News
Enhancing Anti-Corruption Efforts: Unraveling The Detention Of AbdulRasheed Bawa
In a significant development, a consortium of prominent Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organizations has expressed deep concern over the suspension and confinement of AbdulRasheed Bawa, the former Chair of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
These groups have raised pertinent issues, underlining the necessity for transparency and equity in this process.
AbdulRasheed Bawa, who previously spearheaded the operations of EFCC, was apprehended by the Department of State Services (DSS) on June 14th.
Of particular concern is the glaring absence of formal charges or clarifications regarding his detainment up to the present day.
These organizations vehemently denounce this opacity and the lack of public engagement in this matter, asserting that such actions undermine the core tenets of justice and due process cherished by the nation.
In an official press release, the coalition has drawn attention to allegations against Bawa, originating from politicians presently aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and political party.
While the coalition acknowledges the gravity of these accusations, it remains circumspect about their timing and potential political motivations.
It emphatically advocates that the pursuit of justice must not be overshadowed by partisan interests, calling for a meticulous and impartial investigation and prosecution of the suspended Chairman, in the event of substantiated serious wrongdoings.
Shining a light on a disconcerting trend within the realm of EFCC leadership, these groups have underscored that former chairpersons such as Nuhu Ribadu, Farida Waziri, Ibrahim Lamorde, and Ibrahim Magu have all faced contentious dismissals from their positions.
The prolonged detention of AbdulRasheed Bawa without a proper trial raises even graver apprehensions and concerns.
The coalition contends that this prolonged confinement, devoid of due process, not only tarnishes the integrity of the fight against corruption but also casts doubts upon the motivations behind these actions.
These organizations posit that this situation conveys an alarming message about the nation’s commitment to eradicating corruption.
It prompts contemplation on whether the anti-corruption crusade remains potent when its leaders are subjected to vague allegations and prolonged incarceration.
Moreover, this incident gives rise to questions about the fairness of the judicial system and its susceptibility to political influence.
Additionally, the coalition spotlights the recurring pattern where no EFCC chairman has completed their term without facing allegations from politicians and eventual ousting from office without formal charges.
This pattern of allegations arouses suspicions about the underlying motivations behind these claims and the potential implications for the legitimacy of anti-corruption endeavors.
The consortium, however, urges the relevant authorities to promptly address these concerns, conduct an open and just inquiry, and uphold the principles of justice and the rule of law that serve as the bedrock of the nation’s prosperity.
As the nation eagerly awaits further updates on this unfolding narrative, the Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organizations underscore the importance of meticulously examining the circumstances surrounding AbdulRasheed Bawa’s suspension and confinement.
The inquiries posed by the coalition resonate with public discourse, advocating for a comprehensive exploration of the matter.
By Abubakar Yunusa
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has further reduced the ex-gantry price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N835 per litre.
According to sources at the refinery, the plant dropped the price of the petrol sold to oil marketers to N835 per litre, six days after the refinery reduced it to N865 per litre.
“The refinery reduced the price of the petrol to N835 per litre,” a source told TheCable.
The reduction in Dangote petrol price followed an announcement by the federal government on April 9, that the naira-for-crude oil deal will continue after the first phase ended on March 31.
“The stakeholders reaffirmed the government’s continued commitment to the full implementation of this strategic initiative, as directed by the Federal Executive Council (FEC),” the finance ministry said.
“Thus, the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira initiative is not a temporary or time-bound intervention, but a key policy directive designed to support sustainable local refining, bolster energy security, and reduce reliance on foreign exchange in the domestic petroleum market.”
On April 15, Farouk Ahmed, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), said the estimated pump price of petrol in Nigeria is less than that of neighbouring countries in West Africa.
Ahmed also said Nigeria’s petrol importation reduced by 29.9 million litres in eight months due to increased contributions from local refineries.
Three suspected herdsmen have been arrested following the attacks that led to the killing of 11 persons at Otobi community in Otupko local government by suspected herdsmen.
Governor Hyacinth Alia disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists at the Government House in Makurdi, the state capital.
He expressed worry over the situation and called on security agencies to track down the perpetrators.
According to Alia, National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu, has promised to deploy more security assets to the State to arrest the renewed wave of attacks in the state, especially the Otukpo axis.
The governor also announced the deployment of security personnel to the affected area, with three suspected herdsmen arrested in connection with the Otobi killings.
According to the member representing Otukpo-Akpa Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Kennedy Angbo, nine corpses were recovered Tuesday night, followed by one in a hard-to-reach area later that evening.
By dawn Wednesday, other corpses were found, bringing the total number of fatalities to 11.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the state, particularly because the Otobi community—home to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources Multipurpose Dam—has now come under assault twice this April.
A security guard was previously killed at the dam site just days before this latest massacre.
Earlier, the governor sent his deputy, Samuel Ode, on an assessment tour to the devastated community.
He offered condolences to the grieving families and reassured residents of the state government’s commitment to tackling the spate of violent attacks across rural areas.
Ode also made some cash donations to carter for some immediate relief while the state emergency management agency has been tasked to move in for needs assessment and provide emergency response to those in need.
The attack on Otobi is the latest in a disturbing string of assaults along the Otukpo-Ado Road, from Okpamaju to Asa One and Asa Two down to the Ebonyi State border.
At least 15 million Nigerians are at risk of flood disasters in 2025, Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed.
He made the disclosure at the commencement of a one-day Validation Workshop on the Anticipatory Action Framework for Nigeria held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser Abuja on Wednesday.
The Vice President, however, said the Federal Government is taking a proactive approach as against a reactive approach to forestall the disaster.
He emphasized the need for collaboration among all the agencies of government at the states and Federal Government level to tackle floods and other disasters in the country.
Some of Maiduguri communities submerged in flood following a leak in the Alau Dam in 2024.
VP Shettima decried that Nigeria loses 5 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to floods.
However, he disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the sum of N15 billion to be released for emergency responses.
The Vice President, who also condemned the recent heinous attacks in Plateau state, expressed the sympathy of President Bola Tinubu to the affected families.
He, however, advocated a non-kinetic approach to tackling the security challenges on the Plateau and North-East.
According to him, “There can never be a military solution to the crisis in Plateau, North-East.”
Last week, the Federal Government predicted heavy rains and floods in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The high-flood risk states are: Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, said coastal and riverine flooding would be experienced in some parts of the South-South geopolitical zone of the country due to a rise in sea level.
Among these states are Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers while Akwa-Ibom and Edo fall under the high-flood risk states.