News
Buhari seeks Senate approval to replace EFCC with new agency
President Muhammadu Buhari has commenced moves to replace the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with a new body, Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Agency.
President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, who read a letter from President Buhari on the proposed bill tagged: “Proceeds of Crime Bill”, said it would address the problem of lack of transparency and accountability associated with the management of recovered funds by anti-corruption agencies in the country.
In the letter, Buhari said the transmission of the piece of legislation to the National Assembly for consideration followed its approval by the Federal Executive Council.
According to the letter dated October 6, the agency would be critical in sustaining the fight against corruption, money laundering and illicit movement of stolen funds through the banking system and across Nigerian borders.
“An important feature of the bill is the creation of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Agency. The objectives of the agency include the enforcement and administration of the provisions of the bill and the coordination of the recovery and management of the proceeds and instrumentalities of unlawful activity in Nigeria in all collaboration with anti-corruption and other law enforcement agencies.
“Most importantly, the agency will ensure that Nigerians can benefit from proceeds of crime by ensuring that once recovery is made, the properties and assets will be secured and that the final forfeitures granted through a court order can be paid into the Confiscated and Forfeited Account to be domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria.”
If signed into law, the bill will stop the EFCC and six other anti-corruption agencies from securing freezing orders on suspicious bank accounts under investigation.
The other agencies are the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC); National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU); National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP); Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the police.
“The Proceeds of Crime Bill is essential and critical in building and enduring and sustainable foundation for the fight against corruption, money laundering and illicit movement of stolen funds through the banking system and across the Nigerian borders. The bill will also improve the ability of law enforcement agencies to seize, freeze, and confiscated stolen assets in Nigeria while observing all related constitutional and human rights laws,” the President said.
News
Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Seal New Defence Cooperation Deal to Boost Security
Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Seal New Defence Cooperation Deal to Boost Security
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening defence and military cooperation between both nations.
According to a statement issued by Ahmed Dan Wudil, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Defence, the agreement establishes a framework for strategic collaboration in key areas including military training, intelligence sharing, defence production, joint operations, and broader security development initiatives.
READ ALSO:
- Nationwide Glo Network Outage Disrupts Data Services Across Nigeria
- BREAKING: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Nigerian Troops to Benin
- Igbo Diaspora Groups Slam UK Govt Over Silence on Kanu’s Life Sentence
The pact was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, while Dr. Khaleed H. Al-Biyari represented the Government of Saudi Arabia.
The statement described the MoU as a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria–Saudi Arabia defence relations, enhancing cooperation on emerging threats, and improving collective capacity to manage evolving security challenges.
The Defence Ministry expressed optimism that the partnership will support existing efforts to combat insecurity across parts of the country. It added that the collaboration underscores Nigeria’s commitment to building strong international alliances in pursuit of national and regional stability.
Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Seal New Defence Cooperation Deal to Boost Security
News
BREAKING: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Nigerian Troops to Benin
BREAKING: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Nigerian Troops to Benin
The Nigerian Senate has granted President Bola Tinubu approval to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of a regional peacekeeping mission aimed at stabilising the neighbouring country after a recent failed coup attempt.
The Senate said the decision was necessary to safeguard democracy in Benin and prevent a potential influx of refugees through the Nigeria–Benin border should instability escalate.
President Tinubu’s request, contained in a letter dated 8 December 2025, was read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The President hinged the deployment request on Section 5(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers him to seek legislative approval for external military engagement.
When Akpabio subjected the motion to a voice vote, senators unanimously endorsed the request, giving the President full backing to proceed with the mission.
READ ALSO:
- Igbo Diaspora Groups Slam UK Govt Over Silence on Kanu’s Life Sentence
- Nigerian Army Foils Terrorist Attack in Sokoto, Neutralises 11 Gunmen
- BREAKING: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval to Deploy Nigerian Troops After Benin Coup Attempt
Akpabio explained that the deployment was made at the formal request of the Benin Republic government, which sought Nigeria’s assistance in restoring stability following a brief takeover attempt by renegade soldiers.
The crisis erupted on Sunday when a group of soldiers announced that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon’s democratically elected government. The coup was swiftly neutralised by Beninese authorities, with the soldiers arrested within hours of their broadcast.
In response to the attempted takeover, President Tinubu had earlier deployed Nigerian military fighter jets in support of Benin’s loyalist forces, helping to secure critical national assets and reinforce regional defence obligations.
The Senate’s approval now provides constitutional backing for the continuation of Nigeria’s military involvement in Benin, marking a significant step in West Africa’s ongoing efforts to counter unconstitutional changes of government.
BREAKING: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Nigerian Troops to Benin
News
BREAKING: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval to Deploy Nigerian Troops After Benin Coup Attempt
BREAKING: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval to Deploy Nigerian Troops After Benin Coup Attempt
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the approval of the Nigerian Senate to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin following the recent failed coup attempt in the neighbouring country.
The request, conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, was made pursuant to Section 5(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates Senate consent for external combat deployment. Tinubu said the move followed an official plea from the Beninese government after its security apparatus came under threat.
According to the President, the deployment aligns with Nigeria’s longstanding “ties of friendship and brotherhood” with Benin and reflects the nation’s commitment to regional peacekeeping, stability, and democratic governance in West Africa.
Coup Attempt in Benin and Nigeria’s Response
The crisis erupted when soldiers under the banner of the Military Committee for Refoundation, led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, seized the state television station in Cotonou and announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon. They declared the dissolution of state institutions and closure of borders.
READ ALSO:
- Imo Police Launch Manhunt After Gunmen Kill Driver, Abduct Motorists in Ngor-Okpala
- Tinubu Accused of Using Wike to Fuel PDP Turmoil, Says Emma Ogidi
- APC Strengthens Position Ahead of 2027 Elections With 26 Governors on Board
In response to a direct request from Benin, Nigeria swiftly deployed fighter jets and ground forces to assist loyalist troops in retaking key installations. The intervention, supported by the ECOWAS Standby Force, helped dislodge the mutineers and restore constitutional order.
Benin’s government later confirmed that the coup attempt had been foiled, with several of the plotters fleeing. The incident occurred as the country prepares for its April 2026 presidential election, sparking renewed concerns about political stability across the sub-region.
Senate Debate and Regional Implications
Tinubu’s request has stirred debate among legal analysts and political commentators. While supporters argue that the President acted within constitutional limits due to the urgency of the situation, critics question whether deploying troops abroad without prior approval is permissible under Nigerian law.
The unfolding situation carries significant implications for ECOWAS security, Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa, and future responses to rising instability across the region. With multiple coups in neighbouring nations in recent years, the swift action in Benin is seen as a renewed effort to deter unconstitutional power grabs.
The Senate is expected to formally deliberate on the President’s request within the constitutionally required timeframe.
BREAKING: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval to Deploy Nigerian Troops After Benin Coup Attempt
-
Africa2 days agoBREAKING: Soldiers Announce Coup in Benin Republic, Declare President Patrice Talon Removed
-
Business2 days agoDangote urges wealthy Nigerians to invest in industries, not luxury cars, private jets
-
metro3 days agoAkpabio denies filing new ₦200bn lawsuit against Natasha
-
Education3 days agoFG Clarifies WAEC Subject Selection, Says Students Free to Choose Across All Fields
-
Africa2 days agoDozen Soldiers Held as Benin Govt Thwarts Coup Against President Patrice Talon
-
International3 days agoDoctor Charged With Sexually Assaulting 38 Patients in West Midlands Hospitals
-
Politics3 days agoOmisore Slams APC Disqualification, Calls Screening Panel Report “A Huge Joke”
-
metro1 day agoOperation Whirl Stroke: Soldiers smash robbery gang, free abducted commuters in Taraba
You must be logged in to post a comment Login