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Auditor-General uncovers multi-billion naira ‘fraud’ in N/Assembly

Published

4 years ago

December 17, 2021

Auditor-General for the Federation, Anthony Ayine

The office of the Auditor- General for the Federation (AuGF) in its 2019 Annual Audit Report has indicted the management of the National Assembly over how it spent funds running into billions of naira.

The AGF, Aghughu Adolphus, in the audit queries uncovered how over N8.5 billion from the funds released to the National Assembly were expended within the period under review without evidence.

The report, submitted to the Clerk to the National Assembly in August this year as required by the constitution, said the monies under scrutiny were not backed by vouchers and retirement documents.

The audit report uncovered various infractions by the House of Representatives, the Senate and the National Assembly Service Commission. The audit report is usually submitted to the National Assembly Public Accounts committees for investigation.

Daily Trust reports that for over a year, the Senate Public Accounts Committee has been investigating expenditures of federal government agencies from 2015 – 2018 based on a report by the Auditor- General for the Federation.

In June this year, the panel presented the report of its six months investigation on the Federation Account for the year 2015 to the plenary.

The committee’s Chairman, Senator Matthew Urhoghide (PDP, Edo), in his presentation, disclosed that 114 MDAs were queried in the 2015 audit report, out of which 59 had their queries sustained after the probe.

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In the course of the investigation, Urhoghide said his panel observed across board, the incessant violation of extant rules by MDAs.

On several occasions, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Senator Urhoghide had threatened erring MDAs with zero budgetary allocation.

However, the panel did not make public its findings on the audit queries raised against the spending of the National Assembly management, which manages the finances of the federal parliament.

Issues in Senate

The Auditor General’s report raised seven queries against the Senate’s financial records on issues bordering on unaudited payment vouchers, non-remittance of Value-Added Tax (VAT) and withholding tax (WHT) and non-remittance of recovered vehicle loans, among others.

The alleged financial infraction, according to the report, amounted to over three billion naira.

It said the sum of N219.6 million and N123.3 million as housing and vehicle loans, respectively, were deducted from senators’ salary arrears between July and December 2019.

In another query, the audit report said N176.2 million was deducted as Pay As You Earn (PAYE) from staff salaries; Value Added Tax (VAT) of N39.7 million from payment for services and withholding Tax (WHT) of N237.6 million from payment for services.

It, however, said there was no evidence to show that these amounts were remitted to the treasury and relevant tax authorities as required by law.

The report also said the sum of N1.7 billion was paid between February and December 2019 for the supply of vehicles and other office equipment through 17 payment vouchers but none of them was made available for audit examination.

According to the report, the sum of N657.7 million was paid for the supply of motor vehicles, motorcycles and other office equipment through 16 payment vouchers between July and December 2019.

None of the payment vouchers, it said, was cleared by the Internal Audit before pay as required by extant regulations.

The sum of N423 million was paid for the supply of utility vehicles and production of the National Assembly logo between August and November 2019 from the capital account, the audit report showed.

It added that no relevant supporting documents were attached to the payment vouchers to facilitate the validation of the payment.

Similarly, the audit report queried the National Assembly Service Commission on issues related to unretired cash advances and non-remittance of 1% stamp duty on contracts, to the tune of N33.6 million.

It said the sum of N31.9 million was granted as personal cash advances to fifty-nine (59) staff and that there was no evidence of the retirement of the advances.

It also observed that N276.7 million from 12 payments vouchers was made to contractors and service providers from the project account of the Commission. It, however, said N2.7 million representing 1% Stamp Duties was not deducted.

House of Reps

In the report relating to the House of Representatives, the Auditor-General uncovered how members spent over N5.5 billion at a different point in time but could not be accounted for.

According to the report, the expenditures ranged from running costs of some lawmakers to repairs and maintenance.

The report equally revealed that payments were made from salary accounts of the House of Representatives without payment vouchers as required by law.

The Auditor-General issued five queries to the Clerk to the National Assembly on infractions bordering on the utilisation of funds running into billions of naira.

In issue 1, the audit report observed the sum of N2,550,000,000 was granted to members as running costs between July and December 2019, but that there was no evidence to show what the funds were used for as there were no retirement documents despite requests.

According to the report, the said payments were made on a regional basis thus; North East – N187 million, South South – N272 million and South East – N442 million.

Others are North Central – N391 million, South West – N629 million and North West – N629 million.

“There was no evidence to show what the funds were used for and there were no retirement documents despite requests.

“The above anomalies could be attributed to weaknesses in the internal control system at the Federal House of Representatives of the National Assembly,” the report read.

The audit report directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to give reasons why running costs granted to members were not retired.

In the second issue, the report queried the Clerk over non-retirement of N258 million, which was granted as advances to 59 staff in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

It also said that additional advances were granted to officers when they had not retired the previous ones.

The Auditor-General in the third issue queried cash advances amounting to N107.9 million granted for repairs and maintenance of unspecified quarters beyond the statutory limit.

It queried the granting of advances in excesses of N200,000 stipulated by extant laws and directed the Clerk to justify the action.

The report in its issue 4, queried the remittance of N1.5 billion without acknowledgement as required by extant laws.

According to the report, the sum of N1.5 was paid to revenue authorities between February and December 2019.

The report said the payment included “Pay As You Earn (PAYE) from six members, car loan recovery from five members, and housing loan recovered from six members.

The audit report also revealed that another N1.01 billion was discovered to have been paid from a salary account. The payments were made without the preparation of payment vouchers as required by extant regulations.

According to the report, this violates Paragraph 601 of the Financial Regulations, which says “All payment entries in the cash book/ account shall be vouched for on one of the prescribed treasury forms.

N/Assembly reacts

Reacting, spokesman of the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Austen Adesoro, who spoke to our reporter on telephone about the allegations, said the report was 2019 findings and that most of the issues have been taken care of.

Speaking on the matter, the Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Coordinator, Transparency International (TI) in Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, told Daily Trust that the development was unfortunate.

“It is unfortunate that the federal government, which claims to be fighting corruption its major governmental institutions are not complying with the laws of the federation to fighting corruption.

“The sad aspect of it is that the lawmakers that are supposed to be ensuring that the laws, regulations and policies of the government are adhered to are the ones not complying with the laws that they formulate for the nation.”

He said that there was no way the government could fight corruption when its major institutions appeared not to be in tandem with what they were doing to other agencies.

Daily Trust

Related Topics:Auditor-General Featured fraud N/Assembly

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Troops Rescue 92 Kidnapped Civilians, Defuse 3 IEDs in Borno

Published

2 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Trends Admin

Troops Rescue 92 Kidnapped Civilians, Defuse 3 IEDs in Borno

Maiduguri, Nigeria – The military high command has announced that troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have successfully rescued 92 kidnapped civilians and foiled an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) ambush mounted by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists during a swift rescue operation along the Buratai-Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State . The operation, executed on Saturday, May 23, 2026, demonstrated the military’s enhanced surveillance capability and combat readiness in the ongoing fight against insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East region.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the operation followed the detection of terrorists forcibly herding civilians and vehicles off the road into surrounding bushes. The military explained that at approximately 11:22 am, vigilant troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion deployed in Dutse Kura identified the movement of the terrorists through surveillance systems and immediately activated a Quick Reaction Force . Reinforcement troops from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison were also mobilized to support the rescue effort, ensuring that sufficient manpower was deployed to overwhelm the terrorist group.

The troops reportedly pursued the terrorists towards the Mangari-Dora general area, engaging them in a fierce firefight that forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee in disarray. The military confirmed that all 92 kidnapped victims, comprising 52 males, 33 females, and seven children, were rescued alongside eight vehicles recovered during the operation. The successful rescue came as a significant blow to the terrorist network, which has increasingly resorted to highway abductions as a tactic to disrupt civilian movement and generate revenue through ransom demands.

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As the fleeing terrorists attempted to slow down the advancing troops and prevent the rescue of their captives, they planted three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the Bula Zarma-Mangari axis in what was described as a calculated ambush attempt. However, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team of Operation Hadin Kai promptly responded to the threat, detecting and safely detonating all three devices before they could cause any harm. The successful clearance of the IEDs enabled troops to continue their pursuit for approximately five kilometers beyond the Mangari area , demonstrating the military’s ability to overcome terrorist obstacles in real-time.

The military confirmed that subsequent search operations conducted across the area verified that the terrorists had abandoned their captives, vehicles, and operational objectives before fleeing in confusion. Notably, Operation Hadin Kai troops recorded no personnel or equipment casualties throughout the entire rescue operation, a testament to the professionalism and tactical superiority of the Nigerian military forces involved. The rescued civilians were immediately consolidated, provided with welfare support including food, water, and medical attention, and escorted safely to Damaturu, where they were released to continue their journey.

The military noted that the successful operation further demonstrated the operational reach, surveillance capability, and combat readiness of Operation Hadin Kai. The military high command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and denying terrorists freedom of action across the North-East Theatre , issuing a stern warning to terrorist groups that attempts to kidnap or intimidate civilians will be met with “swift and overwhelming force.”

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This successful rescue operation comes amid intensified military offensives against terrorist groups in Borno State. Between May 15 and 21, 2026, troops neutralized terrorists during clearance operations in Gwoza Local Government Area and arrested suspected collaborators involved in insurgent logistics. Several terrorists and their family members have also surrendered to troops due to sustained operational pressure, indicating that the military’s strategy of continuous offensives is yielding results.

In a separate operation along the Ngoshe–Amuda axis in Gwoza Local Government Area, troops recently rescued four abducted persons, including a three-year-old child, who had been kidnapped during an attack on the Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026. So far, a total of 65 abducted persons have been rescued in ongoing operations across the theatre, highlighting the military’s sustained focus on hostage rescue as a core component of its counter-insurgency strategy.

Additionally, on May 23, 2026, troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion and allied forces repelled an attack by suspected terrorists who attempted to infiltrate a military position in Kirawa town along the Nigeria-Cameroon border. At least 12 suspected terrorists were killed in the ensuing gunfight, and troops recovered weapons including AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and a machine gun. The successful border defense operation further underscores the military’s ability to secure Nigeria’s international boundaries against terrorist incursions.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified ongoing military operations across the country, recording significant successes against terrorists, kidnappers, gunrunners, and other criminal elements. Under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, troops continue to dismantle insurgent camps, intercept logistics supply routes, recover weapons, and rescue kidnapped victims. The military has urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information on suspicious activities or objects to security agencies, emphasizing that community collaboration remains essential in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

As of May 25, 2026, Operation Hadin Kai maintains its commitment to restoring peace, security, and economic stability in the North-East region, assuring the public that all necessary measures are being taken to neutralize threats and safeguard lives and property. The successful rescue of 92 civilians serves as a clear message that the Nigerian military remains a formidable force against terrorism and will not relent until every captive is freed and every terrorist is brought to justice.

Troops Rescue 92 Kidnapped Civilians, Defuse 3 IEDs in Borno

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BBNaija’s Phyna Exposes Alleged WhatsApp Chats, Accuses VeryDarkMan of Sexual Advances, Retaliation

Published

14 hours ago

May 24, 2026

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BBNaija’s Phyna Exposes Alleged WhatsApp Chats, Accuses VeryDarkMan of Sexual Advances, Retaliation

Former Big Brother Naija winner Phyna has released screenshots of alleged WhatsApp conversations in which social activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) appears to make crude sexual advances toward her, including a message that read: “If we fuck, fine; if we don’t, bye.” The reality star, whose full name is Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, accused the outspoken online critic of later turning against her after she rejected his overtures.

In the screenshots shared via her official social media handles, a contact saved as “Vdmmmm” sent a series of sexually explicit texts. Among them: “Growing up I just say I’m sexually attracted to you,” “I always add sexually,” and “Make we fuck.” Phyna’s responses in the chat show her declining the alleged request. She replied: “I wasn’t interested” and accused the activist of lying and manipulation.

Phyna further claimed that after she turned him down, VeryDarkMan weaponized unrelated personal matters to damage her public image. “All this time I’ve been saying you lied, you refused to reply,” she wrote. “Can’t wait for your downfall because you are EVIL.” She also alleged that VDM involved a mutual contact—referred to as “friend blacky”—to pressure her, and later exploited a controversy involving her sister and a Dangote truck accident as a means of retaliation. “The worst lie a man can tell is to lie to someone to get their feelings,” Phyna wrote. “You choose my sister’s birthday of all days to divert attention.”

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The leaked exchanges have ignited fierce debate online. Some social media users condemned the circulation of private chats, while others argued that the messages, if authentic, reveal a pattern of coercive and manipulative behavior. As of press time, VeryDarkMan had not issued any formal response to the specific WhatsApp screenshots or the allegations of romantic advances. His representatives could not be reached for comment.

The controversy adds to a growing list of public confrontations between Nigerian celebrities and online activists. Phyna had previously sought VDM’s help regarding a legal issue involving her sister, but that relationship has since collapsed. Observers note that allegations involving rejected advances followed by online retaliation often raise serious questions about privacy, consent, and the misuse of digital influence.

While the screenshots have circulated widely, no independent forensic verification of the WhatsApp exchanges has been conducted. Both parties have not provided call recordings or additional metadata to authenticate the timeline of messages. The development remains a he-said-she-said dispute, though Phyna has urged the public to review the chats and draw their own conclusions.

BBNaija’s Phyna Exposes Alleged WhatsApp Chats, Accuses VeryDarkMan of Sexual Advances, Retaliation

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Nigerian Troops Deployed to Cotonou as Benin Republic Swears in President Wadagni

Published

16 hours ago

May 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigerian Troops Deployed to Cotonou as Benin Republic Swears in President Wadagni

COTONOU – Nigerian military personnel have been stationed at key locations across Cotonou, Republic of Benin, ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Romuald Wadagni, which began at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, marking a significant political transition for the West African nation. Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagozola Makama, citing informed sources, disclosed that Nigerian Army troops were positioned as part of the frontline security architecture for the event. The deployment is aimed at protecting the inauguration venue and other vulnerable and strategic locations within Benin’s commercial hub. “The deployment forms part of coordinated regional security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free inauguration ceremony expected to attract high-profile dignitaries, heads of government, diplomats and foreign delegations from across Africa and beyond,” Makama said.

The deployment of Nigerian soldiers to Benin Republic follows an official announcement by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who disclosed that troops were deployed under Operations Atileyin Alaafia 1 and 2 to defend democracy, ensure security, and support peaceful electoral processes in the West African sub-region. Speaking at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja on Monday, May 18, 2026, Shaibu stated: “Consequently, we have continued to disrupt criminals network, degrade adversary capabilities and restore relative calm in previously volatile areas. We are also not oblivious of the security situation around our contiguous countries with Nigeria, which necessitate the deployment of troops for Operation Atileyin Alaafia 1 and 2 to restore democracy, ensure security, and the peaceful conduct of elections in the Republic of Benin.” The army chief emphasized the importance of sustaining collaboration among security agencies and regional partners in addressing evolving security threats across the sub-region. “Equally important is the need to deepen joint and interagency cooperation while integrating technology, innovation, and real-time intelligence into our operations,” he added. The Nigerian Army would continue to promote intelligence sharing, strategic partnerships, and collaborative mechanisms designed to deny criminal and terrorist groups freedom of action within Nigeria and across neighbouring countries.

Sources further revealed that security had been reinforced around major roads, public institutions, strategic facilities and the Presidential Palace district in Cotonou ahead of the swearing-in ceremony. Surveillance activities and patrol operations were also stepped up before the commencement of the ceremony. The swearing-in ceremony represents Wadagni’s assumption of a seven-year constitutional term as President of the Republic of Benin. Benin’s official inauguration ceremonies typically follow a traditional state protocol, comprising the official handover of power and transfer of the presidential sash and insignia at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou, followed by a ceremonial motorcade procession to the Charles de Gaulle Stadium in Porto-Novo, the country’s constitutional capital. Wadagni’s running mate, Mariam Chabi Talata, was also sworn in as Vice President during the ceremonies.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has meanwhile arrived in Cotonou on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the inauguration ceremony. Shettima, accompanied by senior government officials and aides, is participating in the event as a special guest of the Beninese authorities. Upon arrival at the Cardinal Bernadin Gantin International Airport, he was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin, S.E.M Olushegun Adjadi Bakari; Ambassador-designate of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, Amb. Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim; and other senior diplomatic staff of the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou. In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, the Nigerian delegation is expected to join other African leaders and international dignitaries attending the ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou. The statement added that the occasion highlights the enduring diplomatic, economic and socio-cultural relationship between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. Both countries maintain longstanding bilateral ties built on regional commerce, border management, security cooperation and shared ECOWAS objectives.

The deployment of Nigerian troops to Benin Republic fits within a broader framework of regional security cooperation. The Nigerian government has emphasized that regional peace, stability and deeper integration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) remain key priorities for President Tinubu’s administration amid evolving political and security challenges across the sub-region. “Of importance to Nigeria is also the stability, peace, and deepened integration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to which President Tinubu has remained committed since assumption of office despite its challenges,” the Presidency stated. In addition to military deployment, Nigeria has been actively seeking stronger cross-border cooperation mechanisms to tackle terrorism and transnational crime. At a recent ECOWAS Cross Border Cooperation meeting in Abuja, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission emphasized that deeper regional integration would enhance joint security operations, improve resource sharing and promote socio-economic development among border communities across West Africa. The ECOWAS Cross Border Cooperation programme, first adopted by Heads of State and Government in January 2006, provides opportunities for joint security operations capable of guaranteeing peace, security and stability within border areas.

Security analysts note that north-eastern Benin shares a border with north-western Nigeria, where armed jihadist groups have expanded their operations in recent months. The troop deployment follows Senate approval granted in December 2025, when the upper legislative chamber endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to Benin Republic as part of a regional peace-stabilisation mission aimed at protecting democratic institutions and preventing an “unconstitutional seizure” of power. This is not the first time the countries have collaborated on security matters. In February 2026, high-ranking military officials from both countries met in Cotonou to formalise bilateral security cooperation to counter terrorist groups along their shared border, with the security strategy reportedly including coordinating border patrols, sharing intelligence, conducting joint operations, and increasing monitoring of cross-border flows.

Vice President Shettima is expected back in Nigeria after the conclusion of the inauguration events. President Tinubu has repeatedly affirmed Nigeria’s support for regional stability, democratic governance and deeper integration within West Africa. As President Wadagni assumes office for his seven-year term, the presence of Nigerian troops under Operation Atileyin Alaafia 1 and 2 is expected to continue, focusing on restoring democracy, ensuring security, and maintaining peaceful processes in the Republic of Benin.