ICPC Must Uphold Justice, Fairness, and Rule of Law

In this opinion piece, Muhammed Al-Ameen stresses the critical role of anti-corruption agencies like the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Nigeria’s fragile democracy. He argues that these institutions are vital to maintaining the integrity of the state, and their independence is non-negotiable.

Independence and integrity of anti-graft agencies are essential; any political manipulation threatens democracy.

ICPC under Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN—a Senior Advocate of Nigeria—is increasingly seen as politically biased, ignoring court orders and engaging in selective justice.

Senior Advocates are expected to uphold the law and serve as examples, but ICPC’s leadership has allegedly disregarded judicial processes, undermining public trust.

Mishandling Aliko Dangote’s petition against Farouk Ahmed (NMDPRA), effectively defending the accused instead of conducting an impartial investigation.

Ignoring an interim injunction by Kano State High Court protecting ALGON members from harassment.


Such actions signal institutionalized lawlessness, where those knowledgeable of the law use it selectively for political purposes.


Recommendations:

Immediate intervention by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) regarding petitions against Dr. Aliyu.

ICPC must comply with all outstanding court orders and rid itself of political interference.

The Presidency and judiciary should ensure the ICPC functions as a neutral, accountable watchdog.


Al-Ameen concludes that ICPC’s credibility and Nigeria’s democratic integrity are at stake. The agency must choose between strengthening the rule of law or becoming a tool for political vendettas.

The piece calls for restoration of institutional sanity, fair enforcement of laws, and prioritizing the public’s interest over political expediency.

Transport Fares Spike By Up To 50% Across Enugu As Christmas, New Year Rush Catches Commuters Off Guard

Transport fares across major routes in Enugu State have surged by as much as 45 to 50 percent less than 12 hours to Christmas Day, leaving many commuters shocked and frustrated as they struggle to travel for end-of-year festivities. SaharaReporters checks conducted on Wednesday revealed that commercial transport operators abruptly increased prices across both inter-city and intra-city routes, citing festive traffic imbalance and rising operational losses.
On the popular Old Park–Eke Obinagu route, fares that previously ranged between ₦400 and ₦500 now cost between ₦700 and ₦800. Similarly, commuters traveling from Old Park to Abakpa, who usually paid ₦400 to ₦500 depending on the time of day, were forced to part with as much as ₦800. Passengers using the Holy Ghost–Agbani Road axis also experienced sharp increases, with fares jumping from ₦500 to ₦900.
Intra-city transportation has not been spared either. Short-distance trips that once cost ₦150 now attract ₦300, while routes previously priced at ₦200 have doubled to ₦400. The sudden hike has disrupted travel plans for many residents, particularly low-income earners trying to reunite with family members during the festive season.
Commercial drivers defended the increase, explaining that the Christmas travel pattern has created a one-way passenger movement, leaving them stranded without return passengers. According to several drivers at Old Park, vehicles often return empty after dropping passengers in residential or rural areas, forcing operators to factor return costs into outgoing fares to avoid running at a loss.
“This festive period is different,” one driver explained. “People are traveling mostly in one direction to their villages. If we don’t adjust fares, we won’t be able to cover fuel and maintenance costs.”
However, commuters have strongly criticised the development, describing it as exploitative and poorly timed. Some passengers argued that with fuel prices lower than in previous months, transport fares should not be increasing. Others accused drivers of taking advantage of the Christmas rush to make excessive profits.
Calls have grown louder for government agencies and transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), to intervene and regulate fares during festive periods. As of the time of reporting, efforts to get responses from union leaders were unsuccessful.
With Christmas and New Year celebrations fast approaching, residents say they are left with little choice but to bear the burden of higher transport costs, adding further strain to an already difficult economic season.

A viral photo of 2Baba and Annie Macaulay with Nasboi has fueled reunion rumours, but checks reveal the image is a 2024 throwback amid ongoing divorce speculation.

A resurfaced photo of Nigerian music star 2Baba and his estranged wife Annie Macaulay has sparked fresh reunion rumours online. However, investigations show the image is an old throwback from 2024. Annie’s decision to revert to the “Idibia” surname has further fueled speculation over whether their divorce was finalized.

PRESIDENT TINUBU'S 2025 CHRISTMAS GOODWILL MESSAGE

My Fellow Nigerians,

As we mark this year's Christmas, may the love of Christ and his message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us all.

Beyond the celebration and festivities of this season, Christmas reminds us to reflect on the significance of Jesus Christ's birth and his message of salvation as the Prince of Peace.

On this Holy Day, I wish all Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our great country, and I pray for peace in our land, especially among individuals of differing religious beliefs.

As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us also reflect on the many contributions that Christians in Nigeria, as followers of Christ, have made and continue to make toward the progress of our country.

The love of Christ and the message of the Gospel have inspired many Christians to care for the vulnerable and less privileged in our society. We honour those who, following the example of Jesus, work tirelessly to promote peace, harmony, and tolerance in their communities.

For those who bring hope and faith in the midst of despair, this season is a reminder that, despite daunting challenges, God is with us.

Since I assumed office in 2023, I have continually reassured Nigerians of our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.

That commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity.

No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith. The love for God and love for humanity is at the heart of all the great faiths. These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country.

Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, particularly amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity. We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.

As many Nigerians travel to reunite with family and loved ones during this holiday period, I urge all citizens to exercise patience and maintain discipline on the roads.

I wish all travellers a safe journey and a safe return to their destinations.

With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength, we will continue the work of building a greater Nigeria-one that future generations will be proud of.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance.


Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
December 25, 2025

EU Condemns US Travel Ban on Thierry Breton and Four Other Europeans

The European Commission has strongly condemned the United States’ decision to impose travel restrictions on five European individuals, including former European Commissioner Thierry Breton. The EU stated that the move undermines shared democratic principles, including freedom of expression, and emphasized that its regulatory framework is fair and non-discriminatory. Brussels has engaged Washington for clarifications and warned of possible countermeasures to defend EU regulatory autonomy.

#EU #UnitedStates #TravelBan #ThierryBreton #EuropeanCommission

Macron Condemns US Visa Restrictions on EU Officials, Calls Move Threat to Europe’s Digital Sovereignty

French President Emmanuel Macron has criticized the United States for imposing visa restrictions on former EU commissioner Thierry Breton and four other European activists. Macron described the action as intimidation aimed at undermining Europe’s regulatory independence in the digital space, particularly regarding the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA). He emphasized that the EU’s digital rules were lawfully adopted to ensure fair competition and accountability, asserting Europe’s right to govern its own digital environment without external interference.

#EmmanuelMacron #USVisaRestrictions #DigitalSovereignty #Europe #ThierryBreton #EU #DigitalServicesAct #DigitalMarketsAct

Inside Hot Sun”: Isaac Fayose Slams Senate Leaders for Airport Reception of Seyi Tinubu, Questions Sycophancy and Nigeria’s Democratic Values

Isaac Fayose, entrepreneur and political commentator, has criticised Nigerian Senate leaders for lining up under the sun at the airport to welcome Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a viral Instagram video, Fayose questioned why an unelected individual with no constitutional office received such attention from elected officials. While acknowledging Seyi Tinubu’s philanthropy, he described the gesture as sycophantic and inappropriate, stressing that Nigeria practises democracy, not monarchy. His comments sparked mixed reactions online, with netizens divided over whether the senators’ actions were justified or embarrassing.

#IsaacFayose
#SeyiTinubu
#NigerianSenate

Aisha Buhari Reveals Pneumonia as Cause of Late President Buhari’s Death in New Book"

Former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has disclosed in her newly released book From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari that pneumonia was the immediate cause of her late husband’s death. She dismissed conspiracy theories suggesting poisoning or sabotage, stating that medical professionals clearly informed the family. Aisha Buhari also linked Buhari’s earlier health challenges to exhaustion and dietary imbalance. The book further reflects on governance challenges during his presidency, the DSS controversy, and her post-presidential humanitarian initiatives, including a cardiovascular and medical centre in Kano.

#AishaBuhari #MuhammaduBuhari #BuhariDeath #Pneumonia #NigeriaPolitics #NigerianPresidency #Governance

US Denies Visas to Former EU Commissioner and Activists Over Alleged Social Media Censorship"

The U.S. State Department has imposed visa bans on five individuals, including former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and activists from the UK and Germany, accusing them of attempting to coerce American social media companies into censoring content. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the individuals as part of a coordinated effort to suppress American speech and firms. Breton and other affected parties rejected the allegations, calling the actions a “witch hunt” and an attack on free speech. The visa restrictions are part of the U.S. government’s stated effort to counter extraterritorial censorship and uphold American sovereignty in online platforms.

#USVisaBan #ThierryBreton #SocialMediaCensorship #FreeSpeech

Fuji Star KWAM 1 Withdraws from Awujale Throne Race Amid Controversy

Fuji music legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, has filed a notice of discontinuance, officially withdrawing from the legal tussle over the vacant Awujale of Ijebuland throne in Ogun State. KWAM 1 had earlier challenged the selection process, questioning the legitimacy of the Awujale Interregnum Administrative Council and alleging procedural violations in the appointment of kingmakers. The Ogun State government had also paused the ongoing selection. KWAM 1’s withdrawal has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with fans praising his music legacy while debating his political ambitions.

#KWAM1 #K1DeUltimate #AwujaleThrone #IjebuOde #OgunState #FujiMusic

Nigeria Police Chief Orders Nationwide Shake-Up, Reassigns Dozens of Senior Officers

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed an extensive redeployment of senior officers across Nigeria, affecting dozens of Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) and Superintendents of Police (SUPOLs). The postings, effective January 1, 2026, cover Mobile Police units, Interpol, Anti-Human Trafficking, Maritime, Disaster Management, Intelligence, Finance, and specialized tactical units like Bomb Disposal, K-9, and Mounted Police. Key area commands and state commands have also been reshuffled to strengthen operational efficiency. The IGP emphasized that officers must strictly adhere to the Force’s disciplinary hierarchy and not wear higher ranks until officially promoted.

#NigeriaPolice
#PoliceShakeUp

Atiku Accuses Tinubu Administration of Forging Tax Reform Law, Labels It “Act of Treason”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of illegally altering Nigeria’s tax reform legislation after it was passed by the National Assembly, calling it a “brazen act of treason.” Atiku claimed the alleged modifications undermine legislative supremacy, strip Nigerians of due process, and impose excessive financial burdens on citizens and businesses. He highlighted provisions such as arrest powers for tax authorities, property seizure without court orders, and forced USD computation for petroleum operations. Atiku urged the Executive to suspend the law, called on the National Assembly to correct the changes, and appealed to the judiciary and civil society to uphold constitutional governance.

#AtikuAbubakar
#TinubuAdministration
#TaxReformNigeria
#LegislativeSupremacy
#ConstitutionalBreach
#EconomicPolicy
#NigerianPolitics

Akwa Ibom and Rivers Communities Cry Out Over Oil Pollution, Poverty Despite Rich Resources

Communities in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States continue to suffer from oil pollution and poverty, despite being located in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta. Residents of Ibeno, Okoroitak, Iwuopom, and Ogoniland report contaminated rivers, ruined farmlands, and decaying infrastructure caused by decades of oil spills and gas flaring. Many locals, including women and youth leaders, describe loss of livelihoods, absence of healthcare, and lack of jobs. Despite the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) mandating 3% of oil revenues for host communities, locals claim they have seen no benefits. Cleanup efforts by HYPREP and companies like Shell are slow, leaving communities vulnerable and dependent on dwindling resources. Rights groups warn of corruption, mismanagement, and ongoing environmental hazards from abandoned oil operations.

#OilPollution #NigerDelta #AkwaIbom #RiversState #EnvironmentalJustice #HYPREP #SeplatEnergy #ExxonMobil #PIA #CommunityStruggle

Officials Behind Alleged Alteration Of Nigerian Tax Reform Laws Must Be Prosecuted — CHRICED Warns Of Assault On Democracy, Demands Arrests

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all officials allegedly involved in the secret alteration of Nigeria’s tax reform laws after their passage by the National Assembly. The civil rights group described the alleged tampering as legislative forgery, a gross abuse of public trust, and a direct violation of Nigeria’s constitutional order.
According to CHRICED, provisions contained in the gazetted versions of the tax laws were never debated or approved by lawmakers, including clauses granting tax authorities sweeping powers to seize funds without court orders, compel taxpayers to pay 20 per cent of disputed assessments before filing appeals, and mandate the use of the US dollar for tax computation. The organisation also alleged unauthorised alterations to petroleum income tax and value added tax provisions.
Citing Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution, CHRICED warned that any post-passage alteration of legislation is illegal and undermines democracy, the rule of law, and investor confidence. While acknowledging the House of Representatives’ decision to set up an investigative committee, the group demanded an independent and transparent probe, suspension of the affected tax laws, full public disclosure of findings, and the prosecution of all culpable officials, regardless of status.

US Conducts Surveillance Flights Over Nigeria Amid Trump’s Invasion Threat, Report Reveals

The United States has reportedly carried out intelligence-gathering surveillance flights over parts of Nigeria since late November 2025, according to Reuters and flight tracking data. The operations, linked to U.S. contractor Tenax Aerospace, signal heightened security cooperation between Washington and Abuja amid concerns sparked by former President Donald Trump’s invasion rhetoric. The aircraft reportedly operated from Ghana, flying over Nigeria before returning to Accra, though the specific intelligence objectives remain unclear.

"You Are A Be@st" – VeryDarkMan Bl@sts Pastor Chris Okafor, Threatens to Release Disturbing Interview with His Daughter

Social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) has intensified his feud with Pastor Chris Okafor, calling the cleric a "be@st" and threatening to release a damaging interview with one of his biological daughters, Grace. The conflict escalated after VDM demanded the release of actress Doris Ogala, accusing the pastor of detaining her. In teaser clips from the interview, Grace recounted alleged maltreatment by her father, expressing deep emotional pain and wishing she did not have him as a parent. VDM warned that the full interview could deter people from attending Okafor’s church, describing the pastor as responsible for serious atrocities while invoking God’s forgiveness for his own actions.

Seun Kuti Alleges Family Lost Terminal Cancer Patient and $250K After Trusting Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s Prayers at RCCG Redemption Camp

Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has shared a viral story alleging that a wealthy Nigerian family lost both a terminally ill loved one and approximately $250,000 after relying on Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s prayers at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Redemption Camp. According to Seun, doctors abroad had declared the cancer incurable, but the family trusted spiritual intervention instead of medical treatment. Despite assurances of divine healing and a promise to resurrect the woman after her death, she passed away, leaving the family devastated. The incident has sparked nationwide debate over faith healing, financial exploitation, and the limits of religious intervention.

EXCLUSIVE: NMDPRA CEO Saidu Aliyu Mohammed Linked to Kaduna Refinery Collapse

Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, recently confirmed as CEO of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has been linked to the collapse of the Kaduna Refinery, sources say. The Senate confirmed his appointment following screenings by the Joint Committees on Petroleum. Mohammed previously served as Managing Director of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company and chaired boards of major NNPC subsidiaries. Industry insiders allege mismanagement under his leadership contributed to the refinery’s prolonged shutdown. Meanwhile, Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan was confirmed as CEO of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). The appointments follow the resignations of Farouk Ahmed and Gbenga Komalafe, amid corruption allegations, notably by billionaire Aliko Dangote against Ahmed. Dangote’s claims included diversion of public funds and extravagant personal spending. Observers note the new regulators’ appointment is welcomed by Dangote, potentially increasing his influence over Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

Nigerian Lady Goes Viral After Showcasing Cassava Biscuits Made in Nigeria, Earns Massive Praise and Distributor Offers Online

A Nigerian entrepreneur, Nelly Agbogu, has captured widespread attention on social media after showcasing cassava-based biscuits produced locally in Nigeria. The biscuits, known as Tapiokies, are made from cassava using locally sourced ingredients and are sold at affordable prices. Nelly revealed that she and her sister co-founded Come Again Foods, a NAFDAC-certified company focused on producing indigenous food products. Her post, in which she appealed for distributors nationwide, attracted overwhelming support, praise, and business inquiries from netizens who commended her innovation, resilience, and contribution to promoting local food production. Many users also shared personal experiences of buying and enjoying the biscuits, further boosting the brand’s visibility.

On Sunday, December 22, 2025, thousands of students and activists in Novi Pazar, Serbia, protested against what they describe as government interference in state universities. This marked the first major student-led demonstration in the southwestern town.

The protest is part of a broader movement opposing political influence in higher education, following last year’s collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad that killed 16 people. Students from Novi Pazar had previously walked for days to join mass protests in Novi Sad on the anniversary of the tragedy.

Protesters demanded the resignation of the university's managing board and the election of a new rector. Participants observed a moment of silence for the victims of the roof collapse and chanted slogans like “Pump up!” while waving flags representing their towns and universities.

The movement includes students, academics, and opposition figures, who accuse President Aleksandar Vucic and his party of fostering corruption, nepotism, poor public services, and media restrictions. Vucic and his party deny these allegations.

Novi Pazar, Serbia’s youngest town demographically, has a majority Muslim population, with 60% under 30, and no clashes with Orthodox Serb neighbors have been reported since Yugoslavia’s breakup.

Source: Reuters, December 22, 2025.