ICPC uncovers two more fake agencies in PFIPC investigation

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered two additional fake government agencies allegedly linked to Adeniyi Matthew Adeyemi, the self-acclaimed Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), as its investigation into the alleged fraud expands.

ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, disclosed this on Thursday while presenting the commission’s interim investigation report to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

According to Aliyu, investigations confirmed that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government and that the PFIPC had no legal status, having neither been established by an Act of the National Assembly nor through an executive order.

The commission found that the appointment letter used by Adeyemi was forged and that the fake council unlawfully occupied offices and used official materials belonging to the defunct Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC).

Aliyu said the group operated from the former PEAC office, allegedly engaging in impersonation, false representation and other fraudulent activities by exploiting weaknesses in government verification and coordination systems.

Further investigations also uncovered two other non-existent agencies — the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency.

The ICPC chairman revealed that Adeyemi later changed the organisation’s name from the Foreign Investment Promotion Council to the Foreign Intervention Promotion Council in a bid to widen its activities to include revenue generation.

Based on its findings, the commission recommended Adeyemi’s prosecution, disciplinary action against public officials suspected of aiding the operation, and institutional reforms to strengthen internal controls across government agencies.

The interim report also identified officials from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as alleged collaborators in the scheme.

Aliyu noted that investigations are still ongoing and said President Tinubu has been fully briefed on the findings, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the prosecution of those found culpable.

Military salaries hit N924bn as Tinubu approves pay rise

President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase of between 30 and 80 per cent for about 250,000 personnel of the Armed Forces, raising the military’s annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.

The new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, grants the highest increase to junior personnel. Soldiers from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent pay rise, while Warrant Officers to Colonels will get a 50 per cent increase. Senior officers from Brigadier-General to General will receive a 30 per cent salary adjustment.

The Presidency said the review is aimed at recognising the sacrifices of military personnel in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving troop welfare and equipping the Armed Forces with modern weapons and technology.

The salary review will increase the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill by ₦264 billion, from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, making it the largest military pay increase under the Tinubu administration.

The development has been welcomed by retired military officers, who described it as a major morale booster capable of improving troop motivation, recruitment and operational effectiveness. They, however, urged the Federal Government to ensure prompt implementation and complement the salary review with improved logistics, accommodation, healthcare, modern equipment and other welfare packages.

Serving military personnel also welcomed the announcement but said they would reserve judgment until the new salaries are reflected in their bank accounts, stressing that effective implementation would be the true test of the government’s commitment to troop welfare.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the salary structure was deliberately designed to favour junior personnel, with the highest percentage increases going to the lowest ranks.

Senate Clears Bamidele, Adaramodu Over Commercial Bus Preaching Bill

The Senate has denied reports linking the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, to the controversial proposal seeking penalties for preaching, hawking and trading inside commercial vehicles.

Reacting to the growing public backlash over the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill, 2026, Adaramodu clarified that neither he nor Bamidele sponsored or introduced the legislation.

The controversy followed the Senate’s consideration of the amendment bill, which retains a provision prescribing a ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.

The provision has attracted criticism from religious groups, civil society organisations, opposition parties and many Nigerians, who argue that it is insensitive amid the country’s economic challenges and rising unemployment.

However, the Senate maintained that the provision is not a new attempt to ban religious preaching or evangelism in public transport. According to the upper chamber, the clause has existed in the FRSC Act since 2007 and was merely retained in the amendment bill.

The Senate also clarified that the bill originated from the House of Representatives and was not sponsored by Senator Bamidele.

Adaramodu urged Nigerians not to assume that every debate or proposal in the National Assembly automatically becomes law. He explained that after a bill is considered by the Committee of the Whole, it may be adopted or rejected.

If adopted, the bill is forwarded to the other chamber of the National Assembly for concurrence, where it undergoes another round of legislative scrutiny. Any differences between both chambers are resolved by a joint conference committee before the harmonised version is transmitted to the executive.

He added that the bill is subsequently reviewed by the Federal Ministry of Justice and other relevant agencies before being presented to the President for assent.

According to the senator, only after completing all constitutional and legislative procedures can any bill become law.

Adaramodu also dismissed claims circulating on social media that he and Bamidele were responsible for the controversial provision, describing the reports as false and misleading.

Corporate Icon Stephen Olusegun Olusanya Celebrates 86th Birthday

Otunba Babatunde Babatomiwa Rowaiye, the Chief Executive Officer of Rowradio and Maiyegun of Ijebu-Igbo, has paid glowing tribute to renowned banker and corporate leader, Mr. Stephen Olusegun Olusanya, MSc, FCCA, on the occasion of his 86th birthday.

In a congratulatory message, Rowaiye described Olusanya as a man of integrity, humility and unwavering principles whose exemplary life of service, leadership and mentorship has inspired generations.

He commended the octogenarian for his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s banking, manufacturing and corporate sectors, noting that his wealth of experience, commitment to excellence and passion for developing others have earned him widespread respect within and beyond the business community.

Over the years, Olusanya has built a reputation as a respected corporate executive and boardroom strategist. He served as Executive Director of Union Bank Plc from 1993 to 1999 before becoming a Non-Executive Director of the bank. He also served as Executive Director of Afribank Nigeria Plc and retired as a Director in the Federal Civil Service.

He currently serves as Vice Chairman of Meristem Securities Limited, Chairman of Health Partners Limited, Chairman of Bulwark Vault and Safe Deposits Limited, and Director of Summit Healthcare Hospital Group and Tripple Gee & Company Plc, among other corporate positions.

Describing his strategic contributions to the growth of the Dangote Group and as one of the influential minds behind the conglomerate’s success story, Rowaiye praised Olusanya’s enduring legacy of excellence, professionalism and selfless service.

Ijebu North LG Commences Emergency Repairs on Odobotu Bridge, Rain-Damaged Roads

The Ijebu North Local Government has commenced emergency repairs on the Odobotu Bridge in the Mercy Model area of Ijebu-Igbo, alongside other roads damaged by the heavy rainfall experienced in July 2026.

The Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Dr. Bolaji Odusanya, said the intervention is part of the local government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure, ensuring public safety, and restoring smooth movement for residents and motorists across the area.

According to him, repair works have already begun on the Molusi College Road (Mercy Model section), with construction teams deployed to rehabilitate damaged portions of the road and address areas affected by erosion and flooding.

Hon. Odusanya appealed to motorists and other road users to exercise caution while the maintenance work is ongoing. He also urged residents to cooperate with traffic officials and construction workers to ensure the smooth flow of traffic throughout the repair period.

The chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing quality infrastructure that enhances the well-being of residents and supports economic development. He noted that projects aimed at improving public welfare and boosting connectivity across the local government will continue to receive priority attention.

The council further assured residents that efforts are being intensified to restore all affected roads and critical infrastructure, making them safer and more accessible following the impact of the recent heavy rains.

Falana Urges FG to Sanction South African Firms Over Xenophobic Attacks

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has called on the Federal Government to impose economic sanctions on South African companies operating in Nigeria in response to recurring xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and the destruction of their businesses in South Africa.

Speaking with journalists in Ekiti on Saturday, Falana argued that diplomatic protests alone have failed to produce meaningful action from the South African government. He urged Nigeria to apply the principle of reciprocity in its response.

The senior advocate also questioned the effectiveness of taking the matter before the African Union, saying such efforts may only result in resolutions without concrete enforcement.

According to Falana, if Nigerians continue to be attacked and their businesses destroyed in South Africa, Nigeria has a responsibility to respond by taking appropriate measures against South African businesses operating within its borders, particularly where viable alternatives exist.

Imported Petrol Now Costs More Than Dangote Fuel – Report

The landed cost of imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, has risen above the ex-depot price offered by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, according to the latest Energy Bulletin released by the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN).

The report showed that as of July 29, the landed cost of imported petrol stood at ₦1,223.32 per litre, exceeding the Dangote Refinery’s gantry price of ₦1,215 per litre. This means petroleum marketers now pay more to import fuel than to source it locally from the 650,000-barrels-per-day Lekki refinery.

The development has strengthened calls by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for the Federal Government to end petrol importation and rely on local refining. IPMAN said Nigeria’s existing refining capacity, particularly that of the Dangote Refinery, is sufficient to meet domestic demand.

The association argued that continued fuel imports put unnecessary pressure on foreign exchange, weaken the naira and discourage investment in local refining. The MEMAN report also revealed that Dangote’s coastal PMS price stood at ₦1,195 per litre, while Brent crude averaged $90 per barrel and the naira traded at an average of ₦1,367.03 to the dollar during the review period.

The report further indicated that rising global crude prices pushed up the cost of other petroleum products, with diesel landing at ₦1,739.96 per litre and aviation fuel at ₦1,616.43 per litre. The pricing trend suggests that locally refined petrol remains the more cost-effective option for marketers compared to imported supplies.

JAMB Gets New Registrar as Oloyede Hands Over to Aina Today

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will today witness a change in leadership as its outgoing Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, formally hands over to his successor, Prof. Segun Aina.

The official handover ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, and will be streamed live on JAMB’s official social media platforms.

The transition marks the end of Prof. Oloyede’s tenure as Registrar, which expires on July 31, and the beginning of Prof. Aina’s administration at the nation’s examination body.

The appointment of Prof. Aina was earlier announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

FG Arraigns Two Ansaru Commanders, Three Others Over Oriire School Terror Attack

The Federal Government has arraigned five suspects, including two alleged Ansaru terrorist commanders, over their alleged roles in the abduction and beheading of two teachers kidnapped during the attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The suspects, identified as Abubakar Abba Mahmuda Abu Bara’a, Abubakar Abbas, also known as Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri, and three others described by the Department of State Services (DSS) as foot soldiers, were brought before Justice Salim Ibrahim of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The DSS said the two alleged commanders were arrested in August 2025, while the remaining three defendants were directly linked to the Oriire school attack. Justice Ibrahim ordered that all five suspects be remanded in DSS custody and fixed September 24 for the commencement of their trial.

The arraignment comes days after the same court sentenced three other suspects to life imprisonment for their roles in the Oriire school abduction. The convicts, Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa and Shamsu Adamu Sani, pleaded guilty to charges including terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement and illegal mining.

Although the three convicts admitted concealing information about the attack and belonging to Darul Salam, an affiliate of the banned Ansaru group, they denied taking part in the actual school attack. Justice Ibrahim fixed September 16 and 17 for the continuation of their trial on the remaining counts, while the DSS has indicated it will appeal the life sentences, arguing that the offences warrant the death penalty.

Orimolusi Begins Palliative Repairs on Failed Roads in Ijebu Igbo

The Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, HRM Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo, has commenced palliative repairs on several failed sections of roads across the town as part of efforts to improve road conditions and ease movement for residents.

The intervention has already covered portions of the Oru Road, where damaged sections have been filled to restore easier access for motorists and other road users. The initiative is aimed at addressing the deteriorating state of some of the community’s major roads pending more extensive rehabilitation.

Work is also progressing steadily on sections of Omo Ilu Road, with the palliative repairs nearing completion. Residents have welcomed the development, expressing optimism that the intervention will improve transportation and reduce the challenges caused by the poor condition of the roads.

As part of the ongoing exercise, grading of the first failed portions of roads identified for repair has been successfully completed. The grading work, which was concluded on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, marks a significant milestone in the road maintenance project.

The road intervention underscores the commitment of the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo to promoting the welfare of the community through infrastructure improvements. Residents have expressed appreciation for the royal initiative and hope that more damaged roads within the town will receive similar attention in the coming weeks.