₦airaland Forum

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, has inaugurated a 12-member ministerial committee on the 753-unit housing estate recovered from Godwin Emefiele, located at Lokogoma district, Abuja.

The estate was handed over to the ministry by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, last week, in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Dangiwa told the inspection team, during the physical handover of the property, that he would establish a technical committee to carry out quality assessment tests on the structures within the estate, as well as complete and suggest how the Federal Government would dispose of the houses.

Committee members
The Ministerial committee has Dr. Shuaib Belgore, the Permanent Secretary, as Chairman.

Other members include Mr. Funsho Alabi, Director, Office of the Permanent Secretary – Alternate Chairman; QS Temitope Pemi, Director, Public Building and Housing Development – Secretary; ESV Collins Alabi, Director, Lands and Housing Development – Member; Engr. Hikmat Toyin Aderibigbe, Director, Engineering Services – Member; and Margaret Ojewemimo Adejobi, Director, Urban and Regional Planning – Member, among others.

The committee’s terms of reference include:

Conducting a thorough structural and integrity test of the buildings;
Ascertaining the number and status of the housing units;
Evaluating the value of existing work done through proper surveying and market valuation;
Assessing the cost of completing internal roads, power, water, security infrastructure, and public amenities;
Developing standardized architectural and finishing guides for consistency and quality assurance;
Proposing a clear, transparent, and inclusive strategy for the disposal and allocation of the housing units to Nigerians, based on affordability, equity, and public access through the Renewed Hope Housing Portal;
Designing a robust communication and public engagement plan that builds public confidence; and
Ensuring inter-agency coordination with stakeholders like EFCC, FCTA, and utility providers, while submitting a preliminary report within four weeks from today.

While inaugurating the committee in Abuja on Monday, Dangiwa charged members to consider their assignment as a national call to duty.


He noted that the Committee was constituted based on the vision of Mr. President and the housing reform drive of the Ministry, to ensure that the recovered property is quickly transformed into livable, secure, and affordable homes for the benefit of Nigerians.

According to the minister, the high-level ministerial committee was carefully approved and constituted to comprise management staff and strategic officers drawn from key departments of the Ministry, to ensure bringing to bear the highest level of technical competence, integrity, and urgency.

Dangiwa said, “Your selection is a testament to the confidence the Ministry has in your capacity to drive this initiative with the seriousness and efficiency it demands.

“Nigerians are watching, and they want to see results. They want to see homes completed and allocated transparently. They want to see government working for them.

“Think outside the box. Be result-oriented.”

In his remarks, Minister of State, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, pointed out the need for the Committee to have powers to co-opt some members to assist them, given the huge task ahead of them and the four-week timeline.

Speaking on behalf of other committee members, the Chairman, who is also the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, stated that the committee has been tasked with ensuring that the recovered estate undergoes a thorough technical assessment, is strategically completed, and is disposed of in a transparent and cost-effective manner, aligned with national housing delivery objectives.

He added that the successful execution of the assignment will serve as a model for converting recovered public assets into impactful infrastructure that directly benefits the people, while assuring Nigerians that the committee will carry out its duties diligently.

H.E. Peter Obi and I just arrived at the Abuja Continental Hotel for the National Political Consultative Group (North) event. -AA pic.twitter.com/t2wqnChpN9

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) May 25, 2025

Lanretoye:
They should sack him and employ a priest.

VIDEO: Police Inspectors Abduct Foreign-Based Nigerian, Extort N151million From Family After Whisking Him From Lagos To Abuja pic.twitter.com/MjYsvQ0W62

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) May 24, 2025

dettolgel:
I read that they first petitioned the IG last year October right? Unless I read wrong. If I did read it wrongly then I don't understand why they have to wait that long. Even if they want their child to be in the US before petitioning it shouldn't have taken that long.

seborrhic:
Accepting without conceeding,or how is that grammar even phrased again?
So ask yourself as soon as he came out,why didn't they immediately petition the IGP through this same lawyer on the extortion by the officers?
At least once he was out of detention with the official petition,his life would have been relatively safe.
Why wait till he travelled back to his base abroad?
Remember this incident as reported was almost 8months ago,last year.
Why wait till now.
Of course, nobody is disputing the fact that the majority of Nigerian policemen and women are criminals out to extort,frame and kill if warranted,but one thing every policeman or woman doesn't want is to have his or her name splattered on the news or SM for a criminal act because the police would take action,not out of them necessarily wanting to clean the force,but to give the impression to the outside world that criminal elements are being dealth with.
Besides,being based abroad and maybe even likely holding a foreign passport gives him added leverage to have his case handled professionally.
I still stand by my theory:both parties have soiled hands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrCwZoDkD6E?si=pMqbKN2-4aVjvPJV


This was revealed in a petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, dated May 2, 2025, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Saturday.

Four Inspectors of the Nigeria Police Force have been accused of violently abducting and extorting a staggering N151.5million from a diasporan Nigerian, Segun Okubajo.Travel guides

This was revealed in a petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, dated May 2, 2025, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Saturday.

The petition, written by renowned legal practitioner, Prof. Yemi Oke, SAN, on behalf of the victim’s father, Mr. Okubajo Kehinde, alleged that four police officers, namely AP Mohammed Yusuf (No. 229655), AP Ojochenemi Jubrin (No. 227141), AP Rizama Reuben (No. 318195), and AP Isokpuwu John (No. 318172), kidnapped Mr. Segun Okubajo in Lagos and took him to Abuja.

The petition added that Segun was held incommunicado, while the policemen forced his family to cough up the enormous sum under threats and duress.

“Our client’s son, Segun Okubajo, who had no criminal complaints against him from any source or by any person, was violently arrested on October 9, 2024, by the above-named officers,” the petition stated.

“The said officers invaded his apartment with heavy weapons, switched off all his CCTV cameras, seized his phones, and held him incommunicado before forcefully taking him away in leg chains and handcuffs to the Office of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force CID, Area 10, Abuja,” it added.

The petition revealed that the illegal arrest was allegedly engineered by two known police informants, Oladipo Ibrahim and Shedrach Luka, who reportedly specialise in targeting foreign-based Nigerians for extortion.Travel guides

“Our client’s brief to us is that both Oladipo Ibrahim and Shedrach Luka are known informants who specialise in framing up perceived foreign-based Nigerians in collusion with the above-named policemen and others,” the petition alleged.

“The duo capitalised on Segun Okubajo’s visit to Nigeria to orchestrate a framed-up, imaginary allegation, without any complainant, with the sole aim of criminally extorting and depriving him of a very huge sum of money.”

Following the abduction, the officers allegedly demanded N1billion but eventually settled for a “negotiated” amount of N151.5 million, which the family was forced to raise through loans and contributions from friends and cooperative societies.

“Our client informed us that upon his son’s arrest… he was later taken to Abuja where the officers initially demanded the sum of one billion naira, but ended up collecting a total sum of N151,500,000.00,” the petition noted.

“To save his son’s life, himself and members of the family decided to raise the sum… through loans from their businesses, friends, associates, and their cooperative societies.”

After the extortion, Okubajo reportedly fled back abroad and has since faced continued threats to his life and that of his family.

“The aforementioned police officers have resorted to acts of desperation which include sending threat messages to Segun Okubajo and members of his family against pursuing justice.

”They also threatened them from seeking justice through any other means or channel, in a desperate bid to cover or obliterate their criminal act.”

It was learnt that the policemen claimed that half of the money went to one retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Sylvester Abiodun Alabi.

Despite filing earlier petitions in November 2024, including one directly to the IGP, the family claims that the threats had persisted, prompting the current petition demanding a full investigation, immediate refund of the extorted sum, and disciplinary action against the officers involved.

“It is not the intention of the instant petition to make public or immediately resort to extensive litigation or drag the presidency, the international community and other local bodies… at this point in time,” the petition clarified.

“However, failure to comply… shall leave us with no alternatives than to take further steps.”

The lawyers warned that if the IGP’s office fails to act within 14 days, the case would be escalated to local and international media, legal action would be taken against the Presidency, Police Service Commission, Ministry of Police Affairs, and others.

The petition, supported by “documents, videos, pictures,” urges IGP Egbetokun to act swiftly and decisively.

The petition read further, "OUR DEMANDS: In view of the forgoing, we therefore request that the Office of the Inspector-General of

Police should take immediate, urgent steps to: (i) DIRECT a through and comprehensive investigation of the allegations made against the above named policemen as contained in this petition.

"(ii) DIRECT immediate refund of the sum of (N 151, 500, 000. 00) One Hundred and Fifty-One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira forcefully taken from our Client’s son, Mr. Segun Okubajo by the above named policemen not later than fourteen (14) days from the service and receipt of this petition. (iii) TAKE SUCH FURTHER or other (immediate or (future) measures or steps, including by extracting appropriate undertakings from the above named policemen against continuous or further threats of any sort, in whatever way or manner, against our Client, his son and/or other members of his entire family. (iv) CAUSE APPROPRIATE DISCIPLINARY.

"ACTION to be taken against the above name

policemen by the relevant unit or institution(s) of the Nigerian Police in the way or manner deemed appropriate within the confines of the extant laws and rules of engagement of the Nigerian Police Force in line with the admirable “no-nonsense” disposition of the current Nigerian Police under IGP, Dr. KayodeTravel guides

VIDEO: Police Inspectors Abduct Foreign-Based Nigerian, Extort N151million From Family After Whisking Him From Lagos To Abuja pic.twitter.com/MjYsvQ0W62

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) May 24, 2025

Thunderfayamods:
It is no longer your business since you left the party!

omowolewa:
He should organise the prayer group


Those who don't believe in prayers should start now

“Spiritual Solution is What we Need to Surmount Insecurity in Nigeria” — Chief of Naval Staff Ogalla

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has advocated spiritual solutions to the security challenges bedevilling Nigeria.

Ogalla spoke on Thursday while inaugurating three places of worship at the Navy Town, Asokoro, Abuja, as part of activities commemorating the Nigerian Navy at 69.

He said the Nigerian Navy recognised the purpose of spiritual upliftment of its personnel, hence the need to pay attention to places of worship for both Christians and Muslims.

He said that addressing the challenges of insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of threats required a wholesome approach, of which the spiritual solution was part.

Ogalla said, “We recognise that the challenges of insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of irregular threats that are facing us today are challenges that require a whole of society approach.

“So, while we look for the military solutions, we also believe that the spiritual solution is part of what we need to be able to surmount them.

“And these places of worship are key to shaping the minds and shaping the characters of not only our personnel but other Nigerians who use it”, Ogalla concluded.

Also speaking at the event, the Commander, Naval Unit Abuja, Commodore Oluseyi Oladipo, said the three newly completed places of worship include the Catholic Church, the Church of Redemption, and the Central Mosque.

Oladipo said the worship centres would serve personnel and residents of Navy Town, Admiralty and Lakeview Estates and environs as well as serve as functional nerve centres of the Directorate of Naval Chaplain Services the Directorate of Islamic Affairs.

He said that the construction works commenced on June 17, 2019 and were completed in April 2025.

A former National Vice Chairman (Northwest) of the All Progressives Congress, Salihu Lukman, has expressed concern that the ruling party is gradually moving away from its founding ideals of progressivism toward a structure that resembles centralised control.

Lukman, who spoke on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, The Morning Brief, on Friday, lamented that internal contests had been abandoned in favour of automatic adoptions.

While reflecting on his role in the formation of the APC, he expressed disappointment in the party’s current direction, claiming it had drifted from its founding ideals.

“The APC has moved from a party envisioned to be progressive to almost a monarchy.

“As it is now, the APC mantra is that there will be no internal contest in 2027 — the President is adopted. All their governors are adopted. Legislators are also adopted,” he added.

Lukman also said none of the political parties in Nigeria function as real parties in the classical sense.

According to him, political organisations that do not uphold their constitutions or hold regular internal meetings cannot be considered true parties.

“Any party whose elected representatives are not accountable is not a party in the classical sense,” he said.

The former APC National Vice Chairman (Northwest), however, revealed that negotiations for a new opposition alliance ahead of the 2027 elections were in their final stages.

He said discussions had been ongoing for over a year to establish a viable platform capable of challenging the current political status quo.

According to Lukman, the coalition aims to contest the 2027 general elections by either forming a new political party or transforming an existing one.

He said, “There is nothing stopping the coalition from coming to fruition.

“Even when the governors claimed, for instance, they were not part of the coalition, we responded clearly. Some of them, as you have seen, either have already moved to the APC or are on their way to move to the APC.

“So, clearly, they are doing the bidding of the APC and the ‘Asiwaju’ government. So, we are not bothered about that. We have the PDP bloc in the coalition and nothing is stopping the coalition.

“We are going through a painstaking process and very soon, we are going to come out and clarify all the details, in terms of how we are going to contest the 2027 elections and the leaders of the coalition; all those will be known.”

On the rationale behind the coalition effort, Lukman explained that the main crisis facing Nigeria’s democracy was the absence of genuine political parties.

He, however, noted that efforts are now focused on negotiating with an existing party to transform it structurally and ideologically.

He explained that conditions set by the coalition include a complete leadership overhaul, constitutional reforms, and a new internal culture where candidates emerge through transparent contests.

He stated that the coalition was not merely seeking to win power but to redefine Nigeria’s political landscape.

“We want to present to Nigerians a new reality that addresses all the frustrations. We want to ensure that internally, winners emerge through contests, and when people win elections, they are accountable to the party,” Lukman added.

Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday urged party members to resist internal sabotage and remain focused on national progress.

He made the call at the APC National Summit, held at the Presidential Villa’s Banquet Hall, with the theme ‘The Journey So Far.’


The summit aimed to reflect on the party’s progress and explore solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

"I urge all members to reject internal sabotage. Engage communities, listen to citizens, and build a political structure that lasts beyond elections,” Ganduje said.

He called for renewed dedication to the principles that united the party and inspired its formation.

“Let us rally behind President Bola Tinubu, support our policies, and deliver the Renewed Hope Nigerians rightfully deserve,” he added.

Ganduje described the APC as a movement of courage and conviction, representing over 200 million Nigerians.

He emphasised that under his leadership, the APC had been reformed, energised, and steadily expanding.


“The Renewed Hope Agenda is already fulfilling its promises,” he stated.

According to Ganduje, Nigeria’s future depends on a strong, stable, and progressive APC.


He urged members to move forward together — not merely as politicians, but as patriots and national stewards.


“Remain focused and ready for the journey ahead. Our vision needs political strength and unity,” he said.


He encouraged steadfastness, unity of purpose, and firm belief in the party’s shared vision.

Ganduje expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for achievements recorded under the Renewed Hope Agenda in the last two years.

He confirmed the APC’s endorsement of President Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate.


Ganduje reiterated that the APC was a people-driven movement grounded in bold ideals and national aspirations.

He said, “Our party’s strength lies in unity. Nigeria needs every one of you.

“Let us remain committed to our purpose, unwavering in our resolve, and clear in our vision.”

Ganduje said the summit was not only for dialogue, but also for introspection on the party’s journey and national responsibilities.


He described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a necessary and transformative plan proposed by the President.

“This is no mere slogan — it’s a comprehensive strategy to restore governance, economic vitality, and national pride.

“When President Tinubu spoke of Renewed Hope, he offered a serious contract with Nigerians.

“It’s a vision for inclusive growth, institutional reform, and economic rejuvenation.

“Nearly two years on, this vision is becoming a lived reality,” Ganduje said.

He urged APC members to become committed defenders and active promoters of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

As progressives, Ganduje said, they must embrace courage, sacrifice, and sustained commitment to long-term change.

He noted signs of economic recovery, improved oil revenues, and growing interest from international investors.

GanagiBitrus:
Make Arsenal just add bird to their logo next season.

The Federal Government through its Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has said fuel tankers will no longer be allowed to move at night.

The Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, stated this in Lagos on Wednesday at a sensitisation programme for petroleum tanker drivers, organised in collaboration with Petroleum Tanker Drivers of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, the National Association of Road Transport Owners, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and other agencies.

Ahmed, who was represented by the Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community at NMDPRA, Dr Mustapha Lamorde, disclosed that truck movement should be between 6 am and 6 pm.

“There should be no night driving. Truck movement should only be between 6 am and 6 pm. Anyone caught violating this rule will face sanctions,” he warned. The warnings were aimed at stopping tanker accidents and the explosions that have claimed hundreds of lives in the recent past.


He added that the ban on 60,000 trucks is being implemented, and no truck will load more than 45,000 litres by the end of the fourth quarter of 2025. Lamorde disclosed that a technical working committee comprising 13 institutions had been formed to address the trend.

“As part of its resolutions on February 19, the committee recommended the full enforcement of safe loading practices and a 10-page checklist covering truck roadworthiness, driver fitness, and safety equipment. On March 1, we began the implementation.

“This journey does not stop at 60,000 litres. By Q4 of 2025, no truck should load more than 45,000 litres. The lower the volume, the better the control and response in the event of an accident,” he said.


The NMDPRA director also added that petroleum tankers must be colour-coded and properly branded for easy identification and enforcement. “We have also mandated the installation of anti-spill containment kits to reduce the risk of product loss and explosion during accidents,” he added.

The Zonal Chairman, Petroleum Tanker Drivers arm of NUPENG, Lagos Zone, Comrade Gbolahan, warned drivers against overloading and reckless driving. He said, “The country no longer wants high-capacity loading. We, therefore, urge all our members to comply.


Gbolahan reminded drivers to prioritise their health and make use of their health insurance coverage. “If you feel unwell or have a headache, go to the nearest hospital. You’re covered under the health insurance plan and shouldn’t pay out of your pocket. Report any hospital that demands payment,” he told the drivers.

The National Operational Coordinator, NARTO, Dr Kassim Ibrahim, commended President Bola Tinubu and the NMDPRA for setting up the safety initiative.

“This is the first administration that has taken a strong step to prioritise driver safety. We at NARTO fully support the move and will continue to work closely with the government and NUPENG to improve safety,” he said.

Ibrahim urged drivers to avoid dangerous practices such as drinking alcohol before driving and overspeeding. “Drive slowly. If you go slowly, you will arrive safely. But if you rush, you may never get there. That’s the reality on our roads today,” he warned.

The Assistant Corps Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Hyginus Omeje, also urged the drivers to embrace defensive driving habits.


According to him, the best driver is not the one who drives with one hand or overtakes carelessly, but a good driver is the one who gets from one point to another without accidents.

Omeje advised drivers to take responsibility for their safety, saying over 80 per cent of road crashes in the country are due to human error. “Do not let your safety depend on another road user. Whether you are right or wrong, always take steps to avoid a crash,” the FRSC official advised.

He also called on NARTO to ensure that all trucks are equipped with speed-limiting devices. “Trucks should not go above regulated speed limits. Obey traffic laws and remember that patience can save your life,” Omeje cautioned.

The Federal Government has described the performance of electricity distribution companies in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NESI, as disappointing.


Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, who stated this at a two-day retreat organised by the Senate Committee on Power, noted the DisCos have been frustrating the efforts by the government to improve power supply.

A statement by the Special Adviser, Strategic Communication and Media Relations to the Minister, Bolaji Tunji said Adelabu spoke on the persistent crisis threatening to derail progress in the sector which is chronic underinvestment in distribution infrastructure, which continues to cripple service delivery nationwide in spite of landmark reforms in the electricity sector.

The minister revealed glaring disparities in distribution company performance, with aging networks, rampant electricity theft, and poor investment deepening reliance on unsustainable subsidies and leaving millions in darkness.


“We need to get tough with the DisCos, as they can easily frustrate all the gains we have made. They have disappointed us in performance expectations. Whatever we do in generation does not mean anything to consumers if it is frustrated at the distribution points,” said Adelabu.

He noted that in the 2003 restructuring of the sector, the DisCos were supposed to have technical partners, but a lot of them showed partnership with foreign companies for that purpose which lasted for about three months, immediately they took over, those companies left.

“So we need utility companies that can invest in the sector to improve infrastructure, improve service,” he said, adding that, “a lot of them went to the banks to take loans to buy the assets after taking over. Instead of providing infrastructure they are taking out the money to pay the loans.”

According to the minister, despite tariff adjustments that boosted market liquidity by 70 percent—raising sector revenue from ₦1 trillion in 2023 to ₦1.7 trillion in 2024—the distribution segment remains the weakest link.

“In the fourth quarter of 2024, DisCos in the North remitted just ₦124.4 billion (30 percent) of their ₦408.86 billion invoice, with Abuja DisCo accounting for 85 percent of Northern payments. Southern DisCos fared slightly better, remitting ₦254.6 billion (67 percent), though 70 percent of this came from Lagos DisCos alone. These discrepancies are due largely to crumbling infrastructure outside economic hubs, where underinvestment has left networks dilapidated,” he said.

The minister explained that the metering gap, a key driver of revenue loss and consumer distrust, underscores systemic neglect, adding that the government has launched a ₦700 billion Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) and a World Bank-backed programme targeting 4.3 million meters by 2025, 75,000 units were deployed in April 2024 while additional 200, 000 is expected in May.


“Closing this gap is fundamental to fair billing and financial sustainability,” the minister acknowledged, “but we are not there yet due to underinvestment and operational inefficiencies.”


The sector also faces a ₦4 trillion subsidy backlog owed to generation companies, including ₦1.94 trillion for 2024 alone. With monthly subsidy shortfalls now hitting ₦200 billion, the minister warned that maintaining current tariffs is “unsustainable,” straining public funds needed for infrastructure upgrades.

“To salvage the sector, we will soon embark on restructuring underperforming DisCos and tightening enforcement of performance benchmarks. However, without urgent capital injection into distribution networks, gains in generation—including a historic 6,003MW output in March 2025—and transmission upgrades, such as 61 new transformers deployed in 2024, will fail to translate to reliable household supply,” he said.

The minister highlighted plans to attract private investment into grid infrastructure and regionalise transmission networks to reduce failure risks, noting that the 70 percent remittance by the two DisCos in Lagos reflects better infrastructure than what obtains in the northern networks.

He called on the National Assembly to enact stricter legislation aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s power infrastructure from acts of vandalism.

Emphasising the need for enhanced legal measures, Adelabu stressed that robust laws are critical to deterring the destruction of vital energy assets and ensuring the stability of the nation’s electricity supply.