Crime
EFCC Allegedly Covers Up N7bn Fraud Involving Top NCAA Officials
A scandal has emerged as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) faces accusations of covering up a N7 billion fraud involving top officials at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Despite the arrest of several key figures in 2023, the implicated officials have not been prosecuted and continue to receive promotions and benefits, leading to widespread outrage over the EFCC’s handling of the case.
The fraud, which centers around the misappropriation of Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) funds, has reportedly amounted to N7 billion.
According to SaharaReporters, sources within the NCAA revealed that despite the scale of the alleged theft, the indicted officials have not faced any official scrutiny.
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Rather than being held accountable, these officials have continued to benefit from promotions and other work privileges, while the EFCC has yet to take meaningful action.
The absence of legal proceedings raises concerns about the integrity of the investigation and the commitment of the EFCC to address the high-level corruption.
Recall that in March 2023, four senior NCAA officials were arrested by the EFCC in connection with the fraud, which initially involved an estimated N2 billion in stolen DTA funds.
However, further investigation revealed that the amount had risen to N7 billion. The arrested officials included Bilkisu Adamu Sani, Director of Finance and Accounts; Hart Benson Fimienye, Deputy General Manager of Treasury; Obene Jenbarimiema Turniel, Deputy General Manager of Management Accounts; and Nathaniel Terna Kaainjo, General Manager of Accounts and Stores.
Additional arrests were made, including several staff members from the NCAA’s Finance Directorate, after EFCC investigators uncovered more than N7 billion in the suspects’ bank accounts.
The EFCC’s apparent inaction since the arrests has prompted frustration from within the aviation sector.
A source within the NCAA expressed disbelief at the lack of legal action, stating, “I’m bringing this as one of the biggest cases of fraud in the aviation ministry which the EFCC has been playing about with.
“Even though the same EFCC has got truthful facts that the crime was committed, the agency has never arraigned the alleged officials in court nor does it have any intention of arraigning anyone of them.”
The source continued, “This shows one of the many corrupt and sharp practices of the anti-graft agency. The aviation workers are still petitioning the EFCC on this fraud because those top officials involved are enjoying the looted money. They are still sitting in the same position that gave them this privilege.”
Another source corroborated, adding, “Even the indicted officials are promoted faster than those working and breaking their necks to move the Nigerian aviation forward.”
Further details of the fraud emerged in May 2023, when sources revealed that the stolen N7 billion had been used by the suspects to acquire luxury homes in Abuja and Lagos, along with expensive cars.
One General Manager was found to have up to N800 million in his account.
“More than N7 billion has so far been found in the accounts of these people and low-level staff in NCAA that works in the Finance Directorate. They have been stealing money in NCAA, and have continued to do so even today,” a source revealed.
The scandal has also raised questions about the oversight of the NCAA’s financial operations.
Captain Musa Nuhu, the Director-General at the time, was not listed as a signatory to the agency’s accounts, leading to speculation that he may have been unaware of the fraudulent activities taking place.
Crime
Jigawa Bloodshed: Police Arrest Nine After Deadly Market Violence
The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested nine suspects in connection with separate incidents of deadly violence, including a fatal market clash, attacks on security personnel, and a homicide case in different parts of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Shi’isu Adam, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued in Dutse, describing them as part of the police’s ongoing efforts to maintain law and order across Jigawa State.
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According to Adam, two suspects were arrested over the violent unrest that broke out at Gujungu Market in Taura Local Government Area on July 26.
“The disturbance reportedly began following a misunderstanding between a soldier and one Biniya Alhaji Ibrahim, 25, of Miga Local Government Area, at the market,” he said.
The police spokesperson explained that the disagreement escalated into violence after the soldier allegedly stabbed Ibrahim.
“During the altercation, the soldier allegedly stabbed Biniya with a knife, resulting in injuries from which the victim was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor,” Adam stated.
The incident reportedly triggered chaos in the market as hoodlums allegedly attacked a police station, fired bows and arrows at security personnel, and set two thatched shops ablaze.
Adam said intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Muhammed Muhammed, 22, of Gagarawa Local Government Area, and Faridu Mohammed, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
In a related development, six more suspects were arrested for allegedly attacking two vigilante members with sticks and cutlasses during the same disturbance.
“As a result of the assault, one vigilante member sustained fatal injuries and was certified dead by a medical doctor, while the second victim is currently responding to treatment at a medical facility,” the police spokesperson said.
The six suspects were identified as Isiyaku Abdulkarim, 55; Yahaya Habu, 31; Ibrahim Abubakar, 30; Audu Mamman Janare, 30; Ya’u Duga, 65; and Mamman Musa, 20, from Taura, Gagarawa, Kaugama and Jahun Local Government Areas.
Police also recovered six cows believed to have been abandoned during the unrest.
In another incident, the command arrested 20-year-old Saminu Ibrahim of Gidan Gona Village, Ringim Local Government Area, over the alleged fatal stabbing of another 20-year-old during a dispute in Dabigel Village.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that an argument between the two youths degenerated into violence, during which the suspect allegedly stabbed the victim in the chest with a sharp metal object locally known as “Danbuda.”
The victim later died while receiving treatment at the hospital.
“Acting swiftly, police operatives arrested one Saminu Ibrahim, 20, of Gidan Gona Village, Ringim Local Government Area, in connection with the incident,” Adam said.
He added that the suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse for further investigation before being arraigned in court.
Meanwhile, the police said a stakeholders’ engagement involving Miyetti Allah, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, security agencies, youth representatives and other relevant stakeholders is ongoing to address the root causes of the Gujungu Market violence and prevent a recurrence.
Adam said the Commissioner of Police commended officers and other security personnel for their swift response to the disturbances and reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
The command also urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing investigations.
Crime
Jealous Rage: Court Jails Ekiti Woman 7 Years for Mutilating Boyfriend’s Manhood
A High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has sentenced a 35-year-old woman, Joy Ikoja, to seven years’ imprisonment for mutilating her boyfriend’s manhood during a violent confrontation after allegedly catching him in bed with another woman.
Justice Oyinkansola Oluboyede convicted Ikoja of causing grievous harm but acquitted her of attempted murder, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish that she intended to kill the victim.
The case, filed under Charge No. HAD/14C/2025, arose from an incident that occurred on April 12, 2025, in the Irona area of Ado-Ekiti.
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According to court records, Ikoja and her boyfriend, Ibrahim Usman, had lived together for about three years.
Their relationship reportedly turned sour after they accommodated Ikoja’s female friend, Mayowa Ayomide, who was facing accommodation challenges.
Investigations revealed that Usman allegedly began a secret sexual relationship with Ayomide while they were all living in the same room.
On the evening of April 12, 2025, Ikoja reportedly returned home and found the door locked from the inside. After gaining entry, she allegedly caught Usman and Ayomide together in bed.
The court heard that Usman tried to shield Ayomide by pushing her away and blocking Ikoja’s path. During the ensuing struggle, Ikoja allegedly grabbed Usman’s manhood with force, inflicting severe injuries that left him requiring urgent medical attention.
The victim was initially treated at the Police Cottage Hospital in Okesa, Ado-Ekiti, before being referred to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital after the injury became infected and required specialist urological care.
During the trial, prosecuting counsel F.O. Awoniyi called four witnesses, including police investigators and the attending medical doctor.
Five exhibits were also tendered before the court, including medical reports, photographs, a certificate of compliance and the defendant’s confessional statement.
The defendant, represented by Legal Aid Council counsel Adeyinka Opaleke, pleaded not guilty and denied making the confessional statement, insisting that although there was a fight, she did not inflict the injuries sustained by Usman.
In her judgment, Justice Oluboyede held that the prosecution proved the offence of grievous harm beyond reasonable doubt, describing the defendant’s denial as an afterthought because it was contradicted by medical evidence, police testimony and her extra-judicial confession.
Before sentencing, the judge advised that a plea bargain would have resulted in reduced legal costs, a shorter prison term and a faster resolution of the case.
She also condemned domestic violence driven by uncontrolled emotions, stressing that no act of violence can be justified.
“This Court understands that the Defendant’s action was mostly borne out of uncontrolled emotions and passion against her intimate partner. However, there is no justification for violence and this should serve as a deterrence to any other aggressive partners or would-be aggressive partners.”
Justice Oluboyede subsequently sentenced Ikoja to the maximum punishment prescribed under Section 255 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021, imposing a seven-year prison term excluding the period already spent in detention.
Crime
Kogi Polytechnic Suspends Seven Lecturers Amid Sex-for-Marks, Cultism Probe
The management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has suspended seven lecturers over allegations ranging from the unauthorised sale of handouts and textbooks to sexual harassment, as the institution investigates claims of sex-for-marks, cultism and other forms of misconduct.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Polytechnic’s spokesperson, John Onimisi.
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According to the statement, six lecturers were suspended on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, over the alleged unauthorised sale of handouts and textbooks, while another lecturer was suspended over allegations of sexual harassment.
The suspensions come amid growing concerns over reports of sexual harassment, cult-related activities and other disciplinary issues within the institution.
Sources within the Polytechnic alleged that some lecturers demanded sexual favours or money from female students in exchange for passing grades, while cult activities had allegedly resurfaced on campus.
One source claimed that disciplinary measures introduced by the institution’s previous administration had weakened, emboldening erring staff and students.
The source further alleged that female students who reported incidents of sexual harassment received little institutional support and were instead subjected to intimidation.
There were also claims that cult groups had resumed nocturnal meetings on campus despite previous efforts to stamp out such activities.
Other allegations included the reintroduction of compulsory handout sales, a relaxation of the institution’s dress code and reduced enforcement of student identity cards, developments the source claimed had contributed to a decline in discipline across the campus.
Reacting to the allegations, the Polytechnic’s spokesperson, John Onimisi, said the institution’s management was aware of the claims and had already referred the matter to the disciplinary committee for investigation.
“The school management is aware of the allegations, and the disciplinary committee of the Polytechnic is already investigating them. The outcome will be made available to journalists in due course,” Onimisi said.
He assured that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken based on the committee’s findings.





