Featured
Senate Probes IGP Over Alleged Fraud, Nepotism …As Idris’ In-Laws Threaten Misau
The Senate, yesterday, set up an eight-member ad-hoc committee to investigate allegations of corruption, nepotism and misuse of office levelled against the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris by Senator Isah Misau (APC, Bauchi Central).
The committee, chaired by Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Francis Alimikhena (APC, Edo North) has as members Senators Joshua Lidani (PDP, Gombe South); Binta Masi Garba (APC, Adamawa North); Suleiman Hunkuyi (APC, Kaduna North); and Nelson Effiong (APC, Akwa Ibom South).
Others are Obinna Ogba (Ebonyi Central); Duro Faseyi (PDP, Ekiti); and Abdulaziz Murtala Nyako.
The committee is also to investigate the IGP on alleged misappropriation of funds, illegal promotion, posting of senior officers and claims that he impregnated a female police officer.
The decisions of the Senate were sequel to a point of order raised by Senator Misau, yesterday, during plenary when he accused the Inspector-General of Police of diverting funds meant for the purchase of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), to buy luxury vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, also mandated the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions led by Samuel Anyanwu to investigate claims by the IGP that Misau deserted the police force, just as the committee was given two weeks to report back.
Saraki said: “We have listened to our colleague and we cannot ignore the allegations. We have a duty to fight corruption. These matters are weighty; we will set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate these allegations and report back to the Senate.
“The ad-hoc committee we set up will deal with all the allegations about misappropriation of funds made against the IGP. We will refer the other issues about personal misconduct against the IGP to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions for investigations,” he said.
It would be recalled that the fight between Misau and the Inspector-General of Police started in August, when the Senator claimed that police officers paid bribes to get favourable postings and promotions.
But the police hierarchy, through the Force spokesman, Jimoh Moshood dismissed the claims as unfounded and that he was only out to discredit the institution.
Jimoh also alleged that Misau deserted the Force and would soon be declared wanted to respond to a disciplinary committee set up to probe him.
Presenting his point of order, Misau noted that the IGP was yet to respond to all the allegations he made against him.
Misau, who noted that he had been having a running battle with the IGP over his concern on the level of corruption in the Nigeria Police Force, said it became imperative for him to bring the matter before the Senate because it had been in public domain for some weeks.
Meanwhile, the in-laws of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris have threatened to sue Senator Isah Hamman Misau for lying against their daughter.
The family of Mrs Asta Idris said that Misau had on the floor of the Senate alleged that the IGP married Asta secretly in Kaduna after allegedly impregnating her.
The family faulted Misau, and explained that their daughter got married to the IGP publicly at the Sultan Bello Mosque, Kaduna.
A member of the family, Mr. Nasiru Baba Saleh told newsmen yesterday, that Misau lied against their daughter and that he must prove the allegations in court.
“Truly, we’re seriously angry, because this is a girl that grew up in a responsible way.
“She got a very good upbringing, and we married her out peacefully. We see no reason why this man will come publicly inside the chamber of the Senate to say the man impregnated her before he married her.
“What is his proof? This issue has gone viral on the social media. Both the mom and dad are crying. What kind of defamation is this? We have evidence. We have the pictures and everything. The commissioner of police and DC Operations were there.’’
He explained that the wedding was done publicly and marriage certificate was issued to them.
“We’ll have to sue him for defamation of character of the girl and the family.
“We’ll do that within the week. We’ll file the matter, and we’ll go with all the evidence, including invitation cards and everything.
Misau should come out to prove the allegation that Asta was married out with pregnancy.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday extended interim relief measures to the people of Bille Kingdom as the government intensifies efforts to address the ongoing environmental degradation affecting the area.
This was contained in a statement by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi, yesterday.
The governor, during a working visit to Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area, reassured residents of his deep concern for their health and well-being.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the persistent gas emissions observed in the community’s land and water sources since November 2025.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, the governor announced immediate interventions to address urgent needs.
Some of the relief measures include the provision of potable water and essential medical services through the release of ?100 million as palliative support for the affected community.
According to the SSG, “Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the welfare of the people of Bille Kingdom. Although unable to attend in person due to pressing state engagements, he is fully aware of the situation and determined to tackle the root cause of the environmental challenge”.
The governor assured residents that the state government would not relent in its efforts to provide a permanent solution to the gas emissions, emphasizing that the current intervention is only a temporary measure to ease the suffering of the people.
He further urged members of the community to remain law-abiding and continue supporting his administration, noting that he has consistently demonstrated a track record of fulfilling his promises.
Earlier, the Chairman, Council of Chief for Bille Kingdom, Chief Bennet Dokubo, expressed joy over the State visit, describing Fubara as a leader who listens to the plight of the people.
He urged the governor to critically look into the gas emission which he described as dangerous to human health.
“If we take you into the river, we notice that the entire environment is bubbling and smelling.
“We most humbly urge you to critically look into this situation. This is something strange we have never experienced before. It is not good for human health,” the monarch stressed.
The Federal Government has declared tomorrow (Friday) and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The ministe congratulated all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter, and urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
He reiterated that the goal of the government remains to make decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
The Tide reports that good Friday will be marked tomorrow, while the Easter Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday across the world.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chief of Staff (CoS) to carry out their duties with discipline, loyalty and a firm commitment to the success of the administration and the wellbeing of the people of Rivers State.
The governor warned that any involvement in unauthorised nocturnal meetings or any conduct capable of embarrassing the government will attract immediate dismissal.
Fubara gave the warning yesterday shortly after the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Dagogo S.A. Wokoma and the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Barrister Sunny Ewule, were sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
As part of the ceremony, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the duo before the governor gave his charge.
Addressing the appointees, Fubara reminded them that their elevation to the new positions was a call to service and not a platform for political grandstanding or the pursuit of personal ambition.
He stressed that their foremost responsibility should be to themselves and to the people of Rivers State, stressing that their conduct must always reflect integrity, restraint and dedication to public good.
Speaking directly to Dr. Wokoma, whom he described as an accomplished academic and mathematician, the governor expressed confidence in his intellectual depth and capacity to deliver on the new assignment.
The office of the Secretary to the State Government, Fubara stressed, demands thoroughness, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility. He charged the SSG to represent the State with honour at all times.
“Your duty includes representing the state government. You need to represent us in a way and manner that will bring honour to us.
“What is important to this administration is to see that the good works that we started and the ones that we met, are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our dear state,” he stated.
Turning to the new Chief of Staff, the governor explained that he is expected to ensure smooth administrative coordination, managing official engagements effectively and safeguarding the image of the Government House.
He underscored the sensitive and personal nature of the role and emphasised that the position operates strictly under the authority of the governor.
Fubara stressed that the role does not permit independent political engagements or private strategy meetings without his knowledge and consent.
“Let me sound it here very clearly. Your duty is to make sure that you handle the administrative duties and image making roles perfectly well, liaising with whoever is coming for any official assignment here.
“If you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings and all those things, I will sack you. I’m very serious. What is important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of this state. I’m not going to compromise anything for it,” he said.
The governor cautioned that involvement of the new appointees in any action capable of bringing the government or his office to disrepute would attract appropriate sanctions.
While congratulating the new appointees, Fubara expressed optimism that they would justify the confidence reposed in them.
He called on all public officials to work together in unity, observing that collective success is stronger and more enduring than individual achievement.
The governor who also addressed the Permanent Secretaries present at the ceremony, directed those of them who have reached retirement age to start preparing their handover notes without delay.
The notice, he said, was not intended to scare anybody but to prepare their minds towards the inevitability of exiting the service one day and to pave way for an orderly transition.
He warned against any attempt to engage in financial misconduct or last-minute irregularities, stressing that he was closely monitoring the system to ensure strict enforcement of accountability rules.