Nigeria Times

Edo Government Confirms EFCC Detention of Key Officials

The Edo State Government has confirmed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained the State Accountant General along with four other officials. This follows an exclusive report by Naija News about the anti-graft agency’s recent arrests of Edo government representatives who manage state accounts.

Reports from Friday reveal that the detained officials were summoned for a briefing on Thursday, leading to their subsequent detention at the EFCC’s Benin office.

In an official statement on Saturday, Chris Osa Nehikhare, the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, accused the EFCC of attempting to undermine governance within the state. Nehikhare emphasized that Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration remains committed to transparency and accountability.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has criticized the ongoing trial of minors involved in an August hunger protest, highlighting the harsh bail conditions set at ₦10 million for their release. He questioned how impoverished youths, unable to afford basic meals, could be expected to meet such a high bail amount.

The governor voiced his concerns on his Hausa Facebook page, “ArewaMuFarka,” describing the situation as unjust treatment of poor children who were merely exercising their right to peaceful protest. He expressed dismay over the minors’ apparent lack of adequate food and poor condition when they appeared in court, describing it as evidence of mistreatment while in police custody.

As the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, Governor Bala called on security agencies, the judiciary, and human rights organizations to advocate for the release of the minors, urging fair treatment and a reconsideration of their bail terms.

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing the issues of banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across Nigeria. During the 9th Convocation at the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma in Katsina State, he emphasized that government efforts alone are not enough and urged citizens to play an active role in supporting security initiatives.

Represented by Prof. Abdulkarim Mohammed, Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, Tinubu highlighted the importance of public involvement in security. He encouraged citizens to provide security agencies with valuable information to aid in strengthening the country’s security.

Additionally, Tinubu encouraged Nigerian youth to benefit from the Nigerian Loan Scheme, which has allocated over N70 billion to support youth enterprises and aspirations. He underscored that the nation’s progress relies on both government action and active participation from all Nigerians.

“Governance is not just about the presidency or leaders,” he said. “It’s about Nigeria and Nigerians who have the power to make this country better.”

He also urged graduating students to be exemplary ambassadors of their institution and Nigeria and called on university lecturers to adopt modern teaching methods, incorporating Information Communication Technology to better equip future leaders.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced significant successes in its fight against terrorism and crime, with a series of recent operations leading to the arrest of high-profile targets, the rescue of hostages, and the dismantling of criminal networks across the country.

Key achievements include the capture of notorious terrorist leader Habu Dogo in Sokoto, wanted for violent cross-border activities in Nigeria and Niger. Seven key members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), were also detained in the Southeast. In the past week, military operations nationwide neutralized 187 terrorists, apprehended 311 suspects, and rescued 147 kidnapped individuals.

The DHQ also revealed that operations in the Niger Delta intercepted oil theft valued at over N1.25 billion, dismantling illegal refineries and recovering stolen crude oil. In the Northeast, forces under Operation Hadin Kai took down 103 terrorists, arrested 64 suspects, and freed 15 hostages, while Northwest operations led to the elimination of 51 terrorists and rescue of 81 hostages.

With intensified efforts across all regions, the military continues to disrupt criminal operations and maintain a stronghold in the nationwide campaign for security and stability.