Reactions Trail Peter Obi's Comments As FIFA Says Funds Given To Build Stadium Was Mismanaged.

Former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has drawn significant public attention following his reaction to reports alleging the mismanagement of funds provided by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

The controversy erupted after footage of a sports facility, reportedly built with FIFA’s $1.2 million grant, surfaced on social media. The video quickly went viral, prompting outrage from Nigerians who questioned how such a large sum could result in a project that appeared substandard.

Many commentators described the development as another example of impunity and lack of accountability within the nation’s sporting institutions.

Reacting through a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Peter Obi expressed deep disappointment over the situation. He described the NFF’s actions as heartbreaking, saying they mirrored the entrenched corruption that has hindered national progress.

Obi emphasized that sports, a sector capable of inspiring young people and uniting the country, had once again fallen victim to mismanagement and neglect.

According to the former governor, the alleged misuse of funds meant to promote football development reflects a broader disregard for the aspirations of Nigerian youths. He noted that such actions discourage hope and undermine the potential of sports as a tool for national development and unity.

Obi, who is widely known for his advocacy for prudent financial management and transparency in governance, urged authorities to hold those responsible accountable. His comments have since generated widespread discussion across various social media platforms, with many Nigerians calling for a full investigation into how the FIFA funds were utilized.

As of the time of this report, the Nigerian Football Federation has not issued an official response to the allegations.

JUBILATION AS FINANCE MINISTER WALE EDUN EMERGES PRESIDENT OF NIGERIAN BOXING FEDERATION.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has emerged as the new President of the Nigerian Boxing Federation (NBF) after a unanimous vote at the federation’s elective congress held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Edun, a passionate boxing supporter, was elected unopposed, securing all 12 delegate votes. His election marks a new era for Nigerian boxing, with expectations of reforms and renewed energy in the federation.

In his acceptance speech, Edun pledged to restore the sport’s glory through transparency and grassroots development.

“Our goal is to restore Nigerian boxing to its rightful place on the global stage through transparency, inclusion, and strong grassroots development,” he said.

The Vice Presidential election was closely contested, with Hon. Omonlei Imadu (South-West) defeating Mighty Mike (North-Central) by eight votes to four. Imadu described Edun’s emergence as a “new dawn” for the sport, commending his passion and long-standing support for young boxers.

The election, supervised by the National Sports Commission (NSC) under Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, was praised for its fairness and accountability.

Beyond his ministerial role, Edun is the Chairman of the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF), a non-profit founded in 2010 to nurture amateur boxing talent and organize tournaments like the Governor’s Belt Championship. He also serves on the board of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation and chairs Livewell Initiative, a health-based NGO.

With the elections concluded, the new leadership faces the task of reviving Nigeria’s boxing legacy, expanding opportunities for young athletes, and restoring the nation’s pride in the global boxing scene.

Who Swear For Us - Farotimi Slams Senate Bill That Repentant Terrorists To Enjoy Foreign Education.

Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has expressed outrage over a resurfaced front-page newspaper report indicating that the Nigerian Senate once considered a bill to sponsor “repentant terrorists” for foreign education.

Reacting via his X account (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, October 26, 2025, Farotimi questioned the country’s moral and political direction, writing, “Who swears for us? How do you say it is well with such a country?”

His post came after renewed public debate over the controversial headline, which first appeared on the front page of Punch Newspaper, reading, “Repentant terrorists to enjoy foreign education — Senate Bill.”

Farotimi continued, “How do you as an individual justify this to your own conscience? How did a society become so acculturated to insanity and abominations that this was the front page of a national newspaper, and there was nary a bleat?”

His remarks reflected deep frustration over what he described as widespread public silence on issues threatening national integrity.

The post that triggered his reaction had been made by a social media user who wrote, “The sort of front page news we see in Nigeria. This was around February of 2020 — a Nigerian Senate bill proposed granting foreign education to ‘repentant terrorists.’ If something like this was presented to the legislative arm of the Nigerian government in 2020, imagine what must have been executed without going through the legislature in 2025.”

Farotimi, in his response, further condemned the lack of accountability, adding, “How did a country’s senate get away with such an act of national security compromise? How do you divorce the APC and its supporters from charges of terrorism and subversion of national security interests? Ask questions.”

Our Moral Fabrics Is Gone,We Honor Thieves”Melaye Says,Shares Photo Of FIFA Stadium In Kebbi,Kenya.

Former lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) government over what he described as a glaring case of mismanagement involving FIFA’s $1.2 million grant meant for sports development in Nigeria.

In a post shared on his X handle (formerly Twitter), Melaye compared a stadium reportedly built in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, with another constructed in Kenya. Both facilities were said to have been funded by FIFA with identical grants of $1.2 million to support football infrastructure across African nations.

“FIFA gave Nigeria $1.2 million and they gave Kenya $1.2 million. The goal was for both of them to build stadiums for football development. Our moral fabrics is gone, we celebrate rogues, we honor thieves. Up APC,” Melaye wrote.

Images shared by the former senator showed the Kenyan project as a modern, well-equipped football stadium with standard seating and professional facilities. In stark contrast, the Nigerian version appeared as a small, underdeveloped mini-stadium with limited infrastructure, a situation that has stirred widespread outrage on social media.

Melaye’s post has triggered a flurry of reactions, with many Nigerians demanding answers from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Ministry of Sports on how the FIFA funds were expended. Critics argued that the difference between the two projects reflects deeper corruption and poor accountability in public spending.

We Cannot Rig Election For Politicians New INEC Chairman, Amupitan Assures Nigerians.

The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), has vowed to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s elections, declaring that there will be no form of manipulation or rigging under his watch.

Speaking during his first official address in Abuja, Prof Amupitan assured Nigerians that the commission is fully committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections across the country.

He stated that INEC’s responsibility to the people is clear and non-negotiable.
“We should not compromise our values or processes that could have consequences. So the integrity of our elections is not even something we should negotiate, please,” he said.

Prof Amupitan, who was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 23, 2025, emphasized that his administration will focus on transparency and accountability within the commission.

“As I was leaving the State House, the first question that was asked was, OK, what do you want to do now, Anambra? I refused to talk about Anambra. Until I’ve come to meet with the staff,” he added.

He further revealed that President Tinubu had charged the commission to ensure credible polls, especially as the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, approaches.

“Mr. President, in his remark, also echoed the same, that we should do everything possible as we go into an Anambra election to give this country a fair, free, and credible election,” he said.

The INEC boss also assured staff members of improved welfare under his leadership. “For me, staff welfare is going to be my priority. I can see the echoes. It is going to be a priority because we are going to be expecting so much from you,” he told senior INEC officials during his maiden meeting.

Yahaya Bello under fire over use of Kogi State letterhead in letter to army chief.

Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has come under intense criticism after posting and later deleting a congratulatory letter to the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, written on the official Kogi State Government letterhead despite no longer being in office.

The letter, which bore the state coat of arms and Bello’s signature as “Executive Governor,” triggered widespread outrage after being shared on social media. Critics accused the former governor of clinging to power and blurring the boundary between personal identity and state authority.

In the letter, Bello congratulated the new Army Chief but included a contentious line that quickly drew attention, “It gives me renewed hope that my worthy successor, His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, will now have you in his corner as he continues to tackle insecurity in his domain.”
Observers said the remark was problematic, as it suggested that the Chief of Army Staff could “belong” in a governor’s “corner,” a distortion of the military’s federal command structure.

The civic accountability platform @Kogi_Xcommunity first drew attention to the issue. In a viral post, the group wrote: “Yahaya Adoza Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, has deleted his personally signed letter to the new Chief of Army Staff after facing backlash from netizens.

INEC Must Not Pretend’ – ADC Accuses Soludo Of Vote Buying Ahead Of Anambra Election.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, of engaging in voter inducement, following a viral video clip showing the governor addressing electorates ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

In a statement on Sunday by its National spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC claimed that the governor’s remarks were a “clear display of desperation” and an “open violation” of the Electoral Act, particularly Sections 121 and 127, which criminalise vote buying and voter inducement.

“Ahead of the November 8th election, Soludo has clearly lost the confidence of the people of Anambra, and it shows,” the ADC said.

The ADC alleged that Governor Soludo’s recent actions indicate a loss of public goodwill and a willingness to disregard electoral laws for political survival.

“Only a sitting governor who has run out of public goodwill would so openly resort to cash for votes, in direct violation of Sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act, which criminalise voter inducement of any form,” the statement added.

The party described the act as “a new level of desperation wrapped in impunity”, warning that such conduct undermines democracy and erodes public trust in the electoral process.

The ADC also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take immediate notice of the governor’s alleged actions and ensure accountability.

Nigeria Seeks UN Partnership for $10bn Long-Term Fund to Address Internal Displacement.

The Federal Government has appealed to the United Nations for support in accessing a $10 billion long-term financing plan aimed at tackling the country’s growing internal displacement and humanitarian challenges.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, made the appeal during a roundtable on “Humanitarian Development and Peacebuilding Approaches to Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons” held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Bagudu said the government could deploy such financing ideally at a four percent interest rate to create wealth among displaced populations while addressing the root causes of displacement. He noted that donor-based grants were shrinking and urged the UN to help Nigeria tap into the capital market for sustainable, long-term funds.

He added that the government’s fiscal policies were designed to reduce waste, empower subnational governments, and promote inclusive development through programmes like the Renewed Hope Ward-Based Development Plan and Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities (SOLID) initiative, which maps economic opportunities across 8,809 wards nationwide.

Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, stressed that Nigeria’s humanitarian response must transition “from relief to resilience,” focusing on prevention, national leadership, and coordinated accountability.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Fall, commended Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, pledging continued UN support to help displaced persons “regain their dignity and rebuild their lives.”

Delta Police Arrest Officer Filmed Shooting at Civilian Vehicle in Asaba.

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest and detention of a police officer captured in a viral video shooting at a civilian vehicle in Asaba, the state capital.

The incident, which reportedly occurred near Toscana Hotel on Okpanam Road on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, showed the officer firing at the tire of a moving car during what appeared to be a routine traffic stop. Though no injuries were reported, the video sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the act as reckless and dangerous.

Reacting to the viral footage, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Edafe Bright, said in a statement on Wednesday that the officer involved had been identified, summoned, and detained at the Command Headquarters in Asaba. He described the officer’s behavior as “unprofessional and unbecoming of a law enforcement officer.”

“The Command has reviewed the viral video showing a police officer firing at a moving vehicle in Asaba. The conduct was clearly unprofessional and unacceptable,” Bright said. “No officer is permitted to use a firearm without due justification as outlined in Force Order 237. Every policeman’s duty is to protect lives and property, not to endanger them.”

He noted that while preliminary information indicated the officer was reacting to a hit-and-run incident, such an act still did not justify the use of firearms under the law.

According to Bright, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has ordered a thorough investigation and immediate disciplinary action, assuring that appropriate sanctions will be taken in accordance with the Police Act and internal regulations.

The Delta Police Command further appealed to residents to remain calm, adding that the Force remains committed to upholding professionalism, accountability, and the protection of lives and property across the state.

Lagos govt probes LASAA staff for allegedly diverting public funds.

The Lagos State Government has commenced a formal investigation into allegations of financial misconduct involving a staff member of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, LASAA, accused of diverting official payments into a personal bank account.

The probe followed a public outcry on X, where a user alleged that payments meant for LASAA were being made into an individual’s Opay account.

The whistleblower, identified as @Bhadmoz (TrueBlue), claimed that customers were being charged N45,000, but issued receipts reflecting only N7,100.

The user tagged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, calling for immediate action.

In a swift response, Commissioner Wahab confirmed that the individual linked to the allegations is an employee of LASAA.

He directed that the staff member report to the agency’s headquarters for immediate disciplinary action.

“My attention has been drawn to a post alleging improper transaction practices involving a staff member of an agency under our ministry. I have instructed that the officer appear at the agency’s head office tomorrow to face disciplinary proceedings,” Wahab said.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to accountability, integrity, and transparency in public service, warning that unethical behaviour would not be tolerated.

FG, Senate Leaders Head to Washington to Stop US Sanctions Over Christian Genocide.

Top officials of the Federal Government and the National Assembly are set to travel to Washington D.C. in a diplomatic move to stop possible United States sanctions over alleged persecution and genocide of Christians in Nigeria.

The high-powered delegation, which includes federal lawmakers, senior military officers, and heads of security agencies, will meet with members of the U.S. Congress to clarify Nigeria’s position and counter the growing narrative of “Christian genocide.”

The trip follows an urgent resolution by the 10th Senate, sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume, who urged the government to “put the record straight” and prevent sanctions against the country.

According to sources, the delegation will present evidence to prove that the security crisis in Nigeria is not religiously motivated but rather a result of terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts. The team is expected to depart Abuja early next week.

In recent months, U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups have increased pressure on Nigeria over rising attacks on Christian communities. Senator Ted Cruz recently accused Nigeria of “mass murder” of Christians and introduced the “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025” (S.2747).

The proposed bill seeks to list Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a move that could trigger travel bans, arms restrictions, and other economic sanctions.

The Nigerian Senate had earlier dismissed the genocide allegations as “false and dangerous,” warning that such claims could damage the country’s image and inflame religious tensions.

Lawmakers maintained that the ongoing violence is complex and tied to criminality and resource struggles, not state-backed religious persecution.

Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) shows that between January 2020 and September 2025, over 11,800 civilian attacks were recorded in Nigeria. Among them, 385 incidents involved Christian victims, while 196 targeted Muslims, reflecting the widespread nature of insecurity across regions.

UK Charity Commission Freezes Assets of MFM Ministries.

The United Kingdom’s Charity Commission has frozen the assets of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries International (MFM), a church founded by Dr. Daniel Olukoya, following findings of financial mismanagement and governance lapses within its UK operations.

In a detailed report released on Monday, POLITICS NIGERIA learned that the commission said the decision followed an official inquiry that uncovered “serious concerns” about how the church’s funds were being managed. The investigation revealed that MFM trustees failed to maintain proper oversight of over 100 bank accounts run independently by local branches across the country.

According to the Commission, the charity’s rapid expansion from a few branches to over 90 nationwide was not matched by the necessary governance systems to ensure financial accountability.

“Branches operated autonomously, opening and managing bank accounts without central authorisation or adequate monitoring,” the report said. “This created substantial risks to charitable funds and led to inaccurate and delayed financial reporting.”

The inquiry also found that some branches had engaged in major financial transactions, including the purchase and leasing of properties, without the knowledge or approval of the main trustees. These irregularities, the Commission said, resulted in “financial losses that could not be fully accounted for.”

As part of its enforcement action, the Commission ordered the immediate freezing of all MFM’s UK assets to prevent further mismanagement. “The Commission has acted decisively to protect the charity’s remaining assets while remedial steps are being implemented,” the statement added.

This is not the first time the Charity Commission has intervened in MFM’s affairs. In 2019, the regulator appointed an interim manager to oversee the church’s financial administration after repeated failures to file annual reports and maintain proper accounting records.

ASUU Meets Today to Review Ongoing University Strike.

The national leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will convene today, Tuesday, to assess its stance on the ongoing strike by university lecturers across the country.

Sources within the union confirmed that the meeting, scheduled to hold in Abuja, will focus on reviewing developments from recent engagements with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). Discussions are expected to center on unresolved issues, including funding for public universities, lecturers’ welfare, and the implementation of past agreements.

The outcome of the meeting will determine whether the union extends or suspends the industrial action that has disrupted academic activities in federal and state universities nationwide.

ASUU had embarked on the strike several weeks ago over what it described as the government’s failure to honour previous commitments on university revitalisation, earned academic allowances, and the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) for salary payments.

Stakeholders have urged both parties to find a lasting resolution to prevent further damage to the already strained education sector. The union is expected to issue a formal statement after the meeting outlining its next steps.

Nigerians blush uncontrollably as VP Shettima reveals EFCC recovered over ₦500 billion in assets in just two years.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered assets worth over ₦500 billion within the first two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Shettima made this known on Monday while declaring open a three-day capacity-building workshop for judges and justices, organised by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.

Representing President Tinubu, the VP said the administration’s policy of non-interference in anti-graft agencies has strengthened their independence and boosted Nigeria’s anti-corr¥ption drive.

“As an administration, we have prioritised public accountability by empowering anti-corr¥ption agencies to operate without political interference. The EFCC, for instance, has secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets valued at over ₦500 billion,” Shettima stated.

He noted that proceeds from the recovered assets are being reinvested into national development schemes such as the students’ loan and consumer credit programmes to enhance economic growth and welfare.

Reaffirming Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, Shettima said no political ally enjoys protection from investigation, urging judges to uphold integrity and resist corruption.

“Corruption is no respecter of persons. Judges are not immune from its consequences,” he warned, stressing the need for stronger collaboration across government arms to sustain the anti-corruption fight.

Shockwaves in Nollywood: Regina Daniels Allegedly Assaulted Amid Fresh Drama with Senator Ned Nwoko

Fresh controversy has erupted around Nigerian lawmaker Senator Ned Nwoko following shocking allegations that he allegedly sent thugs to assault his wife, Regina Daniels, and her brother during a heated altercation at his residence.

The claims, which surfaced through a viral video on social media, have sparked outrage and widespread debate across the country. In the footage, a visibly emotional Regina Daniels was seen crying and lamenting about her situation, reportedly saying:

“In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing. But in my own house, I am a queen.”


The actress further expressed her frustration, stating that the violence had become unbearable:

“It’s too much.”


Sources allege that the situation escalated after Regina’s brother tried to intervene, which allegedly led to the assault by men said to be acting under Nwoko’s orders.

As of now, neither Regina Daniels nor Senator Ned Nwoko has issued an official statement regarding the viral footage. The incident has reignited conversations about domestic abuse, power dynamics, and accountability among the elite.

New INEC Chairman Vows to Make Elections So Credible Even Losers Will Congratulate Winners.

Newly confirmed INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has pledged to deliver elections so transparent and credible that even losing candidates will willingly congratulate the winners.

Speaking during his Senate screening and confirmation on Thursday, Amupitan said his mission is to rebuild public trust in the electoral process through collaboration with key institutions like the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

“Our goal is to make elections so credible that even the loser will congratulate the winner in good faith, just as both sides accept a fair court judgment,” he told lawmakers.

The Senate unanimously approved his appointment after a three-hour screening session. Senate President Godswill Akpabio charged him to ensure that every vote counts, noting that his confirmation marks a new chapter after Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s 10-year tenure.

Amupitan promised to audit INEC’s Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to correct the glitches that eroded confidence in the 2023 elections. He also vowed to strengthen accountability within the commission through an Ethics and Compliance Committee and a whistleblower policy.

He further said INEC will work with security agencies and invest in technology, including drones, to safeguard election materials and logistics.

“This is a sacred trust,” Amupitan said. “We will make our elections so credible that even those who lose will admit it was fair and just.”

"Presidential pardon still under review, no inmate released yet" – FG reveals.

The Federal Government has clarified that no inmate has been released under the recently approved Presidential Prerogative of Mercy, explaining that the process is still undergoing final administrative review.

The clarification follows reports of President Bola Tinubu’s approval of 175 beneficiaries recommended by the Council of State, including the late Sir Herbert Macaulay, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and Major General Mamman Vatsa. The list also reportedly features Maryam Sanda—sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband and several others whose sentences were commuted or reduced based on the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.

In a statement on Thursday, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said no inmate has been freed yet, as the clemency process remains at its final administrative stage.

“The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to clarify that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise of the President’s prerogative of mercy has been released,” Fagbemi said. “The process is still undergoing standard review to ensure all names and recommendations fully comply with legal and procedural requirements before any release order is issued.”

He explained that once verification is completed, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service will receive formal authorisation to implement the releases.

Fagbemi emphasised that the review stage underscores the government’s commitment to due process, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law. He also welcomed public interest in the matter, describing it as a healthy sign of Nigeria’s growing democratic accountability.

“There is no delay in the process,” he assured. “It is simply following the law to ensure only duly qualified individuals benefit from the President’s mercy.”

He further pledged that updates would be provided once all verifications are concluded, adding: “The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness.”

Police, NBA to review Tinted permit policy.

The Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) and the Nigeria Police Force have reached an agreement to review the policy on tinted permits.

Prof. Paul Ananaba, Chairman of the NBA-SPIDEL, made this known in Ikeja on Thursday during an interactive session organized as part of the build-up to the NBA-SPIDEL Annual Conference in Akwa Ibom.

Ananaba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, stated that the review aims to ensure the policy aligns with public interest and national security goals.

The senior lawyer explained that the decision came after several weeks of discussions between both parties, following public complaints about the harassment of motorists with partially tinted vehicle windows.

He noted that the association stepped in following numerous reports of arbitrary arrests and vehicle impoundments by police officers enforcing the tinted permit policy.

“Following our discussions with senior police officers, we agreed that enforcement of the tinted permit should be suspended, while a joint review committee is constituted.

“SPIDEL’s engagement with the police is not confrontational but aimed at promoting accountability and justice in public administration.

“The committee, comprising representatives of NBA-SPIDEL and the Nigeria Police, will examine the legal and security implications of the policy and recommend new modalities for its regulation,” Ananaba said.

Nation in Shock as Tinubu Grants
Presidential Pardon to Murder Convict Miriam Sanda — Nigerians React with Outrage!


Nigeria’s social media space has erupted with outrage and disbelief following the presidential pardon granted to Miriam Sanda, the woman convicted in 2017 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved clemency for 175 inmates, including Sanda, in a move that has reignited debate about fairness, justice, and political influence in Nigeria’s legal system.

Appearing on Arise TV’s “What’s Trending,” broadcaster Rufai Oseni condemned the decision, calling it “a political mistake that reopens old wounds.”

“Tinubu should stop selling or gifting out pardons like recharge cards,” Rufai declared. “These decisions hurt families and destroy faith in the justice system. A country that cannot uphold justice cannot progress.”


Members of Bilyaminu Bello’s family expressed deep pain and disappointment. A spokesperson, Bello Muhammad, described the pardon as “the worst injustice any family could face,” lamenting that the clemency has “reopened the trauma of losing a loved one to violence.”

On the other hand, both Miriam Sanda’s father and her late husband’s father defended the pardon, claiming that the plea for mercy began in 2019 and was meant to promote forgiveness and ensure the wellbeing of the couple’s two children.

However, public reaction has largely been critical. Many Nigerians argue that pardoning a convicted murderer while the country continues to battle insecurity, corruption, and lawlessness sends “a dangerous message.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also criticized the decision, calling it “reckless and indefensible,” and accusing the presidency of weakening Nigeria’s moral foundation.

As the debate intensifies, the country appears sharply divided — between those advocating forgiveness and those demanding justice. For many, the question now is whether Nigeria’s justice system still upholds accountability or if, as Rufai Oseni warned, “presidential pardons have become another political gift.”

Nigerian Institute Budgets just ₦1.3 Billion For Fence Construction In Abia Schools As Group Demands ICPC, EFCC Probe.

Civic accountability group MonITng has raised alarm over a ₦1.3 billion Zonal Intervention Project in Abia State, accusing officials of misplaced priorities and possible fund diversion.

In a petition to the ICPC, EFCC, and FMARD, the group questioned Project Code: ZIP20250570, titled “Construction of Perimeter Fence in Selected Schools in Bende Federal Constituency”, being executed by the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike.

MonITng faulted assigning an agricultural research institute to handle school construction, saying it lacks the technical capacity, which “undermines transparency and quality delivery.”

It decried the absence of project details, noting that “selected schools” were unnamed, calling it “a breeding ground for corruption, inflated contracts, and ghost projects.”

The group criticised the project’s priority, stressing that schools in Bende lack classrooms, furniture, and roofs, adding, “What is the value of a fence when pupils sit on bare floors?”

MonITng urged @icpcnigeria and @officialEFCC to investigate the project and ensure accountability for every kobo spent, while demanding the Ministry of Agriculture publish the list of schools involved.

It concluded that ₦1.3 billion could have been used to improve classrooms, water, and learning facilities instead of fences, describing the project as “a distortion of purpose.”