Ex-Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, has accused bandit leader, Bello Turji of being used as a tool to tarnish his image. This was as he denied claims by Turji that he is among the forces fueling terrorism and banditry in the Northern part of the country, stressing that there are forces using Turji against him. The militant leader had reportedly taken to Facebook to accuse Bafarawa and another former Zamfara governor of being the brains responsible for the worsening insecurity in the north. Turji, however, did not give details of their involvement in the atrocious acts now afflicting lives and property in that part of the country. According to Vanguard, Bafarawa, who governed Sokoto State between 1999 and 2007, said he had never supported any form of violence or criminality against anyone or the state. According to him, there was nothing like banditry or terrorism in Sokoto or Zamfara State when he left office in year 2007 and did not know anyone called Bello Turji. He added that Turji must be day-dreaming by mentioning his name among terrorism sponsors in Nigeria and wondered why he should be involved in such action almost 20 years after leaving the office the governor. “Where was Bello Turji when I was governor of Sokoto State and how old was he then? I had nothing to do with him and I still have nothing to do with him and his cohorts. “What do I stand to benefit from banditry or terrorism at my age? “It is shocking to me that a character like that is spewing pure lies against my name. He is just being used by some forces to lie from the pit of hell against me,” the ex-governor said.

A coalition of opposition leaders has accused the Bola Tinubu–led Federal Government of weaponizing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as a political tool to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 election. The opposition leaders argued that the perceived selective application of anti-corruption laws by the EFCC and other security agencies weakens the credibility of the anti-graft campaign and further diminishes public confidence in state institutions. The opposition leaders spoke in a joint statement endorsed by the Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Lawal Batagarawa, Bode George, Peter Obi and former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun. Titled ‘The Weaponisation of the EFCC’, the statement alleged that the anti-graft agency has consistently targeted opposition figures with the aim of politically benefiting the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. According to the opposition leaders, the trend echoes a remark previously made by former APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, who once declared while welcoming defectors from the PDP that joining the APC meant one’s past “sins” were forgiven. They noted that Oshiomhole’s statement, whether casual or deliberate, has come to represent a troubling perception in the polity, where allegations against members of the ruling party are seemingly ignored, while opposition figures are aggressively investigated, often subjected to intense media scrutiny even without proven evidence. They further called for the immediate removal of political influence from the operations of the EFCC, insisting that the Commission must operate independently and professionally. “The EFCC must be insulated from partisan control and must not function at the behest of any president, political party, or faction,” the statement said. The opposition leaders asked the Federal Government to restore the agency to its original legal responsibilities, emphasizing that its mandate does not include selective prosecution or harassment of political opponents. “The Commission must recommit itself to the impartial investigation and prevention of economic and financial crimes nationwide. Its duties and powers are clearly outlined under Sections 6 and 7 of its establishing law,” the statement added. The opposition leaders appealed to Nigerians across political, ethnic, religious, and professional divides to remain vigilant, warning that democracy is being endangered through a calculated effort to weaken opposition voices using state institutions, with the EFCC playing a central role in the alleged strategy.

President of Dangote Refinery, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said that he lives a simple life and does not need the money. According to Dangote, when marketers keep importing petroleum products into the country, it is Nigeria’s economy that is losing, not him. Dangote addressed the press in Lagos on Sunday, expressing his displeasure over the continued importation of fuel into the country despite his $20 billion investment in the Lagos-based refinery. “In the last two months, billions of liters have been imported into Nigeria. It’s Nigeria that is losing, not me, Dangote,” he said. “I live a simple life and actually don’t need the money. If it was about being rich, I would have invested in Google and Microsoft. “I would have been richer. Maybe today people might not appreciate us, but maybe in the next 50 years, when we are not around, people will remember what we have done.”

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has asked the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to recuse himself from any investigation or prosecution involving him, alleging bias, personal vendetta, and political persecution. In a statement issued by his media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami said the EFCC’s actions against him, including his detention and planned prosecution, are politically motivated, following his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Malami claimed the investigation is not based on law enforcement concerns but on long-standing personal animosity between him and the EFCC chairman. He recalled that while serving as Attorney-General, the Federal Government set up the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe alleged corruption and abuse of office within the EFCC. According to Malami, the current EFCC chairman served as secretary to that panel and was mentioned in the commission’s report. He said parts of the Salami Report, which is publicly available, raised serious issues against the EFCC chairman, including recommendations that could have led to prosecution. Malami argued that the current probe against him shows signs of retaliation, citing what he described as illegal detention, media trial, and procedural abuses. Based on this, Malami said he has already been pre-judged and cannot receive a fair or impartial investigation under the present EFCC leadership. He therefore demanded that the EFCC chairman step aside and that the case be transferred to another appropriate government agency to ensure credibility and public trust. The former justice minister also called on the Attorney-General of the Federation, as Nigeria’s chief law officer, to intervene and ensure the EFCC chairman’s recusal to prevent abuse of prosecutorial powers. Malami further demanded either his immediate prosecution or release, insisting that charges be filed and he be taken to court within 24 hours, in line with the Nigerian Constitution. He stressed that only a court of law not a politically compromised agencycan fairly decide the matter. He also accused the EFCC of planning to rely on individuals allegedly convicted abroad as witnesses against him, warning that such a move would undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system. Malami said his legal team has formally requested certified copies of the petitions and investigation reports forming the basis of the probe, to allow him prepare his defence. “Let it be stated clearly and without equivocation: Abubakar Malami, SAN, seeks no political settlement, no inducement, and no alliance of convenience. His singular objective is to clear his name openly, transparently, and decisively before a court of competent jurisdiction.” “Nigeria must not degenerate into a republic where anti-corruption agencies are converted into tools of political intimidation, nor where justice is replaced by vendetta.” He maintained that he seeks no political deal, only an open and lawful trial to clear his name, warning against turning anti-corruption agencies into tools for political intimidation.

The Supreme Court has upheld the President’s power to declare a state of emergency in any state to prevent a breakdown of law and order or a descent into chaos or anarchy. The apex court, in a split decision of six-to-one on Monday, held that the President, during a state of emergency, can suspend elected officials, but that such suspensions must be for a limited period. Justice Mohammed Idris held, in the lead majority judgment, that Section 305 of the Constitution empowers the President to deploy extraordinary measures to restore normalcy where emergency rule is declared. Justice Idris noted Section 305 is not specific on the nature of the extraordinary measures, thereby granting the President the discretion on how to go about it. The judgment was on the suit filed by Adamawa and 10 other Peoples Democratic Party-led states challenging the propriety of the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State, during which elected state officials were suspended for six months. Justice Idris, in the earlier part of the judgment, upheld the preliminary objections raised by the two defendants against the competence of the suit. In upholding the objections raised by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the National Assembly (the defendants), Justice Idris held that the plaintiffs (the 11 PDP states) failed to establish any cause of action capable of activating the original jurisdiction of the apex court. He struck out the suit for want of jurisdiction, proceeded to also determine the case on the merits, and dismissed it. However, Justice Obande Ogbuinya dissented and held that the case succeeded in part. Justice Ogbuinya held, among others, that although the President could declare a state of emergency, the President cannot use such power as a tool to suspend elected state officials, including governors, deputy governors, and members of parliament.

A former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Mashood Bakare, has urged the Federal Government to urgently investigate allegations that the Kwara State Government supplied arms and ammunition to bandits terrorising parts of the state. Bakare made the call on Sunday in Ilorin while speaking with THENEWSCREDIT following claims by suspected bandits arrested by the military that they were sponsored by the state government. But the Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, dismissed the allegations as “sheer disinformation.” “Anyone who understands Hausa will see that the fellows said they got weapons from Abuja. How is Abuja synonymous with Kwara?”Ajakaye queried. Our correspondent reports that a one-minute, 36-second viral video had gone viral obtained on Saturday, showing soldiers interrogating a group of suspected bandits allegedly found patrolling with AK-47 rifles in a local security patrol vehicle, bearing the inscription of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. In the video, the suspects were seen lying face down with their hands tied as soldiers questioned them about their activities and the source of the weapons recovered. One of the suspects, speaking in Hausa and Pidgin English, claimed that the patrol vehicle and rifles were provided by the “Ilorin government,” alleging that they had been operating under the guise of security patrol. “We have been here for quite a while. We are using the vehicle for patrol. Wallahi, na the truth I dey tell you,” the suspect said. “Ilorin government na him give us this motor and the weapons. They were the ones that gave us the rifles.” The suspect further alleged that the weapons were collected by their superior, identified as “oga Victor,” claiming that they had gone on several patrols alongside security operatives who were allegedly involved. Reacting, the ex-state lawmaker, Bakare, described the allegations as disturbing, stressing that government is constitutionally responsible for the protection of lives and property. “It is very disturbing to hear that criminals, when arrested, are alleging that the state government is aware of or involved in their activities,” he said. He lamented the worsening security situation in Ifelodun Local Government Area, noting that persistent bandit attacks had forced residents to abandon farming and displaced entire communities. “Almost half of Ifelodun has experienced bandit attacks. People can no longer go to their farms, communities have been deserted, and residents now live in fear,” Bakare said. The former lawmaker, who represented Omupo Constituency between 2011 and 2019, described the allegations as weighty and called for a transparent investigation. “These are serious allegations that must be properly investigated, and the findings should be made public,” he added. Bakare also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to curb insecurity in the area. However, reacting to the claims on a WhatsApp platform, Omo Ibile Igbomina (Éka Ifelodun), on Sunday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, dismissed the allegations as “sheer disinformation.” According to Ajakaye, the suspects were arrested in Auchi, Edo State, and not in Ifelodun, Kwara State. “Anyone who understands Hausa will see that the fellows said they got weapons from Abuja. How is Abuja synonymous with Kwara?” he said. He added that the Ifelodun Local Government had already issued clarification on the patrol vehicle seen in the video. Ajakaye further linked the insecurity in Kwara to wider regional challenges. “We are facing a serious security threat, partly a blowback from the crisis in the Sahel. Our former advantage of thickly forested landmass has become a major enabler of this crisis, which is spilling over from neighbouring Kogi, Niger and Benin Republic,” he said. “Solution lies not in maligning one another; it lies in seeing our collective enemies and uniting to end the evil.” Also reacting, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hadji Femi Yusuf, confirmed the recovery of a security van earlier provided by the council as logistical support to vigilante operatives. In a statement made available to our correspondent on Sunday, Yusuf said the vehicle was recovered in Auchi, Edo State, by personnel of the Nigerian Army. “Ifelodun Local Government Authority has received with immense satisfaction the report of the successful recovery of a security van earlier provided by the council as logistical support to some vigilante operatives,” the statement read. He explained that the vehicle was deployed to support coordinated security operations to curb the activities of criminal gangs in parts of the local government. According to the chairman, efforts to retrieve the vehicle became difficult after the withdrawal of the vigilante operatives, prompting reports to security agencies. He commended the Nigerian Army and other security institutions for their roles in the recovery and ongoing efforts to restore peace in the area. Meanwhile, the controversy has revived concerns over insecurity in Kwara State, particularly in Ifelodun LGA, which has witnessed repeated bandit attacks. THENEWSCREDIT had earlier reported on September 28, 2025, that during an attack on Oke Ode in Ifelodun where about 15 people lost their lives, a local hunter alleged that their weapons were collected a day before the attack by a military officer identified as Victor, under the pretext of servicing the guns. The hunter had described the incident as suspicious, noting that attacks only resumed after the weapons were taken away. Although the Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had dismissed the claim at the time, it was later gathered that the Victor mentioned was an Air Force officer attached to a special squad deployed from the Office of the National Security Adviser to tackle banditry in the axis.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has promised to continue working closely with Christian communities in Kano State, stressing that peace, unity, and religious tolerance are essential for progress. He made this known on Saturday while hosting leaders and elders of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Kano State chapter, who paid him a courtesy visit at his palace. Speaking during the meeting, the Emir shared how his early education in a Catholic school influenced his respect for people of different faiths and taught him the importance of living together peacefully. Sanusi urged religious leaders to keep praying for lasting peace, especially in light of recent security concerns in some border areas of the state. He also called for “stronger cooperation between different religious groups to promote unity and stability in Kano and across Nigeria.” The Emir thanked the PFN for honouring him with a Peace Award, describing the gesture as encouraging and meaningful. Earlier, the chairman of PFN in Kano State, Rev. Elkanah Enweluzor, said the visit was meant to show support for the Emir’s leadership and to commend his efforts toward promoting peace and harmony in the state.

The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State chapter, has predicted a slight increase in the cost of onions during the yuletide due to rising demand. The NOPPMAN Secretary in Kaduna State, Mr Amir Adamu, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos. He said that increased demand for the produce, coupled with the fact that some onion farms are yet to be harvested, is driving prices up as the festive season approaches. “The price of onions varies from state to state. Here in Kaduna, old onions that were produced and harvested around July and August this year sell for about ₦50,000 to ₦60,000 per bag. “However, fresh onions being harvested and produced from Sokoto sell for about ₦80,000 to ₦100,000 per bag. “This is because of the high demand for the Sokoto variety of onion and its current availability,” Adamu said. He, however, noted that there was a possibility of further price increases because other states were yet to harvest onions from their farms. “It is expensive up north because demand is currently high. The price of onions will gradually drop from January next year, when onions from Kebbi State are ready for harvest. “The possibility of a price drop is very negligible. “Before now, a bag of old onions sold for between ₦30,000 and ₦40,000 up north, but it is quite expensive this year due to the high demand. “As the Christmas celebration approaches, the price may further increase due to rising demand for the produce. “We can only expect some respite in onion prices from early January to March 2026,” he said. NAN reports that a bag of onions currently sells for between ₦100,000 and ₦130,000, compared with between ₦70,000 and ₦100,000 sold months earlier. NAN

Professor Emeritus of Petroleum Economics and energy expert, Wumi Iledare has explained why Nigerians should not rejoice over Dangote Refinery’s decision to slash its gantry price of petrol by N129 to N699 per liter. He said though the move may result in momentary relief, in the long term Nigerians would pay for the consequences of allowing oligarchy to take over the country’s downstream oil sector. According to him, the price cut portends deeper structural concerns in the downstream oil sector. Iledare disclosed this in his reaction on Friday to the Dangote Refinery petrol gantry price cut. Our correspondent reports that Dangote Refinery reduced its fuel price by 15 percent to N699. However, Iledare cautioned that the growing dominance of a single supplier in Nigeria’s downstream market could pose long-term risks if not properly regulated. According to him, the sector is “fast becoming an oligopoly,” stressing that strong regulatory measures are urgently needed to prevent market concentration from undermining fair competition. “A single dominant supplier setting the pace in a highly concentrated market demands immediate and uncompromising vigilance,” Iledare said, stressing that the price cut should not become a strategy to weaken independent marketers or consolidate market power. He urged downstream and competition regulators to intensify oversight by closely monitoring allocation practices, enforcing transparency, and protecting smaller players whose presence, he noted, is critical to maintaining balance and fairness in the sector. While acknowledging the short-term benefits of the price reduction, the petroleum economist said that without rigorous regulation, such moves could eventually harm affordability and market stability. “This price cut is positive, but without strong oversight, it risks reinforcing the very dominance that undermines long-term affordability,” Iledare said, calling on regulators to “stand firm, stay alert, and defend competition in Nigeria’s downstream sector.” Meanwhile, THENEWSCREDIT reports despite the Dangote Refinery’s price cut, the retail price of petrol in Abuja has remained between N910 per liter and N937. Dangote Refinery had on Friday reduced its ex-depot petrol price to N699 per liter, a move that has stirred reactions across the energy sector and among Nigerians.

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has boasted that N150 million is not enough to buy his shoe. Ayodele made the claims on Sunday during a service at his church in Lagos, on Sunday in reaction to allegations of extortion levelled against him by the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu. He stated that the minister is pained because he knows he will lose another attempt to become the governor of Oyo. Adelabu had petitioned the Department of State Services, DSS, accusing the preacher of blackmail and attempting to extort N150 million from him for “spiritual intercession” to make him governor of Oyo State. Adelabu had accused him of demanding 1,000 pieces of saxophones/trumpets, with the least expensive, fairly used Nigerian-grade costing a total of N50 million, and the imported grade-one from China costing N130 million. The minister revealed that his refusal to yield to Ayodele’s demands led the cleric to make false prophecies intended to malign his reputation and his political ambition. During the church service, the primate described Adelabu as a boy who doesn’t understand what he is saying and dismissed the N150 million claims quoted in the petition, saying, “the shoe I wear, can N150 million buy it?” “I can’t disappoint you. I can only disappoint you when you are not a good person. I carry something bigger than me. “I am not doing prophecies to impress you or invite you to me. I don’t do prophecies for you to come and do enquiries. Take it, or you leave it,” he said.