to us by the Constitution. If everyone decides to do the right thing, Nigeria will move forward,” he added.
Olukoyede reiterated the EFCC’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption, assuring the public that the agency will operate strictly within legal boundaries while ensuring justice is served.
Highlighting the importance of public cooperation, Olukoyede emphasized the need for strategic communication and collaboration with organizations like the CCC to enhance public awareness. He lamented the inconsistency in public reactions to corruption cases, noting that the same individuals who criticize corruption often defend high-profile figures facing corruption charges.
“It is unfortunate that people condemn corruption yet, at the same time, support those accused of it,” he said.
He criticized the public tendency to stage protests in support of politicians and business figures facing corruption trials, arguing that such actions undermine the fight against financial crimes.
“Everybody complains that corruption is ruining our system, yet when we investigate and prosecute high-profile cases, the same people take to the streets with placards in support of corrupt leaders. This attitude suggests that we are not serious about fighting corruption. The fight must be a collaborative effort,” he remarked.
Olukoyede urged Nigerians to remain consistent in their stance against corruption, emphasizing that meaningful progress can only be achieved when citizens and authorities work together in the pursuit of accountability and justice.
News
Boko Haram: Zulum donates N30m to family of slain army officer
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has donated the sum of N30 million to the family of the late army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari, who lost his life in the ongoing battle against Boko Haram insurgents in the Timbuktu Triangle recently.
This was made known in a statement by Zulum’s spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, which indicated that the donation was made personally to the wife of the late officer by the Governor on Saturday in Maiduguri.
According to the statement, Zulum extended his condolences to the family of Lt. Col. Alari and all others who have lost their lives fighting to restore peace in Borno State.
“Yesterday, we sent a high-level state government delegation to the funeral. However, I felt the need to personally extend my condolences on behalf of the government and people of the state,” Zulum said.
The Borno State governor added: “We are also presenting a token donation of N30m for his immediate family to purchase a house because I was told that Lt. Col. Alari didn’t own a personal house.
“I want to assure you that, apart from this, we will continue to offer support to you and the families of our fallen heroes who have put their lives in defence of our country.”
The presentation was made in the presence of the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Waidi Shuaibu, Sector 2 Commander, and Major General Chidiebere Ejike.
News
Kogi CP directs full compliance of third party insurance
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, Miller Dantawaye, has ordered strict adherence to the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on the enforcement of mandatory third-party insurance for all vehicles across the state.
A statement issued on Saturday by Command’s Public Relations Officer SP William Aya stated that the compliance officially commences today, February 1, 2025.
Aya said the CP, however, urged officers to be professional and strictly adhere to the standard procedures when enforcing the directive
“The CP emphasised that this enforcement aims to enhance road safety and ensure that all vehicle owners comply with insurance regulations designed to protect both motorists and other road users.
He urged the people of Kogi State to cooperate with Police officers carrying out enforcement duties, noting that failure to comply would attract legal consequences.
The commissioner further advised all vehicle owners and road users in the state to obtain valid Third-Party Insurance to avoid any inconveniences during enforcement.
He has directed all Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers to ensure full implementation of this directive while maintaining a high level of professionalism and adherence to standard procedures.
News
Court remands Enugu husband for severing wife’s hand
An Enugu man, Sunday Echeji, who was accused of cutting off his wife’s hand in domestic violence, has been ordered to be remanded in correctional centre.
Echeji was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court 1 in Enugu, Enugu State, on Friday, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the office of the First Lady of the state.
The incident, which occurred in Ugwuogede village, Ibagwa-Agu, Nsukka Local Government Area, sparked widespread outrage across the state.
The accused person is charged with attempted murder under Section 275, Subsection A of the Criminal Code CAP 30, Vol. 1 Reversed Laws of Enugu State, 2024.
However, the magistrate court transferred the case to the State Department of Public Prosecution, citing lack of jurisdiction.
Echeji was thereafter remanded at the Enugu State correctional centre pending his arraignment at the State High Court.
-
Politics15 hours ago
PDP, LP Want Suspended Lagos Speaker, Obasa
-
Metro23 hours ago
Man nabbed in Adamawa for allegedly digging up stepfather from grave, severing head
-
News15 hours ago
SEE Current Exchange Rate: U.S. Dollar to Nigerian Naira (Black Market & CBN Rates)
-
News15 hours ago
Just in: Abducted Abia INEC Chairman, Prof. Chima regains freedom
-
News15 hours ago
Colombia Offers To Pay For Citizens’ Deportation From US
-
News14 hours ago
My husband caught red handed poisoning my food, refuses to eat – Wife raises alarm
-
News24 hours ago
Police Commissioner Lands In Jail Over Land Dispute
-
News23 hours ago
SGF Goofs in Backdated Letters on CCT Chairman Appointment with Conflicting Serial Numbers