By Premium Times

Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has dismissed 27 of its officers from service for fraud and other acts of misconduct.

In a statement, the agency said the purge followed the recommendation of the 

EFCC’s staff disciplinary committee ratified by the chairperson of the commission, Ola Olukoyede.

However, the statement did not reveal the identities of the 27 affected officials and the cases against them, a repeat of a similar announcement by Olukoyede in November 2024 on the dismissal of two corrupt officials of the agency.

The agency only promised to investigate all allegations of fraud and misconduct levelled against its officials.

“Every modicum of allegation against any staff of the commission would always be investigated, including a trending $400,000 claim of a yet-to-be-identified supposed staff of the EFCC against a sectional head. The core values of the commission are sacrosanct and would always be held in optimal regard at all times,” the statement said.

In October last year, shortly after his appointment as the EFCC’s chairman, Olukoyede, who had served as the secretary of the agency and ex-chief of staff to the commission’s chair for a cumulative four years, asked staff members to declare their assets and prepare for investigations.

“We will declare our assets, and we are going to investigate it. We must live above board by setting the pace with good examples. As anti- corruption fighters, our hands must be clean, so we must declare our assets,” he said at the corporate headquarters of the commission in Abuja while addressing senior staff of the EFCC on 24 October.

The gesture came as an acknowledgement that there were corrupt officials in the agency, confirming public perceptions of involvement of many operatives in corrupt activities.

Meanwhile, the EFCC has faced criticism on different occasions over concealing vital details in cases when the public expected full disclosure.

The latest case was when the commission announced the recovery of a vast estate in Abuja measuring 150,500 square metres with 753 units of duplexes and other apartments but withheld the names.

By Emmanuel Agbo

The police have arrested about 50 persons suspected to be involved in the theft of manhole covers in Abuja.

The arrests followed a coordinated raid on the Kabusa Pantaker Market on Sunday, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command said on its X handle.

The police said, “Investigations have revealed that these individuals operate as part of a larger network, selling stolen manhole covers to scrap dealers.

“This criminal activity endangers the lives of the general public by creating hazards on roads and walkways while undermining the integrity of public infrastructure.”

The police also said the operation also led to the recovery of three vehicles, vandalised solar street lights, galvanised rods used in the construction of flyovers, and various tools allegedly employed in the destruction of public infrastructure. 

The raid extended to several scrap metal hubs in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi, and Wuse.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, in a statement on Monday, described the theft of the manhole covers as a significant threat to public safety and a strain on government resources.

“It is unacceptable that amenities provided for the use of Nigerians are being stolen and sold, endangering lives and wasting funds meant for development,” he said.

He added that the theft of manhole covers could cause many accidents for unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians.

The stolen covers were specifically designed to withstand heavy vehicular traffic and are crucial for the proper functioning of the city’s drainage system.

By Nosakhale Akhimien

Last week, Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus broke down in tears and expressed her desire to have children of her own.

The 42-year-old actress wept during a “Feed The Needy” outreach – an initiative she organised in collaboration with the president’s son and entrepreneur Seyi Tinubu to support underserved communities in Lagos.

In the now-trending video, the actress addressed the audience: “Please always mention me in your prayers. I’m waiting upon the Lord for children. Please pray for me and more opportunities so that I can serve you better. 

“With your prayers and God by my side, I will work continuously with you all and achieve a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow for many of our people.”

Badmus, who is special adviser to the Speaker of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Tajudeen Abass, continued: “Thank you today, always and forever.” Visibly fighting back tears, the actress poured out her heart, urging fans to keep her in their prayers.

In a 2016 interview with Encomium, Badmus revealed that she was dating but declined to share further details, emphasising that she did not want to rush into or out of marriage.

A circulated fake wedding photo in 2015 sparked marriage rumours, but she later debunked the news. Similarly, the actress issued disclaimers denying romantic links to rapper Iceberg Slim and singer Davido.

Her fans and supporters have encouraged her through prayers and messages of hope.

The actress, who is single, did not highlight how she intends to pursue her desires.

By Premium Times

A deadly explosion has gone off at a school located in an Abuja suburb, killing one student and injuring four others, those familiar with the incident have told Premium Times.

A security source said the incident occurred at about noon on Monday at an Islamiyyah school in the Kuchibiyu Community of Bwari Area Council, about 42 km from the Abuja city centre.

Another source said emergency and security personnel, including the police bomb disposal squad, have arrived at the scene of the explosion while the injured victims have been rushed to hospital.

The police are yet to comment on the incident, so details of the explosion remain sketchy. Multiple calls to the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory’s Command of the Nigeria Police, Josephine Adeh, did not connect.

However, a security source said: “The dead student, whose identity is yet to be ascertained, bore the substance suspected to be an IED while it exploded and injured the other students, thereby causing pandemonium in the centre”. Authorities at the school could not be reached at this time.

Our source added that “the students involved were recently admitted into the school and they resumed on 3rd January”.

By Chinagorom Ugwu

A Nigerian Catholic priest, Joseph Enyiaka, has allegedly shot a boy dead after the latter set off firecrackers within a church premises.

Premium Times learned that the incident happened during a Holy Mass celebration, marking the crossover to the New Year 2025.

Sources said the Holy Mass was conducted at St Columbus Parish Amaimo, in Ikeduru, Imo State, South-east Nigeria.

However, Premium Times could not confirm the name of the slain victim by the time this report was filed.

Henry Okoye, the state’s police spokesperson, confirmed the development in a message on Thursday.

“A detailed investigation has been initiated to ascertain the remote facts surrounding the incident,” Okoye, said.

The police spokesperson said the police have arrested the Catholic priest over the incident. And when asked about the circumstances of the incident and how the cleric got the rifle.

“I don’t know if the act was intentional. I don’t think so. But we are still investigating,” he responded.

The Nigeria Police Force has banned fireworks, which are often set off during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, had on 1 December 2024 reiterated the ban on the sale, use, and distribution of firecrackers in the state.

“This measure, in place for some time, is essential for public safety, preventing injuries, and reducing the risks of fires and accidents caused by fireworks,” Danjuma had said.

By Chinagorom Ugwu

An Anglican Bishop who was declared missing in Anambra State has resurfaced.

The cleric, Godwin Okpala, is a retired archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi.

Okpala, a professor, went missing alongside his driver on 6 December, the church authorities had announced.

He embarked on a journey to Umuchu alongside the driver but failed to return. And there were speculations that both men were abducted by kidnappers.

The cleric and his driver resurfaced barely one month after they were declared missing.

The cleric gave an indication of his return in a post on his Facebook page on Thursday morning

“Praise The Lord!” he wrote on his Facebook page, apparently indicating his return.

Several Facebook users expressed happiness over the return of the cleric.

About four hours later, the Anglican Church confirmed the release of the cleric via a post on its Facebook page.

“Breaking News: Archbishop Godwin Okpala and driver Safely released,” the church wrote, suggesting that the cleric was kidnapped and has been released.

“The church and the wider community are rejoicing over the safe return of Archbishop Godwin Okpala and his driver, a testament to the power of faith, prayer, and community solidarity,” the church added.

The church said the incident highlighted the need for police reforms and the implementation of state and community policing systems to address the growing threats of abductions and violence in the South-east.

Meanwhile, details of Okpala’s whereabouts and return, alongside his driver, remain sketchy as of the time of this report.

By Beloved John

The Nigerian government has issued a travel advisory cautioning citizens against travelling to Australia, citing widespread incidents of verbal abuse, harassment, and discrimination targeting foreigners.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the advisory after a similar warning from the Australian government warning its citizens against travelling to Nigeria.

The ministry said there has been a recent surge in antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes in Australia that has heightened the risk of violence.

It said one such case was the vandalisation of a Jewish neighbourhood in Sydney in December 2024.

CNN reported that vandals set a car on fire and sprayed graffiti with anti-Israel slogans, including a misspelled “Kill Israiel” in an area considered to be Australia’s largest Jewish community.

The ministry described the incident as a part of a broader increase in both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents in Australia, also “coinciding with international conflicts and tensions.”

“Nigerians are therefore advised to be mindful of the prevailing cultural and social dynamics to ensure their safety and comfort…”

The advisory issued by the ministry is considered retaliatory as it came after the Australian government warned its citizens against visiting Nigeria due to escalating security concerns.

In a separate statement, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade attributed its travel warning to concerns over terrorism, kidnapping, unsafe consumables, poor health intervention, violent crimes, and the potential for civil unrest.

It described Nigeria’s security environment as both volatile and unpredictable, noting that it could either be indiscriminate or target foreigners.

“Nigeria has strict laws against same-sex relationships. Avoid public displays of affection and cross-dressing. In Sharia law states, there are harsh punishments for same-sex relationships, adultery or public expression deemed blasphemous or religiously disrespectful,” the advisory read.

The advisory specifically identified states such as Adamawa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara as “do not travel” zones due to elevated security threats.

By Tunde Eludini

Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been dealt a devastating blow, losing his mother barely two months after the passing of his father.

Nwabali shared the heartbreaking news on X on New Year’s day, writing, “Rip mom, worst year of my life already” accompanied by tears and heartbreak emojis.

This emotional post came just hours after he shared a 2024 recap video, expressing optimism for the new year.

“2024 was a good year, we’re doubling everything in 2025. Thank you Chippa United FC. Thank you Super Eagles. Thanks to all my fans. Let’s do more!” he had written earlier.

Nwabali’s father died in November, just hours after the goalkeeper helped the Super Eagles secure a crucial point in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic.

The goalkeeper’s bravery on the field was evident as he manned the goalpost despite his personal loss.

His teammates, fans, and well-wishers rallied around him, offering condolences and support.

With the loss of both parents, Nwabali joins the likes of Victor Osimhen, who has also experienced the pain of losing both parents.

By Premium Times

Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps and task force have arrested 92 miscreants and street traders for allegedly violating the state’s environmental laws, Punch newspaper reports.

A statement by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on Thursday, revealed that five females and 70 males, suspected to be miscreants and street traders, were among those arrested.

The suspects were primarily arrested in areas such as Ikoyi, Lekki, and Victoria Island.

He said the arrested individuals would face prosecution in accordance with the relevant laws of Lagos State noting that the state government remained committed to creating a safe, clean, and orderly environment for all residents and visitors. 

The commissioner also urged residents to adhere to state regulations and cooperate with enforcement agencies in upholding the vision of Greater Lagos.

Meanwhile, operatives of the state task force arrested 17 suspects during separate raids carried out in various parts of the state on Thursday. The operatives also recovered fake naira notes from the suspects.

“During the operation, task force officers uncovered a disturbing cache of illicit substances, including Colorado, Indian hemp, narcotic drugs, and other controlled substances. In addition, counterfeit currency in denominations of N200 and N500 was seized, further underscoring the severity of the criminal activities being perpetuated in the area,” the statement read.

By Obed David

Billboard has shared its list of best R&B albums of 2024, with Nigeria’s Tems occupying the second position for her debut ‘Born in the Wild’.

And ‘Mutt’, by American musician and actor Leon Thomas, released on 27 September ranks first.

Other entries on the list include Chris Brown’s ‘11:11’ (Deluxe), which occupies the 10th position; Bryson Tiller’s ‘eponymous’ album placed ninth; Marsha Ambrosius got eighth spot with ‘Casablanco’ and Laila!’s ‘Gap Year’! is seventh.

Others are NxWorries’s ‘Why Lawd?’ occupying the sixth position, PartyNextDoor’s ‘PartyNextDoor 4’ at number five, Muni Long’s ‘Revenge’ is number four, and Ravyn Lenae’s ‘Bird’s Eye’ is number three.

Tems’ debut album, released in June 2024 via RCA Records/Since ’93, featured collaborations with Afrobeats star Asake and US rapper J. Cole.

Reviewing the album, Premium Times described it as a ‘‘confident debut that cements her place in the global music scene, reaffirming her roots and influences’’.

Beyond the album’s impact, the singer has had an impressive run in 2024, especially in the US, where she is based. She performed at Coachella, headlined her first international tour by the same name and earned three Grammy nods: best global album, best R&B song (‘Burning’) and best African music performance (‘Love Me JeJe’).