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EFCC Probes N7.5bn NSCDC Embezzlement Allegation

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In a sensational development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated a thorough investigation into a purported embezzlement scheme, implicating contractors associated with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

According to exclusive sources, the probe revolves around the alleged diversion of a staggering N7.5 billion by contractors purportedly working closely with NSCDC’s Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi.

The source said “The investigators discovered that payments were made to a total of 20 contractors, with a significant sum of N2 billion allocated to three major contractors who each own five companies.

“Each contractor received a retention fee of 5%. Letters of invitation have been sent to these contractors.

“All the contractors have been interviewed except for one woman who has been working tirelessly to avoid it. Who received over 1 billion, and all the funds were discovered to have been converted to USD.

“The contractors made a useful statement that led to the recovery of approximately N1 billion, which the Audi had given to them to avoid being invited.

“The contractors have been under pressure from the EFCC as they have stated that the operatives are so professional that there is nothing to hide, given that they have records at their fingertips.

“One of the contractors informs us that they are planning to start a protest at the NSA office to seek assistance, as they feel that he is the only senior official who can help them reach the CG.

“They applied for jobs as contractors, only to learn that the job was already executed on their behalf by the Director of Procurement, Victor Fayemi, and Anthony Akpan, depending on the contractor they are in touch with. They sent account numbers with individual names, which the investigators informed them are BDC.

“The contractor that is yet to come is the MD of Absolute Solutions, Cerise ltd, BNT arm who have been getting paid since the CG assume office in 2021 and have been using same BDC to exchange funds which she’s always informed that the jobs have been executed on her behalf. The BDC investigated so far include. Main one global and Double Spec Agro.

“Another contractor that received over 1 billion is Sotitrech Computers, Jikol Multipurpose, and have exchanged funds through One Al-Hikma communications and made some refunds.

“It was observed at NSCDC that these payments were meant for jobs that had already been executed, but the contractors had not been paid. If the investigators request the goods, they will be found in the stores, but the main contractors who supplied them were not paid.” the source added

Additionally, sources within the NSCDC have revealed discrepancies in payments intended for staff during elections, alleging that NSCDC personnel received lower compensation compared to counterparts in other sister agencies.

In response to mounting allegations, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken decisive action by sending letters of summons to several NSCDC officers.

The list includes high-ranking individuals such as Victor Olanrewaju Fayemi, Anthony Akpan Uwen, Patrick Babatunde, Comfort Danladi, Akibo Michael Olusola, Umaru Usman Karshi, Adewale Kukoyi, Joseph Ajayi Ibitulo, A.A Jonathan, Paul Ahepa.

According to the sources, these officers are scheduled to undergo questioning starting from May 2, 2024, as part of the EFCC’s efforts to uncover the truth behind the alleged financial irregularities within the NSCDC.

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NUPRC Dangles 40 Oil Blocks Before Global Investors at ADIPEC

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The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has invited global investors to participate in the bid for the 2026 Licensing Round, which has 40 oil and gas blocks on offer.

The Commission Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, informed investors at the 2026 ADIPEC Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi on Monday, November 2, 2026 that Nigeria offers a stable climate amid global energy tensions.

She urged investors to look to Nigeria and take advantage of the opportunities and revealed that the licensing round portal will officially open on November 20, 2026.

READ ALSO: OPEC+ Retains Output at 30.9mbpd

The NUPRC boss said this during a roundtable discussion titled, ‘Energy Sovereignty in an Interconnected World: Aligning National Priorities, Markets and Global Security’.

She said, “We are expecting investors to turn to Nigeria. We are going into another licensing round, and we will launch our bid portal on November 20. We expect to see interested investors because the environment is a lot more competitive.

“We have set a very attractive fiscal framework for investors. The overall environment is much more secure. We have been able to manage costs with a lot of incentives for investors, and we expect to see investors take up the offer when we open the portal.”

The NUPRC boss noted that since the passing of the Petroleum Industry Act in 2021, as well as the executive orders signed by President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria has seen an improved investment climate.

Eyesan said that between 2021 and 2026, the NUPRC held at least four successful licensing rounds, which brought more investment into the country.

This marks a departure from the pre-PIA era, when licensing rounds were less frequent.

The CCE said Nigeria has huge energy potential, as it sits on 215 TCF of gas, but daily production is barely 7 bcf.

This presents an opportunity to investors, especially as key gas infrastructure, such as pipelines, is being built, she said. The stars are already aligned. For gas infrastructure, we just completed very major infrastructure projects that will unlock gas supply in the country and the sub-region.”

We have two major projects on the drawing board to move gas through the Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline and the Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline.

Again, this gas will go to Europe and will also meet regional demand. So, Nigeria is positioned to meet not just domestic supply,” the CCE stated.

Eyesan maintained that as many countries discover petroleum resources, the race for investment has become more competitive.

She said Nigeria was already ahead of the game, as it had made certain modifications to attract the right capital.

“We understand that investors will prize execution risk, cost, delays and also uncertainty, and so what we have done in Nigeria is to ensure that we guard against these risks and then attract the investment required to enable us to unlock the huge resources we sit on,” the NUPRC boss said.

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‘Becoming Nigeria’s President Is a Divine Blessing’ – Tinubu

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described his emergence as Nigeria’s President as a special favour from Almighty Allah, saying his position as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is a privilege that must be matched with dedicated service to the country.

Tinubu made the remarks while reflecting on his spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj (Umrah), during which he was granted access to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.

The President expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his Nigerian delegation the rare privilege.

SEE MORE: APC Defends Tinubu Over Electricity Promise, Says President Is Tackling Sector’s Challenges

Speaking after the spiritual exercise, Tinubu said his emergence as Nigeria’s leader was an extraordinary blessing, considering the millions of people in the country.

“I have faith in that, and I believe extremely well that He has done me and my country a great favour. Out of many millions of people, to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour that only Almighty God can do to a human being,” he said.

The President also disclosed that he used the opportunity to pray for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians, expressing confidence that his prayers had been answered.

“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” Tinubu said.

Recalling his previous Umrah pilgrimage before the 2023 presidential election, he said he had asked Allah to bless the journey and promised to return to express gratitude.

Tinubu also reflected on the message in Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which establishes Allah as the ultimate owner of sovereignty and authority, with the power to give and take leadership.

He said the message reinforces the need for those entrusted with positions of authority to exercise power responsibly, with humility and in the interest of the people.

“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority,” the President said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous Nigeria, investing in the future of young Nigerians and pursuing development in line with the aspirations of the people.

Tinubu described the opportunity to enter the Holy Ka’abah as a historic and deeply cherished spiritual experience, adding that it reflected the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

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Ogun Police Win Public Safety Award as Ojajuni Emerges NUJ Golden Jubilee Ambassador

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The Ogun State Police Command has received three major honours at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council’s Golden Jubilee Press Week, with Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni named a Golden Jubilee Ambassador.

The Command received the Shield of Public Safety Award, while its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, was presented with the Vanguard of Public Safety Award.

The recognition formed part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the NUJ in Ogun State, which coincides with the state’s 50th anniversary.

SEE ALSO: Oyo Police Arrest Suspected Serial Burglar, Recover Stolen Items Worth ₦16.2m

According to a statement released on Monday, November 2, 2026, by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Babaseyi, the awards recognised the Command’s commitment to public safety, proactive policing and effective engagement with the media.

The Golden Jubilee Press Week, held from October 26 to November 1, 2026, was themed, “Truth, Trust and the Press: Protecting Democratic Choice and Rebuilding Public Confidence in Journalism.”

Ojajuni also participated in a panel session during the celebration, where he urged journalists to uphold truth, professional ethics and patriotism, stressing the importance of responsible journalism to national development and public confidence in public institutions.

While receiving the Shield of Public Safety Award, the police commissioner attributed the Command’s achievements, particularly the impact of Operation KOSAYE, to the strategic direction of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, under the Handshake Patrol initiative.

He explained that the operation was carried out on the directive of the IGP through collaboration between the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands, with support from the governors of both states.

According to him, the initiative strengthened security cooperation between the two states and improved coordinated efforts to prevent and combat criminal activities.

Ojajuni was also named among 50 distinguished personalities recognised as Golden Jubilee Ambassadors.

The honour reflects his leadership and previous contributions to policing in Ogun State, where he served as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department and Squadron Commander of the 16 Police Mobile Force, Abeokuta, before becoming commissioner.

Similarly, Babaseyi received the Vanguard of Public Safety Award in recognition of his contributions to police-public communication, media engagement and public safety advocacy.

The commissioner dedicated the honours to the Inspector-General of Police and officers of the Nigeria Police Force, acknowledging their commitment and sacrifices in protecting lives and property.

The Command also commended the NUJ Ogun State Council, led by its chairman, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, for the recognition and its role in promoting constructive engagement between journalists and security institutions.

It reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its relationship with the media, noting that effective policing depends not only on operational deployment but also on public trust, timely information and stakeholder engagement.

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