Crime News March 10, 2026 Judicial misconduct and protection of fraudsters by FCT Chief Judge

Philanthropic businessman and CEO of Diamond Leeds, Chief Kenneth Ifekudu, has petitioned Nigeria’s Chief Justice over the transfer of criminal charges involving alleged serial fraudster and Abuja socialite Prince Chibuike Echem, as well as Danjuma Mohammed, former National Coordinator of the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) at the North East Development Commission.

The case, involving an alleged multi-billion-naira contract fraud, was moved from Court No. 15 to Court No. 13.

In a petition dated March 9, 2026, addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chair of the National Judicial Council, Chief Ifekudu’s lawyer, Chief B.C. Igwilo, SAN, expressed concern over the lack of transparency and clarity about the reasons for the case’s transfer.

He urged the Chief Justice to review the transfer promptly and take steps to uphold transparency, fairness, and judicial integrity.

The lawyer highlighted that the Prosecution was not notified of any request or communication that prompted the transfer, nor was it aware of the grounds for it.

The petition, titled "PETITION CONCERNING THE TRANSFER OF CHARGE NO: CR/708/25; FRN V ALHAJI MOHAMMED DANJUMA & ANOR FROM THE ORIGINAL FCT TRIAL COURT NO. 15 TO A NEW TRIAL COURT NO. 13," explained that the original court had scheduled a hearing for 10 consecutive days, in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

However, the nominal complainant learned that the case had been transferred to Court No. 12, presided over by Hon. Justice Y. Halilu, with a hearing notice issued for March 11, 2026.

"The Nominal Complainant was understandably surprised. Upon inquiry with the EFCC, managing the prosecution, it was confirmed that no notice or request prompted the transfer, and the basis for it was unknown," the petition states.

Chief Igwilo (SAN) urged the CJN to investigate the transfer, verify whether it followed judicial procedures, and ensure it was conducted transparently and fairly. He also called for guidance or intervention to maintain public confidence in the judiciary.

In January, the EFCC filed a 55-count charge against Prince Chibuike Echem and Danjuma Mohammed—alleged serial fraudsters and prominent Abuja socialites—involving multi-billion naira contract fraud.

They are accused of defrauding Diamond Leeds Limited of over N2.2 billion by posing as contract facilitators linked to major government agencies.

News March 10, 2026 JUST IN: Dangote refinery reduces petrol, diesel prices

 

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced its ex-depot prices for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), marking the first downward adjustment after several sharp increases recorded in recent days.

According to the refinery’s latest pricing template released on March 10, 2026, the gantry price of petrol has been cut by N100 to N1,075 per litre, down from N1,175 per litre previously.

The refinery also disclosed that PMS supplied through coastal distribution will now sell at N1,050 per litre, reflecting a marginal price differential for marine deliveries.

In addition, the gantry price of Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel, has been reduced to N1,430 per litre, representing a N190 drop from the earlier price of N1,620 per litre.

The company noted that the quoted gantry prices exclude statutory charges imposed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The price adjustment came amid a recent decline in global crude oil prices, which has started to ease cost pressures across the international petroleum market and is influencing pricing trends in the downstream sector.

Industry analysts said the reduction could provide short-term relief for marketers and bulk buyers who had been grappling with rapidly rising loading costs in recent days.

Market participants are now watching closely to see how quickly the revised ex-depot prices will cascade through depot channels and translate into lower retail pump prices nationwide.

Business News March 10, 2026 High Expectations as Apices Finance Company Ltd Set for Grand Opening in Abuja

A new player in Nigeria’s financial services sector, Apices Finance Company Limited, is set to officially launch its operations with a grand opening ceremony scheduled to take place in Abuja on Wednesday.

In a statement issued by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr. Daniel O. Oniko, the ceremony marks the formal commencement of the company’s operations and the realization of a shared vision driven by innovation, partnership, and economic empowerment. 

According to the statement, the event will hold on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the company’s office premises located at No. 1 Touggourt Street, Off Accra Street, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja. 

The company noted that the occasion represents more than the inauguration of a new financial institution, describing it as a celebration of a collective journey built on trust, partnership, and a shared aspiration for sustainable economic growth.

Apices Finance Company Ltd said its operations are designed to provide innovative financial solutions that will support entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as individuals engaged in productive business ventures. 

The company emphasized that access to business finance remains a critical driver of economic growth, job creation, and business sustainability in Nigeria. 

With the slogan “Partnership for Prosperity,” the company said it is committed to serving as a catalyst for financial empowerment by enabling businesses to grow profitably through tailored financial services and innovative financial engineering.

The firm also unveiled its corporate vision of becoming a leading catalyst for financial empowerment, enabling sustainable business growth and shared prosperity through innovation and excellence. 

To achieve this vision, Apices Finance Company Ltd said its operations will be guided by core values captured in the acronym IREAT, Integrity, Reliability, Excellence, Accountability, and Transparency, principles it described as central to its governance and service delivery framework. 

The grand opening ceremony is expected to attract prominent figures from both the public and private sectors. Among the dignitaries expected at the event are Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, Jobson Ewalefoh, and Tope Fashua, alongside other industry leaders and stakeholders.

The event will feature the official commissioning of the company’s office, a presentation outlining its strategic direction, and a networking reception aimed at fostering collaboration with stakeholders and partners.

Management of Apices Finance Company Ltd noted that the institution is positioned to strengthen Nigeria’s financial ecosystem by delivering accessible, customer-focused financial services that promote enterprise growth, deepen financial inclusion, and contribute to sustainable economic development. 

The ceremony, the company added, will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to celebrate the milestone while setting the tone for the company’s future role in supporting Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.

News March 10, 2026 Certificate row : HURIWA warns against politicising Nnaji’s academic record

 

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concern that the controversy surrounding the academic credentials of former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, may have political undertones, while calling for transparency and neutrality by institutions handling the issue.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja, the civil rights organisation said clarifications recently provided by Dr. Robert Ngwu, Special Adviser to the former minister, underscore the importance of fairness and restraint, especially amid what it described as premature claims in some quarters that a Federal Government investigative panel had already established allegations of certificate forgery against Nnaji.

According to HURIWA, Ngwu clarified that the investigative panel mentioned in certain media reports was not created to examine whether the former minister falsified a certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

The aide explained that the panel was instead constituted after Nnaji submitted a petition to the Federal Ministry of Education (Nigeria), alleging misconduct by some officials of the university.

HURIWA said this clarification is important because it contradicts reports suggesting that the panel had already determined that certificate forgery occurred, noting that the official report of the panel has not yet been made public by the ministry.

The association further observed that the disagreement over Nnaji’s academic records is currently before the Federal High Court of Nigeria, where the former minister has filed a suit seeking an order compelling the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to release his academic transcript, which he reportedly requested as far back as May 2025.

According to HURIWA, proceedings during the February 26 hearing before Justice H. J. Yilwa did not move forward because of procedural issues, including the absence of proof of service in the court file and the need to regularise some respondents’ filings. The group said the adjournment requested by counsel representing the university’s leadership was not opposed by Nnaji’s legal team from the chambers of Wole Olanipekun and Sebastine Hon, an indication that the case remains before the court.

Beyond the court case, HURIWA noted that the petition submitted by the former minister to the Federal Ministry of Education raised serious concerns, including allegations of intimidation, unauthorised access to confidential student records and possible manipulation of academic documents by certain officials of the university.

The petition also reportedly questioned the disclosure of personal academic information without proper authorisation, actions that could conflict with provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and other public service rules.

The rights group also referred to claims that a document reportedly relied upon to justify certain administrative actions within the university had been questioned by the Public Complaints Commission, which allegedly stated that the letter attributed to its office was fraudulent and that no complaint had been lodged against the former minister.

While noting that the allegations and counter-claims would ultimately be resolved by the courts and other relevant authorities, HURIWA said the broader political circumstances surrounding the controversy deserve attention.

According to the organisation, Nnaji is regarded as one of the leading grassroots figures of the All Progressives Congress in Enugu State and was among the early architects of the party’s structure in the state. The group added that the former minister continues to command a strong political following and remains influential within the party.

HURIWA said the timing and intensity of the allegations have prompted speculation among political observers that the dispute could be connected to evolving political alignments in Enugu State, especially as attention gradually shifts toward the 2027 governorship race.

The organisation further pointed out that the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka previously served as Chief of Staff to a former governor of Enugu State and is widely believed to be aligned with the same political camp as the current governor, Peter Mbah.

Although the Vice-Chancellor has reportedly rejected claims suggesting any wrongdoing, HURIWA said the situation has nonetheless created concerns about the perception of possible conflicts of interest.

“In matters involving sensitive academic records and political figures, the credibility of the investigative process must be protected at all costs. Where questions arise about possible conflicts of interest, the appropriate institutional response is transparency and recusal,” the group stated.

HURIWA therefore urged the leadership of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to ensure that investigations arising from Nnaji’s petition are handled in a fair and credible manner.

It specifically called for any university official who may be directly or indirectly linked to the dispute to step aside from administrative or investigative roles connected to the matter in order to prevent perceptions of bias.

The organisation also appealed to the Senate of the university to undertake an independent internal review of the allegations raised by the former minister, particularly claims that his academic records may have been accessed or altered without proper authorisation.

In addition, HURIWA urged the Federal Ministry of Education (Nigeria) to ensure that the investigative panel listens to all relevant stakeholders, including individuals who may have knowledge of how the academic records in question were historically handled.

The group stressed that the integrity of Nigeria’s universities must be shielded from any perception of political interference, noting that academic institutions should remain neutral spaces devoted to scholarship, accurate record-keeping and due process.

“HURIWA believes that both the integrity of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the reputation of individuals involved in the controversy can only be protected through a transparent process guided strictly by facts, evidence and the rule of law,” the group said.

It therefore advised the public and the media to refrain from drawing premature conclusions while awaiting the official report of the investigative panel and the eventual ruling of the Federal High Court of Nigeria on the matter.

News March 10, 2026 Segun Showunmi Donates Relief Materials to FCT IDPs, Calls for Improved Living Conditions

Leader of the Alternative Movement, Segun Showunmi, on Tuesday paid a surprise visit to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in the Wassa area of the Federal Capital Territory, where he donated relief materials and medical supplies to support displaced families living in the settlement.

Showunmi, who is also a governorship aspirant in Ogun State, arrived at the camp with members of his entourage to identify with the residents and offer words of encouragement to those facing difficult circumstances following their displacement.

During the visit, he presented assorted relief materials, including food items and medical supplies, aimed at improving the living conditions and health of the camp residents.

The politician, however, expressed concern over the poor state of the facilities at the camp, noting that the structures accommodating hundreds of displaced persons were not adequate for decent living.

Speaking with residents and community leaders, Showunmi urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to urgently intervene to improve conditions in the camp and ensure that the displaced persons receive the care and dignity they deserve.

“What I have seen here today is deeply concerning. These are fellow Nigerians who have been forced out of their homes through no fault of theirs, and they deserve to live in conditions that reflect dignity and humanity. Government must do more to ensure that IDPs are properly catered for,” Showunmi said.

He added that beyond emergency relief materials, there was a need for long-term solutions that would help displaced persons rebuild their lives.

“While humanitarian support like this is important, we must begin to think about sustainable solutions, particularly education for the children, healthcare, and opportunities that will help these families regain stability and hope for the future,” he added.

Residents of the camp expressed appreciation for the visit and the donations, noting that such gestures bring hope to displaced communities struggling with daily challenges.

News Politics March 10, 2026 Gov Lawal breaks silence on defection

 

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has cited the ongoing legal dispute and crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the primary reason for his defection from the party.

The Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Mallam Mani Mummuni, announced the formal defection on Monday after a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a necessary step for the greater good.

The statement noted that joining the APC was a decision made by stakeholders in Zamfara State amid ongoing legal challenges faced by the Peoples Democratic Party.

The statement read in part, “Yesterday, Governor Dauda Lawal officially decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision reached and endorsed by all relevant stakeholders in Zamfara State.

“Governor Dauda Lawal has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party. He has worked diligently to facilitate reconciliation among the party’s factions, ensuring it remains unified and can field candidates for upcoming elections.

“Efforts to achieve peace, reconciliation, and out-of-court settlements have proven difficult, leading to a series of legal battles that may have future implications, particularly for leaders contesting elections in 2027.

“Governor Lawal was the last man standing in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who stood firm until the very end, which was marked by yesterday’s Appeal Court judgment.

“He was the only governor seeking a second term who chose to stay, hoping that the party leaders would demonstrate decorum and take appropriate action.

“In a recent series of meetings that lasted for weeks, Governor Lawal had informed stakeholders that he acknowledged their request to transition to the APC, but he would decide after the Appeal Court judgment.

“The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday dismissed an appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the October 31 judgment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the outcome of the national convention which held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.

“The appellate judgment ended Governor Dauda Lawal’s stay in the Peoples Democratic Party, prioritising the interests of Zamfara State. He joined the All Progressives Congress to sustain the Zamfara Rescue and Rebuild mission.”

News March 10, 2026 Civil servants cheer return of gratuity after 22 Years

 

Some civil servants have expressed delight over the reintroduction of gratuity in the federal civil service, describing it as a major relief that will ease financial burdens after retirement.

The workers, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews in Abuja, said the move marked a return to the “good old days’’ of enhanced retirement benefits for civil servants.

NAN reports that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on March 5

approved a new exit benefit scheme that introduces a gratuity payment for retiring officers.

Under the new scheme, retiring federal civil servants in treasury-funded ministries, departments, and agencies will receive a gratuity equivalent to 100 per cent of their total annual emoluments, that is,  one full year’s salary package.

The benefit applies to officers who have served for a minimum of 10 years and complements the existing Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which was introduced 22 years ago and previously operated without a gratuity component for many retirees.

Hajia Safia Umaru said she was excited when she heard the news from a colleague.

“This is a very big relief from financial constraints after retiring from service.

“I used to be afraid whenever I heard what retirees go through after leaving the service without enough money at hand.

“If such money comes in a lump sum, one can plan to build a house, establish a business and even continue sponsoring children’s education, because many of us retire while our children are still in schools,” she said.

Another civil servant, Wale Ogunnaike, a Deputy Director who is retiring in July, put the benefits of the reintroduced gratuity in perspective, to justify the big relief it will bring to retirees.

“I am billed to retire in three months time, and the total savings in my contributory pension scheme is about N20 million.

“With the unfavourable and exploitative provisions in the Contributory Pension Scheme Act, I am only entitled to 25 per cent of the contribution, about  N5 million, to be paid to me in a lump sum.

“The balance of 75 per cent, about N15 million, will be paid to me on a monthly basis for 10 years -120 months – at approximately N125,000 per month.

“My worry has been that, with Nigeria’s economic situation, what business will I start with N5 million, after putting in 35 years in service?” he queried.

Ogunnaike said the reintroduction of gratuity has brought great succour, because what he will receive will complement his pension’s lump sum payment, for tangible investment.

According to him, with his current monthly gross earnings of about N500,000, the anticipated gratuity to be paid to him will be about N6 million.

“With N5 million pension lump sum and N6 million gratuity payments, I can make reasonable and wise investment decisions that is befitting for a retired civil servant of my status.

“I want to commend and thank President Bola Tinubu and the Head of Service, Didi Walson-Jack, for this new exit benefit which will greatly improve our retirement package,” he said.

Ogunnaike, however, appealed for prompt and unhindered implementation of the gratuity, so that the joy of civil servants will not be cut short

Mrs Alice Ita also commended the Federal Government for the decision, noting that it had raised the hope of civil servants still in active service.

According to her, the reintroduction of gratuity for federal civil servants has been applauded as a major relief, bringing renewed confidence to workers.

“It will reduce the constant worry about what to do after retirement and the challenges of accessing pension. It is indeed a big relief,” she said.

Ita urged the National Assembly to review the Contributory Pension Scheme Act, to allow retirees access, at least, 50 per cent of their total savings without encumbrance.

Specifically, she called for the removal of the inhibiting clause in the Act which provides that, the lump sum can only be taken if the remaining balance can still provide at least 50 per cent of the retiree’s final salary as monthly pension.

Another civil servant, Mr. Obinna Ibe described return of gratuity as welcome, noting that civil servants face numerous economic challenges.

“When you look at what is happening in Nigeria, everybody goes to the same market whether you work in the Central Bank, NNPC, multi-national companies or the core civil service.

“The gratuity will cushion the problems faced by many retirees in core civil service,” he said.

Ibe also stressed the need for prompt payment of the benefits to retirees.

“If someone exits service this month, the system should be automated in such a way that the person  receives the benefit immediately.

“There should not be bureaucratic bottlenecks or any gap between the period of retirement and the commencement of the  payment,” he said.

He also called for improved welfare for civil servants, including salary reviews to reduce disparities across government agencies.

For his part, Mr Michael Samson described gratuity as a “plan B’’ for civil servants after retirement.

According to him, the lump-sum payment can help retirees stabilise their lives and even start small businesses.

“Gratuity is very essential for civil servants because it gives them hope of life after retirement.

“Many civil servants worry about how they will survive after leaving service.

“With gratuity, retirees can plan their lives better and have something to fall back on, after years of service,” Samson said.

No doubt, the reintroduction of gratuity has rekindled hope among civil servants, many of whom had long worried about financial security after retirement.

Workers believe the lump-sum payment will complement pension savings, enabling retirees to invest, support their families and manage life after decades of service.

However, they urge the government to ensure prompt and transparent implementation so the policy truly delivers the relief and confidence it promises to Nigeria’s workforce. (NAN)