General
EFCC Tackles Agbakoba Over Power to Probe States Finances
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reacted to comments made by a senior lawyer, Mr Olisa Agbakoba, over the agency’s investigation into the finances of the Kogi State government.
In a statement issued on Monday, the commission said it never violated any law to beam its searchlight on how the state government has been spending public funds.
According to Agbakoba, EFCC not only disregards the rule of law but has no business inquiring into how the Kogi State Government spends its funds.
But the EFCC said it takes great exception at the “indecorous and utterly irresponsible attempt by Agbakoba to dress it in the borrowed garb of a lawless entity and a meddlesome interloper, who has no business probing the stealing of Kogi State resources.
“In all his tirades, no evidence was presented to support his claim that the EFCC has been lawless, nor did he mention any law which the commission’s investigation of the finances of the Kogi State Government violated.
“Instead, his refrain was to a non-extent decision of the Supreme Court which he also failed to electorate upon. But it is important to state that contrary to the views of Agbakoba, the Supreme Court at no time delivered any judgement which forbids the EFCC from investigating fraud cases involving a state government.
“The learned counsel ought to have known that the Apex Court of the land as far back as 2010 in JOLLY TEVORU NYAME V FRN (2010) 11 NWLR (PT.1193)344 held that the claim that the money belongs to
Taraba State and that the state has an exclusive claim on it to the exclusion of any other authority by virtue of section 120 of the 1999 constitution cannot stand.
“Furthermore, Agbakobas erroneous views ought to be tempered by the decision of the Supreme Court in A.G ONDO STATE v. A.G., FEDERATION (2002) 9 NWLR [pt.772] page 222 at page 308 where the court held: It has been pointed out that the provisions of the Act impinge on the cardinal principle of federalism, namely, the requirement of equality and autonomy of the state government and non-interference with the functions of state government. This is true, but as seen above, both the Federal and State governments share the power to legislate in order to abolish corruption and abuse of office. If this is a breach of the principle of Federalism, then, I am afraid, it is the Constitution that makes the provisions that have facilitated the breach of the principle. As far as the aberration is supported by the provision of the Constitution, I think it cannot rightly be argued that illegality has occurred by the failure of the Constitution to adhere to the cardinal principles which are at best ideals to follow or guidance for an ideal situation.
“Lastly, the learned silk should also know that his views are totally unsupported by the facts, circumstances of Kogi’s case and the decision of the Court of Appeal in KALU V FRN & (2012) LPELR- 9287 (CA), which decision knocked the bottom out of the contention of Agbakoba.
“From the decisions of the Appellate Court, it is clear that whilst the State Assemblies can investigate finances of their states, they are not empowered to investigate and prosecute fraud cases; that responsibility lies with agencies such as the EFCC.
“It is therefore morally reprehensible for a learned silk of Agbakoba’s calibre to promote the view that state governments cannot be questioned on how they use the resources of their states and that law enforcement organizations cannot investigate cases of alleged wanton theft of Kogi State’s resources particularly where the alleged thieves do not report themselves! Had this view been promoted by any other lawyer than Agbakoba, who rose to national prominence as an advocate of civil liberties and anti-corruption, it would have been pardonable.
“When men who are seen as the conscience of the nation begin to approbate and reprobate on an issue, it is almost certain they are driven by motives which could be far from altruistic.
“The manner in which Agbakoba delivered his message in the so-called media briefing, he sounded more like a spokesperson of the Kogi State Government than an advocate of the rule of law. By his demeanour, any citizen who thought the briefing was only a smokescreen to vilify the EFCC at the pleasure of the Kogi State Government would be forgiven.
“But Agbakoba is not counsel to the Kogi State government, at least not publicly. But even Kogi state lawyers, whom he offered his free counsel on how to handle the EFCC at the briefing, would not have put up a better performance. Despite not being counsel to the Kogi State Government, Agbakoba had no scruples using the media to pontificate on a matter that is currently before a court of competent justification. This, to him, does not amount to a media trial of the EFCC!
“In his game of ostrich, Agbakoba continually harped on Section 46 of the EFCC Act but ignored the provisions of Section 7 of the same Act and various provisions of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act, the Advance Fee Fraud Other Fraud Related Offences Act, etc., which gives the commission power to investigate all fraud cases.
“Why is Agbakoba so jittery about the robust response of the EFCC to corruption that he would openly incite the next administration against the commission? That essentially was the agenda when he said: So the candidate (2023 election candidates) must tell us what they are going to do with all these agencies because we need to know if they are going to allow the EFCC to continue to engage in media trials and carry on as the attack dog of the federal government against other arms and levels of governments.
“Is the federal government of President Muhammadu Buhari against Yahaya Bello Administration of Kogi State? Where does Agbakoba get his logic of attack dogs? What is a media trial when a case has been filed in court, and the defendants have taken their pleas? Should Nigerians have been kept in the dark that a certain nephew of Yahaya Bello is facing a N10 billion fraud trial?
“EFCC is not averse to criticisms, but it will not ignore jaundiced views masked as advocacy for the rule of law. No amount of intimidation and sponsored attacks will deter the commission from investigating cases of corruption in any level of government or involving any individual, however well placed, until we rid our nation of this monster.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A Federal High Court in Lagos has been urged to stop the federal government from further extending the moratorium on the ban on sachet alcohol in the country.
This request came from the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which asked the court for injunctive orders restraining the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Attorney-General of the Federation who represents the Federal Government, including the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), from further extending the deadline and interfering with the statutory powers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to enforce the ban.
The federal government intends to prohibit the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol in sachet format but manufacturers are lobbying to alter this.
A few days ago, the federal government suspended the policy due to concerns raised by the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control.
This action was applauded by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), which noted that the sachet and PET segment of the alcoholic beverage industry accounts for a significant portion of the estimated N800 billion invested in the sector and supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs in manufacturing, packaging, logistics, wholesale and retail.
But SERAP seems not to be impressed with this as it, in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/2568/25, prayed for a perpetual injunction restraining the government from directing, preventing, blocking, or stopping NAFDAC from enforcing the prohibition, in line with its statutory functions under Sections 5 and 30(c) of the NAFDAC Act, the Spirits Drink Regulation, and the Memorandum of Resolution executed on December 19, 2018.
The civil rights group argues that the continued delay by the relevant federal authorities in enforcing the ban amounts to a failure to implement long-standing public health regulations designed to curb alcohol abuse, protect public safety, and safeguard citizens’ well-being.
In an originating summons dated December 15, 2025, SERAP contends that the ongoing circulation of sachet alcohol violates the National Health Act, 2014, the NAFDAC Act, the Spirits Drink Regulation, 2021, and the Memorandum of Resolution of December 19, 2018, which collectively mandate a nationwide ban on sachet alcohol.
The organisation wants the court to determine whether the Minister of Health can lawfully refuse or fail to enforce the prohibition, and whether any federal authority has the power to interfere with or delay NAFDAC’s statutory duty to enforce the ban.
It also wants the court to decide whether, given the acknowledged dangers of alcohol abuse, judicial intervention is required in the interest of public health, public safety, and public order.
According to SERAP, sachet alcohol, often cheap, highly potent, and widely accessible, has been linked to rising cases of alcohol abuse, particularly among young people and low-income communities. It argues that the 2018 Memorandum of Resolution and subsequent regulations were adopted precisely to address these risks.
Among the reliefs sought are declarations that the sachet alcohol ban is a valid regulation under the NAFDAC Act; that the Minister of Health has no legal authority to grant or extend any moratorium on its enforcement; and that it is unlawful for any federal authority to interfere with NAFDAC’s enforcement responsibilities.
SERAP is also asking the court, in the suit filed on its behalf by Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo (SAN), alongside a team of lawyers from Tayo Oyetibo LP, to affirm that the defendants have a duty to ensure the full implementation of the ban nationwide.
The court is expected to fix a hearing date in a few days time.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), under Governor Charles Soludo, has taken a bold step to address the pressing issue of erosion in the state, while also recovering government lands and awarding strategic projects aimed at boosting the state’s economy and improving the quality of life of its citizens.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Law Mefor, made this known after the 25th ANSEC meeting held recently at the Lighthouse, Awka.
He revealed that the meeting noted with grave concern the existential threat posed by erosion in Anambra, citing the careless actions of communities and regulatory bodies that have disregarded environmental regulations.
“The council has decided to step up enforcement measures to force individuals to build and manage storm waters from their houses and for communities to follow specific guidelines, such as building erosion barriers and excavating sand only in designated locations,” Mr Mefor stated.
He emphasised that the government will not hesitate to take stern action against individuals and communities that fail to comply with environmental regulations.
To address the issue, the government will enforce strict adherence to environmental regulations, mandate the construction of erosion barriers and proper sand excavation practices, and collaborate with relevant agencies to hold those responsible for the erosion menace.
It is also confident that with the support of the people, it will overcome the challenges posed by erosion and achieve its vision of making Anambra State a destination where economic and business activities thrive.
Furthermore, the council has resolved to form a committee to reclaim government lands in and around Anambra State that have been intruded upon and built upon without permission.
“The government will not stand idly by while its lands are being grabbed and misused. We will take all necessary steps to recover these lands and ensure that they are used for the benefit of the people of Anambra State,” Mr Mefor said.
ANSEC has also awarded several strategic projects aimed at enhancing the state’s infrastructure development.
The projects include the provision of a water supply to the Ekwulobia Flyover Bridge Fountain and the ornamental garden for Double NC Construction & Logistics Ltd; the installation of a 3-way traffic light, including pedestrian lights, at the Ifite-Amenyi intersection within the Awka metropolis to S.N.U. Ventures, and the supply and installation of two 10 kVA inverters with 15 kW lithium batteries at the Anambra State Civil Service Commission Building in Awka to Kennolly Enterprises.
Others include the supply and installation of transformer substations at Nnewi and Umueze-Anam communities for Aries and Gold Ventures Limited, and Aljovic Construction Limited; and the landscaping of the car park for the Trauma Centre at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, for Triseconds Resources Limited.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The free delivery of premium motor spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, across the country by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will finally begin in January 2026. This was earlier scheduled for August 2025
This move, according to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), will bring down the price of the product in Nigeria.
The group has, therefore, urged all its members nationwide to patronise the Lagos-based private oil facility because it offers the best affordable price for all marketers.
Dangote Refinery has agreed to directly supply PMS to registered members of IPMAN, according to a statement signed and issued by the organisation’s president, Mr Abubakar Maigandi Shettima.
At a press conference held in Abuja yesterday on recent happenings in the oil and gas sector, IPMAN also applauded the support of the Chairman of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Mr Aliko Dangote towards the federal government, which it noted has become evident in the regular reduction of the petroleum pump price.
“The association has the highest percentage of the supply chain of the PMS downstream sector, controlling over 80 per cent of the petrol retail market. We therefore declare that there will be no gap or scarcity in PMS supply to Nigerians.
“We are also excited at the recent agreement by the Dangote Refinery to begin the supply of PMS products directly to registered IPMAN members, and its free delivery to our filling stations anywhere and everywhere in Nigeria which will commence in January 2026.
“This will again, certainly lead to further decrease in the pump price of the products at our filing stations.
“Therefore, I am calling on all IPMAN members nationwide to prioritise patronising the Dangote Refinery in their purchase of PMS products, as they already offer the best affordable prize for all marketers today,” the group stated.
“At IPMAN we have no doubt as to the viability of the oil and gas policies being initiated by the federal government, and we have ceaselessly called and sought for enhanced cooperation across all levels of governance in the oil and gas sector. Hence, our repeated persuasion to always partner the Dangote refinery, to ensure the steady availability of PMS products.
“The focus of the Dangote & IPMAN partnership, has always been geared towards making life better for Nigerians. And of course, this blooming partnership would never have been possible without the pragmatic leadership of President Bola Tinubu, and his sound judgment in readjusting the leadership of the NMDPRA and the NUPRC.
“Our position has always been to deepen domestic refining in order to eradicate imports of petroleum products. Continuous import is NOT an acceptable parallel business model, because issuing import licenses recklessly distorts market dynamics, drains foreign exchange, enthrones poverty, destroys jobs, and scares potential investors away,” Mr Shettima was quoted as saying in the statement.
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