Category: Crime

Amaechi’s wife challenges Wike over N4bn NDDC funds 23rd July 2025

 

 

The wife of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Judith Amaechi, has denied allegations that she received N4bn monthly from the Niger Delta Development Commission as alleged by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

 

Speaking through her media aide, Dr Dike Bekwele, in a statement on Tuesday, Mrs Amaechi challenged Wike to make public his version of the forensic audit report on the NDDC, where either she or her non-governmental organisation, Empowerment Support Initiative, was indicted.

 

Wike, in an interview on Channels Television, had alleged that Mrs Amaechi was receiving N4bn monthly from the interventionist agency through her NGO.

 

During the interview, the FCT minister asked President Bola Tinubu to publish the forensic audit report of the NDDC, adding that if his claim was not there, he would resign as minister.

 

In a statement on Tuesday, Mrs Amaechi described Wike’s claim as not only false but also wild and unfounded.

 

The statement challenged Wike to make public his version of the forensic audit report.

 

“We therefore challenge Mr Wike to make public his version of the forensic audit report on the Niger Delta Development Commission, where Dame Judith Amaechi or the ESI were indicted.

 

“In the likely event that Wike fails to provide such report, then we challenge Mr Wike to actuate his boast and make bold to tender his resignation as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, forthwith with an unreserved apology to the nation,” the statement read.

 

It asked Wike to await his prayers answered on the unpublished NDDC forensic audit report rather than to engage and indulge in a media trial on a live national telecast.

 

“Our attention has been drawn to a live television interview wherein a wild and unfounded allegation of corruption was made against Dame Judith Amaechi and the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) by Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

 

“In one of his rather cyclic, hysteric, poor and recurring live television outings, Nyesom Wike, in his habitual manner, accused Dame Amaechi and the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) of receiving N4bn monthly from the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC; a report that has jostled well meaning Nigerians and has elicited calls and inquiry about the veracity of this story.

 

“We would have ignored the minister’s ranting as it is a mere blackmail intended to undermine the reputation and integrity of Her Excellency and the ESI.

 

“It is, however, imperative to state the obvious in the interest of right-thinking Nigerian citizens,” the statement read.

It added that Wike made the allegations without any iota of decency, and with disregard to the precision of facts, but rather to a mere vainglory in a bid to score cheap political goals.

“For the records, and in debunking these falsehoods, we wish to dismiss the allegations as untrue and categorically state the following:

 

“There is absolutely no iota of veracity in the allegation made by Mr Wike against Dame Amaechi and the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI).

 

“Dame Amaechi did not and has never received N4bn from the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

 

“The Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) was duly incorporated in 2011 as a non-governmental organisation with the Corporate Affairs Commission, and it has secured partnerships and collaborations with a memorandum of understanding with development partners, including the interventionist agency, the NDDC.”

 

It said the partnership between the ESI and NDDC was reciprocal, to jointly fund human capacity programmes and training for the teeming youth and women.

 

“This partnership has been successfully executed since its commencement to the satisfaction of both the ESI and the NDDC, with numerous youths and women within the Niger Delta region benefitting from the scheme for self-reliance and sustainability.

 

“Quite contrary to the falsehood concocted and diffused by Mr Nyesom Wike, the counterpart funding between the ESI and the NDDC is in public glare for scrutiny.

 

“It will be preposterous for Wike to allege that the Empowerment Support Initiative or Dame Judith Amaechi was indicted in the NDDC forensic audit report, which has not been published to the Nigerian public.

 

“It is both absurd, baseless, and a mere figment of Mr Wike’s imagination,” it said.

 

The statement advised Wike to stop bringing the country’s image to disrepute.

 

“His uncouth and uncultured attitude is capable of undermining and under-marketing the nation’s effort at attracting foreign investors,” it added.

Kidnapped Borno Catholic priest regains freedom from Boko Haram

 

A Catholic Reverend Father in Borno State, Alphonsus Adina, who was kidnapped on June 1st by Boko Haram insurgents, has regained freedom.

 

Our correspondent gathered that the Reverend Father and others who were kidnapped during an insurgent attack around Gwoza-Ngwocche area of the state were released on Monday.

 

Confirming his release to PUNCH, the Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State Chapter, Apostle Joshua Akeredolu, stated that the father regained his freedom alive.

 

“He was released yesterday (Monday). He was kidnapped in an attack in the axis between Gwoza and Ngwoche where an NGO staff passed away. It was that day.”

Speaking on other kidnapped victims, he said, “Currently, this is the one we know; we are yet to know of the others.”

 

However, security sources who pleaded not to be identified told PUNCH Online that 10 other victims, particularly women, were rescued alongside Afina by the operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army.

 

“10 women were rescued alongside the Reverend father alive,” the source said.

Court restrains EFCC from arresting businessman declared wanted

 

The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has granted an interim order restraining the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from arresting or harassing a Dubai-based Nigerian businessman, Alhaji Rabiu Tijjani, declared wanted by the commission over alleged $1.9m money laundering charges.

 

The two respondents in the matter are EFCC and one Ifeanyi Ezeokoli.

 

The order, granted on July 21 and obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday, was issued by Justice H. Buhari in response to an ex parte motion filed by the applicant’s counsel on July 16, 2025, seeking the protection of Tijjani’s fundamental rights to liberty and freedom of movement as enshrined in Sections 35 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution.

 

After reviewing the application, Justice Buhari granted an interim order restraining the EFCC from inviting, arresting, detaining, harassing, or prosecuting Tijjani, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion.

 

“An interim order restraining the commission or its agents, servants, privies, officer arresting, detaining, harassing, arraigning thẹ or relating to the complaint of the second respondent motion on notice.

 

“And such further others as this honourable court may deem fit to make in the circumstances of the case.

“Motion ex-parte dated 14th day of July and filed on 16th day of July, 2025 is granted as prayed,” the ruling reads in part.

 

The case was adjourned to September 18, 2025, for further proceedings.

 

The EFCC declared Tijjani wanted over alleged money laundering involving $1,931,700.12.

 

The declaration was made in a notice signed by Head of Media and Publicity at the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, dated July 11, 2025.

 

Reacting, he threatened legal action against the EFCC for allegedly damaging his reputation by declaring him wanted over a $1.9m money laundering allegation.

 

Auwalu described the allegation as false, insisting that the transaction in question was a legitimate business deal involving currency exchanges with one Ifeanyi Ezeokolu, totalling over $77m across a year.

Benue killings: 3,160 displaced, 48 homes destroyed, says FG

 

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has disclosed that no fewer than 3,160 persons have been displaced following the recent killings in Yelwa community, Benue State.

 

The minister stated this during an interview in Arise News’ Morning Show on Tuesday.

 

Yilwatda revealed that among the displaced were 810 school-age children, while about 48 homes and several shops and business centres were destroyed during the attack on the community.

 

The minister said his team carried out a comprehensive needs assessment in the affected community in collaboration with state authorities and international partners.

 

“We discovered that 3,160 people were displaced, including about 810 school-age children.

 

“We also recorded the loss of about 48 homes, excluding shops and business centres that were destroyed,” he said.

He noted that the ministry, working with the United Nations system, NGOs, and development partners, has designed a long-term response plan to address the humanitarian crisis and restore stability to the community.

 

According to him, the estimated budget for the intervention stands at N6.7 billion, which will cover emergency relief, peacebuilding, and durable solutions for the displaced families.

 

“Our budget came up to roughly N6.7 billion to respond to the community properly. Out of this, the European Union has committed €1.5 million (about N2.7 billion), while other NGOs, the state government, and the federal government will contribute their share,” he added.

 

Yilwatda explained that the intervention would not only provide immediate relief but also focus on rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, and ensuring children return to school.

 

He further stated that similar efforts were ongoing in Benue, Borno, and Niger States, where communities are grappling with the impacts of insurgency, flooding, and malnutrition.

 

“Some of these challenges are due to climate change, natural disasters, and insurgency. We are working with all stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable response,” the minister added.

Ondo vows to eradicate cultism, calls for collective action

 

The Ondo State Government has declared that it would ensure that cultism and other social vices, particularly among the youths, are eradicated in the state.

 

To this end, the government has called on parents, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to join hands in fighting against the scourge.

 

This was contained in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, made available to our correspondent on Tuesday.

 

According to the statement, the government said it had reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the cherished ‘Omoluabi’ values that define the people of the state, in the areas of respect, hard work, value for life, and a strong stance against social vices such as cultism, thuggery, and civil unrest.

 

The commissioner also noted that the ongoing administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had zero tolerance for any form of criminal activity that could tarnish the state’s reputation or hinder its development.

 

He said, ” the ‘Omoluabi’ values rooted in Yoruba tradition remain the bedrock of a peaceful and progressive society and we are calling on traditional rulers, politicians, student leaders, market women, religious leaders, and the general public to join hands with the government in rejecting cultism, political violence, kidnapping, and other destabilising behaviours.

“The rise in social vices is alarming and unacceptable. As a people known for dignity, discipline, and hard work, we must all rise to defend our values.

 

“Ondo State cannot afford to be dragged into the mud of lawlessness.”

 

Ajanaku stressed that development and investors’ confidence could thrive in a climate of insecurity, urging citizens to see the fight against crime as a collective responsibility.

 

“The orientation must begin now. Every citizen has a role to play in upholding the ethics of good behaviour.

 

“Report crimes in your communities. Be ambassadors of peace and order.

 

“That is the way to build a safe, attractive and economically vibrant Ondo State,” Ajanaku added.

NSCDC drags woman in ₦159m visa scam to court in Ekiti 20th July 2025

 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ekiti State Command, has arrested and arraigned a suspect, Abigail Timothy, over an alleged ₦159 million visa fraud.

 

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Tolulope Afolabi, said the suspect was taken into custody and charged following allegations of defrauding one Pastor Adewusi Tibatope Samuel and other victims of a total sum of ₦159,108,364.00.

 

Afolabi, in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Saturday evening, said that after completing preliminary investigations, the matter was formally brought before the court.

 

According to him, “The case is currently before a competent court of jurisdiction in Ado Ekiti, which gave an order for the detention of the suspect at the Correctional Centre pending the continuation of the trial.”

 

The spokesperson added that the NSCDC would continue to pursue diligent prosecution in line with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while treating suspects in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and international best practices.

 

While giving details of the case, Afolabi said, “The suspect, Abigail Brains Timothy, allegedly deceived Pastor Adewusi by falsely claiming that she had the capacity and connection to procure visas and work permits for 65 persons who the pastor introduced to her as his clients.

 

“Under this false representation, she induced him to release the aforementioned sum to her over a period of time which was meant to cover the visa fee and work permit.

“On the 25th of May, 2025, operatives of the NSCDC, Ekiti State Command, acting on a formal complaint and diligent intelligence gathering, arrested the suspect in Benin City after rigorous manhunt for her, having fled from Lagos and later to Benin, Edo state where she was tracked and arrested.“

 

He said that upon her arrest, the NSCDC’s State Intelligence and Investigation Department conducted a thorough inquiry.

 

“Findings confirmed that the suspect acted with intent to defraud and had no genuine means or intention of fulfilling the visa and employment arrangements she promised,” he stated.

 

Afolabi reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, and prosecuting all forms of economic sabotage such as illegal mining and pipeline vandalism, in line with its mandate.

 

He also noted that the NSCDC remained open to resolving disputes through its trained Peace and Conflict Resolution experts, for members of the public who are willing to engage peacefully.

 

The NSCDC State Commandant, Mr Toma Enya, urged members of the public to be wary of fraudulent visa agents and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, rather than taking the law into their own hands.

Oyo demolishes abandoned hotel over security concerns

 

The Oyo State government has commenced the demolition of an abandoned structure popularly known as De Castle Inn in Ibadan over the weekend, citing it as a safety measure for the area.

 

The structure located at the Total Garden Area along the ever-busy Mokola-Agodi Gate road was previously used as a hotel in the metropolis, before it was abandoned.

 

PUNCH Online learnt that the property within the premises had been removed a few days before the demolition, with the inspection of security personnel.

 

The Commissioner for Lands, Housing, Survey and Urban Development, Mr William Akin-Funmilayo, disclosed that the building had been abandoned by its owner for years, and recalled that the state government had earlier warned owners of abandoned structures in the state to put them to use.

 

The government claimed that such abandoned structures constituted security threats as they were being used by criminals to perpetrate evil acts.

 

According to Akin-Funmilayo, the government had, in a statement issued in February this year, cautioned that it would take over any abandoned structures posing a threat to the public.

The statement said,”The government got information from the public and security agencies that the structure had been constituting a security threat to the environment, as criminals and hoodlums usually hid there.

 

“They go on the streets to snatch telephones, bags, and other valuables from passersby. In addition, it has become a home for illicit drug users, who trade in illicit drugs as well as smoke different kinds of things.

 

“We are here to confirm what we heard and what we have seen, and this place has been abandoned for the past 10 to 13 years.

 

“We are here to ensure the safety of the people living in this environment. So, we have seen for ourselves that this is a completely abandoned building.

 

“The government will work within the ambit of the law to take possession of the building to stop what is constituting a threat.”

 

According to our correspondent, the demolition of the structure was ongoing as of the time of filing this report.

Assault: Ogun hospital warns unit head, suspends student nurse

 

The Medical Director and Provost of Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Abeokuta, Dr Paul Agboola, on Saturday debunked reports of injustice over an alleged case of physical and verbal assault levelled against the Head of Clinical Services of the hospital, Dr Olayinka Majekodunmi, by a Post Basic Psychiatric Nursing student, Seyi Ogunjobi.

 

Agboola stated that Majekodunmi has, however, been handed a strongly worded warning letter for admitting to having used foul language such as “You’re stupid, you’re a bastard” on Ogunjobi during the altercation, which reportedly occurred on June 30, 2025.

 

He stated that the panel that sat over the case, which he chaired, also found the student nurse very inconsistent and evasive, as he could not prove the allegation that the senior consultant hit him with a chair and also pushed him and was therefore was suspended as a corrective measure.

 

Agboola said that the father of the student nurse had also reached out to him, appreciating him for his fatherly approach to the matter and pleaded that the hospital management temper justice with mercy.

The Medical Director disclosed this on Saturday while addressing journalists over the alleged assault case.

 

Recall that the hospital chapter of the National Association of Nurses and Midwives, led by its chairman, Narcissus Oluwalegan, had led other nurses on a peaceful protest over the alleged assault of the student nurse.

 

Oluwalegan had stated that while Majekodunmi had been left to walk freely, Ogunjobi was suspended, claiming that the hospital management had decided to close their eyes to the injustice meted out to one of them.

 

He had threatened that the nurses would not hesitate to withdraw their services if the hospital management did not lift the suspension placed on the students within 24 hours, while also addressing other concerns of the health workers.

 

Addressing journalists on Saturday, Agboola said that having received the petition of the alleged verbal and physical assault, a panel which was chaired by him and also had as members Mrs Florence Oladeji, Head of Administration of the hospital, Dr Sunday Amosu, Head of Research and Training, Dr Taiwo Omirin, Principal of School of Psychiatric Nursing, her Vice, Mr Olorunisola, Dr Nurudeen Ibrahim, Head of Servicom and others looked into the allegation.

He explained that the incident reportedly occurred on June 30 during the ward round led by the Head of Clinical Services, Dr Majekodunmi and his team.

 

Agboola said, “On getting to the ward, there was said to be challenge of lack of chairs as some nursing students had already occupied the seats. The student nurse, Seyi Ogunjobi, reportedly went to get a chair but insisted on giving the chair to another student nurse and not the Head of Clinical Services.

 

“In the ensuing altercation, Dr Majekodunmi allegedly engaged in physical and verbal assault against Ogunjobi, hit the student and also used some foul language on him.

 

“During the panel sitting, Dr Majekodunmi came with 12 witnesses and also admitted that out of annoyance, he used the words ‘you’re stupid, you’re a bastard’ but denied ever hitting the student, and his witnesses also corroborated.”

 

He revealed further that the student nurse who came with one staff nurse as a witness was, however, unable to substantiate the allegation that he was hit because his witness also said that she could not confirm whether the senior consultant hit the student nurse or not.

Agboola continued, “For admitting to have used such foul language on the student nurse, Dr Majekodunmi had been given a strongly worded warning letter to serve as a deterrent, while the nurse was suspended for his inconsistencies and inability to substantiate his claim against the medical doctor.”

 

He explained that the suspension was not a punitive but a corrective measure, which is aimed at ensuring that the student prioritises integrity, which is a hallmark of nurse training

 

Agboola said that the suspension is just may be for one or two days and not a kind of suspension that will ensure that the student is sent out of the school for a long time, such that will jeopardise his academic pursuit, adding that “we just wanted to mould the boy to become responsible and a nurse that prioritises integrity.”

 

The Medical Director also said that the management has met with other unions of the hospital over the ugly incident and will meet with the nurses’ union on Monday to further resolve the crisis.

Police arrest ex-convict for defrauding women, stealing phones in Kano

 

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old ex-convict, Mohammed Usman of Kofar Wambai Quarters, for allegedly deceiving and stealing mobile phones from women across the state under the guise of offering government assistance.

 

Usman was apprehended on July 14, 2025, after a woman from Ahmadiyya Brigade Quarters reported that he tricked her into handing over her phone by pretending to offer help through a fake government intervention scheme.

 

In a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, the police said at least 17 more women have come forward with similar complaints.

Investigations also led to the arrest of three suspected receivers and the recovery of eight stolen phones.

 

“The suspect called unsuspecting women, claimed to be offering support from a government programme, gained their trust, then made away with their phones,” Kiyawa said.

 

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Bakori, urged residents to be cautious of suspicious offers and reassured the public of continued efforts to tackle fraud and theft in the state.

Stolen jewellery: Patience Jonathan ex-aides’ lawyer laments as adjournment hits 42

 

A legal practitioner, Funmi Adedoyin, has decried the “delayed trial” of some former domestic workers of ex-First Lady Patience Jonathan, who remain in detention at the Okaka Custodial Centre in Bayelsa State over stolen jewellery.

 

She said the case was recently adjourned twice—on 25 and 26 June—due to the abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court on 21 June in front of an eatery in Yenagoa, the state capital.

 

Saturday PUNCH reported in April that the case had been adjourned 40 times.

 

The defendants were arraigned before the court, sitting in Yenagoa, in 2019.

 

They were accused of stealing seven gold bangles and other pieces of jewellery, five Samsung air conditioners, two sets of upholstered chairs, and six Samsung flat-screen televisions, all valued at N200m.

 

They were also accused of conspiracy to commit murder, felony, armed robbery, burglary, and stealing, among other charges.

 

Those affected are Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Achese, Sunday Reginald, Vivian Golden, Emeka Benson, Boma Oba, Salomi Wareboka, and Sahabi Lima.

 

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, Adedoyin lamented that the defendants had been languishing in prison for six years.

 

The lawyer expressed disappointment over the ongoing delays in the trial, emphasising the impact on the defendants’ pursuit of justice.

She noted, “We are not happy about these delays, and that is why we have been doing our best to carry on with the legal advocacy to ensure justice is upheld in the matter.

 

“We want them to get justice on time, as we have had over 40 adjournments already in the matter. We will continue to support them.”

 

Adedoyin assured that the group would not back down until justice was served.

 

She said, “We hope with these advocacies, the case will go on and the people will get justice.”

 

Speaking about the recent adjournments, Adedoyin stated, “The case has not been going on. The last time it was supposed to come up was 26 and 27 June. The court did not sit because of the matter in Bayelsa State where a judge was kidnapped. It is an act of solidarity. Till now, we have not been able to get a date. In the last two adjournments, the matter did not go on.”

The sister of one of the detainees, Gladys Achese, decried the imprisonment of her sister and the prolonged trial of the defendants.

 

She said, “We are sad. The case is just dragging. They didn’t go to court throughout last month. Hopefully, if they go this month, they will not go at all in August because there will be a break.

 

“So, we do not know when the next court session will open. Time is not waiting. We do not know the next approach to take. It is frustrating.”

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