North’s Problem Is Not Tinubu, But Leaders Who Wasted Power — Shehu Sani

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has said that the root cause of Northern Nigeria’s persistent underdevelopment lies not with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but with past Northern leaders who failed to use their time in power to transform the region.

Speaking when members of the Tijjaniyya Grassroots Mobilization and Empowerment Initiative of Nigeria (TIGMEIN) paid him a courtesy visit at his Kaduna residence, Senator Sani said the North gained little during the eight-year administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, despite widespread expectations.

“We had Buhari in power for eight years, but the North remained backward and impoverished. Industries like KTL, UNTL, Nortex, Arewa Textiles, and others were abandoned. Our leaders lacked vision and pursued development only for their families,” he said.

The former lawmaker lamented the dashed hopes of many northerners who believed that electing “one of their own” in 2015 would bring significant improvements. Instead, he said, the region continues to suffer from poverty, insecurity, unemployment, and decaying infrastructure.

According to Sani, it is both deceptive and unjust to blame President Tinubu, who has only been in office for two years, for problems that were long in the making.

“The North’s problems didn’t begin two years ago when Tinubu took over. They stem from selfish power struggles and missed opportunities. Former leaders had the chance to fix education, healthcare, and security, but they failed,” he said.

He accused some of the past Northern leaders of looting public resources, abandoning critical projects, and neglecting to represent the true interests of the region in national development efforts.

“Today, they want to deceive you that Tinubu is your problem. But ask yourself — did these bad hospitals, failed roads, insecurity, and poverty start just 24 months ago? These leaders were in power and failed to act. Some even stopped attending Arewa meetings,” Sani noted.

He also cited neglected infrastructure projects like the Kaduna–Abuja road, Minna–Abuja road, Lokoja–Abuja expressway, Ajaokuta Steel Company, and the Mambilla Power Project as clear indicators of leadership failure.

In a final message, Senator Sani urged the people of the North to resist propaganda aimed at recycling failed politicians, warning that returning them to power would yield no meaningful change.

“No matter how bad things may seem now, know this — your brothers from the North failed you. And if they return to power, nothing will change. The problem is not Tinubu — it is our selfish Northern leaders who had power and wasted it,” he concluded.

Sani, however, commended TIGMEIN for its grassroots empowerment drive, particularly its efforts to equip women and youths with skills for self-reliance and employment, describing it as a critical step towards reducing poverty and promoting peace in the region.

Sokoto Youth Forum Blasts El-Rufai Over Attack on Tinubu, Recalls Insults to Sardauna , Arrest of Sheikh Bello Yabo

The Sokoto Democratic Youth Forum (SDYF) has come down hard on former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent comments seen as an attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a visit to Sokoto.

The Forum accused El-Rufai of fueling regional discord and reminded the public of his past controversial remarks about the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, as well as the arrest of Islamic cleric Sheikh Bello Yabo.

In a statement issued to journalists on Saturday, the Forum expressed dismay at El-Rufai’s political maneuvers, accusing him of attempting to manipulate northern sentiments against the President. They described his campaign against Tinubu as selfish and rooted in personal grievances rather than genuine concern for the people.

“We have not forgotten how El-Rufai insulted the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, nor have we forgotten how he ordered the arrest of respected Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Bello Yabo. His visit to Sokoto is a provocation we totally reject,” the Forum stated.

The group criticized El-Rufai’s alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in what they described as a premature and desperate move to unseat President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

“There is no amount of insult or mobilisation that will discourage the average northerner from supporting President Tinubu. We have seen the bold steps he has taken to recover the economy, enhance security, and improve agricultural productivity across the country,” the statement read.

The Forum emphasized that Northern youths are now more politically aware and will not be manipulated by El-Rufai’s political theatrics. They called on youths across the 19 Northern states to disregard what they described as El-Rufai’s “failed coalition” and “personal vendetta.”

“Just because he didn’t get a ministerial appointment, El-Rufai has chosen to fight President Tinubu under the guise of a false coalition. We want to categorically state that we are in full support of the South completing its constitutionally guaranteed two-term tenure of eight years.”

The Forum concluded by reaffirming their commitment to national unity and democratic stability, stressing that political mischief will not derail the progress already made.

Kaduna Central Stakeholders Slam Senator Lawal Adamu, Accuse Him of Deceiving Constituents

The Kaduna Central Stakeholders Forum has issued a strong rebuke against the lawmaker representing the Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Lawal Adamu (popularly known as LA), accusing him of playing with the intelligence of his constituents and failing to live up to legislative expectations.

In a strongly worded statement, the Forum described Senator Adamu’s approach to governance as “superficial and misleading,” particularly criticizing his reliance on social media posts as a substitute for effective representation.

The statement signed by the Coordinator Dr .Mustapha Ibrahim Further reads:“Someone who can’t stand up in the Senate and speak on behalf of his people is pretending to be doing well by simply posting on Facebook,” the stakeholders lamented. “This is an insult to the intelligence of the people who voted him into office.”

Their reaction comes in the wake of a recent Facebook post by Senator LA in which he criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of neglecting the critical Abuja-Kaduna Expressway—a major artery connecting Northern and Southern Nigeria.

In the post, Senator Adamu reportedly wrote: “Renewed agony. You abandoned the Abuja-Kaduna road—a very important road that connects the economic growth of the North and Southern Nigeria—yet you are spending over 700 billion naira on an existing airport.”

While the senator’s post may have resonated with some of his online followers, the stakeholders argue that mere social media commentary without concrete action in the red chamber is hollow and unproductive.

They further urged the senator to take legislative responsibilities seriously and engage meaningfully in the National Assembly to address pressing issues affecting his constituents.

“Representation is not a Facebook popularity contest. Our people need action, not empty online rhetoric,” the Forum emphasized.

Northern Professionals, Academics Forum Back Uba Sani, Nuhu Ribadu on Tinubu’s Achievements

The Northern Professionals and Academics Forum (NPAF) has expressed strong support for recent remarks made by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s developmental strides in Northern Nigeria.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day interactive forum on government-citizen engagement organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) at Arewa House in Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani did applaud President Tinubu’s unprecedented backing for state governments ,where he said,”No Nigerian President has supported governors like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Governor Sani stated. “No governor will oppose him.”

While the National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu highlighted significant improvements in the security architecture across Kaduna and neighboring states. He credited collaborative efforts between federal and state security task forces for the noticeable drop in incidents of banditry and kidnapping.

According to Ribadu, the enhanced security climate has restored confidence in road travel among government officials and citizens alike.

In a statement signed by its Head of Communications, Hajiya Fatima Bello, the NPAF lauded Governor Sani and NSA Ribadu for their “honest and factual” reflection of President Tinubu’s achievements.

The statement further read: “Those attacking them for speaking the truth are nothing but enemies of the North.

“We can see that our governors now have more resources to implement people-oriented projects and pay workers’ salaries on time.”

” It obvious that under Tinubu’s leadership, Northern Nigeria is experiencing sustained focus on critical areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security.

“Governor Uba Sani and Malam Ribadu have rightly highlighted these achievements, which align with our own assessments as professionals and scholars dedicated to the region’s progress.

NPAF commended President Tinubu’s “multi-dimensional approach” to development, describing it as a “blueprint for inclusive governance.

“We salute Governor Sani and Adviser Ribadu for spotlighting these successes, which are translating into real improvements in livelihoods and safety across the North.” it added.

However, the group cautioned that some individuals within the region continue to undermine the President’s efforts due to what it described as “unnecessary sentiments.”

The Northern Professionals and Academics Forum is a non-partisan network of over 1,500 experts, educators, and practitioners committed to driving socio-economic advancement in Northern Nigeria through research, policy advocacy, and community engagement.

Middle Belt Blasts Attempt to Crown Sultan as Permanent Leader of National Traditional Council



By Okwori Akatu


Abuja

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has come out in fierce opposition to what it calls a brazen and insulting attempt to institutionalize the supremacy of the Sultan of Sokoto over other traditional rulers in Nigeria through a controversial bill currently before the National Assembly.

The National Council for Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024—sponsored by Senator Simon Bako Lalong (Plateau South)—has passed second reading in the Senate. It seeks, among other things, to make the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife permanent co-chairmen of the national traditional rulers’ council.

In a scathing statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Luka Binniyat, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, the MBF rejected the bill as a deliberate insult to the historical and cultural legacy of Middle Belt monarchs.

“This is not just a bill—it’s a calculated move to humiliate our traditional institutions and elevate the Sultan above monarchs whose dynasties were flourishing long before the Sokoto Caliphate was even conceived,” the MBF said.


Middle Belt Monarchs Not Subordinates

The MBF dismissed any notion that the Sultan holds a superior cultural or traditional standing over other Nigerian monarchs, pointing to the ancient Kwararafa Kingdom, whose modern-day throne is held by the Aku Uka of Wukari.

“How can a monarch from a 19th-century jihadist dynasty be made perpetual head over ancient stools like that of the Attah of Igala, the Gbong Gwom Jos, or the Tor Tiv, whose kingdoms were never conquered by the Fulani empire?” Binniyat asked.

The group emphasized that the bill is not only historically inaccurate but deliberately engineered to marginalize the Middle Belt and reinforce a northern Muslim hegemony in Nigeria’s traditional system.


Religious Agenda and Security Failures

The Forum also raised alarm over what it sees as a dangerous fusion of religion and state. Given the Sultan’s dual role as both a traditional ruler and the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, the MBF warned that his permanent leadership could compromise Nigeria’s secular framework.

“This is nothing but a ploy to push an Islamic traditional leadership agenda on the entire nation. We reject it outright,” the statement declared.

The MBF further criticized the Sultan for his role as patron of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), whose members have been linked to countless violent attacks and land-grabbing operations across the Middle Belt.

“What moral authority does the Sultan have to lead a council when he has remained conspicuously silent in the face of endless killings by Fulani herdsmen?” the statement queried.


Middle Belt Threatens to Boycott Council

The Forum issued a stern warning: if the bill is passed in its current form, traditional rulers from the Middle Belt will have no business participating in a council that institutionalizes injustice.

“We will instruct our monarchs to boycott the council entirely and form our own Council of Middle Belt Traditional Rulers. Enough is enough,” Binniyat said.


Call for Rotational Leadership

The MBF advocated for a rotational system of leadership across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to prevent the council from being hijacked by two regions.

“Why must two monarchs from the North-West and South-West be enshrined as permanent co-chairmen? Where does that leave the South-South, South-East, North-Central, and North-East?” Binniyat demanded.

“This bill is a slap in the face of every other region in this country. It violates the principles of equity, federal character, and democratic balance.”


Conclusion

The Middle Belt Forum vowed to mobilize legal, political, and civil resistance against the bill, warning that the attempt to rewrite Nigeria’s traditional hierarchy to favor one region and religion would be met with stiff opposition.

“We will not sit back and watch history be mutilated to serve a particular caliphate. Nigeria belongs to all of us—not just a privileged few,” the statement concluded.


Let me know if you’d like a version suitable for print layout or if you want to include historical quotes or reactions from other regional bodies like Afenifere or Ohanaeze.

Ignore Politically Motivated Visa Ban Petition Against Gov. Okpebholo, Civil Groups Tell U.S.

A coalition of civil society organizations under the aegis of the Coalition for Justice and Equity Forum has urged the United States Government to dismiss a petition seeking a visa ban on the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, and members of his immediate family.

In a statement jointly signed by the forum’s Chairman, Comrade Peter Okafor, and Secretary, Comrade Musa Ndanusa, the group described the petition as “politically motivated, mischievous, and a desperate attempt to undermine the governor’s achievements.” The coalition noted that the petition was filed by unnamed political actors who are allegedly threatened by Governor Okpebholo’s growing influence and development strides in the state.

The petition reportedly called on U.S. authorities to impose travel restrictions on the governor and his family, a move the coalition says is nothing more than an abuse of diplomatic channels for local political vendettas.

“It is important that foreign governments, especially the United States, recognize the political undertones of such petitions. Otherwise, we risk encouraging undue external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs,” the statement read.

The Coalition warned that if international actors begin to act on politically induced petitions, it could set a dangerous precedent where foreign governments are manipulated to play roles in domestic rivalries.

“We must not allow global diplomatic instruments to be turned into tools for political witch-hunts,” the statement added. “Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated commitment to the principles of good governance, transparency, and development, which have significantly improved the lives of citizens in Edo State.”

While reaffirming their commitment to international standards on justice and human rights, the civil society group insisted that due process and fairness must prevail in handling any petition originating from politically sensitive contexts.

“We support the global pursuit of accountability and the promotion of human rights. However, these noble values must not be hijacked by political actors seeking to weaponize them for personal or partisan gain,” the group said.

The Coalition urged the U.S. Government and other international partners to carefully scrutinize petitions from Nigeria, particularly those targeting elected officials during heated political seasons. They argued that such documents are often laced with falsehoods and propaganda designed to distract and destabilize sitting administrations.

Governor Okpebholo, who has received praise for his infrastructure, youth empowerment, and education initiatives since assuming office, is believed to be facing growing resistance from political opponents ahead of the 2025 elections. The civil society group believes the visa ban petition is part of a larger strategy to discredit the governor internationally.

“We are confident that the United States Government, known for its democratic values and tradition of fairness, will not fall for this trap,” the Coalition said.

They concluded by calling on all well-meaning Nigerians and the international community to stand firm against the misuse of foreign policy tools and to focus instead on genuine democratic engagement and development.

Kaduna’s Displaced Christians Choose Return Over Fear in Wake of Fulani Amnesty


By: Our Reporter

(Kaduna) – At least 20,000 displaced Christians of the Gbagyi ethnic group are preparing to return to their ancestral homes in the violence-ravaged counties of Chikun and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria, after six years in exile.

Their planned return comes in the wake of a controversial amnesty program announced by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State in November 2024, which granted clemency to Fulani ethnic militias—commonly referred to as “bandits”—who pledged to halt attacks on Christian communities.

A Journey of Courage and Uncertainty

Journalists joined a group of internally displaced persons (IDPs) on a reconnaissance mission to their former villages to assess safety for resettlement following the state’s peace accord with the Fulani militias.

Riding on about 14 motorcycles and escorted by a dozen volunteer guards armed with locally-made shotguns, the convoy set out from Kaduna city and veered off the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari expressway onto a narrow, untarred track, flanked by savannah scrub and thornbush. Along the way, they passed through deserted villages.

The mission was organized under the Rumana and Environs Displaced Persons Development Association (REDPDA)—a grassroots body advocating for the safe return and rehabilitation of displaced Gbagyi communities.

Rumana Gbagyi: A Community in Ruins

The group arrived at the ruined village of Rumana Gbagyi, a once-vibrant community now blanketed in silence and decay.

“This is my village,” said Caleb Nayaro, 51, a senior civil servant with the Kaduna State Ministry of Works. “This is my first time here since January 2020.”

Nayaro pointed toward the ruins: collapsed homes, a vandalized primary school, two churches without roofs, and the remains of the community’s only clinic.

“We had everything—livestock, crops, peace. But bandits destroyed it all,” he said, visibly emotional.

The Fateful Day of January 6, 2020

Nayaro recalled the day Rumana fell. “They came from the east and west—over 100 motorcycles, each with two armed Fulani militia. We tried to defend ourselves with what little we had.”

Although ill-equipped and outnumbered, the villagers mounted a defense to enable the evacuation of women, children, and the elderly.

“We lost 16 of our youths in the battle,” he said. “But we also killed seven of the invaders. I saw their corpses as we retreated,” he said.

After the fall of Rumana, nearby villages began mass evacuations, abandoning what they could not carry.

Returning Despite the Pain

The convoy continued deeper into the bush for another 20 minutes, encountering similar scenes of devastation. At Malomo, another ruined village, a hulking man named Yakubu Sarki, 48, guided reporters to what remained of their church.

“This was our sanctuary,” he said. “But after the attack on Rumana, we knew we had been overpowered. We had no choice but to flee.”

Now, seeing no signs of hostility from the Fulani in recent weeks, Sarki and others believe the time has come to return and rebuild.

“This rainy season, we are going back,” he declared.

Survivor’s Testimony: A Journey Through Pain

At Hayin Damisa, a village northwest of Malomo, 28-year-old Steven Isaac Yari, a biochemistry graduate of Kaduna State University, dismounted from his bike and limped toward the group.

“I thank Jesus Christ for sparing my life to see my village again,” he said.

In May 2024, Yari ventured into the village and was captured by armed Fulani.

“They beat me mercilessly and shot me below the ankle to stop me from escaping,” he said.

He was held captive until his family paid two separate ransoms totaling ₦10 million.

“That’s why I limp. But with today’s peaceful visit, I believe we’ll rebuild. By God’s grace, Hayin Damisa will live again,” he said.

Living in Dignity: Why They Must Return

Back in Gonin Gora, a suburb of Kaduna where many Gbagyi displaced persons have taken shelter, former REDPDA chairman Habila Sarkinoma spoke to our reporter.

“Seventeen communities fled on January 6, 2020, after the Rumana attack. Over 20,000 people scattered across Kaduna and beyond, seeking safety.”

He explained the unbearable conditions in the IDP camps: “We live with daily humiliation. We have no food, no work, no dignity. That’s why we are going back.”

Despite skepticism over the sincerity of the Fulani militias’ promise, Sarkinoma expressed hope.

“We trust God that they will keep their word. As Christians, we leave justice to the Lord, and we are determined to piece back our shattered lives.”

A Risky Gamble for Peace

The return of displaced Gbagyi Christians marks a bold step toward reclaiming ancestral lands despite past horrors.

The Kaduna State government’s amnesty program remains controversial, but for the displaced, staying in limbo is no longer an option.

Whether peace will hold in the rural hinterlands of Kaduna remains uncertain. But for the returning villagers, the longing for home—and a life lived in dignity—is worth the risk.


Let me know if you’d like a shorter version or if you’d prefer the headline to name Uba Sani directly.

How El-Rufai Dragged Late President Buhari to Court, Criticized His Policies – Group Alleges

Northern based group, Northern Frontiers for Buhari (NFB) has raised allegations about how Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, betrayed the trust of the late President Muhammadu Buhari through sustained criticism and legal confrontations that, according to a civic group, weakened the cohesion of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement released to the press by Northern Frontiers for Buhari (NFB)and signed by Comrade Murtala Musa Daura, the group alleged that El-Rufai’s relationship with Buhari, once seen as close and politically strategic, degenerated into public opposition, policy defiance, and subtle sabotage—actions they described as acts of betrayal.

“One such example,” the group said, “was when El-Rufai dragged the Federal Government under Buhari to court over issues related to federal appointments and resource control. Legal records show a governor persistently at odds with the central government—even when it was controlled by his own party.”

The group emphasized that this legal resistance came at a time when Buhari’s administration needed unwavering loyalty from state governors to address pressing economic and security challenges. “El-Rufai’s posture was seen by insiders as a deep betrayal that undermined internal party unity,” the statement read.

They also recalled that in 2023, just months before Buhari’s tenure ended, El-Rufai openly condemned the controversial naira redesign policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), labeling it “senseless” and “ill-timed.” He blamed Buhari’s economic team for worsening the plight of ordinary Nigerians.

In a defiant move, El-Rufai’s Kaduna State government instructed residents to continue using the old naira notes, in direct opposition to federal directives—a stance widely interpreted as an act of rebellion against the presidency.

“Political watchers saw this not just as resistance to policy but a public rejection of Buhari’s leadership—especially shocking, coming from someone believed to have risen politically through Buhari’s support,” the statement added.

The group further alleged that El-Rufai was part of strategic political meetings that backed individuals within the APC who were critical of Buhari’s inner circle. Citing leaked memos, they claimed El-Rufai once described Buhari as “detached” and “surrounded by incompetent loyalists.”

Although El-Rufai never formally distanced himself from Buhari’s administration, his statements and political maneuvers suggested a calculated effort to reposition himself as Buhari’s influence began to wane.

“From being one of Buhari’s most trusted allies and a pillar in the 2015 APC electoral victory, El-Rufai morphed into a sharp critic and political opportunist. His transformation has been described by many as a textbook case of political betrayal,” the statement concluded.

The group also criticized El-Rufai’s continued political posturing even after Buhari’s passing. “El-Rufai is simply an opportunist who hid under Buhari’s political goodwill to pursue his own ambition. Even in death, Buhari’s legacy is still being trampled on by people like him.”

Shehu Sani Slams El-Rufai Over Criticism of Tinubu’s Fiscal Policies

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has taken a swipe at ex-Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding alleged deductions from federal allocations.

In a post on his verified Facebook page, Sani accused El-Rufai of hypocrisy, pointing out that the former governor presided over the alleged diversion of local government funds throughout his eight-year tenure without facing impeachment or any form of accountability.

“Is this not the same El-Rufai who allegedly tampered with LG funds consistently during his time as governor? How come no one held him accountable then?” Sani queried, echoing widespread concerns on social media.

During El-Rufai’s administration, multiple local government chairmen were said to have raised alarm over irregular remittances and the lack of financial autonomy. Despite persistent complaints, the Kaduna State House of Assembly failed to initiate any formal investigation or impeachment process.

El-Rufai’s recent comments targeting President Tinubu’s economic policies—including fuel subsidy removal and alleged deductions from statutory allocations—have reignited debate over his own tenure, with many questioning his moral authority to critique the current administration.

President Tinubu has faced mounting backlash over tough economic reforms that critics argue have worsened the financial state of many sub-national governments. However, El-Rufai’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing them as politically motivated.

Political analysts say the unfolding exchange reflects a recurring trend in Nigerian politics, where former public officials attempt to rebrand as public advocates while deflecting accountability for their time in office.

As the controversy continues to stir reactions, citizens and civil society groups are renewing calls for equal accountability and transparency across all tiers of government—past and present.

Trial Delayed Again as Key Fraud Suspect Fails to Appear in Court

By Fondue Anna

Abuja

The much-anticipated prosecution of Sylvanus Enonche Okoh, a suspect in a high-profile identity theft and fraud case, was again delayed on Tuesday after the second defendant failed to appear before a magistrate in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The absence of the accused has stalled court proceedings and heightened concerns over inter-agency coordination among Nigerian law enforcement bodies.

Mr. Okoh, who also goes by the alias Kenneth Ogbogu, is reportedly in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on related charges. However, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) FCT Command, which is leading the prosecution, could not present him before the court due to administrative hurdles and his continued detention by another agency.

Sources within the police say Okoh is also under investigation by the State Intelligence Department (SID) of the FCT Police Command for alleged offenses that include forgery, criminal conspiracy, and identity theft.

A senior police official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that while the police are ready to proceed with prosecution, they are currently awaiting formal cooperation from the EFCC to secure Okoh’s release for arraignment.

“The matter is administrative in nature, but the EFCC’s support is key. We are in the process of aligning efforts so that Mr. Okoh can appear in court without further delays,” the officer said.

This latest postponement is the second time court proceedings have been stalled due to the absence of one or more defendants. Family members of the complainants, who have attended previous court dates expecting justice to be served, expressed frustration over the repeated delays.

“It’s disheartening. We came prepared today expecting to see justice begin its course, only to hear that the suspect is still not here,” said a relative of one of the victims. “We fear this may be a tactic to wear us down or allow the case to quietly disappear.”

Observers following the case say this delay underscores broader systemic issues within Nigeria’s justice system—particularly in how law enforcement agencies handle shared responsibilities in complex cases involving multiple suspects and overlapping jurisdictions.

Legal analyst and anti-corruption advocate Barr. Adaku Onuoha emphasized the need for institutional reform. “This case shows once again how the lack of synergy between law enforcement agencies undermines the fight against financial crimes,” she told TruthNigeria. “The suspect is in custody; that should make arraignment easier, not harder.”

While the EFCC declined to comment officially on the matter, a source within the agency acknowledged that discussions were ongoing regarding the appropriate timing and jurisdiction for Okoh’s arraignment.

Meanwhile, the Police remain tight-lipped on when the next court session will be scheduled. However, they reiterated their commitment to ensuring the suspect is brought before a magistrate as soon as inter-agency clearance is obtained.

As public interest in the case grows, so too does pressure on Nigerian authorities to demonstrate transparency, cooperation, and urgency in handling cases of financial crimes that directly impact individuals and businesses.

The court is now expected to reconvene once formal arrangements are concluded between the EFCC and the Nigeria Police Force. Until then, the complainants and the general public wait anxiously for justice to take its course.