Tinubu Government Denies ‘ADP4VIP’ Plot to Arrest and Detain Opposition Figures, Calls Allegations Fake and Baseless Disinformation

The Federal Government has firmly denied allegations that it established a secret programme known as “ADP4VIP” to arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition politicians in Nigeria. In a statement issued on December 30, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described the claims as false, fabricated, and deliberately misleading. According to the government, the alleged programme—which purportedly involved a multi-agency task force comprising the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser—does not exist. The administration said the forged document behind the claims was designed to portray lawful accountability as political persecution, particularly targeting members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and constitutional freedoms, the government cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association. It stressed that law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies operate independently and within legal boundaries. The government also warned Nigerians against the spread of misinformation and fake news as the 2027 general elections approach, cautioning that political actors may increasingly deploy disinformation for relevance. Despite accusations of a crackdown on opposition parties, the Tinubu administration insisted it remains focused on economic reforms, tackling insecurity, restoring investor confidence, and delivering measurable progress for Nigerians.

FG Reaffirms Unwavering Commitment to Rule of Law, Dismisses Fabricated Allegations of Targeting Opposition

The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically states that it harbours no plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures. This clarification is in response to a fabricated document in circulation alleging the establishment of a non-existent multi-agency task force for a purported programme tagged “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons).

The baseless document falsely claims that a task force comprising the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, aims to aggressively target prominent opposition figures without due process.

The authors of this deliberate disinformation imprudently cite “multiple credible sources” to allege a planned “systematic weakening and neutralisation of opposition political activity,” particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The Federal Government wishes to state emphatically:

1. There is no such programme as “ADP4VIP.”

2. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is firmly and successfully focused on its core agenda: implementing measurable economic reforms, defeating insecurity, expanding trade opportunities, and restoring investor confidence.

3. The attempt by some opposition elements to frame lawful accountability as political targeting is a dangerous red herring designed to shield so-called VIPs from answering to our national laws and anti-corruption agencies.

The Government underscores its foundational principles. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every Nigerian the right to freely associate and assemble. President Tinubu swore an oath to uphold this Constitution and its protections, including the freedoms of association and religion. He is a democrat with considerable and positive footprints.

Under President Tinubu's leadership, the Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the independence of institutions. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy where law enforcement and judicial agencies are obligated to perform their duties professionally, without interference, and in the nation's best interest.

Politicians and citizens are therefore enjoined to desist from engaging in disinformation, misinformation, and fake news, especially in an era where credibility is intrinsically linked to informational fidelity.

With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the public should anticipate an increase in fabricated narratives and political blackmail by actors who employ falsehood as a strategy for relevance. We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and to reject the politics of distortion and division.

Every Nigerian retains the constitutional right to lawful association and political activity. Concurrently, our security and anti-corruption institutions retain the lawful mandate to operate in the nation's interest.

As we draw the curtain on 2025 and step into a new year, this government will not be distracted by those invested in perpetual politicking. Nigerians deserve continuity, progress, and tangible results—and that is what the Tinubu Administration remains dedicated to delivering.

Mohammed Idris, fnipr
Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Federal Republic of Nigeria

Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Integrity Shock as ICPC Scores NNPC Zero, Ranks National Oil Company Bottom Despite Fresh Profits and Reform Claims

Nigeria’s anti-corruption watchdog, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has rated the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) zero in its 2025 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard, placing it last among 357 federal ministries, departments and agencies assessed nationwide. The report found that NNPCL failed across all four integrity pillars—management culture, financial management, administrative systems, and anti-corruption mechanisms—classifying the national oil company as a high-risk institution. The outcome has intensified concerns over governance, transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, especially given NNPCL’s recent claims of improved profitability.
The ICPC report also revealed mixed results across petroleum regulators, with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) emerging as the top-performing agency, while the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NMDPRA) recorded weak compliance. Overall, only about 14% of federal agencies achieved substantial compliance, prompting the ICPC to signal tougher enforcement actions against persistently non-compliant institutions. Analysts warn that NNPCL’s zero score poses reputational risks and could undermine public trust and investor confidence unless urgent governance reforms are implemented.

Exclusive: Lagos Paid Tinubu-Linked Alpha-Beta Consulting ₦213 Billion Commission in Two Years

SaharaReporters sources reveal that Alpha-Beta Consulting LLP, a firm linked to President Bola Tinubu, earned over ₦213 billion in commissions from Lagos State’s internally generated revenue over the past two years. The firm reportedly receives an 8% commission on all tax collections. In 2024, the firm earned approximately ₦100.2 billion, while in 2025, it received about ₦112.7 billion. Internal projections suggest even higher commissions in 2026 if the arrangement continues.
Allegations against Alpha-Beta include systematic underreporting of employee salaries and tax underpayment, raising concerns over transparency and public fund management. Former employees and civil society groups, including the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), have escalated these claims to the police, EFCC, ICPC, and relevant finance ministries. The consultancy’s longstanding links to President Tinubu, who previously governed Lagos State, amplify scrutiny over the arrangement.

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.

A civil society organisation, the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP), has formally urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to reject the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria as a surety in the ongoing corruption case involving former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

In a petition dated December 24, 2025, and addressed to the EFCC Chairman in Abuja, ALDRAP based its request on Section 167(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, which clearly outlines who qualifies to stand as a surety in criminal proceedings. The group argued that the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council does not meet the statutory and ethical requirements required under the law.

The petition, signed by ALDRAP’s Secretary, Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, cited the 2024 Anti-Corruption Index published by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC). According to the group, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria was among federal government agencies that recorded a zero percent (0%) score in the ICPC’s ethics and integrity assessment for the year.

ALDRAP stressed that this poor rating raises serious concerns about the integrity, credibility, and suitability of the Legal Aid Council’s leadership to act as a surety for a defendant facing serious corruption allegations. The group argued that allowing a public official whose institution failed to meet basic anti-corruption benchmarks to guarantee the bail of a former justice minister accused of massive financial crimes would undermine public confidence in the justice system.

“The implication is that a person heading an institution that scored zero percent in the ICPC anti-corruption index cannot be considered fit and proper to stand as surety for Malami, who is himself undergoing investigation and prosecution for corruption-related offences,” the petition stated.

ALDRAP further reminded the EFCC of its mandate as a watchdog against corruption and urged the commission to ensure that all bail conditions strictly comply with the law and ethical standards. The group noted that it was incorporated in 2017 under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and is committed to promoting adherence to the 1999 Constitution and other relevant laws governing public accountability.

Meanwhile, the petition comes against the backdrop of serious criminal charges filed against Malami by the Federal Government. SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Malami is facing 16 counts bordering on money laundering, conspiracy, and unlawful acquisition of assets, alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and an associate, Hajia Bashir Asabe.

According to court documents, prosecutors allege that Malami and his co-defendants used corporate fronts and proxies, including Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited, Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, and Meethaq Hotels Limited, to conceal and launder illicit funds while Malami served as Nigeria’s chief law officer. The alleged offences span nearly a decade, from 2015 to 2025, covering both his time in office and the period after.

The charges detail multiple financial transactions involving billions of naira, including over ₦1 billion allegedly concealed through Sterling Bank accounts, large cash collaterals used to secure bank loans, and payments for luxury properties in Abuja, Kano, Birnin Kebbi, and other locations. Prosecutors claim that no fewer than 30 high-value properties worth about ₦212.8 billion were acquired using proceeds of unlawful activities.

The government further alleges that Malami and his associates violated provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, through systematic concealment, conversion, and retention of illicit funds.

Against this backdrop, ALDRAP has expressed confidence that the EFCC will give its petition urgent and favourable consideration, insisting that the integrity of the bail process must not be compromised in a case of such national significance. The group warned that allowing questionable sureties could weaken anti-corruption efforts and send the wrong message to Nigerians about accountability at the highest levels of government.

Court Orders Final Forfeiture of Goodluck Jonathan Estate Lands to FG

The Federal High Court in Abuja has permanently forfeited lands approved for the Goodluck Jonathan Legacy Model Housing Estate to the Federal Government. Judge Mohammed Umar granted the ICPC’s request on December 11, 2025, directing supervision in collaboration with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria to ensure the housing units benefit end-users. The forfeited plots include Plot 5 in Kaba District (122,015.80 m², valued at N1.94 billion) and Plot 4 (157,198.30 m², valued at N3.34 billion), suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity. A joint ICPC-FMBN committee will oversee completion of the project. This follows similar government action on ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele’s estate, with public calls for transparency and productive use of recovered assets.

#GoodluckJonathanEstate #ICPC #AssetRecovery #FederalGovernment #NigeriaNews #HousingDevelopment #FMBN #CourtForfeiture

Whistleblower Accuses Tinubu-Linked Alpha-Beta Consulting Of Systematic Tax Evasion, Petitions Police, EFCC, ICPC Over Under-Remitted Staff Taxes

A former employee of Alpha-Beta Consulting Limited, Segun Oluwasanmi, has accused the Lagos revenue consulting firm—widely linked to President Bola Tinubu—of long-running and systematic tax evasion through the under-declaration of staff salaries and under-remittance of statutory taxes. The whistleblower has formally petitioned the Nigeria Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with copies sent to federal and Lagos State finance authorities. According to Oluwasanmi, Alpha-Beta allegedly split employees’ salaries into two parts, declaring and taxing only a smaller portion while concealing the remainder from tax authorities. Internal company correspondence attached to the petition, including an April 30, 2024 HR memo, reportedly confirms that a Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) audit uncovered tax under-remittance. The whistleblower further alleged that the firm later rebranded undeclared salary components as “reimbursable” payments to evade scrutiny, a practice he said negatively affected employees’ professional credibility and violated multiple Nigerian laws. Civil rights group CDHR, chaired by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), described the alleged conduct as fraud against the Nigerian state and urged law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute Alpha-Beta’s management in accordance with the law.

Former Alpha-Beta Consulting Employee Accuses Tinubu-Linked Lagos Revenue Firm of Bribery, Intimidation, Allowance Fraud and Police Interference

A former employee of Alpha-Beta Consulting Limited, Segun Oluwasanmi, has accused the Lagos revenue consulting firm linked to President Bola Tinubu of systemic corruption, bribery, workplace harassment and manipulation of police processes. According to a petition filed through the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), the company’s Head of Human Capital Management allegedly demanded and collected a ₦150,000 bribe to process refunds of over ₦3.3 million in travel allowances owed to staff who attended an international training in Egypt. The petition further alleges irregular estacode calculations, unfair currency exchange rates, professional marginalisation, and attempts by the Lagos Police State Intelligence Department to intimidate the complainant. The matter has been reported to the Police, ICPC and EFCC, with calls for a full investigation and prosecution based on documentary evidence including bank records and WhatsApp messages.

ICPC Invites Aliko Dangote to Submit Evidence Against Ex-NMDPRA Boss Farouk Ahmed, Says Resignation Will Not Stop Corruption Probe

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has formally invited Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, to present documentary evidence supporting his corruption allegations against the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Alhaji Farouk Ahmed. The anti-graft agency stressed that Ahmed’s recent resignation does not affect the ongoing investigation, which is being treated as a matter of public interest. According to ICPC sources, a special panel of seasoned investigators has been constituted to handle the probe, with Dangote or his legal representative expected to adopt the petition and submit supporting documents. Dangote has accused Ahmed of abuse of office, illicit enrichment, diversion of public funds, and spending over $7 million on the education of his four children in Switzerland—expenses he claims cannot be justified by a public servant’s earnings. The ICPC said it would follow due process, isolate issues raised in the petition, and allow Ahmed to respond, warning that both proven corruption and frivolous petitions carry severe legal consequences under the ICPC Act. @

Former Alpha-Beta Employee Accuses Tinubu-Linked Firm of Cybersecurity Policy Forgery, Workplace Harassment, EFCC and Police Investigate

A former employee of Alpha-Beta Consulting Limited, Segun Oluwasanmi, has accused the Lagos State tax consultancy firm—reportedly linked to President Bola Tinubu—of serious corporate misconduct, including forgery of electronic documents, cybersecurity policy manipulation, and sustained workplace harassment. Oluwasanmi alleged that the company’s Chief Technical Officer forged his signature on the firm’s Cybersecurity Policy in September 2023 after deliberately excluding him from the finalisation process. Despite an internal panel reportedly confirming the act, no disciplinary action was taken, prompting the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) to escalate the matter to the Nigeria Police, ICPC, and EFCC. The petition cites violations of the Cybercrimes Act and Criminal Code, warning that failure to act could undermine corporate governance and cybersecurity integrity within the tax consultancy firm.

BREAKING NEWS: ICPC Invites Aliko Dangote to Provide Evidence in the investigation of Former NMDPRA Chief Farouk Ahmed

ICPC Invites Aliko Dangote Over Petition Against Ex-NMDPRA Boss Farouk Ahmed in Alleged $7 Million Corruption Scandal

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has invited Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, to provide evidence in support of his petition against the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed. Dangote accused Ahmed of corruption, misappropriation of public funds, and economic sabotage, alleging that over $7 million was spent on his children’s education in Switzerland. Despite Ahmed’s resignation, ICPC confirmed that a special panel of investigators has been constituted to probe the allegations in the public interest, as tensions continue over refinery licences and Nigeria’s petroleum sector regulation.

NMDPRA MD Farouk Ahmed Resigns Amid Corruption Allegations
Dangote had accused him of financial impropriety and asked the ICPC to probe him.

ICPC Set To Investigate CAC Registrar-General Magaji Over Alleged Corporate Record Alterations

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is poised to probe the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Mr. Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, following allegations by Ghanaian investors in JonahCapital Nigeria Ltd and Houses For Africa Nigeria Ltd. The investors claim Magaji unlawfully altered corporate records, expropriated shares, and removed directors connected to the River Park Estate project in Lugbe, Abuja. They argue that these actions bypassed court authority, jeopardized banking relationships, and undermined ongoing civil suits. The petitioners are calling for a full reversal of the administrative actions, restoration of company records, and prosecution of the CAC Registrar-General for abuse of office.

NMDPRA Boss Farouk Ahmed Rejects Dangote’s Corruption Allegations, Calls for Full EFCC, ICPC and National Assembly Probe

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, has denied corruption allegations levelled against him by Dangote Group President, Aliko Dangote, describing the claims as misleading and politically motivated. Ahmed said his rise in Nigeria’s petroleum sector since 1991 was merit-based and defended his financial record, including the education of his children abroad, citing scholarships, family support and decades of personal savings. He linked the timing of the allegations to recent regulatory actions enforcing fuel quality standards, stricter licensing and transparent pricing under the Petroleum Industry Act. Ahmed formally invited the Code of Conduct Bureau, EFCC, ICPC and the National Assembly to investigate his assets and tenure, insisting his record would withstand any legitimate scrutiny. Dangote, however, has petitioned the ICPC, accusing the regulator of abuse of office, illicit enrichment and frustrating local refining through fuel import licences.

ICPC Receives Dangote’s Petition Against NMDPRA CEO Ahmed, Assures Thorough Probe

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed receipt of a petition filed by billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote against the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ahmed Farouk.

According to the anti-graft agency, the allegations raised by Dangote are under review and will be investigated in line with due process. Since the petition became public, neither the NMDPRA nor its chief executive has issued an official response.

The ICPC says it will carry out a comprehensive probe and act based on its findings.

#ICPC #Dangote #NMDPRA #NigeriaNews

Dangote Petitions ICPC Over NMDPRA Boss Farouk Ahmed’s Alleged $7 Million Spending on Children’s Education in Switzerland

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, over alleged corruption and illicit enrichment. Dangote claims that Ahmed spent more than $7 million on the education of his four children in Switzerland—an amount he argues is inconsistent with the earnings of a career public servant. The petition accuses Ahmed of abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and breach of the Code of Conduct for public officers, while the House of Representatives has summoned both parties amid escalating tensions in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

NSITF Workers Raise Alarm Over Career Stagnation, Alleged Mismanagement Under MD Seun Faleye

Staff of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) have raised concerns over prolonged career stagnation and alleged mismanagement under Managing Director Seun Faleye. Over 70 AGMs, 30 DGMs, and several Principal Managers claim that promotions have been stalled, retirees are being favored for contract extensions, and external consultants are being engaged unnecessarily at high costs. The workers have appealed to the NSITF Board, Ministry of Labour, ICPC, and National Assembly for urgent intervention, warning that tensions within the organisation are reaching a critical point.

Disability Groups Accuse Benue Government Officials of Diverting ₦50 Million Presidential Empowerment Fund, Petition EFCC

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Benue State has accused state government officials, including the Principal Special Assistant on Special Needs, Anshe Bemshima, and Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Scholastica Ben-Sor, of misappropriating ₦50 million Presidential Empowerment Fund intended for persons with disabilities. Only 42 of the 250 intended beneficiaries reportedly received partial payments of ₦150,000 instead of the full ₦200,000, with N50,000 allegedly deducted under the pretext of a “free medical outreach.” JONAPWD petitioned the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS, urging investigation, recovery of funds, prosecution of culpable officials, and full disbursement of the grant to the rightful beneficiaries.