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ActionAid Calls on ICPC, EFCC to Investigate Appointments into MTN’s Board
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
Chinese national arrested for alleged indecent assault, rape in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
A Chinese national, Li-jian Yuan, 50, has been arrested in Abeokuta, Ogun State, for alleged indecent assault and rape of a 23-year-old woman, Wemimo Adebowale.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, who works at Zhiylian Global Quarry, Kobape, was apprehended by detectives following a complaint lodged on Jan. 30, 2026. Investigations revealed that the alleged assault occurred on Jan. 28, 2026.
The suspect is currently in police custody pending further investigation and is expected to be arraigned in court soon.
Authorities have assured the public of diligent follow-up to ensure justice is served in the matter.
Chinese national arrested for alleged indecent assault, rape in Ogun
Buni commits to infrastructural development to improve the lives of the people in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, has assured the commitments of his administration to continue providing infrastructure to improve the lives of the people of the state.
Governor Buni disclosed this yesterday while inspecting the Machina sesame seed processing factory, now completed and awaiting commissioning, adding that we are here to see for ourselves the value for our money we spent here to establish this sesame processing factory.
“We hope the community will make good use of this sesame processing factory, and this is one of the four that we established in Yobe State, and all are completed and awaiting commissioning,” Buni said.
The governor also inaugurated the Rugar Balarabe project, which was constructed by a philanthropist, Alhaji Abdullahi Balarabe D J. The Fulani settlement projects include houses, a school, a clinic, and a mosque, and it was named Rugar Balarabe village after him.
Governor Buni called on all public and separate individuals to emulate Alhaji Balarabe D. J. on what he has done for that Fulani community, noting that we have seen the multiplier effect of what he has put there and, of course, the benefit that goes to the community.
He commends him and appreciates him on behalf of the good people of the community, Nguru local government council, Yobe state, and Nigeria, and also calls on other public separate individuals to emulate and complement the effort of the government.
Governor Buni also attended the finals of the Machina Cultural Festival (MACUF) and commended the Machina emirate for preserving the rich culture of the people, as he said, the occasion is a perfect blend of the old and new.
He warned the youths against the use of drugs and other social vices; they should make their parents, emirate, and the Yobe state proud by being upright and responsible for us to have responsible future leaders.
In another development, Governor Mai Mala Buni has consoled the Bazuwa family over the fire inferno that razed down 12 shops in Potiskum town.
Governor Buni described the incident as sad and unfortunate, adding that it was destined to happen, and expressed his gratitude to Almighty Allah that no life was lost during the fire accident.
Buni commits to infrastructural development to improve the lives of the people in Yobe
Two arrested over killing of Fulani herder in Karim Lamido, Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
Two men have been arrested by the police over the killing of a Fulani herder, Musa Alh Tukur, 20, in Garin Kula, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Feb. 2, 2026, at about 11:00 a.m., when the herder’s cattle grazed into an irrigation farm belonging to Abba Gwomu of Gwomu Village, destroying seedlings.
“An altercation ensued between the deceased and two men, Ibrahim Abubakar, 28, of Guyuk LGA, Adamawa State, and Gideon Joshua, 25, of Gwomu Village, Karim Lamido, during which the suspects beat the herder with a machete, resulting in severe head injuries,” the source said.
The victim was rushed to Jen Primary Health Care Hospital but died while receiving treatment. Items recovered at the scene include a machete, a spear, and a stick.
The suspects are currently in custody, and the case is being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.
Security agencies have appealed to the public to remain calm and allow security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.
Two arrested over killing of Fulani herder in Karim Lamido, Taraba
Chinese national arrested for alleged indecent assault, rape in Ogun
Buni commits to infrastructural development to improve the lives of the people in Yobe
Two arrested over killing of Fulani herder in Karim Lamido, Taraba
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