Judicial Newsdesk

The Progressives Action for Justice, Unity, and Democracy (PAJUD) has strongly condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its alleged harassment and persecution of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The group stated its displeasure on how In a shocking display of brazen power and vindictiveness, the EFCC has resorted to using arbitrary court injunctions and Gestapo-style tactics to hound and persecute the former governor.
In a statement to newsmen on Monday, PAJUD Convener, Comrade Musa Abdullahi, described the EFCC’s actions as unethical and scandalous, citing the agency’s blatant disregard for due process and the rule of law. It noted that despite Bello’s willingness to cooperate with the EFCC, the agency has continued to employ desperate tactics to discredit and harm him.
The group claims that EFCC Chairman, Olukayode Olanipekun, has a personal vendetta against Bello, stemming from the former governor’s refusal to secretly visit him through a special entrance gate. This perceived slight they say, has allegedly led to the EFCC’s sustained victimization of Bello, with the agency determined to secure a guilty verdict by any means necessary.
PAJUD criticized the EFCC’s handling of the case, stating that it undermines the principles of justice, fairness, and due process.
The group expressed concern over the EFCC’s direction under Olukayode’s leadership, highlighting the agency’s past successes and its former reputation as a role model for anti-corruption activists.
The statement also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, citing Bello’s contributions to his 2023 presidential election victory. PAJUD emphasized that the EFCC’s actions are not only a disservice to Bello but also an embarrassment to the Tinubu administration.
Furthermore, PAJUD questioned the EFCC’s motives, suggesting that the agency is pursuing a politically motivated agenda. The group demanded that Olukayode recuse himself from the case, citing his apparent bias and lack of impartiality.

The group however called on the EFCC to allow Bello his day in court, rather than resorting to portfolio injunctions and other underhanded tactics. The group emphasized that Bello, as a bonafide citizen of Nigeria and a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress, deserves the same rights and protections afforded to all citizens.

“The EFCC’s actions against Bello are a blowback to the anti-graft campaign and an embarrassment to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. We will not allow further breaches of Bello’s rights. The EFCC must redeem and restore its lost glory as a role model for anti-corruption activists.”

In conclusion, PAJUD reiterated its commitment to justice, unity, and democracy, and vowed to continue monitoring the EFCC’s actions in the Bello case. The group urged Nigerians to demand accountability and transparency from the EFCC, ensuring that the agency upholds the principles of fairness and due process in all its dealings.

Concerned Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria (CCSON) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to make public its findings regarding the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu.

The group in a press statement issued to newsmen in Abuja on Friday, were making reference to the earlier write-up by the SLA to the Honourable Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Cecelia Ogbeche Odok from Cross Rivers State, who tagged Edu’s trial as witch-hunts, claiming that the suspended Minister is clean and should be acquitted of any wrong doing.

It could be recalled that Dr. Edu was suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in January following serious allegations of misappropriating funds amounting to N585 million.

This decision came amidst growing scrutiny of her handling of the ministry’s resources, particularly concerning programs designed to alleviate poverty and support vulnerable populations in Nigeria.

The controversy intensified when it was revealed that Dr. Edu had approved flight fares for ministry staff traveling to Kogi State, a region that notably lacks an operational airport.

This raises an urgent question: what justified the approval of funds for flights to Kogi State, given there is no airport to accommodate such travel?

CCSON, while expressing alarm over the apparent inaction from the presidency regarding Dr. Edu’s case, especially when compared to the swift replacement of Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, asserted that Halima was suspended alongside Edu.

The group criticized what they termed as disparity between Edu’s case and that of Halima, stressing that it undermines principles of accountability and fairness in governance.

“While we commend the prompt action taken against Halima Shehu, we are dismayed by the presidency’s silence regarding Dr. Betta Edu,” the statement read. “This selective accountability sends a troubling message about the commitment of this administration to uphold justice for all Nigerians.”

CCSON urged President Tinubu to take immediate action by replacing Dr. Edu, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment across all regions and the importance of transparency in government actions.

They also asserted that the public deserves clarity regarding the serious allegations and that the EFCC must act swiftly to restore trust in government institutions.

As the call for transparency grows, civil society groups are advocating for a thorough investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds, arguing that accountability is crucial for effective governance.

The Concerned Group has equally urged the EFCC to publicly disclose its findings, asserting that the Nigerian people have a right to know the truth behind these allegations, as they noted with concerned that the delay is making Nigerians to gradually lose their trust in the president Tinubu’s stance against corrupt practices in the country.

On the 30th of September 2024, a video surfaced online, featuring the notorious terrorist Bello Turji—this time, not with his characteristic bravado, but in a startling display of vulnerability. The once-defiant bandit was seen pleading for forgiveness and calling for dialogue with the Federal Government, signaling his desire to end armed violence in Zamfara State. He accused the Governor of Zamfara, Dauda Lawal, and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, of politicizing insecurity, yet conveniently neglected to acknowledge the undeniable military gains made since Matawalle led the Service Chiefs to Sokoto.

Governor Lawal, despite his criticisms of Matawalle, has repeatedly traveled to Abuja, over 500 kilometers from his state capital, to launch a series of unfounded accusations against the Minister, blaming him for the state’s security challenges while conspicuously omitting recognition of the notable victories that have been achieved since Matawalle’s intervention.

In response, Dr. Bello Matawalle delivered a candid and unyielding rebuttal, presenting the facts to the Nigerian public. He reminded the nation that he is the only political figure from Zamfara State who has taken a solemn oath on the Holy Quran, categorically denouncing any association with banditry or its supporters. In a bold challenge, he called upon his critics, including Dauda Lawal and Gen. Aliyu Gusau, to do the same—if indeed they are free from any connections to the bandits. To date, none have accepted this challenge, leaving much to be inferred about their support for the insurgency in the region.

But I digress. Let us return to the matter at hand—the sudden shift in Turji’s stance. For a terrorist leader who, only weeks ago, boasted of his capacity to challenge the Nigerian Armed Forces, this reversal is no coincidence. Something significant has clearly shaken him.

Consider the context: six days before Turji’s plea, his associate, Kachalla Sani-Black—a feared bandit leader commanding over 150 loyal men—was neutralized in a precisely executed ambush by the local police in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Not only was Sani-Black eliminated, but his sons also met their demise alongside him, sending a powerful message to other criminal elements.

Before Sani-Black’s elimination, another key bandit leader, Baleri Fakai, along with 30 of his strongest fighters, was taken down in the same region. Days prior, on the 12th of September, the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces struck a decisive blow by eliminating the infamous Halilu Sububu, a terrorist whose attacks on a military base in Katsina in 2021 resulted in the deaths of numerous soldiers. Sububu had since unleashed terror across Sokoto, Niger, and Kaduna States. His demise, followed by the neutralization of another bandit, Halilu Buzu, demonstrated the coordinated efforts of Nigeria’s military forces in dismantling the leadership of these insurgent groups.

Then came the elimination of Sani Wala Burki, a notorious terrorist responsible for years of violence in the Safana and Batsari Local Government Areas of Katsina State. His death on the 14th of September was yet another major victory achieved by the Nigerian Armed Forces.

So, what explains this sudden spate of victories? What transformed the tide of battle in the North-Western region, where terrorists have been neutralized one after the other?

The turning point came on the 1st of September 2024, when Dr. Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, led the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other senior military leaders to Sokoto on a Presidential directive. Tasked with the mission of eradicating banditry in the North-West, Matawalle, a leader known for his courage and resolve, embarked on an intensive operational tour with the service chiefs. He spent over a week on the ground, receiving strategic briefings and collaborating with troops to craft a comprehensive plan to restore peace in the region.

It was in the aftermath of this high-level visit that Nigerians began to witness the cascading military successes that have since garnered national attention. Whatever strategic directives Matawalle provided to the troops, they executed them with precision, delivering the results he has since reported back to President Tinubu.

For those observant enough to read between the lines, the attacks on Dr. Bello Matawalle by his predecessor, Dauda Lawal, reek of jealousy—an attempt to detract from the remarkable progress achieved under Matawalle’s leadership. The spate of victories over banditry is undeniable, and attempts to undermine these achievements are little more than distractions.

Even Senator Shehu Sani, a known critic of Nigeria’s political elite, commended Matawalle’s efforts. In a recent statement, he dismissed the criticisms aimed at the Minister of State for Defence and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, as counterproductive distractions in the ongoing fight against terrorism. “Why are some people unhappy that bandit leaders are being eliminated?” Sani asked. “Anyone genuinely committed to ending the reign of kidnappers and murderers should support these efforts, not engage in frivolous criticisms.”

It is evident that individuals like Governor Dauda Lawal are less than pleased with the recent military successes in Zamfara and beyond. But as history has shown, true leadership rises above such petty grievances.

In the coming days and weeks, it is widely expected that the once loquacious Bello Turji’s fate will be sealed, and the Nigerian Armed Forces will continue their pursuit of him until he, too, is eliminated. The momentum generated since Dr. Matawalle’s strategic tour of the North-West has reinvigorated the morale of our troops. This is the unmistakable hallmark of effective leadership.

On the 2nd of October 2024, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed for his annual leave in the United Kingdom, he was seen exchanging firm handshakes with Dr. Bello Matawalle and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The confidence in their exchange was palpable, and one could almost imagine the President’s words: “Whatever you’re doing, you’re doing it right. Finish the job, Matawalle. Bring Turji to his knees and secure our nation.”

Nathaniel C. Adoji writes from Kaduna State.

Prince Audu is partnering the National Steel Council of Nigeria in his initiative of repositioning the nation’s steel industry which is already attracting public commendations, and targeted at meeting the yearning of industry players.

The summit plan was disclosed in a programme schedule made available to newsmen by the Executive Secretary, National Steel Council, Ambassador M. Musafari on Monday in Abuja, with the theme: Rethinking, Retooling and Revitalizing the Steel Industry for Production Sufficiency By 2034.

Musafari while commending the Minister, noted that Prince Audu is working tirelessly to ensuring a holistic improvement of the steel industry as “Steel remains the catalyst for industrialization in the world”. Adding that with the programmes lined up by the Ministry of Steel Development the sector is at the verge of remarkable improvement.

“I have been with the Honourable the Minister of Steel Development and all I can see is a man working extra-hard to change the course of history with regards to steel industry. He understands what is at stake and vibrant enough to take on the task.

“Prince Audu have also re-echoed that repositioning the steel sector will play a crucial role in the ongoing steel sector revival efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“It will interest Nigerians to know that the Ministry of Steel Development under Prince Audu is also aiming to ensure all dormant steel plants become operational and for Nigeria to begin steel production before the end of President Tinubu’s tenure, while focusing on drastically reducing Nigeria/s over 10 million metric tonnes importation of steel annually,” Musafari revealed,

According to Musafari, the high-powered summit aims to bring together Stakeholders in the Steel Industry in Nigeria to foster open dialogue, discuss critical issues, encourage collaboration, align goals, set priorities, and focus on shared challenges to drive progress and lay the foundation for a cohesive, forward-thinking steel sector.

He revealed that the Federal Government having identified the importance of such an auspicious event is solidly behind it; hence President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu will both be part of the summit as special guest of honour and keynote speaker respectively.

Speaking on why the steel sector needs revamping, Musafari noted that there have been many false steps in fixing the Nigerian steel industry, but with a genuine focus on the steel sector Nigerian economy stands to gain massively.

Adding that the primary objective of the programme is to generate ideas and views to determine the strategic options available to Nigeria in achieving the major goal of ensuring self-sufficiency in steel production.

Part of the objectives of the summit read:
“The Summit brings together Stakeholders in the Steel Industry in Nigeria to foster open dialogue, discuss critical issues, encourage collaboration, align goals, set priorities, and focus on shared challenges to drive progress and lay the foundation for a cohesive, forward-thinking steel sector.

“Effective stakeholder engagement is critical for the steel industry. It enables Stakeholders to consider diverse perspectives, align priorities, and foster collaborative solutions to complex challenges. By actively engaging with all Stakeholders the National Steel Council will champion the process to build trust, mitigate risks, and drive sustainable growth.

“President ‘Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ translates into renewed hope across the country and the economy. This brings into focus the Steel Sector of the Nigerian economy. There have been many false steps in this regard, with little change in the industry. It is now time to effect a positive change that aligns with Mr. President’s Agenda, the yearning of industry players and Nigerians at large.

“Ajaokuta Steel Complex (ASC), came into existence at the same time as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In the intervening decades, the FCT has grown in leaps and bounds. Whereas, ASC which was supposed to be the bedrock of Nigeria’s industrialization and economic growth has remained comatose. At the moment only 800 hectares of the 24, 000 hectares of land set aside for ASC is in use.

“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of our visionary President, the National Steel Council has been mandated to commence the process for revitalizing ASC and jumpstarting Nigeria’s prosperity and growth under the auspices of an INDUSTRIAL PARK housing several entities in diverse fields and serving as a convergence for industries, security structures, airport, seaport, educational institutions, and ancillary services”.

Government functionaries expected at the programme include: Managing Directors of Nigeria Railway Cooperation, Bank of Industry, Nigeria Port Authority, Nigeria Mining Cooperation, NASREA, Raw Materials Development Council, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Steel Development.

Expected Stakeholders are Production Processes and Value Chain Related Activities Entities; End Users (Stevedoring/ Construction Coys & Fabrication Yards); Importers; Engineering Companies; The National Assembly; Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Government; Security Agencies; Research & Development Entities; Quality Assurance & Standardisation Entities, etc; Miners; Energy Providers (Gencos, Discos, NERC); Logistics and Transport Entities (Railways, Haulage Companies & Shippers); Manpower Resourcing Entities, Infrastructure Companies, etc; Commercial Banks; Development Bank; Bank of Industry; Bank of Agriculture; Insurance Companies; Investors and others.

The date of the summit is to be made public soon.

Dr. Bello Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, has announced that the government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has undertaken a comprehensive restructuring of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), aimed at bolstering its production capabilities. According to Matawalle, this initiative is set to save Nigeria millions of dollars previously spent on arms procurement abroad.

Speaking in an interview with Channels TV particularly on the commemoration of DICON’s 60th anniversary, Dr. Matawalle emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to increase its local manufacturing output, particularly in the defence sector, to address the country’s growing security demands.

“For too long, Nigeria has lagged behind in advancing its local productivity, especially in the defence industry,” he remarked. “We attend security exhibitions around the world, observing the advancements of other nations, yet Nigeria has not been producing at the level required to meet our own needs. But today, under my supervision as Minister, we have initiated programs to enhance DICON’s capacity through a comprehensive remodeling.”

He further elaborated on the transformation underway at the corporation. “If you visit DICON today, you will witness a remarkable change. We now have investors who have established their plants on-site. This isn’t just for Nigeria; it’s for our neighbors as well.”

Dr. Matawalle underscored that the revitalization of DICON would greatly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign suppliers, with arms, ammunition, and other military equipment now to be purchased in local currency.

“This move will also save us spendings in dollar, as purchases would be in Naira. It is as good as what NNPC is doing with Dangote Refinery. Our goal is to source all of our military hardware domestically, easing the pressure on foreign exchange reserves used for purchasing weapons

As discussions about cabinet reshuffle hits up, the Ethnic Nationality Group of Nigeria (ENGN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reject calls for the reinstatement of Dr. Betta Edu as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

According to a press statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, ENGN Convener and Spokesperson, Comrade Emmanuel Joseph, and Alhaji Nurudeen Batseris cited Dr. Edu’s alleged involvement in high-profile corruption cases, nepotism, and lopsided appointments during her brief tenure.

According to the group Leaders, Edu’s actions contradicted President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promises to end poverty and corruption.

While urging President Tinubu to probe Dr. Edu and make findings public, they emphasized that reinstating the suspended Minister would undermine the administration’s anti-corruption efforts, and as such the president should treat the case of Edu thesame way Halima Shehu was treated to ensure fairness to all region of the country.

“Nigeria is facing multidimensional challenges with devastating effect on governance and the well being of Nigerians. One of the major and invasive challenges bedeviling our country is corruption. It has become ingrained in our psyche that many Nigerians do not see anything wrong with it.

“The fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu promised to but an end corruption in Nigeria during his presidential campaigns endeared many Nigerians to him. The massive votes he got and his staunch anti-corruption posture have proved to Nigerians that he has both the political will and capacity to permanently end corruption in the country.

“It is based on Mr. President’s proven track record of combatting corruption, including the immediate sack and prosecution of corrupt officials like former Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as well as our firm conviction that he will not jeopardize the integrity of his administration, that we have invited you here to voice our strong opposition to plans by a few selfish elements for the reinstatement of Dr. Beta Edu as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you don’t need to be reminded that Dr. Beta Edu, the former All Progressive Congress (APC) National Women Leader who was appointed as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was sacked barely six (6) months in office following high profile cases of corruption running into billions of naira and other unwholesome acts including nepotism and lopsided appointments at the Ministry while she held sway.

“Her behaviour was in stack contrast to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration which promised to offer succour to Nigerians and end poverty in the land. By diverting funds meant for the vulnerable, Betta Edu clearly pitched her tent with the enemies of the country and does not deserve to be given another opportunity regardless of the outcome of her investigation.

“Dr. Betta Edu came into office with a clear mandate and that was to accumulate as much money as possible for her Governorship ambition in Cross River State. For instance, even with her short stay in office, Dr. Beta was complicit in several financial scandals including the siphoning of ₦3bn from the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) into personal accounts of her proxies and other fraudulent schemes.

“Her involvement in the diversion of ₦585.189m meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos States into her private account shows how heartless and inhumane she was as a supposed Humanitarian Affairs Minister. Reappointing her under guise is akin to licensing her excesses and empowering her to impoverish more vulnerable Nigerians through her endemic corrupt schemes and greed.

“In total disregard for federal character principles and in a bid to plant stooges in strategic locations to advance her fraudulent enterprises, Dr. Beta Edu was notorious for the appointment of her cronies as heads of non-existent projects.

“The appointment of one Olubunmi Bello as the National Coordinator of the Community and Social Development Programme (CSDP), a defunct $415m World Bank-funded intervention project that was launched in 2009 and officially closed in June, 2021 and that of one Richard Romanus as the National Programme Manager of the Youth Empowerment and Social Support Operations (YESSO); another defunct World Bank-supported projects are just few examples.

“The embattled former Minister was also heavily involved in other unwholesome activities which were at cross purposes with the vision of the current administration.

“The bizarre and mysterious approval of funds for flight tickets and airport taxis for her advanced team to travel for an event in Kog State in excess of ₦73m when it’s common knowledge that Kogi State has airport is repugnant enough to earn him a permanent home in a maximum security prison.

“Her reinstating will therefore, be a scandal of international dimension. It is indeed disturbing that despite these glaring infractions, some persons are desperately lobbying for her reinstatement. We are constrained to state that those who are trying to smuggle Dr. Beta Edu back into this administration are the beneficiaries of her corrupt schemes.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we urge you to use your good platforms to amplify our voices and ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not listen to those clamouring for the return of Dr. Beta Edu. Her antecedents were clearly at variance with the Renewed Hope Agenda and any attempt to reappoint her will be tantamount to endorsing fraud and corruption, a move which will be vehemently resist.

“Mr. President must not tarnish the image of his meritorious administration by reconsidering the embattled Betta Edu. She must be probed and the findings made public for all to see. She must be made to account for the rot in NSIPA, N-Power, Conditioner Cash Transfer programme and the lopsided appointments she made while in office.”

Dr. Bello Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, has revealed that during his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State, he successfully secured the release of thousands of innocent citizens abducted by bandits, without paying any ransom. Matawalle stated that he utilized all available options, including dialogue, a strategy that was endorsed by key stakeholders within the state and ultimately proved effective.

The Minister made this disclosure on Monday during an exclusive interview with Channels TV, where he recounted his time as Governor and his current role as Minister of State for Defence. He emphasized that his engagement in dialogue with bandits was instrumental in safeguarding the people of Zamfara.

“I initiated reconciliation and dialogue with the bandits, and it worked. When I assumed office as Governor, I questioned why banditry and kidnapping were so rampant. I sought advice on the most effective way to address the situation, convening stakeholders’ meetings with traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, Fulani leaders, and vigilante groups. I listened to their perspectives and recommendations,” Matawalle explained.

“Following these discussions, I held consultations with the state’s security agencies, and based on the consensus from stakeholders, the decision was made to pursue dialogue with the bandits. I had no choice but to follow this course of action, as my priority was the protection of my people. I could not stand by while the state experienced incessant killings.”

Matawalle highlighted that the dialogue yielded remarkable results, leading to the recovery of large quantities of ammunition and the release of thousands of abducted individuals. “The records are there to prove it,” he added.

He also pointed out that he was not the first to adopt this approach, noting that previous leaders, including former President Buhari and other governors in the North West and North Central regions, had also engaged in dialogue to secure the release of kidnapped individuals.

“People seem to forget that even President Buhari, in his efforts to secure the release of the Chibok girls, resorted to dialogue. This is a globally recognized practice. My objective was clear: to save my people from being killed and to secure the release of innocent citizens. Israel is currently doing something similar with Palestine, negotiating for the release of hostages.”

Matawalle expressed no regret for his actions, stressing that he had successfully secured the release of numerous individuals, including foreign nationals, without paying any ransom. He also referenced the release of a relative of the current Zamfara State Governor, which was achieved through the same dialogue process.

“A younger brother of Dauda Lawal, the current Governor of Zamfara, was kidnapped seven months before I became Governor. Initially, a ransom of 500 million Naira was demanded, which Dauda Lawal refused to pay. However, after we initiated dialogue, his brother was released unconditionally without any payment. This is a matter of public record, and the people of Zamfara can attest to it.”

Matawalle dismissed accusations linking him to bandits, attributing such claims to political blackmail driven by hatred. “People can say whatever they want, but they have no proof. If anyone has evidence of my involvement with bandits, they should present it. I wasn’t the only one who pursued dialogue with these groups. The former Governor of Niger State, Abu Sani Bello, did the same, as did Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto and the Governor of Katsina.”