Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Abdurahman Bobboi, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Adamawa State, Sanda Lamurde, former Commissioner for Finance in the state, and Feredan George, Chief Store Officer of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency. The charges include stealing, forgery, and uttering. The accused pleaded not guilty to the 26 counts, and the prosecution counsel, Abubakar Aliyu, requested a trial date. Justice Aliyu ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody pending the determination of their bail applications. The case is expected to be adjourned until November 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, 2017.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accused Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State of double registration in the ongoing voter registration process. Bello registered twice and in an undesignated area, violating the law. The commission has commenced disciplinary action against INEC staff involved in the illegal registration. The commission cannot commence legal action against Bello due to the immunity clause for governors in the constitution. Bello's Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on New Media, Gbenga Olorunponmi, have not responded to attempts to speak with him. The commission has designated a center for voter registration in all 774 local government areas.

Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have disagreed over the existence and ownership of 48 houses allegedly traced to the ex-governor. Sylva claimed he owned only three houses in Abuja, while the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, insisted that the ex-governor owned the 48 houses, allegedly returned to him by a court's order. The commission has begun fresh moves to challenge the return of the houses to Sylva before the Court of Appeal. The PUNCH reported that the EFCC had traced and sealed off 48 properties allegedly owned by Sylva. The PUNCH had arraigned the ex-governor for an alleged N19bn fraud and slammed 50 charges against him. Three Federal High Courts had struck out the case. Sylva denied ownership of the houses and threatened legal action against the anti-graft commission over the report.

Nigeria's Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, has criticized Justice Ibrahim Buba for granting a perpetual injunction to former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Peter Odili, which has halted his prosecution. Buba's order has prevented the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other government anti-corruption agencies from prosecuting or arresting Odili, who was accused of embezzling N100bn of Rivers State money during his eight-year tenure. Sagay argued that the current injunction is unconstitutional and unconstitutional, stating that it removed the prosecutorial powers of the police and prosecution in Nigeria. He urged law enforcement agencies not to give up and suggested that any judge who grants an order of perpetual injunction against investigation, interrogation, and arrest should be regarded as having committed a serious act of wrongdoing, which should merit disciplinary action by the National Commission for the Prevention of Corruption. The case could be reopened, and measures are being put in place to ensure such an order is never granted again.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has urged world leaders to cooperate in the fight against terrorism and addressing transnational crimes such as forced labor, modern-day slavery, human trafficking, and cybercrime. He emphasized the importance of state institutions strengthening to promote accountability and combat corruption, and urged the international community to provide critical assistance and material support. Buhari also expressed fear of a nuclear war due to the activities of the North Korean Government and called for a special delegation to visit North Korea to ensure a lasting solution. He also urged the UN to not forget UN Security Council Resolutions from 1967 on the Middle East crisis, which remain unimplemented. He also lamented the killings in Myanmar, targeting the Rohingya population, and called for the halt to the ongoing ethnic cleansing and the safe return of the displaced Rohingya people to their homes in safety and dignity.

Nigeria's suspended Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ayodele Oke, has met with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and admitted to receiving $289,202,382 on the orders of former President Goodluck Jonathan in February 2015. The transaction was known as an intervention fund for national security or special services to fight insurgency during the six weeks between the Presidential/National Assembly elections and the polls held on March 28, 2015. The NIA has gathered documents to support his claim and will submit memos and other documents as evidence. The National Petroleum Investment Management Service raised a memo on February 25, 2015, asking the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to release $289,202,382 to the NIA in cash. The NIA will also submit memos and other documents as evidence. The suspended NIA boss must answer why the apartment where the money was kept was registered in the name of his wife, Mrs. Folasade Oke.