Crime
JUST IN: N37.1bn fraud: NSIPA co-ordinator arrested, ex-minister faces EFCC today

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested and detained the National Co-ordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, Halima Shehu, over the ongoing probe into the N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, under former Minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouk.
It was gathered that EFCC operatives stormed NSIPA’s office at the Federal Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday at about 9 am, and drove Shehu to the EFCC headquarters, Jabi, Abuja.
As of the time of filling this report on Tuesday night, she was still being detained and interrogated.
Impeccable senior officers of the anti-graft agency, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, revealed that Shehu was indicted in connection with the alleged 37.1bn fraud as the former National Coordinator of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme under the Ministry.
“Halima Shehu is currently in our (EFCC) custody in connection with the ongoing N37.1bn fraud that took place under the former Humanitarian Minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouk.
“Halima was the National Coordinator in charge of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme under the Ministry during Buhari’s tenure, and she’s been queried over some of the money that left the ministry’s coffers through her.
“The former Minister, Sadiya is also expected at the office tomorrow (Wednesday) for questioning over the N37.1bn money laundering case.”
Shehu was suspended from office by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, it was reported that the EFCC invited the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Umar-Farouk, to appear before investigators today (Wednesday) over an ongoing probe into the N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered during her tenure in office, through a contractor, James Okwete.
The former minister was asked to appear before investigators at the EFCC Headquarters, Jabbi, Abuja today to give an account of the alleged monumental fraud that took place under her watch.
The document partly read: “The commission is investigating a case of money laundering involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development during your time as Minister.
“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly report for an interview with the undersigned. Scheduled as follows: Wednesday 3rd, January, 2024. 10:00 am. This request is made pursuant to section 38 (I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 & section 21 of Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”
Source: Punch
Crime
Court Rules Nnamdi Kanu Has Case to Answer in Terrorism Trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), must face trial in his ongoing terrorism case.
Delivering the ruling on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho dismissed Kanu’s no-case submission, stating that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence linking him to terrorism-related activities. The judge ordered Kanu to open his defence on October 8, 2025.
According to Justice Omotosho, the prosecution’s exhibits and witness testimonies raise “serious allegations” that merit a full trial.
In a separate directive, the court also ordered the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to constitute a special medical team to evaluate Kanu’s current health condition. The judge mandated the committee to submit its report within eight days.
The court instructed that the medical panel, consisting of 8 to 10 members including a cardiologist and a neurologist, must assess whether the Department of State Services (DSS) medical facility is adequately equipped to manage Kanu’s health needs. The committee is also empowered to use any medical facility in the country during its investigation.
Justice Omotosho further directed that the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Abuja, be included as a member of the committee. Based on the committee’s findings, the court will determine whether Kanu should be transferred to the National Hospital for further treatment.
The trial continues amidst growing public and international attention surrounding Kanu’s detention and the broader implications for the separatist movement he leads.
Crime
Man allegedly kill grandparents over food

A 30-year-old man, Mutawakilu Ibrahim, has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his grandparents to death after a quarrel over food.
The Kano State Police Command spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa said the incident was reported on Thursday morning, September 25, 2025, at Kofar Dawanau Quarters in Dala Local Government Area.
According to him, the suspect attacked his grandfather, 75-year-old Muhammad Dansokoto, and grandmother, 65-year-old Hadiza Tasidi, with a knife during the altercation.
“The victims were rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, where they were confirmed dead by medical personnel,” Kiyawa stated.
“Their corpses were later released to relatives for burial in line with Islamic rites.
”The police said the suspect, believed to have been under the influence of intoxicants at the time of the attack, is now in custody.
Kiyawa added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Homicide Section, for further investigation.
“The suspect will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation,” the statement concluded.
Crime
Kidnappers shoot victim over insufficient funds in bank account in Delta

A victim of kidnap was shot in the leg by kidnappers for failing to have sufficient money in his bank account.
The kidnappers said the shooting is to teach him a lesson.
This was even after they had already withdrawn two million naira from his bank account.
According to the Delta Police Command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, operatives have arrested three suspected kidnappers, who confessed that they collected N2 million ransom from their victim and still shot him.
The suspects, identified as Chukwuebuka Nka, Uche Okechukwu, and Somto Chukwuma, allegedly shot the victim in the leg after discovering he did not have enough money in his account.
According to the statement, the arrests followed a distress call that a young man had been kidnapped from his residence in Ogwashi-Uku.
Edafe said operatives tracked the suspects to a bush in Ogwashi-Uku, where the victim was rescued with a gunshot wound.
According to him, investigations led to the arrest of Chukwuebuka Nka and Uche Okechukwu in Anambra State, where the victim’s white Toyota Venza was also recovered.
He added that, based on the suspects’ confessions, operatives raided their hideout in Agidiase village, Ogwashi-Uku, and arrested the third suspect.
The suspects then led the police to their hideout, where their operational vehicle and a network jammer circuit device were also recovered.
-
Business2 days ago
PENGASSAN Ends Strike as Dangote Recalls Workers
-
Entertainment16 hours ago
National Theater: The Bankers’ Committee “made me eat my words – Soyinka
-
News2 days ago
Nigeria’s 65th Independence: Tinubu’s full speech
-
Business1 day ago
FG Spends $2.86bn on External Debts Servicing – CBN
-
International14 hours ago
Legendary conservationist, Jane Goodall, dies at 91
-
Business1 day ago
ECOWAS Bank okays $308.63m for Nigeria, Guinea
-
News15 hours ago
Kogi Enforcing Ban on Trailer Parks from October 29 – Fanwo
-
International2 days ago
Deported Nigerian Claims Ghanaian Officials Abandoned Him in Togo