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Tinubu pledges to tackle insecurity, honours late Kogi gov, Audu
President Bola Tinubu has restated that restoring peace, strengthening national security and improving economic opportunities remain the central priorities of his administration.
The President’s message was delivered in Lokoja on Sunday at the memorial of former Kogi State Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Idris, in a statement signed by his media aide Rabiu Ibrahim, told attendees that the Federal Government under Tinubu is fully committed to confronting threats to national stability.
“We are under no illusions about the recent setbacks and security challenges that have tested our nation’s resolve.
“Let me be unequivocal: the security and welfare of every Nigerian remain the sacred priority of my government. We have therefore taken decisive action,” he said.
The minister noted that the recently declared State of Emergency on national security represents a renewed push to expand manpower, modernise intelligence, and implement strategic reforms, including the advancement of State Police.
According to him, “The recent Declaration of a State of Emergency on national security underscores the gravity with which we view this challenge. This is not a mere proclamation; it is a declaration of war against all forms of insecurity.
“As part of this, we have immediately begun the process of expanding the capacity of our armed forces and security agencies in numbers, in advanced weaponry, and in intelligence capabilities.
“We will hunt the enemies of our state wherever they may be and restore the peace that is the rightful inheritance of every Nigerian.”
Idris added that reforming the security structure is key to achieving lasting peace.
“To secure our people permanently, we must reform the very architecture of our security. This is why my administration is courageously championing the establishment of a State Police Force.
“We believe that a more localised, community-sensitive security structure is vital to complement the valiant efforts of our national forces. It will also boost employment in the grassroots.
“This is a bold, necessary constitutional step, one that requires our collective will, and we are committed to seeing it through,” he said.
He also stated that the Federal Government is intensifying diplomatic engagement to counter false narratives about Nigeria’s religious harmony.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Audu, Tinubu described him as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s democratic development.
“We are gathered to honour a giant- a man whose name is irrevocably woven into the very fabric of our democratic journey.
“Prince Abubakar Audu was not just a politician; he was a pathfinder. As the first democratically elected Governor of Kogi State, first in 1992 and again as a pioneer in 1999, Prince Audu carved out a vision for Kogi State and helped lay the foundation for our nation’s enduring democracy,” he said.
Tinubu also recalled their political relationship. “He was my formidable ally, a brother in the struggle, and one of the founding fathers who, with courage and conviction, laid the foundations upon which our democratic ideals now stand.
“His legacy is not a relic of the past; it is a living, breathing template of bold leadership and transformative governance. It is a template this administration is committed to honouring, not just in words, but in concrete action.”
The President highlighted reform efforts across the economy, including moves to modernise livestock farming.
“We are launching a comprehensive initiative to modernise the livestock industry.
“This includes the creation of large-scale ranching schemes, improved animal husbandry, and the integration of the livestock value chain into our national economy. Our goal is to transform this critical sector from a source of tension into a bastion of prosperity.”
Tinubu added that through the Social Investment Programmes, his administration aims to strengthen support for vulnerable citizens, small businesses and young people.
He also pointed to ongoing infrastructure expansion, saying, “We are building the arteries that will connect our markets, power our industries, and unite our people.
“Your Excellency and the good people of Kogi State, the legacy of development Prince Audu began in Kogi is a model we are determined to replicate and scale across the nation.”
The event was attended by political leaders, family members and supporters of the late governor.
The renewed statements on security come amid a fresh wave of kidnappings in Niger and Kebbi states. Recently, armed men abducted staff and students of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State — just days after 25 students were kidnapped in Maga, Kebbi State.
In response to the escalating situation, Tinubu cancelled scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the government’s security strategy, while several northern states have temporarily closed schools as abductions persist. (PUNCH)
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed that there are two main reasons a former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, is being detained by the commission.
It also revealed that legal action was taken against the Enugu-born politician after he failed to honour several invitations extended to him through a letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, and dated 15 May 2026.
John Odey, the spokesman of the commission in a statement on Wednesday explained that the commission later approached Federal High Court, Abuja Division, with the suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026) in order to effect Nnaji’s arrest after his failure to honour invitation.
Nnaji was arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, when he boarded a private jet to Abuja.
Corroborating the development, the ICPC spokesman said Nnaji’s arrest was effected at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon his arrival where he was led to the commission’s custody immediately.
According to him, Nnaji is being probed on forgery of academic credentials, specifically concerning a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and False National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Discharge Certificate, which was submitted during his ministerial screening process in 2023.
The statement read, “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji (M), following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
“The arrest was effected on Wednesday, 1st July 2026 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon Mr. Nnaji’s arrival.
“He was apprehended with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) and subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.
“The Commission had earlier extended formal invitations to the former minister through a letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated 15 May 2026.
“The invitation notices were duly served to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as via his electronic mail address.
“Despite service through multiple channels, Mr. Nnaji failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, necessitating further legal action.
“The legal action followed a court order granted by the Federal High Court in the Abuja Judicial Division (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026).
“The order, issued on 11 June 2026, directed the ICPC to arrest the former minister to enable investigation into allegations bordering on:
“Forgery of academic credentials, specifically concerning a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); and “False National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Discharge Certificate, which was submitted during his ministerial screening process in 2023.
“Following the arrest, Mr. Nnaji has been taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are expected to continue. The Commission assures the public that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law.”
The immediate past Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, was arrested on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on arrival from Enugu via a chartered flight.
Authoritative sources at the airport confirmed the arrest to PREMIUM TIMES, saying Mr Nnaji would be handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for interrogation.
The reported arrest comes weeks after the Federal High Court reportedly granted the ICPC permission to arrest and investigate Nnaji over the allegations.
The court also authorised the anti-graft agency to declare him wanted through newspapers, social media platforms and other media channels after the commission alleged that he repeatedly failed to honour invitations for questioning.
According to the ICPC, its application to the court followed Nnaji’s alleged refusal to appear before investigators despite several invitations relating to the forgery allegations.
The case stems from a two-year investigation published by Premium Times in October last year, which alleged that Nnaji submitted forged University of Nigeria degree and National Youth Service Corps certificates during his ministerial screening and confirmation process in 2023.
The report alleged that the documents were presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Senate, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the State Security Service.
According to the publication, Nnaji later acknowledged that the University of Nigeria did not issue him the degree certificate in question, a development the newspaper said corroborated its investigation.Newspapers
The former minister had previously denied the existence of the court order authorising his arrest, dismissing the publication as a “media trial.”
However, on June 18, he reportedly filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn the arrest order.
As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC had not issued an official statement confirming the reported arrest, while Nnaji’s legal team had yet to publicly respond to the latest development.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, restored the bail it had earlier granted to activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore.
Sowore is facing a two-count cybercrime charge filed against him by the Department of State Services (DSS) for calling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal” in a social media post.
Trial Justice Muhammed Umar, who had earlier granted the defendant bail on self-recognisance, on June 16 revoked the bail and issued a warrant for his arrest.
The order came after Sowore failed to appear before the court for the continuation of his trial, even though he wrote a letter explaining his absence and requesting a new date.
When proceedings resumed in the case on June 22, Justice Umar ordered the remand of the defendant in Kuje prison.
Dissatisfied with the actions the court took against him, Sowore—whose legal team had initially withdrawn from the case over alleged bias by the judge—secured a new lawyer, who promptly filed a motion to restore his bail and quash the arrest warrant.
When the case came up on Tuesday, Justice Umar held that he was minded to admit the defendant to bail.
However, the court listed some conditions that had to be met before he would be released from prison custody.
Aside from granting him bail to the tune of N200 million, the court held that the defendant must produce two sureties in like sum.
The court also ordered the defendant to surrender his international passport.
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Sowore, in the application he anchored on Sections 35(4), 36(1), and 66 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as Sections 169 and 352 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, insisted that the orders the court made against him were unjust and unwarranted.
The defendant had, on December 2, 2025, pleaded not guilty to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, filed against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The charges allege offences under Sections 24(1)(b) and 24(2)(a), (b), and (c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The offending posts, made on August 25, 2025, were in response to President Tinubu’s claim, made in Brazil, that his administration had ended corruption in Nigeria.
Angered by the posts, the DSS demanded that X Inc. (formerly Twitter) and Meta Platforms Inc. ban Sowore’s accounts and remove the posts.
The security agency also wrote to Sowore, asking him to delete the posts from all platforms.
Non-compliance with the request led to the charges.
The prosecution claims the defamatory posts were intended to cause a breakdown of law and order and to tarnish the president’s reputation.
Exhibits include printouts of the posts and the DSS letters.
X Inc. and Meta were initially co-defendants but were delisted in the amended charge.
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