Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Corruption Probe

  • Anti-Graft Commission Initiates Investigation into Ex-Minister’s Alleged Certificate Forgery

    Anti-Graft Commission Initiates Investigation into Ex-Minister’s Alleged Certificate Forgery

    According to Premium Times reporting, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has officially launched a probe into allegations that Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, submitted falsified academic and NYSC records. The investigation follows a detailed exposé indicating that the former cabinet member allegedly presented forged documents to both the Senate and President Bola Tinubu during his 2023 clearance process, a scandal that ultimately led to his resignation late last year.

    The development has been mirrored in reports by AllAfrica and The Gazette Nigeria, which confirm that investigators are currently verifying the authenticity of the degree certificates with the respective institutions. AllAfrica noted that “the former minister could face criminal prosecution if the ICPC investigation confirms the forgery,” while The Gazette quoted a source stating, “This is a matter of institutional integrity that cannot be swept under the carpet.”

    Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this probe could set a significant precedent for political appointees in the current administration. The ICPC is reportedly under pressure to ensure a transparent process, given the high-profile nature of the suspect and the gravity of the accusations involving the nation’s highest legislative body.

    Echotitbits take: This investigation serves as a litmus test for Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies. If handled decisively, it could deter future political aspirants from misrepresenting their qualifications; however, any perceived foot-dragging will likely be viewed as a lack of political will to hold former high-ranking officials accountable.

    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/826505-certificate-forgery-premium-times-to-sue-ex-minister-nnajis-spokesperson-over-false-bribery-allegation.html , February 6, 2026

    Photo credit: Premium Times

  • ICPC confirms receipt of Dangote petition against NMDPRA chief, says it will investigate

    ICPC confirms receipt of Dangote petition against NMDPRA chief, says it will investigate

    NMDPRA (as credited by Punch)
    2025-12-17

    The anti‑corruption agency ICPC says it has received a formal petition from billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote against the chief executive of Nigeria’s downstream regulator, the NMDPRA, amid an intensifying dispute over fuel imports and regulation.

    The petition escalates a broader public battle between Dangote’s refinery interests and the regulator over licensing and market rules, with significant implications for Nigeria’s fuel pricing, import dependence and local refining strategy.

    Regulatory credibility is on the line: allegations of misconduct, if substantiated, could trigger leadership changes and policy shifts; if unproven, the episode could still deepen mistrust in the governance of the downstream sector.

    The coming days will likely feature competing narratives, lobbying from marketers, and calls for transparent disclosure around licences, volumes and pricing benchmarks.

    ICPC: “it received a formal petition… The ICPC wishes to state that the petition will be duly investigated.”

    Reuters: “You don’t use imports to checkmate domestic potential,” Dangote told reporters.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is now bigger than personalities — it’s a test of Nigeria’s downstream reform story. Watch for ICPC’s investigative steps, any interim actions, and whether government moves to calm market nerves around supply and pricing.

    Source: Punch — December 17, 2025 — https://punchng.com/petrol-battlefield-icpc-plans-nmdpra-boss-probe-after-dangote-petition/

     

  • Ex-Gov Chris Ngige Reportedly Held by EFCC

    Former Anambra Governor and ex-Labour Minister Chris Ngige has reportedly been taken into EFCC custody at his Abuja residence, according to a former aide. Details of the investigation remain unclear, fuelling speculation over the probe’s focus.

    PUNCH

    10 Dec 2025

  • EFCC Holds Ex-AGF Malami Over Unmet Bail Conditions

    The EFCC detained former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami after he reportedly failed to meet bail conditions earlier granted to him. The commission said investigations into multiple allegations are ongoing.

    Malami has previously rejected accusations against him, but the agency maintains he remains in custody until he fulfils the requirements for release.

    2025-12-10

    Punch Newspapers

    2025-12-10

  • Sylva’s Camp Condemns EFCC Sealing of Maitama Home

    Sylva’s Camp Condemns EFCC Sealing of Maitama Home

    A media aide to former petroleum minister Timipre Sylva criticised the EFCC for sealing his Maitama residence, alleging shortcomings in notice and due process.

    The development adds to public debate around high-profile anti-corruption actions and political accountability.

    Source: Daily Trust, 2025-12-08

  • NDDC: Women group demands fair treatment of Ex-MD in N22.6b probe

    NDDC: Women group demands fair treatment of Ex-MD in N22.6b probe

    The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has urged the Federal Government to protect Ms. Joi Nunieh from all forms of physical and emotional harassment while she faces probe.

    The group through its National president, Laraba Shoda, in a statement on Saturday demanded that Nunieh should be allowed to face the Senate Committee handling the probe to defend herself without intimidation.

    She stated that: ”All forms of harassment and intimidations should stop. We are not against her being probed but what we don’t want is for her to be harassed in any way.”

    The NCWS president however commended River State Governor, Nyesom Wike for rescuing Nunieh and freeing her from the supposed “house arrest” by policemen.

    Nunieh is a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), being investigated for alleged financial recklessness of N22.6 billion said to have been perpetrated under her stewardship.