News

Senate Panel Grills IG Over 178,459 Missing Firearms

Published

8 months ago

February 12, 2025

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, apologised to the Senate Public Accounts Committee for failing to honour previous invitations to respond to queries raised by the Auditor General of the Federation regarding the Nigeria Police Force.

Last week, the Committee Chairman, Senator Ahmed Wadada, had threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against Egbetokun if he continued to ignore the committee’s summons.

Speaking under oath before the committee, Egbetokun explained that his absence was due to the demands of his office and assured lawmakers that it would not happen again.

Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), who represented Wadada, accepted the apology, stating that Egbetokun’s appearance reaffirmed that no one is above the law.

At the committee’s request, Egbetokun introduced the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Police Accounts, Abdul Sulaiman, who will represent him in future committee hearings.

Meanwhile, the committee questioned Egbetokun—represented by AIG Abdul Sulaiman, who oversees accounts and budgets—over the alleged disappearance of 178,459 firearms.

According to the Auditor General of the Federation, Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira, in his 2019 audit report before the Senate Committee, 178,459 firearms, mostly AK-47 rifles, were missing from Nigeria Police Force commands and formations across the country.

Of this number, 88,078 were AK-47 rifles, Chira said, as represented by Samuel Godwin.

The report added that as of January 2020, over 3,907 firearms were unaccounted for, based on the arms movement register and firearm records reviewed by the Auditor General’s office.

The committee reviewed multiple audit queries against the police, including a case of contract splitting involving N1.1bn.

Acting Committee Chairman, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North), expressed alarm over the missing weapons, linking them to worsening insecurity across the country.

He said, “This is part of the insecurity we are facing in Nigeria today. If these firearms are in the hands of criminals, it means neither we nor the police are safe. These weapons were procured with taxpayers’ money, and Nigerians deserve to know what happened to them.”

AIG Sulaiman, assisted by senior police officers, explained that some arms were lost in robbery incidents, while others were taken when officers were killed in the line of duty.

However, after reviewing the police’s records, the committee found that only 15 officers were documented as having lost their arms due to death or injury, out of 3,907 unaccounted firearms.

Under intense questioning, AIG Sulaiman requested more time to submit a comprehensive report on the investigations and status of the missing weapons.

“To me, no firearm is unaccounted for. We appeal to the committee for more time. We will submit a full report,” Sulaiman said.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) criticised the police’s response, saying the lawmakers expected clear accountability, including disciplinary action against officers responsible for missing firearms.

He said, “The least we expect is for you to tell us that these arms were indeed lost, and those responsible have been identified and sanctioned.
The police parade suspects daily; why should it be different when officers are at fault? There should not be two sets of laws in Nigeria.”

He added that the police must recover the arms or ensure those responsible face prosecution.

The committee ordered the IGP to reappear before it on Monday, January 17 2025.

News

Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

12 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

13 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

14 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.