₦airaland Forum

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has finalised plans to arraign a former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, today (Friday) over alleged fraud totalling N2,261,722,535.84.

Court officials confirmed that the arraignment is scheduled to take place at the Gwarinpa Division of the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

According to court documents seen by our correspondent, Ngige is facing eight counts bordering on abuse of office and acceptance of gifts from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund while serving as its supervising minister between September 2015 and May 2023.

In the first count, the EFCC alleged that Ngige used his position to confer an unfair advantage on Cezimo Nigeria Limited, linked to an associate, by approving seven NSITF consultancy, training and supply contracts worth N366,470,920.68.

The offence, according to the EFCC, is contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

In the second count, he was accused of awarding eight contracts worth N583,682,686 to Zitacom Nigeria Limited, a company also linked to an associate.

“Between September 2015 to May 2023 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court and being the supervising Minister of the NSITF, you used your said position to confer an unfair advantage upon Zitacom Nigeria Limited, a company whose MD/CEO and alter ego, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles is your associate, by the award of eight different contracts for supply, training and consultancy, with the NSITF, to the said company to the tune of N583,682,686.00 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000,” the second count read.

The EFCC also alleged that eight NSITF contracts valued at N362,043,163.16 were awarded to Jeff & Xris Limited, a company whose MD/CEO and alter ego, Nwosu Chukwunwike, is the ex-minister’s associate.


In the fourth count, Ngige was accused of influencing four contracts worth N668,138,141 in favour of Olde English Consolidated Limited.

The EFCC alleged that, “You, Chris Ngige, whilst being the Minister of Labour and Employment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between September 2015 to May 2023 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court and being the supervising Minister of the NSITF, used your said position to confer an unfair advantage upon Olde English Consolidated Limited, a company whose MD/CEO and alter ego, Uzoma Igbonwa is your associate, by the award of four different contracts for consultancy, training and construction by the NSITF to the said company to the tune of N668,138,141.00 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”

In the fifth count, Ngige was alleged to have given four contracts worth N161,604,625 to Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, whose owner was identified Uzoma

Igbonwa, an associate of Ngige.

Counts six to eight accused the former minister of corruptly receiving monetary gifts from NSITF contractors between May and June 2022.

The EFCC alleged that he received N38,650,000 through his campaign organisation from Cezimo Nigeria Limited, N55,003,000 through his scholarship scheme from Zitacom Nigeria Limited, and N26,130,000 from Jeff & Xris Limited.

The offences, according to the EFCC, violate sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Ngige is expected to take his plea when the case is called today.

When MC Rahemena, a popular northern Master of Ceremony (MC) last weekend posted on her Instagram page photos of Lieutenant Lt. Adam Muhammad Yerima, known simply as A. M Yerima with a pretty lady, breaking the news that the naval officer had tied the knot in Kaduna, many thought it was fake news as a lot had been said about the young officer both online and offline in the past one month, with many of them false.

Yerima shot into limelight recently following an incident involving him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) Nyesom Wike, over a piece of land.

It would be recalled that Wike had led his team to carry out a demolition exercise on a property belonging to a retired General, which the young officer prevented, “following orders”.

Shortly after the incident, a lot of pictures emerged online where he was seen to be proposing marriage to different women.

The pictures which trended stemmed from the fact that for days, after the incident, the young naval officer became a celebrity of some sort as many people, including young women who were impressed by his conduct during the encounter tried to be associated with him.

Several AI videos emerged of him taking on other personalities and defeating them, just as Al generated videos emerged of him engaging the FCT minister in a physical combat.

But just as the saga was subsiding and the Nigerian online community was moving on to other issues and it is wont to do, pictures/ videos emerged of Lieutenant Yerima taking a wife. This time, however, the pictures are real. Yerima is said to have had a low-key wedding in Kaduna, where he married Khadija, an indigene of Zamfara State. Weekend Trust learnt her family name is majorly referred to as Anka, but could not verify her exact surname.

The wedding was attended by close family and friends, devoid of any extravagance or elaborate gathering, Weekend Trust gathered.

A commentator, Raheena, via her Instagram handle @mc-raheena, tagged the photos with a captivating note; “Allahuma Barik my baby Khadijah married her fiancée, lieutenant A.M Yareema, congratulations to the newlyweds, Allah ya basu zamaman lfy”.

The post went viral minutes later, with many saying that it was either fake news or an old video. However, Raheema’s post got over 30,000 likes and over 2,000 shares within minutes.

Shortly after, many blogs tapped into the marriage frenzy.


The union

A video in circulation shows the newlywed officer standing beside his wife at her family home in Kaduna, shortly after the marriage ceremony was completed. In the clip, Yerima appears relaxed and cheerful.

An elderly man, said to be from the bride’s family, was seen in the video clip offering blessings, words of encouragement, and prayers for the new wife of Lt. Yerima.

He said, “Allah has chosen you out of thousands of girls as his wife. He destined for you to marry His servant, Adam Muhammad Yerima, at this crucial moment when he is under public watch. Whenever his name is mentioned, everyone knows him. He is a celebrity now. So, he has nobody else at his disposal other than you. You should be his backbone — give him care, support, encouragement, advice, and love.

“If he is uncomfortable outside the home, you should be his comfort zone. If he is troubled, calm him down. Show him that you come from a reputable and respected Zamfara family, known for its valour, integrity, fearlessness, and dignity.

“We pray that his recent fame will be a foundation for his elevation in status, which will directly affect you positively. God, in His plan, made it possible that he ties the knot with you at this time. Take this union as a sign of another elevation in status that God has blessed him with.

“I speak as one of your representatives and a brother to your parents. I pray that Allah continues to bless you with peace, love, and happiness in your life and protect you. May He also make this marriage a source of elevation in status for you, your family, and the extended family as well,” he said.

More reactions trail wedding

On Instagram, comments flooded blogs that posted the wedding photos. Istagram user, @Ch.ocho1389, while congratulating the couple said, “You have got a brave and charming man for yourself dear, congratulations.” @ebeautiful-world noted that they made a cute couple and that their children will be beautiful. @Chimachhymes noted that the bride was blushing and said, “she is blushing, na our hero you dey marry so ooo” @, chispain said, “Why the girl come dey blush like say she no know she dey there? make she coordinate before we send jealousy from Obiakpor LGA”. Another Instagram user @ms-lotee, commented, “Please note that you are getting married to a national treasure, so treat with care…”

@Louis-scatter said all hope is not lost for other ladies, adding, “He’s first wife is off the market, he can still marry more”.

Some questioned why he married. @dominickamzy9 said, “Officer Yerima, why nau?”

Also joining the train, former BBNaija star, Uriel Oputa, commenting via her Instagram handle said, “chai, let me call my little cousin, she will faint today. Ha!!!Congratulations officer, but you do my baby cousin bad”. Interestingly, Uriel’s comment generated a debate online.

All efforts to speak with the family proved abortive as sources said the family was deliberate about having a low-key celebration. Another source told Weekend Trust that as a military personnel, being out there is not their style and that though he became popular following the incident involving the minister, the young officer will want to live a normal life in tandem with the code of ethics of his profession.

Zulum meets Muslim, Christian leaders, says Boko Haram crisis not religious

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has declared that the Boko Haram conflicts are not a religious crisis, stating that more Muslims have been killed compared to the Christian victims.

The governor disclosed this during a high-level consultative meeting on Monday with the leadership of Jama’atu Nasril Islam and the Christian Association of Nigeria.

The meeting, held at the Government House in Maiduguri, focused on strengthening collaborative efforts between the state government and religious bodies to combat the lingering threat of insecurity and foster lasting peace in Borno State.

The governor, while addressing the leaders, underscored the critical role of religious leaders in promoting tolerance, unity and peace in society.

He said, “It is absolutely crucial that we collectively dispel all false narratives that seek to portray our security crisis in religious colouration.

“Religious conflict is alien to us. The Boko Haram conflict is not a religious crisis. It is an assault on our civilisation, humanity, and all that we hold dear, irrespective of creed.

“The perpetrators of violence have killed, maimed, and displaced Muslims and Christians alike. They have destroyed mosques and churches with equal impunity.”

He added, “The statistics of victimhood are stark and heartbreaking. While every single life lost is regrettable, the data clearly shows that the overwhelming majority of those who suffered death, abduction, and displacement are our Muslim brothers and sisters.

“The number of Muslim victims is, tragically, more than that of our Christian compatriots. This tragedy binds us in a common grief and demands a united response. Suffering knows no sect; therefore, our solidarity must know no bounds.”

He noted that following the series of attacks on worship centres, the state government has embarked on reconstruction and resettlement programmes.

“I wish to inform you that, as part of our massive reconstruction programme across the affected local government areas, Borno State Government has reconstructed 45 Christian worship centres that were destroyed during the Boko Haram insurgency.

“Borno is not only strategically positioned geographically but also has unique and beautiful family composition dynamics. It is common to find under one roof, brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, who profess different faiths.

“We share meals, we celebrate festivities and milestones, we grieve losses together, as one family, bound by blood and love that transcends religious labels.

“This is our reality. This is our strength. We must protect this sacred bond within our homes and allow it to define our individual, as well as intra- and cross-community engagements,” he added.

The governor emphasised that in the state’s reconstruction, resettlement and rehabilitation drive, it has been guided by the principle of justice, equity, and inclusivity.

“Our reconstruction policy is not based on religion and ethnicity. We rebuild based on need and on our commitment towards restoring the social fabric of every community,” he said.

The governor, however, reiterated his administration’s commitment to fighting insecurity.

“My assurances are unequivocal today: Borno State Government is committed to the welfare, security, and protection of every citizen.

“Your safety is of great concern to our administration. Your right to worship, according to your faith, without fear or hindrance, is sacrosanct. We will continue to work with security agencies and with you, our community leaders, to ensure this protection,” he said.

“Therefore, I call upon you, our revered faith leaders, to preach peace: from your Minbars during Juma’at prayers and pulpits on church service days.

“Let your messages be that of unity, tolerance, and our shared values of love, compassion, and justice,” he appealed.

He added, “I urge all of us to actively speak against any voice, within or without, that seeks to divide us along religious lines. Let us encourage dialogue among our congregations and build bridges at every opportunity.

He further called on the international community to provide necessary support to combat the insecurity crises.

“To the international community, I want to call on you to partner with us in addressing the underlying causes of insurgency, which are not limited to endemic poverty, illiteracy, and hunger, among others.”

“Your support will also be appreciated in areas of enhancing the capability of our military in the fight against insurgency,” he stated.

Responding, the Chairman, Christain Association of Nigeria, Borno State chapter who doubles as the Auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri Catholic Dioces, Most Rev. John Bogna Bakeni, e, said that the problem facing Nigeria is internal and can only be solved locally.

He said, “Nobody can solve our problem from outside; we are the ones who can solve our problem, America, UK, nobody. If we take what the governor said and implement it justifiably, we are going to have a peaceful society,” he said.

He added, “Nigeria is on the global map now, and there is a lot of information that is going out. I would encourage us, as the religious leaders, to talk to our people.

He also urged government leaders and other political office holders to always do justice to humanity and the society devoid of any religious, ethnic or political affiliations, as according to him, doing so would always cultivate trust and peaceful coexistence.

On his part, the State Director of Administration of JNI, represented by Mal. Sa’adu Ngamdu commended Governor Zulum’s proactive leadership in facilitating the dialogue. He affirmed the Islamic body’s unwavering commitment to peace and its readiness to partner with the government and other faiths.

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Source: https://saharareporters.com/2025/12/01/breaking-ex-defence-chief-christopher-musa-set-replace-badaru-abubakar-nigerias-defence?fbclid=IwY2xjawOa8bNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1Q05GZVlndHRhU3RDekF5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkjiqLyJUrTNDdFTVzTN8Ys9uuv-fO6cnXV9z_SiBb_G_8G9hvdIjjRiSWfi_aem_q0ATq8WiyaxNgtwuU_D-VQ

The Borno State Police Command has helped a woman residing in the Mallam Fatori area recover gold worth ₦23.6 million that she buried in sand while escaping a Boko Haram attack 15 years ago.

In a statement on Monday, the Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP Nahum Daso, said the state police commissioner, Naziru Abdulmajid, commended the Divisional Police Officer of Mallam Fatori and his team for their exemplary professionalism and integrity.

It read, “The Commissioner of Police, Borno State Police Command, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, PSC, commended the Divisional Police Officer of Mallam Fatori Division and his team for their exemplary professionalism and integrity in recovering valuable property belonging to a female resident of the community.

“The woman, who fled Mallam Fatori during a Boko Haram attack 15 years ago, recently returned and sought police assistance to retrieve items she had buried in the sand while escaping the incident,” he noted.

Daso said that through diligent and coordinated efforts, the officers successfully recovered “22 cc of gold valued at approximately ₦20 million, as well as a gold bracelet with chain worth ₦3.6 million.”

He further stated that the Commissioner praised the officers for their honesty, dedication, and service, noting that their actions reflect the core values of the Nigeria Police Force and further strengthen public confidence in law enforcement.

“CP Naziru Abdulmajid reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging residents to continue supporting and cooperating with the police for enhanced security across the state,” Daso added.

Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned Monday night as Nigeria’s Defence Minister, is set to be replaced by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, top government sources told SaharaReporters.

Musa met with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday evening. This marked his first public meeting with the President since Tinubu retired him on October 24, 2025.

Sources told SaharaReporters that during the meeting, President Tinubu informed Musa that he would “succeed Badaru as Defence Minister”.

In a letter dated December 1, sent to President Bola Tinubu, Abubakar said he was quitting on health grounds, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Monday.

“President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked Abubakar for his services to the nation,” the statement said.

“President Tinubu will likely inform the Senate of Badaru's successor later this week.”

Badaru Abubakar, 63, was a two-term governor of Jigawa state from 2015 to 2023. He was appointed as a minister on August 21, 2023, by President Tinubu.

His resignation came amid President Tinubu's declaration of a national security emergency, with plans to elaborate on its scope in due course.