metro
ICPC investigates reported students’ loan scandal
ICPC investigates reported students’ loan scandal
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched an investigation into the management of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
The probe followed an alarm raised two weeks ago by the Director-General (DG) of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, that the universities were trying to sabotage the Tinubu-led government on the students’ loan scheme.
He said anti-corruption agencies in the country had been alerted to scrutinise activities of some tertiary institutions that were “colluding with banks to sabotage the student loan scheme”.
The development came after an earlier alarm raised by the NELFUND accusing some higher education institutions of withholding information about student loan disbursements from beneficiaries.
Akintunde Sawyerr, managing director of NELFUND, said they discovered that some institutions were failing to notify students when loan payments are made.
He added that these institutions were still demanding fee payments from the affected students, causing confusion.
Sawyerr described the practice as “unethical” and a “direct violation” of NELFUND’s principles and warned that legal action would be taken against any institution found to be engaging in such “deceptive practices”.
He called on all institutions to be transparent and work with the fund to ensure the loan scheme’s success.
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In a follow up to NELFUND action, the NOA through its Deputy Director of Communications and Media, Paul Odenyi, said its investigation confirmed the development.
He said the action raised “serious concerns over transparency and accountability in the new student loan scheme”.
Quoting its DG, Mallam Issa-Onilu, NOA said the report was based on findings by Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMO) across the country.
In an interview on Arise Television, Issa-Onilu said the affected higher institutions were under the radar of anti-graft agencies.
“We also heard of some schools that charge some fees, processing or so-called fees, for the students to access the funds. Something that you played no role in.
“We see a lot of students complaining that it is only after they have made payment that they discover that NELFUND has paid for the tuition. And schools did not inform them.
“We had to relate to NELFUND, and we found out it was not news to NELFUND, and NELFUND was actually dealing with the issues already.
“As I speak, the anti-corruption agencies have been put on notice by NELFUND. Now, students can track from application to disbursement by themselves; schools cannot do that anymore.
“It is so sad that any institution would be involved in this kind of thing. It is like sabotaging the citizens; let’s not even talk about the government. It is about sabotaging ourselves,” he stated.
The scheme
It would be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enacted an initial version of the student loan policy in June 2023 to grant interest-free loans to students.
The scheme was to commence in October 2023, but implementation was repeatedly deferred until a re-enactment in April 2024.
NELFUND opened the loan application portal in May 2024, at which time a pilot phase to serve federal tertiary institutions began.
Reports indicate that some students experienced delays in the disbursement of funds, even after being approved.
There have also been inconsistencies reported in the amounts disbursed compared to actual school fees, creating confusion about repayment obligations.
ICPC investigates reported students’ loan scandal
metro
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.
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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.
The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
metro
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
metro
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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