Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has opened up on why Clergyman, Jerry Eze of Streams of Joy International was investigated.

Speaking at an event in Abuja in a video shared by Channels TV, Olukoyede revealed that the probe lasted six months and was triggered by intelligence reports showing large inflows of foreign currency into a domiciliary account linked to the pastor.

He said dollars and pounds were coming in from multiple countries, which raised concerns and led the agency to carry out a full investigation.

According to him, after reviewing the financial records and inviting the pastor for questioning, no wrongdoing was established.

“I am going to embarrass you today. I never wanted to say it, but I just felt that was my little way of making this contribution.

“I investigated this man for six months for money laundering. We work by intelligence, we work by petitions.

“At some point, there was an account, a domiciliary account; dollars, pounds were dropping like raindrops from Colombia, from America, from Sri Lanka, even from Togo.

Olukoyede added that he later invited Pastor Eze to commend him after understanding how the funds were received and used, noting that the EFCC will continue to monitor financial activities as part of its mandate.

“I said, ‘Who is this man?’ Yes, I have been hearing about his name. I have seen his face a couple of times. I never bothered about what he was doing; he is a pastor,” Olukoyede said.

“So, they said it’s one Pastor Jerry Eze of Streams of Joy. Go and investigate him. So, we went into investigation; we combed the books. Yes, we saw the money coming in.

“So, my investigating officer came to me one day and said, ‘Sir, this is the preliminary report.’ I said I would like to see this man. Go and invite him.

“So, he (Eze) came to my office. I saw him. I had seen that face, but I didn’t know it was him, because I saw somebody who came in with baggy trousers, a T-shirt, and some punk with a parting.

“I was almost going to say, ‘Go and call your pastor, my friend; go and bring your bishop.”

“So, he told me what happens, how the money came, and how he has been helping people and all of that. I told him, ‘I didn’t call you here to explain to me. We’ve already done our work. I called you here to commend you,” he added.

The EFCC chairman urged him to continue to keep his hands clean, because the anti-graft agency, according to him, “will always come for you”.

“The only thing that is remaining now is to give you a letter of validation, but I’m not going to give you because I’ll still continue to monitor your finances.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has praised Rotimi Amaechi, describing him as a statesman whose contributions to Nigeria continue to have a lasting impact.

Atiku made this known in a post shared on X on Wednesday after visiting Amaechi at his residence in Abuja.

He said the meeting was both engaging and productive.

“Today, I had an engaging and fruitful audience with my dear brother, H.E. Rotimi Amaechi, at his residence in Abuja,” he wrote.

Atiku highlighted Amaechi’s long record in public service, noting that he has served as speaker, governor and minister.

“Amaechi is a statesman whose distinguished service as a two-time Speaker, two-time Governor, and two-time Minister continues to echo in
the annals of our national life,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation for the way he and his delegation were received during the visit.

“I remain deeply grateful for the warmth, grace, and generosity of spirit with which he received me and my delegation,” Atiku added.

Recall that both politicians are reportedly eyeing the presidential ticket under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

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The Federal Government has declared Friday a public holiday to celebrate this year’s International Workers Day.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this on behalf of the Federal Government.

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani said the minister congratulated workers across the country on this year’s celebration.

“The Minister commended Nigerian workers for their hard work and dedication to national development. He noted that their efforts are essential for the nation’s growth and prosperity.

“He encouraged workers to embrace patriotism, productivity, and dedication to their duties. These qualities are crucial for sustainable development.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to supporting the welfare and security of all workers and creating a favorable environment for economic growth.

“While wishing workers a happy celebration, the Minister urged all Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding. He encouraged everyone
to use this occasion to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in
building the nation”, the statement added.

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Tunji Disu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has approved the recommendation of the force disciplinary committee (FDC) for the
dismissal and prosecution of Nuhu Usman, an assistant superintendent of police (ASP), and other officers over the killing of a suspect in Efunrun, Delta
state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Anthony Placid, the force public relations officer, said the force disciplinary FDC, alongside other internal disciplinary processes, has concluded its review of the incident and established that the police officer ” acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other extant regulations governing the use of firearms.”

“Consequently, the FDC has recommended the immediate
dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other officers found culpable. The Inspector-General of Police has approved the recommendations and forwarded same
to the Police Service Commission for ratification in line with due process,”
the statement reads.

BACKGROUND

On Tuesday, a trending video on social media showed the shooting of the suspect, who had been restrained by a police officer attached to the Delta police command.

In the less-than-two-minute video, the male suspect is seen sitting on the ground with his hands tied behind his back with a rope.

The video has since generated widespread public outrage, with calls for the prosecution of the officer involved and justice for the victim.

In a statement on Tuesday, Bright Edafe, police spokesperson in Delta state, said the officer, identified as Usman Nuhu, an assistant superintendent of police (ASP), has been arrested and transferred to the force headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary proceedings.

OFFICERS TO BE PROSECUTED

According to the force spokesperson, the affected officers will be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution for their roles in the extrajudicial shooting upon completion of the administrative procedures.

“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates, in the strongest terms, that the Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance stance on extra-judicial actions and abuse of power,” he said.

“No uniform confers the right to take life outside the provisions of the law. Any officer who violates this fundamental principle will face the full weight of disciplinary and legal consequences.

“The IGP extends his deepest and most solemn condolences to the family of the deceased, Mr Mene Ogidi.

“He acknowledges the pain and loss suffered and assures the family that this tragic incident will not be treated lightly.

“The Force is fully committed to ensuring that justice is not only served but seen to be served, in a manner that reinforces public confidence and institutional accountability.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm and law-abiding, as the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to discipline, professionalism, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all citizens while ensuring accountability at all levels.”

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President Bola Tinubu has named Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu replaces Yusuf Tuggar, who recently resigned to pursue the Bauchi governorship election in 2027.

Sola Enikanolaiye has been appointed as the new minister of state in the foreign ministry.

Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, announced the
development in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as minister of state for foreign affairs before her elevation.

Until his nomination, Enikanolaiye, from Kogi state, served as senior special assistant to the president on foreign affairs and international relations.

He is a career diplomat with over three decades of service in Nigeria’s foreign service.

He has previously served as permanent secretary in the ministry of foreign affairs and held diplomatic postings in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Belgrade, Ottawa, London and New Delhi.

Tinubu said the appointments are part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture, improve efficiency and deepen global engagement.

He urged the appointees to promote Nigeria’s national interest, advance economic diplomacy, strengthen regional stability and ensure the welfare of Nigerians abroad.

“The President noted that these appointments are part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater efficiency, strategic engagement, and stronger global partnerships,” the statement reads.

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By Ejike Agbata

Abuja, Nigeria — Former Senator representing Anambra Central, Uche Ekwunife, on Monday hosted the Head of Political Section of the British High Commission, Lucy Green, and her team during a courtesy visit to her office in Abuja.

The high-level engagement focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as well as addressing key national and global issues including governance, economic reforms, security, and women’s participation in politics.
Speaking during the meeting, Ekwunife called for deeper collaboration between both countries, stressing the need for partnerships anchored on inclusive governance, sustained economic reforms, and joint efforts to tackle security challenges.

“Our bilateral relationship must continue to evolve in ways that deliver real impact for our people,” she said.
The former lawmaker also made a strong case for increased inclusion of women in politics, decrying the barriers many women face, including intimidation, harassment, financial exclusion, and reputational attacks.

She proposed that the international community consider imposing visa restrictions on individuals who deliberately malign or blackmail women for participating in politics.
Ekwunife further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to women’s inclusion through key appointments and for implementing bold economic reforms. She specifically highlighted the removal of fuel subsidy and other initiatives aimed at easing economic pressures and promoting growth.

According to her, while the reforms may take time to fully yield results, they are already improving resource availability, particularly at the grassroots level.
On national security, Ekwunife emphasized the need for collective responsibility, urging collaboration among government, security agencies, and citizens. She noted that communities play a critical role through credible intelligence gathering.

She also highlighted the economic and innovative potential of Nigeria’s South-East region, encouraging broader engagement across the country’s regions to better harness opportunities and promote unity in diversity.

Ekwunife reaffirmed her commitment to sustained dialogue and strategic collaboration with international partners, particularly the United Kingdom, in advancing democratic stability, inclusive governance, and sustainable development.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, has attributed the success achieved in the fight against vote buying to the strategic role played by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offenses Commission, ICPC.

Mrs Babalola also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in reducing election violence, which has enabled peaceful electoral processes.

The Osun INEC boss made this revelation as she continued her courtesy visits to the two agencies on Tuesday in Osogbo.

She appealed for intelligence sharing between the agencies and INEC as the commission prepares for the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

Mrs Babalola described the ICPC as one of the critical stakeholders in the electoral process, noting that its role in preserving the integrity of elections remains visible and widely acknowledged.

She added that the commission was aware of the role played by the ICPC in the success of previous elections, saying, “Through your vigilance and intervention, you have contributed visibly to maintaining transparent and credible elections.”

The REC revealed that the ICPC had been at the forefront of combating vote buying through various programmes, which have significantly reduced the menace.

“We believe that vote buying requires reorientation and not just arrests. As we prepare for the next governorship election, it is important to stress that the fight against vote buying is a collective effort,” she said.

She urged sustained collaboration, stating, “In this regard, we ask for more collaboration between INEC and ICPC. We encourage ICPC to continue to deploy strategies that will address both the root causes and manifestations of vote buying in our electoral process.”

Mrs Babalola assured that INEC remained committed to upholding professionalism in the discharge of its constitutional mandate to ensure credible and corruption-free elections.

Responding, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Prince Yusuf Olatunji, acknowledged that INEC plays a vital role, stressing that credible elections are the bedrock of democracy.

He noted that INEC often receives both praise and criticism depending on electoral outcomes, adding that the ICPC remained committed to strengthening its partnership with the electoral body.

Olatunji disclosed that vote buying extends beyond direct monetary exchange, alleging that permanent voter cards were being traded for empowerment schemes in some local government areas of the state.

“Vote buying starts long before election day. We need to do our best, and there must be synergy among stakeholders,” he said, urging INEC to intensify public enlightenment campaigns.

During her visit to the NSCDC, Mrs Babalola commended the corps for its strategic role in election activities, stating that its relevance and contributions could not be underestimated.

“Your agency has demonstrated outstanding responsibility in protecting INEC materials and personnel, thereby ensuring a peaceful atmosphere within the electoral space in Osun,” she said.

She called for increased collaboration and enhanced security coverage of INEC facilities before, during and after the August 15, 2026 poll.

In his response, the Osun State Commandant of the NSCDC, Igbalawole Sotiyo, said the corps had consistently partnered with INEC by deploying personnel to offices across the 30 local government areas, particularly during the recent Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

He assured the REC of continued cooperation, noting that the NSCDC, as an institution rooted in democratic principles, fully understands the importance of credible elections.

Sotiyo added that the NSCDC national headquarters was prepared to reinforce the Osun Command and collaborate with other security agencies ahead of the poll.

“Be rest assured that the NSCDC will give you maximum support to ensure that the coming election is hitch-free,” he said, warning that any individual or group that contravenes the Electoral Act would face the full weight of the law.

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Pastor Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2023 Rivers State governorship election, has purchased the party’s N50 million nomination form as he eyes the 2027 governorship race.

The purchase signals Cole’s determination to contest once again for the Brick House under the APC platform.

Cole, a businessman and co-founder of Sahara Energy, had earlier declared his intention to run in 2027, citing the need for better governance in the state.

His early acquisition of the expensive nomination form is seen as a strong indication of seriousness and financial preparedness ahead of the party primaries.

Political activities for the 2027 elections are already heating up in Rivers State, with several aspirants positioning themselves within the APC and other parties.

More reactions and developments from Cole’s camp and other stakeholders are expected in the coming days.

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German automaker Mercedes-Benz has reportedly filed a complaint with the Italian Carabinieri against Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen for allegedly failing to complete payments for a leased vehicle.

Osimhen is currently one of the most clinical strikers in world football. His career has seen him flourish in Belgium, France, Italy, and now Turkey.

However, his most significant achievements have come in the Serie A and the Süper Lig, where he secured league titles with Napoli and Galatasaray, respectively.

During his four-year stay with Napoli, Osimhen led the club to their first Scudetto in nearly four decades—a feat that earned him legendary status in Naples.

Due to these exploits, his move to Galatasaray last summer included a massive financial package, making him the highest-paid player in the history of the Turk- ish Süper Lig.

The Super Eagles star current- ly earns north of €20 million annually at Galatasaray, and it is heavily reflected in his lifestyle.

Osimhen has built a reputation for his philanthropy, frequently supporting family, friends, and even strangers on social media.

Just last weekend, he sponsored a group of Nigerian fans to fly to Istanbul for the derby against Fenerbahce, where he scored in a decisive 3-0 victory.

However, despite his high earnings, recent reports suggest that the former CAF Footballer of the Year could have some money issues.

According to a report by Napolista, Mercedes-Benz has alerted Italian authorities regarding an outstanding debt. The company claims Osimhen failed to complete the purchase of a vehicle leased in 2023 and has neglected to return the car.

Consequently, the 27-year-old striker has allegedly accrued a debt of €90,000 (approximately ₦142 million). The situation is unexpected, given that Osimhen’s weekly wages have significantly been more than that amount since his title-winning season in Naples.

Known for his affinity for luxury jewelry and high-end vehicles, Osimhen recently showcased his collection to a content creator, featuring two Lamborghinis, a Rolls-Royce, and a Mercedes-Benz—the latter likely being the vehicle in question.

As of now, Osimhen’s representatives have not released an official statement. The striker will likely look to resolve the matter quickly to protect his reputation and focus on his career in Turkey.

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