FCT Indigenous Contractors Accuse Minister Wike of Using Police to Suppress Protest Over N5.2 Billion Unpaid Contracts

The Association of Indigenous Contractors of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of deploying heavily armed security personnel to intimidate members protesting unpaid contract debts totaling over N5.2 billion. According to the association, contractors who executed certified projects were blocked from entering the FCTA office complex despite scheduled meetings, and some were verbally and physically threatened. The contractors claim the delay in payment has caused severe financial hardship, including loss of homes and inability to support families, while urging Nigerians, religious leaders, and civil society groups to condemn the alleged injustice.


#FCTContractors

#NyesomWike

#UnpaidContracts

APC INAUGURATES COMMITTEE ON OSUN GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARY

The Governing All Progressives Congress APC has inaugurated a six member committee to conduct a governorship primary for nine aspirants and produce a standard bearer ahead of 2026 off-cycle Governorship Election in Osun State

Political Correspondent Abubakar Akwanga reports that, the committee is led by the Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Governors of Nasarawa, Lagos, Ondo, former Governor of Kogi State Yahaya are to serve as members while former FCT minister Ramatu Aliyu is the chief scribe of the Committee

The Party assured of a thorough Job in its bid to reclaim back the party and provide good governance and dividends of democracy to the people of Osun State

BREAKING: Ex-Labour Minister Chris Ngige Remanded in Kuje Over Alleged ₦2.2bn Contract Fraud

Former Labour and Productivity Minister, Chris Ngige, has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre after pleading not guilty to eight counts of alleged contract fraud totalling ₦2.26 billion. Arraigned before Justice Maryam Hassan at the FCT High Court in Gwarimpa, Ngige is accused by the EFCC of abusing his office between 2015 and 2023 by awarding multiple NSITF contracts to companies linked to his associates. The charges list over 30 contracts allegedly awarded to favoured firms for consultancy, training, supplies, and construction. Justice Hassan ordered his remand pending the hearing of his bail application scheduled for Monday, December 14.



#ChrisNgige #EFCC #CorruptionTrial

FCT Police Seek Public Help to Identify Unconscious Boy Found After Suspected Hit-and-Run in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command is seeking public assistance to identify a young boy found unconscious after a suspected hit-and-run incident at Apo Roundabout in Abuja on December 10, 2025. According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the boy—believed to be between 12 and 15 years old—was discovered near a transformer around 8 p.m. by two Good Samaritans, who rushed him to Sahad Hospital, where he remains unconscious. With no identification found on him, police are urging residents with useful information to contact the FCT Police Public Relations Office or report to the nearest station to help trace his family or guardians.


#Abuja #FCTPolice #HitAndRun

EFCC Arraigns Nigeria Peace Corps Commandant, Finance Director Over N60 Million Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Nigeria Peace Corps Commandant Dickson Akon and Finance Director Omolola Aminat Ahmed before the FCT High Court in Abuja over alleged misappropriation of N60 million. The two officials face charges of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds allocated for a badge supply contract in 2024. Both pleaded not guilty. Justice H.B. Yusuf granted them bail of ₦5 million each, with proceedings adjourned to February 25, 2026.

BREAKING : FCT High Court Enforcement Unit has officially handed over Obi Cubana’s ‘Cash Flow’ club building to a new owner as the structure gets torn down.

According to reports, the FCT High Court Enforcement Unit and police stormed Obi Cubana’s ‘Cash Flow’ club and removed him from the Abuja lounge on Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Wuse II. It’s the second time he has been evicted from the property.

FCT Police Arrest Abuja Resident Accused of Supplying Ammunition to Zamfara Bandits

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested 32-year-old Ahmed Abubakar from Anguwan Dodo, Gwagwalada, for allegedly supplying ammunition to bandits in Zamfara State. The arrest, made on December 7, followed actionable intelligence received by the Command’s Tactical Team. Investigations revealed that Abubakar had been working with an associate, Yusuf Mohammed, to procure 1,000 rounds of ammunition, allegedly under instructions from his uncle and key accomplice, Ahmed Yakubu, who is currently at large. Police say the suspect is in custody as efforts continue to dismantle the wider criminal network fueling insecurity in the region.

PRESS RELEASE: Jiwa Emirate honours Vento Furniture CEO

Ismet Erarslan, the chief executive officer of Vento Furniture, has been conferred with the traditional title of Jakadan Masana’atun Kasar Jiwa (Ambassador of Industries of Jiwa Chiefdom) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Jiwa Emirate Council in the federal capital territory. (FCT).

The Sarkin Jiwa, HRH. Dr Idris Musa (MFR) eulogized the recipient for his sterling leadership, integrity and dedication to the well-being of the people of Jiwa Emirate and the FCT at large.

Wike Accused as Police Teargas Abuja Contractors Protesting ₦5.2bn Unpaid Debts

Police officers allegedly acting on the orders of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike tear-gassed protesting contractors who barricaded his office over ₦5.2 billion in unpaid contract funds. The contractors say all projects—from drain clearing to medical procurement—were completed, inspected, verified, and approved, yet Wike refused to sign off on payments for nearly two years. The prolonged debt has allegedly caused deaths, medical trauma, loan defaults, and family breakdowns among contractors. Despite appeals to the Minister, the Presidency, and the National Assembly, the group claims nothing has changed.

#Wike

#FCTContractors

#PoliceBrutality

Court Adjourns Hearing on Nnamdi Kanu’s Request for Transfer From Sokoto Prison to January 27

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the hearing of Nnamdi Kanu’s application seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility nearer to the FCT. Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case to January 27, 2026, directing that the Correctional Service and prosecution be notified. Kanu, who was recently sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism charges, argues that his distant detention location hinders effective legal consultation and obstructs his appeal process. His legal team maintains that relocating him to Kuje, Keffi, or any facility within the court’s jurisdiction is essential for fair defence.

Wike Rejects PDP Expulsion, Accuses Bala Mohammed & Makinde of Attempting to Hijack Party

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed an expulsion notice issued by factions loyal to Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, insisting no one can remove him from the PDP. Speaking at a meeting with the party’s BoT and NEC, Wike accused newcomers of trying to destroy the party he helped build, urging members to remain firm amid ongoing leadership crises since the 2023 election loss.

Nigeria Seizes 7.6 Million Tramadol Pills, 76,000kg Cannabis in Major Nationwide NDLEA Raids

The NDLEA has carried out sweeping nationwide operations between December 1 and 6, 2025, intercepting over 7.6 million tramadol pills and 76,273kg of cannabis across several states. Dozens of suspects linked to drug cartels and interstate trafficking networks were arrested. Major seizures occurred in Delta, Imo, Adamawa, Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Niger, and the FCT, with drugs hidden in vehicles, warehouses, forests, and farms. The operations targeted large-scale distribution hubs and cultivation sites, dismantling multiple supply chains across Nigeria.

PDP Slams Rivers Lawmakers Over Fresh Defection to APC, Moves to Recover Mandates

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the renewed defection of 16 Rivers State House of Assembly members, including Speaker Martin Amaewhule, who announced their move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the second time. The lawmakers, loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, claimed internal division within the PDP as their reason.
In response, the PDP accused them of acting as “political puppets” and vowed to begin legal proceedings to recover the mandates the lawmakers won under its platform. The party said their actions amount to “defection from APC to APC,” insisting they had long abandoned PDP values.
The development intensifies the political crisis in Rivers State and reflects broader power struggles involving Wike, who is reportedly trying to retain influence amid declining favour from President Bola Tinubu.

Wike Sacks FCT Revenue Chief Michael Ango as Tension Rises Over Revenue Reforms

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed the Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service, Michael Ango, in a sudden move aimed at restructuring the territory’s revenue system. The announcement, issued by the minister’s aide Lere Olayinka, stated that Ango’s removal takes immediate effect, with the most senior official directed to assume control of the FCT-IRS. Although no official reason was given for the sack, the decision comes amid heightened tension over ongoing reforms within the FCT’s revenue-generating agencies.

Akpabio Files ₦200bn Defamation Suit Against Senator Natasha Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of spreading damaging allegations that he sexually harassed her. Filed at the FCT High Court, the suit claims Natasha’s interviews on TV, radio, and online platforms portrayed Akpabio as a predator, causing reputational harm and public ridicule.

Akpabio is demanding retractions, removal of all online content containing the allegations, and apologies broadcast nationwide. The court has also granted his request to serve Senator Natasha through the Clerk of the National Assembly after attempts at personal service failed. The case is set to become one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political legal battles.

Senator Natasha Challenges Akpabio, Says She’s Ready to Prove Sexual Harassment Claims in Court

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has responded to Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s ₦200 billion defamation suit, declaring she is fully prepared for a legal showdown. She says the case finally gives her the opportunity the Senate Ethics Committee allegedly denied her to present evidence of sexual harassment and subsequent attacks she claims followed her refusal to his advances. The suit, filed at the FCT High Court, has been adjourned to January 21, 2026.

Court Sets December 9 for Hearing in Tonye Cole’s ₦40B Defamation Suit Against FCT Minister Wike

The FCT High Court has scheduled December 9, 2025, for the mention of Tonye Patrick Cole’s ₦40 billion defamation lawsuit against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Channels Television. Cole, the 2023 APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, accuses Wike of making false and damaging statements during a September 18 broadcast, alleging financial misconduct involving state resources, Rivers State gas, and the Olympia Hotel. Represented by senior lawyer J.S. Okutepa, Cole seeks ₦40 billion in damages, ₦500 million in legal costs, a public apology, retraction of the statements, and a perpetual injunction restraining further defamatory publications. The defendants have been ordered to enter appearance within 21 days of receiving the writ.

IPI Nigeria to Immortalise Late Treasurer With University Endowment Prize*

The International Press Institute (#IPI) Nigeria has promised to endow a prize at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) in honour of its late Treasurer, Rafat Idris Salami.

In a statement on Friday, IPI Nigeria said, the prize to be endowed will be to instil in students of the institution the values that the late Treasurer stood for.

The President of the body, Musikilu Mojeed, confirmed the decision during the opening ceremony of the 2025 IPI Nigeria Conference and Annual General Meeting on December 2, 2025.

Salami, the then Assistant Director of Digital Media at the Voice of Nigeria (VON), died on December 20, 2024, just days after the first annual conference and AGM of IPI Nigeria, where she participated actively despite being ill.

Speaking on her death in his welcome address at the second annual conference and AGM, Mojeed requested members and guests, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to observe a one-minute silence in her honour.

He said: “Last year, even in severe pain and confined to a wheelchair, she insisted on attending the conference.

“She greeted guests, co-ordinated logistics, took photographs with her phone and served with grace until her body could no longer carry her.

“Her commitment was a reminder that Journalism is not merely a job; it is a calling.

“It demands sacrifice; It demands conviction.”

Mojeed said: "to honour her legacy, the National Committee of IPI Nigeria will endow a prize in her name at the University of Abuja, which was her alma-mater.

He added: “We will work with the University to ensure that every year, young Journalists are inspired by the values Rafat lived by— integrity, courage, and selfless service.”

When she died last year, Salami was eulogised by the IPI; Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, where she had served as Secretary; her employer, VON and colleagues.

The late Salami began her career with VON as a News Editor and correspondent in Lagos.

She rose through the ranks to become VON’s Assistant Director in charge of Digital Media before her demise.

16 Rivers Lawmakers, Speaker Defect from PDP to APC, Confirming SaharaReporters’ Exclusive

Sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The move, announced during Friday’s plenary, confirms SaharaReporters’ earlier exclusive report that the lawmakers loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike would dump the PDP. Amaewhule said the defection was triggered by a “clear division” within the PDP. The development marks a major escalation in the political crisis in Rivers State and further highlights the strained relationship between Wike and President Bola Tinubu, despite Wike’s attempts to regain favour with the presidency.