₦airaland Forum

Three West African countries of Benin, Togo and Niger have collectively failed to pay Nigeria $9.55m for electricity supplied to them in the fourth quarter of 2025, The PUNCH has learnt

According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission Quarterly Report for the Fourth Quarter of 2025, the market operator issued a total invoice of $20.44m to international bilateral customers in Benin, Togo and Niger for power supplied during the period. However, the three of them were only able to pay $10.89m of the total invoice, representing a remittance performance of 53.28 per cent.

The report stated, “The three international bilateral customers being supplied by GenCos in the Nigerian electricity supply industry made a payment of $10.89m against the cumulative invoice of $20.44m issued by the MO for services rendered in 2025/Q4, translating to a remittance performance of 53.28 per cent.”

This means that out of every $100 billed to these international customers, only $53.28 was paid, leaving a shortfall of $46.72, which amounts to the $9.55m unpaid debt.

The debtors include power utilities in the three countries — Société Béninoise d’Energie Electrique in the Benin Republic received supplies through Paras and Transcorp (Ughelli and Afam 3).

Compagnie Energie Electrique du Togo in Togo was supplied through Paras and Odukpani, while Société Nigerienne d’Electricite in Niger was supplied through Mainstream.

Out of the six international bilateral contracts, only a few made reasonable payments. For instance, Paras-SBEE in Benin was invoiced $2.45m and paid $1.67m, representing 68.16 per cent. Paras-CEET in Togo was billed $2.18m and paid $1.46m, which is 64.97 per cent. Transcorp-SBEE (Ughelli) in Benin received an invoice of $3.74m but paid only $0.46m, a very low 12.30 per cent.

Transcorp-SBEE (Afam 3) in Benin performed better, paying $3.21m out of $3.90m invoiced, equating to 82.31 per cent. Mainstream-NIGELEC in Niger was invoiced the highest amount of $5.96m and it remitted $4.09m, representing 68.63 per cent. However, Odukpani-CEET in Togo was invoiced $2.18 million but made no remittance at all, recording 0.00 per cent.


The NERC report added that one international customer and one domestic bilateral customer made payments for outstanding invoices from previous quarters. SBEE paid $3.54m to the market operator, while APLE paid N141m.

“It is noteworthy that one international and one domestic bilateral customer made payments in 2025/Q4 for outstanding MO invoices from previous quarters. The MO received $3.54m from Société Béninoise d’Energie Electrique (Ughelli, $1.86m, and Afam 3, $1.67m) and N141.14m from APLE towards outstanding invoices from previous quarters,” it was stated.

In contrast to the low performance from Nigeria’s neighbours, domestic bilateral customers inside Nigeria showed stronger payment discipline. “The domestic bilateral customers made a cumulative payment of N3.5bn against the invoice of N4.17bn issued to them by the MO for services rendered in 2025/Q4, translating to 84.23 per cent remittance performance,” the report said.

This indicates that local bilateral customers paid 84 kobo for every naira billed to them.

Ajaokuta Steel Company, tagged a special customer, was invoiced N1.26bn by the Market Operator but paid nothing during the period.

The entire remittance data in the report “are based on reconciled market settlement submitted to the commission as of 2 April 2026”.


This latest NERC disclosure highlights the persistent challenge Nigeria faces in collecting payments for electricity exported to neighbouring countries despite the country’s own power supply shortages. The $9.55m debt from Benin, Togo and Niger for just one quarter represents a significant revenue challenge for Nigerian electricity generators.

Ahmeduana:
While the new one makes Nigerians wreched

President Bola Tinubu has said that colonial-era tax laws contributed to economic hardship in Nigeria, arguing that fragmentation, multiplicity and inconsistencies in the old fiscal framework weakened national prosperity.

This was disclosed in a statement titled,” Old tax laws made Nigerians poor, new systems will create opportunities and prosperity, says President Tinubu”, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy on Tuesday.

Tinubu made the remarks during the commissioning of the 16-storey Nigeria Revenue Service, Headquarters in Abuja, an event attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, ministers, lawmakers, governors and private sector leaders.

He said the new tax reforms introduced by his administration are designed to create a more inclusive, investment-friendly and people-centred system that will drive long-term economic growth.

According to the President, the new tax system, which became fully operational in January, was introduced to replace outdated colonial structures and strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal foundation.

“On my inauguration day, I made a solemn pledge that we will move Nigerians from the dimness of uncertainty into the clear light of renewed hope. I committed to confronting structural weaknesses, restoring financial stability, and building an economy anchored in discipline, equity, and opportunity.

[i]“Today, I stand before you to reaffirm that these words were not rhetoric; they were a covenant with the Nigerian people,” [/i]Tinubu said.

He described the new reforms as a deliberate effort to build a transparent and efficient revenue system capable of supporting national development and restoring public trust in government institutions.

The President commended the Executive Chairman of the NRS, Dr Zacch Adedeji, for delivering the new headquarters within 30 months, noting that the building would house about 3,000 staff alongside modern facilities including a data processing centre, clinic, auditorium, training rooms, a gym and a library.

“We are not gathered here merely

Tinubu added that no nation can achieve sustainable prosperity with a weak or fragmented revenue system, stressing that his administration chose “far-reaching tax and fiscal reforms” to correct long-standing inefficiencies.

He also praised the Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, for his role in modernising the tax framework.

Addressing concerns about the reforms, Tinubu said the system was designed to simplify taxation, eliminate distortions, and promote fairness while protecting vulnerable Nigerians.

“The reforms are designed to simplify our system, eliminate distortions and create a fair, transparent and investment-friendly environment. Our direction is clear: to have a revenue system that rewards enterprise, supports growth, and ensures that every contribution to the national cause is matched by feasible value for the people,” he said.

He added that early results from the reforms were already visible in improved fiscal stability, stronger foreign reserves and increased investor confidence.

In his remarks, Senate President Akpabio urged Nigerians to be patient with the administration, saying economic reforms were beginning to yield positive outcomes, particularly in fuel supply stability.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas also praised the reforms, noting that Nigeria’s previous tax system suffered from fragmentation and overlapping mandates that reduced efficiency.

Executive Chairman of the NRS, Zacch Adedeji, described the reforms as one of the most significant in Nigeria’s fiscal history, noting that over 60 tax laws had been streamlined into a single framework.

He said revenue collection had grown significantly in recent years, adding that improved fiscal governance had strengthened transparency and public finance management.

The new NRS headquarters was constructed by China Civil Engineering and Construction Company, whose Managing Director, Guan Shuai, praised Tinubu’s leadership and economic reforms.

Laggafin:
It’s unmistakably clear now that tinubu has no path to victory ,, he has been roundly rejected

williams2326:
She can still go for something else in the future

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has approached the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, requesting the reassignment of his ongoing case from Justice R. M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
In a petition dated April 9, 2026, El-Rufai called for the case to be reassigned to another judge within the Kaduna division, expressing concerns over what he described as bias and questionable judicial conduct. He argued that allowing Justice Aikawa to continue presiding over the matter would be inconsistent with legal and ethical standards.


The former governor stated that several petitions accusing the judge of bias are currently pending before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the National Judicial Council (NJC).

According to him, the circumstances surrounding the case including its connection to earlier proceedings involving the same parties and similar issues make reassignment necessary. He also pointed to what he termed an “unavoidable perception of bias”, stressing that such a perception alone could weaken confidence in the judicial process.

El-Rufai warned that proceeding with the current arrangement could damage the credibility of the judiciary and potentially invalidate the trial at the appellate stage, after causing significant personal consequences.

He maintained that the matter should either have been assigned to a different judge from the outset or referred for reassignment once concerns were raised.

He urged the CJN to direct the immediate transfer of the case to another judge within or outside the Kaduna division. He also asked that issues raised in the petition, including the conduct of Justice Aikawa, be referred to the appropriate body within the NJC for review.

He further appealed for administrative steps to ensure the integrity of the trial and sustain public trust in the justice system.

There has been no official reaction from the CJN or relevant judicial authorities to the petition as of the time of filing this report.

The Nigerian Army says troops recorded major operational gains, including the interception of suspected logistics supplies, foiling terrorist attacks and rescuing kidnapped victims across theatres in the last 24 hours.

An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday revealed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai intercepted a truck conveying large quantities of medical supplies suspected to be meant for terrorist elements in the North-East.

The report said the interception occurred at a checkpoint in Nguru, Yobe, where the driver initially presented a waybill for beverages and household items.

According to the report, a detailed search revealed hundreds of cartons of drugs, including antibiotics, injections, bandages and other medical items.

The report said the driver and three occupants were apprehended, adding that the suspect later confessed that the consignment was bound for the Republic of Chad through Geidam.

“In a related development, troops arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorist in Ngamdu, Borno, who confessed he was sent from Jilli to procure food items for insurgents.

“The suspect disclosed that terrorists were currently converging around the Gubio and Magumeri areas.

“Troops also arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators in Monguno, who were allegedly facilitating the movement of a terrorist’s family members.

“Items recovered from them included mobile phones, cash and other personal effects, while a woman and her three children linked to a terrorist kingpin were later apprehended,” the report said.

It also revealed that troops foiled an attempted infiltration by terrorists in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno.

The report added that troops engaged the insurgents during an ambush, forcing them to flee and abandoning weapons and other items, adding that follow-up operations led to the rescue of three kidnapped victims from a terrorist enclave.

“In Bama Local Government Area, troops destroyed a terrorist camp during clearance operations, forcing insurgents to withdraw under pressure.

“Similarly, troops of Operation Safe Haven recovered weapons from suspects during stop-and-search operations in Plateau.

“They also arrested a suspected gunrunner and rescued additional kidnapped victims in Bauchi following the exploitation of earlier airstrikes.


“In the Federal Capital Territory, troops conducting anti-illegal mining operations raided a site in Gwagwalada, recovering mining equipment, while suspects fled,” it added.

In the Southern part of the country, the report said troops of Operation Delta Safe responded to a communal clash in Delta, restoring normalcy after one person was killed.

It said troops also intensified anti-illegal bunkering operations in Rivers, destroying illegal refining sites and recovering large volumes of stolen crude oil and refined products.

Military authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining offensive operations, disrupting logistics networks and ensuring security across the country.

Lithiumite:
With all this you have mentioned,which i agree with you to an extent,now picture what it would have been like if we still had subsidy regime.....we would have been in a total mess,importers and marketers would have been pushing to make as much profit as possible, creating scarcity and forcing govt to raise prices which govt would have been able to barely afford.

The Federal Government’s release of an updated list of 48 individuals and 12 entities allegedly linked to terrorism financing has triggered fresh public demand for immediate action, with security experts warning that failure to follow through could further erode trust in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.

The list, published on Saturday by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, is one of the most comprehensive disclosures in recent times, targeting suspected financiers of violent groups operating across the country.

Sunday PUNCH reports that among the prominent names on the list are Finland-based factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Simon Ekpa, and the publisher of Desert Herald, Tukur Mamu.

The list also include groups such as Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province, and IPOB, as well as entities like West and East Africa General Trading, Settings Bureau De Change Ltd, and the Lakurawa Sect.


The development comes at a time the government says it has secured convictions in 386 terrorism cases out of 508 prosecuted, even as attacks continue across several states, including Borno, Kebbi, Kwara, and Zamfara.

The names also published on the NiGSAC website include Abdulsamat Ohida, Mohammed Sani, Abdurrahaman Abdurrahaman, Fatima Ishaq, Yusuf Ghazali, Muhammad Sani, Abubakar Muhammad, and Sallamudeen Hassan.

Others are Adamu Ishaq, Hassana Isah, Abdulkareem Musa, Umar Abdullahi, Abdurrahaman Ado, Bashir Yusuf, Ibrahim Alhassan, Muhammad Isah, Salihu Adamu, Surajo Mohammad, Fannami Bukar, Muhammed Musa, Sahabi Ismail, Mohammed Buba, Adamu Hassan, Hassan Mohammed, Usman Abubakar, Kubara Salawu, Rabiu Suleiman, Godstime Iyare, Francis Mmaduabuchi, John Onwumere, Chikwuka Eze, Edwin Chukwuedo, Chiwendu Owoh, Ginika Orji, Awo Uchechukwu, Mercy Ali, Ohagwu Juliana, Eze Okpoto, Nwaobi Chimezie, and Ogumu Kewe.


Other entities named as terrorism sponsors include G.Side General Enterprises, Desert Exchange Ventures Limited, Eagle Square General Trading Co. Ltd, Alfa Exchange BDC, Alin Yar Yaya General Enterprises, K. Are Nigeria Limited, Suhailah Bashir General Enterprises, Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises, Seficuvi Global Company, Jama’atu Wal-Jihad, Ansarul Sudan, Islamic Province, Yan Group, and Yan Group NLBDG.

In 2024, the Federal Government similarly listed nine individuals and six organisations linked to terror financing, raising concerns over enforcement continuity.


Experts demand swift action

While analysts described the new list as a critical step forward, many insisted that naming suspects without decisive enforcement risks reducing the exercise to a symbolic gesture.

Security experts and retired senior law enforcement officers who spoke with Sunday PUNCH stressed that the next steps must be swift, coordinated, and transparent.

A retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Salami Abduraheem, said the credibility of the government’s action would be measured not by the publication of names but by tangible outcomes.


“Publishing a list is only the beginning. The real test is what happens next: arrests, prosecution, and convictions.

“If these individuals continue to move freely weeks or months after being named, it sends a dangerous signal that the system lacks the capacity or will to act,” he said.

Abduraheem noted that in previous instances, announcements of terror financing networks were not always followed by sustained legal action, raising concerns about enforcement gaps.

Similarly, a former director in a federal security agency, Abdullahi Adeoye, warned that suspects may attempt to evade capture once publicly identified.

“Time is critical in cases like this. Once names are out, suspects are alerted. If there is no immediate action, freezing accounts, restricting movement, and making arrests, you risk losing valuable intelligence,” he said.

Adeoye added that coordinated action involving financial regulators, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement bodies is essential to disrupt networks effectively.

Legal, institutional challenges

A security analyst, Musa Aliyu, described the move as long overdue but raised concerns about Nigeria’s capacity to prosecute high-level terror financiers.

“It shouldn’t just be about releasing the list alone. They have to go a long way and ensure that due diligence is done.

“Honestly speaking, the Nigerian legal system is not adequately prepared to prosecute terror sponsors effectively. This is evident in the weaknesses in criminal justice administration,” he said.

Aliyu also expressed concern about the judiciary’s ability to handle terrorism-related cases, urging the National Assembly to strengthen legal frameworks.

“The kind of judiciary we have right now is not wired to diligently prosecute the kind of criminal activities related to terrorism. This is the time for the National Assembly to provide the necessary tools to ensure adequate punishment,” he said.

Aliyu further stressed the need to balance transparency with due process.

“Justice must be seen to be done for victims, those killed, abducted, or forced to pay ransom. Nigerians must be assured that the fight against terrorism is not selective,” he added.


Public trust, accountability

For many Nigerians, the release of the list represents a rare moment of transparency in the fight against terrorism.


However, civil society groups say transparency must be matched with accountability.

A security governance expert, Shola Muse, expressed scepticism about the government’s commitment.

“It is not about releasing names. What is the judicial value? What is the executive value at the end of the day? If the government is sincere, it must convince the public that they are ready this time to act decisively. Otherwise, it becomes a media jamboree,” he said.

Muse called for synergy among the three arms of government and security agencies.

“There must be judicial support, executive will, and political backing. Without sincere and coordinated efforts, these measures may not achieve the desired results,” he added.

A security governance expert, Kemi Babatunde, said public confidence had been weakened by past experiences.

“Nigerians have seen lists before. What they want now is action, visible, measurable action. This is not just about security; it is about trust,” she said.

Babatunde emphasised the need for clear and consistent communication on progress.

Public reactions

Following the development, many Nigerians took to social media platforms, including Facebook and X, to demand immediate action from security agencies.

A user, Fyneface Dumnamene, wrote, “Go beyond listing and prosecute them if you have facts.”

Another user, Frank Okpara, urged the government to follow up with investigations and summons.


“The FG should proceed with legal action to bring them to justice immediately,” Salawu Enesi added.

A security expert, David Babawale, outlined key steps the government must take to ensure success, including the immediate freezing of financial assets linked to suspects, swift arrest and interrogation of individuals on the list, and strengthened collaboration between intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

“The government needs to ensure the assets of the named individuals are immediately frozen, followed by swift arrests and increased collaboration between security agencies, transparent communication with the public, and fast-tracked prosecution through designated courts,” he wrote.

Babawale noted that these measures are critical to dismantling terror financing networks and preventing further attacks.

Legal framework, prosecution hurdles

Nigeria’s legal framework, particularly the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, provides the basis for prosecuting individuals involved in terror financing.

A Senior Associate at Yusuf O. Ali & Co, Taofiq Olateju, said successful prosecution requires more than intelligence reports.


“You need admissible evidence that can stand in court: financial trails, witness testimony, digital records. These must be properly gathered and presented,” he said.

Olateju also highlighted delays in the judicial process, adding, “In Nigeria, cases can drag on for years. By the time you get to judgment, public interest has waned, and sometimes the evidence chain is compromised.”

A retired Commissioner of Police, Babatunde Salami, pointed to systemic challenges such as weak inter-agency coordination and political interference.

“You have intelligence agencies, the police, the military, and financial regulators working on different aspects. Without a unified command structure, efforts can conflict,” he said.

Salami warned that political considerations could complicate enforcement.

“The fight against terrorism financing must be insulated from politics. Once people suspect selective enforcement, public confidence collapses,” he said.

386 terrorists convicted

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, disclosed that the government had secured hundreds of convictions in terrorism-related cases.

Speaking at the Federal High Court in Abuja, he said, “In total, we brought about 508 cases. Of these, we secured 386 convictions, eight discharges, two acquittals, and 112 adjournments.”

He added that the convictions should serve as a deterrent to others.

Despite these figures, experts insist that the effectiveness of Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy will ultimately be judged by its ability to dismantle financing networks and ensure that those named are brought to justice.

The All Progressives Congress has said members aspiring to contest its 2027 presidential primary will pay N30m and N70m for the expression of interest and nomination forms, respectively.

Also, governorship aspirants are to pay N10m for the expression of interest form and N40m for the nomination form as the country prepares for the general election next year.

The APC made this known in a two-page document containing the schedule of activities and timetable for the 2027 general elections, signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaimon Arugungu, on Saturday.

According to the document, aspirants seeking senatorial seats will pay N3m for the expression of interest form and N17m for the nomination form to appear on the primary election ballot. House of Representatives aspirants will pay N1m for the expression of interest form and N9m for the nomination form.

Meanwhile, House of Assembly aspirants will pay N1m for the expression of interest form and N4m for the nomination form.

It read, “In accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, I hereby present a proposed timetable and schedule of activities for the conduct of the 2027 general elections to the National Chairman/National Working Committee accordingly.”

Reacting to the development, a political analyst, Omenazu Jackson, slammed the ruling class for monetising politics and making it difficult for ordinary Nigerians to participate.


“This is the reason we should rejig our political makeup and approach in Nigeria. We should ask ourselves where the N100m is coming from,” he said.

Apart from the prices of the forms, the ruling party also released the schedule of activities leading to the election.


While it fixed the notice of election to state chapters for Monday, April 20, 2026, the sale of forms will commence at the national secretariat from Saturday, April 25, to Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Aspirants were given Monday, May 4, 2026, as the deadline for the submission of completed forms and accompanying documents.

The party slated the House of Assembly primaries for Saturday, May 16; governorship, Monday, May 18; House of Representatives, Wednesday, May 20; and Senate, Friday, May 22, all in 2026.

It also fixed dates for election appeals, with Sunday, May 24, 2026, for the House of Assembly, and Monday, May 25, 2026, for the governorship, House of Representatives and Senate.

Reacting, another political analyst, Prof Kamilu Fage, said, “This is undemocratic, in the sense that it unduly extends favour to the highest bidder. It means that people without such money cannot even contest. By implication, democracy is no longer by the people and for the people, but by the rich and for the rich.


“It is for the people to understand what is happening now, get their voter cards and vote people not on the basis of political affiliations.”

Also reacting, Jackson said, “This is the reason why we should check our method of democratic approach in Nigeria. Where is N100m coming from? If a party believes in democratic tenets, why would it not sponsor a candidate rather than ask for N100m?

“Some of them have to borrow, but by the time they get into office, the first thing is to begin to appease those who lent them money. The APC and other political parties doing this have literally monetised our democratic process.”

Lithiumite:
Same thing i was saying on the other thread that thank God we had ended subsidy before now.....it would have been hell for Nigerians....importers would have held nigerians by the balls.....but obidients as always started cursing still claiming tinubu was wrong.....forgetting so quickly the days of persistent scarcity and black markets..... typical of them,short sighted and myopic.

President Bola Tinubu has asked Nigerians to be thankful to God that the cost of fuel is not as expensive as it is in Kenya and other African countries.

He said this on Friday while addressing stakeholders during his visit to Bayelsa State, where he inaugurated some projects.

Among the inaugurated projects were a 60-megawatt gas turbine plants at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area, 630 metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, Sagbama/Ekeremor Road, and 2.9km Dual-Carriageway in Yenagoa, the state capital.

During his speech, Tinubu said, ‘’It is very important that we are honest with our people. Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel price is biting hard, but look around, let us thank God together, that you are better off. Listen to them in Kenya and other African countries and what they are going through. We will not look back. We will continue to fine way to ameliorate the sufferings of the vulnerable.”

The Middle East conflict had triggered increase in the pump price of fuel globally.

This is as a result of Iran’s blockade of The Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which fuel is being shipped across the world.

However, Iran agreed to lift the restriction temporarily during a two-week ceasefire agreed with the US.

The war began on February 28, 2026, and continued until 48 hours ago when a temporary peace deal was sealed.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday expressed confidence that, under the leadership of Hon. Nentawe Yilwatda, the party has the potential to govern Nigeria for 100 years.

The Yobe State Chairman of the party, Hon. Muhammad Gadaka, made this statement at the Yobe Leadership and Innovation Summit 2026, organized by the Centre for Leadership and Good Governance–Yobe, held in Damaturu.


Gadaka said he remains optimistic about Nigeria’s future under the APC, noting that the party could dominate the country’s political landscape for at least a century due to its commendable policies and programmes.


Represented by the State Party Youth Leader, Hon. Muhammad Musa Gulani, Gadaka stated that the party’s vision is to remain in power at the federal, state, and local government levels for the next 100 years. He added that the APC needs more time and additional terms to address Nigeria’s challenges.

“The vision of our party is to improve the lives of Nigerians and make Nigeria a great country. This party will continue to form governments at the federal, state, and local levels for more than 100 years.

‘‘Our party is reviewing its progress and strengthening its strategic direction to align its messaging with measurable impact. The APC will continue to build a Nigeria that works for all—strong, united, and full of hope. We call on Nigerians to have confidence in the APC government; the economy of this country will eventually work for all citizens,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief Convener of the summit, Faruk Abdullahi Chiromari, said the event was organized to celebrate the achievements of Governor Mai Mala Buni, whose leadership has transformed the role of young people in governance and public service across Yobe State.

He noted that Governor Buni has demonstrated exceptional confidence in the ability of young people to contribute meaningfully to governance and the state’s development.

“Under his administration, many young men and women have been given opportunities to serve as commissioners, special advisers, board members, local government officials, legislative aides, and members of various committees and government programmes,” he said.

Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Abuja Federal High Court has sentenced a Boko Haram terrorist victim, Ali Kolo, to nine years imprisonment after more than ten years in the detention.

Kolo, who was shot in the right leg by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State, was on Thursday found guilty of failure to report activities of the dreaded group to security agents.

The Boko Haram victim was put on trial by the Federal Government on a four-count charge but pleaded guilty to one count which bordered on concealment of information on the activities of the terrorist group in Borno State.

A Federal Government lawyer, Mr. David Kaswe, who led the prosecution, told Justice Lifu that the defendant in 2017 failed to convey information on the activities of the terrorists to the military or any other security agency as required by the provisions of Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2013.

The lawyer, a Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, tendered the extra-judicial statement where the convict admitted failure to relay information on the terror group to the appropriate quarters as well as an investigation report which indicted him for refusal to help the Federal Government in curbing the activities of terrorists.

Justice Lifu admitted the two exhibits following no objection from the defence counsel, Mrs A.O Usman.

The Federal Government lawyer, consequently, pleaded with the judge to impose a jail term of 10 years on the defendant based on his guilty plea, and his confession in his statement to the military, as well as the investigation report that indicted him.

However, the defendant who was 37 years old when the terrorists shattered his right leg with bullets, informed the court that he was shot with an AK-47 gun while on his way to report the terrorists to the military.

The defendant, through his lawyer Mrs Usman, explained that his journey to report the terror group was cut short because he landed in the hospital as a result of the gun injury and pleaded with the judge to be lenient with him.

In his judgement, Justice Lifu agreed that the defendant didn’t report the activities of the terror group to the military but held that it was due to circumstances beyond the control of the convict.

Justice Lifu consequently, sentenced him to nine years imprisonment and ordered that the sentence should start from 2017 when the defendant was arrested and clamped into detention.

Justice Lifu held that by prison law, the convict had already spent more than 10 years in detention and must therefore be immediately released from custody to enable him attend to his injury occasioned by Boko Haram gun shots.


Although the government lawyer expressed reservation at the verdict of the court, Justice Lifu stood his ground that the convict was not found guilty for Boko Haram membership or training in weapons but was convicted only for concealment of information.

The judge held that the convict had suffered enough and must be released immediately upon his signing of warrant for his release, adding that keeping him in prison would amount to double jeopardy.

In another development, Ibrahim Buba, a Borno State based bricklayer, was jailed 10 years for failure to relay information on the activities of Boko Haram to the military.

Bubba, also known as Baba Gana, had in his defence claimed that he ran from Borno to Mubi in Adamawa State and later to Onitsha in Anambra State when the terrorists were after his life, having recognizing some of them.

The convict admitted knowing two of the terrorists and that he did not pass information to the military and instead ran to Onitsha where he was apprehended in 2023 while engaging in bricklaying job.

He pleaded for leniency, prompting Justice Lifu to impose a 10 years sentence on him as against 20 years demanded by the prosecution.

Justice Lifu ordered that the 10 years jail term should start from March 24, 2023, when the convict was arrested and detained.

Originalsly:
With all this talk ...can anyone explain what exactly will happen ? ...what different will we see?...are they going to build an asylum? ... with qualified psychiatric staff? ... put the mentally ill on drugs? ..how will they rehabilitate the lunatics? All talk ....no substance

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a bill establishing a Mental Health Services Department to regulate and improve mental healthcare delivery across the state, replacing a law that dates back over a century

The legislation sailed through third reading during plenary held at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Chamber, Government House, Uyo, on Tuesday, after the House Committee Chairman on Health, Moses Essien, presented the committee’s report.

The bill had earlier passed its second reading before being referred to the committee for detailed scrutiny. A public hearing was held on March 23, 2026, where stakeholders in the health sector were invited to submit memoranda.

Essien said the new law provides a coordinated framework for mental health services in the state and will replace the outdated Lunacy Law of 1916.


“This new law will safeguard the rights of persons with intellectual, psychosocial, and cognitive disabilities as well as improve access to quality mental healthcare, rehabilitation, and community-based treatment,” he said.

Key provisions of the legislation include guidelines for obtaining consent for treatment and powers for the Commissioner for Health to formulate regulations governing mental health services in the state.

After deliberations, the House dissolved into a Committee of the Whole for a clause-by-clause consideration of the bill.


The report was adopted and the bill passed through its third reading following a motion moved by Hon. Jerry Otu and seconded by Prince Aniefiok Attah.

Speaker Udeme Otong announced the bill’s passage and directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Nsiakak Orok, to transmit the resolution to the state governor for assent.

Essien described the legislation as a turning point for mental healthcare in the state.

“The new law is expected to usher in a more humane, structured, and rights-based approach to mental healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

Mental health is a state of well-being enabling individuals to cope with life’s stresses, realise their abilities, learn, work, and contribute to their community.

It entails emotional, psychological, and social health, influencing cognition and behaviour.

mynd1:
All I have to say is God bless Iran for teaching America and Israel that not everyone can be bullied.

As for you up, I don't like you cause you full of hate for Muslims and Islam.

iwaeda:
Condolences to his family. One truth we all pretend it will not happen, is we shall all die one day. Money, fame, positions will be immaterial. [b]They dont use Nigeria hospitals, but they have improved infrastructure. [/b]

The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has asked Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to retract a remark he made about Seun Okinbaloye, a journalist with Channels Television.


IBAN is the umbrella body for all independent broadcast stations in Nigeria.


The group also threatened to boycott all media engagements organised by the minister if he does not publicly apologise to the journalist

In a statement signed by Ahmed Ramalan, IBAN chairman; and Fidelis Duker, acting general secretary; the association expressed concern over the implications of the comment aired during a live television interview.

On Friday, during a routine media chat, Wike said he was irked by Okinbaloye’s take on the trajectory of the nation’s democracy while watching ‘Politics Today’.

“If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike had said.

He had immediately clarified to the journalists present that his brief monologue did not literally translate to pulling the trigger on Okinbaloye.

On Saturday, Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant on public communications to Wike, said his principal’s comment on Okinbaloye was “hyperbolic” and had been taken out of context by propagandists.

‘REMARK RISKS INTIMIDATING JOURNALISTS’

In its statement, IBAN said even though the minister later shared that he did not intend physical harm on the journalist, the utterance was inappropriate from a public official.

The association said expressions suggesting violence could be interpreted as intimidation of journalists.

IBAN added that such remarks could contribute to a hostile environment for media practitioners.

The association noted that Nigeria currently ranks 122 out of 180 countries on the press freedom index.

It said journalists in the country already face several challenges, including surveillance, attacks, and arbitrary arrests.

‘RETRACT STATEMENT, APOLOGISE’

IBAN asked Wike to retract his commentary and issue a public apology to Okinbaloye and the media community.

The association also urged the minister to reaffirm his commitment to press freedom in line with sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 constitution.

IBAN said failure to comply could lead to a boycott by independent broadcast stations.

“Should the minister fail to meet these requests within a reasonable period, IBAN will have no choice but to advise all independent broadcast stations to suspend coverage of all press briefings, media chats, and official news conferences hosted by the FCT minister,” the statement reads.


The association said the measure would be taken to protect journalists and discourage violent rhetoric against the media.

IBAN added that it remains open to constructive engagement with public officials.

“We hope the minister will take the necessary corrective action so that normal coverage can continue without interruption,” the association said.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has again demanded the sack of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan.‎


‎MURIC’s grouse with INEC chairman is the 80-page legal brief authored by the professor which was one of the major documents used by the United States of America to indict Nigeria on the highly controversial and volatile issue of Christian genocide.

In a statement on Sunday, ‎MURIC said: ‎”We are highly disappointed with both the Federal Government (FG) and Professor Joash Amupitan for their graveyard silence over the demand of the Nigerian Muslim Community that the INEC boss should be removed for penning the toxic 80-page legal brief which was one of the major documents used by the United States of America to indict Nigeria on the highly controversial and volatile issue of Christian genocide.
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‎”We are especially disappointed that FG has elected to ignore calls to sack the INEC boss made by several Islamic organizations in the country. It is lack of sensitivity.
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‎”As far as Nigerian Muslims are concerned, Joash Amupitan has become persona non grata to our own vision of the Nigerian electoral architecture. Even the PVC revalidation exercise being planned by him is seen by us as a trap where prospective Muslim voters will be massively disenfranchised.
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‎”Amupitan has become an electoral burden to INEC, a human landmine and the personification of existential threat to Nigerian Muslim voters

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‎”He sold Nigeria once. He will sell Nigeria again. Anyone who invites imperialists into the internal affairs of his country deserves treason-related scrutiny. We hereby declare a vote of no confidence in the current INEC boss. FG should replace him with a tolerant Christian. To us, Amupitan is a live wire, highly combustible.
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‎”Even if FG did not act, he is expected to have voluntarily resigned with the gravity of the allegation leveled against him. That would have been integrity activated. But Amupitan continues to hang on to a loose string from a spider’s web in spite of the grave allegation staring him in the face.
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‎”Nigeria cannot advance in any notable field if people like Amupitan continue to revel in the infamous sit-tight syndrome. The INEC boss should know when the party is over. He should know very well that he could not have been appointed to that sensitive office if his pathological hatred for Muslims had been known earlier, particularly his ignoble role in pushing the false, misleading and malicious Christian genocide narrative.
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‎”Amupitan should have resigned honourably after the lid was blown off the entire thing. But he held on, desperately. The most interesting aspect of all these is that our INEC boss has not denied involvement to date. Observers are miffed by his silence because it is only in Nigeria that such impunity thrives. People resign from office in other climes over such scandals and misdeeds.
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‎”The list of those who resigned from public offices over scandals in more civilised environments include Rep. Jim Wright (House Speaker 1989), Rep. Bob Livingston (Speaker 1998), British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (over the ‘Pincher scandal’ and ‘Partygate’ 2022) and more recently, in January 2025, Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq resigned over questions regarding her financial ties to the ousted Bangladeshi leader.
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‎”But never in Nigeria where sit-tight syndrome is the order of the day. Perhaps the INEC boss thinks we would soon get tired of the matter. How wrong can he be! On the contrary, we are just starting. Aluta continua, victoria acerta. We welcome Professor Joash Amupitan to ‘genocidegate’.
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‎”Nigeria has never had a worse umpire at the helm of our electoral affairs. He is a living embodiment of Muslim-Christian dichotomy. He is therefore a potent threat to religious harmony. It is hard for Muslims to contemplate forgiveness with Amupitan as the electoral umpire. Amupitan must go!”
‎

After criticism by presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, President Bola Tinubu has announced a plan to offset N3.3 trillion power sector legacy debt owed to generation companies.

A statement released on Sunday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said the N3.3 trillion approved payment plan followed due verification of the country’s power sector legacy debt, which has lasted for more than a decade.

The approved payment plan is in addition to the existing pioneer N501 billion bond to settle legacy debt, which generation companies said has risen to N6 trillion.

“Following verification, N3.3 trillion has been agreed as a full and final settlement, ensuring a fair and transparent resolution.

“Implementation has begun, with 15 power plants signing settlement agreements totalling N2.3 trillion. The Federal Government has already raised N501 billion to fund these payments. Out of the amount, N223 billion has been disbursed, with further payments underway.

“What this means for Nigerians: With payments reaching the power value chain, generation will be more stable. With power plants supported, electricity reliability will improve.

“And as the sector stabilizes, more investment, more jobs, and better service will follow,” the statement said.

Commenting on the development, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, special adviser on energy to President Tinubu, said, “This program is not just about settling legacy debts. It is about restoring confidence across the power sector—ensuring gas suppliers are paid, power plants can keep running, and the system begins to work more reliably.

“It is part of a broader set of reforms already underway, including better metering and service-based tariffs that link what you pay to the quality of electricity you receive.”

However, the Association of Power Generation Companies, APGC, has kicked against the development, saying the Federal Government slashed the legacy debt from N6 trillion to N3.3 trillion.

Reacting to the plan to offset the N3.3 trillion debt, Chief Officer of APGC, Dr. Joy Ogaji, asked, “Is verification unilateral in a bilateral agreement?”

DAILY POST reports that on Thursday Peter Obi lashed out at President Tinubu’s handling of the country’s power sector crisis.

According to him, the country’s persistent power sector crisis indicates unfulfilled promises by the President, referencing Tinubu’s electoral promises.

Recall that Nigerians have continued to experience epileptic power supply nationwide for months without any sign of improvement.

Tinubu, as part of his campaign promises, had said he would fix power supply within four years. However, over two years into his administration, the electricity supply crisis has persisted.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a ₦3.3 trillion payment plan aimed at resolving long-standing debts in Nigeria’s power sector and boosting the reliability of electricity supply.

The plan addresses legacy debts accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025 under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme.

Following a comprehensive review, the government agreed on ₦3.3 trillion as a full and final settlement, ensuring transparency and fairness.

A statement issued on Sunday by the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that implementation of the repayment plan has already begun, with fifteen power plants already signed settlement agreements totalling ₦2.3 trillion.

The statement read, “President Bola Tinubu has approved the payment plan to finally settle the outstanding debts under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme.

“The debt repayment plan followed the final review of the legacy debts that have beset the power sector for more than a decade.

“The long-standing debts accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025. Following verification, ₦3.3 trillion has been agreed as a full and final settlement, ensuring a fair and transparent resolution.

“Implementation has begun, with 15 power plants signing settlement agreements totalling ₦2.3 trillion. The Federal Government has already raised ₦501 billion to fund these payments. Out of the amount, N223 billion has been disbursed, with further payments underway.

“What this means for Nigerians: With payments reaching the power value chain, generation will be more stable. With power plants supported, electricity reliability will improve.”

Commenting on the development, the Special Adviser on Energy to the President, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, explained that the settlement would improve electricity reliability by stabilising the power value chain.

“This programme is not just about settling legacy debts. It is about restoring confidence across the power sector — ensuring gas suppliers are paid, power plants can keep running, and the system begins to work more reliably,” she said.

The adviser added that the reforms are part of broader initiatives, including better metering and service-based tariffs that link consumer payments to the quality of electricity received.

Priority will also be given to supplying electricity to businesses, industries, and small enterprises to support job creation and economic growth.

“The goal is simple: more reliable power for homes, stronger support for businesses, and a system that works better for all Nigerians,” Arowolo-Verheijen said.


President Tinubu commended all stakeholders involved in resolving the legacy issues and confirmed that the next phase of the reforms, Series II, will commence this quarter.

HacheNoire:
The opposition need to stop using human life’s to tarnish the image of the administration of His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).

This is a crime against humanity all in the quest to grab power.

The opposition should otherwise, indulge in healthy politics devoid of crimes.

Kalashnikov49:
Nlfpmod...do you have light?

Former Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has taken aim at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over Nigeria’s deepening electricity crisis, invoking the president’s own campaign promise to question his administration’s performance.

During the 2023 presidential campaign, Tinubu had declared, “If I don’t give you constant electricity in four years, don’t vote for me for a second term.”

The statement has now resurfaced amid worsening power supply and rising electricity tariffs across the country.

Obi, in a strongly worded reaction, argued that current realities in the power sector fall far short of expectations set by the administration.

Quoting available data, he said Nigeria’s electricity generation, which stood at over 4,000 megawatts when Tinubu assumed office in 2023, now averages below that mark, even as consumers face higher tariffs.

He further highlighted Nigeria’s low electricity consumption levels, noting that the country’s per capita usage—estimated at about 144 kWh—remains significantly below Africa’s average of 617 kWh, underscoring the scale of the nation’s energy deficit.

“During the 2023 campaign, President Tinubu made a clear electoral promise: “If I don’t give you constant electricity in four years, don’t vote for me for a second term.”

“When he took office in 2023, Nigeria had a power supply of over 4,000 megawatts and lower tariffs. Today, the electricity power supply is less than 4,000 megawatts on the average, and Nigerians are paying higher tariffs. Nigeria currently has the lowest per capita electricity consumption in the world, with a rate below 30% of the African average. Africa’s average is 617kwh, Nigeria’s is 144 kWh. This means that Nigerians consume least electricity than other Africans.

“In a glaring display of disregard for promises and a lack of trust, President Tinubu, during a brief airport stopover to visit grieving families of the Jos attack on Thursday, April 2, 2026, stated that one of the reasons for his 10-minute stay was that the airport had no electricity. “You have no light here I fly out in ten minutes” At a time when Nigerians are enduring days without power, our leaders cannot even stay a few minutes without it.

[b]“Now is the time to stop incompetent leaders—those lacking the capacity and compassion—who prioritise their own comfort over the well-being of the people and make empty promises,” [/b]Obi posted on social media.