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Audit Flags ₦288bn in INEC Spending Irregularities Under Mahmood Yakubu

Published

4 months ago

December 22, 2025

Former INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu

Audit Flags ₦288bn in INEC Spending Irregularities Under Mahmood Yakubu

A total sum of ₦288,188,772,947.06 has been flagged in the operations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following revelations in the Auditor-General’s Annual Report on Noncompliance and Internal Control Weaknesses in MDAs for 2022.

The report identified widespread financial and procurement irregularities involving contract awards, contractor payments, unretired advances and failure to remit statutory deductions between 2018 and 2019, during the tenure of INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

According to the audit, ₦5.31 billion was paid for the supply of Smart Card Readers (SCRs) for the 2019 general elections using a restricted procurement method without prior approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) did not approve the contract despite its value exceeding the INEC Tender Board’s approval threshold, while the Auditor-General noted that the cited presidential clearance did not align with Section 15(2) of the Public Procurement Act, which was deemed inapplicable to the procurement of smart card readers.

The audit further alleged that mobilisation fees and subsequent payments were released without sufficient documentation or proof of supply.

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Responding to the findings, INEC management maintained that due process was followed, stating that approvals were obtained from the Presidency and that advance payments were made due to the urgency of preparations for the 2019 elections. INEC said all required documents and guarantees were in place.

However, the Auditor-General described INEC’s explanations as unsatisfactory.

The report also queried ₦4.5 billion paid as 35 per cent contract payments to six contractors without documentary evidence of supply, as well as the use of conditional Advance Payment Guarantees, which allegedly violated procurement laws.

Further concerns were raised over ₦331.2 million paid to contractors under questionable circumstances, including payments allegedly made before contract awards.

In addition, the audit revealed that ₦235.79 billion was paid to contractors without deducting the mandatory 1 per cent stamp duty, amounting to ₦2.19 billion, which was neither deducted nor remitted to government coffers.

The report also found that ₦630.6 million in non-personal advances issued to INEC officials remained unretired, with some officers allegedly receiving fresh advances without accounting for previous ones.

Another major finding involved contracts worth ₦41.31 billion for the production of ballot papers and result sheets, with the audit stating that there was no evidence showing that the contractors met eligibility and experience requirements, nor proof of FEC approval or a “No Objection” certificate from the BPP.

The audit also flagged the procurement of four Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles for ₦297.78 million, noting that the contract sum exceeded prevailing market prices at the time.

While INEC insisted that all procurements complied with legal requirements and presidential approvals, the Auditor-General ruled that the responses did not sufficiently address the audit observations.

The report recommended that the INEC Chairman should account for the disputed funds before the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committees, recover irregular payments and refund them to the Treasury.

It warned that failure to comply could attract sanctions under the Financial Regulations (2009) for irregular payments and poor management of public funds.

Audit Flags ₦288bn in INEC Spending Irregularities Under Mahmood Yakubu

Related Topics:audit Featured INEC Mahmood Yakubu

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Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, Dies at 50

Published

2 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, Dies at 50

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, has died at the age of 50 after a prolonged illness, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the ministry disclosed that Lele passed away on April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, where he had been receiving medical attention before his death.

The ministry explained that Lele was serving as Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before his nomination and Senate confirmation as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It noted that although he had been confirmed for the diplomatic posting, he died before formally assuming duty as Nigeria’s envoy to Algeria.

The statement read in part: “The late Ambassador Lele, until his death after a protracted illness, was the Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

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Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University, Kano, before joining Nigeria’s Foreign Service, where he built a long-standing career in diplomacy.

He served Nigeria in several foreign missions, including postings in Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh, where he was widely regarded as a disciplined and experienced career diplomat with deep expertise in international relations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described him as a committed officer with strong intellectual capacity and strategic insight, noting his contributions to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, particularly in the Middle East and Gulf regions.

“Ambassador Lele was known for his intellectual depth, strategic insight and commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives,” the ministry added.

His death has been described as a major loss to Nigeria’s diplomatic service, with officials noting his role in strengthening the country’s international engagements and diplomatic relations.

His remains were received in Abuja by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before being moved to Kano State for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Further arrangements for condolence visits and official tributes are expected to be announced by the federal government and the diplomatic community.

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, Dies at 50

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CBN Raises Alarm Over Fake Messages, Cyber Hack Attempts on Nigerians’ Accounts

Published

2 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Trends Admin

CBN Warns Nigerians Over Fake Messages, Rising Cyber Hack Attempts on Bank Accounts

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a fresh alert to Nigerians over increasing cyber hack attempts targeting personal and bank accounts through fraudulent messages and emails falsely claiming to originate from the apex bank.

In a statement signed by its Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, the regulator said it had identified a surge in phishing attacks designed to deceive members of the public and gain access to sensitive personal information.

According to the CBN, the fraudulent communications—circulating via emails, SMS, and online platforms—often contain misleading claims about the bank’s leadership, licensing activities, and policy decisions, while prompting recipients to click on suspicious links.

The apex bank warned that such messages are crafted to trick unsuspecting users into revealing confidential details such as banking credentials, passwords, and verification codes, which can then be used to compromise accounts.

“The official website of the Central Bank of Nigeria remains www.cbn.gov.ng. Members of the public are strongly advised to refrain from clicking links or sharing personal information on suspicious websites,” the statement said.

The CBN urged Nigerians to always verify the authenticity of any communication purportedly from the bank through its official website and recognised media platforms, stressing that it does not request sensitive information via unsolicited messages.

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It also advised the public to report any suspected fraudulent emails, websites, or messages to law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities for prompt action.

The warning comes amid a broader rise in cybersecurity threats in Nigeria’s financial sector, as increased digital banking adoption continues to attract cybercriminal activity.

In response, the CBN said it is strengthening its cybersecurity frameworks in collaboration with financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and other regulators to safeguard the integrity of the financial system.

Recent developments have heightened concerns over digital vulnerabilities. On April 15, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) confirmed a cyberattack on its information systems, raising alarms about data security within critical government platforms.

Similarly, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) recently launched an investigation into an alleged data breach involving Remita Payment Services Limited and Sterling Bank, alongside other entities.

Experts say these incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger digital protection measures, as cybercriminals increasingly exploit weak security practices and user vulnerabilities.

The CBN reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians’ financial data and urged individuals and organisations to remain vigilant, adopt secure online practices, and promptly report suspicious activities to prevent financial losses.

CBN Raises Alarm Over Fake Messages, Cyber Hack Attempts on Nigerians’ Accounts

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BREAKING: Power Minister Steps Down, Eyes Oyo 2027 Election

Published

2 hours ago

April 22, 2026

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Adebayo Adelabu

BREAKING: Power Minister Steps Down, Eyes Oyo 2027 Election

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has officially resigned from office to pursue his long-standing ambition of contesting the Oyo State governorship election, bringing days of speculation to an end.

In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adelabu said his decision was driven by the need to fully concentrate on his gubernatorial bid in line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which requires political office holders to step down before seeking elective positions.

The letter was submitted through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, following a meeting between the former minister and the President on Tuesday, where he formally communicated his intention to exit the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

“My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State,” Adelabu stated, noting that the aspiration dates back to 2016 during his tenure as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adelabu previously contested the Oyo State governorship election in 2023 under the Accord Party but lost to incumbent governor, Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

During his tenure, Adelabu said his administration implemented power sector reforms aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s electricity market, including tariff adjustments and a N4 trillion debt restructuring programme.

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According to him, these measures significantly boosted market revenue—from about N1 trillion in 2023 to N1.7 trillion in 2024 and N2.3 trillion in 2025—while improving investor confidence and setting the sector on a path toward long-term sustainability.

He also cited progress in rural electrification and renewable energy deployment, which expanded access to electricity in underserved communities, including schools and healthcare facilities across the country.

Despite these gains, Adelabu acknowledged that the sector continues to face critical challenges such as gas supply constraints, infrastructure vandalism, and inefficiencies across the electricity value chain.

To address these issues, he recommended the implementation of cost-reflective tariffs with targeted subsidies for vulnerable Nigerians, recapitalisation of distribution companies, accelerated nationwide metering, and sustained investment in transmission infrastructure to improve grid stability.

He further proposed the creation of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to oversee strategic alignment across power, gas, water resources, and environmental sectors, noting that such integration would enhance both thermal and hydroelectric power generation.

Adelabu’s resignation is widely seen as part of early political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to be a key contender.

The Presidency is expected to announce a replacement or interim leadership for the Ministry of Power to ensure continuity in ongoing reforms and projects within the sector.