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ActionAid Calls on ICPC, EFCC to Investigate Appointments into MTN’s Board

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ActionAid Calls on ICPC, EFCC to Investigate Appointments into MTN’s Board

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has condemned MTN Nigeria, the prominent telecommunications company, for its controversial board appointments, which showed the inclusion of former top government officials with regulatory, pensions and taxation authorities.

This has sparked concern about the company’s transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, the Country Director of AAN, Andrew Mamedu, called on ICPC and FG to Investigate MTN Nigeria’s Controversial Board Appointments.

Mamedu stated that: “The appointments of former government officials which includes Ernest Ndukwe, former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Ifueko M Omoigui Okauru, former Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Omobola Johnson, Nigeria’s former Minister of Communication Technology and Mr. MK. Ahmad, the pioneer Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Pension Commission, raise serious concerns about corporate governance, regulatory capture, and conflicts of interest.”

He added that: “It is unacceptable that MTN Nigeria, a company entrusted with providing essential telecommunications services to millions of Nigerians, would choose to stack its board with individuals who have a history of regulatory oversight, pensions, and taxation authorities. This move raises serious concerns about the potential for backdoor negotiations and conflicts of interest, as well as the impact on the Nigerian community. By allowing former government officials who were supposed to regulate MTN Nigeria to occupy top positions on its board, there is a risk of regulatory capture and undue influence over regulatory decisions. This not only undermines the integrity of our institutions but also jeopardizes the interests of consumers, investors, and shareholders.

“ActionAid Nigeria demands that MTN Nigeria must immediately reconsider its board appointments and ensure that future appointments are made in a transparent and accountable manner, with due consideration given to the principles of diversity, independence, and expertise.

“Furthermore, we urge the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate these appointments and take appropriate action to hold MTN Nigeria accountable for any breaches of regulatory standards or corporate governance norms.’’

AAN also demands that: “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding MTN Nigeria’s board appointments to determine whether there have been any acts of corruption, regulatory capture, or abuse of power. This investigation must include examining the selection process, evaluating potential conflicts of interest, and scrutinising any undue influence exerted by former government officials.

“The Federal Government must also launch an independent investigation into MTN Nigeria’s board appointments to determine the extent of regulatory capture and conflicts of interest; strengthen regulatory oversight of the telecommunications sector to prevent the undue influence of corporate interests on regulatory agencies; and impose penalties or sanctions on MTN Nigeria if it is found to have violated regulatory standards or corporate governance norms.

“The actions of the Federal Government and ICPC must send a clear message that it will not tolerate corporate misconduct or abuse of power, especially when it comes to companies that play such a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic development and social progress.”

Andrew Mamedu reiterated that “ICPC cannot stand idly by while corporations like MTN Nigeria undermine the integrity of our institutions and exploit regulatory loopholes for their own benefit. It is time for MTN Nigeria to recognise that its actions have real consequences for the people of Nigeria, particularly investors and the integrity of the country’s institutions. We urge MTN Nigeria to act swiftly and decisively to address these concerns and restore public trust in its operations.”

ActionAid Calls on ICPC, EFCC to Investigate Appointments into MTN’s Board

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.

Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.

“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.

However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.

“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”

In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.

“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.

The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

By: Michael Mike

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.

According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.

Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.

He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.

The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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