The Bauchi State Government has formally accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of engaging in politically motivated persecution, abuse of prosecutorial powers and actions capable of endangering public safety, following the arrest, detention and prosecution of senior officials of the state government.

In a strongly worded petition dated December 31, 2025, and addressed to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Bauchi State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice accused the EFCC of weaponising federal law-enforcement machinery to intimidate the state government and unlawfully rope in Governor Bala Mohammed without evidence or jurisdiction.

The petition, marked SECRET, demanded the immediate intervention of the Attorney-General of the Federation to restrain what it described as an “escalating abuse of prosecutorial powers” by the EFCC, warning that the agency’s conduct now poses a “clear and present danger” to constitutional order, democratic stability and personal safety in Bauchi State.

According to the state government, the EFCC arrested and detained the Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development alongside senior civil servants over actions taken strictly in the lawful discharge of their official duties, backed by valid financial approvals and regulations.

Despite full cooperation, the officials were allegedly detained beyond constitutionally permissible timelines on matters described as administrative and bailable.

The petition disclosed that when the case came before the Federal High Court, the presiding judge openly expressed displeasure at the EFCC’s conduct, particularly the prolonged detention without charges, disregard for bail principles, and repeated failure to produce the defendants in court despite several adjournments.

Rather than submit to judicial discipline, the Bauchi government alleged that the EFCC escalated the matter by introducing fresh and far-reaching allegations of terrorism financing and money laundering, charges that were conspicuously absent at the point of arrest and detention.

“No terrorist organisation has been identified, no terrorist act linked, and no evidentiary trail disclosed,” the petition stated, adding that the timing of the allegations strongly suggests they were introduced as an afterthought “to intimidate, scandalise, and destroy reputations rather than to advance justice.”

The petition further accused the EFCC of making reckless and false claims in its charge sheet, including the assertion that the Accountant-General of Bauchi State was ‘at large.’

The state government described this as a blatant misrepresentation, stressing that the Accountant-General honoured EFCC invitations, was detained, and later released on bail after meeting all conditions.

Even more alarming, the Bauchi government accused the EFCC of deliberately dragging Governor Bala Mohammed into the criminal narrative, despite the governor not being an accused person.

According to the petition, the governor’s name was repeatedly and gratuitously mentioned in the charge sheet, sometimes more prominently than those actually standing trial, in what it described as an attempt to try him in the court of public opinion, criminalise political opposition by insinuation, and violate his constitutional immunity.

The state government described the terrorism-financing allegation as a “bogus hatchet job” aimed solely at politically destroying the governor’s image.

The petition highlighted Mohammed’s public service record, noting that he has served Nigeria as a civil servant to the rank of Director, Senator, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and now Governor of Bauchi State, without any criminal conviction or abuse of constitutional immunity.

“No amount of political persecution will diminish the respect he enjoys,” the Attorney-General asserted.

In a grave warning, the Bauchi government also raised concerns that the EFCC’s actions, both overt and covert, are increasingly perceived as posing threats to the safety and wellbeing of the governor, his staff, and even his family, citing the manner of arrests, escalation of allegations and sustained public insinuations.

“This trajectory is dangerous and unacceptable in a constitutional democracy,” the petition warned.

Governor: EFCC Being Used to Force Defection

The petition aligns with recent public allegations by Governor Bala Mohammed, who accused the Federal Government of using the EFCC to persecute him and officials of his administration over his refusal to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor made the allegation on Wednesday at the Government House, Bauchi, while receiving an Ambassadorial Award for Safety from the Institute of Safety Professionals in Nigeria.

Mohammed, who also serves as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, disclosed that one of his commissioners is currently being detained by the EFCC, describing the action as politically motivated and intended to intimidate his government.

“This is not about fighting corruption; it is about political coercion,” the governor said, vowing not to defect under pressure or blackmail.

Demand for Federal Intervention

In its petition, the Bauchi State Government demanded immediate federal intervention, including strict supervision of the EFCC, restraint from retaliatory and media-driven prosecutions, assurances that terrorism allegations would not be pursued without credible evidence, and measures to prevent actions capable of inflaming political tensions or endangering lives.

The state warned that selective justice and prosecutorial recklessness undermine public confidence, weaken institutions and threaten national cohesion.

“Nigeria must not drift toward a system where opposition is criminalised and dissent punished through intimidation,” the petition concluded.

A major political shift has unfolded in Enugu State following the resignation of Princess Adaku Ogbu Aguocha, widely known as Ada Ogbu, from the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending a 14-year association with the party.

Ada Ogbu, a former APC senatorial candidate and one of the party’s most prominent figures in Enugu, formally communicated her resignation in a letter dated December 30, 2025, addressed to the APC Caretaker Ward Chairman of Nara Ward I in Nkanu East Local Government Area.

The development has stirred intense political interest, coming amid a growing wave of opposition realignments linked to the emerging coalition around Peter Obi and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In the resignation letter, she stated that her decision to exit the APC was informed by “evolving realities” and a personal reassessment of the most effective way to serve her constituents.

She described the move as carefully considered, noting that it followed extensive consultations with family members, friends, and trusted political associates.

Known across Enugu political circles as Ada Ogbu, Princess Aguocha has long been regarded as one of the APC’s most steadfast voices in the state, particularly during periods when the party struggled to gain electoral traction in the South-East.

She joined the APC during its formative stage and was among the earliest Enugu indigenes to align with the party at its inception in Bourdillon Avenue, Lagos.

Throughout her years in the APC, she played active roles as a grassroots mobiliser, party organiser, and advocate of the party’s ideals, operating across ward, local government, and state levels.

Her political profile was further elevated when she emerged as the APC’s senatorial candidate for Enugu East Senatorial District, placing her among the party’s most recognisable flag bearers in the zone.

In her letter, Ada Ogbu expressed appreciation for the opportunities and leadership exposure she gained within the party, describing her years in the APC as formative to her understanding of democratic governance and public service.

She also emphasised that her departure was not driven by personal grievances, thanking party leaders and supporters and maintaining a conciliatory tone.

The timing of her resignation has intensified speculation, as it coincides with expectations that Peter Obi will formally pick up his ADC membership card in Enugu State, a development widely viewed as a strategic step toward building a broad opposition alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In recent weeks, politicians across multiple parties have defected to the ADC, a trend analysts increasingly refer to as the expanding “Peter Obi wave.”

Although Ada Ogbu did not disclose her next political destination.

Enugu State, long regarded as receptive to opposition politics, is expected to play a symbolic role in Obi’s ADC entry, further amplifying the significance of Ada Ogbu’s move.

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has formally declared his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Bello made the announcement during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other key stakeholders from the senatorial district.

A video of the visit, including his declaration, was later shared on his verified Facebook page.

Addressing the gathering, the former governor stated that he had accepted calls to represent the district at the National Assembly.

“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” he said.
The current Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, attended the event alongside other political leaders.

Reports indicate that Ododo urged Bello to heed appeals from party leaders and constituents who want him to contest the seat.

The appeal was said to have been made in the presence of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and other influential figures from the area.

Bello served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024 and remains a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress in the state.

Reacting to the declaration, the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Amoka Eneji, congratulated Bello, describing him as a leader who had contributed significantly to the unity and development of the Ebira people.

Eneji noted that Bello’s role would remain notable in the history of Ebiraland.

The Kogi Central Senatorial seat is currently held by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who won the election in 2023. Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer and former governorship aspirant, made history as the first woman to represent the district in the Senate.

There was a flurry of activities in Enugu on Saturday as Amechi Uwani, a foremost community in Enugu South Local Government Area, celebrated its annual Ofalla Festival in grand style.

The colourful event, held at Ofia-Utu, Amechi Uwani, featured the conferment of the community’s highest chieftaincy honour on Professor Victor Nnam, former Enugu State Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development.  

The traditional ruler of the community, HRH Igwe Joseph O. Ogbodo, Ohachirieze II of Amechi Uwani, bestowed on Professor Nnam the revered title of Ugwu of Enugu, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to youth empowerment, community service and transformational leadership.

The prestigious honour crowns Professor Nnam’s lifelong commitment to societal development and the empowerment of young people within and beyond Enugu State.

Speaking shortly after receiving the title, Professor Nnam, a renowned professor of Geoinformatics and Surveying, expressed profound gratitude to the monarch and the entire Amechi Uwani community, describing the recognition as the pinnacle of honour.

He said there was no greater honour than being recognised by one’s king and community, pledging to live up to the expectations associated with the title.

“As the Ugwu of Enugu, I am solemnly committed to upholding the noble values of this exalted rank by guiding our youth towards excellence, promoting self-reliance, and inspiring positive change in our society,” he stated.

DAILY GAZETTE gathered that the grand Ofalla Festival was held to commemorate the 12th anniversary of Igwe Ogbodo’s ascension to the throne.

The august gathering attracted community leaders, indigenes from all kindreds, and Amechi Uwani sons and daughters in the diaspora who returned home to partake in the celebration.

Several other distinguished sons and daughters of the community, both at home and abroad, were also honoured with various chieftaincy titles during the festival.

DAILY GAZETTE recalls that Professor Nnam had earlier, in August 2020, received the title of Ugwu-Eku of Amechi from his Umunnugwu kindred, in recognition of his contributions to community development.

On 20th December 2025, Professor Nnam was also conferred a chieftaincy title of “Nnanyelugo Abor” by the traditional Ruler of Abor ancient kingdom in Udi LGA.

Oseloka Obaze has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ahead of the anticipated defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.

Obaze, a former United Nations diplomat and one-time Secretary to the Anambra State Government, announced his decision in a Facebook post early Monday morning.

In the post, he disclosed that he had disengaged from partisan politics several months ago due to issues of principle but has now found a political home in the ADC.

“Eight months ago, I disengaged from partisan politics and from my erstwhile political party on grounds of principles. Today, I wish to announce that I’m now a proud card-carrying member of ADC. We walk the talk. We must rethink and reunite Nigeria. Much work lies ahead,” Obaze wrote.

Meanwhile, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, is expected to formally join the ADC on Wednesday in Enugu, the capital of the former Eastern Region.

Obi’s planned defection has continued to generate widespread political interest.

Gov. Makinde,

The Oyo State Government has dismissed allegations that Governor Seyi Makinde received and diverted ₦50 billion from the Federal Government to fund a presidential ambition, describing the claim as false and politically motivated.

Dr Sulaiman Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to the governor, made the clarification on Sunday while responding to comments credited to former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose.

He said the allegation was misleading and deliberately intended to distort facts.

According to Olanrewaju, the much-talked-about ₦50 billion was not a lump sum received by the state government but a support package promised by the Federal Government in the aftermath of the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan.

He explained that only ₦30 billion of the promised amount was eventually released.

He further alleged that the remaining ₦20 billion was withheld after demands were made for inducements, which Governor Makinde reportedly rejected.

“The issue is not about what was promised but what was actually released and how it was utilised,” Olanrewaju said.

He noted that the ₦30 billion received was transparently deployed, with ₦4.5 billion paid directly to victims of the explosion, while the balance was used for reconstruction efforts, road repairs, enhanced security infrastructure, and plans for a memorial at the disaster site.

The media aide suggested that the renewed criticism of the governor was politically motivated, linking it to Makinde’s recent declaration that he would not support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, despite backing him in the 2023 presidential election.

Olanrewaju described the attacks as acts of desperation, accusing some political actors of attempting to manipulate the Peoples Democratic Party’s structures in Oyo State.

He urged Nigerians to focus on verifiable facts and the performance of the Makinde administration, rather than what he termed half-truths and political mischief.

“Governor Makinde has been consistent in his refusal to yield to coercion or intimidation. He has chosen to stand by his principles, regardless of political pressure,” he said.

Former Minister of Education and co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of enabling terrorism through what she described as an appeasement strategy.

Ezekwesili, who is also the founder of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance and a former Vice President of the World Bank, said the Federal Government often had opportunities to decisively neutralise terrorists but instead chose to “cuddle” them.

She made the remarks in a post on her X handle while reacting to the recent abduction and subsequent release of pupils and teachers of St Mary’s Private Catholic School in Niger State.

According to her, both federal and state governments, under the current leadership, have continued to reward criminal behaviour by negotiating with terrorists rather than holding them accountable.

“It is accurate to state that our federal and state governments, led at this time by President Bola Tinubu, are, by their appeasement strategy, enabling terrorists by rewarding their criminal behaviour,” she said.

Ezekwesili argued that a capable Nigerian state in the past would never have tolerated such actions, stressing that the Constitution places a duty on government to protect the lives and property of citizens, especially children.

She lamented that since terrorism escalated in 2009, successive administrations had failed to decisively confront armed groups operating across the country.

“Our past and present governments, in escalating degrees, have failed to effectively tackle terrorists who take up arms against Nigerians and the Nigerian state,” she said.

The former minister blamed the situation on years of grand corruption, which she said weakened Nigeria’s security institutions and forced governments into adopting appeasement as a default policy.

Ezekwesili also criticised what she described as triumphalist statements by government officials announcing the release of abducted victims without disclosing details of negotiations, including who was engaged, at what cost and under what conditions.

She warned that the lack of transparency surrounding negotiations with terrorists was fuelling corruption and increasing the country’s vulnerability.

According to her, the failure to arrest, prosecute or eliminate known perpetrators sends a dangerous signal that crimes have no consequences.

“It is insane that government officials claim proximity to deadly criminals during so-called negotiations yet take no steps to arrest or neutralise them,” she said.

Ezekwesili further argued that the continued wave of abductions across the country was the result of weak governance and the absence of a clear strategy to end terrorism.

She concluded by urging Nigerians to confront what she described as leadership failure, warning that insecurity would persist unless those in power are held accountable for protecting lives and restoring safety across the country.