NEWS
‘I Won’t Back Down On Exposing Corruption On JAMB,’ Ex-Official Tells Court
The dismissed Deputy Director of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Mr. Yisa Usman, has alleged widespread corruption within the board, vowing to expose the irregularities despite alleged threats and intimidation against him.
Usman, who is challenging his dismissal in the National Industrial Court, Abuja, disclosed this during cross-examination before Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae.
Representing himself as the sole witness in his case, Usman insisted that his termination was a retaliatory move by JAMB’s leadership due to his efforts to expose alleged financial infractions.
READ ALSO: CSR: Dangote Awards Scholarships To 473 Students
Under questioning from JAMB’s counsel, A. A. Owonikoko, Usman admitted to writing numerous petitions to various government agencies, including the National Assembly, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Department of State Services (DSS).
These petitions, he said, highlighted corruption and abuse of authority within the board under the leadership of the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.
In one of his written communications, dated May 18, 2023, and read aloud in court, Usman stated:
“This new development only renews my determination to continue with my quest for justice and my fight against the corrupt practices that have characterised our organisation in the past six to seven years, which I stated in the letter, are perpetrated under the cover of the remittances made to the government.”
Usman also criticized the composition of JAMB’s Directorate Staff Disciplinary Committee, claiming its members were beneficiaries of the corruption he reported and, therefore, compromised.
While admitting that he received queries and an invitation to appear before the committee, Usman maintained that his refusal to attend was based on concerns over fairness.
“I was not certain of getting a fair hearing,” he told the court.
Usman further denied the allegation that he refused to cooperate with the committee, stating that his letter dated May 17, 2023, was a protest against its constitution.
He argued that the registrar and Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA) were complicit in the issues he raised.
The dismissal letter, which Usman read in court, stated: “This is the sequel to the recommendation of the Directorate Staff Disciplinary Committee after due consideration of your written responses to the allegations of serious misconduct levelled against you. And also after taking cognisance of your letter of 17th May 2023, wherein you state never to appear before the Board staff disciplinary committee despite the formal letter of invitation requesting you to appear.”
Usman denied ever making such a statement, asserting that his concerns centered on the legitimacy of the committee’s composition.
In his testimony, Usman alleged that he had faced threats and harassment since he began exposing corruption at JAMB. He also accused the registrar, Prof. Oloyede, and the DFA, Mr. Mufutau Bello, of being responsible for his ordeal.
“If anything happens to me, the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, and his DFA, Mr. Mufutau Bello, should be held responsible,” he stated.
Usman said he had reported these threats to both the DSS and the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The former deputy director accused the DFA of illegally occupying his position beyond the retirement period and alleged that financial audits conducted under the current administration were part of efforts to cover up irregularities.
Owonikoko, however, countered these claims, stating that the registrar and DFA had recused themselves from the disciplinary process to ensure impartiality—an assertion Usman said he was unaware of.
Usman has filed a N150 million lawsuit against JAMB, seeking:.A declaration that his dismissal was unlawful and unconstitutional.
An order reinstating him to his position with full benefits and entitlements.
Compensation for salaries and allowances withheld during his dismissal.
The court admitted several exhibits presented by Usman’s counsel, Mohammed Shuaibu, including documents and statements.
The judge adjourned the case to February 27, 2025, for JAMB to present its defense.
Usman’s case, marked NICN/ABJ/266/2023, is seen as a significant test of whistleblower protection laws and the fight against corruption in Nigeria. Despite the legal battles, Usman remains resolute in his stance, declaring,
“The fight against corruption is the responsibility of every Nigerian. The law will take its course, no matter how long it takes.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to celebrate President Bola Tinubu, saying his leadership saved the country from a potential implosion.
Shettima said Nigeria’s economy had been teetering on the edge of collapse before Tinubu’s intervention, adding that the country could have faced a different situation.
“The economy was teetering on the edge of collapse, we were on a cliff edge,” the Vice President said.
ALSO READ: Subsidy Removal, FX Reforms Driving Fresh Oil Sector Investment – Shettima
“So he literally saved the nation from an implosion. That could have been the scenario. So, instead of demonizing him, Nigerians ought to celebrate this poor man.”
Shettima also called for a return to the drawing board, expressing confidence in the leadership’s commitment and the prospects for the 2027 elections.
“I believe on the bottom of my heart that with this presentation I have seen, and with the commitment of our leadership, by the grace of God, we are going to win,” he said.
Speaking about the 2027 elections, the Vice President reminded his audience that social media platforms should not be mistaken for actual polling stations.
“There are no polling stations on Facebook or Instagram,” he said.
Shettima also expressed gratitude for the efforts made towards promoting the cause of the 2027 elections.
Following observed mis-steps, the Federal Government of Nigeria has withdrawn the eight-count criminal charge brought against the alleged fake Director General (DG) of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi.
Biztellers reports that the matter, in accordance with the counsel of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, (SAN), the matter will be filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), instead of the Federal High Court (FHC).
Consequently, upon an unopposed application for termination by the prosecution counsel and Director of the Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), on Monday, Justice Mohammed Umar of a Federal High Court, Abuja on Monday, struck out the matter.
READ ALSO: Shell Identifies Keys to Nigeria’s Energy Future
In a motion for the termination of the charges, Oyedepo informed the court that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has carried out a review of the case file of Adeyemi and the charge filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and found some loopholes.
The DPPF added that the documents allegedly forged by Adeyemi during his operations of the fake agency are those that can be prosecuted by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He also informed the court that a new charge has been filed at the High Court of the FCT and that Adeyemi would be expeditiously arraigned afresh.
He therefore urged the judge to strike out the charge as required by law.
Following no objections from Ibrahim Angulu (SAN), who stood in for Adeyemi, Justice Umar subsequently terminated the charge.
Adeniyi, 38, was being tried alongside two others whose whereabouts are unknown, on charges bordering on conspiracy and forgery.
The two others said to be at large were identified as Femi (surname unknown) and Anu (surname unknown).
The charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/25/2025, was entered against the defendant by the DPPF.
To secure a bright energy for her teeming population, Nigeria must sustain the momentum of reform, accelerate investment, and deepen partnerships.
This view was expressed by Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company of Nigeria Limited (SNEPCo) Ronald Adams in Lagos at the weekend.
Delivering a keynote address at the Africa Energy Conference (AEC) of the Lagos Business School (LBS), Adams called for regulatory certainty through efficient execution of reforms, sustained investment appeal to enable projects to move more swiftly from opportunity to production and partnership by operators, regulators, NNPC Limited and communities to unlock the full value of Nigeria’s resources.
Adams cited Nigeria’s huge oil and gas resources as an advantage but pointed out: “Resources alone do not guarantee prosperity. Prosperity comes when resources are matched with investment, technology, sound policy and disciplined execution. Success will be determined not by the size of our resources, but by our ability to convert them into investment and economic growth.”
Adams pledged the support of Shell towards a bright energy future of Nigerians. He said: “For more than six decades, Shell has been part of Nigeria’s energy journey. Together with our partners, we have helped develop major energy infrastructure, supported Nigerian businesses, invested in talent, and contributed to economic development. Bonga remains a powerful example of what technology, partnership and Nigerian capability can achieve in deepwater operations. Today, that story continues through Bonga North.”
READ ALSO: ADF Targets 5 Million Students, 2 Million Vulnerable Women
Issuing a clarion call for action by all stakeholders, he added: “The world is not standing still. Capital is moving, technology is advancing and competition is intensifying. The countries that attract investment tomorrow are those that improve competitiveness today. Nigeria has begun that journey. Our task is to sustain the momentum and translate reform into projects, projects into growth, and growth into shared prosperity.”
The conference, the 4th in the series had at its theme; “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future: Policy Reform, Capital Mobilisation, and Pathways to a Sustainable Power and Energy Market” and was attended by top government officials, industry captains, energy professionals, and students.
Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat represented Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the guest of honour. SNEPCo was a principal sponsor of the Africa Energy Conference (AEC) and mounted a well-received exhibition on its deepwater operations and social investments across Nigeria.
2027: ‘Tinubu Has Done Well’ – Wike Tells Opposition to Speak the Truth
‘Celebrate This Poor Man’ – Shettima Defends Tinubu Over Economic Crisis
FG Withdraws Charges Against ‘Fake Agency’ DG, Adeniyi Adeyemi
Shell Identifies Keys to Nigeria’s Energy Future
Nigeria Records Biggest Rise in Multidimensional Poverty Among Five Countries – UN
Katsina Students Get ₦689.79m Bursary as Gov Radda Doubles Allowances
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
