News
Group Praises Inuwa Yahaya for Allowing LGs Financial Autonomy in Gombe
Group Praises Inuwa Yahaya for Allowing LGs Financial Autonomy in Gombe
By: Michael Mike
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has commended the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for his unwavering support for Local Government Financial Autonomy, in line with the Supreme Court’s judgment of last year.
The landmark ruling reaffirmed the constitutional authority of Local Government Councils to manage their funds independently, free from state government interference.
According to the statement, the Chairman, Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP), Isaac Abrak said Inuwa Yahaya’s decision to grant Local Government Chairmen in Gombe State full control over their funds without undue interference is a testament to his respect for the rule of law and commitment to grassroots development.
He noted that: “His actions not only demonstrate compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive but also reflect his dedication to strengthening democracy and fostering sustainable development at the local level. This also shows his alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to combat poverty and insecurity by directly empowering the 774 Local Government Councils across Nigeria.”
The NCYP urged all Nigerians, particularly other state governors, to emulate Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s exemplary leadership. He has displayed remarkable integrity by refusing to manipulate the Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) system, which in some states has been used to divert funds meant for Local Government Councils. Rather than exploiting administrative loopholes, he has allowed local councils to directly manage and allocate resources for the benefit of their communities.
Abrak said: “We also recognize the crucial role of financial regulatory agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) in ensuring transparency and accountability in fund management. Notably, EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has emphasized that Local Government Chairmen do not enjoy immunity and that the commission is actively monitoring their activities through the newly established Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) system. This initiative serves as a deterrent to mismanagement, ensuring that funds meant for grassroots development are utilized appropriately.
“Furthermore, we urge the Chairmen of the 11 Local Government Areas in Gombe State to uphold the trust placed in them by Governor Inuwa Yahaya and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They must ensure transparent and effective utilization of these funds to improve the lives of grassroots citizens. By doing so, they will serve as role models for their counterparts across the country.”
The NCYP also called on the Federal Committee responsible for implementing Local Government Financial Autonomy, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to provide forthright updates on the progress and challenges faced. This reform is a pro-masses, national initiative, and public engagement is vital for its success. However, the public can only play its part effectively if it is adequately informed and carried along in the implementation process.
The statement said: “We urge all stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the National Assembly, to support this cause and ensure the complete enforcement of this constitutional provision. A strong and financially independent local government system is essential for Nigeria’s progress and democratic consolidation.”
Group Praises Inuwa Yahaya for Allowing LGs Financial Autonomy in Gombe
Soldier Wife Arrested in Abuja vehicle theft case
By: Zagazola Makama
A notorious female suspect, Blessing Yusuf, aged 29, was arrested on April 25, 2025, by operatives of the Scorpion Squad, following a successful investigation into a vehicle theft case.
Sources disclosed that Yusuf, a resident of Kwali Area Council and wife of a serving Nigerian Army soldier, L/CPL Yusuf Yunnusa, who was arrested on April 19, 2025, was tracked down through digital forensic intelligence after fleeing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) upon learning of her husband’s arrest.
Sources said during preliminary investigations, Yusuf confessed during interrogation that she had initiated the idea of stealing a vehicle to cover her medical expenses.
She admitted to ordering a set of Toyota Corolla keys online via Jumia and later using them to steal a car at the Federal Secretariat. While her husband moved the vehicle, she provided cover and distracted passersby. After the theft, they transported the stolen car to Kwali.
Both suspects are currently in custody undergoing further interrogation.
Crime
FCT Police arrest woman for suspected child trafficking in Abuja as she claims she Purchase the Child from her father for N500K
FCT Police arrest woman for suspected child trafficking in Abuja as she claims she Purchase the Child from her father for N500K
By; Zagazola Makama
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a woman, Vera Onyebigwa, in connection with a suspected child trafficking case.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that On April 25, 2025, at about 2:00 p.m., a distress call was received at G/Lada Division regarding a suspected child trafficking incident near the timber shed area.
The sources said Police operatives were quickly deployed to the scene, where they apprehended Onyebigwa, a resident of No. 38 Murtala Mohammed Way, Benin City, Edo State, who was found in possession of a 6-year-old female child, whose identity remains unknown.
According to the sources, Preliminary investigations revealed that Onyebigwa had allegedly purchased the child from her father for ₦500,000 and was planning to transport her to Benin City.
The child’s cries attracted the attention of a Good Samaritan, who immediately notified the police, leading to the child’s rescue.
The sources added that the child is currently in protective care, and an investigation into the matter is ongoing.
FCT Police arrest woman for suspected child trafficking in Abuja as she claims she Purchase the Child from her father for N500K
EFCC operative allegedly linked to accident in Cross River
By: Zagazola Makama
Two persons sustained injuries following a serious lone accident allegedly caused by suspected operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) along Abakpa/Igoli Road in Ogoja, Cross River State.
Zagazola Makama gathered from police sources that the accident, which occurred at about 10:45 a.m. on Friday, involved a BMW car with driven by one Bassey Precious, aged 27, with a passenger identified as Caleb Fidelis Okem, aged 24.
The sources said that a white Toyota Hiace bus, occupied by armed men suspected to be EFCC operatives carrying AK-47 rifles, intercepted the BMW and attempted to force it to a stop. One of the operatives reportedly entered the vehicle and tried to take control, leading to a scuffle with the driver.
During the struggle, Precious allegedly refused to yield, causing the vehicle to lose control, somersault, and crash. The EFCC operatives immediately fled the scene, abandoning the injured occupants.
The victims were promptly rushed to the General Hospital in Ogoja, where they are currently receiving treatment and are reported to be responding well.
The police source said that the Cross River Police Command confirmed the incident and efforts were ongoing to identify and locate the operatives involved for further investigation and appropriate disciplinary action.
The EFCC is yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
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