Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Law

  • Former Benue Electoral Chief Arraigned Over Alleged N1.1 Billion Fraud

    Former Benue Electoral Chief Arraigned Over Alleged N1.1 Billion Fraud

    Reporting by Tribune Online indicates that the EFCC arraigned Tersoo Loko, former chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), alongside 10 others, on a 30-count charge involving alleged misappropriation and money laundering totaling about N1.1 billion. Prosecutors allege that funds meant for the 2020 and 2022 local government elections were diverted through front companies and false records.

    The court heard that out of an alleged N1.6 billion allocation, only about N565 million could be accounted for. The case has been adjourned as the court considers bail applications, with the defendants reportedly remaining in custody pending decisions.

    Daily Post verified the proceedings in Makurdi, and Vanguard quoted prosecutors describing the allegations as a brazen diversion of resources intended for grassroots democracy.

    Echotitbits take: State-level electoral corruption is a major reason local government polls are widely viewed as pre-determined. If the EFCC secures a strong conviction, it could become a deterrent ahead of the 2027 cycle—especially for officials managing electoral logistics and procurement.

    Source: Facebook — https://web.facebook.com/officialefcc/posts/efcc-arraigns-dr-tersoo-joseph-loko-ex-benue-state-independent-electoral-commiss/1440941081402424/?_rdc=1&_rdr#2026-01-29

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  • Federal High Court Halts BPP’s Certification Convocation Following Legal Challenge

    Federal High Court Halts BPP’s Certification Convocation Following Legal Challenge

    Reporting by The Punch indicates that the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to suspend its planned certification convocation and policy dialogue. Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted an interim injunction following an application by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN), which is challenging the BPP’s authority to issue practice licenses to procurement trainers.

    The dispute reflects a jurisdictional battle over who regulates professional standards in public procurement. The court’s order pauses BPP’s planned session until the substantive suit is heard, and the Attorney-General of the Federation is joined as a defendant.

    ThisDay corroborated the restraining order, while Vanguard quoted the CIPSMN President asserting that licensing powers are vested in the institute by its 2007 Establishment Act.

    Echotitbits take: This is a classic turf war between a regulator and a professional body. The judgment will influence who “gatekeeps” procurement credentials—and could affect how procurement capacity-building is structured across MDAs that manage billions of naira in contracts.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/court-orders-bpp-to-halt-certification-programme/ 2026-01-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Tinubu appoints Rotimi Oyedepo as Director of Public Prosecutions

    Tinubu appoints Rotimi Oyedepo as Director of Public Prosecutions

    2025-12-31 09:42:00

    In an update published by PUNCH, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as Director of Public Prosecutions in the Federal Ministry of Justice.

    Oyedepo is widely known for high‑profile prosecution work, including corruption and financial‑crime cases, and the appointment is seen as a signal about prosecutorial priorities heading into 2026.

    The move comes amid renewed debates about justice-sector reforms, case backlogs and the credibility of anti‑corruption enforcement.

    A State House statement said the president “approves appointment of Rotimi Oyedepo as Director of Public Prosecutions,” while Premium Times reported Tinubu “gives top EFCC lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo new appointment.”

    Echotitbits take: The DPP role is pivotal for consistency across sensitive cases. Watch the first 100 days: guidelines for plea bargains, asset-recovery priorities, and how prosecution teams coordinate with EFCC/ICPC/Police without politicising decisions.

    Source: PUNCH — December 31, 2025 (https://punchng.com/tinubu-appoints-oyedepo-director-of-public-prosecution/)

    PUNCH December 31, 2025

    Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons