FCT
Senator Ireti Kingibe Marks Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, Urges Unity, Reflection

On the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, Senator Hajiya Ireti Heebah Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has offered her congratulations to residents and called for a moment of reflection on the nation’s founding principles.
In her message, Senator Kingibe urged Nigerians to honor the legacies of notable figures such as Dr. Herbert Macauley, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, emphasizing their contributions to Nigeria’s journey toward independence.
Senior Special Assistant to the Senator on Media, Kennedy Mbele in a statement quoted the senator to have encouraged all citizens to embrace the values of patience, sacrifice, and resilience, particularly in light of current challenges facing the nation as she recognized the significance of the anniversary as a key milestone in the country’s democratic governance.
“Let us seize this opportunity to pray for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, as we reflect on our shared struggles and aspirations,” she stated.
Senator Kingibe also reiterated her dedication to ongoing intervention programs and effective representation aimed at fostering the growth and development of the FCT. She expressed optimism that through collective efforts, residents can work toward a brighter future for the capital and the nation as a whole.
Senator Kingibe’s message highlighted the importance of unity and commitment to building a better Nigeria.
FCT
Civil Rights Group Demands Tinubu Probe Alleged Unlawful Detention of Rwandan Businessman

A civil rights organization, the Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT), has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch a comprehensive investigation into the alleged illegal detention of a Rwandan businessman, Benjamin Hassan Rulisa, who was reportedly held for over six months without trial by Nigerian police officers.
At a press conference in Abuja, INAHURAT’s Director, Chief Maxwell Chibuike Opara, detailed the circumstances surrounding Rulisa’s ordeal, describing it as a blatant violation of human rights. According to Opara, Rulisa met a Nigerian associate, Muhammad Abba, in Nairobi, Kenya, in March 2023. Following a business acquaintance, Abba invited Rulisa to Nigeria. Upon his arrival, Rulisa was lodged in a hotel in Maitama, Abuja, where officers from the Police Monitoring Unit reportedly arrested him without explanation.
Opara, a human rights lawyer, alleged that Rulisa was subsequently detained in an underground cell at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) facility. During his detention, he was allegedly subjected to inhumane treatment, including severe torture, being hung upside down by his legs, and denied access to his family or legal representation.
The civil rights group claimed that despite repeatedly asking for the reason behind his arrest, Rulisa was only told that he had “duped someone.” No formal complaint, evidence, or legal charge was presented against him. Opara further alleged that officers demanded money from Rulisa’s relatives, threatening that he would die in custody if they did not comply.
“When it became clear that neither the detainee nor his family would pay, he was completely abandoned in detention, with no access to due process as provided by the constitution,” Opara stated.
The group’s director noted that Rulisa’s situation only came to light when a fellow Nigerian detainee, after learning of his plight, informed higher police authorities upon his release. This led to a petition being submitted to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who reportedly had no prior knowledge of the detention. The IGP then ordered the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) to retrieve the case file and conduct an independent investigation.
The SIU’s findings, according to INAHURAT, confirmed that Rulisa had been unlawfully detained, subjected to gross human rights violations, and targeted in an extortion scheme orchestrated by officers of the IGP Monitoring Unit. When the implicated officers realized their misconduct had been uncovered, they allegedly rushed to file baseless criminal charges against Rulisa, supported only by statements from the same officers involved in his torture.
Describing the actions of the officers as an “abuse of power,” Opara called on President Tinubu to ensure a full and independent investigation is conducted to hold those responsible accountable.
“We are calling on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, to order a comprehensive investigation into this case and ensure justice is served,” Opara said. “We are also urging the Inspector General of Police to identify, investigate, and discipline all officers involved in this illegal arrest, detention, and attempted extortion.”
INAHURAT further appealed to the Nigerian judiciary to ensure a fair trial for Rulisa, free from manipulation by corrupt officials. The group also called on the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and international human rights bodies to intervene.
“This case is a serious stain on Nigeria’s image and its commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law,” Opara emphasized. “It is even more concerning that a foreigner conducting legitimate business in Nigeria could be subjected to such treatment. If this can happen to a foreign investor, it raises serious concerns for the safety and security of other foreigners in Nigeria.”
INAHURAT concluded by demanding immediate justice for Mr. Rulisa and the prosecution of all officers involved in his alleged unlawful detention and abuse.
FCT
Tinubu Sweeps Out UniAbuja VC Aisha Maikudi in Dramatic Leadership Overhaul

In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s academic circles, President Bola Tinubu has sacked Aisha Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja—recently renamed Yakubu Gowon University—and dissolved the institution’s governing council. This sweeping decision is part of a larger shake-up targeting several federal universities, signaling Tinubu’s intent to overhaul leadership in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
The announcement, delivered by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, comes on the heels of a storm of controversies surrounding Maikudi’s appointment and growing unrest within academic ranks over allegations of favoritism and flawed selection processes.
Maikudi, who officially took office as Vice-Chancellor on January 1, 2025, after serving as acting VC from July 2024, faced immediate scrutiny. Her appointment, greenlit by a governing council chaired by Retired Air Vice-Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita, was marred by allegations of manipulation and disregard for due process.
In December 2024, a coalition of professors filed a formal protest with the Federal Ministry of Education, accusing the council of rejecting over 87 qualified candidates to fast-track Maikudi’s appointment.
The petition pointed out that Maikudi had only two years of professorial experience, falling far short of the ten-year minimum requirement for the role. Critics argued that this was a deliberate attempt to sidestep the established criteria and favor the then-acting VC.
Adding fuel to the fire, the professors claimed that the council itself was improperly constituted, with members allegedly handpicked by the previous Vice-Chancellor to secure a predetermined outcome.
The University of Abuja isn’t the only institution to feel the heat of Tinubu’s academic house-cleaning. Leadership changes were also announced in several other federal universities:
Lanre Tejuoso, previously Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been reassigned to Yakubu Gowon University.
Joy Emordi, now Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, will replace Tejuoso in Makurdi.
At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Polycarp Emeka Chigbu was removed from his post as acting VC ahead of his term’s expiration on February 14. Oguejiofu Ujam has been appointed as his interim replacement for a six-month term, with a stipulation barring him from applying for the permanent role.
UNN also saw a reshuffle in its pro-chancellorship, with Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to the University of Uyo. Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, who previously served as Pro-Chancellor at the Federal University, Lokoja and Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, will now lead the UNN council.
While the presidency insists these leadership changes are part of a broader strategy to revitalize Nigeria’s higher education system, critics argue the moves could signal a dangerous precedent of executive overreach into academia.
“These sweeping changes are essential to restoring integrity and accountability in our universities,” said a source within the Federal Ministry of Education. “But there’s also a fine line between reform and interference.”
Proponents of the shake-up argue that it’s a long-overdue correction of entrenched corruption and favoritism, while skeptics worry that such top-down decisions could undermine university autonomy and invite political influence into academic governance.
With Maikudi out, Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed as the acting VC of Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term. Like other interim appointees, Manko will be ineligible to contest for the substantive VC role when the selection process reopens.
The presidency has promised a transparent and merit-based process in the search for a new Vice-Chancellor, adhering strictly to the criteria that were allegedly bypassed in Maikudi’s controversial appointment.
This sweeping leadership overhaul represents one of the most dramatic interventions in Nigeria’s academic landscape in recent history. Whether these changes will lead to genuine reforms or further entrench political influence in university administration remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: the eyes of the nation—and the academic world—are now firmly fixed on the corridors of Yakubu Gowon University and beyond.
FCT
FCT-IRS Partners EFCC to Boost Tax Compliance in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) is seeking a strategic partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance tax compliance and boost revenue generation in the nation’s capital.
During a courtesy visit to EFCC’s Corporate Headquarters, FCT-IRS Acting Executive Chairman, Michael Ango, emphasized the need for collaboration, given the crucial roles both agencies play in financial accountability and governance.
He highlighted that harmonizing revenue collection and administration is a key priority for 2025, ensuring transparency and efficiency in tax collection.
Ango also proposed that the EFCC integrate tax compliance checks into its investigations, noting that many financial crime suspects often evade tax obligations.
“If they escape through one door, we can catch them through another,” he stated, suggesting that tax compliance could be linked to asset forfeitures and financial crime investigations.
In response, EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, welcomed the proposal and expressed readiness to formalize the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). He acknowledged the impact of effective revenue utilization in the FCT, commending the ongoing infrastructural developments under FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The collaboration between FCT-IRS and EFCC is expected to tighten tax enforcement, ensuring that individuals and businesses fulfill their financial obligations, ultimately strengthening the economy of the FCT.
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