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N2bn Fraud: EFCC arranges more witnesses against ex- aviation minister, Sirika
N2bn Fraud: EFCC arranges more witnesses against ex- aviation minister, Sirika
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, June 26, 2025 presented its 10th and 11th witnesses in continuation of the trial of a former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika, his daughter; Fatima Hadi Sirika, son-in-law law; Hamma Jalal Sule and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited who are standing trial for alleged misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N2bn (two billion naira).
EFCC counsel, A. O. Atolagbe presented 10th Prosecution Witness, PW 10, a public servant working with the Nigerian Upstream (Petroleum) Regulatory Commission, NUPRC and informed the court that he was employed as a staff of the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, in 2003 which in 2021 became NUPRC. He is currently the Head of Licensing and Permit but was the Head, Human Resources, HR in charge of employee management, staff welfare and benefits amongst others when the EFCC requested for employment details of the 3rd defendant.
The witness, while giving his evidence-in-chief, informed the court that on March 14, 2024, his office was invited by the EFCC to forward employment records of the 3rd defendant and this fell under his duty as the Head HR. He told the court he could identify the letter sent to the EFCC as the letter came with the organization’s letter-head. The document was presented to him and after he identified it, Atolagbe sought it to be entered as an exhibit. Without any objection from the defence counsels of 1st to 4th defendants, the document was entered and marked Exhibit 26.
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EFCC counsel, Atolagbe drew the witness’s attention to page three of the exhibit and told him to give an overview of the employment record of the 3rd defendant. He read out the offer of employment to Hamma Jalal Sule as Regulatory Officer 1 on GL9, dated February 3, 2023. He also informed the court that background checks were done to find out from her former employer and records as an employee of that company. It was revealed that he worked at Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Agency, NNRA in 2021 as a Regulatory Officer. He also confirmed that NUPRC is a government agency established by the Petroleum Industry Act.
Defense counsel for the 4th defendant, M. J. Numa, SAN, holding brief for counsel to 1st defendant, Kanu Agabi, SAN, in his cross-examination, asked how long PW10 had worked in HR. He said that he worked for two years and was not Head of HR when the 3rd defendant was employed. He was asked if it was mandatory for the NUPRC to investigate an employee before employment. He explained that the 3rd defendant was not investigated before his recruitment and there is usually a one year probation period which leads to confirmation provided there are no issues with former employment and conduct in present employment. He also said investigation was not done to find out the private interests of the employee. The witness confirmed that he had left the HR before the 3rd defendant filled a Code of Conduct form so he had no records to that effect. He also said he didn’t know if the 4th defendant owned a company.
Counsel to the 2nd defendant, Ufot Okoi, in his cross-examination asked if the 3rd was found wanting in his previous employment and current employment and the witness denied any knowledge of that.
Counsel to the 3rd defendant, Sanusi Musa, SAN, cross-examined PW10 and asked if the 3rd defendant went through training when he was employed. The witness told the court that new employees go through induction training and are taught civil service rules, technicalities of the job and procedures of the NUPRC which the 3rd defendant was part of the witness was discharged at this point.
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Prosecution Witness 11, PW11, a civil servant and staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited NNPCL introduced himself as a Deputy Manager, Policy Compliance and Accountability and was previously Acting Manager of Compensation and Employee Performance. He informed the court that EFCC sent a letter requesting for information of their staff Fatima Hadi Sirika, 2nd defendant, and they responded via a covering memo with NNPCL letter-head which he signed by himself. Documents were tendered in evidence and admitted as Exhibit 27.
EFCC counsel Atolagbe led the witness to page three of the exhibit which is an offer of employment as a graduate trainee dated February 14, 2020 effective May 4, 2020 and confirmation dated June 10, 2021 effective May 4, 2021 in respect of the 2nd defendant. The witness confirmed that she is still a staff member and was promoted to the next grade level on January 1, 2023.
Counsel to 1st and 4th defendants in his cross-examination asked if he was told the reason for the investigation. He denied knowledge of it but admitted that he was informed through the NNPCL that the 2nd defendant was invited to the EFCC. He was not privy to why she was invited. He explained that NNPCL transitioned in 2021 from a public corporation to a private limited liability company and as such, staff are no longer considered as public officers and therefore not bound by public service rules after the transition.
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Continuing, he said that staff are also not subjected to fill code of conduct forms. He further stated that he did not know if the NNPCL is subjected to oversight by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Treasury Single Account and Public Procurement Act. He was not also not aware if there was a contract awarded to Al Buraq Global Investment, 4th defendant and NNPCL. He confirmed that one year probation determines suitability for permanent employment. The 2nd defendant met requirements and was confirmed.
Counsel to the 2nd defendant confirmed from PW11 that the 3rd defendant was not found wanting in her discharge of duties and was promoted.
Counsel to 3rd defendant asked and confirmed from the witness that at the time of confirmation, she was confirmed as a staff of a private limited liability company. Musa asked the witness if the 3rd defendant had any disciplinary actions, been interdicted, warned or breached any laws of Nigeria. The witness said he was not aware of any such incidents
The witness was discharged and the matter was adjourned till June 30, 2025 for continuation of trial.
N2bn Fraud: EFCC arranges more witnesses against ex- aviation minister, Sirika
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14-Year-Old British-Nigerian Boy, Fatally Shot in London
14-Year-Old British-Nigerian Boy, Fatally Shot in London
A 14-year-old British-Nigerian boy, identified as Eghosa Ogbebor, has been fatally shot in the Woolwich area of London, prompting a major police investigation and the arrest of three teenagers. The tragic incident has sparked shock and grief in the local community and among the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers responded to reports of a shooting on Lord Warwick Street at around 3:40 p.m. on Thursday, 2 April, near Woolwich Dockyard. Emergency responders attempted to save the boy’s life, but he was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have identified the suspects as two teenage boys aged 14 and 16 and an 18-year-old man, all of whom have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody. Detectives are urging members of the public with information, CCTV footage, or dashcam recordings to come forward to assist with ongoing inquiries.
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Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, leading the investigation, expressed condolences to Eghosa’s family, stating that they are being supported by specialist officers and have requested privacy during this difficult time. She acknowledged the concern the incident has caused across Woolwich and confirmed an increased police presence in the area to reassure residents.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with multiple gunshots heard and panic among pedestrians in the vicinity. The shooting took place near local community areas, heightening the shock and fear among residents.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, condemned the killing and emphasized that “there is absolutely no place for this heartbreaking violence in our city.” He confirmed close collaboration with the police to ensure safety and support for the community.
This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence in London and the urgent need for community-based interventions to prevent such senseless acts. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation and are working to uncover the circumstances that led to the death of the young British-Nigerian boy.
14-Year-Old British-Nigerian Boy, Fatally Shot in London
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Gunmen Attack Zamfara Governor’s Aide Convoy, Escape Unhurt
Gunmen Attack Zamfara Governor’s Aide Convoy, Escape Unhurt
Gunmen on Thursday evening ambushed the convoy of Mouktar Lugga, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Zamfara State, in a brazen attack along the Funtua–Gusau highway.
The incident occurred at about 6:16 p.m. near Kucheri village as Lugga was returning to Gusau from an official engagement in Funtua.
According to security and local sources, the attackers—suspected to be armed bandits—launched a coordinated ambush from both sides of the road, opening heavy gunfire on the convoy in what appeared to be a targeted assault.
The vehicle conveying Lugga, his driver, and two other occupants came under direct attack, with bullets reportedly hitting the windscreen. One of the shots narrowly missed the driver, while another assailant attempted to fire at close range but his weapon malfunctioned.
Despite the intensity of the нападение, the driver maintained control and successfully navigated the vehicle out of the kill zone, preventing what could have been a fatal outcome. All occupants escaped unhurt.
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Security sources said the convoy had minimal escort at the time of the incident, raising concerns about the vulnerability of public officials travelling along high-risk routes in the North-West.
Following the attack, security operatives launched a search operation in surrounding bush areas, while patrols along the Funtua–Gusau corridor were intensified to prevent further incidents.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement, but government sources confirmed that Lugga is safe and has since returned to base.
The highway where the attack occurred is known for frequent bandit ambushes, kidnappings, and armed robberies, linking parts of Zamfara and Katsina states—two regions heavily affected by criminal gangs.
Security analysts note that such attacks are often carried out by loosely organised armed groups seeking to kidnap high-profile individuals for ransom or to assert territorial control.
The latest incident underscores the persistent insecurity in Zamfara State, despite ongoing military operations and recent deployments aimed at securing major roads and rural communities.
Authorities have urged commuters to exercise caution, avoid night travel where possible, and report suspicious movements to security agencies as efforts continue to restore safety across the region.
Gunmen Attack Zamfara Governor’s Aide Convoy, Escape Unhurt
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NAF Airstrike Destroys Terrorist Enclave, Kills Scores of ISWAP Fighters in Borno
NAF Airstrike Destroys Terrorist Enclave, Kills Scores of ISWAP Fighters in Borno
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its counter-insurgency campaign in Nigeria’s North-East, carrying out a precision airstrike that destroyed a terrorist enclave and killed several fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province in Borno State.
The operation targeted Kangarwa in the northern Tumbuns axis—an area long regarded as a stronghold for insurgent groups operating around the Lake Chad basin.
In a statement issued on Friday, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, said the strike was conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on April 1 at about 12:05 p.m.
According to him, the mission followed credible intelligence reports indicating increased террорист activity in the area. Subsequent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions confirmed the presence and movement of fighters within the enclave prior to the strike.
“The precision strike was carried out based on credible intelligence, reinforced by earlier ISR missions which confirmed the massing of terrorists and sustained hostile activity within the enclave,” Ejodame said.
“Following positive identification and target confirmation, NAF air assets conducted successive aggressive strike passes, delivering accurate fires on the identified locations.”
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He added that the bombardment obliterated key structures, including command posts and logistics hubs, significantly degrading the operational capacity of the террорист network.
“The strike neutralised scores of fighters, destroyed critical infrastructure, and left the enclave severely degraded, with its operational utility significantly diminished,” he said.
Military sources indicated that Kangarwa serves as a strategic transit and coordination hub for insurgents moving across the Tumbuns and Lake Chad fringes. The destruction of the enclave is expected to disrupt planned attacks and weaken supply chains for fighters in the region.
The NAF spokesman further noted that the operation has created favourable conditions for ground forces to advance and conduct clearance operations, as troops of Operation Hadin Kai continue to sustain pressure on fleeing insurgents.
He stressed that the strike dealt a significant blow to ISWAP elements, particularly affecting their command structure and mobility.
“The operation is assessed to have eliminated several ISWAP fighters with devastating impact, while the enclave’s command and support structure suffered a major setback,” Ejodame stated.
Security analysts say the latest strike highlights improved coordination between air and ground forces, a strategy increasingly adopted by the Nigerian military to dismantle insurgent networks more effectively.
The renewed offensive comes amid sustained efforts by the Armed Forces to clear террорист enclaves across Borno and the wider North-East, where insurgency has persisted for over a decade.
Authorities reaffirmed that air interdiction missions and ground assaults will continue in a bid to eliminate remaining террорист elements and restore lasting stability to affected communities.
NAF Airstrike Destroys Terrorist Enclave, Kills Scores of ISWAP Fighters in Borno
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