Connect with us

news

Published

on

EFCC detains ex-SGF Lawal after eight-hour grilling

Babachir David Lawal

After an eight-hour grilling, former  Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir David Lawal was detained yesterday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Lawal’s interrogation  by a team of detectives is expected to continue today.

He is being investigated over a N200million contract awarded to a company, Global Vision Limited, which is linked to him.

The contract was awarded by the Presidential Initiative for the North East (PINE) for clearing of “invasive plant species” (weeds) in Yobe State

A presidential panel headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo found Lawal guilty of infractions in the award of the contract.

The panel recommended  further probe of some of the activities of PINE.

The ex-SGF was removed from office  in connection with the matter..

Lawal arrived at the EFCC headquarters at about 11am following an invitation. He wore a Safari suit with a pair of black sandals.

After the interrogation, the EFCC opted to detain him so as to continue with the interrogation today.

A source, who spoke in confidence said: “Following the receipt of the report of the committee headed by the Vice President, it was important to interact with the ex-SGF.

“Upon arrival, he met with a panel of investigators who had done preliminary work on the report. Lawal was asked to make a statement and explain his role in the activities of PINE.

“In view of the volume of issues he needs to clarify, it was more expedient to detain him till he is able to complete the first phase of the ongoing interrogation.”

The source added: “We are looking into the accounts of the company implicated in the contract and Lawal’s.

“Some other officers of PINE are already under probe and some assets have been seized from them.

The Acting Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Sammin Ammadin confirmed the detention of the ex-SGF at about 7.45pm yesterday.

“He is with us to respond to a few issues,” he said.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

news

BREAKING: Tinubu, Starmer Meet as £746m Port Investment Deal Set for Signing

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a high-level bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and Britain.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said the meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.

The statement said the meeting reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, attracting foreign investment, and modernising key infrastructure to support economic growth.

It added that a major highlight of the visit was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Morning Recap: Nigeria, Britain set for fresh security alliances, Saudi Arabia declares Friday Eid-el-Fitr, other top stories
The statement said the deal will fund the refurbishment of two key maritime infrastructures — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

The President and the First Lady had earlier been the guests of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.

Tinubu was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.

Other members of the delegation include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.

Continue Reading

news

Breaking: Senegal Lose AFCON Crown as CAF Declares Morocco Winners

Published

on

Morocco have been officially crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the CAF Appeal Board overturned the result of the final against Senegal. The decision comes after extraordinary scenes in Rabat where the Lions of Teranga walked off the pitch in protest, leading to a retrospective 3-0 forfeit victory for the host nation.

In a detailed statement, the CAF Appeal Board confirmed that the appeal lodged by the FRMF was “declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.” This landmark ruling effectively strips Senegal of what would have been their second continental crown, rewarding the hosts for a match that descended into chaos during extra time.

The roots of the controversy lie in a heated moment deep into stoppage time when Morocco’s Brahim Diaz went down in the box. While the referee initially waved play away, a VAR review resulted in a spot-kick for the hosts. This sparked a furious reaction from the Senegalese bench, with head coach Pape Thiaw instructing his players to return to the dressing room in a protest that lasted several minutes.

The CAF Appeal Board found that “the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.” By leaving the field of play, Senegal was deemed to have infringed on the regulations, leading to the administrative 3-0 defeat. The ruling sets aside the previous CAF Disciplinary Board decision and confirms that the protest lodged by Morocco has been fully upheld

Continue Reading

news

NRC Confirms 26 Injured in Mid-Route Train Incident, Says Opeifa

Published

on

Mo No fewer than 26 passengers and onboard personnel sustained varying degrees of injuries following a train incident along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor on Monday.

The incident, which occurred at about 9:16 a.m. near Asham Station, involved the KA-2 service travelling from Rigasa to Idu. According to an interim report released by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), a loud bang was heard as the power car and a trailing locomotive collided with one of the coaches.

Preliminary findings indicate that the incident may have been caused by a fault in one or more couplers, leading to a possible disconnection within the train formation. However, authorities confirmed that none of the coaches derailed.

The train had earlier departed Rigasa Station at 7:15 a.m., arriving at Jere slightly ahead of schedule before departing a few minutes later after an additional locomotive was coupled to improve operational resilience.

Following the incident, affected components—including a locomotive, power car, and one passenger coach—were detached from the train to allow the journey to continue safely.

A total of 481 people were onboard at the time, including passengers, crew members, security personnel, vendors, cleaners, and other service providers. Of the 459 passengers booked for the trip, 429 were confirmed to have boarded.

Despite the disruption, the train resumed movement at about 9:42 a.m., arriving in Kubwa at 10:10 a.m. and terminating at Idu Station at 10:39 a.m., with an overall delay of approximately 38 minutes.

The NRC stated that injured persons included passengers, staff, and security personnel, although details of the severity of injuries were not fully disclosed.

Train services on the route were later restored the same day, with subsequent trips resuming operations, albeit with delays. The Managing Director of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, was onboard one of the recovery services to monitor the situation.

The corporation assured the public that a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident and to prevent future occurrences.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 Newsthumb Magazine | All rights reserved