Senate Directs NAFDAC to Enforce Sachet Alcohol Ban Starting December 2025, Rejects Further Extensions.

The Nigerian Senate has mandated the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other regulatory agencies to begin strict enforcement of the ban on high-strength alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets from December 2025, with lawmakers explicitly ruling out any additional extensions beyond the existing moratorium.

The directive came after the upper chamber adopted a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, who highlighted the urgent need to end the phase-out of sachet-packaged alcohol without further delays.

During plenary, Ekpeyong recounted how NAFDAC, aligning with global standards and following broad consultations with stakeholders, first announced a gradual ban on the importation, production, and sale of these products.

In 2018, key players—including the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), NAFDAC, the Association of Food, Beverage & Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN)—signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to voluntarily eliminate the packaging format.

The agreement was driven by growing concerns over the sachets’ low cost, easy portability, and appeal to vulnerable populations such as children, teenagers, commercial drivers, and low-income groups.

Despite the original timeline, the Federal Government in 2024 granted manufacturers a one-year grace period to clear inventories and shift to alternative packaging, pushing the final deadline to December 2025.

Ekpeyong, however, warned that some producers are now pressing for yet another postponement—a tactic he argued erodes regulatory credibility, endangers public health, and skews market competition.

He pointed to mounting evidence linking sachet alcohol to youth addiction, traffic accidents, school attrition, domestic abuse, and broader societal problems.

Senate moves to phase out petrol cars, advances electric vehicle bill.

The Nigerian Senate has moved closer to adopting clean energy transportation after a bill seeking to phase out petrol-powered cars and promote electric vehicles (EVs) scaled second reading on Tuesday.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, aims to provide the legal and policy framework for Nigeria’s transition from fossil fuel dependence to electric mobility. Kalu explained that the bill would help reduce carbon emissions, encourage local vehicle production, and align the country with global efforts toward sustainable transport.

According to him, the transport sector contributes between 20 and 30 percent of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions. “This bill seeks to establish a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to guide Nigeria’s gradual move from petrol-powered vehicles to cleaner, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly alternatives,” he said.

The bill also proposes creating a National Electric Vehicle Development and Promotion Council to coordinate policy implementation at all levels of government.

In support of the proposal, Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) described it as timely, noting that countries like Kenya and South Africa are already progressing in electric mobility. He said adopting EVs would reduce emissions in cities such as Lagos and Kano, improve public health, and create new jobs.

Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West) added that Nigeria’s population gives it a critical role in global climate action, while Senator Titus Zam (Benue North-West) highlighted the environmental and health gains of the transition.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the initiative, calling it a “very good innovation,” and expressed confidence in its potential impact. The bill has been forwarded to the Senate Committee on Industries for further consideration, with a report expected in four weeks.

Abuja resident doctors to join NARD indefinite strike Saturday.

Resident doctors employed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration have issued a notice to join the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors in an indefinite industrial action expected to begin on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

This was contained in a notice letter dated 30th October, 2025, addressed to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and signed by ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, and the Secretary, Dr. Agbor Affiong.

The decision was unanimously approved by the ARD-FCTA Congress at an emergency meeting on Wednesday.

ARD-FCTA stressed that it would continue the indefinite strike until its demands are met.

“The Congress unanimously votes to fully join the NARD-declared strike in its entirety.

“It is, however, important to note:
Even if NARD suspends or calls off its strike, ARD-FCTA will continue its own indefinite strike action until all demands peculiar to our centre have been satisfactorily met,” the notice partly read.

NARD had earlier announced a plan to begin an indefinite strike on November 1st, 2025.

Recall that ARD-FCTA said it is considering a decisive response against the non-implementation of FCT minister Nyesom Wike’s approval of their demands.

The association had suspended its strike in September 2025 after a pledge by the Nigerian Senate Committee on Federal Territory Area Councils & Ancillary Matters to intervene on the issue.

Who Swear For Us - Farotimi Slams Senate Bill That Repentant Terrorists To Enjoy Foreign Education.

Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has expressed outrage over a resurfaced front-page newspaper report indicating that the Nigerian Senate once considered a bill to sponsor “repentant terrorists” for foreign education.

Reacting via his X account (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, October 26, 2025, Farotimi questioned the country’s moral and political direction, writing, “Who swears for us? How do you say it is well with such a country?”

His post came after renewed public debate over the controversial headline, which first appeared on the front page of Punch Newspaper, reading, “Repentant terrorists to enjoy foreign education — Senate Bill.”

Farotimi continued, “How do you as an individual justify this to your own conscience? How did a society become so acculturated to insanity and abominations that this was the front page of a national newspaper, and there was nary a bleat?”

His remarks reflected deep frustration over what he described as widespread public silence on issues threatening national integrity.

The post that triggered his reaction had been made by a social media user who wrote, “The sort of front page news we see in Nigeria. This was around February of 2020 — a Nigerian Senate bill proposed granting foreign education to ‘repentant terrorists.’ If something like this was presented to the legislative arm of the Nigerian government in 2020, imagine what must have been executed without going through the legislature in 2025.”

Farotimi, in his response, further condemned the lack of accountability, adding, “How did a country’s senate get away with such an act of national security compromise? How do you divorce the APC and its supporters from charges of terrorism and subversion of national security interests? Ask questions.”

Nigerian Senate passes bill imposing life imprisonment for child defilement no option if fine.

In a landmark move to curb rising cases of sexual violence, lawmakers push for harsher penalties — as a Lagos court simultaneously hands life sentence to a man for raping a 7-year-old girl.

Senate President
The Nigerian Senate is currently trending after passing a tougher bill prescribing life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor, with no option of fine, in a bid to combat the alarming rise in child sexual abuse across the country.

The new amendment, which replaces the existing provisions of the Criminal Code Act and the Penal Code, was strongly championed by Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), who insisted that offenders deserve nothing less than life imprisonment — and even hinted that capital punishment would have been more fitting.

Initially, the bill proposed a 20-year jail term for paedophiles. However, Senator Aliero called for a stiffer sentence, arguing that lenient laws have failed to deter offenders.

Under the new proposal Defilement of a minor now carries life imprisonment — without an option of fine. Rape now carries a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment. The law updates the Criminal Code Act (Section 218), which previously prescribed 13 years to life imprisonment, and Section 221, which allowed 2 years for unlawful carnal knowledge of minors. The Penal Code (Section 283), applicable in Northern Nigeria, which carried 14 years to life imprisonment or fine, will also be updated.

In Sharia-compliant states, penalties remain even more severe — extending to death or life imprisonment, depending on interpretation and local enforcement.

Coincidentally, on the same day as the Senate’s deliberation, a Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) Court in Oshodi, Lagos, sentenced a 25-year-old graphic designer to life imprisonment for raping a 7-year-old girl in 2020.

According to court records, the convict — a neighbour of the victim’s family in a “face-me-I-face-you” compound — repeatedly assaulted the minor when her parents were away, forcing himself on her in the kitchen and bathroom.
The judgement has been widely commended, though some Nigerians believe that life imprisonment is still not harsh enough, with growing calls for chemical castration or death penalty for child rapists.
Others are also urging lawmakers to criminalise false rape accusations, warning that misuse of the law could undermine justice for real victims.

This moves by the Nigerian Senate marks one of the strongest legislative actions yet in the fight against sexual violence and child exploitation.
If fully enacted and enforced, it could reshape how rape and child defilement cases are prosecuted nationwide — potentially closing loopholes that have long allowed offenders to escape justice.

FG, Senate Leaders Head to Washington to Stop US Sanctions Over Christian Genocide.

Top officials of the Federal Government and the National Assembly are set to travel to Washington D.C. in a diplomatic move to stop possible United States sanctions over alleged persecution and genocide of Christians in Nigeria.

The high-powered delegation, which includes federal lawmakers, senior military officers, and heads of security agencies, will meet with members of the U.S. Congress to clarify Nigeria’s position and counter the growing narrative of “Christian genocide.”

The trip follows an urgent resolution by the 10th Senate, sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume, who urged the government to “put the record straight” and prevent sanctions against the country.

According to sources, the delegation will present evidence to prove that the security crisis in Nigeria is not religiously motivated but rather a result of terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts. The team is expected to depart Abuja early next week.

In recent months, U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups have increased pressure on Nigeria over rising attacks on Christian communities. Senator Ted Cruz recently accused Nigeria of “mass murder” of Christians and introduced the “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025” (S.2747).

The proposed bill seeks to list Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a move that could trigger travel bans, arms restrictions, and other economic sanctions.

The Nigerian Senate had earlier dismissed the genocide allegations as “false and dangerous,” warning that such claims could damage the country’s image and inflame religious tensions.

Lawmakers maintained that the ongoing violence is complex and tied to criminality and resource struggles, not state-backed religious persecution.

Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) shows that between January 2020 and September 2025, over 11,800 civilian attacks were recorded in Nigeria. Among them, 385 incidents involved Christian victims, while 196 targeted Muslims, reflecting the widespread nature of insecurity across regions.

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.

Drama in Senate as Natasha Confronts Akpabio Over Abortion Debate, Oshiomhole Cites Rule to Stop Her.

There was mild drama during Tuesday’s plenary session in the Nigerian Senate as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan confronted Senate President Godswill Akpabio after being denied the chance to speak on the issue of abortion.

Senator Natasha, visibly displeased, pleaded to be heard, saying, “Mr. Senate President, please may I speak. I’m a woman, and abortion has to do with women it’s very important, sir.”

The Senate President responded that the matter had already been stepped down, but he briefly allowed her to add a comment if necessary.
“This has been stepped down in totality, distinguished senator, but if you have anything to add, you can say,” Akpabio stated.

However, former Edo State governor and senator, Adams Oshiomhole, immediately objected, insisting that parliamentary rules must be respected.

“Mr. President, we’ve been tutored over and over that when a matter has been concluded and you’ve dropped the gavel, if you grant an exception to distinguished Senator Natasha, then you must extend the same extension to us which makes our rule meaningless. The rule should be obeyed. We have said no discussion, and she should obey the rule,” Oshiomhole maintained.

In his final ruling, Akpabio clarified that he did not initially know the nature of Natasha’s intended comment, saying,
“I am not a spirit to know what the senator wants to say. If I knew, I would have referred her to Rule 52, Subsection 6. Since the Senate has come to a conclusion, it shall be out of order.”

He then ruled Senator Natasha out of order, ending the exchange.

I Don't Know Him But This Guy Is More Honourable Than Every Other Person In Cabinet- Farotimi.

Nigerian activist and author, Dele Farotimi has described the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji as the most honourable individual in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This statement was contained in a post that he shared on his official X handle on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

His statement is coming after Channels TV announced that Uche Nnaji has resigned from his position as the MInister of Innovation, Science and Technology over issues surrounding his certificates.

The report further stated that a painstaking two-year investigation that was carried out has shown that Nnaji allegedly forged the credentials that he submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation.

However, Dele Farotimi has now stated that Uche Nnaji is an honourable person for resigning from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Here is what Dele Farotimi wrote on his official X handle;

"I don't know him and I don't send him but this guy is more honourable than every other person in the cabinet from which he has honourably resigned".

Again, UNN disowns Minister Uche Nnaji’s certificate in fresh letter to Premium Times.

The university’s latest letter also aligns with PREMIUM TIMES investigation published on Saturday which revealed that the minister forged the credentials he submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation in 2023.
The post Again, UNN disowns Minister Uche Nnaji’s certificate in fresh letter to Premium Times appeared first on Premium Times 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.

Resident doctors in Abuja suspend indefinite strike.

The Association of Resident Doctors of the Federal Capital Territory Administration has suspended the indefinite strike.

He said its members are expected to resume work on Monday, 22nd September 2025, at 8 am.

He noted that the strike suspension comes after the intervention of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Federal Territory Area Councils & Ancillary Matters and respect for FCT Minister Nyesome Wike.

However, Dr Ebong revealed that none of its demands had been met as of filing the report.

“The senate intervened. Even though none of our demands have been met yet, they assured us that they will talk to the minister. “We hope the minister will listen to us, because we respect him,” he stated.

Recall that ARD-FCTA began an indefinite strike on Monday over poor working conditions, remuneration and other demands.

“I Was Expelled and Silenced for Standing by My Principles” — Hon. Fatumata Speaks on Senator Natasha’s Suspension

The controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Ako Dwanga from the Nigerian Senate continues to draw widespread debate across the country and the African continent.

Speaking during an Arise TV interview on September 11, 2025, Honorable Fatumata Nay, a member of the Pan-African Parliament and former ECOWAS Parliamentarian, condemned the prolonged suspension of the Kogi Central senator, stressing that her six-month suspension has already expired and should not be unlawfully extended.

Drawing from her personal political journey, Fatumata recalled how she was expelled from her own party and removed from parliament for refusing to compromise her values.

“I’ve been expelled from my party and removed from parliament for standing by my principles. I know what it feels like to be silenced,” she said, linking her experience to Senator Natasha’s plight.


Legal experts have also weighed in, warning that keeping Natasha away from her legislative duties beyond the suspension period undermines parliamentary credibility. By law, once a suspension ends, a senator is free to resume duties unless a fresh motion is passed.

Fatumata emphasized that this issue goes beyond Natasha as an individual — it reflects the systemic challenges women face in politics. She argued that arbitrary suspensions and administrative delays discourage women from aspiring to leadership and weaken the push for gender equality in governance.

Observers are now calling on the Senate President to uphold due process, reinstate Senator Natasha, and restore proper representation to the people of Kogi Central. Many warn that failing to act will damage Nigeria’s image as a standard-bearer for democratic practices in West Africa.

The case is seen as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and the protection of democratic principles — with women’s political participation at the heart of the debate.

Senate Files Cross-Appeal Against Court Ruling On Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension,

The Nigerian Senate has filed a cross-appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, challenging parts of the July 4, 2025, judgment by Justice B.F.M. Nyako, which declared the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan unconstitutional.

Justice Nyako ruled that the suspension violated the Constitution and denied Kogi Central constituents adequate representation. The court also advised the Senate to revise its disciplinary procedures.

In response, Senate lawyers led by Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, filed the cross-appeal on three grounds, arguing the trial court erred by overruling their preliminary objection based on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s failure to serve a mandatory pre-action notice, as stipulated by Section 21 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017.

The Senate seeks to have the suit struck out for lack of jurisdiction.

However, internal disagreement has trailed the move, with a senator revealing the cross-appeal was not approved by a Senate resolution, but was instead a unilateral decision by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The dispute reportedly led to a heated clash between Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who threatened to resign over the issue.

How late Buhari respected Supreme Court orders on Bayelsa election – Seriake Dickson.

The lawmaker representing Bayesla West Senatorial District at the National Assembly has described late former president Muhammadu Buhari as a man of integrity and decency.

Dickson gave the description while speaking during the special session conducted in honour of the late former president by the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday.

He said that the late Buhari did his best to avoid meddling in the affairs of the judiciary.

Citing the governorship election case in Bayelsa State, Dickson said that Buhari was already prepared to visit the state before the Supreme Court gave its verdict disqualifying David Lyon as governor of the state.

Recall that the Supreme Court had invalidated the results of the 2019 Bayelsa State gubernatorial elections in its judgement issued on February 13, 2020.

The court in its judgment said that the running mate of the actual winner of the election submitted a confidential certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

It further ordered that Diri be issued a certificate of return as governor-elect of

Bayelsa State.

Eulogising the late president on this, Dickson said, “President Buhari to his credit, even when we went to the Supreme Court, to his credit, President Buhari whose advance team was already in Bayelsa for the inauguration of the APC candidate that had been declared officially, he never called the Supreme Court to reverse or to throw away our case.

“Less than 24 hours, he was to go and his advance team was there, the Supreme Court gave a judgement directing that his own candidate of the APC was disqualified. President Buhari obeyed, congratulated us and when he met the governor, he only cracked a joke; “so you and your boss own the judiciary more than me?” he stated.

Continuing, the lawmaker added that, after the joke, the late former president laughed.

“So that was the basic decency of the man, Buhari,” he noted.

Senate Approves Tinubu’s $21bn External Loan Request.

The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s foreign loan request totaling over $21 billion for the 2025–2026 fiscal period. This approval clears the path for the full implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act.

The approved borrowing plan includes $21.19 billion in external loans, €4 billion, ¥15 billion, and a $65 million grant. It also allows for domestic borrowing through government bonds amounting to about ₦757 billion.

Additionally, there is a provision to raise up to $2 billion through foreign-currency-denominated instruments within the domestic market.

The Senate gave the nod after considering a report by the Chairman of the Committee on Local and Foreign Debt, Senator Aliyu Wamako.

He noted that the proposal was initially submitted on May 27 but faced delays due to the National Assembly’s recess and documentation issues from the Debt Management Office.

Senator Olamilekan Adeola, Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, explained that most of the borrowing plan was already incorporated into the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and the 2025 budget. He added that the approval now ensures all projected revenue sources, including loans, are secured to fully fund the national budget.

Senate backs N200m compensation for family of boy killed in NDLEA raid following Nwoko’s petition.

The Nigerian Senate has endorsed a ₦200 million compensation package for the family of two-year-old Ivan Onose Omhonrina, who was tragically killed by a stray bullet allegedly fired by an NDLEA operative during a drug raid in Okpanam, Delta State.

This resolution came after a petition was presented by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (Delta North), who has relentlessly pursued justice for the family since the harrowing incident on July 13, 2023.

The fatal operation by NDLEA officers at a suspected drug hotspot led to bullets striking a nearby shop owned by the children’s mother. Ivan was hit in the abdomen, while his younger brother, Eromonsele, sustained an eye injury. Despite emergency surgery at the Federal Medical Centre, Ivan succumbed to his injuries.

Senator Nwoko brought the matter before the Senate through a formal petition, which was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen. Following a detailed investigation, the committee recommended a ₦200 million compensation for the family.

At Thursday’s plenary, the Senate received the report, held a minute of silence for the deceased toddler, and unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendation.

The resolution marks a significant step toward justice for the grieving family and a call for greater accountability in law enforcement operations.

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.

Senator Natasha’s Suspension: The Court Hasn’t Served Us CTC Of The Said Judgment — Senate.

The Nigerian Senate has acknowledged the recent Federal High Court judgment involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan but says it will not act until it receives the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, made this known in a statement on Sunday. He emphasized that the CTC is necessary for a proper review and to determine the Senate’s next legal steps.

“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges that judgment was delivered on July 4th by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the suit instituted by Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

However, the Senate is yet to be served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the said judgment,” he stated.
[7/7, 8:45 AM] null: (Continuation)

Adaramodu added that the Senate’s legal team, who attended the court session, confirmed the full judgment was not read in open court.

He noted that the Senate has formally applied for the CTC to assess whether the court issued any direct order nullifying Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. “Since no party to the case has been officially served the enrolled order of the judgment, none can enforce any perceived order or relief,” he said.

Until the CTC is received and examined, the Senate will refrain from taking actions that could compromise its legal standing. Adaramodu reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to the rule of law and constitutional process. He urged the public to remain patient, assuring that the Senate will respond appropriately once it has full clarity on the court’s decision.

(this story is it true or false) ?
How Evan Enwerem Was Removed as Senate President

Evans Enwerem began his rise in public service as chairman of the Nigerian Airports Authority (NAA) from 1980 to 1983. He later emerged on the political scene in the 1990s when General Ibrahim Babangida lifted the ban on political activity, allowing Enwerem to become governor of Imo State.

With the return to democratic rule in 1999 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, Enwerem was elected senator representing Imo East. However, he had ambitions beyond the Senate floor—he set his sights on becoming Senate President.

His main rival for the position was Chuba Okadigbo, a well-respected politician from Anambra State and former political adviser to President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic. Okadigbo was the popular favorite among senators, especially within the dominant People's Democratic Party (PDP), and had quietly campaigned by meeting with many of them before the Senate’s inauguration.

Despite Okadigbo's popularity and strong backing, President Obasanjo reportedly opposed his candidacy. In the days leading up to the Senate leadership election, Obasanjo allegedly coordinated with opposition parties and some PDP senators to thwart Okadigbo’s bid.

On election day in June 1999, Enwerem pulled off an upset, defeating Okadigbo by 66 votes to 43. He assumed the Senate presidency, but his victory—backed by presidential influence—caused friction within the PDP and foreshadowed the turbulence ahead for the Nigerian Senate.

Enwerem’s tenure was marked by unwavering loyalty to Obasanjo, which only fueled skepticism about his leadership. In August 1999, TELL magazine published an exposé questioning his credentials and legitimacy. The controversy spiraled when questions arose over whether his actual name was “Evan” or “Evans,” with some of Okadigbo’s allies accusing him of falsifying personal information for political gain.

Although Enwerem claimed the discrepancies were merely typographical errors, the scandal intensified. On November 18, 1999, while accompanying President Obasanjo to the airport for a foreign trip, the Senate moved against him. In his absence, a vote was taken, and Enwerem was removed from office.

Chuba Okadigbo was subsequently elected as his replacement. Although initially celebrated, Okadigbo too fell from grace—impeached in 2000 over allegations of corruption, though he continued to serve as the senator representing Anambra North.