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Buhari’s Legacy Under Scrutiny as Emefiele, Former Ministers Face N3.5tr Graft Probes
By: Fabian Apechihin
The legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari is facing renewed scrutiny as several senior officials from his administration are investigated or prosecuted over alleged corruption estimated at about ₦3.47 trillion.
The unfolding cases, coming against the backdrop of Nigeria’s heavy debt burden accumulated during Buhari’s eight years in office, have reignited debates over accountability, selective justice, and the long-term cost of governance failures.
At the centre of the investigations are former ministers and top officials seen as close allies of the ex-president and prominent figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is probing former Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, over an alleged ₦2.2 billion fraud. Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, was declared wanted in November over an alleged ₦21.4 billion fraud, while former Aviation Minister and close associate of Buhari, Hadi Sirika, is facing charges related to an alleged ₦2.7 billion aviation contract scam.
The most extensive allegations involve former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. The EFCC has accused him of arbitrarily allocating ₦3 trillion in foreign exchange—about $2 billion—without competitive bidding or due process, allegedly benefiting associates. Investigators also claim he operated 593 bank accounts across multiple countries, illegally acquired a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja, and mismanaged more than ₦16 billion.
Court documents further allege that between 2019 and 2022, Emefiele warehoused funds through proxy accounts linked to Kelvito Integrated Services, amounting to over ₦6.3 billion across four years.
Experts say the scale of the alleged looting is particularly troubling given that much of the money involved was borrowed. Governance and public finance expert, Prof. Chiwuike Uba, warned that misappropriating borrowed funds worsens hardship for ordinary Nigerians.
“Citizens are already paying through higher taxes, inflation and declining public services,” Uba said, adding that future generations would bear the burden through debt repayments that crowd out spending on health, education and infrastructure.
Uba noted that despite gains from fuel subsidy removal, higher tax revenues and foreign exchange reforms, borrowing by federal and state governments continues to rise, with little visible improvement in public services.
Former CIBN president, Prof. Segun Ajibola, criticised what he described as misplaced priorities by anti-corruption agencies, urging them to focus on large-scale fraud rather than minor offences. He called for tougher laws, citing China’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
“Corruption is especially tragic in a country grappling with poverty,” Ajibola said, noting that many who once posed as reformists often fail when entrusted with power.
Similarly, Prof. Godwin Oyedokun described the allegations as “deeply troubling,” stressing that corruption in loan-funded projects leaves future generations repaying debts without corresponding development. He argued that Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive remains reactive and selective, often gaining momentum only after officials leave office.
Legal practitioner Ameh Madaki was more critical, accusing the EFCC of selective prosecution and staging “media trials” that rarely lead to convictions.
“Nigerians are no longer excited by such cases because many simply fade away,” he said.
Experts agree that Nigeria must move beyond post-administration probes to a preventive system anchored on strong public financial management, transparent procurement, real-time auditing of borrowed funds, and genuinely independent oversight institutions.
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National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
Uncategorized
JUST IN: After Primary Election Victory, Shehu Sani Visits Parents’ Graves to Offer Prayers and Express Gratitude to God
Following his victory in the party primary election, Senator Shehu Sani visited the graves of his parents to pray and give thanks to Almighty God.
The former senator described the visit as very important to him, noting that his parents played a significant role in his upbringing and in shaping his political life.
Shehu Sani prayed for Allah to forgive his parents and all deceased Muslims, while also reaffirming his commitment to continue serving the people with honesty and integrity after securing victory in the primaries.
The gesture has attracted attention from his supporters and social media users, many of whom praised his act of remembering his parents after a political success.
Uncategorized
National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
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