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EFCC Returns ₦1.23bn Recovered From Sujimoto to Enugu Over Abandoned Smart Schools Project

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EFCC Returns ₦1.23bn Recovered From Sujimoto to Enugu Over Abandoned Smart Schools Project

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned ₦1.23 billion recovered from Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited to the Enugu State Government following investigations into an abandoned smart schools project.

The funds were handed over on Wednesday after a petition alleged fraud in the construction of 22 smart schools awarded to the company by the Enugu State Government.

In a statement, the EFCC said investigations revealed that Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited failed to execute the project despite receiving more than ₦2.28 billion as advance payment. According to the commission, the contract completion deadline elapsed on January 2, 2025, without any meaningful progress recorded at the project sites.

“The persistent non-performance of the contractor, as shown by the documents, is clear evidence of intention to defraud the state government,” the EFCC quoted the petitioner as saying.

The petition also named the Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Olasijibomi Ogundele, as jointly liable for the refund, alleging an “irremediable breach” of the contract and diversion of project funds.

Following receipt of the petition, the EFCC said operatives from its Enugu Zonal Directorate commenced investigations, which led to the recovery of ₦1,234,350,000 on behalf of the Enugu State Government.

Speaking at the handover ceremony on behalf of EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, the zonal director, Daniel Isei, said the recovery demonstrated the commission’s commitment to ensuring restitution where public funds are misappropriated.

“Where there are instances of economic and financial crimes against an individual or an agency of government, the EFCC will ensure that every act that is contrary to law is dealt with and, where possible, restitution is made to the victim,” Isei said.

He added that investigations into the allegations against Sujimoto are ongoing.

“The commission will look at every facet of the petition and ensure that every kobo of Enugu State Government funds that is unaccounted for is traced, tracked and recovered,” he said.

Isei also warned contractors handling public funds to comply strictly with procurement laws and uphold integrity, noting that failure to properly account for public funds could lead to prosecution.

“Where cases of criminality are established, the EFCC will take further steps of prosecution,” he added.

Receiving the recovered funds on behalf of the state government, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, commended the EFCC for its diligence and professionalism.

“When the state submitted the petition, there were a lot of distractions in the public space, but the EFCC remained focused, followed the money and conducted thorough investigations,” Onyia said.

He described the recovery as “a remarkable testimony of intergovernmental collaboration and transparency.”

Bobi Wine In Hiding After Police Raid On Home Following Uganda Election

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Bobi Wine In Hiding After Police Raid On Home Following Uganda Election

Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has gone into hiding after security operatives raided his residence, amid heightened tensions following last week’s disputed presidential election.

Wine said he narrowly escaped the raid and has since been constantly on the move, relying on supporters for shelter and protection. He also alleged that his wife and other relatives have been placed under house arrest by security forces.

The singer-turned-politician was the main challenger to long-serving President Yoweri Museveni in the January 2026 presidential election. Official results declared Museveni winner with about 72 per cent of the vote, while Wine was credited with just under 25 per cent. Wine has rejected the outcome, describing the election as “blatant theft.”

Speaking on the future of his National Unity Platform (NUP), Wine said there was no fixed strategy at the moment, noting

Glencore, AFC, Mauritius Bank, Fidelity Sue First Bank Trustees, Receiver Over Alleged Illegal Takeover Of Neconde’s OML 42

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Glencore, AFC, Mauritius Bank, Fidelity Sue First Bank Trustees, Receiver Over Alleged Illegal Takeover Of Neconde’s OML 42

A consortium of international lenders—Glencore Energy UK Limited, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Mauritius Commercial Bank, and Fidelity Bank—has instituted legal action against FBN Trustees Limited and a court-appointed receiver, Abubakar Sulu-Gambari, SAN, over what they describe as an unlawful attempt to take over Neconde Energy Limited’s interests in Oil Mining Lease 42 (OML 42).

The lawsuit marks a major escalation in the series of disputes surrounding control and financing of one of Nigeria’s strategic oil assets. The plaintiffs allege that the appointment of Sulu-Gambari as Receiver/Manager represents an improper enforcement of a subordinate security, carried out in breach of their rights as senior lenders.

Dispute Over Neconde’s OML 42 Interests

Neconde Energy Limited holds a 45 per cent participating interest in OML 42, a producing oil block regarded as strategically significant within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

According to court filings, the foreign lenders had previously extended credit facilities to Neconde, with FBN Trustees appointed as security trustee under the agreed financing structure. The dispute, however, centres on what the lenders describe as a complex and improper arrangement involving Neconde, FBN Trustees, and a group of Nigerian banks collectively referred to as the “Nestoil Lenders”.

The Nestoil Lenders include First Bank Limited and FBN Trustees, which is affiliated with First Bank Nigeria Limited and also serves as trustee for that lending group.

Allegations Of Breach Of Trust

The plaintiffs accuse FBN Trustees of breaching its fiduciary duties by facilitating the creation of a secondary security interest over Neconde’s OML 42 assets in favour of the Nestoil Lenders.

They contend that this additional security was created through a Deed of Charge executed in December 2022 without their consent, despite explicit provisions in the lending agreements requiring such approval.

The foreign lenders further assert that Neconde does not owe any outstanding debt to the Nestoil Lenders, arguing that the creation of the security interest was therefore “completely unlawful” and without legal foundation.

Legal Demands Before The Court

In their originating summons dated December 11, 2025, the plaintiffs argue that FBN Trustees acted despite receiving a clear refusal from them to create any secondary security.

They claim the conduct amounts to a serious breach of trust and fiduciary responsibility, alleging that FBN Trustees prioritised the interests of parties with no legitimate claim over Neconde’s assets.

Among other reliefs, the lenders are asking the court to:

  • Declare the December 2022 Deed of Charge void and legally ineffective
  • Invalidate the contested security over OML 42
  • Remove FBN Trustees as security trustee
  • Set aside the appointment of Abubakar Sulu-Gambari, SAN, as receiver

They are also seeking judicial interpretation and enforcement of the priority provisions contained in the facility agreement, debenture, and intercreditor deed governing the original financing structure.

Wider Implications For Banking And Investment

The case adds another layer to ongoing litigation involving First Bank-related entities, Neconde, and Nestoil, and has drawn close attention from industry observers.

Legal analysts say the involvement of multiple international lenders and allegations of unlawful security creation raise broader concerns about governance, transparency, and creditor protection within Nigeria’s banking and oil sectors.

Some analysts warn that unresolved disputes of this nature could undermine investor confidence and negatively affect Nigeria’s attractiveness to foreign capital, particularly in capital-intensive sectors such as oil and gas.

What Comes Next

As proceedings continue, stakeholders across the financial and energy industries are watching closely, with the outcome expected to have significant implications for secured lending practices, trusteeship obligations, and asset control in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Floods Kill 38 Across Limpopo And Mpumalanga As South Africa Rolls Out Emergency Housing

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Floods Kill 38 Across Limpopo And Mpumalanga As South Africa Rolls Out Emergency Housing

The death toll from recent flooding in South Africa’s Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces has risen to 38, as authorities step up emergency housing and relief efforts for affected communities.

The Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, said fatalities in Limpopo increased from 17 to 18, while Mpumalanga recorded 20 deaths, with six people still missing in Limpopo. She disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Days of intense rainfall triggered the floods, destroying or damaging thousands of homes across the two provinces. According to Simelane, 1,942 houses have so far been recorded as damaged in Limpopo and 1,808 in Mpumalanga, cautioning that the figures may rise as assessments continue.

She explained that ongoing severe weather conditions and difficult terrain in parts of Limpopo have slowed verification and relief operations, but stressed that the verification process remains central to the government’s response. This, she noted, determines the level of damage and the type of emergency housing support each affected household will receive.

Despite the ongoing assessments, Simelane said assistance has already begun for households that have been verified.

The federal government is implementing a two-phase emergency housing plan for displaced residents. The first phase involves the provision of Temporary Emergency Accommodation for people currently sheltering in mass care centres and evacuation sites. The second phase will include the deployment of Temporary Residential Units, with allocations planned for Mbaula, Bushbuckridge, Blouberg and Makhado.

Simelane said she would join the Human Settlements MECs of Limpopo and Mpumalanga over the next two days to monitor the rollout and ensure affected communities receive timely support.

She also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and commended local communities and organisations for supporting residents who have been displaced or lost their livelihoods due to the floods.

Uganda Military Chief Gives Bobi Wine 48 Hours To Surrender After Disputed Election

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Uganda Military Chief Gives Bobi Wine 48 Hours To Surrender After Disputed Election

Uganda’s military chief has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to opposition leader Bobi Wine to surrender himself to the police, following last week’s controversial presidential election.

Wine, who came second in the polls, has alleged widespread electoral fraud after President Yoweri Museveni was declared winner and sworn in for a seventh term in office.

The opposition figure said he went into hiding after fleeing what he described as a military raid on his residence, which allegedly occurred hours before the 81-year-old incumbent was officially announced as victor on Saturday.

In a series of posts on social media late on Monday, Uganda’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, threatened Wine with violence, warning that he would be treated as an “outlaw” if he failed to hand himself over to the authorities within the stipulated time.

Kainerugaba, who is President Museveni’s son and widely viewed as his preferred successor, has a history of making provocative and inflammatory statements online.

Meanwhile, at least 118 members of Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) were arraigned in court on Monday over alleged election-related offences, including unlawful assembly and conspiracy.

The party’s secretary-general has denied the accusations, insisting that NUP members were not involved in any violent activity during or after the polls.

Wine has ruled out challenging the election outcome in court, citing a lack of confidence in the judiciary. He said the opposition would instead explore “all non-violent, legal options” in response to the disputed results.

Court Affirms Nenadi Usman-Led Labour Party Committee, Orders INEC Recognition

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Court Affirms Nenadi Usman-Led Labour Party Committee, Orders INEC Recognition

The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed the legitimacy of the Nenadi Usman-led executive of the Labour Party, effectively removing Julius Abure as the party’s national chairman.

Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu relied on the Supreme Court’s verdict of April 4, 2025, to declare Senator Nenadi Usman as the valid leader of the party and uphold the caretaker committee formed under her leadership.

The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to immediately recognise the Usman-led Labour Party Caretaker Committee as the only lawful authority to represent the party, pending the conduct of a national convention.

The ruling followed a suit filed by Usman challenging Abure’s continued claim to the chairmanship. The Nigerian Labour Congress was also listed as a defendant in the case.

Justice Lifu held that evidence before the court showed that Abure’s tenure as national chairman had elapsed, dismissing his argument that the matter was an internal party issue beyond judicial intervention.

According to the court, the establishment of the Labour Party caretaker committee was a necessity arising from the directive of the Supreme Court, making the issue justiciable and subject to judicial determination.

Hilda Baci Sets Third Guinness World Record With Largest Serving Of Rice

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Hilda Baci Sets Third Guinness World Record With Largest Serving Of Rice

Nigerian chef Hilda Baci has secured her third Guinness World Records (GWR) title after being officially recognised for achieving the largest serving of rice.

The latest record was confirmed by Guinness World Records following her September 12, 2025 cooking event in Victoria Island, Lagos, where she partnered with food brand Gino to prepare a massive quantity of rice. The attempt, which originally targeted the record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, was later validated by Guinness as also qualifying for the largest serving of rice overall.

According to Guinness World Records, the official record states: “The largest serving of rice is 8,780 kg (19,356 lb, 9 oz) and was achieved by Hilda Baci and Gino (all Nigeria), in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, on 12 September 2025.”

Baci announced the additional recognition on January 20, 2026, sharing a screenshot of an email from Andrew Fanning, Head of Client Partnering at Guinness World Records, confirming that the same attempt met the criteria for both records.

Reacting to the confirmation, Baci described the moment as “shocking and emotional,” explaining that she only became aware of the second recognition months after the initial announcement. She credited her team and business partner for their support, stressing that the achievement was a collective effort.

Baci first entered the Guinness World Records in May 2023 after completing the longest individual cooking marathon. She earned her second title in September 2025 for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice. The latest confirmation now brings her total Guinness World Records titles to three, further cementing her place as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated culinary figures.

Police Confirm Abduction Incident In Kaduna Community

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Police Confirm Abduction Incident In Kaduna Community

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that an abduction incident occurred at Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following days of uncertainty and conflicting reports.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said subsequent verification by operational units and intelligence sources confirmed that the incident did take place, despite earlier denials that created confusion among residents.

Hundeyin explained that the matter was initially disputed during a meeting of the Kaduna State Security Council convened by Governor Uba Sani, as some individuals from the affected area described the reports as false, necessitating further checks by security agencies.

He clarified that comments earlier attributed to the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, and widely interpreted as a denial of the incident, were intended to prevent public panic while investigations and verification were ongoing.

Following confirmation of the abduction, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and neighbouring communities.

The police said tactical units have been deployed, patrols intensified, and targeted search-and-rescue operations commenced to locate and safely rescue the victims, while restoring calm to the area.

The Force appealed to the public and the media to rely solely on official sources for verified information and to avoid speculation that could jeopardise ongoing operations.

Earlier, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the northern region, John Hayab, had said that scores of worshippers were abducted in the community, a claim initially dismissed by the Kaduna State Police Command and the state government.

Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad had challenged anyone with evidence of the incident to present a list and particulars of the alleged victims, while the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu, said engagements with CAN at the state level and community leaders indicated the reports were false.

The confirmation of the incident adds to the growing concerns over recurring abductions in parts of the country.

NNPP Tells Governor Yusuf To Formally Resign Before Any Defection

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NNPP Tells Governor Yusuf To Formally Resign Before Any Defection

The Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is free to leave the party, provided he first tenders a formal resignation in line with party rules.

The state chairman of the NNPP, Senator Elmasud Doguwa, stated this on Tuesday while addressing a press conference in Kano, amid growing speculation that the governor may defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Doguwa said the party had no intention of forcing the governor to remain under its platform if he no longer wished to do so, but insisted that due process must be followed.

“The New Nigeria People’s Party has no problem if Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf decides to leave the party,” Doguwa said.

“However, he must formally tender his resignation in writing to the legally recognised NNPP before joining any other political party.”

He stressed that Governor Yusuf, who was elected on the NNPP platform in 2023, remains a bona fide member of the party.

“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is still a bona fide member of the NNPP, the party with a basket of fruits as its logo. We respect him as our governor and as a member of our party. But if he chooses to leave, he has the legal right to do so. What we are insisting on is that he must formally tender his resignation to the party, which we are yet to receive,” he said.

Doguwa noted that while political party membership is an individual choice, such decisions must comply with established party rules and regulations.

He further warned that failure to follow the proper resignation process could have legal implications, particularly in light of ongoing litigations over the party’s leadership.

“With the judgments already delivered by three courts, if Governor Yusuf decides to defect without resigning through the bona fide NNPP, it may not go without consequences if the final judgment of the Supreme Court is eventually in our favour,” Doguwa said.

The NNPP chairman maintained that the current party leadership in Kano remains the legitimate authority based on existing court judgments and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to respect and enforce those rulings.

“We are calling on INEC to respect all the judgments delivered by the courts last year on this matter,” he added.

FG Opens Applications For PTDF-Funded 2026 Overseas Scholarships

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FG Opens Applications For PTDF-Funded 2026 Overseas Scholarships

The Federal Government has announced the commencement of applications for the 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Scholarship Scheme.

The announcement was made on Monday in a post shared via X (formerly Twitter) by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun. According to the post, the scheme provides opportunities for Nigerian postgraduate students to study in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Malaysia.

“FG has announced the commencement of applications for 2026 Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarships overseas,” the post stated.

Information published on the PTDF scholarship board website shows that the scheme is open to MSc and PhD candidates in disciplines relevant to the oil and gas sector. The scholarship covers tuition, return flight tickets, accommodation and living allowances, health insurance, and bench fees where applicable.

The fund said the programme is designed to build local capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry through access to global training and research opportunities.

“The 2026 Overseas MSc and PhD Scholarships provide access to world-class training, research facilities, and global expertise, while developing indigenous capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” the statement said.

Requirements for MSc applicants include a minimum of Second Class Lower (2.2) in a first degree or Second Class Upper (2.1), completion of the National Youth Service Corps programme, computer literacy, and five O-Level credits including English Language and Mathematics. PhD applicants are required to submit a research proposal of up to five pages outlining their objectives, methodology, and data collection approach.

For PhD candidates applying to study in the United Kingdom, the scholarship will operate under a split-site arrangement. This allows research to be conducted between the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna, and selected partner universities in the UK, including Robert Gordon University, the University of Strathclyde, and the University of Portsmouth.

The PTDF emphasised that the scholarship process is highly competitive and based strictly on merit.

“Only candidates who demonstrate outstanding merit and suitability will be considered,” the statement said.

Applicants are required to ensure that their National Identity Number is verified before applying, as multiple applications or submission of falsified documents will lead to automatic disqualification.

Interested candidates are to apply online through the PTDF scholarship portal. Applications close on February 27, 2026.

Abba Yusuf To Tinubu: Kano Will Benefit From Stronger Federal Collaboration

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Abba Yusuf To Tinubu: Kano Will Benefit From Stronger Federal Collaboration

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has told President Bola Tinubu that the state stands to gain significantly from enhanced collaboration with the federal government, particularly in the areas of security, infrastructure, and development.

Governor Yusuf made this known during a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu on Monday, where he presented his administration’s key priorities and outlined pressing challenges facing Kano State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sunisu Bature, said the meeting provided an opportunity to formally brief the president on the worsening security situation in some local government areas of the state.

“He informed President Tinubu about the recent tragic killing of a housewife and her children, stressing the need for decisive federal support to strengthen security operations and protect innocent citizens,” the statement said.

The governor highlighted the role of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps in supporting conventional security agencies and called for deeper collaboration with federal security institutions to improve safety across the state.

Yusuf also discussed his administration’s development agenda, placing emphasis on major infrastructure projects aimed at stimulating economic growth and creating jobs.

According to the statement, the governor expressed appreciation for federal intervention on the Wujuwuju Road project, describing it as a critical step toward unlocking economic opportunities and improving connectivity.

Bature said the governor sought President Tinubu’s support to fast-track ongoing and proposed federal projects in Kano, while ensuring the state benefits fully from federal programmes and investments.

He added that President Tinubu assured Governor Yusuf of the federal government’s readiness to work closely with the Kano State Government to address insecurity and promote sustainable development across the state.

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