Crime
Okowa’s Arrest: Timi Frank wants EFCC to investigate G-5 Governors also over corruption allegations
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank
has expressed his support for the recent arrest of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The arrest, which is linked to allegations of fraud and the misappropriation of funds, has drawn significant attention from political circles.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Frank welcomed the EFCC’s action as a crucial step in holding public officials accountable for their alleged involvement in financial misconduct. However, he also called on the anti-corruption body to extend its investigation to other former governors, particularly those associated with the G-5 Governors—the group of five ex-PDP governors who supported President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 presidential bid despite their party affiliation.
Frank highlighted that there are unresolved corruption petitions against several members of the G-5, including Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).
He stressed that while Okowa’s arrest is welcomed, it should not be seen as a politically motivated or selective action, especially considering that these other governors have similar accusations pending against them.
“We call on the EFCC to investigate these governors and others in the same manner,” Frank said. “The EFCC must demonstrate that no one is above the law, regardless of their political affiliations. If Okowa’s arrest is to have any legitimacy, the commission must take action against the other accused governors as well.”
Frank further voiced concerns over reports suggesting that there may be a political agreement between the presidency and the EFCC not to prosecute the G-5 Governors due to their support for Tinubu’s candidacy. He urged the EFCC to prove these reports wrong and proceed with investigations into the financial activities of the G-5 Governors.
In addition to the G-5, Frank pointed out that there are other figures within President Tinubu’s administration who are facing corruption allegations. He singled out the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawale, as individuals who should also be subject to scrutiny.
He warned the EFCC that selective justice would not only undermine public trust but could also jeopardize Nigeria’s international standing in global anti-corruption efforts. Frank reiterated his call for impartiality in the EFCC’s actions, urging them to take on all corruption cases without regard to political affiliations.
“If the EFCC fails to investigate and prosecute these cases impartially, it will only strengthen the perception that the commission is acting as a political tool,” Frank said.
Frank concluded his statement by calling for a commitment to transparency and the rule of law in all future investigations, ensuring that justice is truly served for all Nigerians.
As the EFCC continues its work, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the commission will uphold its reputation as an impartial body fighting corruption, regardless of political considerations.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported another incident of vandalism on the Lokoja–Gwagwalada power transmission line. Unknown vandals have damaged three towers along this route, affecting power transmission.
According to a statement from Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Corporate Affairs, the vandals also removed two spans of aluminum conductor from line one. Although the transmission line is a double-circuit, TCN is supplying bulk power through the undamaged line two, while efforts are underway to source replacement conductors for the damaged line.
The statement expressed TCN’s alarm over the increasing vandalism incidents, which pose a significant threat to the reliability and growth of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. TCN is appealing to local communities and security agencies to work together to protect these critical assets from further damage.
A somber mass burial has been held for fifteen residents of Mera village in Kebbi State’s Augie Local Government Area, following a violent attack by a new terror group, Lakurawa.
The tragedy has left the community in shock and mourning.
The burial ceremony drew the presence of Deputy Governor Umar Tafida, the Commissioner of Police, other top security officials, and the Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness Isma’ila Mera, who all came to pay their respects and offer support to the grieving families.
Deputy Governor Tafida extended condolences on behalf of the State Governor, pledging continued support for the affected families.
He also promised that the government would strengthen efforts with security agencies to prevent similar attacks, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to community safety.
Emir Isma’ila Mera, addressing the gathering, called for unity and resilience among residents and urged security agencies to intensify their actions to protect local communities.
Prayers for peace and the repose of the victims’ souls were held, highlighting a collective determination to improve security across the region.
The state government reassured citizens that it remains committed to safeguarding lives and will implement additional security measures to prevent further tragedies.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has brought a six-count charge against Tiemo Joy Alabogha, an employee of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), accusing her of forgery, fraud, and making false statements.
In a statement issued Thursday in Abuja, the ICPC alleged that Alabogha submitted a forged Bachelor of Education certificate from the University of Calabar to secure her position at NSITF, despite knowing the document was fake. This alleged offense falls under Section 364 of the Penal Code, Laws of the FCT, and carries significant legal consequences. She also faces charges related to a fraudulent confirmation certificate she claimed was from UNICAL, which violates Section 25(1)(a) and is punishable under Section 68 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
The case was brought before Honorable Justice Ogbonaya at the FCT High Court in Zuba on October 30, 2024. Alabogha’s defense counsel requested bail, and prosecuting counsel Aniekan Ekong did not oppose but requested strict conditions to ensure her attendance at trial.
Justice Ogbonaya ordered Alabogha’s remand in the Suleja Custodial Facility pending a decision on her bail. The court set February 19, 2025, as the next date for further hearing in the case.
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