Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has appointed his elder brother, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed, as the Emir of the newly created Duguri Emirate in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

The appointment letter was presented at the Duguri palace on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Aminu Hammayo, on behalf of the governor. He urged the new emir to support government policies & programmes aimed at achieving sustainable growth & development.

In his remarks, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed thanked the governor for the honour & pledged loyalty to the State Government & the Bauchi Emirate Council, praying for Allah’s blessings on the state leadership.

At the same event, Alhaji Jibrin D. Hassan was presented with his appointment letter as the Emir of Bununu Emirate. The SSG advised him to uphold the rule of law, promote peace among all tribes & contribute to the state’s progress.

Emir of Bununu expressed gratitude to the governor, promising to serve both the government & the people with dedication & integrity.

In its ruling, the court wrote:

“Rape is, in many cases, considered an exceptionally serious offense that could lead to the deportation of a refugee, but an assessment must be made based on all circumstances in the individual case. Given the nature and duration of the offense in question, the Court of Appeal finds that while the crime is serious, it does not constitute an exceptionally serious offense that would warrant a deportation order for Yazied Mohamed. The request for deportation is therefore rejected.”

The decision has provoked widespread outrage, with critics describing it as another example of Sweden’s overly lenient approach toward offenders with refugee status.

EFCC Chairman Finally Opens Up on How the ₦566bn, $411m Recovered Loot Are Used.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has finally revealed how the massive sums of money recovered by the anti-graft agency are being utilised.

According to him, the recovered funds totalling ₦566.3 billion and $411.6 million are being channeled into key social investment programmes across the country.

He made this known during a media briefing in Abuja to mark his second anniversary in office.

Mr. Olukoyede explained that part of the recovered money has been used to support national initiatives such as the Students Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme, which are both aimed at improving access to education and financial stability for Nigerians.

“Part of the funds recovered by the commission in the last two years was invested in critical social investment programmes: the Students Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme,” he said.

He also disclosed that several government agencies have benefited directly from recovered assets and funds. These include the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

According to him, a number of properties seized from corrupt individuals have been handed over to government institutions for use as offices and public service facilities.

Speaking further, the EFCC boss noted that in the last two years, the commission recorded significant recoveries, not just in cash but also in assets. He listed the recovered items to include 1,502 properties, comprising 402 in 2023, 975 in 2024, and 125 in 2025.

Postgraduate Student Arrested for Criticising Niger Governor on Facebook.

A postgraduate student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), Abubakar Isah Mokwa, has been arrested by the police for allegedly criticising Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State on Facebook.

Mokwa, a student of the Department of Agricultural Economy and Extension, was picked up by police from his off-campus residence in Lapai on Thursday.

Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said Mokwa was detained following a complaint bordering on cyber-related offences.

“The Niger State Police Command received a criminal complaint bordering on cyber bullying, cyber stalking and other Cybercrime related offences against one Abubakar Isah Mokwa, 29yrs, of Mokwa, and a postgraduate student of IBBUL,” Abiodun said.

He added that the suspect was “invited and arrested by the Lapai Division on 23rd October, 2025, at about 11pm and transferred to the State Police Command Headquarters, Minna for further investigation.”

According to him, “the suspect is in custody and further development will be made public.”

This arrest adds to a growing list of incidents involving the Niger State government and critics of Governor Bago.

In August, the state government suspended Badegi 90.1 FM, an independent radio station in Minna, over alleged criticism of the governor.

Reacting to the latest arrest, the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria condemned what it described as “a growing pattern of repression against the press under Governor Bago’s leadership.”

“In January 2025, Yakubu Mustapha, the Niger State correspondent for Peoples Daily and Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, was detained for three days after allegedly circulating an article critical of the governor’s media adviser,” IPI recalled.

“Similarly, in November 2023, Mustapha Nasiru Batsari, the Niger State correspondent of the Voice of America (VOA), was reportedly assaulting by a commissioner in Governor Bago’s cabinet after requesting an interview regarding a violent clash between farmers in Beji,” it added.

EFCC Arrests Akwa Ibom School Owner over ₦3 million Alleged Visa and Scholarship Scam.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, has arrested Mrs. Imaobong Cyril Okpong, owner of Michael Udonquak Schools, Mbierebe, Akwa Ibom State, for allegedly running multiple visa and foreign scholarship scams.

According to the EFCC, Okpong’s arrest followed a petition by Dr. (Mrs.) Blessing Nse Bassey, who accused her of defrauded her of ₦3 million under the pretext of securing university admission and processing Canadian visas for her and her husband.

Bassey said the suspect approached her in February 2024 with an offer to help secure a foreign scholarship. She stated that she only made payment after Okpong signed a notarized indemnity agreement, after which she transferred ₦3 million to the suspect’s First Bank account.

However, after receiving the money, Okpong allegedly became unreachable and began rejecting calls, failing to fulfill her promises despite the signed agreement.

Bassey further alleged that Okpong had defrauded several other victims. “I met one of her victims in China who got stranded when she discovered there was no scholarship. Some of her victims travelled abroad with fake documents and were either stranded or deported, losing huge sums of money,” she said.

The EFCC confirmed that the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

EFCC to Arraign Woman for N446M Property Fraud in Benin.

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign 58-year-old Rita Izehia Iyoha over allegations of property fraud involving N446 million. Iyoha, along with her sister, Fidelia Oghenetejiri, is accused of defrauding Frank Obruche Esemudje and his wi...

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The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign 58-year-old Rita Izehia Iyoha over allegations of property fraud involving N446 million.

Iyoha, along with her sister, Fidelia Oghenetejiri, is accused of defrauding Frank Obruche Esemudje and his wife by claiming to sell them a property in Effurun, Warri.

The sisters allegedly presented themselves as the rightful owners of the property, claiming it was inherited from their late father.

The complainant, however, could not take possession of the property after payment due to an existing court judgment restraining the sisters from selling it.

Attempts to recover the funds failed, as Iyoha reportedly relocated to Ghana shortly after the transaction.

The EFCC, which had been tracking her movements, arrested Iyoha during a visit to Nigeria at a popular Lagos motor park.

She has reportedly made useful statements and is expected to be arraigned in court soon.

Over 50 Generals To Go As Tinubu Sacks Service Chiefs.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday sacked the service chiefs and appointed their replacements.

The statement announcing their removal, signed by the special adviser to the president on media and public communication, Sunday Dare, said the action was taken in furtherance of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the national security architecture.

The President appointed former Army Chief, General Olufemi Oluyede, as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke becomes Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, and the other service chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership.
The President urged the newly appointed service chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them and to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement said.
Those sacked with General Musa are the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

LEADERSHIP Weekend reports that yesterday’s changes mark the second major reshuffle of the military high command since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
Yesterday’s change comes amid growing public outcry as the country continues to battle terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent crime across several regions.

General Musa and those asked to leave with him had been in office since June 2023 and oversaw several major operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits in the North-East and North-West.
Security analysts are unanimous that their tenure recorded significant gains.

Despite that, continued attacks and killings in different parts of the country had fuelled calls for a change in strategy and leadership.

The changes also came a few days after widespread rumours of an attempted coup to unseat President Tinubu surfaced in the media.

Though the Defence Headquarters denied it, saying there was no such attempt, yesterday’s sacking of the

service chiefs may lend credence to the alleged coup plot.

“Their sacking is as a result of losing the loyalty of those working with them. When a commander loses the loyalty of his men, then there is no need for him to remain the commander,” a security officer told one of our correspondents.

Justice Will Be Served’ – EFCC Insists On Okowa’s Corruption Probe.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations that it is protecting former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, from prosecution following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, speaking through the agency’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), stressed that no suspect enjoys immunity from investigation because of political alignment.

Tahir said, “Someone asked the question that it is alleged that politicians who jump ship to the ruling party are shielded. The simple answer is that it’s not true.

“I think the reference was made to the case of a former governor of Delta State. To the best of my knowledge, that case is still undergoing investigation. And in due course, justice will be served.”

Okowa, who served as Delta governor from 2015 to 2023, was arrested in November 2024 over allegations of diverting ₦1.3 trillion in oil derivation funds.

In April 2025, he and his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling APC — a move that sparked criticism that the EFCC had gone soft on his case.

‘Tahir explained that the anti-graft agency prefers to conclude investigations thoroughly before filing charges, especially in high-profile cases.

“We have had situations where cases were rushed to court, and the outcomes were not always good. So we would like to do a thorough job. When we go to court, Nigerians will see what the case is all about,” he said.

"Stop Using Unemployed Youths to Disrupt Elections" — Sen. Oshiomhole Warns Politicians.

Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has urged politicians and lawmakers to stop recruiting unemployed youths to disrupt elections, warning that such practices fuel post-election insecurity.

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary, the former Edo State governor said violence has no place in democracy and blamed political actors for empowering thugs during elections.

“After every election, violent crimes rise because politicians who armed hungry youths can’t retrieve the weapons. Those arms are then used for robbery and other crimes,” he said.

Oshiomhole recalled warning fellow governors years ago that AK-47 rifles were not items just anyone could afford, implying that only influential figures could sponsor electoral violence.

He emphasized the need for sincerity among politicians, urging them to allow Nigerians to “hire and fire without fear” through credible elections. “If we truly commit to eliminating violence, we will have free, fair, and transparent elections,” he said.

The senator added that the true beauty of democracy lies not in holding office but in earning the people’s trust. “If you rig or manipulate elections, deep in your heart, you know you’re not a happy person,” he noted.

Oshiomhole also cautioned against conducting presidential, governorship, and National Assembly elections on the same day and called for vigilance against hackers as Nigeria deepens its use of election technology.

He concluded, “We, as senators and elected officials, must resolve never to arm or use unemployed youths to disrupt elections. Once we stop that, 90 percent of our electoral problems will be solved.”

Senate Approves Life Imprisonment for Defilement of Minors.

The Nigerian Senate has approved life imprisonment with no option of fine for anyone found guilty of defiling a minor, marking a tougher stance against child sexual abuse.

During plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio distinguished defilement from rape, insisting that offences involving minors deserve heavier punishment.

“Defilement of a minor should be different from that of rape; those involved in defilement should suffer greater punishment. I promise that it should be 20 years if you defile an underage,” Akpabio said, adding that he had witnessed many cases involving children aged five to ten years.

He then invited contributions from lawmakers. Senator Adamu Aliero proposed that the minimum sentence for defilement be fixed at 20 years, stressing that offenders should not be given any option of fine.

In a stronger recommendation, Senator Sunday Adeleke called for life imprisonment, citing countries like India and Pakistan that treat defilement as a capital offence. He argued that Nigeria must demonstrate zero tolerance for such crimes.

After deliberation, the Senate unanimously adopted the motion, resolving that any man or woman who engages in sexual intercourse with a minor will face life imprisonment without the possibility of a fine.

Lawmakers noted that the resolution reflects the National Assembly’s determination to protect children and curb the rising cases of sexual violence across the country. The Senate President described the decision as a step toward restoring dignity, justice, and moral responsibility within Nigerian society.

Convicted NNPC Senior Official Forfeits $2.5 Million Los Angeles Mansion to U.S. Government.

Paulinus Iheanacho Okoronkwo, a senior official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), has forfeited a $2.5 million mansion in Los Angeles, California, to the U.S. government after being convicted of money laundering.

A preliminary forfeiture order issued on October 3, 2025, by Judge John Walter of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, directed that Okoronkwo’s luxury property at 25340 Twin Oaks Place, Valencia be seized and transferred to the government.

According to court documents obtained by Peoples Gazette, the property—identified as Tract No. 45433, Lot 12 (Assessor’s Parcel No. 2826-143-004)—was linked to proceeds from illegal financial transactions in violation of U.S. money-laundering laws.

The ruling followed Okoronkwo’s conviction on three counts of money laundering, as detailed in a superseding indictment by U.S. prosecutors. The court found a “requisite nexus” between the offences and the mansion, making it subject to forfeiture.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Su, who handled the forfeiture motion, confirmed that the government could immediately seize and liquidate the asset under federal forfeiture laws. The U.S. Attorney General was also authorised to notify any third parties with potential claims.

The court ruled that the forfeiture would become final at sentencing, forming part of Okoronkwo’s punishment and granting the U.S. government clear title once all third-party claims are resolved.

The case—United States v. Paulinus Iheanacho Okoronkwo (Case No. 2:24-CR-20(A)-JFW)—is part of a wider U.S. federal probe into international financial crimes involving politically exposed persons from Nigeria and other countries.

Okoronkwo’s case adds to a growing list of Nigerian officials and business executives whose U.S. assets have been seized after being traced to illicit offshore transactions.

Nigerian Federal Workers Coordinator, Andrew Emelieze Faces Court Trial In Ibadan For Leading Peaceful Protest.

They recalled that it was a collective decision of members of the forum to protest on July 1, 2025, if their demands were not met, stressing that such civic action should not be criminalised.

The National Coordinator of the Federal Workers Forum, Andrew Emelieze, is set to be charged at the Federal High Court, Ibadan, on Tuesday (today).

In a statement sent to SaharaReporters on Tuesday, it was noted that the charge is to defend himself "against the four count charges brought against him by the Nigerian state through the DSS revolving around organising April 23, 2025 protest demanding for the payment of outstanding five months wage award, calling for protest in Aso rock gate on July 1st, 2025, formation of the Federal Workers Forum/ incitement and cyber bullying."

"Nigeria is not a banana republic. Protest cannot be a crime and the right to freedom of association is part of our fundamental human rights," the statement read in part.

He also appreciated "Comrade Femi Aborisade and the ABOPE Chambers for the free legal services."

"Comrade Femi Falana (SAN) has been of immense help in this battle. His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria spoke out loud against my detention by the DSS."

"Many more lawyers and the citizenry have also shown immense solidarity. The mass media, the civil society groups and many activist have not relented in calling for justice. I appreciate all the federal workers, friends and my family. I thank God for He has given us Victory," he further wrote.

"We shall overcome. We will not be silenced."

In September, the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) had called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure the withdrawal of court charges filed against its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, describing his arrest and detention as “a deliberate set up to silence the federal workers.”

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.

Mass Deportation: Nigeria deports over 50 foreigners for internet fraud, others.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has deported 51 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes back to their home countries, marking the completion of a large-scale repatriation exercise that involved a total of 192 convicts.

According to official sources, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) coordinated the deportations in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), in line with court directives and immigration protocols.

The deported convicts include citizens of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste. They were expelled in coordinated phases between August and mid-October 2025, following their conviction by the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and Ponzi scheme operations.

The crackdown originated from a major sting operation conducted by the EFCC on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, which led to the arrest of 759 suspects.

The first batch of 42 convicts primarily Chinese and Filipino nationals was deported on August 15, 2025, while the final group of 51, including 50 Chinese citizens and one Tunisian, was repatriated on October 16, 2025.

Investigations revealed that the convicts were part of a sophisticated cybercrime and Ponzi network operating under Genting International Co. Limited, where they allegedly trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms targeting victims both locally and abroad.

The deportation, authorities said, brings the multi-agency cybercrime crackdown to a decisive close and reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to fighting transnational digital fraud and financial crimes.

Addressing forgery, perjury in public office .

Nigeria for long has allowed high profile individuals to get away with crimes while less fortunate Nigerians rightfully pay the price for their sins.

One major area prominent Nigerians, especially political and judicial officers, get away with is forgery and perjury, both criminal offences.

A few weeks ago, following several denials and feeble pushbacks, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, was forced to resign from the government of President Bola Tinubu after being exposed in the web of certificate forgery by online newspaper, Premium Times.

Nnaji was found to have forged his BSc and National Youth Service Corps certificates, which he submitted to the president and the Senate during his ministerial screening in 2023. Perjury!

The former minister had claimed to have obtained a degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, in 1985, and completed his National Youth Service in Jos in 1986.

Despite that both UNN and the NYSC, through official correspondences, disowned Nnaji’s certificates, the minister was in denial.

Amid the heated debates, the ex-minister was forced to resign from President Tinubu’s cabinet.

Nnaji’s fiasco was not the first, and does not seem to be the last. It is estimated that from 1999 to now, no fewer than 10 prominent political figures have seen their careers cut short by deeply troubling certificate forgery scandals

FG deports 51 foreign nationals convicted of cybercrimes.

”All the deported convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested with their Nigerian accomplices, believed to be members of a sophisticated cybercrime and ponzi scheme syndicate.

”The syndicate was said to be operating under the cover of Genting International Co. Limited.

”The operation, based on credible, actionable intelligence, and subsequent investigations, confirmed that the convicted foreigners were involved in large-scale online fraud, identity theft, and cyber-enabled Ponzi schemes.”

According to him, evidence revealed that they trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms aimed at defrauding victims both locally and internationally.

The Nigeria Immigration Service deported them as directed by the court,

Olukoyede sheds light on N360b recovered loot, 753 duplexes.

Applauds Media,CSOs’ efforts at tackling corruption

JOSEPH OKWUOFU, Ibadan

The Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has stated that all the recoveries made so far under him by the Commission are deposited to the Federal Government in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

According to Olukoyede, since he took over the mantle of leadership two years ago, the Commission has recovered the sum of N360b, and a massive estate comprising 753 duplexes from corrupt individuals and the money was deposited in the Central Bank of Nigeria, out of this, the federal government directed that N50b was released for students loan under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND ).

He added that the recovered 753 duplexes were handed over to the Federal Ministry of Housing , following a directive from the federal government that the houses should be completed and allocated to Nigerians.

Olukoyede who is making two years of impactful fight against corruption with a record of 4,111 convictions, further revealed that it is only the federal government that has the power to give directives on how the recovered loot will be spent.

He made the clarifications on Friday, October 17, 2025 at a one-day workshop held in Ibadan Zonal Directorate for Journalists and Civil Society Organizations, (CSOs), organized by the Commission.

Olukoyede who spoke through the Acting Zonal Director, Ibadan Directorate of the EFCC, ACE 1 Hauwa Garba Ringim and the Spokesperson of the anti-graft body, Dele Oyewale also hinted that the EFCC under the current leadership of Ola Olukoyede, in 2024 alone arraigned five ex-governors and five ex-ministers with no let or hindrance.

This is a display of political will by the Bola Tinubu’s administration to prosecute corruption cases to curb economic sabotage and infractions”, he said.

Clemency: You’ve brought shame, scrap NDLEA, EFCC, ICPC – APC chieftain to Tinubu.

A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has called for the scrapping of some federal government agencies.

The agencies include the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.

According Eze, these agencies have Iost their flavours to political Interferences, stressing that President Bola Tinubu’s presidential pardon of drug barons have further erodes public confidence in statutory Institutions.

The APC chieftain said as long as he remains a member of the ruling party it must be said categorically that Tinubu, by his action, has brought shame and reproach to the party.

Eze believes that no reasonable person would vote for the APC again as the President has made it unelectable in any election in this country.

Eze said that APC’s return to power in 2027 would mean that Nigerians approve of a regime that legitimizes illegality as a political strategy to sustain its odious reign beyond 2027.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Information and Strategy last week, said in a statement that out of the 175 beneficiaries of the Presidential pardon, 41 illegal miners, 28 drug traffickers and 22 murderers topped the list.

Notable among the 175 beneficiaries are Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists; Farouk Lawan, a former member of the house of representatives; Mamman Vatsa, a major general and poet executed in 1986 over alleged treason; and Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for killing her husband in 2017.

PHOTOS: EFCC, NIS, NCoS complete deportation of 192 foreign cybercrime convicts

We Have Already Submitted Your Documents To EFCC – CCB to Nyesom Wike.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has found himself embroiled in a fresh controversy over allegations of secret acquisition of multimillion-dollar properties in Florida, USA.

According to reports, Wike attempted to amend his asset declaration with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to include the properties, but was informed that his original declaration had already been forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for thorough verification and investigation.

Sources close to the minister revealed that Wike was unsettled by the development, which could potentially lead to a forensic audit of his financial dealings. Investigations by some media outlets uncovered a pattern of concealment and alleged violations of Nigeria’s asset declaration laws by the minister. Records obtained showed that Wike acquired a $2 million mansion in Winter Springs, Florida, registered under the names of his wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, and their three children.

Further investigations revealed that three multimillion-dollar homes in affluent Florida communities were purchased covertly using cash transactions and swiftly transferred to their children via quitclaim deeds, executed by Wike’s wife. These transactions, spanning from 2021 to 2023, raised suspicions of attempts to keep assets beyond the regulatory grasp of Nigerian anti-corruption bodies.

The CCB informed Wike that his file had already been transmitted to the EFCC for verification, and the anti-graft agency is now conducting a forensic audit of Wike’s declarations, ownership details, and possible infractions. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), advocacy groups, and international NGOs have launched campaigns demanding an exhaustive probe into Wike’s financial dealings, citing suspected diversion of public funds and illicit enrichment.

Wike’s camp has denied the allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated attacks. However, documentary evidence filed in US property registries tells a different story. An EFCC source said the minister is “playing with fire” and that the ongoing forensic financial investigations will uncover the truth. As the investigation unfolds, Wike’s reputation and future hang in the balance.

EFCC pledges to obey Court order on Anglican Archbishop.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has pledged to obey court order on the purported arrest of the Anglican Archbishop on the Niger, Most Rev Alexander Ibezim.

The anti-graft agency invited the Cleric for questioning following allegations of impropriety by some Anglican members over sales of lands belonging to the church

The EFCC confirmed this when the matter came up at the weekend,in the Awka High court in suit No.A/MISC-446/2025, presided over by Justice Peace Otti

EFCC said that it will stay all actions pending the determination of the substantive suit on the matter.

Counsel for the Commission C.A Okoli, assured they will neither issue any more invitation letter to the applicant nor try to arrest the preacher until the case is determined.

While the petitioner, Prince Echezona Bonti Onuigbo, was absent in court, Archbishop Ibezim was represented by Beluolisa Nwofor, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,SAN

The trial Judge, Justice Peace Otti adjourned the case to 27th November 2025 for the hearing of the substantive suit.