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SERAP gives Sani, Wike, others seven days to account for N5.9trn, $4.6bn loans
SERAP gives Sani, Wike, others seven days to account for N5.9trn, $4.6bn loans
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike to “widely publish copies of the loan agreements and spending details of some N5.9 trillion and $4.6 billion loans obtained by their states and the FCT, including details and locations of projects executed with the loans.”
SERAP also urged them to “promptly invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the spending of the domestic and external loans obtained by your state and the FCT.”
SERAP’s request followed the disclosure last week by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State that the immediate past administration of Nasir El-Rufai left $587m, N85bn debt and 115 contractual labilities, making it impossible for the state to pay salaries.
In the Freedom of Information requests dated 30 March 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “It is in the public interest to publish copies of the loan agreements and details of how the loans obtained are spent.”
SERAP said, “Nigerians have the right to know how their states are spending the domestic and external loans obtained by the governors.”
SERAP said, “Widely publishing copies of the loan agreements and spending details of the loans obtained would ensure that persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties in the management of public funds.”
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The FoI requests, read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and your state to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“SERAP is seriously concerned that many of the country’s 36 states and FCT are allegedly mismanaging public funds which may include domestic and external loans obtained from bilateral and multilateral institutions and agencies.”
“Transparency in the spending of the loans obtained by your state is fundamental to increase accountability, prevent corruption, and build trust in democratic institutions with the ultimate aim of strengthening the rule of law.”
“According to Nigeria’s Debt Management Office, the total public domestic debt portfolio for the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory is N5.9 trillion. The total public external debt portfolio is $4.6 billion.”
“Many states and the FCT reportedly owe civil servants’ salaries and pensions. Several states are borrowing to pay salaries. Millions of Nigerians resident in your state and the FCT continue to be denied access to basic public goods and services such as quality education and healthcare.”
“Several states including your state are also reportedly spending public funds which may include the domestic and external loans to fund unnecessary travels, buy exotic and bulletproof cars and generally fund the lavish lifestyles of politicians.”
“SERAP is seriously concerned that the domestic and external loans obtained by your state and the FCT are vulnerable to corruption and mismanagement. Your government has a responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in how any loans obtained by your state are spent, to reduce vulnerability to corruption and mismanagement.”
“Publishing copies of the loan agreements obtained by your state and the FCT would allow Nigerians to scrutinise them, and promote transparency and accountability on the spending of public funds including the loans obtained.”
“SERAP believes that providing and widely publishing the details of the spending of the domestic and external loans obtained by your state and the FCT would enable Nigerians to effectively and meaningfully engage in the management of the loans.”
“SERAP believes that the constitutional principle of democracy also provides a foundation for Nigerians’ right to know the details of loan agreements and how the loans obtained are spent. Citizens’ right to know promotes openness, transparency, and accountability that is in turn crucial for the country’s democratic order.”
“The effective operation of representative democracy depends on the people being able to scrutinize, discuss and contribute to government decision making, including on the spending of loans obtained by your state and the FCT.”
“To do this, they need information to enable them to participate more effectively in the management of public funds by their state government and the FCT.”
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“The public interest in obtaining information about expenditures relating to the loans obtained by your state outweighs any privacy or other interest. Moreover, the oversight afforded by public access to such details would serve as an important check on the activities of your state and help to prevent abuses of the public trust.”
“SERAP is concerned that there is a significant risk of mismanagement or diversion of funds linked to loans obtained by state governments including your state. The accounts of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT are generally not open to public scrutiny.”
“Your state has obligations under international anticorruption and human rights law, including a responsibility to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, prevent mismanagement or diversion of public funds, and redress any abuse of public trust.”
“The Nigerian Constitution, human rights and anticorruption treaties to which Nigeria is a state party also impose obligations on your state to prevent mismanagement or diversion of public funds including the loans obtained.”
“SERAP is seriously concerned that years of allegations of corruption and mismanagement of public funds including the loans obtained by states have contributed to widespread poverty, underdevelopment and lack of access to public goods and services.”
“Opacity in the spending of loans obtained by states has continued to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens and the public interest.”
“Transparency would ensure that these loans are not diverted into private pockets, and increase public trust that these loans are used and any future loans would be used to benefit Nigerians resident in your state.
“The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information, including about the loan agreements and how the loans obtained are spent.”
SERAP added “Your state cannot hide under the excuse that the Freedom of Information Act does not apply to your state to refuse to provide the details being sought, as your state also has clear legal obligations to provide the information as prescribed by provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and. Enforcement) Act.
SERAP gives Sani, Wike, others seven days to account for N5.9trn, $4.6bn loans
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One Killed, Five Injured as Violence Disrupts Obi-Kwankwaso Rally in Delta
One Killed, Five Injured as Violence Disrupts Obi-Kwankwaso Rally in Delta
One person has been killed and five others injured following a violent clash that disrupted a political procession organised by supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Asaba, Delta State.
The incident occurred at about 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026, along Nnebisi Road, during a one-million-man march organised by supporters of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the casualties, disclosing that the identities of the deceased and injured persons had yet to be established as investigations commenced.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the command said it had received intelligence indicating the possibility of violence ahead of the procession.
According to the police, organisers of the rally were invited to a security meeting, where they were briefed about the identified threats and advised against holding an open-road procession.
The command said the organisers were encouraged to conduct their political activities at a designated venue where adequate security arrangements could be provided.
However, the police alleged that the organisers ignored the advice and proceeded with the procession.
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Following a distress call, police operatives were deployed to the scene and evacuated the injured victims to hospital for medical attention.
Security was subsequently reinforced in the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The police said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and identify those responsible.
Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, condemned the incident and reiterated that political parties were free to conduct lawful campaigns and other political activities across the state.
He, however, urged political parties and their supporters to avoid road processions in the interest of public safety and liaise with the police ahead of political gatherings to facilitate adequate security arrangements.
The command also appealed to members of the public with useful information about the incident to contact the police through 09155570008 or 09155570007.
Meanwhile, the NDC has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being behind the attack, alleging that the incident was an attempt to intimidate opposition supporters and disrupt its political activities.
Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and NDC senatorial candidate for Delta North, Victor Ochei, called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to order an immediate investigation and ensure that those responsible were arrested and prosecuted.
Ochei alleged that more than 30 campaign buses were destroyed during the attack, accusing suspected attackers of being mobilised by individuals allegedly connected to the ruling party.
However, Delta APC spokesperson, Valentine Onojeghghuo, dismissed the allegation, insisting that the NDC had provided no evidence linking APC members to the incident.
He described the accusation as baseless and urged the opposition party to embrace peaceful political engagement.
The Delta State Coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, Favour Emerue, also alleged that the gathering was peaceful before suspected hoodlums disrupted the procession, leaving some participants injured.
In a separate reaction, Peter Obi condemned the reported attacks on his supporters and NDC members in Delta State, calling on the state government and security agencies to investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice.
The latest violence has renewed concerns about the safety of political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The police have assured residents that a thorough and impartial investigation will be conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the clash and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.
One Killed, Five Injured as Violence Disrupts Obi-Kwankwaso Rally in Delta
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Power Outage: Tegbe Gives Nigerians 72-Hour Timeline as FG Moves to Restore Electricity
Power Outage: Tegbe Gives Nigerians 72-Hour Timeline as FG Moves to Restore Electricity
ABUJA – Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has assured Nigerians that electricity supply will begin to improve within the next 48 to 72 hours as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to address the challenges responsible for the recent power outages across parts of the country.
Tegbe gave the assurance in an update on the country’s power situation amid growing complaints from electricity consumers over prolonged blackouts, particularly in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister attributed the worsening electricity supply to a combination of planned maintenance at Egbin Power Station, inadequate gas supply to some thermal power plants and sabotage of critical transmission lines.
According to him, the challenges have reduced the volume of electricity available on the national grid, forcing grid operators to implement load shedding in some areas to manage the shortfall.
He explained that maintenance activities at Egbin Power Station, one of Nigeria’s major electricity-generating facilities, had contributed significantly to the reduction in power generation.
The minister also identified gas supply constraints affecting some thermal power stations as another factor responsible for the decline in electricity generation.
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Tegbe further alleged that sabotage of key transmission lines had restricted the use of alternative routes for supplying electricity to some locations, particularly Lagos.
He said the Federal Government was working with relevant operators to address the challenges and restore the affected generating units in phases.
“My team and I are working to return the affected generating units to service in phases, with the first units coming back online within the next 48 to 72 hours.
“We are also working with operators to improve gas supply and accelerate repairs to the damaged infrastructure,” he said.
The minister acknowledged the hardship caused by the outages, noting that the disruptions had placed considerable pressure on households and businesses in the affected states.
He apologised to electricity consumers experiencing the interruptions and thanked them for their patience, promising to provide further updates as efforts to restore supply progress.
The latest assurance follows growing public complaints over worsening electricity supply, with residents and businesses in several locations struggling to cope with prolonged outages.
The power crisis has also triggered disagreements between the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Ikeja Electric over the causes of recent supply interruptions.
While Ikeja Electric had cited grid instability in explaining its inability to meet electricity supply obligations to some Band A customers, TCN disputed the explanation, attributing the decline largely to inadequate gas supply and reduced electricity generation.
Tegbe had earlier directed TCN, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to address operational challenges contributing to the decline in power supply.
Nigerians will now be watching closely to see whether the promised improvement materialises within the 48-to-72-hour timeframe.
Power Outage: Tegbe Gives Nigerians 72-Hour Timeline as FG Moves to Restore Electricity
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NDLEA Arraigns Two Mexicans, Four Nigerians Over Secret Meth Lab in Oyo Forest
NDLEA Arraigns Two Mexicans, Four Nigerians Over Secret Meth Lab in Oyo Forest
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned two Mexican nationals and four Nigerians before the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, over their alleged involvement in the establishment and operation of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in the state.
The six defendants were arraigned before Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, the establishment of an illegal drug laboratory and the unlawful transportation and distribution of chemicals intended for the production of methamphetamine, a highly addictive psychotropic substance.
The defendants were identified as 56-year-old Mexican national Jose Villa Ochoa; another Mexican, 40-year-old Carrera Loaiza Arturo; and four Nigerians, Maxwell Uche Nevoh, 30; Olatunji Yusuf, 37; Bankole Akeem Owolabi, 45; and Ganiu Monsiu, 43.
According to the NDLEA, Ochoa and the four Nigerian defendants were arrested on June 17, 2026, in a forested area of Tapa village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State, where operatives uncovered the clandestine laboratory.
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The second Mexican suspect, Arturo, was subsequently tracked down and arrested on August 19, 2026, while allegedly attempting to flee Nigeria through the Lagos airport.
The agency disclosed that the defendants were accused of conspiring to operate a drug trafficking organisation and establishing a secret laboratory for the production of methamphetamine between December 2025 and June 2026 at different locations in Lagos and Oyo states.
They were also accused of unlawfully transporting and distributing chemical substances for the manufacture of the prohibited drug, contrary to Section 20(1)(f) and punishable under Section 20(2)(a) of the NDLEA Act.
When the charges were read to them in a language they understood, all six defendants pleaded not guilty.
Following their pleas, Justice Maha ordered that they be remanded at the Correctional Centre in Ibadan pending the commencement of their trial.
The court subsequently fixed January 26, 27, 28 and 29, 2027, for the trial.
In a related development, the NDLEA disclosed that three other Mexican nationals and seven Nigerian collaborators arrested over the alleged operation of a similar clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in a forest hideout in Ogun State on May 16, 2026, had also been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos.
The court reportedly rejected their bail application and ordered an accelerated hearing of the case.
The latest development underscores the NDLEA‘s ongoing efforts to dismantle suspected international drug trafficking networks and prevent Nigeria from becoming a hub for the illicit manufacture of dangerous narcotic substances.
The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, announced the arraignment in a statement issued on Friday, November 6, 2026.
NDLEA Arraigns Two Mexicans, Four Nigerians Over Secret Meth Lab in Oyo Forest
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