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National Scandal Unfolds: EFCC Uncovers Monumental Corruption at NNPCL Headquarters

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has raised alarm over staggering corruption uncovered in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), describing early findings from the agency’s investigation as “mind-boggling.”....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking on Wednesday at the National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance in Abuja, Olukoyede revealed that the probe into NNPCL, which only commenced three weeks ago, had already exposed alarming irregularities within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“What we’ve uncovered so far is mind-boggling—and this is just scratching the surface. If this is what we’re seeing at the top level, imagine what lies underneath,” he stated.

This revelation comes on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove Mele Kyari as Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL and appoint Bashir Ojulari as his replacement.

Olukoyede warned that the systemic mismanagement of Nigeria’s extractive industry has far-reaching consequences, linking financial misconduct to national insecurity.

“There’s a direct connection between corruption in our resource management and the rise in insecurity—banditry, terrorism, kidnapping. Much of the funding for these threats can be traced to funds diverted from the public purse,” he explained.

Calling for urgent legislative action, Olukoyede implored the National Assembly to pass the long-delayed Unexplained Wealth Bill, which would give anti-graft agencies the legal backing to act against individuals who possess wealth far beyond their legitimate earnings.

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“I’ve been appealing for over a year—help us pass the Unexplained Wealth Bill. Imagine someone working in a ministry for two decades suddenly owning properties in Maitama and Asokoro, and yet we’re expected to prove the predicate offence first. It’s ridiculous,” he argued.

He stressed that the bill would introduce a strict liability framework, shifting the burden of proof onto individuals to justify their assets.

Olukoyede also disclosed that the EFCC is tracing illicit assets across several countries—including the United States, Turkey, and Iceland.

“An ambassador recently told me a Nigerian owns an entire estate in Iceland—of all places!” he said in disbelief.

Despite international efforts, the EFCC chairman admitted that reclaiming stolen assets abroad remains a steep uphill battle.

“No matter how much effort we put in, it’s nearly impossible to recover even half of what’s been looted. The custodians of these stolen assets abroad simply don’t want to let go,” he lamented.

He criticized foreign governments for their reluctance to return illicit funds, accusing them of aiding and abetting corruption.

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“Under international law, those who keep stolen assets are as guilty as those who steal them,” he declared.

Olukoyede also decried the culture of impunity in Nigeria’s public sector, noting that many individuals facing corruption trials are still celebrated in society.

“We’ve provided evidence, filed charges, and yet those implicated are still being honoured. Does this reflect a nation serious about fighting corruption?” he asked.

He further revealed that over 700 federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) continue to operate without internal control mechanisms, posing a serious obstacle to transparency and accountability.

Urging the political class to rise above partisanship and take decisive action against corruption, Olukoyede warned that Nigeria might be approaching a critical tipping point.

“This may be our last chance to get it right. If we can implement even 60% of our capital budget between 2025 and 2026 efficiently, we will stimulate small businesses, build infrastructure, and change lives,” he said.

He concluded with a passionate appeal for fiscal responsibility and transparency in government.

“This is about saving the soul of our country,” he emphasized

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Kwara PDP Protests As Govt Moves To Reopen Robbery Case Against Saraki, Others.

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has strongly opposed reported moves by the state government to revisit the alleged Offa robbery case involving former Governor Abubakar Bukola Saraki and others.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that the party made its position known during an emergency press conference in Ilorin on Friday, describing the development as politically motivated and unjust.

PDP spokesman, Comrade Olushola Adewara, said the alleged plan to reopen the case amounts to an attempt to politicise a matter that has already been concluded by the courts.

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He alleged that the move was targeted at dragging Saraki into a case in which, according to him, legal authorities had previously found no evidence linking him to the incident.

Adewara referenced earlier legal opinions from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, which reportedly stated that Saraki was not connected to the robbery case.

The party insisted that suspects in the case had already been prosecuted and convicted, with judgments upheld at appellate levels, while the matter is currently before the Supreme Court.

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PDP urged Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to focus on governance rather than what it described as attempts to revive old political narratives.

It also called on security agencies to monitor the situation closely, warning that such actions could heighten political tension in the state.

The party further appealed to residents, especially families of victims in Offa, not to allow their pain to be used for political purposes.

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2027: Oyo APC Senator Alli Declares Governorship Ambition.

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Senator representing Oyo South, Sharafadeen Alli, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo State governorship election ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that Alli, who serves under the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the declaration on Friday during a formal event held at the Police Field in Yemetu, Ibadan North Local Government Area.

The APC chieftain and Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland said he will be running on the platform of his party.

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The event attracted thousands of APC leaders, stakeholders, and members, including top political figures such as Senator Yunus Akintunde, House of Representatives members Akin Alabi, Aderemi Oseni, Akeem Adeyemi, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, Tajudeen Abisodun, and Senator Hamzat Adeseun.

Also in attendance were former Deputy Governor Iyiola Oladokun, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, and Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, among others.

Alli said his decision followed wide consultations with stakeholders and was driven by his desire to advance the development of Oyo State.

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He noted his past political experience, including serving as Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government and Secretary to the Oyo State Government under Senator Rasidi Ladoja, as well as his current role in the Senate, where he said he has consistently advocated for his constituents.

According to him, his ambition is focused on delivering better governance and moving the state forward.

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Showunmi Declares For Ogun 2027 Governorship, Seeks IPAC Support.

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A PDP chieftain and convener of The Alternative, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that Showunmi made the announcement during a courtesy visit to the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) secretariat in Abeokuta on Friday.

He called for a broad political coalition involving opposition parties and grassroots groups to challenge what he described as the failures of dominant political forces in the state.

Showunmi argued that political parties may choose or endorse candidates, but insisted such arrangements must not deny voters a genuine electoral choice.

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He said: “I will be running for governor in the 2027 governorship election. I have come to plead with you to set up a small committee… to determine how we can collaborate to make this happen.”

He also questioned whether Ogun State would experience a “coronation” or a competitive election process, urging stakeholders to allow open political contest.

The PDP chieftain noted that Ogun West’s long-standing exclusion from producing a governor is a legitimate grievance, but stressed that aspirations must still be tested through competition.

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He advocated issue-based campaigns ahead of 2027, rejecting “money politics” and challenging aspirants to public debates on governance.

Showunmi maintained that he has no history of violence or political thuggery, insisting the election should be centred on ideas and development plans for the state.

In response, IPAC leadership and other political actors at the event called for collaboration and careful selection of leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.

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