NEWS
N30bn Clawed Back From Humanitarian Ministry’s Looted Funds – EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made significant strides in combating corruption by recovering a staggering N30bn from the alleged money laundering activities within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The funds, linked to the former minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouk, were part of the N37,170,855,753.44 redirected from government coffers.
Moreover, the anti-graft agency has uncovered an additional N500m associated with Betta Edu, the successor to Umar-Farouk, who recently faced suspension by President Bola Tinubu.
These revelations shed light on a complex web of financial improprieties involving 38 bank accounts across five legacy commercial banks, all connected to the contractor James Okwete, as initially reported by BIZTELLERS.
According to report gathered, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully recovered N30bn after placing a lien on the bank accounts of Sadiya Umar-Farouq and contractor James Okwete.
Both individuals are currently undergoing intensive interrogation by the anti-graft agency.
Additionally, Betta Edu is still under scrutiny in relation to an alleged N17bn fraud, while the suspended Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme, Halima Shehu, is also being questioned over an alleged N44bn fraud.
An EFCC source revealed, “The commission has now recovered over N30bn from the laundered N37.1bn that was linked to former minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq.
“We were able to recover the money after we placed liens on the bank accounts of the former minister and the contractor, Mr Okwete, who was linked to the fraud under probe. Both the minister and the contractor are still being grilled by our investigators daily.”
A senior EFCC investigator said “We have uncovered another N17bn money laundering from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and for the alleged fraud linked to the suspended minister, Betta Edu, we have so far recovered over N500m. Edu is still answering questions about the fraud.”
“The NSIPA coordinator, Halima Shehu, is still being grilled over the N44bn fraud linked to her at the NSIPA; our investigators aren’t leaving any stone unturned.”
In another update, the EFCC announced the recovery of a substantial sum amounting to N70,556,658,370.5 between October 2023 and January 19, 2024.
Exclusive details of this recovery were disclosed in an EFCC document titled ‘Operations and Recoveries,’ obtained by our correspondent.
The breakdown includes N60,969,047,634.25, $10,522,778.57, £150,002.10, and €4,119.90, highlighting a comprehensive effort in reclaiming illicit funds during this period.
Providing a comprehensive overview, the EFCC reported receiving a total of 3,325 petitions, accepting 2,657 of them.
During this period, the agency achieved the conviction of 747 individuals for various financial crimes, spanning from money laundering to Internet fraud.
Notably, the EFCC headquarters played a significant role in the overall recovery, securing N49,607,391,330.44, $3,900,200.75, £2,000, and €110.
Highlighting the extensive efforts across various commands, the Maiduguri Zonal Command recovered N58,065,870 and $3,370, Gombe Command secured N127,323,028.50 and $1,500, and Kano Command recovered N141,944,451 and $365.
Additionally, the Makurdi Command reclaimed N53,228,325, Enugu Command secured N202,117,000 and $1,950, Uyo Command recovered N25,299,950 and $710, while Port Harcourt Command excelled with N2,412,247,210.05 and $5,714,389.21.
Noteworthy recoveries include Sokoto Command with N100,696,118.72, Kaduna Command securing N331,494,710.81, $912, £50, and €1,610, Ilorin Command recovering N80,280,580.86 and $880, Abuja Zonal Command with N825,928,463 and $10,000, and Ibadan Zonal Command obtaining N135,519,810, $14,517, £280, and €500.
The Lagos Zonal Command reported a substantial recovery of N6,826,993,798.78, $868,284.61, £147,672.10, and €1,899.90.
In a parallel effort, the Benin Zonal Command secured the recovery of N49,515,987.09 and $5,700.
Simultaneously, the EFCC achieved 747 convictions during this period, predominantly centered on cybercrime and money laundering offenses.
Chairman Ola Olukoyede disclosed at a dialogue in Abuja that a significant portion of the convictions stemmed from prosecutions related to cybercrimes.
The EFCC further disclosed that it has deepened its investigation into money laundering cases involving high-profile public officials, including former governors and ministers accused of fraud.
The total amount implicated in these cases has reached around N130.1bn as of January 31, 2024, as revealed in an EFCC document titled ‘100 Days in Office,’ outlining ongoing probes, discoveries, and recoveries under Chairman Ola Olukoyede’s leadership.
International News
WHO Releases Alarming Casualty Figures From US‑Israel‑Iran Conflict
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a disturbing update on the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, revealing that thousands of people have been killed or injured in just under two weeks.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that health systems across the Middle East are under “immense strain” and are at risk of complete collapse if the crisis continues.
SEE MORE: US-Israel-Iran War: Day Four Updates from the Middle East
According to WHO reports, Iran has suffered over 1,300 deaths and around 9,000 injuries, while Lebanon has recorded at least 570 deaths and approximately 1,400 injuries.
In Israel, at least 15 people have died and more than 2,100 have been injured since hostilities escalated.
The conflict began on February 28, following a massive joint strike by US and Israeli forces that targeted top Iranian officials, including the country’s Supreme Leader.
The violence has since spread across the region, with retaliatory attacks targeting Israeli sites and US military bases in neighboring countries.
The humanitarian impact is severe. Over 100,000 Iranians and up to 700,000 Lebanese citizens have been displaced, many living in overcrowded conditions with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and medical care.
The WHO warns that these conditions put women and children at particular risk of disease outbreaks.
The organization also highlighted a growing trend of attacks on healthcare infrastructure, reporting dozens of strikes on hospitals and medical facilities across Iran and Lebanon.
Such attacks have not only resulted in deaths but also deprived entire communities of critical medical care when they need it most.
Tedros emphasized the urgent need for all parties to respect international law and protect civilians, calling for unimpeded humanitarian access and immediate measures to prevent the collapse of fragile health systems.
With the conflict continuing to escalate, the WHO has stressed that immediate action is required to protect lives, ensure medical support reaches affected populations, and prevent the humanitarian crisis from worsening.
NEWS
2026 Poll: Osun Ndigbo Backs Adeleke’s Second-Term Bid
Ahead of the 2026 governorship election, the Ndigbo community across the local government areas of Osun State has declared its support for the second-term bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
A government house statement in Osogbo on Wednesday night has it that ndi Igbo cited his administration’s developmental strides across the state for their decision.
The endorsement was made during a courtesy visit by leaders of the Igbo community in Osun to the governor at the Government House in Osogbo, where they commended his leadership and commitment to inclusive governance.
ALSO READ: Adeleke on Why he Deserves Second Term
Speaking on behalf of the association, President-General of the Ndigbo in the state, Chief John Dike, praised the governor for the infrastructural and social development projects being carried out across the state.
He particularly commended the governor for appointing some members of the Igbo community as Senior Special Assistants, describing the gesture as a sign of recognition and inclusion of the community in the affairs of the state.
Chief Dike, however, appealed for further inclusiveness, requesting that more Igbo indigenes be considered for appointments into the state cabinet and other employment opportunities within the government.
He also urged the state government to allocate land for the construction of a modern secretariat for the Igbo community and grant approval for an endorsement rally in support of the governor’s re-election bid.
In addition, the Ndigbo leader sought assistance for Igbo farmers operating within the state, while assuring the governor of the community’s unwavering support for his administration and second-term ambition. Members of the delegation also presented campaign caps to the governor as a symbol of their solidarity.
Responding, Governor Adeleke expressed appreciation for the endorsement, noting that the Igbo community has continued to contribute positively to the social and economic development of the state.
He assured them that his administration would continue to promote their welfare and support their progress, while granting the requests presented during the visit.
NEWS
Adeleke on Why he Deserves Second Term
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has declared that his administration’s record of performance and fulfilment of electoral promises justifies a second term in office.
A government house statement in Osogbo on Wednesday has it that the governor made the declaration while hosting a delegation of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADS), Osun State Council, during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Osogbo.
ALSO READ: CNG: Tinubu Orders Deployment of 100,000 Kits in Three Weeks
It was gathered that the delegation was led by the National Vice President of the society, Asiwaju Justice Adeigbe (Rtd), alongside the Chairman of the Osun State chapter, Chief Daud Oladapo.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the State Secretary of the society, Dr Afeez Akande, praised the Governor’s performance and pledged the support of the organisation for the continuity of the administration.
“We have been following what you are doing and your track records. You are wonderful and you are marvelous in our eyes. The monumental works you have been doing in Osun make it look like we have never had a Governor like this before,” Dr Akande said.
He noted that the administration’s projects are known for timely delivery and strategic impact on the lives of residents.
“We have identified that once you embark on projects, they are time-bound. It shows genuine administrative acumen, love for the state and love for the people,” he added.
Dr Akande also cited infrastructural developments, specifically the ongoing dualisation of roads, notably that of Iwo as an example of the Governor’s vision-driven leadership.
“That road project has helped to boost economic activities in the area. Such development can only come from someone with vision who follows through with implementation. We appreciate what you are doing and we are resolved to support the continuity,” he said.
Responding, Governor Adeleke thanked the delegation for the visit and reaffirmed his commitment to people-centred governance.
“Today marks the starting point of campaigning for the August 15, 2026 governorship election. We need your prayers and support for a free and fair election through which the will of the people will prevail,” the Governor said.
Governor Adeleke also unveiled an upgraded Five-Point Agenda that will drive his re-election campaign.
“Our reloaded Five-Point Agenda will focus on integrated youth, women and workers’ welfare and empowerment; infrastructure consolidation for citizens’ social and economic wellbeing; agro-industrial expansion for human development and collective prosperity; affordable and qualitative health and education access; and an improved and secured business environment for job creation,” the Governor stated.
Explaining why he deserves a second term, the Governor pointed to the administration’s record across several sectors.
“When the opposition asked whether I deserve to be re-elected, I told them yes based on my performance in this first term in office,” the Governor said.
“I deserve re-election because of what our administration has delivered for the people of Osun. We have empowered the cooperative movement with almost four billion naira, strengthened community development associations with grassroots health and infrastructure projects, and implemented the Imole Medical Outreach that has benefited almost eighty thousand residents.”
He added that the administration has also revived agriculture and rural development across the state.
“We revived the cocoa revolution through aggressive seedling distribution and new farmers’ initiatives, acquired brand new tractors now serving farmers across the state, and implemented thousands of local projects through integrated rural development under the O-RAMP programme,” he said.
Governor Adeleke further highlighted achievements in governance, infrastructure and economic management.
“We introduced a 45-day window for the acquisition of Certificates of Occupancy, revived the Osun Free Trade Zone with active investors, digitised tax and revenue collection, and implemented the SIFMIS payroll application to ensure transparency in the management of public funds,” he stated.
The Governor also cited major achievements in infrastructure and social services.
“We have constructed over 350 kilometres of roads, developed three major flyover bridges, revived six moribund waterworks, drilled 332 boreholes across wards, rehabilitated schools and health centres, and paid inherited half salaries and almost one hundred billion naira in pension debts,” he added.
Governor Adeleke assured the people of Osun that his administration will continue to deliver inclusive governance and sustainable development if re-elected.
“My promise to the people of Osun is that now and when we are re-elected, we will continue to run an inclusive and forward-looking government that keeps the people at the centre of our programmes and policies,” he said.
Other dignitaries, and political functionaries present included the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, and the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina.






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