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Dantani: Selective EFCC Investigations Threaten Rule of Law, Democracy

Published

1 month ago

August 6, 2026

By Hassan Agboola

A human rights lawyer and advocate for the rule of law, Hamza N. Dantani, Esq., has warned that selective investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pose a serious threat to the rule of law, constitutional democracy and public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions.

Dantani said the EFCC was established to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes without fear or favour, stressing that the Commission could only achieve its statutory mandate by acting impartially, fairly and strictly in accordance with the law.
“As a human rights lawyer and advocate for the rule of law, I have consistently maintained that no individual, institution or government should be above the law. Equally, no person or institution should become a victim of selective investigation, political persecution or abuse of statutory powers under the guise of fighting corruption,” he said.
According to him, justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
Commenting on the EFCC’s decision to place a Post No Debit (PND) restriction on the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, Dantani said the development had raised serious constitutional, legal and institutional concerns, particularly because of its timing ahead of the state’s local government and general electoral activities.
He said that regardless of the allegations under investigation, every action taken by a law enforcement agency must conform to the Constitution, relevant statutes and binding judicial precedents.
“The timing, manner and circumstances surrounding the restriction have generated widespread public concern and created the unfortunate perception that the EFCC may be acting selectively or pursuing political objectives rather than administering justice impartially,” he said.
According to him, such perceptions, whether justified or not, undermine public confidence in the Commission and weaken the credibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
Dantani argued that Nigerian appellate courts had consistently held that neither the EFCC nor financial institutions possessed unrestricted powers to freeze or restrict the operation of bank accounts without first obtaining an order from a court of competent jurisdiction.
He cited the decision of the Court of Appeal in NPG Properties & Construction Works Ltd v. Zenith Bank Plc (2023) 15 NWLR (Pt. 1908), where the court held that a Post No Debit order placed without compliance with statutory provisions amounted to an unwarranted restriction on the account holder’s interest in the funds.
He also referred to G.T.B. Plc v. Adedamola (2019) 5 NWLR (Pt. 1664) 30, where the Court of Appeal held that before freezing a customer’s account or placing any restraint on it, a bank must first be satisfied that there is a valid court order.
According to Dantani, these decisions demonstrate that obtaining a court order is not a procedural technicality but a constitutional safeguard against arbitrary executive action and abuse of power.
He said that even where the EFCC considered it necessary to seek an interim freezing order, such an application must be made before a court of competent jurisdiction, supported by credible evidence and determined judicially.
“The courts serve as an important constitutional check on investigative agencies, ensuring that the fundamental rights of individuals, corporations and governments are protected during criminal investigations,” he said.
Dantani maintained that the rule of law demands equality before the law, noting that every government, political party, public office holder and private citizen must be subject to the same legal standards.
He, however, expressed concern over what he described as the growing public perception that the EFCC appeared more willing to investigate opposition-controlled states and political actors than individuals or governments associated with the ruling party.
“Whether that perception is accurate or not, it is dangerous because institutions derive legitimacy not merely from the powers granted to them by law but from the confidence reposed in them by the people,” he said.
He added that if similar allegations existed in states controlled by the ruling party without attracting similar investigative measures, legitimate questions would arise regarding consistency, equality and institutional neutrality.
According to him, anti-corruption enforcement must never create the impression that political affiliation determines who is investigated and who enjoys immunity.
Dantani further argued that the fight against corruption must never become an instrument for settling political scores or influencing electoral outcomes.
“Selective justice is no justice at all. An anti-corruption agency must remain independent of political interests and resist every temptation to appear as an extension of any administration or political party,” he said.
On the EFCC’s recent statement defending the restriction placed on the Osun State Government’s accounts, Dantani said the Commission failed to address the central legal issue.
“Rather than explaining whether it first obtained a valid order of a competent court authorising the restriction, the statement focused largely on the underlying allegations. That approach misses the constitutional question,” he said.
He maintained that the issue was not whether the EFCC had the statutory power to investigate alleged financial crimes but whether those powers were exercised strictly in accordance with the law.
“In a constitutional democracy, the end never justifies the means. Every governmental action must derive its legitimacy from compliance with due process,” he said.
Dantani added that no agency of government, regardless of its intentions, was permitted to disregard judicial pronouncements or statutory safeguards, stressing that the Constitution remains supreme over all public institutions.
He urged the EFCC to protect its credibility by ensuring that its actions were always lawful, impartial and free from political influence.
“The fight against corruption is too important to be weakened by perceptions of bias, inconsistency or abuse of power. Nigerians deserve an anti-corruption agency that investigates every allegation of corruption irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion or social status.
“The EFCC should demonstrate, both in words and in conduct, that there are no sacred cows. The law must apply equally to opposition parties, ruling parties, state governments, federal agencies and every public official.
“The strength of our democracy lies not in the power of institutions to punish but in their willingness to obey the law while exercising that power. Justice cannot be selective. The rule of law cannot be partisan. Equality before the law remains the bedrock of every democratic society,” he said.

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Gov AbdulRazaq Lauded Over Conferment Of Sadauna Of Ilorin Title

Published

7 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been hailed for the conferment of the prestigious Sadauna of Ilorin Emirate title on him by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

Giving the commendation on Tuesday in a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Gobir, who is the Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of the Ilorin Emirate, described the recognition and honour on Governor AbdulRazaq as well deserved, timely and apt, giving his huge contributions to the growth and development of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.

Gobir specifically commended the Emir of Ilorin for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna, noting that it is a solemn call for greater responsibility, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people.

He added: “The title of Sardauna occupies a position of profound significance in the history, heritage and traditions of the Ilorin Emirate. I commend His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Emir of Ilorin, for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna.

“The title embodies courage, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people. Your elevation is therefore not merely a mark of honour; it is also a solemn call to greater responsibility and continued service.

“As a fellow title-holder in the Ilorin Emirate, I am particularly delighted to welcome you into this distinguished circle of traditional leadership. I am confident that you will bring to the office the same qualities of leadership, dignity and unwavering commitment to public service that have distinguished your tenure and career.

“At a time when our Emirate and our State require men and women of character, wisdom and courage to advance the interests of our people, I am certain that you will make a meaningful contribution to the enduring unity, progress and development of the Ilorin Emirate.”

Gobir offered prayers for a successful, impactful and enduring tenure for the new Sadauna, adding:
“May Almighty Allah grant you wisdom, sound health and strength, and may He make your tenure as Sardauna of Ilorin a source of lasting honour to you, your family and the entire Ilorin Emirate.”

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FG Commissions KWASU ICT Centre To Enhance Graduates Employability

Published

8 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin.

The wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative-backed ICT Experience Centre at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

It would be recalled that KWASU is one of the six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of this intervention, with one institution representing each of the Nigerian six geopolitical zones.

Represented at the commissioning on Tuesday by the wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the project is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to advancing education, digital inclusion and enhancing graduate employability.

“The TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre we are commissioning today represents opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and the future of young people in Kwara State and beyond.

She said: “This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation. Mr President is committed to creating opportunities that will equip Nigerian youths with knowledge and skills required to thrive in a modern and competitive world.”

Senator Tinubu said the facility was designed as a modern technology centre equipped with ICT laboratory, interactive digital display, conference facility, and exhibition spaces, adding that it would be an environment for learning, creativity, research, and technology advancement.

According to her, the ICT centres had been commissioned at the Ekiti State University on May 28, University of Cross Rivers State on September 4, Anambra State Polytechnic on September 10, adding that the Centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State Universities would be commissioned soon.

“The next phase of this intervention will cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara states which construction is currently ongoing. This expansion demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of their locations, have access to digital learning opportunities,” she said.

She encouraged the students to take ownership of the facility, maximise the opportunity it provides, and use technology positively to enhance their lives, community, and the nation.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Architect Sonny Echono, said the centres are being established across selected Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with the Kwara State University, Malete proudly hosting the facility in the North-Central Zone.

“Through practical training and digital skills acquisition, TETFund seeks to enhance graduate employability, foster innovation and position Nigeria to participate more effectively in the global
technology-driven economy,” he added.

Echono also said that the ICT Experience Centre is designed to equip students and lecturers with critical digital skills in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Robotics and Software Development.

He added: “The Centre being commissioned today is one of the foremost ICT Experience Centres being delivered across the country, and the third to be commissioned this year. The Centre is equipped with modern digital devices, Computer systems and relevant software to facilitate training, practical learning and skills development. The facility is appropriately furnished and
fully air-conditioned, with supporting power and municipal infrastructure.”

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Shaykh- Luqman Jimoh, said the new facility represents vision, belief, and an investment in the Nigerian youth to better shape the future of our
nation.

The Vice Chancellor described the ICT Experience Centre as an investment in human capital, in innovation, in entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, it is an investment in the future of Nigeria.

“This Centre will provide opportunities for our students to develop practical digital skills and engage with contemporary technologies. Importantly, it is our hub for interdisciplinary engagement.

“This ICT Experience Centre is therefore a timely, critical, and strategic infrastructure that will definitely enhance research, teaching, learning, entrepreneurship, and community service. This intervention is at the core of what this university seeks from partners and donors: synergies that add value and impact on today and the future,” he started.

KWASU Vice Chancellor also assured that the ICT Experience Centre would be put to maximum use for the benefit of students, researchers, and the University
community, adding that the “KWASU community would engage with the facilities in this Centre, we will use it. We will explore, experiment, learn, and innovate in i

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2027: Violent ;Kaduna as ADC, APC Supporters Trade Accusations….APC Calls For Police Investigation into the Vandalisation, attacks on its Office

Published

8 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Agboola

Tension is mounting in Kaduna State ahead of the 2027 general elections, following renewed exchanges between supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and groups backing the administration of Governor Uba Sani.
The latest development came on Tuesday when ADC governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, addressed supporters in Kaduna and, according to an account of his remarks, declared that the party was prepared to respond to attacks against its members.
Ashiru was also quoted as saying that it was Governor Uba Sani, rather than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was responsible for the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

However, available public records show that El-Rufai’s detention followed proceedings before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with the commission stating that his continued custody was based on a court-issued remand order.

The controversy over El-Rufai’s detention has nevertheless become a major political issue in Kaduna and beyond. The ADC has repeatedly criticised the handling of the former governor’s case and alleged political persecution, while other political actors have made different claims about the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Rising political temperature

Ashiru’s emergence as the ADC governorship candidate has added another dimension to the political contest in Kaduna. He defeated other aspirants at the party’s governorship primary in May 2026 and is now preparing for another governorship contest after previously representing the PDP in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
The political atmosphere has been further complicated by disagreements within the ADC and accusations from different groups over the party’s leadership and candidates.

A Southern Kaduna political group, for instance, recently questioned Ashiru’s candidacy and the choice of his running mate, allegations rejected by an ADC official.
The situation has also produced incidents involving ADC supporters and security personnel. In one recent incident, police dispersed an ADC solidarity walk in Kaduna, while the party subsequently accused opponents of attacking its members and warned that political violence could escalate ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former governor remains an important factor in the emerging political contest. El-Rufai was taken into custody in February 2026 after responding to an invitation from the ICPC. His family subsequently demanded his release, while the anti-graft agency maintained that his detention was authorised by a court.
Since then, the issue has increasingly featured in political statements by the ADC and its supporters, with the party accusing the Federal Government of political persecution and calling for the former governor’s release.
The development has created a new political fault line involving the ADC, the APC-led Kaduna State Government and supporters of the former governor.

While allegations have been exchanged over who is responsible for political violence in Kaduna, the competing narratives should not be confused with established findings. The ADC itself has recently rejected the suggestion that it has a monopoly on political violence and accused unnamed opponents of introducing thuggery into the 2027 political process.

With the 2027 election campaign yet to fully commence, the increasingly combative language from ISA Ashiru and his supporters has raised concerns about the possibility of further confrontation.
The immediate challenge before the political parties, security agencies and community leaders is therefore to ensure that political disagreements do not degenerate into violence, particularly in a state with Kaduna’s history of politically and communally sensitive conflicts.
As at the time of filling tid report the All progressive congress, APC , Kaduna state in a statement has condemned the attacks on its office and called for police investigation
Certainly. I’ll retain the substance of the report while correcting grammar, tightening the structure, and presenting it as a clean newspaper hard-news story.
Writing
APC Condemns Violent Attacks on Members, Party Offices in Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned alleged violent attacks on its members and the vandalisation of party offices and properties in the state.
The party also called on the police and other security agencies to investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
In a statement, the Kaduna State APC Publicity Secretary, Sani Dan-Azare, alleged that some of the party’s members and supporters had been attacked, while some party and support-group offices were vandalised.
He also alleged that vehicles belonging to some party members were damaged during the incidents.
The APC described the attacks as unacceptable and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The party called on its members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that they should not resort to retaliation or take the law into their own hands.
The APC said it remained committed to peaceful political engagement and urged all political actors in Kaduna State to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law.
It further appealed to security agencies to strengthen security around party offices and other sensitive locations to prevent further incidents.