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Lawmakers ask EFCC to recover N103bn, $950,000 from indicted 31 MDAs
Lawmakers ask EFCC to recover N103bn, $950,000 from indicted 31 MDAs
The House of Representatives has indicted 31 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) over financial irregularities amounting to over N103.8 billion and $950,912.05.
This is as the House has also asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission to go after the MDAs to recover the funds and remit to the treasury.
This was sequel to a motion sponsored by Rep. Bamidele Salam, on Tuesday, based on the findings of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) during its review of the Auditor-General’s Annual Reports for the years ending December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2020, including findings related to internal control weaknesses and non-compliance within government entities.
In line with the Standing Orders of the House, the adopted recommendations aim to ensure accountability by mandating the recovery of public funds and imposing sanctions where necessary.
Among the institutions cited in the 2019 recommendations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was indicted for unauthorised spending on a presidential lodge project at the Nigerian Embassy in Ethiopia.
The committee demanded that over N124 million and nearly $795,000 be refunded to the federal treasury.
Additional sums, including N31.7 million and $155,923.00, were also flagged as illegally expended without appropriation.
The ministry was instructed to recover N49.4 million paid for renovation without following procurement procedures, and N9.2 million disbursed to embassy officials without proper documentation.
Also, the Bank of Agriculture was indicted over uncollected debts amounting to N75.6 billion.
The committee directed the management to publish the list of debtors in at least three national newspapers and called on anti-corruption agencies to recover the outstanding funds.
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An additional N350 million must be recovered and evidence submitted within 90 days.
The Nigeria Correctional Service was instructed to recover and remit N7.47 million in unpaid withholding taxes.
In the same vein, the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) was directed to retrieve eight official vehicles and ensure the return of four operational vehicles unlawfully retained by the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
NEPZA was also cited for procurement violations totaling over N12 million, with sanctions recommended against the accounting officer responsible.
Kwali Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory was indicted for payments totaling N82 million made to 105 unidentified beneficiaries.
The former Council Chairman was asked to recover and remit the funds to the federal treasury with supporting evidence submitted to the committee.
The Nigeria Customs Service was instructed to work with the Accountant-General of the Federation to produce a detailed list of all items credited to both the Federation and Non-Federation Accounts to ensure transparent accounting.
At the Rural Electrification Agency, financial infractions totaling over N1.3 billion were uncovered.
The former Managing Director was ordered to refund N394 million expended on electrification projects not approved by the agency’s Tender Board.
Additional sums, including N4.2 million spent on unauthorised publicity and N969 million transferred to the Eurobond ledger without authorisation, were also flagged, with disciplinary measures recommended for responsible officers.
The Veterinary Council of Nigeria was cited for unremitted stamp duties and internally generated revenue.
The council ordered to recover N1.1 million in stamp duties from contractors and remit over N19 million in outstanding funds, including unremitted IGR and excess payments, to the Federal Inland Revenue Service and Consolidated Revenue Fund.
On its part, the Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NCSL) in Abuja was directed to refund over N1 billion in total, including N95 million in unremitted taxes collected between 2012 and 2018.
The former Managing Director was directed to recover N250 million misappropriated by contractors and staff, refund unauthorised procurement advances, and remit outstanding staff and trade debts totaling nearly N700 million.
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The Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc was found to have disbursed N14.4 billion in unapproved salaries and allowances.
The committee ordered a full recovery of these payments and an additional N432 million representing under-deducted employee allowances.
Furthermore, N91.5 million spent on ICT procurement without clearance from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) must also be refunded.
The committee in its 2020 indicted a number of MDAs and recommended that billions of naira in unremitted funds be remitted to the federal treasury.
The Ministry of Petroleum Resources was directed to refund N12.3 million for unauthorised cash advances above the N200,000 limit.
It is also to refund N373.4 million for unapproved virements and N66.7 million used without prepayment audit.
Also, the ministry was asked to retrieve an official Toyota Prado (Reg. No. A1803FG) from the Transport Officer within 21 days.
A host of other ministries, departments and agencies were also indicted and asked to refund the monies to the federal treasury.
The House while adopting the committee’s report, called on various anti-corruption agencies including the EFCC, ICPC, and FIRS to recover the funds.
The committee further emphasized the urgent need to empower agency heads to appoint external auditors in the absence of governing boards, suggesting an amendment to the Financial Regulations or a circular to be issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu presiding over the sitting, alongside other lawmakers, commended Rep. Bamidele Salam and the Committee members for their meticulous and rigorous efforts in producing a comprehensive and impactful report.
Lawmakers ask EFCC to recover N103bn, $950,000 from indicted 31 MDAs
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Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade
Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade
Authorities in Benue State have launched an investigation following a disturbing incident at Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Aliade, where a female student was reportedly harassed and assaulted by her peers. The event has raised serious concerns over student safety and supervision in the state’s schools.
According to preliminary reports, the victim, a female student at the school, was subjected to inappropriate treatment by a group of classmates while on school premises. The incident came to light after other students alerted the school authorities, prompting the administration to notify local law enforcement.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed that officers have begun a formal investigation. Police spokespersons said statements are being taken from witnesses, and the identities of those involved are being verified. Officials have emphasized that the safety and well-being of all students remain a top priority.
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School management has pledged full cooperation with authorities, stating that disciplinary measures will be taken against any student found responsible, while also offering counselling services for both the victim and other students affected by the incident. Parents and community leaders have condemned the act, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of students’ rights.
Child protection experts have stressed that incidents like this highlight the urgent need for robust safety policies, awareness programs, and reporting mechanisms within schools. They recommend that schools implement regular workshops on respect, personal boundaries, and peer conflict resolution to prevent future occurrences.
The case has sparked broader discussions across Benue State about the responsibilities of school administrators, teachers, and guardians in protecting students from harassment and ensuring a safe learning environment.
Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will be thorough, and anyone found culpable will face legal consequences in accordance with Nigerian law.
Benue School Harassment: Authorities Investigate Assault on Female Student at Seat of Wisdom Aliade
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Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River
Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River
Tension has gripped Ogoja following the alleged killing of a 26-year-old woman, Moshie Igu, by her boyfriend, sparking a violent protest in Cross River and renewed concerns over gender-based violence in Nigeria.
According to the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect, 35-year-old Malime Ejor, allegedly carried out the attack in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, at a farm in Nwang Village, Ekajuk community.
Police spokesperson Sunday Eitokpah disclosed that preliminary findings show the suspect reportedly lured the victim to a nearby stream, where he attacked her with a machete, leading to her death.
Operatives responded swiftly after the incident was reported, arresting the suspect and rescuing him from an attempted mob action by enraged youths at the scene. He is currently in custody, while arrangements are being made to deposit the victim’s remains at the General Hospital mortuary in Ogoja. The police further confirmed that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for a thorough and discreet investigation.
The situation escalated on Monday when hundreds of women and youths from Nwang I & II and other parts of the Ekajuk clan staged a protest, demanding the release of the suspect. The demonstrators marched to the Area Command in Ogoja, but the protest soon turned violent, with some protesters attacking officers and vandalising property, including a vehicle and parts of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) facility.
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Security operatives were forced to deploy smoke canisters to disperse the crowd, while at least eight individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest. Authorities say the situation is now under control, and in a bid to ease tensions, those arrested during the protest were later released to a community leader.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice, stressing that the suspect remains in custody and will face due legal process. With the case set for transfer to SCID, authorities are expected to deepen investigations and prepare for prosecution.
The incident has sparked fresh conversations around femicide, domestic violence, and the increasing cases of relationship-related killings in Nigeria. Analysts warn that attempts by communities to interfere in criminal investigations—such as demanding the release of suspects—could undermine justice and embolden perpetrators.
Residents and stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, as calls for justice for the victim continue to grow.
Violent Protest in Ogoja After Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend in Cross River
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Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests
Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests
Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, killing at least 13 people and abducting an unspecified number of guests.
The incident occurred late Sunday night in Kaduna State when heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire on attendees gathered for the celebration.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers arrived at about 11:47 p.m., shooting indiscriminately inside the wedding hall and causing widespread panic. A resident, Shehu Bala, said some guests sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.
According to reports, the gunmen operated for nearly an hour without resistance, leaving several casualties in their wake.
Injured victims were initially taken to Kagarko General Hospital, while those with critical injuries were later transferred to medical facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.
A community leader confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the attack and have since been buried. He added that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of those abducted by the assailants.
The attackers were also said to have looted shops within the community, carting away food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist during the raid.
“The entire community was thrown into panic due to the heavy gunfire, forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes,” the community leader said.
Police authorities in Kagarko have confirmed the incident but stated that investigations are still ongoing, particularly regarding the number of abducted victims. The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the attack, noting that a comprehensive report would be released upon conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside a serving senator, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.
Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests
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