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Reps Move To Suspend 2026 WAEC’ Computers-base Exam Policy

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Reps Move To Suspend 2026 WAEC’ Computers-base Exam Policy

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to suspend the planned computer-based examination policy billed to commence in 2026.

The call was sequel to adoption of a motion by Rep. Kelechi Nwogu (PDP-Rivers) at plenary on Thursday.

Nwogu, while moving that motion explained that WAEC is a body saddled with the conduct of higher education entry qualifying examination for students of Senior Secondary Schools.

He said that higher education institutions made it mandatory for any candidate seeking admission to have at least five credits including English and Mathematics in WAEC or its equivalent.

The lawmaker observed that the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) result portal was shut down due to technical glitches, with the candidates suffering the consequences.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Education planned to conduct the 2026 WASSCE in March, using the Computer-Based Examination (CBE).

“We are disturbed that in spite the outcry by the National Union of Teachers and heads of schools, both public and private, especially those in rural areas hosting more than 70 per cent of the students, the Federal Ministry of Education has declared that there is no going back.

“Cognisant that computer-based examination requires fully furnished hall with functional computers, internet facility, constant electricity supply, be it from the national grid or standby generators.

“Aware that about 25,500 schools across the country have candidates to write the 2026 examination, expected to be conducted simultaneously for four months starting from March to July.

“Also aware that most schools in the urban areas and talk less of schools in the rural areas do not have functional computers, nor computer teachers and as a result they have not used computer before,” he said.

Nwogu said that unlike JAMB, no candidate is expected to write less than nine subjects including practical, objectives, and theory questions.

He said that it was wrong to start the policy now without adequate preparation, suggesting that the Federal Ministry of Education and the Examination body should have at least three years’ projection to commence the policy by 2029/2030 academic year.

The rep said that the 2026 WAEC result of students, considered to be leaders of tomorrow will be devastating if the CBE policy is allowed to commence as it will lead to massive failure, frustration, drug abuse among other social vices.

The house urged the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with its state counterparts to include the recruitment of computer teachers and all necessary infrastructure in the 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 budgets.

The Green Chamber also resolved that proper monitoring of adequate provision in private schools must be done before commencement of the policy in 2030.

The house mandated the Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services among other relevant committees to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

JAMB Conducts CBT Promotion Exams for 6,000 Directors

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JAMB Conducts CBT Promotion Exams for 6,000 Directors

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Thursday conducted a computer-based promotional examination for 6,000 directorate cadre staff under the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

Speaking with journalists during the exercise in Abuja on Thursday, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said the examination was also conducted for candidates in the United Kingdom, the United States, India, and Egypt.

Oloyede described the initiative as a bold step by the commission, commending its leadership for embracing technology to improve transparency and efficiency in civil service promotions.

He explained that the computer-based test (CBT) format was designed to be user-friendly, adding that anyone familiar with using a mobile phone could successfully write the exam.

The registrar said the examination’s international reach demonstrated the commission’s capacity to deploy technology effectively and conduct credible assessments for government institutions.

Oloyede added that the initiative would help reduce apprehension among civil servants about using computers for official assessments.

He said many candidates who were initially anxious about the CBT format appeared more confident after understanding the process, describing it as straightforward and accessible.

The JAMB boss commended the Federal Civil Service Commission for its collaboration, noting that adopting digital examinations would enhance credibility and reduce malpractice in the system.

Also speaking, the Commissioner representing the FCT and Niger on the Federal Civil Service Commission, Dr Hussaini Adamu, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise.

Adamu said the assessment began on Wednesday with about 1,500 candidates taking part in three sessions, adding that the process was smooth and well-coordinated.

He noted that candidates initially expressed apprehension but later preferred the CBT method to the previous pen-and-paper system, describing it as more transparent and efficient.

According to him, the centres were equipped with CCTV cameras and functioning systems, while the environment was conducive for effective examination conduct.

He commended JAMB for maintaining high standards and professionalism, saying the process reflected the board’s long-standing experience in computer-based testing.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Adetunji Olaopa, said it was the first time the commission would use the CBT method for its promotion examination.

Olaopa said the initiative marked a significant step toward modernising the nation’s civil service assessment system, adding that the collaboration with JAMB provided the technical confidence needed for the project.

He explained that the commission decided to start on a small scale before expanding nationwide, using lessons from the exercise to improve future editions.

No fewer than 10 centres across the Federal Capital Territory were used for the conduct of the examinations.

Monarch Lauds Gov. Fubara Over Speedy Projects Execution In Rivers

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Monarch Lauds Gov. Fubara Over Speedy Projects Execution In Rivers

A Traditional Ruler in Rivers State, His Highness Epelle D. E. Asuk-okpong IV has commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his recent speedy action on ongoing projects across the state .

Asuk-okpong, the Paramount Ruler of Egwe-Asukokpong in Asarama district of Andoni Local Government Area, lauded the governor while on sight Tour with his Cabinet on a section of Andoni road linking Oyorokoto Fishing Community yesterday in the Area.

The Paramount Ruler, who expressed a high level of satisfaction on the speedy of work on the road, commended the governor for the seriousness attached to the project.

According to him, “there is a serious motivation on the part of the Contractor company handling project

“With what I am seeing today, I can say that the Company has redouble its effort by 50 per cent after the governor’s inspection on the road last October 28, 2025.

“I thank God for his intervention to the political impasses that was trying to slow down the paste of developments in the State.”

The Traditional Ruler, who doubled as PRO of Asarama Divisional Council of Traditional Rulers , and Secretary Asarama Town Council of Traditional Rulers said his Cabinet and the Traditional Rulers in his domain will continue to support the efforts of Government of all levels to ensured Security and developments in the Area.

He also appealed to the State Government to intervene in the abandoned Asarama, Engendem, Unyeada Ring Road in the area.

It would be recalled that the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, last month, October 28th has visited the Andoni Atlantic Ocean shoreline to inspect the 13-kilometre road project currently under construction.

The road, when completed, will provide direct access to the beach and link Oyorokoto the largest fishing settlement in West Africa to Ngo, the headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area which has since been linked to mainland Ogoni by the Governor.

Troops Rescue 74 NYSC Members From possible Abduction In Borno

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Troops Rescue 74 NYSC Members From possible Abduction In Borno

Troops Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have rescued 74 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from a possible abduction by terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno.

This is contained in a statement by the Media Information Officer, OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, on Thursday.

Uba said the rescued corps members, comprising 36 males and 38 females, were travelling in three buses when the vehicles broke down near a known kidnapping hotspot around 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday.

He said the troops were deployed to the scene after a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system monitored by the military detected suspicious movement of the stranded buses in the area.

“On arrival, the troops discovered that the passengers were NYSC members who had been stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults.

“The troops immediately secured the area and rescued them from a likely abduction attempt by Boko Haram or ISWAP terrorists operating in that axis,” he said.

Uba added that the rescued corps members were taken to the Buratai military base for safety, pending arrangements for their onward movement to their various destinations.

According to him,the Theatre Commander, OPHK, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, commended the troops for their vigilance and quick response, which averted what could have been another tragic incident.

“The Theatre commander reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian military to ensuring the safety of all citizens and maintaining security across the North East region,” he added.

Threat To National Security: NSCDC Arrests 20 Suspects

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Threat To National Security: NSCDC Arrests 20 Suspects

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 20 persons for various offences that are of threats to Nigeria’s national security.

The NSCDC National Public Relations Officer (PRO), Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

Afolabi said the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’sSIS), following the orders of the NSCDC CG, Ahmed Audi, to rigorously clamp down on criminalities across the country, led to the arrest of the suspects between October and November.

Giving a breakdown of the arrest, the spokesperson said of the 20 suspects, eight were arrested for their alleged involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery and murder.

“Two were confirmed terrorists/militia suspects linked to recent communal attacks, five allegedly engaged in the transaction of stolen goods associated to crimes

“Two are suspected vandals of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) installations while three were allegedly arrested for their involvement in fraud and other related offences,” Afolabi explained.

He said that the apprehension of the suspects across Abuja, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau and Ondo, signified that there was no hiding place for persons with criminal intentions in the country.

Afolabi said that during interrogations and investigations, it was deduced that a syndicate, after collecting kidnap ransoms, killed two of their victims in Nasarawa.

“One of the members also confessed to his direct involvement in attacks in Yelwata community, Benue, Qua’an-Pan LGA in Plateau,” he said.

According to the PRO, the corps recovered various items from the suspects, such as: two AK-47 rifles, two G3 rifles, 65 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

“One Toyota Corolla LE 2010 that was confessed to have been snatched at gunpoint, four allegedly stolen/snatched motorcycles, electronics, cash, charms, mobile phones, amongst other assets,” Afolabi announced.

He added that these arrests underscore the unwavering commitment of the NSCDC to rid communities of criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and properties in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Afolabi said that all arrested suspects would be charged to court upon completion of thorough investigations which are ongoing.

“We urge Nigerians to continue to provide actionable intelligence to the NSCDC and other security agencies to help us clamp down on criminal activities in the nation,” he appealed.

Why I Won’t Force My Deputy To Join APC – Gov Diri

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Why I Won’t Force My Deputy To Join APC – Gov Diri

Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa says he will not compel his deputy, Sen Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to join him in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Diri formally joined the APC on November 3 without his deputy, fuelling speculations that Ewhrudjakpo has been penciled down for impeachment by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly majority of who followed Diri to APC.

The deputy governor subsequently approached a Federal High Court in Abuja to restrain the Bayelsa Assembly from the plot to impeach him for choosing to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Diri resigned from PDP on Oct. 15 citing obvious reasons for his decision but his deputy did not join him in the new party.

The governor made the assertion during the weekly state executive council meeting in the Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday with Ewhrudjakpo also present.

According to him, as a matter of principle, I believe in engagement rather than confrontation; I will continue to discuss with my deputy.

While admitting that it is difficult for both of them to be in different political parties, Diri expressed the optimism that ongoing engagements with his deputy would yield positive results.

He disclosed that the case filed by Ewhrudjakpo at a Federal High Court in Abuja to halt a purported impeachment plan had been discontinued after they discussed it.

He urged the people of the state to love one another and see politics as a means to bring development and not to pull others down.

“I express our gratitude to the people of our state for the successful and well attended thanksgiving day service. The spirit of oneness and love is what we should keep exhibiting.

“I would also like to thank the people for the mammoth crowd at the sports complex during our defection.

“I appreciate the leader of our party, President Bola Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima. I pledge our loyalty to continue to work for a better Nigeria, for the upliftment of the standard of living of our people.

“Let me address an issue that had been a subject of speculation in the media. I do not intend to force people to join the APC but rather to appeal to them to see reason with me. I might have the power today but not tomorrow.

“It is actually difficult for the governor to be on one side and the deputy on another. But we will continue to talk and we might end up in the same party tomorrow.

“We must not heat up the polity. We are done with violence in Bayelsa State. We are brothers and we are one. Politics should be for the development of the state and not to fight one another.” Diri said.

On the rumour of the arrival in the state of armed men from a part of the country, the governor dispelled it as fake news.

He however, assured that security agencies had been put on notice to check any threat in any part of the state.

He reaffirmed Bayelsa as one of the most secured states in the country and urged the people to go about their businesses and report security issues to relevant agencies rather than rushing to post falsehoods on social media.

At the meeting, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, presented to the governor the recognition of Bayelsa as the “Best State in Health Insurance Service Delivery” by the Nigeria Governors Forum.

His counterpart in the Ministry of Sports, Dr. Daniel Igali, also presented a “Distinguished Governor Award for Outstanding Support to SWAN and Contribution to Sports Development In Nigeria” from the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria.

LIFE-ND Project, A Testament Of How Investment In Youth, Women Can Transform Communities -IFAD

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LIFE-ND Project, A Testament Of How Investment In Youth, Women Can Transform Communities -IFAD

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Country Director in Nigeria, Mrs Dede Ekoue, has described the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project as more than a development intervention but “a movement of hope, resilience, and transformation for young Nigerians.

The director disclosed that, “from our field visits, LIFE-ND stands as a living testimony of how targeted investments in youth and women can transform communities.”

The director stated this in Benin during the wrap-up of the Fifth Joint Supervision Mission of the FGN/NDDC/IFAD LIFE-ND Project.

This joint initiative of the Federal Government (FG), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is aimed to enhance rural livelihoods through agribusiness development.

Represented by the Country Programme Analyst, Dr Ogunniyi Adebayo, described Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project as one that has impacted so many families in the region.

He commended the innovation and enterprise displayed by the beneficiaries across the region, saying that the project had continued to unlock productivity among youths and women.

“From our field visits, LIFE-ND stands as a living testimony of how targeted investments in youth and women can transform communities.

“IFAD remains committed to scaling up this success through additional financing,” Adebayo said.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has reiterated its commitment to sustaining and expanding the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Jerry Uwangue, stated this at the Wrap up meeting of the project implementors in Benin.

Uwangue said the eight-day mission marked another milestone in the collective efforts of partners to enhance rural livelihoods through agribusiness development, youth empowerment, and food systems transformation across the Niger Delta region.

He said Edo’s collaboration with IFAD and NDDC, under the proposed LIFE-ND Plus Initiative, was designed to consolidate achievements and extend project benefits to more communities and beneficiaries.

“Agriculture remains central to Edo’s economic diversification agenda.

“We are committed to strengthening food systems, promoting value addition, and creating market opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses,” he said.

Also speaking, the National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Dr Abiodun Sanni, said the mission provided an opportunity to assess progress, share lessons, and strengthen sustainability strategies.

“The LIFE-ND project has proven to be a model of partnership — empowering youths and women, building viable agribusinesses, and promoting inclusive rural transformation

“identifying access to finance and climate resilience as key priorities going forward,” Sanni said.

In a closing remark, the Edo Project Coordinator, Mr John Omoruyi, expressed appreciation to the Mission Team for their professionalism, dedication, and constructive feedback, adding that their insights would strengthen project delivery and sustainability.

“Your guidance will enhance our implementation strategies and long-term impact,” Omoruyi said.

He reaffirmed Edo Government’s commitment to implementing agreed action points with renewed vigour and accountability.

The mission brought together representatives of FG, NDDC, IFAD, and participating states to review project performance, engage beneficiaries, and chart a roadmap for the next phase of the LIFE-ND initiative.

Alleged N868m Fraud: You Have Case To Answer, Court Tells Ex-Accountant-General of Nigeria

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Alleged N868m Fraud: You Have Case To Answer, Court Tells Ex-Accountant-General of Nigeria

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, dismissed a no-case submission filed by former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), Anamekwe Nwabuoku,.

He is charged with money laundering offences to the tune of N868 million.

Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling, held that a prima facie case had been made out against Nwabuoku by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) NDLEA to warrant him to enter his defence.

Justice Omotosho held that the evidence of the prosecution had founded sufficient ground for proceeding with the trial.

“in view of all the exhibits and the evidence of the prosecution, the defendant needs to give some explanations in these regards,” he said.

According to the judge, this is not to say that the defendant is guilty as charged but simply that they be afforded their right to fair hearing and put in their defence before this court.

“I must say here that holding that a prima facie case has been established does not necessarily imply that the court finds the defendants guilty of the charge,” he said

Justice Omotosho said that for Nwabuoku to open his defence was to allow him exhaust the options for his defence and to clear every unresolved issue.

“The defendant is still presumed innocent until proven guilty and the prosecution still has the duty to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt,” the judge said.

He, however, said that a prima facie case of engaging in money laundering, among other offences, had been established against the ex-AGoF.

The judge, who said that the court was inclined to giving Nwabuoku the opportunity to defend himself, however said that this could be waived expressly or by conduct.

Justice Omotosho consequently adjourned the matter until November 24, November 25 and December 9 for Nwabuoku to open and close his defence.

The judge had, on November 3, fixed today for the ruling on the no-case submission.

Justice Omotosho fixed the date after counsel for Nwabuoku, Harrison Quakers, and lawyer to EFCC, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the application.

Nwabuoku was admitted to a N500 million bail with two sureties in the like sum after he was arraigned on Jan. 15 on a nine-count amended charge.

The EFCC had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/240/2024, listed Nwabuoku as sole defendant.

In count one of the charge filed on November 27, 2024, the EFCC alleged that Nnabuoku, alongside Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited (at large), Turge Global Investment Limited (at large), Laptev Bridge Limited, Arafura Transnational Afro Limited (at large) and other persons (all at large) conspired to convert funds.

The funds were said to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

The anti-graft agency said the offence was contrary to Section 18 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as (amended by Act No. 1 of 2012) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

Nwabuoku was alleged to have perpetrated the act while he served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.

Nwabuoku was later appointed acting AGoF on May 20, 2022 under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari after Ahmed Idris was suspended as AGoF over alleged N80 billion fraud.

He was, however, removed in July 2022, few weeks after assumed office.

Sylva Okolieaboh, a Director at the Treasury Single Account (TSA) Department, replaced Nwabuoku as acting AGoF.

Okolieaboh’s appointment followed a report that Nwabuoku was under the radar of EFCC over corruption allegations.

On January 31, 2025, the 1st prosecution witness (PW-1), Eucharia Ezeodi, a Zenith Bank Plc staff, and a director with the federal civil service, Felix Nweke, a PW-2, gave their testimonies against the defendant.

The anti-graft agency, however, closed its case after calling nine witnesses to establish its case against Nwabuoku.

Two Nigerians Rescued, Two Others Missing In Mediterranean Sea Shipwreck – IOM … 42 Persons Feared Dead

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Two Nigerians Rescued, Two Others Missing In Mediterranean Sea Shipwreck – IOM … 42 Persons Feared Dead

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) says two Nigerian nationals are missing while two others died after a vessel carrying 49 people capsized while crossing the Mediterranean.

IOM said 42 people are missing and presumed dead and seven rescued following a shipwreck off Libya, the latest fatal crossing in the Central Mediterranean.

More than 1,000 lives have been lost in 2025 in the Mediterranean, according to IOM.

The Nigerians were among 49 migrants and refugees aboard a rubber boat that departed from Zuwara in northwest Libya around 3am on November 3, IOM said, citing survivors.

“The vessel capsized roughly six hours later after high waves caused the engine to fail,” IOM said.

“All passengers, 47 men and two women, were thrown overboard.

“The boat drifted for six days before Libyan authorities rescued seven men – four from Sudan, two from Nigeria and one from Cameroon – on Nov. 8.

“The missing passengers include 29 from Sudan, eight from Somalia, three from Cameroon, and two from Nigeria.”

The agency said, “IOM’s team provided the survivors with emergency medical care, water, and food upon arrival at the disembarkation point in coordination with relevant authorities,”

The tragic event comes just weeks after other deadly incidents off Surman, Libya, and the island of Lampedusa in southern Italy.

Latest data from IOM’s Missing Migrants Project reveals that the death toll in the Central Mediterranean has already surpassed 1,000 this year, as people attempt the treacherous sea journey to Europe.

“With this latest shipwreck, the total has risen even further, reinforcing the urgent need for strengthened regional cooperation,” IOM said.

The agency also called for “expanded safe and regular migration pathways and more effective search and rescue operations to prevent further loss of life”.

“IOM upholds that humane and orderly migration benefits both “people on the move” and society as a whole.”

Since 2014, more than 25,600 people have died or disappeared in the Central Mediterranean, which spans from North Africa to Italy.

It is the world’s deadliest migration route due to factors that include the length of the journey, which can take days.

Other factors include increasingly dangerous smuggling patterns, gaps in search-and-rescue capacity and restrictions on the work of NGOs saving lives at sea.

In addition, migrants often make the crossing in unseaworthy, overloaded inflatable boats.

IOM said because many of the unseaworthy vessels can be launched at one time, this can complicate search and rescue efforts.

EFCC Investigates Two Suspected Oil Thieves In Uyo

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EFCC Investigates Two Suspected Oil Thieves In Uyo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun investigations of two suspected oil thieves, who were arrested over alleged dealing in petroleum products without the requisite licence.

Its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, they were arrested at Ikot Ekpene on Nov. 4, by a Joint Task Force team of officers from the 2-Brigade Nigerian Army Military Cantonment, Mbiokporo, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

He said the suspects were handed over to the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on November 7.

Oyewale said, ”At the time of their arrest, the suspects were allegedly loading petroleum products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from an underground dump into a truck.

”An estimated quantity of 19,400 litres of the said product were stored in the underground dump at Olive Field Filling Station Ikot Ekpene.

”Other items handed over to the commission include: The Iveco truck loaded with approximately 3, 287 litres of the illegally refined AGO and the underground dump at Olive Field Filling Station with estimated 19, 400 litres of the suspected illegally refined AGO.

”Other items include: two Yamaha pumping machines, four suction hoses, one Mercedes Benz MI 350 with registration number KRF 287 EP and a DAF 75 CF with Reg. number GGE 193 XG.”

He said Col. JK Adisa handed over the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the Commander 2-Brigade Nigeria Army, Brig.-Gen. NE Okoloagu.

According to him, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE 1 Taiwo Habeeb, received the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC ACE1 Oshodi Johnson.

He thanked the Army for the confidence reposed in the Commission and assured them of a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution.

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