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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has raised the alarm over what it described as fake sting operations being carried out by impersonators across major cities in Nigeria.

The commission raised the alarm in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale.

The statement revealed that several ingenious but fraudulent means are being employed by those described as “dark characters” to besmirch the reputation of the EFCC.

Buttressing the claim, the commission said there is a gang of fraudsters now operating around popular Eateries or fun spots in major cities across the country.

“Their modus operandi is laying ambush for innocent youths coming out of the Eateries and harassing them on unfounded suspicions of being internet fraudsters and dispossessing them of their valuables.

“These characters usually portray the identities of authentic EFCC officers by dressing in fake uniforms and moving their victims to locations bearing fictitious resemblance to an EFCC office.

“There is also a gang of itinerant criminals harassing innocent motorists on the identities of their number plates. These ones wield dangerous weapons to compel their victims to offer them money on trumped-up accusations.

“There is yet another tribe of online impersonators and fraudulent content creators dramatizing fake sting operations of the EFCC with evidence of broken doors, windows and forced entrance into their premises.

“Such uncharacteristic portrayals of the EFCC could deceive unsuspecting members of the public into holding the Commission and its officers culpable of contrived actions of impersonators”, the statement added.

EFCC raises alarm over impersonators, fake sting operations in Nigerian cities

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced the sitting of the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) to review pending disciplinary matters involving one hundred and sixty-seven (167) senior police officers over alleged breaches of professional conduct and other related offences.

The exercise, which is currently underway at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen internal accountability, enforce discipline, and uphold professional standards across the Nigeria Police Force.

The Force Disciplinary Committee, a key internal mechanism, is responsible for the review and determination of cases involving senior officers of the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police and above. The process ensures a thorough, transparent, and fair examination of all matters in accordance with extant laws and regulations, with appropriate recommendations to the Police Service Commission.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to discipline, integrity, and professionalism, noting that no officer found culpable of misconduct will be shielded from due process.

The IGP emphasized that the ongoing disciplinary proceedings form part of broader institutional reforms aimed at strengthening internal control mechanisms, promoting ethical conduct, and enhancing public confidence in the Force.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its resolve to uphold the highest standards of accountability and service, ensuring that all officers conduct themselves in line with the core values of the profession.

A fresh controversy has erupted over Nigeria’s deepening security crisis after a United States legislator alleged that the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, attempted to suppress international scrutiny of ongoing killings across parts of the country.

The allegations were made by Kimberly Daniels, a member of the Florida House of Representatives and Chairwoman of the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), during a Facebook live broadcast where she accused the minister of seeking to influence American officials through coordinated messaging.

Daniels alleged that following her recent statement on what she described as targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria, she came under pressure from individuals she linked to Matawalle, including efforts she described as attempts to discredit her report and “buy support” from US-based elected officials.

She said an unnamed American lawmaker was allegedly “persuaded” to publicly counter her position and defend Nigeria’s defence leadership.

She also claimed to have received evidence of a communication, including a prepared statement and promotional material, purportedly linked to the minister, attempts she said were designed to divide American elected officials, “not knowing that they are united.”

“I am speaking on behalf of people who say they are under attack,” Daniels stated, adding that her intervention was a call for investigation rather than outright accusation.

The lawmaker further dismissed attempts to intimidate or silence her, asserting her constitutional right to speak on international human rights issues as an elected official.

The controversy followed a report released by Daniels on April 14, 2026, in her capacity as head of the UN-WCD, which raised concerns over escalating violence in Nigeria’s North Central and North West. 

The report referenced attacks during the Easter period in states, including Plateau, Kaduna, and Nasarawa, and highlighted what it described as growing gaps between government assurances and realities on ground.

The document also questioned the continued leadership of the defence ministry under Matawalle, citing what it described as “credibility and integrity concerns”.

It recommended a review of Nigeria’s security leadership and called on President Bola Tinubu to consider a redeployment of the minister, alongside a transparent investigation into the allegations.

Daniels maintained that her position was informed by testimonies from affected communities, members of the Nigerian diaspora, and findings from the UN-WCD’s multinational network spanning the United States, Nigeria, Ghana, the United Kingdom and Canada.

Student leaders in Oyo State have distanced themselves from reports and images suggesting their involvement in recent political meetings, describing the claims as false and misleading. In a joint statement, the leadership of key student bodies across the state clarified that individuals featured in the alleged engagements are mostly former leaders who no longer represent […]

The post Oyo student leaders disown political links, warn against impersonation appeared first on Tribune Online.

 

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has issued a notice of consequences of disobedience of court order against the national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Samuel Anyanwu and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan.

The court, in Form 48 dated 20th April 2026, cited on Tuesday, warned that they risk imprisonment if they fail to comply with its January 12, 2026, judgment dismissing Anyanwu’s suit challenging his expulsion from the PDP.

In the FCT High Court, public notice in Suit No. CV/1050/2025, Anyanwu is listed as the respondent, while key PDP figures, including Damagum, representing the party’s National Executive Committee, are listed alongside others as judgment creditors/applicants.

The notice, titled Form 48, warned of the consequences of disobedience to the judgment of the court delivered on January 12, 2026.

It read, “Take notice that unless you stop further disobedience and comply forthwith/obey the judgment/order of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, made on the 12th of January 2026, which dismissed the suit of Senator Samual N. Anyanwu challenging his expulsion from the Peoples Democratic Party, you will be guilty of contempt and you will be liable to be committed to prison.”

It was specifically directed at Senator Anyanwu and Prof Amupitan, with service indicated at their respective Abuja addresses, in line with enforcement procedures following the court’s ruling.

The PDP has been mired in a prolonged crisis, splitting into two factions: one led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and backed by Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and the other led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, with the support of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Several suits filed by both camps are still pending in court.

On March 10, 2025, the party’s National Disciplinary Committee recommended the expulsion of Anyanwu over alleged anti-party activities, a decision later ratified by the leadership.

On November 15, 2025, during the disputed Ibadan convention, the party under Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum expelled Anyanwu, Wike, and Ayodele Fayose, though the courts later nullified the convention.

Anyanwu subsequently approached the FCT High Court in Suit No. CV/1050/2025, but on January 12, 2026, Justice Yusuf Halilu dismissed the case.

He then filed an appeal on April 10, 2026, at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

Despite the legal battles, Anyanwu played a key role in the Wike-backed convention held March 29–30, 2026, in Abuja, which produced Mohammed as national chairman and retained him as national secretary, a leadership later recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Seeking redress, the Tanimu Turaki-led faction, in a strongly worded letter dated April 16, 2026, and addressed to INEC Chairman, Prof Amupitan, through its counsel, Abdullahi Ibrahim (SAN), called for the immediate withdrawal of recognition of Anyanwu as both a party member and national secretary.

The letter referenced the January 12, 2026, judgment of the FCT High Court, delivered by Justice Halilu in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/1050/2025, which dismissed Anyanwu’s case and upheld his expulsion from the PDP.

The leadership maintained that Anyanwu lost his membership from the date of his expulsion and therefore lacks the legal authority to act on behalf of the party in any capacity.

It further argued that the notice of appeal filed on April 10, 2026, did not amount to a stay of execution, stressing that the judgment remained valid and enforceable under Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The letter read, “Senator Samuel Anyanwu has ceased to be a member and officer of the Peoples Democratic Party and has no competence to act on behalf of the party in any capacity whatsoever since his expulsion…

“By implication, the judgment dismissing his case remains subsisting and in force, and the commission has a constitutional obligation to enforce, comply with, and implement the judgment… even without prompting from the Peoples Democratic Party.”

Turaki camp warned that “Should the commission fail, refuse or neglect to comply with our demands and give any further recognition to Senator Samual Anyanwu as the national secretary of the party, we shall have no further recourse to the commission regarding the necessary steps we shall take in ensuring that justice is done in this matter and to our clients, which steps may include filing contempt proceedings against the chairman of the commission as well as instituting an action to challenge the decision of the commission.”

Protests erupted in Osogbo on Tuesday as residents gathered at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to challenge the recent redeployment of the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Agboke, who was redeployed to Ondo State as INEC REC on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 had since resumed office in his new assignment.

The protesters, including market women and civil society representatives, said the transfer of the former REC had raised concerns about the transparency of the electoral process.

Carrying placards and chanting slogans, they called on the Commission to clarify the circumstances surrounding the redeployment, warning against any action that could undermine public confidence.

The protesters urged the Commission to remain impartial and to ensure that the will of the electorate is reflected in the outcome of the forthcoming governorship election.

In response to the demonstration, the new REC, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, addressed the crowd through officials of the commission, seeking to allay their fears.

Represented by the Head of Legal Department, Barrister Niyi Fayanju, and the Head of Voters’ Education and Publicity, Rufus Ariyo, she stated that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure a credible poll.

“The commission is committed to conducting a free, fair and conclusive election. We understand your concerns and we assure you that every vote will count,” she stated.

She added that, “The integrity of the electoral process remains our priority, and no individual change will affect our preparedness for the election.”

Mrs Babalola also acknowledged the concerns raised by residents, noting that public trust was essential to the success of the electoral process.

Osun guber: Protesters question transfer of former REC

Internal crisis currently rocking the Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Party, APC, has continued, as a former governorship aspirant on its platform, Sunday Garba Biggs, has resigned his membership of the party.

In his resignation letter, addressed to the Chairman of APC Ward II in Mangu Local Government Area, Biggs said his decision takes immediate effect, citing ongoing political realignments and personal convictions.

In the letter dated Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Biggs explained that his decision to quit the ruling party followed deep reflection and wide consultations with family and political associates despite his longstanding commitment to the party where he had remained a committed and active member for over four years during which he served in various capacities.

Part of the resignation letter reads:

“I write to formally tender my resignation from the APC with immediate effect.

“This decision was not taken lightly, having been a committed and active member of the party for over four years. During this period, I had the privilege of serving the party in various capacities, including offering myself as a gubernatorial aspirant in the last general election, among other responsibilities aimed at advancing the party’s ideals.

“However, in view of the current political realignments across the country and after deep personal reflection, I have resolved to take a different path in pursuit of my political aspirations and in alignment with my convictions regarding the evolving national landscape.

“I remain grateful for the opportunities, support, and relationships I built during my time in the party. I deeply appreciate the cooperation of leaders, stakeholders, and fellow members.”

Although Biggs did not disclose his next political platform, political observers in the state believe that his sudden resignation from the APC a few weeks before the party’s primary, could be a reflection that the governorship slot may have been settled for Governor Caleb Mutfwang, a move believed to have led to the resignation of top party chieftains like Brig. Gen. John Sura and former governorship aspirant under the APC, Jude Eli Dakur.

Biggs’ resignation also marks a significant political shift in Mangu LGA where Mutfwang comes from and incidentally, Biggs, Sura, and Dakur are all from the same Mangu and all aiming to contest for governorship in 2027.

Another Plateau APC stalwart resigns as internal crisis rocks ruling party

The Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Aminu Usman, has dismissed rumours alleging that he plans to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Usman made the clarification while addressing APC stakeholders during a meeting held on Monday at the Government House, Dutse.

He said his attention had been drawn to what he described as false reports circulating on social media about his alleged intention to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to him, the claims were fabricated by certain individuals to serve their personal interests.

“I want to make it clear that I remain a member of the APC and I have no plan to join any other party. We have been working peacefully with Governor Umar Namadi from the beginning to this day,” he said.

The deputy governor also reaffirmed his commitment to the current administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Those who witnessed the 2023 general election know it was the Danmodi-Rola ticket. By the grace of God, it will be another Danmodi-Rola ticket in 2027,” he added.

He warned those behind the rumours and propaganda to desist from spreading falsehoods capable of causing unnecessary political tension in the state.

I remain APC member – Jigawa Deputy Governor denies defection rumours

 

Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court has deferred the bail application of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the first week of June 2026.

El-Rufai is currently being prosecuted on several counts relating to alleged financial impropriety and abuse of office by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Speaking with journalists after the session, El-Rufai’s counsel, Ukpon Akpan, faulted the continued postponement of the bail hearing by the presiding judge, describing it as “politically motivated”.

The former governor reportedly arrived at the court around 9 a.m. in a convoy, accompanied by officials of the ICPC and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

During the proceedings, El-Rufai’s supporters assembled outside the courtroom, while security agencies maintained order and restricted movement around the court vicinity.

The development means that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain will remain in custody till June, when the court will decide whether to grant him bail, or keep him in detention.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has warned that unresolved leadership disputes could disrupt the 2027 general election timetable if ignored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The national secretary, Mr Ogini Olaposi, said persistent disobedience to court orders could trigger legal actions affecting the timetable, in statement made available to the News Agency […]

The post NNPP warns INEC over court orders, 2027 timetable appeared first on Tribune Online.