News

Nigeria yet to attain true democracy – SDP’s Adebayo

Published

4 months ago

June 15, 2026

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the 2023 election, said that Nigeria is yet to attain true democracy.

He insisted that the country is still operating under what he described as “civilian rule” rather than a full democratic system.

Speaking during an interview with newsmen following the country’s Democracy Day celebration, Adebayo argued that while Nigeria has sustained uninterrupted civilian governance since 1999, democratic values such as accountability, rule of law, credible elections, and citizens’ welfare remain weak.

According to him, the nation’s challenges have worsened over the years, despite political transitions.

“Since 1993, only two things have changed — our problems have become bigger, and our democratic space has become smaller,” he said.

The SDP chieftain warned that worsening poverty and insecurity could escalate into instability if urgent measures are not taken.

“Poverty has grown and given birth to insecurity. If we fail to address both, they may eventually give rise to instability, revolution, or even genocide,” Adebayo stated.

This comes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Democracy Day speech, said Nigerians should not lose hope with the country despite numerous challenges.

News

'It's fake' – Wike rubbishes Peter Obi's display of modesty

Published

55 minutes ago

October 21, 2026

PlateauReports

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi over his claim to modesty.

Wike, who spoke on Tuesday during an engagement with Rivers State youths ahead of the 2027 elections, described Obi’s practice of celebrating birthdays at Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camps and buying roasted corn by the roadside as fake.

According to the minister, Obi, who served as governor of Anambra State for eight years, did not demonstrate such modesty while in office.

Wike alleged that Obi’s public display of modesty was part of a political strategy aimed at winning votes in the forthcoming presidential election.

He said, "Make him the president of social media so that he can be going to IDP camps, so that he will be buying corn on the road then you will say oh! Very humble. Humble where?

"It's fake. Who are you going to deceive? When you were a governor, you didn't go to the IDP camp to do your birthday, you didn't go to buy fuel by yourself, all of a sudden, just because you want to be president you are now going. Who are you going to deceive?"

‘It’s fake’ – Wike rubbishes Peter Obi’s display of modesty

News

EFCC Detains Abuja Businessman Over Alleged $120m Fraud

Published

1 hour ago

October 21, 2026

PlateauReports

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained an Abuja businessman for allegedly defrauding a Ukrainian investor of more than 120 million dollars in a scheme purportedly spanning nearly two decades.

EFCC Spokesman, Dele Oyewale, who confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Tuesday, said the suspect was arrested in his residence in Abuja on Monday, and has since been in custody.

He however declined further explanation on the development.

Meanwhile a source at the commission conversant with the development, said the suspect was accused of advance fee fraud, criminal breach of trust, criminal conversion, obtaining money under false pretence, theft and money laundering.

According to the source, the details of the case show that his arrest follows collaboration with international investigators and information provided by whistle-blowers within his organisation.

“The suspect allegedly obtained millions of dollars from the investor between 2007 and 2015 for mineral exploration and power projects that were never delivered, and the funds allegedly diverted for personal use.

”The commission also uncovered alleged transfers of billions of naira to companies and individuals linked to the suspect including his children.

“His 28-year-old son, controls Battregen Limited, which investigators described as a conduit for laundering funds.

”Between February and April 2025, Battregen reportedly received approximately N1.4 billion in purported loans in spite of recording no revenue.

“In July 2025, a further N953 million was allegedly transferred to the son of which only N90 million was returned.

”Investigators also identified transfers of between N48 million and N50 million to the suspect’s 26-year-old daughter, and a relative and business associate. They reportedly found no legitimate business purpose for the payments.”

The source further said that the EFCC was expanding its investigation and had appealed to members of the public and the businessman’s former associates to provide further information.

The official explained that the case concerned a Ukrainian investor who reportedly lost substantial assets following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

”Investigators alleged that the suspect subsequently entered into dealings with Inter RAO UES, a Russian state-owned enterprise, for mineral exploitation and energy projects.

”The allegations also extend to his earlier business dealings in Ukraine.
In the mid-2000s, the suspect allegedly persuaded two Ukrainian businessmen to finance the privatisation of Jos Steel Rolling Mill in Plateau before taking exclusive control of the facility, stripping it of assets and abandoning hundreds of workers without wages.

”He also allegedly shot and seriously wounded one of his business partners during a confrontation in Ukraine on April 28, 2008, before fleeing to Nigeria.

“The document detailing the allegations says says the suspect had remained in Nigeria in spite of an Interpol red notice,” the source also told NAN.(NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker