News
Group tells Ex- Chief of Air Staff, Humanitarian Minister to respond to corruption allegations or risk public action
Corruption Track Network (CTN) has called out former Chief of Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar and his wife, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq over allegations of various forms of corruption practices and human right abuses.
CTN also demanded that the duo respond to the allegations within two weeks without which they will be sued for criminal prosecution and also face other public actions.
The Country Director of CTN, Dr. Idris Inusa in statement he signed, said that his organisation is in reciept of several allegations levelled against the retired military officer which include corruption, human rights abuses, unlawful recruitment and arming of youths in Bauchi State as well as extrajudicial killings that took place under his watch.
According to him, the offences are viewed globally as major components of crime against humanity.
Inusa urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to revisit the alleged corruption cases levelled against Sadique while he was Chief of Air Staff such as diverting monies running into billions of naira meant for arms purchase in the prosecution of the war against terrorism in the country, the various killings of defenceless Nigerians without cause under his command, giving robbers N20 million in 2021 in exchange for a 12.7 calibre anti-aircraft gun.
He said “That the anti-graft agency must also probe the finances of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs since Umar assumed leadership of the ministry, specifically, the National Social Investment Program, NPOWER, the National Home Grown School Feeding Program, and other social interventions under the supervision of her ministry during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, including how the N2.67bn meant for school feeding during the COVID-19 lockdown ended up in private bank accounts, and payments of N729bn to 24.3 million to poor Nigerians”.
The CTN said in expiration of the two weeks ultimatum, it will explore other options to bring the duo to account for their activities as public servants including seeking the audience of the international community.
The statement futher read;
“Some of the allegations CTN has being tracking include: That as a one time Nigerian Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique was enmeshed in a series of corruption allegations including abuse of power and multiple diversion of funds meant for procurement of military hardware and allowances for personnel of the Armed Forces.
“That during Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique’s tenure as Chief of Air Staff,
soldiers under his command killed defenceless Nigerians without cause and in violation of every known domestic and international laws and conventions. Airstrikes in war zones across the country frequently resulted in civilian deaths. The casualty figure during his five years tenure were massive.
“At least seven recorded instances of the NAF hitting the wrong targets between 2014 and late 2020 exist, including the 2017 bombardment of the Rann Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Borno State. The incident claimed the lives of at least 160 victims, many of whom were children.
“In Borno in 2020, a fighter jet hit Sakotoku hamlet, killing about 17 people—including children. At least 176 Nigerians have died as a result of these incidents, and hundreds more have been hurt.
“Additionally, there have been instances of NAF bombings in the South-West and South-East, especially among those thought to be Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) members. These “accidental” bombings also claimed the lives of ground forces.
“In addition to the airstrikes, CTN has tracked several misbehavior, sleaze, and corruption charges against Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique. He was alleged to have given some robbers N20 million in 2021 in exchange for a 12.7 calibre anti-aircraft gun.
“Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, had revealed that funds running into billions of naira meant for procuring arms and ammunition under the past service chiefs, including Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique, were unaccounted for. Sadique was replaced as Chief of Air Staff on January 26, 2021.
“Corruption Track Network (CTN) also thinks that Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique’s wife who is the current minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajia Sadiya Umar needs to address corruption charges against her.
“Our corruption tracking reveals that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management has been as a cesspool of corruption, lacking transparency and accountability, with hundreds of billions unaccounted for under the leadership of Hajia Sadiya Umar who incidentally is the pioneer minister in the newly created ministry.
“We are in possession of several petitions written to law enforcement agencies including the Police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC as well as attempt by some individuals and groups to seek the cooperation of this Air Force Chief and his wife, a cabinet member, all to no avail.
“CTN notes that proceeds from these corrupt acts by the duo of Abubakar Sadique and Sadiya Umar have been deployed towards securing electoral victory at the gubernatorial elections in Bauchi State”.
CTN boss also accused the former Air Force Chief who is also the All Progressives Congress candidate (APC) for the Bauchi state gubernatorial elections, of planning to deploy thugs to interrupt the election process.
“As part of the former Air Force Chief who is the APC governorship candidate in Bauchi State, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique and the APC’s electioneering strategies to win the 2023 governorship election in the state, about 1,000 militants and political thugs are believed to have been recruited and armed ahead of the 2023 election in the state.
“That a colossal amount of monies have been earmarked for this purpose for vote buying and other acts such as compromising officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies that will form part of the electoral process.
“CTN is alarmed at such a flagrant display of ill-gotten wealth by the Abubakar Sadique and Sadiya Umar duo, which by all indications is above their remuneration as public officers. The implication is that the duo has amassed public funds through corrupt practices by virtue of the offices they occupied, which is indeed an economic and financial crime”, he added.
A popular businesswoman with strong interest in oil and gas, Aisha Achimugu has denied being investigated or arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, describing rumours milling around as baseless.
Her media aide, David Abakpa refuted the claim on Friday, saying his principal Dr. Aisha Achimugu, who serves as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FELAK Concept Group, is not under investigation by the EFCC.
Abakpa described the rumour of arrest as unfounded and misleading, insisting that Dr. Achimugu who is a businesswoman has no issues with the EFCC or any other anti-graft agency, demanding that elements behind the falsehood should provide evidence.
According to Abakpa, the EFCC is a professional agency that does not act on social media speculations before conducting its investigations.
He criticized what he described as a “sponsored media campaign” aimed at tarnishing Dr. Achimugu’s reputation, asserting that such claims hold no merit.
“It is unfortunate that certain unverified online platforms are being used to spread falsehoods against a patriotic Nigerian and global icon, Dr. Aisha Achimugu, who has been earning international recognition for Nigeria,” the statement read.
He further pointed out that the EFCC does not disclose arrest plans prematurely, making it suspicious that anonymous sources allegedly linked to the agency would leak such information to an online media outlet.
Abakpa also noted that no one under an EFCC watchlist could leave the country without being intercepted at the airport, rendering the claim that Dr. Achimugu fled to evade arrest baseless.
“The media campaign against her is empty and has already failed. Falsehood can never prevail over truth. The sponsors of this fake news lack the coordination to tarnish the image of an award-winning entrepreneur,” he added.
Highlighting her national recognition, Abakpa emphasized that Dr. Achimugu’s OFR (Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic) honor is a testament to her contributions to Nigeria’s economy through legitimate business ventures.
“Dr. Aisha Achimugu is a hardworking businesswoman who constantly travels across the globe for business engagements. The claim that she left the country to escape arrest is laughable,” he concluded.
Abuja currently is agoged as Pastor Chris Oyakhilome holds a 3-day mega crusade in Abuja, the Zonal Pastor of Christ Embassy Abuja Zone 1 and the Chairman, Steering Committee, Pastor Dipo Fisho, yesterday, disclosed that the crusade is basically to spread the love of Christ and save the souls of the people.
According to Fisho, the crusade holds from Friday March 21st-Sunday March 23rd 2025 at the Main Bowl of the National Stadium, Abuja, with the theme ‘Upward and Forward Only with Pastor Chris’.
He said: “The Word of God in Hebrews 13:1 says, “Let brotherly love continue.” What a profound and deeply stirring exhortation! When meditated upon, this passage can illuminate your heart and open your mind to divine epiphanies by the Spirit of God. Glory to His Name!
“The Lord Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, declared the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, and mind,”* followed by this: “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”Brotherly love, therefore, isn’t merely a suggestion—it is a divine mandate! Hallelujah!
“We are utilizing every medium available—social media, billboards, television, radio, and more—to share this divine invitation. Thousands of brethren across Abuja and its environs well branded and kitted are reaching out daily, spreading the Good News, distributing flyers, and inviting everyone to this life-changing program. Yes, ‘Upward and Forward Only with Pastor Chris’ will take place from the 21st to the 23rd of March, 2025, at the Main Bowl of the National Stadium, Abuja, starting at 3 PM daily. Hallelujah!
“To love God is to serve Him and to honor Him with our lives, walking in obedience to His divine instructions. When we follow His Word, our faith is expressed, and therein lies our success. This is the very heartbeat of ‘Upward and Forward Only with Pastor Chris’. For decades, I have had the privilege of pastoring and mentoring countless souls, and I can tell you this: the love of God is the very crux of the Gospel. His love compels us to speak with wisdom, to react with grace, and to stand boldly for the truth. Hallelujah!
“As Christians, we are custodians of the Gospel of Christ. This sacred message is not ours to keep hidden; we are commissioned to take it to the ends of the earth. Matthew 28:19-20 the Master charges us to go into all the world and preach the Good News to every creature. This is our divine calling! For ‘Upward and Forward Only with Pastor Chris’, the Holy Spirit has directed us to bring this message of salvation and divine life to the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, Abuja. Praise the Lord!
“Regardless of your background—whether you are a Free Thinker, Muslim, Animist, Buddhist, or Occultist—this message is for YOU! The love of God knows no boundaries, and His salvation is available to all who will receive it. We invite you to join us for this extraordinary 3-day event that will transform your life forever. Glory to God!
“This effort is a demonstration of brotherly love. We are so full of the joy, beauty, and reality of God’s amazing grace that we must share it with everyone! Love compels us to act, to give, and to bring others into the fullness of God’s blessings in Christ Jesus. Praise the Lord! This is why we are sparing no expense—because some things are worth far more than money. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation, and now it is our time to shine His light to the world.
“Beloved, the love of God has brought immense success into my life, and I am passionate about seeing you live victoriously in Christ Jesus. This is why my brethren and I from all Christ Embassy Churches and LoveWorld Fellowships across Abuja extend this heartfelt invitation to you. Come and experience the power of God for yourself!”
Thousands have been stranded at Heathrow in the United Kingdom as fire guts electrical substation that supply electricity to the airport.
The international flights has been disrupted in the early hours of Friday with a yet to be released option as at the time of the press.
Authority said, Heathrow Airport will be closed all day Friday after a fire at a nearby electrical substation that supplies it with power
The fire is still burning, London Fire Brigade says, with no power at Terminal 2 and 4 as well as 5,000 homes nearby. Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, warns of days of disruption – more than 1,350 flights are thought to be affected today.
The implications will stretch far wider than Heathrow, and could impact flights much further afield,
Edited by Jenna Moon and Barbara Tasch, with Charlotte Gallagher reporting from Heathrow
Smith goes on to say that 29 people from neighbouring properties were evacuated over the fire, adding around 150 people in total were evacuated to a rest centre.
He says the fire brigade will continue to have a presence in the area throughout the day.
Fire safety and fire investigation officers are working with the Met Police to establish the nature of the fire, he adds.
There remains no power at Terminal 2 or Terminal 4 at Heathrow Airport, Smith says.
We’re now hearing from the London Fire Brigade, as deputy commissioner Jonathan Smith addresses reporters with an update on the fire at the electricity substation near Heathrow Airport.
The fire involved a transformer comprising 25,000 litres of cooling oil that was fully alight. 10% is still alight, he says.
Met Police declared it a major incident, he adds, saying that firefighters worked under challenging conditions.
Press watch live above to follow along. We’ll bring you more updates shortly.
BBC/CAPITAL POST NIGERIA
-
News4 days agoBill to establish National Cashew Production and Research Institute in Kogi passes first reading in Senate
-
Security1 week agoNigerian Coast Guard: Citizens warned against extortion as passage of bill is being awaited
-
Politics1 week agoRetired military officer, colonel Gbenga Adegbola, joins APC with 13,000 supporters
-
Politics1 week agoCPDPL accuses Adeyanju of orchestrating smear campaign against FCT Minister Wike
-
News4 days agoShehu Sani debunks Governor Uba Sani’s alleged diversion of LG funds, challenges El-Rufai to publicly tender evidence
-
News3 days agoPlateau gov’t expresses concern over violence in Shendam LGA, calls for calm
-
News4 days agoReport of attack on Wike’s Port Harcourt residence false, misleading – Police
-
Sports5 days agoMerino gives Arsenal win over Chelsea