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U.S Mission Nigeria Reaffirms Robust Relationship With EFCC

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The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills (Jr.), has reaffirmed that the robust working relationship between the United States government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would continue in order to achieve significant success in the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

He stated this in Abuja on Tuesday when he led a delegation of the US mission in Nigeria on a familiarisation visit to the executive chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, at the commission’s corporate headquarters.

“I’m grateful for the relationship we have both through our legal attache and with these other offices here. The US government was strongly supportive of the creation of EFCC when it was established and our relationship has continued since then. I’m here today to learn a little bit about what the chairman’s priorities are for the EFCC moving forward; what you see as the key trends in financial crimes that you’re addressing and how the U.S. government and U.S. mission can assist you, either with information sharing or sharing of expertise, closer cooperation in specific cases,” he said.

Explaining further, Mills pointed out that “part of the reason we’re so interested in these issues is because they affect both our countries and they affect what we’re both trying to do, which is to create a secure, prosperous Nigeria and build our economies, both the US and the Nigerians,” he said.

Olukoyede, who was delighted with the visit, took the delegation on a brief tour of the mandate of the EFCC. “In the EFCC, our mandate is to fight economic and financial crimes not only to prevent them. We have a mandate to prevent, to investigate and where one has occurred to also prosecute and by extension, we also recover assets in the course of our work, which are one way or the other, subject to the directive of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), led by the president to manage them.

While recognising that Nigeria, over the years, has had a beneficial relationship with the US government and its agencies in EFCC’s efforts to sanitise the country’s financial space, Olukoyede looked forward to amplified relationship with the US government and the US mission in Nigeria for improved outcomes in the fight against corruption and financial crimes.

“The relationship between the United States and Nigeria in relation to the fight against financial crimes dates way back and has been one of very strong synergy and mutually beneficial collaboration. Nigeria and America have been having mutual cooperation, particularly in the area of the fight against financial crimes. And this we hope to build on, to strengthen and to take to the next level,” he said.

He sued for enhanced support and collaboration stressing that “the support is needed, especially in the areas of technology, intelligence gathering and sharing and human capital development. We recognise the fact that most of the work we do is intelligence-driven. And when we talk of intelligence, we are talking of technology. So, we need your support in that area. And also need it in capacity building, collaboration, information and intelligence sharing which is very important. And we are requesting that America needs to reciprocate by attending to our requests on time because we notice that maybe you consider your laws and all of that. We will just wish you could fast-track your response to some of our requests. We would really appreciate if you can improve on that during your tenure,” he said.

Speaking further, the EFCC boss disclosed some of his recent efforts at curbing visa fraud that pose an endless challenge to foreign missions in the country. “Just last year, I established the Visa Application and Immigration Fraud Section in EFCC and we have its desk all across our zonal offices to deal with issues that have to do with visa racketeering and immigration fraud. It is a dedicated desk that works 48 hours. And we’ll be having good results. So we also need your support in that area in the exchange of information and intelligence with us and in technology and gadgets you can support us with. The Nigerian government is willing to collaborate more with the government of the United States to work more for the mutual interests of both countries,” he said.

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara

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Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.

 

Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.

Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.

Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.

The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.

According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.

“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.

“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.

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Panic In Ibadan As Rising Kidnap, Robbery Threats Trigger Official Red Alert

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Residents of Ibadan, specifically in Bodija, Agbowo, Akobo, and the Agodi GRA, are currently on high alert after the Police and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) issued an urgent warning regarding a recent surge in kidnappings and armed robberies in those areas.

 

According to the DAILY POST, the Bodija Housing Estate Police Division and its community partners have formally expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the area.

 

In a statement signed by Bodija Housing Estate Police Division PCRC and Community Policing Unit of the division, they noted that there is an increase in the rate of kidnapping and armed robberies in areas such as Akobo and Bodija.

 

The statement urged residents to take necessary safety measures amidst rising cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities in areas such as Akobo and Bodija.

 

In the statement tagged “Urgent Safety Measures Amid Rising Kidnapping and Armed Robbery Incidents in Areas Including Akobo and Bodija the residents were alerted that the desire for quick wealth has driven some individuals to commit terrible acts.

 

Part of the statement reads, “In light of the recent increase in criminal activities such as kidnapping and armed robbery across our communities, it has become imperative to issue updated safety guidelines. The desire for quick wealth has driven some individuals to commit terrible acts, and we must all be vigilant.

 

“Please adhere strictly to the following precautions, and also note the additional measures outlined below:

 

“Remember: Your safety and that of your loved ones depend greatly on your level of awareness and willingness to take precautionary steps. Security is a collective responsibility.

 

“Report emergencies promptly to: Oyo State Police Command: control room:08081768614, 08081768574

Bodija Division: DPO +2348052046348; PCRC Helpline/ Chairman – 07068874553”.

 

JomogNews reports that some residents have been in a panic mood as a result of the notice.

 

A resident of Bodija Housing Estate, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, explained that the recent happenings necessitated the notice.

 

“The recent happenings necessitated the move. Yes we have to be careful. People now think twice before they go out. We are more security conscious than before,” he said.

 

 

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