News
FG takes away management of proceeds of corruption from EFCC, ICPC, establishes new agency

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Wednesday at the Federal Executive Council meeting approved the establishment of an agency to be known as ‘Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Agency, (PCRMA)’

The agency when come into being would be responsible for managing the assets that constitute the proceeds of crime in Nigeria.

To this effect, the FG has given a nod for the bill titled: “Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Agency Bill,” to be transmitted to the National Assembly as an executive bill.
Speaking with the state House correspondents, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami said managing proceeds of crime would be that of an agency with administrative structure that lies with the onus of accountability.
Malami said the establishment of the agency would see to the effective documentation and management of the recovered assets for purposes transparency and accountability.
The Attorney General disclosed that he sent a memo to FEC as a matter of necessity, for the establishment of the agency, saying that, previously, proceeds of crime were scattered in different and multiple agencies.
He said, “The Federal Ministry of Justice presented to Council a memo today (Wednesday). The memo is about a Bill which seeks the approval of the Council to transmit to the National Assembly for passage. It is the Proceeds of Crime Recovery and management Agency Bill.
“It is in essence a bill that is targeted and intended to have in place a legal and institutional framework. The legal component of it is having a law. And the institutional component of it is to have an agency that will be saddled with the responsibility of managing the assets that constitute the proceeds of crime in Nigeria.
“What happens before now is the proceeds of crime are scattered all over, and mostly in the hands of different and multiple agencies of government inclusive of the police, the DSS (Department of State Service), EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission), and ICPC (Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission).
“So, with that kind of arrangement which is ad-hoc, there is no agency of government that is saddled with the responsibility of data generation, an agency that can give you off-hand the number of landed assets, number of immovable assets, the amount in cash that are recovered by the federal government by way of interim forfeiture overweigh of a final forfeiture.
“So, it is indeed over time a kind of arrangement that is not uniform and consistent.”
“If you have a budget item for recovered assets, this agency will now be in a position to provide information to the federal ministry of finance, budget and National Planning on-demand as to what amount is there available for budget purposes, thereby establishing the desired transparency, the desired accountability which has not been available before now.
He further explained that the new law seeks to move the fight against corruption to the next level.
“A one-stop-shop arrangement by which all the assets that are recovered arising from crimes that are indeed vested in the federal government, you have a one-stop arrangement where you can have information.
“As it is for example the federal ministry of Justice is only in a position to account and giving a comprehensive account of what recoveries were made by the ministry.
“But any recovery made by the police, DSS, the ministry of justice is not in a position to know. So, for the purpose of decision making and policy, the FG is not in a position to have a holistic appreciation.
“So, by the bill that is now presented for the consideration of the council, we’ll have (1) a law that establishes an agency, (2) an agency. And for your information, even for the purpose of planning what we will have at the end of the day if this bill is passed into law, is we’ll have an agency that will be responsible.
“And as you rightly know, Mr. President has sanctioned ever since he came on board, that there should be a budget line, a budget item for recovered assets.
“So, if you have a budget item for recovered assets, this agency will now be in a position to provide information to the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning on-demand as to what amount is available for budget purposes, thereby establishing the desired transparency, the desired accountability which has not been available before now.
“So, it is about a memo that seeks to establish a legal framework, that seeks to establish an institutional framework, that seeks to further take the fight against corruption to the next level by way of establishing transparency, accountability and making the possibility of forfeiture proceeds of crime easy through the sanctioning of non-conviction based forfeiture among others.”
Asked if the bill was a fall out of the experience with the EFCC with particular reference to the management of assets, Malami said: “Let me take you through the history lane as far as the proceeds of crime bill are concerned. There was an attempt some time back in 2007 to present to the FEC, it was unsuccessful, the bill was not passed.
“There was further attempt in 2011 to present the same bill with some material amendments, and then it did not succeed in getting the blessings of FEC. And there was a further attempt in 2019 to present the Bill and it wasn’t as well successful but it eventually succeeded today.

News
NUJ at 70: Governor Ododo pledges support for independent, free press

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, congratulates the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on its 70th anniversary, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to press freedom and media independence.

Governor Ododo commended the NUJ for its remarkable contributions to democracy, good governance, and national development over the past seven decades.

He described the media as a critical pillar of democracy, playing a crucial role in holding leaders accountable and ensuring transparency in governance.
“For seventy years, the NUJ has been at the forefront of promoting responsible journalism, defending press freedom, and shaping public discourse. A free and independent press is the foundation of a thriving democracy, and my administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment where journalists can operate without fear or intimidation,” he stated.
The governor acknowledged the resilience and dedication of journalists in delivering credible information despite challenges.
He emphasized the need for media professionals to uphold the ethics of journalism, combat misinformation, and embrace technological advancements and innovation to enhance their professional excellence.
Governor Ododo also assured media practitioners in Kogi State of his government’s continued support in strengthening the press as a force for positive change.
He called on the NUJ to remain steadfast in its mission to uphold journalistic integrity and professionalism.
“As we celebrate this milestone, I commend the leadership and members of the NUJ for their steadfast commitment to truth and accountability. I am confident that the union will continue to set high standards in journalism, contributing to the progress of our great nation,” he added.
He wished the union continued success in its pursuit of a free, independent, and responsible press.

News
BREAKING: Rivers House of Assembly serves Governor Fubara impeachment notice, alleges misconduct

After a long legal battle between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and 27 State House of Assembly legislators loyal to the former governor, Nyesom Wike which was fought up to the Supreme Court in favour of lawmakers, a notice of impeachment has been served on the Governor on Monday in Portharcourt,

The notice a copy of which was obtained by CAPITAL POST alleged gross misconduct against Governor and his Depuy, Ngozi Odu, thereby escalating fresh crisis in the oil rich city.

The alleged infraction if proved is constitutionally strong to orchestrate impeachment which has been the focus of the lawmakers since they won at the Supreme Court and were back to sitting in the State parliament as all entreaties by the governor was rebuffed by the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule.
In the heat of post Supreme Court crisis, the political godfather of the 27 lawmakers, Nyesom Wike who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, said he will not put a stumbling block to the Assembly members if they chose to do their work.
In the long drawn battle, allies of Nyesom Wike insisted that the governor has 80% gone out of the office, hence, Monday’s letter only goes to show the Assembly’s resolution to remove governor Fubara out of office. This is despite Fubara’s effort to present the 2025 budget of Rivers State to the Assembly after he was put under pressure to do by the lawmakers.
The notice, submitted to the Speaker through the Clerk of the Assembly, cites reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds among other allegations, that will put the governor under tight corner of not being able to defend the allegations.
Reacting, some political figures have called for Fubara’s resignation or impeachment, others, including the Ijaw National Congress, have warned against such actions, citing potential instability in the region.
Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is suspecting President Bola Tinubu’s support to lawmakers impeaching Fubara, saying, the plot would not be possible without getting green light from the presidency.
The impeachment process involves several legal steps, including the formation of a Committee to investigate the allegations. If found guilty, Fubara and his deputy could face removal from office.
The situation remains volatile, with governance in the state effectively stalled due to the political impasse.
Read Full Details Here: https://nujfct.ng/breaking-rivers-state-house-of-assembly-serves-impeachment-notice-on-governor-Fubara-and-deputy

News
Natasha uncovers arrest plot after reported Akpabio to IPU in New York

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has uncovered plot by security agents to arrest her upon arrival to Nigeria from Interparliamentary Union, IPU where she reported alleged sexual harassment against Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio.

Akpoti-Uduaghan who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District was suspended for six months for flouting the purported Senate Rules and Order, after which she claimed sexual harassment and proceeded to the IPU.

She revealed that she faces arrest by Nigerian government as Nigerian security officials are planning to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria, claiming that the planned arrest was like ked to her participation in the IPU meeting in New York on March 11, 2025
On Sunday the Kogi female Senator was quoted as saying
that she was aware of plots.
“I’m aware there are plans underway to have me arrested as soon as I arrive Abuja,” Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is still in the US after the IPU meeting, said.
Though she didn’t disclose details of the planned arrest by 2hich of the security agencies, her participation has however considered an embarrassement to the Nigerian government and since her appearance at IPU on March 11, 2025, things were no longer at ease within the government circles.
A source within security domain confirmed that a probe has been launched into Natasha’s participation at IPU.

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