By Rukevwe Odeh

The call for independent investigation have intensified over the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), with opposition figures, civil society organisations, anti-corruption advocates and media stakeholders urging the Federal Government to ensure transparency and accountability.

The controversy centres on claims that the supposed council operated within government circles, allegedly secured office accommodation, maintained accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and appeared in the 2026 federal budget despite the Presidency insisting that the body does not exist. The allegations have also drawn attention to claims linking the appointment of the council’s leadership to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the controversy as another indication of recurring governance concerns under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a statement issued through his spokesman, Atiku argued that repeated controversies involving government institutions have created a pattern that deserves serious public scrutiny.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also criticised the government’s handling of the matter, saying the Presidency’s explanation raised fresh questions about the effectiveness of public institutions. According to the party, if the official account is accurate, it would suggest major weaknesses within government systems that allowed an individual to allegedly establish and operate a non-existent agency without early detection.

Anti-corruption organisations, including Human and Environmental Development Agenda and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, have demanded a comprehensive inquiry into how more than ₦1.3 billion was reportedly allocated to the PFIPC in the 2026 Appropriation Act. The groups insisted that Nigerians deserve a full explanation of how such a budgetary provision was processed if the council officially does not exist.

Both organisations urged authorities to release documents relating to the budget allocation and identify officials responsible for proposing, reviewing and approving the expenditure. They argued that public confidence in government depends on openness and proper management of public funds.

By Rukevwe Odeh

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 23-year-old man in connection with the killing of a university lecturer and his younger brother in Makurdi, the state capital.

The suspect, identified as Abdullahi Usman from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, was apprehended following investigations into the deaths of Professor Gabriel Saawua Nyityo of the Department of History at Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, and his 19-year-old brother, John Nyityo.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer in Benue State, DSP Udeme Edet, officers attached to the ‘D’ Division responded to a distress call from the Adaka area of Makurdi, where they discovered the bodies of the two victims.

Police said preliminary findings indicate that the brothers were attacked by armed assailants who fled before security personnel arrived at the scene. Intelligence gathered during the investigation later led to the arrest of the suspect.

Edet stated that investigations are ongoing and efforts have been intensified to track down other individuals believed to have participated in the attack. She assured residents that the command remains committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensuring everyone connected to the crime is brought to justice.

The killing of Professor Nyityo has sparked concern within the academic community and among residents of Benue State, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the tragic incident.

Authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the attack as detectives continue their inquiries.

By Favour Bibaikefie

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of laundering $2.33 million.

Bodejo appeared before Justice Inyang Ekwo on a 12-count charge filed by the anti-graft agency. The charges allege violations of Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act in connection with financial transactions amounting to $2.33 million.

During the court proceedings, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following his plea, the prosecution requested that the court fix a date for trial, while the defence applied for bail. The court granted the bail request on conditions to be met by the defendant and adjourned the case for the commencement of trial.

The EFCC maintains that the charges stem from its ongoing investigation into the alleged movement of funds suspected to be linked to money laundering activities. However, the allegations remain before the court, and Bodejo is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in accordance with the law.