News
Agbakoba tackles EFCC, insists it cannot prosecute state govt matters
A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is not empowered to handle matters under the jurisdiction of state governments.
He also expressed the view that the functions of anti-graft agency are not different from the duties of the police special fraud unit.
Agbakoba said this on Thursday during a media briefing in Lagos state.
The senior advocate said since the EFCC is an agency of the Federal Government, it does not have the powers to prosecute offences under the purview of state governments.
“The question would be: If the EFCC is created by the Federal Government, can it then prosecute state offences?” he asked.
Agbakoba said, “The Supreme Court, in many of its decisions, has held that federalism means two autonomous and independent governments, and if that is correct, the EFCC does not have the right to go to the state and examine their accounts.
“Anybody can read section 46 of the EFCC Act and Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution. Section 36(12) states that all offences must be defined and when you now read Section 46, you ask yourself if it complies with Section 36(12) because it does not.
“So, part of the prayers I would seek in court is that EFCC ought not to exist in the first place because it is not a branch of the police and that the job done by the EFCC is the same one being done by the Police Special Fraud Unit.
“My other prayer would be whether the national assembly can make laws for the federation and to what extent can the national assembly, which is an arm of the federal government, make laws authorising a federal agency to exercise powers as if it were a state agency.
“So, all these contradictions should make the presidential candidates tell Nigerians what they are going to do about the constitution because it is defective.”
Speaking further, the lawyer said he has nothing personal against the anti-graft agency and that he is ready to engage Abdulrasheed Bawa, the agency’s chairperson, on the issue.
Over the past weeks, EFCC and Agbakoba have been at loggerheads over an alleged fraud case linked to Ali Bello, identified as a nephew of Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi.
On December 15, EFCC arraigned Ali Bello and one Dauda Suleiman on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering.
The anti-graft body claimed the duo, alongside one Abdulsalami Hudu, a cashier at the Kogi state house who is now at large, withdrew N10.2 billion from the state’s treasury for personal use.
Agbakoba said the EFCC has no constitutional right to probe how a state spends its money, adding that only the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and state assemblies have the responsibility to probe state expenditure.
Responding to Agbakoba’s comment, EFCC said the SAN is casting aspersion on the commission’s commitment to tackling corruption.
News
Mother of Three Dies by Suicide After Fiance’s Family Rejects Marriage in Ijebu-Ode
Mother of Three Dies by Suicide After Fiance’s Family Rejects Marriage in Ijebu-Ode
A 30-year-old woman, Abigail Adebayo, has died by suicide in Ijebu-Ode, following the reported rejection of her marriage by her fiancé’s family, authorities and community sources confirmed.
Abigail had been in a relationship with Oniga Abiola since September 2025, with plans to marry. About two weeks ago, Abiola introduced her to his relatives, but his mother reportedly disapproved upon learning that Abigail had three children from a previous relationship. The objection was later reinforced by Abiola himself, leading to heightened emotional distress for Abigail.
READ ALSO:
- RCCG Pastor Peter Akpe Confirmed as Bayelsa Deputy Governor
- BREAKING: El-Rufai Asks Court to Quash DSS Charges, Demands ₦2bn Damages
- Troops Repel Ambush on GOC’s Convoy, Neutralise Five Lakurawa Terrorists in Kebbi
Family sources say Abigail was later found motionless in her room and rushed to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, where she was confirmed dead on arrival. The circumstances reportedly indicate that she ingested a toxic substance.
Her fiancé reported the incident to the Atan Ijebu Division, Ogun State Police Command, and police sources confirmed that detectives inspected the scene and examined her body, noting no visible marks of violence. The matter remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the full circumstances of her death.
The tragic incident has reignited discussions on the importance of mental health awareness, emotional support for women in relationships, and community interventions to prevent similar tragedies. Experts stress the need for counseling services and support networks for individuals facing familial and relational pressures.
Mother of Three Dies by Suicide After Fiance’s Family Rejects Marriage in Ijebu-Ode
News
RCCG Pastor Peter Akpe Confirmed as Bayelsa Deputy Governor
RCCG Pastor Peter Akpe Confirmed as Bayelsa Deputy Governor
Mr. Peter Akpe, a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has been officially confirmed as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State following approval by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
The confirmation comes after a thorough vetting process by the state assembly, which assessed Akpe’s qualifications, leadership experience, and eligibility to hold the office of Deputy Governor under the Nigerian Constitution. Lawmakers expressed confidence in his ability to support the Governor and contribute to the state’s developmental agenda.
Peter Akpe’s appointment fills the longstanding deputy governorship vacancy and positions him to play a critical role in policy implementation, governance oversight, and coordination across state ministries and agencies.
READ ALSO:
- BREAKING: El-Rufai Asks Court to Quash DSS Charges, Demands ₦2bn Damages
- Troops Repel Ambush on GOC’s Convoy, Neutralise Five Lakurawa Terrorists in Kebbi
- Mikano, Autochek Set to Roll Out Virtual Showroom, Expand Auto Finance
The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly praised the smooth confirmation process, describing it as a demonstration of the legislature’s commitment to transparency, political stability, and due process.
Akpe is expected to be sworn in shortly, marking the formal commencement of his duties as the state’s second-in-command. Sources indicate that his priorities will include enhancing governance efficiency, supporting development projects, and strengthening collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As an RCCG pastor, Peter Akpe is also expected to bring his experience in community engagement, mentorship, and faith-based leadership to the office.
News
BREAKING: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down as Tinubu Names Tunji Disu as New Police Chief
BREAKING: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down as Tinubu Names Tunji Disu New Police Chief
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has stepped down from office following a directive from President Bola Tinubu, marking a significant shift in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
Senior government and security officials confirmed that the decision was reached after a closed-door meeting between the president and the outgoing police chief at the Presidential Villa on Monday.
Following the meeting, President Tinubu nominated Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector General of Police, as Egbetokun’s replacement. Preparations are already underway for a formal handover ceremony at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, although an official announcement by the presidency is still pending.
Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd Inspector General of Police in June 2023, with his appointment later ratified by the Nigeria Police Council in October of the same year.
His tenure placed the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force under intense public scrutiny, particularly over issues of tenure elongation, succession planning, and compliance with statutory retirement provisions. At the time of his appointment, Egbetokun was close to the mandatory retirement age of 60, a development that triggered legal debates and criticism from civil society groups and constitutional lawyers.
READ ALSO:
- Osun Police Launch Investigation into Alleged Student Shooting in Osogbo
- U.S. Congress Submits Report to Trump on Alleged Christian Persecution in Nigeria
- 15 Killed as Peruvian Military Helicopter Crashes During Flood Relief Mission
In response to the controversy, the National Assembly amended the Police Act in 2024, allowing an Inspector General of Police to complete a single four-year tenure irrespective of age or prior years in service. Based on the amendment, Egbetokun was expected to remain in office until October 2027.
Despite the legislative backing, his continued stay in office attracted mixed reactions, with critics questioning the broader implications for institutional norms and seniority within the police hierarchy.
Tunji Disu’s emergence as the new police chief places him at the helm of one of Africa’s largest law enforcement institutions, with the responsibility of stabilising internal morale, strengthening operational capacity, and restoring public confidence in policing amid persistent security challenges across the country.
Security analysts say the leadership change reflects President Tinubu’s growing willingness to recalibrate key security appointments as his administration confronts complex national security realities, including violent crime, insurgency, and public distrust in law enforcement.
As of the time of filing this report, the presidency has yet to issue a formal statement confirming Egbetokun’s resignation or announcing Disu’s appointment. However, sources within the presidency said an official announcement is expected later on Tuesday.
BREAKING: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down as Tinubu Names Tunji Disu New Police Chief
-
Business2 days agoDangote Opens Refinery Investment to Nigerians With Public Share Sale Plans
-
News5 hours agoBREAKING: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down as Tinubu Names Tunji Disu as New Police Chief
-
Education3 days agoUTME: JAMB Clarifies Position on Hijab During Biometric Capture
-
Politics2 days agoTinubu Hails Wike as APC Dominates 2026 FCT Area Council Elections
-
Entertainment2 days agoRegina Daniels Takes Delivery of ₦150m 2026 GAC Trumpchi M8 SUV
-
Politics2 days agoFCT Council polls: APC Wins Four Chairmanship Seats as PDP Takes Gwagwalada
-
News2 days agoYoruba Muslim Group Dismisses Viral Ramadan Date Claim, Reaffirms Sultan of Sokoto’s Authority
-
Politics2 days agoOpposition Weakens as Another Governor Eyes APC Move


