NEWS
Nigeria Urges U.S. To Return More Stolen Funds
The Nigerian Government has called upon the United States to repatriate additional illicit funds channeled through its banking system by Nigerian officials.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar made the appeal during the 6th Session of the Nigeria-US Bi-National Commission in Abuja on Monday.
Tuggar, represented by Adamu Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed the significance of increased U.S. assistance, noting that the $308 million returned thus far is inadequate compared to Nigeria’s cumulative losses from illegal fund transfers.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s dedication to leveraging these funds for the collective welfare of its citizens, consistent with agreements with development partners.
Notably, the funds are earmarked for infrastructure development, prioritizing projects such as roads, schools, education, and other critical sectors in need of significant investment.
The Perm. Sec. said, “I would like to appreciate the fallout of the Democratic National Convention held in February 2020 in Washington, DC. The governments of Nigeria, the United States, and Jersey signed a tripartite agreement to return to Nigeria the sum of over $308 million of funds stolen from the country.
“I would also urge the U.S. to do more because $308 million is a meagre amount when you look at the resources that Nigeria has lost over the years due to illegal transfers of funds from the country.
“The Nigerian government has committed to using these funds for the benefit of all Nigerians, as agreed with development partners. These funds are aimed at developing infrastructure, particularly projects in roads, schools, education, and other sectors of the economy that require this substantial return.”
Lamuwa underscored the significance and timeliness of this year’s theme, ‘Partnership for Mutual Benefit and Development,’ stressing the urgent necessity for collaborative efforts.
He emphasized that strengthening ties between two major democracies holds potential for a more robust partnership, fostering peace, prosperity, and advancement not only in Africa but globally.
In her address, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Molly Phee emphasized the pivotal role of security cooperation in the Nigeria-U.S. partnership.
Phee emphasized that without security, the pursuit of prosperity becomes arduous and human rights are jeopardized.
She underscored the collaborative endeavors aimed at addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and piracy, which pose significant threats to its populace.
She said, “Security cooperation is another crucial aspect of our relationship. Without security, prosperity will be elusive and human rights threatened. Together, we are working to address the broad security challenges facing Nigeria, terrorism; banditry and piracy threaten its people.
“The U.S. is committed to helping Nigeria build more capable, professional and accountable security forces while ensuring respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms, including for religious minorities.”
Recall that on February 3, 2020, the Government of Jersey, Nigeria, and the U.S. government finalized an Asset Recovery Agreement, aiming to repatriate over $308 million of forfeited assets to Nigeria.
According to a statement released on the website of the United States Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria, the funds were laundered through the U.S. banking system and subsequently held in bank accounts in Jersey under the name of Doraville Properties Corporation, a BVI company, and the son of former Head of State of Nigeria, General Sani Abacha.
The statement further elaborated, stating, ‘General Abacha and his associates stole and laundered many hundreds of millions of dollars of public money during his military regime, causing significant harm to the futures of his people.
The illicit funds were reportedly laundered by General Abacha’s family, including his sons Ibrahim and Mohammed, along with several close associates.
This laundering operation spanned across various jurisdictions, including the United States and European countries such as the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg.
Furthermore, on January 16, 2024, a Royal Court in Jersey, Channel Islands, purportedly ruled for the repatriation of stolen assets valued at £6.9 million ($8.9 million) back to Nigeria.
These assets were allegedly diverted by Nigerian government officials in 2014, under the pretext of purchasing arms to combat Boko Haram terrorists.
NEWS
Outrage as Police Officer Who Threatened Nigerians Over Recording Breaks Silence
A Nigerian police officer identified as Newton Isokpehi has sparked widespread reactions online after publicly apologising for threatening Nigerians who film police officers while on duty.
The officer came under heavy criticism after a viral video showed him warning that he would “clear everybody down,” including bystanders near anyone recording him during official duty.
Following the backlash, Isokpehi released a video on Thursday pleading with Nigerians and rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu for forgiveness, saying his earlier comments were made out of anger and frustration.
SEE ALSO: Six Arrested as Police Expose Inside Network Behind Oyo School Abduction
“Please forgive me. If I offended you as a brother, forgive me. That statement was just out of annoyance because of the things that are happening,” he said.
Speaking in Pidgin English, the officer clarified that he was not against citizens filming police officers, noting that Nigerians have the right to record security personnel while carrying out their duties.
“Actually, you can video us. You are allowed to video a policeman. But it’s not right for just anybody to come from anywhere and start videoing officers on duty,” he stated.
Isokpehi, who disclosed that he hails from Edo State and was raised in a police barracks in Kaduna, described himself as a committed officer who has spent over 12 years serving in the Mobile Police unit.
The officer also displayed several scars and gunshot wounds on his body, claiming they were sustained during dangerous operations while serving the country.
“Out of 17 of us, only two survived that operation. We have suffered in this work,” he said emotionally.
Attempting to walk back his earlier remarks, Isokpehi insisted he never intended to harm civilians.
“How can I be saying I will kill my own people? We don’t do that. I spoke out of annoyance. That one was just verbal talk,” he added.
He further appealed directly to Gwamnishu and Nigerians, admitting that the controversy had escalated beyond what he expected.
“Harrison, forgive me. I beg the whole of Nigeria, please forgive me. This one has reached too far,” he pleaded.
The apology has continued to generate mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians condemning the officer’s initial comments while others expressed sympathy over the harsh conditions faced by security personnel.
NEWS
Cubana Chief Priest Explains Why He Dumped Peter Obi for Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Nigerian socialite and businessman, Cubana Chief Priest, has explained why he shifted his political support from former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the 2023 general elections.
Speaking during a livestream session with popular streamer Peller, the celebrity businessman said his decision was motivated by a desire to avoid repeated political disappointment.
SEE ALSO: Plateau 2027: “I’m Not in the Race to Fill Numbers” — Bida Declares War on Mutfwang
He stated that he no longer wanted to back a candidate who might lose, saying he made the switch after the last election experience.
“Because I don’t want to lose again because they say first fool no be fool na the second fool be proper fool,” he said.
Cubana Chief Priest also claimed that President Tinubu remains cautious about him due to his past political alignment with Peter Obi and his ethnic background.
According to him, the President does not fully trust him because of his previous support for the opposition during the 2023 polls.
“President Bola Tinubu no really trust me as an Igbo man that I am. He look me with one eye because he believes that this one that worked for Peter Obi, before at the last election,” he added.
He further dismissed the chances of Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election, describing him as “not serious” and insisting that only “serious people” would emerge victorious.
The comments have since generated widespread reactions on social media, with critics accusing him of political opportunism, while others argue that his position reflects the realities of Nigeria’s winner-takes-all political system.
Cubana Chief Priest was a vocal supporter of Peter Obi and the Labour Party during the 2023 elections but later aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He currently serves as the Imo State Coordinator of the Pro-Tinubu City Boys Movement and has become more active within APC circles.
He had also obtained an APC House of Representatives nomination form but later withdrew from the primary election on the day of the exercise.
NEWS
Yobe Hospital Makes Medical History With First-Ever Lower Jaw Surgery
The Yobe State Specialist Hospital has recorded a major medical breakthrough after successfully performing its first-ever lower jaw surgery, a development described as the first of its kind in North-Eastern Nigeria.
The complex procedure, known as a segmental mandibulectomy with reconstruction, was carried out on a 40-year-old female patient suffering from mandibular ameloblastoma, a tumour affecting the jawbone.
Speaking on the achievement, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Usman Abba Giedam, said the surgery marked a significant milestone in the state’s healthcare sector.
SEE MORE: Ex-IGP Usman Alkali Baba Joins Yobe Governorship Race, Vows to End Insurgency
According to him, the operation involved the removal of a diseased section of the patient’s lower jaw and a sophisticated reconstruction using reconstruction plates and an iliac crest bone graft.
The surgery was led by Dr. Muhammad Ayuba Fusami with support from Dr. Peter Umejiego.
Giedam revealed that the patient is currently recovering well and responding positively to treatment following the successful operation.
He noted that the achievement reflects the growing capacity of the hospital to handle highly specialized medical procedures that previously required referrals outside the state.
The CMD also credited the administration of Mai Mala Buni for investing in healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment, and skilled manpower development across the state.
He added that the hospital remains committed to advancing specialized healthcare services and improving access to quality medical care for residents of Yobe State and the North-East region.





