Timipre Sylva Challenges EFCC, Requests Mutually Agreed Date To Address $14.8m Fraud Allegation

Former Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, has written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), requesting a mutually agreed date to respond to its invitation over an alleged $14.8 million fraud. In a letter personally signed and addressed to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, Sylva rejected the commission’s decision to declare him wanted, stressing that he has never ignored any lawful summons. The letter, dated November 24 and acknowledged by the EFCC on November 26, explained that Sylva is currently receiving urgent medical treatment for a “life-threatening condition.” He noted that he is consulting with his medical team to determine if he can temporarily suspend treatment to appear before the commission. “In view of the foregoing, I most humbly request that a mutually agreed date be set, subject to medical clearance, to enable me appear physically and formally,” he wrote. Sylva emphasized, “I trust that the objective of your invitation is not to unalive, but to genuinely investigate an alleged crime. For only the living can appropriately, fully and responsibly respond to any allegation, which I firmly and respectfully deny.” The former minister recalled recent events that have put him, his family, and associates under pressure, starting with “an unverified accusation” linking him to an alleged plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said the situation escalated into a military raid on his Abuja residence, during which several staff, including drivers and security aides, were arrested and remain in detention. “While still grappling with the emotional and psychological strain of those events, I was on Monday, November 10, 2025, publicly declared wanted by your esteemed agency over an alleged $14.8 million fraud,” Sylva wrote. He stressed that he had previously honored an EFCC invitation in December 2024 concerning the same matter, after which he was granted administrative bail on self-recognition and told he would be contacted again if needed. Sylva expressed surprise and dismay at being publicly declared wanted without prior notice, rejecting claims that he jumped bail. The former minister also suggested that the actions against him could be seen as a “political witch-hunt,” noting that he has been a target since the start of the current administration. Sylva, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was recently linked to a rumored aborted military coup. His Abuja residence was raided by operatives believed to be from military intelligence, and his younger brother, Paga, his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, and his driver were reportedly arrested during the operation. His Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Julius Bokoru, confirmed the raid but denied Sylva’s involvement in any coup plot. He accused unnamed politicians of orchestrating the events due to Sylva’s perceived political influence and criticized the EFCC for declaring him wanted without issuing any prior invitation.

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Nigerian Defence Academy Opens Applications For 78 Regular Course

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has officially opened online applications for its 78 Regular Course, starting Friday, November 28, 2025. The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Academy Registrar, who confirmed that both male and female Nigerians are eligible to apply. The application window will close on April 30, 2026. The statement read, “Online application for admission into the 78 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, will be available from Friday 28 November 2025 to 30 April 2026. Admission is open to both MALE and FEMALE Nigerians.” Prospective candidates are required to visit the application portal at www.ndaapplications.net, select “Purchase Access Code,” and complete their payment via REMITA. Applicants must first generate an ORDER ID and REMITA Retrieval Reference (RRR) Code. The application fee is N7,000. The NDA emphasized that only payments made using RRR Codes generated through the official portal will be accepted.

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Goodluck Jonathan Trapped In Guinea-Bissau Following Military Coup

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is stranded in Guinea-Bissau after a military coup disrupted the country’s elections on Wednesday. Jonathan, who leads the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) election observer mission, arrived in the country ahead of the November 23, 2025 presidential and parliamentary polls. Hundreds of foreign observers, like him, are now unable to leave as the military takes control. A group of officers calling themselves the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order” announced they had seized “total control” of the country. They ordered an immediate suspension of the electoral process, closed all land, air, and sea borders, and imposed an overnight curfew. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo confirmed to France24 that he had been deposed and was “currently at the general staff headquarters.” Domingos Simoes Pereira, head of the main opposition PAIGC party, has also been arrested. Reports indicate the military is attempting to cut off internet access in the country. The coup was led by Denis N’Canha, the former head of the presidential guard, raising concerns over the security breach that led to Embalo’s detention. Upon arrival in Bissau, Jonathan posted, “We arrived in Bissau this evening as members of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Mission ahead of Guinea Bissau’s presidential and parliamentary polls. We wish the people of Guinea Bissau a peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections.” During the elections, he shared updates about WAEF’s visits to polling stations and expressed hopes for a smooth voting process. His last post from Guinea-Bissau showed him offering condolences to the family of the late former First Lady, Mrs. Isolina Da Fonseca Nhamajo, along with photos from the visit.

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Renowned Nigerian Islamic Cleric Dahiru Usman-Bauchi Dies At 100

Renowned Nigerian Islamic scholar Dahiru Usman-Bauchi has passed away, marking the end of a long life dedicated to religious scholarship and spiritual leadership. A student of the cleric in Bauchi confirmed his death to Radio France International (RFI) on Wednesday, stating that he died at the reported age of 100. Usman-Bauchi was widely known as the spiritual head of the Tijaniyyah Sufi order in Nigeria, a position that often placed him at the center of doctrinal disputes with other Islamic groups. His mastery of the Qur’an and deep grounding in Islamic jurisprudence earned him respect across West Africa. Originally from Nafada in Gombe State, he began his Islamic education under his father before embarking on extensive travels to learn from scholars in different regions. These journeys shaped his scholarship in both mainstream Islamic studies and the Tijaniyyah Tariqah. He authored numerous works on jurisprudence, spirituality, and Sufism—texts that are still in circulation in Nigeria and in countries like Morocco and Senegal, where Sufi traditions remain influential. Usman-Bauchi also founded and served as the life president of the Ithad Ansarul Faelat Tijaniyat of Nigeria and was a member of the Fatwa Committee of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA). He is survived by four wives, 95 children, and 406 grandchildren.

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Southern Governors And Traditional Rulers Unite to Tackle Insecurity

Southern governors and members of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council met in Ogun State on Thursday to deliberate on security challenges, governance concerns, and developmental priorities affecting the region. The gathering ended with a shared position on several national and regional issues. In their joint communique, the leaders expressed renewed confidence in President Bola Tinubu, applauding what they described as steady progress in stabilising the nation’s economy, improving governance systems, and pushing forward major infrastructure developments. They also restated their long-standing advocacy for a Southern presidency, describing it as essential for fairness, political balance, and unity in the country. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a post on X, wrote, “We passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu and restated our support for a Southern presidency. We reaffirmed our commitment to a safer and more united South, expressed our condolences on recent national security losses, and acknowledged the President’s efforts in stabilising the economy and advancing major infrastructure projects.” According to him, the forum agreed on several new steps to strengthen regional security. These include the creation of a zonal security fund, better coordination and intelligence sharing among states, formal involvement of traditional rulers in security management, reinforcement of local security outfits, and actions to tackle illegal mining and land-related threats. The forum also offered condolences to families of security operatives and civilians killed in recent attacks, stressing that protecting lives and preserving stability across the South remain central to their agenda.

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Abducted Kaduna Anglican Priest Edwin Achi Dies In Captivity

The Anglican Diocese of Kaduna has confirmed the passing of Venerable Edwin Achi, the Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ungwan Maijero, who was abducted alongside his wife and daughter on October 28, 2025. In its announcement on Wednesday, the diocese described his death as deeply devastating, calling him “a painful loss to the entire diocese, the clergy, the church family, and all who were blessed by his faithful ministry, humble spirit, and unwavering devotion to the service of God.” While confirming Achi’s death, the church also disclosed that his wife and daughter are still being held by the kidnappers. The statement added, “We continue to pray for the release of his wife and daughter who are still in the hands of kidnappers.” As a mark of respect, the diocese cancelled its Stand Up for Jesus 2025 programme, saying, “On this note, the Stand Up for Jesus 2025 is hereby cancelled in honour of the late Venerable Edwin Achi.” Daily Trust reports that the priest and his family were seized after armed men invaded their residence in Nissi community, Chikun LGA of Kaduna, not long after the family moved into the area. The abductors were said to have demanded N600 million for their freedom. Achi hailed from Umuaja in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.

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BREAKING: Tinubu Declares Nationwide Security Emergency, Orders Massive Army and Police Recruitment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency and ordered the Nigerian Army and Police to conduct a massive recruitment drive to strengthen the country’s security apparatus. In a statement issued to POLITICS NIGERIA on Wednesday evening, Tinubu instructed the Police to use National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps across the country as training centers for new recruits. The President said, “In view of the emerging security situation, I have declared a nationwide security emergency and directed additional recruitment into the Armed Forces. The police will recruit 20,000 additional officers, bringing their total to 50,000.” He added that officers withdrawn from VIP protection duties should undergo crash training to prepare them for deployment to areas with heightened security challenges. Tinubu also directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to deploy trained forest guards to tackle terrorists and bandits and to recruit more personnel for forest security operations, ensuring that no area serves as a hideout for criminals. “This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged regions. Every Nigerian has a role to play in securing the nation,” the President said. He commended security agencies for their efforts in rescuing 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and pledged continued operations to free remaining hostages, including students in Niger State. Tinubu called on the Armed Forces to uphold discipline, integrity, and vigilance, stressing that there must be no compromise, collusion, or negligence. He also assured state governments of federal support for security initiatives within their jurisdictions. The President urged the National Assembly to review laws to allow states to establish state police where needed and advised religious institutions and schools in remote areas to ensure adequate security measures. On the issue of herder-farmer conflicts, Tinubu encouraged herders to adopt ranching, surrender illegal weapons, and work with the government to achieve sustainable livestock farming and national harmony. He expressed condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States and paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba. Tinubu warned that attempts to test the government’s resolve should not mistake its restraint for weakness. He urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies, emphasizing, “We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”

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Hon. Idris Wase Urges Tinubu to Reconsider Withdrawal of Police Protection for VIPs

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, has urged President Bola Tinubu to review the decision to withdraw police officers from Very Important Persons (VIPs). Naija News reports that Tinubu issued the directive on Sunday during a security meeting in Abuja attended by Service Chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services. The order instructed police authorities to redeploy officers to focus on their core duties, prompting the Special Protection Unit of the Nigeria Police Force to recall all personnel attached to VIPs nationwide. Wase raised the issue on Wednesday during the resumption of debates on national security in the House of Representatives, warning that lawmakers could become targets for abduction by bandits. He called on the President to clarify how VIPs are categorized, noting that there had been past instances where Boko Haram terrorists were listed among recruits in the Army and Police Force. The new directive requires VIPs seeking protection to request armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) instead of relying on police officers. The Presidency said the policy is intended to increase police presence in communities, especially in remote areas where stations are often understaffed and citizens remain exposed to attacks.

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