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.

Intelligence Report Uncovers 1,801 Bank Accounts Funding Boko Haram Across Nigeria and Abroad

A classified Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) report has exposed a vast domestic and international network funnelling money and logistical support to Boko Haram through 1,801 bank accounts linked to individuals and companies across 18 financial institutions. The investigation identified 96 Nigerian suspects, dozens of businesses—including multiple Bureau De Change operators—and foreign collaborators spanning the UAE, India, Rwanda, Niger, Benin, Uganda, Cameroon, and Dubai. The network also connects to known kidnappers, bandits, and informants, illustrating the deep overlap between terrorism and organised crime. This intelligence provides a crucial blueprint for disrupting Boko Haram’s financial lifelines and strengthening national security operations.

Intelligence Report Uncovers Hundreds of Kidnapping and Bandit Syndicate Members Across Northern Nigeria

A classified Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) report has exposed a vast network of kidnapping and bandit syndicates operating across the North-West and North-East. The investigation reveals detailed profiles of key kingpins, informants, logistics operators, and possible links to politically exposed persons.
Hotspot states like Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna dominate the findings, with suspects tied to ransom collection, weapons sourcing, international communication, and alleged collaboration with security and political figures. The report highlights how coordinated criminal networks sustain abductions, banditry, and cross-regional movement of armed groups.

Newsbrief: Police IG Egbetokun Moves To Track SaharaReporters, Sowore’s Finances Over Promotion Scandal Reports

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reportedly written to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to monitor all financial transactions linked to SaharaReporters, its publisher Omoyele Sowore, and related accounts.

Sources say the move follows SaharaReporters’ exposés on the police promotion scandal, which have angered the IGP and senior officers. Sowore recently alleged fresh harassment, including attempts to use corporate records for a “sham trial” and pressure to accept a back-door “peace deal.” He rejected the offer, insisting Egbetokun is no longer the legitimate IGP.

The standoff comes after Sowore’s recent detention and charges of inciting mutiny, which civil society groups condemned as politically motivated.
#Sowore #SaharaReporters #NigeriaPolice #Egbetokun

We’ll Soon Expose Terrorism Financiers in Nigeria – Chief of Defence Staff.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has said the process of identifying and prosecuting terrorism financiers in the country is already underway.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Musa explained that the delay in naming those involved was due to legal and international complexities. “The process is on. The delay has to do with legal issues and international connections.

Some of the funds come from outside Nigeria, so we can’t act alone. But we know them,” he said, noting that others operate within the country. According to him, local financiers often recruit individuals, provide them with motorcycles, and receive daily cash deposits into accounts that are currently being tracked. He emphasized that the movement of such funds is under close surveillance.

Musa commended the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for its role in tracing financial links to terrorism, noting that arrests have already been made.

“I can assure you that the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other agencies are working seriously to address the matter,” he added.

The Defence Chief also disclosed that the State Security Services, National Intelligence Agency, and other security outfits are investigating politicians suspected of sponsoring insecurity for personal gains. “Criminals collaborate. Bandits and terrorists work together because they share the same goal—making money and inflicting suffering on communities,” he said.

The move follows Trump’s renewed clampdown on immigration since his return to the White House in January 2025.

In a related development, the administration has also introduced a new visa bond policy requiring applicants from countries with poor records of visa overstays to deposit between $5,000 and $15,000.

The pilot programme, which began this week, is aimed at ensuring visitors leave before their visas expire. According to the State Department, the rule also affects individuals who obtained “citizenship by investment” without residency obligations, with designated airports overseeing compliance.

Surge in Killings Across Nigeria Due to 2027 Polls Defence Chief Musa.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has linked the recent surge in killings across the country to political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Musa noted that the renewed wave of insecurity, particularly in the North-East and North-West, cannot be divorced from heightened political activities.

“Last year we recorded the lowest number of deaths. How come this year, suddenly, everything has spiked?” he asked. “Politics is coming, the election is coming. You cannot rule out the fact that some people are controlling these criminals to ensure there is no peace, and governance is discredited. But the funny thing is, how do you kill the people you want to govern?”

The Defence Chief said both bandits and terrorists are working together to destabilize communities, adding that local and foreign funding continue to sustain their operations. He explained that agencies, including the Attorney-General’s office, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), are tracking financiers of terrorism, though prosecutions remain slow due to legal hurdles.

Musa criticized Nigeria’s legal system for frustrating terrorism trials and called for the creation of special courts, faster prosecutions and stiffer punishments.

He further identified instability in the Sahel region and Nigeria’s porous 4,000-kilometre border as major security risks, stressing that weapons from conflict zones in Libya, Sudan and neighbouring countries flow easily into Nigeria.

He cautioned against indiscriminate hospitality towards foreigners, warning that insurgents often disguise themselves as ordinary visitors before turning violent.

On equipment and technology, Musa lamented that the military lacks real-time satellite systems and precision weaponry, noting that global conflicts have made security technology more expensive and harder to acquire.

He welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the Defence Industrial Bill, which he said would enable Nigeria to manufacture its own military hardware in collaboration with original equipment manufacturers.

Senate Probes Surge in Ponzi Schemes After CBEX Collapse Defrauds Nigerians of Over ₦1.3 Trillion.

The Nigerian Senate has launched an investigation into the growing number of Ponzi schemes across the country, triggered by the recent collapse of the Crypto Bullion Exchange (CBEX), which allegedly scammed investors out of more than ₦1.3 trillion.

This move follows a motion raised by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), who expressed serious concern over the widespread and unregulated operation of fraudulent investment platforms. He cited notorious examples including MMM Nigeria (2016), MBA Forex (2020), and now CBEX, which lured unsuspecting Nigerians with promises of quick and high returns on digital assets.

During the debate, lawmakers warned that the collapse of CBEX had caused not just financial ruin but also deep psychological trauma, pushing some victims into depression, family breakdowns, and even suicide.

The Senate expressed alarm over the failure of relevant regulatory agencies—including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)—to detect and act on the fraudulent scheme before it spiraled out of control.

As a result, the Senate has directed a joint committee to investigate the proliferation of Ponzi schemes. The committee is expected to conduct a public hearing and present its report within one month.

EFCC Response and Legal Actions
The EFCC, in its defense, claimed it had already raised red flags. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the Commission, said efforts had been made to warn the public.

“On March 11, our Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, directed us to alert Nigerians about 58 known Ponzi scheme operators. We published a list—that’s evidence of our proactive stance,” he said.

In further action, on April 25, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the EFCC’s request to arrest and detain six CBEX promoters over alleged fraud exceeding $1 billion.

The EFCC, through its counsel Fadila Yusuf, had filed an ex parte motion seeking:

Warrants for the arrest of the accused.

Court approval to remand them in EFCC custody pending the conclusion of investigations.

The Commission emphasized that the action was in line with its statutory duty to prevent, detect, and prosecute financial crimes in Nigeria.