Ex-President Jonathan dragged to court over bid to participate in 2027 election

The Federal High Court in Abuja, was Monday, asked to issue an order of perpetual injunction, restraining former President Goodluck Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party in the country for the purpose of contesting the 2027 presidential election.

The court was equally urged to bar the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from accepting from any political party, Jonathan’s name or publishing same as a duly nominated candidate for the presidential contest.

While ex-President Jonathan was cited as the 1st defendant in the matter, both INEC and the Attorney General of the Federation, were listed as 2nd and 3rd defendants, respectively.

Specifically, the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/ 2025, hich was brought before the court by a lawyer, Mr. Johnmary Chukwukasi Jideobi, posed a lone question for the court to determine:

“Whether in view of the combined provisions of the entirety of Sections 1(1), (2) & (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and their conflated interpretation, the 1st Defendant is eligible, under any circumstances [whatsoever] to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?”

Upon the determination of the question, the plaintiff, sought four principal reliefs, to wit:

“A declaration of this Honourable Court that upon an intimate reading and complete understanding of the entirety of Sections 1(1), (2) & (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended the first Defendant [GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN] is ineligible to stand for or occupy the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“A declaration of this Honorable Court that in view of the entirety of Sections 1(1), (2) & (3) and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended the 2nd Defendant [the INEC] lacks the constitutional power to receive from any political party the name of the first defendant or publish same as the candidate of any political party for the election into the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria holding in 2027 and other years to come.

INEC Chairman Escapes Police Arrest After Partial Compliance with Court Order.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has avoided arrest by the Nigerian Police Force after partially complying with a Federal High Court judgment in Osogbo.

The court, presided over by Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi, had ordered Yakubu to restore the name of the Action Alliance (AA) National Chairman, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, along with the names of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), to INEC’s official portal.

The court further directed that the names of all state chairmen elected under Omoaje’s leadership be posted online.

While INEC fully complied with the order to restore the state chairmen’s names, it only partially implemented the judgment regarding the NEC. The portal now includes the NEC members’ names but omits Omoaje’s name and the address of the party’s national secretariat. Additionally, the name of Kenneth Udeze, who had been suspended and expelled from the party, still appears on the portal.

The AA had elected its NEC at the party’s national convention held on October 7, 2023, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Following INEC’s partial compliance, the court had instructed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest Yakubu if he failed to fully implement the ruling within seven days. Yakubu, however, was not arrested.

In response, the Action Alliance, through its Osun State Chairman, Araoye Oyewole, filed a counter-affidavit before the Federal High Court on October 2, 2025. The affidavit argues that INEC and its chairman have not fully complied with the court’s directives, urging the court to give complete adherence to its judgment.

Oyewole stated, “While the names of all state chairmen have been restored to the INEC portal, the judgment specifically mandating recognition of Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as National Chairman has not been followed. The judgment debtors have only partially complied with the court’s orders in suit number FHC/OS/CS/194/2024.”

The case is ongoing, with the party seeking full enforcement of the court’s ruling.

"I've traveled the whole world and I can boldly say that there is no nation like Nigeria. Yes, we have our own problems, but no matter what, Nigerians always find a way to make themselves happy" - Pastor Adeboye.

Nigeria Ranked Lowest in Global Life Expectancy Report.

Nigeria has been ranked as the country with the lowest life expectancy in the world, with an average lifespan of 54.9 years, according to the latest United Nations World Population Prospects report.

The data shows that Nigerian men live an average of 54.3 years, while women live slightly longer at 54.9 years. This places Nigeria at the bottom of the global list, followed closely by Chad (55.2 years) and South Sudan and the Central African Republic (57.7 years).

The UN report reveals that 22 of the 25 countries with the lowest life expectancy are in sub-Saharan Africa. Other countries on the list include Lesotho (57.8 years), Somalia (59.0 years) and Mali (60.7 years).

Health experts attribute Nigeria’s low ranking to persistent challenges such as high maternal and infant mortality, p++r healthcare access, and insecurity in several regions. The World Health Organisation (WHO) also cites chronic diseases — including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and mental health disorders — as major causes of death and disability worldwide.

The Federal Ministry of Health has pledged reforms to expand universal health coverage and strengthen public health infrastructure, though progress has been limited.

However, medical expert Dr. Raymond Kuti questioned the UN’s assessment, insisting that Nigeria’s life expectancy may be higher than reported. “The criteria they use is always faulty. They just want us to believe that we have a low lifespan,” he said. While acknowledging the impact of diseases on lifespan, he stressed the need for accurate and locally sourced data to reflect Nigeria’s true health realities.

International organisations continue to urge greater investment in healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation to improve living standards and increase life expectancy across the country.

Trade Fair Demolitions: Senator Umeh Condemns Lagos Government’s Action, Labels It Illegal.

Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has condemned the recent demolitions at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, describing them as unlawful and beyond the jurisdiction of the Lagos State Government.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Umeh said the move by the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning was “a clear breach of the law and an affront to due process.”

“The country is governed by laws and the constitution. I’m disappointed that the Commissioner for Physical Planning in Lagos State came on air to justify an illegal action,” he stated.

According to him, the Trade Fair Complex is a federal property managed by the Federal Government through the Trade Fair Management Board, and therefore not under Lagos State’s control.

“The Trade Fair Complex is a federal establishment where the Lagos State Government moved in with heavy machinery to destroy people’s properties and investments without justification,” Umeh said. “Federal lands are managed by federal agencies, not state governments. Such properties are recorded in the Federal Land Registry in Ikoyi, not in the Lagos Land Registry in Alausa.”

Umeh, who is also a fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, maintained that the state government had no authority to act on federal land. He emphasized that the Trade Fair Management Board has always handled all administrative functions, including development approvals, property rates, and ground rent.

“The Lagos State Government has never performed any of these duties there until about two weeks ago when they moved in to demolish buildings on September 25,” he said.

The senator further described the demolitions as an “intrusion,” stating that neither the board nor traders received prior notice.

Umeh also refuted claims that the demolished buildings were erected on canals or without proper approval, insisting that all structures were duly approved by the Trade Fair Management Board.

Nigerians Groan as Cooking Gas Price Hits ₦1,800 Per Kilogram Amid Shortage.

The cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, has surged sharply across several Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Ogun, and Ibadan, following a nationwide shortage.

The scarcity was triggered by a three-day strike by oil workers, which disrupted gas supply and distribution across the country. Prices have also spiked in other states such as Port Harcourt, Cross River, Kano, and Kaduna.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) had embarked on the strike last week to protest the dismissal of some workers at the Dangote Refinery. Although the strike has since been suspended, the brief disruption in supply caused many gas depots to run dry, leading to rationing and steep price hikes.

In many parts of the country, the price of cooking gas has jumped from around ₦1,000 per kilogram to between ₦1,600 and ₦1,800.

In Abuja, refilling a 12.5kg cylinder now costs between ₦17,000 and ₦18,750, depending on the location. In districts such as Wuse, Garki, and Kubwa, a kilogram of LPG sells for ₦1,350 to ₦1,500, while some outlets in Jabi offer a 12.5kg refill for about ₦17,000.

Retailers in the city report that many outlets ran out of stock by Sunday, while those still selling gas increased their prices significantly.

A similar situation is unfolding in Lagos and Ogun States, where the price per kilogram rose from about ₦1,000 and ₦1,100 respectively last week to between ₦1,300 and ₦1,800 over the weekend.

Across Nigeria, households and small businesses continue to feel the impact of the gas shortage, as prices soar daily with no immediate relief in sight.

"Dangote is an institution, how we treat him will determine how outsiders will judge us" — VP Shettima warns PENGASSAN.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to respect and protect the multibillion-dollar investment of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, describing it as essential to the nation’s economic stability and growth.

He emphasized that the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery represents a national asset critical to Nigeria’s industrial expansion and global competitiveness. 

His remarks came amid the recent industrial action by oil workers under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over the alleged dismissal of about 800 unionized employees. 

IThe strike was later suspended after the intervention of Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Shettima lauded Dangote’s decision to invest heavily in Nigeria rather than taking his capital abroad. 

He said, “Aliko Dangote, he’s not an individual, he’s an institution, and he’s a leading light in Nigeria’s economic parliament. And how we treat this gentleman will determine how outsiders will judge us. If he had invested $10 billion in Microsoft, in Amazon, or in Google, he probably might be worth $70 to $80 billion by now. But he opted to invest in his country, and we owe it to future generations to jealously protect, promote, preserve, and protect the interests of this great Nigeria.”

The Vice President also urged labour unions and the private sector to exercise restraint and patriotism when handling industrial disputes, warning that rash actions could jeopardize the nation’s progress.

“It’s not about holding the whole nation to ransom because of a minor labour dispute. Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN. Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us. I’m not coming to you as a partisan,” he added.

Chelsea Scouts Target 16-year-old Nigerian Football Sensation, Abduljelil Kamaldeen.

Chelsea scouts are closely monitoring Nigerian wonderkid Abduljelil Kamaldeen, who has caught global attention at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

The Blues’ vast scouting network has reportedly identified the 16-year-old midfielder as a top prospect after his impressive cameo in Nigeria’s 1-0 loss to Norway U-20 on Monday. Despite being one of the youngest players at the tournament, Kamaldeen showed composure and creativity against opponents nearly five years older, almost salvaging a late equalizer for the Flying Eagles.

Sources suggest the Kwara Football Academy talent could start Nigeria’s next group match against Saudi Arabia, with several European clubs now tracking his progress.

Chelsea’s interest in Kamaldeen began earlier this year at the WAFU Zone B U-20 Boys Cup in Ghana, where he delivered standout performances — including a goal in Nigeria’s 4-1 win over Benin — and impressed against Niger and Ivory Coast in the later stages. Initially deployed as a left winger, his growing maturity on the ball has seen him move into a central attacking midfield role, where his pace, vision, and dribbling have drawn comparisons to Alex Iwobi.

Football analysts believe his flair and confidence echo that of Iwobi’s uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha, one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons.

Chelsea, renowned for developing African stars like Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel, view Kamaldeen as a potential long-term project. His technical ability and versatility reportedly fit the club’s new youth recruitment strategy.

Meanwhile, Chelsea already have another Nigerian teenager, Chizaram Ezenwata, in their youth setup. The London-born striker, who joined from Charlton Athletic, was not released for Nigeria’s pre-tournament training camp and remains eligible to play for England, Nigeria, or Cameroon.

In a related development, first-team star Cole Palmer was spotted supporting Chelsea’s U-19s this week, praising the club’s rising talents — further evidence of the Blues’ growing focus on youth development.

The Group Chief Executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has attributed the recent scarcity in cooking gas to a temporary loading and disruption during the strike action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

The Era of Calling Nigeria “Most Corrupt Country” Is Over — First Lady Remi Tinubu.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, says the era of branding Nigeria as the “most corrupt country” in the world has ended.

Speaking during her official visit to Gombe State, where she commissioned several health facilities including the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Kumo, Mrs Tinubu urged citizens to stop demeaning the nation’s image, noting that global perception of Nigeria is improving under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Gone are the days when they say Nigeria is the most corr¥pt country. You won’t hear that again,” she said. “When I travel abroad and they hear you’re from Nigeria, everyone is interested. Nigeria is now the next destination.”

The First Lady, who also paid homage to the Emir of Akko, encouraged Nigerians to show national pride and speak positively about their country.

She described Gombe’s landscape as “beautiful and comparable to the English countryside,” adding that Nigerians should celebrate the nation’s natural and cultural assets.

Mrs Tinubu linked her message of patriotism to the administration’s ongoing reforms in security, education, and grassroots development, emphasizing the role of traditional and religious leaders in shaping citizens’ attitudes.

“I’m 65 years old now, and I pray to live long,” she said. “I’m working so hard so that when my husband finishes his tenure, I too can walk around safely. That is what drives me.

She called on Nigerians to remain hopeful, united, and supportive of government efforts aimed at restoring the nation’s pride and strengthening its place in the global community.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has consoled the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, over the death of his mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, who passed away in August at the age of 83.

Speaking at her burial in Jos on Saturday, Akpabio said the late matriarch “chose the right time to depart,” describing her as a woman whose legacy continues to inspire many.

He said, “To our dear Mama, goodbye from all of us. Goodbye from Nigeria. To our National Chairman, be consoled in the knowledge that your mother chose the right time to depart a time when her legacy continues to speak through you & through all the lives she touched.”

Akpabio also commended President Bola Tinubu for fostering unity across political & religious divides, noting the large turnout of Plateau residents who came out to welcome the president.

“This gathering reflects unity, faith, and leadership,” the Senate President added, saying the event showed that Tinubu had “touched the hearts of the people.”

Retired Judge wants govt to sack PENGASSAN as association.

Following the dispute between the management of Dangote Refinery and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over the dismissal of some PENGASSAN staff by the Dangote
Petroleum Refinery, the retired Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Mwada Balami, has called on the Federal Government to sack the PENGASSAN as an association for the sake of economic stability of the country.

Balami, who made this call while speaking to Peoples Daily on the state of the nation, said PENGASSAN was a threat to the government for so long now in terms of industrial strike in the country.

He expressed dismay over the activities of PENGASSAN which he said had been creating economic hardships for the people of Nigeria.

Senate Moves to Engage US Lawmakers over Alleged Christian Genocide in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Senate is preparing to open a heated debate on a motion seeking to address what it calls “dangerous misrepresentations” of the country’s security crisis as a campaign of “Christian genocide” — a narrative gaining traction in international circles, particularly in the United States.

The motion, titled “Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and International Communities,” is sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) and co-sponsored by several senior lawmakers, including Senators Sani Musa, Magatakarda Wamako, Ibrahim Bomai, and Ahmed Wadada.

Senators Raise Alarm Over ‘Misleading Narratives’
In the draft motion, Ndume expressed alarm over what he described as a growing wave of misleading claims in both local and foreign media alleging systematic attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

While acknowledging the devastating assaults suffered by Christian communities, the lawmaker stressed that violent attacks have affected citizens of all faiths. He warned that framing the crisis in purely religious terms could inflame sectarian tensions and distort international understanding of Nigeria’s complex security landscape.

According to the motion, Nigeria’s insecurity stems from terrorism, insurgency, banditry, communal conflicts, and criminal violence — all of which have claimed lives across religious, ethnic, and regional lines.

Fear Over US Designation
The Senate also expressed unease about developments in Washington, where some lawmakers are pushing to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for alleged religious persecution.

Lawmakers cautioned that such a designation could damage Nigeria’s diplomatic standing and trigger economic consequences. The motion reaffirmed that the Nigerian government is constitutionally obligated to protect the lives and property of all citizens, regardless of their religion or ethnicity.

Senate’s Strategy: Facts and Diplomacy
To counter the growing international narrative, the Senate is proposing a coordinated communication and diplomatic strategy. Key elements include:

Engaging US lawmakers and diaspora networks through official briefings and fact-based publications.
Releasing verified data and investigative reports to clarify casualty figures and contexts.
Strengthening collaboration between the Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs, National Security, and Information with relevant ministries to shape Nigeria’s international messaging.

Urging local media, civil society, and religious leaders to exercise restraint and accuracy in public statements to avoid stoking sectarian division.
The Senate also called on foreign embassies, international organisations, and media outlets to rely on balanced and credible information, rather than unverified claims, when reporting on religiously sensitive matters in Nigeria.

Veteran highlife musician, Bright Chimezie has advised Nigerians to rethink the growing trend of relocating abroad in search of greener pastures, insisting that there are equally valuable opportunities within the country

In a recent interview, He said many Nigerians wrongly assume that life is easier overseas but often end up facing harsh realities when they get there.

“Our problem is right here. We keep helping people over there because we think the grass is greener on the other side. But it’s not,” he said

“I’ve travelled quite a bit & I can tell you there are no more opportunities there. When you get there, you start from the bottom, sometimes even washing toilets just to survive.

He further lamented that colonial influence and the mindset it left behind have made many Nigerians undervalue their own country.

“When the white people came, it affected our mentality & development. If we studied biology & mathematics with the same passion we use to read the Bible, our society would be far better, He added.

Imisi Becomes ₦150 Million Richer as She Emerges Winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10.

After weeks of suspense, drama, and intense competition, has emerged as the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10.

The reality TV star clinched the top spot on Sunday night after securing the highest number of votes from viewers across Nigeria and beyond. Her victory marks the end of a thrilling season filled with twists, alliances, heartbreaks, and unforgettable moments in Biggie’s house.

Imisi journey in the house captured the hearts of fans with her resilience, charisma, and strategic gameplay. She outlasted other strong finalists to walk away with the grand prize of ₦150 million in cash and gifts.

Following the announcement, social media went into a frenzy as fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with congratulatory messages

The show’s host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, praised all the finalists for their courage and entertainment value, describing the season as “one of the most unpredictable and competitive editions in BBNaija history.”

Minister Uche Nnaji Confesses: ‘UNN Never Issued Me Degree Certificate’.

Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, has admitted that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) never issued him a degree certificate despite claiming to be a graduate of the institution.

The revelation emerged in court filings obtained by journalists, where the minister acknowledged that although he was admitted into UNN in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry, he never collected a certificate because the university “refused to issue” one.

The disclosure comes amid a storm of forgery allegations after investigations revealed inconsistencies in the academic and NYSC documents he submitted for ministerial screening.

In his sworn affidavit, Nnaji claimed that UNN officials had been “uncooperative,” insisting that the certificate he has was not released by the university.

However, the UNN authorities have since disowned the document. In an official letter dated October 2, 2025, Vice Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya stated that while records show Nnaji was once a student, there is no evidence that he graduated or fulfilled the requirements for a degree.

The university’s latest clarification contradicts an earlier 2023 letter from its Registrar claiming the minister graduated in July 1985 a statement later withdrawn by the school in May 2025.

The controversy has also drawn in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which reportedly denied issuing the discharge certificate the minister has been parading.

With mounting questions over his academic qualifications, calls are growing for President Bola Tinubu’s administration to investigate how Nnaji was cleared during his ministerial screening.

As of press time, the minister has not issued any public statement regarding the fresh revelations.

ABU Spends just ₦4 Billion Yearly on Electricity — VC Cries Out Over Soaring Bills.

The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Professor Adamu Ahmed, has revealed that the institution spends nearly ₦4 billion yearly on electricity, describing the situation as crippling and unsustainable.

Speaking at a news conference marking ABU’s 63rd anniversary, Ahmed said the heavy energy cost was affecting research and academic activities. He disclosed that the university was pursuing energy self-sufficiency through partnerships and innovations, including renewable energy projects.

According to him, the Federal Government had provided ₦1 billion through TETFund and approved a 10-megawatt solar power project, while alumni groups, such as the SBS Class of 1975, were already supporting solar initiatives on campus.

The VC lamented that insecurity and poverty continued to hinder education and development in the North, urging renewed research in agriculture and peacebuilding. He noted ABU’s strength in agricultural research, with institutes like IAR and NAPRI leading regional innovation.

Ahmed also highlighted the university’s growth from four faculties in 1962 to 18 faculties, 110 departments, and 17 research centres making it the largest university in sub-Saharan Africa.

He announced that ABU had been ranked the best public university in Nigeria by Times Higher Education in 2025 and is one of three Nigerian universities listed in the QS World University Rankings.

The VC further revealed that the university had secured over $15 million in World Bank Centres of Excellence grants and a €5 million Horizon grant for an AI-driven disease diagnosis project. Staff and students have also registered over 30 patents across renewable energy and pharmaceuticals.

Despite these successes, Ahmed warned that funding shortages, brain drain, and infrastructure decay remained major challenges. He urged ABU’s alumni to “give back” through endowments and donations, saying, “The Sardauna gave you opportunities; now it’s time to give back.”

Every Day, Nigerians Go Hungry While Their Pastors Buy Private Jets – Former NLC Vice President.

Nted, who spoke during his 65th birthday celebration, which coincides with Nigeria’s Independence Day, said the contrast between his personal growth and the nation’s decline leaves him deeply troubled.
Anthony Emmanuel Nted
Former Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and ex-President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Anthony Emmanuel Nted, has lamented the growing hunger in the country, accusing pastors of amassing wealth while their congregants struggle to feed.

Nted, who spoke during his 65th birthday celebration, which coincides with Nigeria’s Independence Day, said the contrast between his personal growth and the nation’s decline leaves him deeply troubled.

“I am happy I was born on October 1, but I am not happy I share the birthday with Nigeria. While I am moving forward, the country is going backward,” he was quoted by Vanduard as saying.

He said the hardship facing Nigerians has reached alarming levels, noting that “every day I get 200 calls asking for food. People are dying of starvation. Things were better before, but today Nigerians can’t eat. Reforms are not feeding the people.”


The former labour leader condemned both past and present administrations for failing to alleviate poverty, saying leaders must stop making excuses. “It didn’t start from President Tinubu—it began with past leaders.

“But if you accept leadership, you must take responsibility. You can’t keep blaming those before you. Once you are in office, you must do the right thing and show people progress,” he said.

Nted took a swipe at religious leaders, accusing them of misusing church funds for luxury.

“Did God ask for money to buy jets? No. That money should go to the needy. Every day people are hungry, yet pastors are buying jets. It is wrong,” he said.

NDLEA operatives caused stampede in Benin as they fire gunshots to arrest fleeing driver for brushing their vehicle.

The serenity of the Upper Sokponba Road axis of Benin City, Edo State where the state command of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is located was on Friday morning shattered as passersby, traders, and motorists fled in different directions in confusion as operatives of the agency began to shoot sporadically as they pursued an articulated vehicle which was said to have hit their vehicle and refused to stop.

Though the NDLEA had not made an official statement on the incident, a source who pleaded anonymity, however stated that the operatives eventually succeeded in apprehending the driver and had taken him into custody.

It was gathered that the sporadic gunshots which lasted for more than five minutes at the gate of the Agency sent people running in different directions as the desperate driver raced towards Oka Market, which is about five hundred meters from the state command.

The shooting was said to have started as the trailer approached the gate of the NDLEA where officers had already been alerted by their colleagues on its pursuit, deflating about seven of its tyres, while the driver kept moving.
A reliable source explained that the driver brushed their vehicle somewhere along the way and refused to stop so that they could settle the matter hence the gunshots and deflation of the tyres of the vehicle to force the driver to stop.

According to him, “It was a simple thing; they jammed our men, but the officers tried to stop him so that they could settle, but the driver refused to stop. That is why the men have been shooting to stop him. Even after bursting about seven tyres, he was still running, but we have caught him, and they are bringing him back to our office”.

Account for N14trn fuel subsidy savings or face legal action’, SERAP tells 36 governors, Wike.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike to “urgently disclose the spending details of the estimated N14trn fuel subsidy savings they collected from FAAC allocations, including details and locations of projects executed with the money, and the implementation status and completion reports, if any, on the projects.”

SERAP urged them to “provide details of the plans on how subsequent fuel subsidy savings they expect to collect from FAAC allocations, including details of any planned projects on which the money would be spent.”

SERAP also urged them to “publicly invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to track and monitor the spending of the fuel subsidy savings collected by you, to ensure that the money is not diverted into private pockets.”

The 36 governors and the FCT minister have reportedly collected trillions of naira from FAAC allocations as fuel subsidy savings since mid-2023. But the increased allocations have not translated into improved access to basic public services, such as quality healthcare and education for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

In the Freedom of Information requests dated 4 October 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “There is a legitimate public interest for governors and the FCT minister to urgently explain how they have spent the money they have so far collected from the subsidy savings.”

SERAP said, “The savings from the removal of fuel subsidy ought to be spent solely for the benefit of the poor and vulnerable Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of the removal. Transparency in the spending of the money would help to avoid a morally repugnant result of double jeopardy on these Nigerians.”

The FoI requests, read in part: “There is a significant risk of mismanagement or diversion of funds linked to the increased FAAC allocations collected by the states and FCT.”

“The spending details of the money collected by several states and the FCT from fuel subsidy savings have been mostly shrouded in secrecy.”