Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: anti-corruption

  • Osun Payroll Audit Flags 8,452 ‘Ghost Workers’ as State Tightens Wage Controls

    Osun Payroll Audit Flags 8,452 ‘Ghost Workers’ as State Tightens Wage Controls

    Reporting by The Punch indicates a payroll audit uncovered 8,452 alleged ghost workers in Osun State, raising fresh questions about payroll controls and wage leakages.

    The report suggests the finding emerged from a verification process aimed at tightening wage administration in a period of fiscal pressure.

    If the clean-up is sustained, it could free funds for public services, though disputes may follow over wrongful deletions and labour politics.

    Premium Times also reported the “8,452 ghost workers” figure, while The Guardian similarly described the discovery within a payroll clean-up narrative for the state.

    Echotitbits take: The real test is enforcement—publishing an audit trail, recovering funds where possible, and sanctioning those who enabled payroll fraud.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/consultant-uncovers-8452-ghost-workers-in-osun/ January 10, 2026

    The Punch 2026-01-10

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Jersey to Repatriate $9.5m Abacha Funds for Abuja–Kano Road Completion

    Jersey to Repatriate $9.5m Abacha Funds for Abuja–Kano Road Completion

    According to The Punch, the Bailiwick of Jersey will return more than $9.5 million in forfeited funds to Nigeria, with the money earmarked for the final stages of the Abuja–Kano Road project.

    The report frames the move as part of Nigeria’s wider asset-recovery push, with officials emphasizing visible infrastructure outcomes from recovered proceeds.

    For road users and contractors, the key question is how quickly the repatriated funds translate into measurable progress on the corridor.

    Daily Post also described it as “fresh $9.5m Abacha loot” being returned from Jersey, while Tribune Online similarly reported “more than $9.5 million” headed back to Nigeria for the Abuja–Kano route.

    Echotitbits take: Watch procurement and project transparency—implementation details, milestone reporting, and independent monitoring will decide whether this becomes a trust-building win.

    Source: PremiumTimes – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/848587-jersey-to-repatriate-over-9-5m-abacha-loot-to-nigeria.html January 10, 2026

    PremiumTimes 2026-01-10

    Photo Credit: PremiumTimes

  • Femi Falana Slams Judges for Granting Bail to Alleged Security Fund Looters

    Femi Falana Slams Judges for Granting Bail to Alleged Security Fund Looters

    Reporting by The Punch indicates that human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has criticized the Nigerian judiciary for using ‘legal technicalities’ to release individuals accused of stealing billions intended for arms procurement. Falana argued that while soldiers are being sent to the frontlines with inadequate equipment, those responsible for diverting the funds are enjoying freedom and ‘obstructing justice’ through prolonged bail and stay-of-proceedings.

    The senior advocate called for a dedicated ‘Anti-Corruption Court’ to fast-track cases involving national security funds. He emphasized that the current judicial system is too slow and susceptible to influence from wealthy defendants. Falana’s critique comes amid fresh reports of military casualties in the North-East, which he links directly to the ‘financial sabotage’ of the defense budget.

    Supporting reports from Premium Times and Channels TV validate Falana’s stance. Premium Times noted that ‘Falana’s call for special courts is gaining traction among activists,’ while Channels TV quoted him directly: ‘Technicalities should not be a shield for those who leave our soldiers vulnerable.’

    Echotitbits take: Falana is highlighting the ‘disconnect’ between the courtrooms and the trenches. The Nigerian judiciary is often criticized for being ‘pro-defendant’ in high-profile corruption cases. Watch for whether the National Judicial Council (NJC) issues a new directive on ‘priority corruption cases’ to counter this narrative.
    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/treasury-looters-dont-deserve-bail-says-falana/ January 5, 2026

    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

  • EFCC arraigns Malami, wife, son over alleged ₦8.7bn money laundering

    EFCC arraigns Malami, wife, son over alleged ₦8.7bn money laundering

    2025-12-31 08:49:00

    In a report carried by PUNCH, the EFCC has arraigned former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami alongside his wife and son in an Abuja court over alleged ₦8.7bn money laundering, with proceedings focusing on the agency’s stated charges and the defendants’ responses.

    The case is one of the most politically sensitive anti-graft developments of the period, given Malami’s former role at the centre of federal legal and justice architecture.

    Beyond courtroom drama, the prosecution’s ability to present clean money trails—and the defence’s ability to challenge them—will shape how the public reads the credibility of the anti-corruption push.

    Validation: EFCC said “a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy… and laundering proceeds of unlawful activity.” and Premium Times reported “conspired to disguise the origin of funds… in violation of the Money Laundering… Acts.”

    Echotitbits take: This is a test-case for high-profile prosecution quality—paperwork, evidence integrity, and judicial pace. Watch adjournments, bail terms, and whether related asset actions (if any) emerge.

    Source: The Punch — 31 December 2025 (https://punchng.com/money-laundering-malami-wife-son-to-spend-new-year-in-prison/)

    The Punch 31 December 2025

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • SERAP takes subsidy-savings fight to court, demands project-by-project disclosure

    SERAP takes subsidy-savings fight to court, demands project-by-project disclosure

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    According to Punch, SERAP has sued state governments and named officials over the handling of fuel-subsidy savings, arguing that the public deserves full disclosure of what was received and which projects were funded.

    The group’s case is built around traceability: if subsidy removal was justified partly as freeing funds for development, then spending should be linked to locations, contractors and outcomes.

    A separate report also framed the case as an attempt to compel disclosure and accountability around subsidy-era windfalls at subnational level.

    The suit matters because it could expand expectations of fiscal transparency from Abuja to the states, especially around pooled or shared national savings.

    Punch reported SERAP is asking the court to force disclosure of how subsidy savings were spent, while another report described the suit as a bid to compel “accountability and transparency” over the funds.

    Echotitbits take: If courts entertain the suit, governors may face new documentation pressure. Watch for whether the case triggers pre-emptive publication of state-level scorecards—projects, costs and completion status.

    Source: THISDAYLIVE — https://newsdiaryonline.com/serap-sues-governors-wike-over-failure-to-account-for-n14trn-fuel-subsidy-savings/ — December 29, 2025

    THISDAYLIVE 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: THISDAYLIVE

  • ICPC scorecard: no federal MDA achieves full ethics compliance in 2025

    ICPC scorecard: no federal MDA achieves full ethics compliance in 2025

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-24 08:17:00

    As reported by PUNCH, the ICPC says no federal Ministry, Department or Agency achieved full compliance in its 2025 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard, pointing to widespread weaknesses in internal ethics systems.

    The assessment covered 344 MDAs, with only a minority rated substantially compliant while many fell into partial, poor, or non-compliance categories.

    The scorecard is intended to strengthen preventive anti-corruption reforms—meaning implementation after publication is as important as the ranking itself.

    Premium Times reported the findings, stating: “No MDA achieved full compliance in the 2025 assessment.” Daily Post likewise noted: “The Commission said no MDA achieved full ethical compliance…”

    Echotitbits take: Publishing rankings is step one; consequences and remediation are step two. Watch for whether compliance becomes tied to leadership performance reviews, procurement controls, and budget releases for repeat defaulters.

    Source: The Punch — December 23, 2025 (https://punchng.com/no-federal-mda-achieved-full-ethics-compliance-in-2025-icpc/)
    The Punch 2025-12-23

  • ICPC summons Dangote as petition over alleged $7m school-fees spending enters probe phase

    ICPC summons Dangote as petition over alleged $7m school-fees spending enters probe phase

    Photo Credit: The Nations
    2025-12-21 08:30:00

    In an update published by The Nation, the ICPC has invited Aliko Dangote in connection with his petition against the immediate past NMDPRA boss over allegations tied to public funds and overseas school fees.

    The report says the invitation is linked to preparations for a formal investigation panel, as the matter fuels debate about accountability in high-value regulatory offices.

    At the center is an allegation that more than $7 million was spent on children’s education abroad, prompting calls for a lifestyle and governance audit around the regulator.

    Premium Times confirmed Dangote “formally submitted a petition,” while ThisDay reported the petition “alleged that Ahmed spent over $7 million” on education-related expenses.

    Echotitbits take:
    High-profile petitions only matter if evidence is traceable. Watch for payment trails, asset declarations, and whether the probe expands into institutional controls that enabled the alleged spending.

    Source: The Nation — December 21, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/icpc-invites-dangote-over-7m-school-fees-claim-against-ex-nmdpra-boss/)
    The Nation 2025-12-21

  • EFCC refinery investigation drags on as Nigerians press for named suspects and charges

    EFCC refinery investigation drags on as Nigerians press for named suspects and charges

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-21 00:40:00

    Reporting by The Punch indicates the EFCC’s probe into alleged mismanagement of billions allocated to state refinery rehabilitation remains unresolved months after invitations and reported recoveries, with no suspects arraigned.

    The report says investigators are looking at how funds for Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries were spent without commensurate improvements in output, as civil society groups warn delays deepen perceptions of selective enforcement.

    In the piece, advocacy groups argue prolonged silence can weaken public confidence and create room for interference, while the economic cost of non-performing refineries remains a recurring policy sore point.

    BusinessDay reported the EFCC opened investigations into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation tied to refinery funds, describing it as “an investigation into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of funds.” The Punch also quoted an anti-corruption advocate urging action, saying, “It baffles us that nothing has been heard from the EFCC after over six months.”

    Echotitbits take:
    The credibility marker is court action: charges filed, defendants named, and a clear recovery/prosecution track. Watch for any formal arraignments, asset recovery disclosures, and whether NNPCL’s governance reforms alter how such projects are procured and audited.

    Source: The Punch — December 21, 2025 (https://punchng.com/nnpc-refinery-probe-drags-as-efcc-keeps-mum-on-suspects/)
    The Punch 2025-12-21

  • Senate Advances Overhaul of Nigeria’s Audit Framework With Updated Federal Audit Bill

    Senate Advances Overhaul of Nigeria’s Audit Framework With Updated Federal Audit Bill

    2025-12-18 00:00:00

    The Nation reports that the Senate has concluded work on amendments aimed at replacing the decades-old audit framework, with lawmakers advancing a Federal Audit Service Bill meant to strengthen oversight and public sector accountability.

    The report says the legislation updates Nigeria’s audit architecture and could impact how ministries, departments, and agencies are scrutinised, especially around procurement and project execution.

    Supporters argue the reform is overdue, while critics insist effective enforcement will matter more than new legal text.

    Punch reported that the Senate concluded consideration of the bill, describing it as a move to modernise federal audit structures. (Punch)

    The Guardian similarly covered the development and framed it as a step toward stronger accountability in government spending oversight. (Guardian Nigeria)

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Modern audit rules can tighten leakages only if institutions are independent and audit findings lead to consequences. Watch the final bill text, implementation timelines, and whether audit reports become more timely and publicly accessible.

    Source: The Nation — December 18, 2025 (https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/12/17/senate-concludes-amendment-to-69-year-old-audit-act/)

    Photo credit: PM News Nigeria

    December 18, 2025