The BBC has unearthed new evidence the late Nigerian mega church leader TB Joshua hid dead bodies and intimidated families, to cover up his role in the collapse of a building which killed at least 116 people at his church in 2014.
The collapse is one of the worst disasters to ever strike a place of worship in Africa.
The BBC’s investigation is the first time insiders from TB Joshua’s Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) in Lagos have presented evidence of what caused the incident nearly 10 years ago, and of how the pastor allegedly orchestrated a cover-up.
It follows evidence uncovered by the BBC of widespread abuse and torture by the founder of one of the world’s biggest Christian evangelical churches.
Two days after the collapse on 12 September 2014, TB Joshua publicly said it was linked to an aircraft that flew over the building used to house visiting pilgrims.
But an inquiry by a Lagos coroner agreed with emergency workers that structural failure had caused the guest house to collapse, and said it had been built without proper planning permission.
Eyewitnesses told the BBC that TB Joshua had been warned of serious structural problems prior to the disaster. They say the aeroplane explanation was a “lie”.
“He knew the building was unstable,” says Emmanuel, who spent more than a decade as a disciple of TB Joshua – a group of devout followers who lived in his church in Lagos.
Like most of the former disciples interviewed by the BBC, he opted to only use his first name.
He described the pastor receiving a report, hours before the collapse, that the building was “swaying” and “shaking”.
Multiple witnesses say the visitors were not warned. Instead more than 200 of them were led into the building’s dining room on the ground floor to eat their lunch – where they were seated when all six storeys of concrete descended on top of them.
Many were killed instantly, but more than 100 were trapped inside alive.
“I could hear people crying out: ‘Help me, help me, help me,'” says Emmanuel, who was on the scene within minutes of the collapse.
“Their voices were fading and you could tell these people were dying off.”
Others described horrifically injured victims, with missing eyes and limbs – splintered by the beams which came down on top of them.
“It was quite clear that that building was never built for the height that TB Joshua built it to,” says Rae, from the UK, who spent 12 years living in the church as a disciple.
She says she was present when TB Joshua ordered his workers to construct additional floors: “The foundations weren’t built to hold a building of that many storeys.
“He just kept kind of pushing and saying: ‘I want it higher. It must go higher. It must go higher.'”
The church insiders who spoke to the BBC also say lives could potentially have been saved had TB Joshua responded promptly to the collapse itself. Instead, they say, he blocked emergency services from accessing the site for 24 hours – an allegation corroborated by news reports at the time.
During this crucial window for rescuing people and assisting the injured, the BBC’s eyewitnesses say some church workers attempted to save lives in reckless and amateur ways. Without the use of mechanical equipment or medical training, they used tools from the church’s maintenance department.
In one instance, a church worker allegedly used a chainsaw to amputate the leg of a man who was trapped under a fallen beam.
“He was screaming!” says Emmanuel, visibly shaken during his interview. He is not sure if the man survived.
“I saw a lot of things that really traumatised me… faces were crushed,” says Michael, a disciple who was in his late teens at the time.
Eyewitness testimonies of the horrific aftermath have never been published before, with many church insiders sworn to secrecy, and the site of the collapse shielded from public view by a large wall.
Three sources, including Michael, say TB Joshua ordered his workers to move piles of dead bodies away from the building collapse site during the night, to hide them from the media and the authorities.
Two say they were asked to film this activity, and to deliver the tapes to TB Joshua in his office.
“We were recording them as they put them into body bags… loads and loads of people,” says Michael.
Chloe, a former disciple of TB Joshua from the UK, also witnessed the aftermath of the collapse. She says she got into a bus and immediately noticed an awful smell.
The driver told her the vehicle was “full of dead bodies… and we’re transporting them at night so that the press can’t see them”.
Multiple sources believe that the death toll was higher than the 116 figure given by the church, and cited friends and church workers who were inside at the time of the collapse who they say were not recorded in the official list of the dead.
The Nigerian authorities initially took a strong stance on the disaster. The Lagos coroner recommended that TB Joshua be charged with criminal negligence.
Despite multiple summons, the pastor never attended court.
A number of his former disciples say he handed out vast amounts of cash to people with influence over proceedings during this period. This included thousands of US dollars, South African rand and Nigerian naira to the families of the building collapse victims, 85 of whom were from South Africa.
Sihle, a former disciple of TB Joshua, told the BBC she was given this job in South Africa “to go and give money, bags of money” to those who had lost relatives.
“We would tell them they mustn’t speak to the media, they mustn’t give reports or anything. Basically, we were silencing them,” she says.
Three families in South Africa confirmed to the BBC that church representatives tried to give them money and discouraged them from speaking to the press.
Llwandle Mkhulisi, from Johannesburg, who lost his sister Pumzile in the disaster, described this cash as “blood money” and turned it down.
After accepting an initial gift from the church of 50,000 rand (about $2,500; £2,000), Sonny Madzhiye from Benoni near Johannesburg says she turned down subsequent bundles of money for the death of her teenage daughter Sibongile.
She says she began to realise she was being offered the cash not to take further action. TB Joshua harassed her with phone calls after she turned it down and threatened her: “He sent me these messages. It says: ‘If you focus on what you have lost, you might lose everything.’
“Now he’s threatening me that my whole family will go down, the way my daughter went down.”
She showed these messages and a recording of a call from TB Joshua to the BBC.
Ms Madzhiye has subsequently attempted to sue Scoan in civil court in Nigeria, seeking damages for her daughter’s death. The case is ongoing.
Sihle says journalists were also provided with financial incentives in the aftermath of the disaster, to influence their reporting.
“We’d have journalists coming to the church for one thing or another, but journalists would leave with envelopes… he would give in dollars,” she says.
Chloe, who worked in TB Joshua’s press department, confirmed that multiple journalists were given money during this period. This was confirmed by two journalists who spoke to the BBC and openDemocracy – a partner on this investigation.
In a secret recording made by Nigerian journalist Nicholas Ibekwe in September 2014, TB Joshua can be clearly heard saying: “Now what will you write about?” after providing a table full of reporters with envelopes of money. Ibekwe turned down the cash offer.
Emmanuel and Michael, who each spent more than 20 years inside the church, say they were ordered by TB Joshua to place envelopes of money in the cars of Nigerian politicians and court officials during the Lagos coroner’s inquiry.
“He covered up everything,” says Emmanuel. “He bought the whole system.”
TB Joshua died in June 2021, aged 57, but the church is now run by his widow Evelyn.
The BBC contacted Scoan with the allegations in our investigation. It did not respond to them, but denied previous claims against TB Joshua.
“Making unfounded allegations against Prophet TB Joshua is not a new occurrence… None of the allegations was ever substantiated,” it wrote.
CNPP TO TINUBU: REDUCE CASES OF CORRUPTION AND ABUSE OF OFFICE AMONG MINISTERS AND CIVIL SERVANTS FOR THE MASSES TO BREATHE
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) says President Bola Tinubu must reduce cases of corruption and abuse of office among ministers and civil servants for the masses to breathe.
The group, in an open letter addressed to the President and dated Jan. 8 and released in Lagos on Monday, said the CNPP listened to Tinubu’s New Year message and observed the various responses from Nigerians to all promises.
The letter, titled “Reduce Corruption in Your Administration”, was signed by Oloye Adegboyega-Adeniji, the Secretary General, South-West CNPP.
Adegboyega-Adeniji urged the President not to forget years of struggle as a veteran activist and opposition leader from the days of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida transition process that culminated in the annulment of the June 12, 1993, general elections.
The letter read in part: “We members of the CNPP in the South West admonish you not to forget the years of struggles, in company of our national chairman, Alhaji Balarabe Musa of blessed memory, to foster and sustain our nascent democracy.
“Now that you have achieved your life ambition to be the President of Nigeria, it is not an end to your legacy.
“It is a natural challenge that you must use the opportunity to foster and sustain our democracy for posterity and generations hereafter to appreciate your service to humanity.
“To this end, anything or action that doesn’t promote national interest for the development of human and natural resources should be expunged from your administration.
“We have over the years confirmed that nepotism, the Mother of all indices of corruption, has always stand against National Interest for Fundamental Change in our interpersonal and intergovernmental relationship for positive development in Nigeria.”
The CNPP chieftain admonished Tinubu to set a worthy example to reduce corruption while also compelling and civil and public servants to step aside from public office pending outcomes of all investigations.
“Such decision shall go a long way to prevent any official from committing misdemeanors while in service.
“Nigerians have lost hope in probes and investigations by committees and the security agent because many of such investigative reports seldom come out for public use nor sanction erring officials in service.
“It will be your legacy if Nigerians imbibe the Internationally accepted standards of behaviour by leaving office once misdemeanors are established against them.
“Looking forward to your swift action in the case of Minister Betta Edu and others. We shall continue to engage your administration constructively,” the letter further read.
NDLEA intercepts Colos consignment in boxing kits on New Year day
– Arrests female bandits supplier with cache of ammunition, 11 others over 3 tons of illicit drugs in raids across Kaduna, Lagos, Niger, Kogi, Kano, Borno, Osun
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos on New Year day, Monday 1st January 2024 intercepted a consignment of Colorado, a very strong strain of cannabis, concealed in boxing kits imported from the United States of America.
A weeklong intelligence-led operation to get the receiver arrested was consummated on Saturday 6th January following the successful tracking and arrest of 38-year-old Olorunfunmi Saheed Olakunle who distributes the dangerous psychoactive substance to dealers across Lagos state. The consignment had arrived the country on Monday 1st January via Cairo on Egypt Airlines flight marked as boxing kits.
According to Saheed, he delivers such consignments to different recipients whenever his childhood friend, US-based Sagir Salami sends them. The latest shipment has a total weight of 1.80 kilograms.
Meanwhile, a 28-year-old female supplier of ammunition to bandits, Bilkisu Suleman came top on the list of twelve (12) other suspects arrested by NDLEA operatives in new year interdiction operations in Kaduna, Lagos, Niger, Kogi, Kano, Borno, and Osun states.
Bilkisu was arrested on Wednesday 3rd January by NDLEA officers on patrol along Zaria Kano expressway in possession of 249 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition concealed in a black nylon bag kept in her ladys handbag.
She was on her way to deliver the ammunition to an identified bandit in Kakumi village, Katsina state when she was nabbed after which she was transferred to the Kaduna state command of the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
The military authorities at the Bonny camp cantonment in Lagos on Tuesday 2nd January transferred a suspect, Francis Suru, 37 and 63 jumbo bags of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 2,104.2 kilograms and a truck to the Lagos state command of NDLEA.
The suspect and the drug exhibits were earlier intercepted by NDLEA officers on 12th December 2023 close to the gate of the military cantonment in Bonny Camp, Victoria Island. Some armed escorts however resorted to sporadic shooting to obstruct the operation, a development which attracted soldiers from the cantonment, who eventually intervened and took custody of the consignment and suspect before transferring them to the Agency.
In the same vein, NDLEA operatives in Niger state on Thursday 5th January during a stop and search operation along Suleja-Kaduna road intercepted a J5 bus coming from Ondo state to Zaria, Kaduna state with twenty-three (23) bags of cannabis sativa weighing 219.5kg. Two suspects: Umar Musa, 26 and Isachiru Abubakar were arrested in connection with the seizure.
While a female drug trafficker, Queen Onyema, 27, was arrested on Saturday 6th January in a commercial bus enroute Abuja along Okene-Lokoja expressway with 12 compressed blocks of cannabis weighing 4.6kg and 0.046kg designer drugs concealed in an indomie carton, another suspect Mubarak Sani, 20, was nabbed at Gadar Tamburawa area of Kano on Monday 1st January with 445.9k kilograms of the same psychoactive substance.
In Borno, four suspects: Zanna Alhaji Dala, 32; Musa Umar, 21; Mushe Ibrahim, 23, and Shehu Idris, 19 were arrested at Pomfomari bye pass area of the state with 60kg cannabis.
Also, in Osun, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Osogbo-Ode Omu road on new year day, Monday 1st January intercepted a consignment of illicit drugs sent through waybill from Lagos to Osogbo. A follow-up operation led to the arrest of Ibrahim Olawale, 43. The drugs recovered include: cannabis sativa 10.8kg; Loud 150grams; Colorado 19grams; Molly 5grams totalling 10.974kg. A digital scale, N18,000 monetary exhibit and customized wrapping papers for Colorado were also seized.
NDLEA Commands across the 36 states and the FCT equally continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitisation lectures in schools, communities, work places and others. Some of these include: WADA sensitisation lecture for students of Nurul Huda Community Islamiyya school, Farin Yaro, Katsina; members of first aid group of Jamaatul Izalatul Bidia Waiqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) at Ajilari community school, Gomari, Maiduguri, Borno; WADA sensitisation lecture at the 2024 Oke Afo youth day, Olorunda LCDA Lagos and WADA advocacy visit to the Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Gaya by the Kano state command of the Agency.
Commending the arrests and seizures of the past week by officers and men of the MMIA, Lagos, Niger, Kogi, Kano, Borno, and Osun Commands, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) charged them and their compatriots across all formations of the Agency to continue to remain vigilant and double their drug demand reduction as well as drug supply reduction efforts in the new year.
Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters Abuja
Sunday 7th January 2024
EMEFIELE: EFCC TO APPEAL N100M FINE
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has expressed dissatisfaction with a judgment of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court awarding N100 million damages against it in favour of a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele.
Justice O.A Adeniyi, on Monday, January 8, 2024 fined the Commission after he ruled that the Commission’s detention of Emefiele in the course of his investigation was a violation of his right to liberty.
The decision failed to take cognizance of the fact that the former CBN boss was held with a valid order of court. Consequently, the Commission will approach the Court of Appeal to set it aside.
Head, Media & Publicity
January 8, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU FELICITATES WIFE, IBIJOKE AT 57
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated his wife and First Lady of the State, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on her 57th birthday, describing her as a dependable partner, committed prayer warrior, caring and loving wife and mother.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu, the Chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) and a medical doctor by profession will clock 57 tomorrow January 8.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Sunday, described his wife as a courageous, kind-hearted and strong pillar of support, noting that the First Lady is a reliable partner in the delivery of the THEMES+ development agenda of his administration to Lagos residents.
Sanwo-Olu also described the Lagos First Lady as his jewel of inestimable value who has touched many lives first as a medical practitioner and now as Governor’s wife.
He said: “On behalf of the government and the good people of Lagos State, I celebrate my trusted, committed and reliable partner, a prayer warrior and the First Lady of Lagos, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.
“Ibijoke is a God-fearing woman, a good companion, a caring and loving wife and mother. She is a passionate Christian and lover of children.
“My dear wife of over two decades has complemented the roles that God has given us now with all sense of dignity. She has put everything she learned into work and I can see the complementary role she brings on board in ensuring that good governance and dividends of democracy are delivered to millions of Lagos residents.
“On this occasion of her 57th birthday, I thank God for her life and appreciate her for all the support, time, sacrifice and contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State. She has impacted many lives through her pet project and other people-oriented programmes sponsored by her office and COWLSO.
“I also use this auspicious occasion to appreciate the First Lady for her remarkable contributions to our family, the medical profession, Lagos State, and humanity in general, especially her role as the First Lady of our dear Lagos State.
“Happy birthday my darling wife. I wish her good health, more fruitful, prosperous and impactful years ahead.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
07 JANUARY 2024
PRESS RELEASE
WE’LL CONTINUE TO ENFORCE LAW IN 2024, SAYS SANWO-OLU
- Governor to sign 2024 Appropriation Bill this week
- Ambode, Hamzat, Ogun First Lady, others attend Lagos Thanksgiving Service
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, said his administration is dedicated to the successful implementation of pivotal projects to foster the robust growth of the State and ensure the well-being of its citizens.
He said the Year 2024 will be an important one for his administration in terms of enforcement of the various laws and regulations that have been meticulously crafted to safeguard the lives and property of residents of the State, noting that “Without adherence to the rule of law, no society can guarantee progress and prosperity.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that he will sign into law this week the 2024 Lagos State Appropriation Bill, passed a few days ago by the Lagos State House of Assembly, saying the signing of the Budget will mark an important milestone in the delivery of all that his administration has promised the people of Lagos, this year.
The Governor spoke on Sunday in his address during the state’s 24th Annual Thanksgiving Service with the First Family of Lagos State, themed, ‘The Righteous Shall Praise Your Name’ held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island.
The service was attended by Governor Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Ibijoke; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Oluremi; the immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and wife, Bolanle; Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, represented by the Chairman of House on Home Affairs, Hon. Jubril Abdulkareem; Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, former deputy governors, religious and traditional leaders, public office holders and politicians, among others.
Speaking during the service, Governor Sanwo-Olu, urged Nigerians and Lagos residents in particular to continue to pray for him and other public office holders, who have been given the privilege to serve as leaders, in various capacities in government.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said public office holders need divine wisdom and grace, as they make multitudes of decisions that will have an impact on the lives of the people.
He said: “As a Government, we are resolutely committed to fostering the robust growth of our State and ensuring the well-being of its citizens. We are unwaveringly dedicated to the successful implementation of pivotal projects.
“In every sector, we have major projects ongoing that will define the legacy of our administration, and positively transform the economy and the landscape of Lagos State.
“This week, by the special grace of God, I will sign into law the 2024 Lagos State Appropriation Bill, passed a few days ago by our hardworking and committed Lagos House of Assembly. The signing of that Budget will mark an important milestone in the delivery of all that we have promised you the people of Lagos, this year.
“Indeed, all Lagosians have so much to look forward to this year 2024, which is also the first full year of our second and final term in office. You are already familiar with our T.H.E.M.E.S+ development agenda, which will guide and propel all that we do for the progress and development of Lagos State.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that “This year will also be an important one for us in terms of enforcement of the various laws and regulations that have been meticulously crafted to safeguard our lives and property. Without adherence to the rule of law, no society can guarantee progress and prosperity.
“I, therefore, want to implore each and every one of us, as Lagosians, to play our part in respecting and obeying the laws of the land. From paying our taxes to obeying traffic rules to disposing of our waste responsibly to speaking up when we see other people breaking the law. These are all responsibilities that we carry as good people of Lagos State.
“On our part, as Government, we will continue to strive to make it easier for you to be law-abiding. Our transport reforms are all aimed at improving the commuting experience for all Lagosians, just as our Emergency Hotlines are there to make it easy for you to ‘say something if you see something!’
“In the same way, we have in place various reforms aimed at making it easier for you to pay your taxes, and generally making Lagos a more enabling place for business and investment. Together, we can all play our part in achieving a truly Greater Lagos.”
Speaking on the significance of the Thanksgiving Service, Governor Sanwo-Olu said there is, indeed, so much to be grateful for and therefore urged people as they raise their voices in praise, adoration and supplication, to commit Lagos State and Nigeria to God, for his guidance, and His mercies.
He said: “As a people, we have every reason to praise God, most especially for the preservation of our lives to witness this year; for His mercies, protection, provisions, providence, love, grace, favour, compassion, deliverance and numerous blessings.
“We have every reason to give all the glory and thanks to the Almighty God because He has been faithful in the affairs of our dear State. He has granted us great achievements and testimonies; he has given us peace and security; and mightily blessed the work of our hands.
“He has granted us the privilege of seeing yet another edition of this annual Thanksgiving Service, organized in keeping with Lagos State’s tradition of starting every New Year in thanksgiving to God and in acknowledgment of the fact that in Him we live and move and have our being. This is the fifth one so far since I assumed office as Governor, and the first one since the start of our second term.”
In his exhortation, the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rt. Revd Stephen Adegbite said there is a need to appreciate God who answers prayers for the election of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as President and the re-election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat during last year’s general elections.
He said God is good to Lagos State and the State will continue to hold the Annual Thanksgiving Service to appreciate God for the continuous peace, growth and development in the State.
Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner of Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Layode, said the Thanksgiving Service was necessary to appreciate God for His mercy on Lagos State in the past year.
He said the State witnessed the commissioning of people-oriented and impactful projects by the Sanwo-Olu administration, adding that the administration is leaving no stone unturned to make life easy for residents through more developmental projects in line with the THEMES+ Agenda.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
07 JANUARY 2024
Probe payment of N585.2m grant into private account or face legal action, SERAP tells Tinubu
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly and thoroughly probe the alleged payment by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu of N585.2 million meant for disbursement to vulnerable people in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun states into a private account.”
SERAP also urged him “to direct Mr Fagbemi and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly and thoroughly investigate whether the N585.2 million has been paid into any private account, and to identify and publish the names of anyone who may have received the money.”
SERAP said, “Anyone suspected to be involved in any improper payment or diversion of public funds should be brought to justice and any diverted public funds returned to the public treasury and paid directly to the rightful beneficiaries.”
In the letter dated 6 January 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Paying public funds into private accounts may create the perception or appearance of impropriety and give cover to any potential wrongdoing or diversion.”
According to SERAP, “Investigating these allegations and ensuring that the public funds meant to take care of the poor are transparently and accountably spent and recovering any diverted public funds are serious and legitimate public interests.”
The letter, read in part: “The public interests in safeguarding against the perception or appearance of impropriety or corruption also require your government to remove the opportunity for abuse inherent in the payment of public funds into private accounts.”
“The Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the country’s financial regulations and international obligations impose a fundamental obligation on your government to ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds meant for socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians.”
“Your government has a legal responsibility to ensure full compliance with the Financial Regulations 2009, prohibiting the payment of public funds into private accounts, to reduce vulnerability to corruption or risks of the funds being diverted for personal ends or other unlawful purposes.”
“Government officials hold positions of public trust. Public officials are expected to ensure compliance with Nigerian laws and international standards in the discharge of their public functions.”
“The persistent lack of transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds meant to take care of the poor raises issues of public trust, makes the funds vulnerable to corruption or mismanagement, and undermines the integrity of poverty intervention programmes.”
“Your government has a legal obligation to probe and prosecute allegations of abuse of office and corruption in the spending of public funds meant to improve the conditions of vulnerable Nigerians.”
“SERAP is concerned that successive governments have failed to ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds budgeted for social safety-nets and poverty alleviation programmes and projects.”
“Any risks of corruption in the spending of public funds meant to take care of the poor would erode the effectiveness of the government’s oft-repeated commitment to address the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy on vulnerable Nigerians.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.
“Any failure to investigate these grave allegations, bring suspected perpetrators to justice and recover any diverted public funds would undermine the integrity of the government’s poverty intervention programmes”
“It would also create cynicism, and eventually citizens’ distrust about the ability of your government to prevent corruption or the appearance of corruption in the programmes.”
“Nigerians have the right to be free from poverty. Any risks of diversion of public funds budgeted to lift vulnerable Nigerians out of poverty would pose both direct and indirect threats to human rights, and exacerbate extreme poverty in the country.”
“It would also undermine your government’s legal obligations to effectively and progressively address and combat extreme poverty as a matter of human rights.”
“SERAP also urges you to direct Betta Edu to publish details of spending of public funds drawn from the account of the National Social Investment Program (NSIPA), an agency under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Allegation, including the names of beneficiaries and details of the amounts received by them since 29 May 2023.”
“SERAP urges you to instruct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to jointly track and monitor the spending of any public funds drawn from the account(s) of the National Social Investment Program (NSIPA).”
“According to our information, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, in a memo dated 20 December 2023 reportedly requested the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer public fund – N585.2 million – into a private account of an official in her ministry.”
“According to the memo, the money was transferred from the National Social Investment Program office account and is meant for disbursement to vulnerable people in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun states, under the federal government poverty intervention project called Grants for Vulnerable Groups. N219.4 million is to be transferred to the vulnerable people in Akwa Ibom State, N73.8 million to Cross River State, N219.4 million to Lagos State, and N72.4 million to Ogun State.”
“SERAP is seriously concerned that years of allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the spending of public funds meant to support and assist vulnerable Nigerians and entrenched impunity of perpetrators have undermined the ability of successive governments to support those most in need.”
“Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on your government to ‘abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power’ in the country.”
“Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, your government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.’ Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’”
“Chapter 7, Section 713 of the Federal Government’s Financial Regulations 2009, provides: ‘Personal money shall in no circumstances be paid into a government bank account, nor shall any public money be paid into a private account.’”
“Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on your government to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds, and to promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
7/1/2024
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
January 7, 2024
Press Statement
N44bn Fraud: Official Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Nigeria Demands Betta Edu’s Sack, Prosecution
…Alleges Involvement of Two Top APC Leaders
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demands the immediate sack and prosecution of the embattled Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu over the alleged looting of N44 billion National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) fund, including the N585.2 million audaciously diverted by her to a private account.
The exposed fraud in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs is just a tip of the iceberg of the unprecedented treasury looting, unbridled stealing and plundering of resources going on in the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration which has practically brought the nation’s economy to its knees.
Is it not tragic and heartbreaking that a Minister entrusted with public funds to support millions of poor Nigerians who have been impoverished by the APC, turned around to divert hundreds of millions of naira meant for the wellbeing of the poor?
The continuing stay of Betta Edu as Minister is therefore provocative and amounts to stealing from a people and daring them to do their worst. It further confirms our Party’s position that the Tinubu-led APC government is a cesspit of corruption; a haven for thieves and treasury looters.
Nigerians were shocked by reports of how Betta Edu and the suspended National Coordinator of NSIPA, Halima Shehu allegedly engaged in brazen looting of billions of Naira while Nigerians who the funds are meant for are deprived and abandoned to excruciating hardship and misery.
Equally disheartening is the reports of how Betta Edu allegedly directed the transfer of the N585.2 million NSIPA money into the private account of one of her fronts in clear violation of Chapter 7, Section 713 of Nigeria’s Financial Regulations, 2009 which expressly prohibits the payment of public money into a private account.
For emphasis, Section 713 of Nigeria’s Financial Regulations, 2009 provides that “Personal money shall in no circumstances be paid into a government bank account, nor shall any public money be paid into a private bank account. An officer who pays public money into a private account is deemed to have done so with a fraudulent intention”.
The apparent fraudulent intention by Betta Edu in diverting public funds into a private account; an action which was appropriately declared illegal by the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, is consistent with APC’s character and proclivity for plundering of public resources.
The lack of remorse by the Minister especially in her lame attempt to justify the illegal diversion of funds meant for poor Nigerians is also consistent with the insensitivity, heartlessness, impunity and criminal audacity inherent in the APC administration.
A very disturbing information in the public domain indicates that the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs is allegedly working with two prominent APC officials in the Presidency and the National Assembly, who are alleged to be using Ministers and other officials of government to divert billions of naira to personal accounts.
Additional information reveals that there are moves to use the suspended National Coordinator of NSIPA, Halima Shehu as a scapegoat so as to sweep the involvement of the Minister and the said APC leaders under the carpet.
What Nigerians demand of President Tinubu at the moment is to demonstrate commitment to the fight against corruption by immediately sacking Betta Edu, hand her over for investigation, prosecution and take steps to recover the stolen N44 billion and channel the fund recovered towards the wellbeing of Nigerians.
The PDP also demands that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) immediately invite Betta Edu for questioning and take further steps to commence a system-wide investigation into the alleged large-scale corruption and treasury looting pervading in Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) under the APC administration.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU EXTOLS NIGERIANS’ CREATIVE EXCELLENCE, CONGRATULATES FUNKE AKINDELE ON BOX OFFICE RECORD
President Bola Tinubu celebrates the ingenuity, creativity, and immense artistic talents of Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry.
President Tinubu congratulates Ms. Funke Akindele on her record-setting film and commends the ace thespian for her contributions to the growth of the industry.
The President extols the excellence of the Nigerian creative industry, acknowledging its pivotal place as a medium not only for artistic expression but also a source of enormous soft power and viable export.
“The creative industry is one of the high-employment sectors, providing jobs for our able and talented youths. It is an industry that is crucial to my administration. I salute Nigerians for their enduring support and patronage of home-grown creative efforts. We will provide the conducive environment for the industry to thrive further,” President Tinubu states.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 5, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU TO SECURITY CHIEFS: YOU ARE MAKING GOOD PROGRESS, BUT THERE MUST BE CONCLUSIVE VICTORY
President Bola Tinubu has asked the nation’s security chiefs to ensure that there is conclusive victory against the myriad of security threats assailing the country.
Addressing security chiefs and heads of intelligence agencies at a Presidential Security Briefing at the State House, in Abuja, on Friday, President Tinubu said while good progress is being made with the elimination of some security threats across multiple theatres, success will ultimately be defined by a final conclusion to the multi-dimensional menace.
“We have too many investments that we need to make now in soft and physical infrastructure, in social security, in MSME empowerment, and other growth enablers. We are pursuing a $1 trillion economy in the next few years, and our efforts will be undermined if we do not finally wrap up our progressive onslaught against enemies of progress. Be encouraged. The confidence of our people in your capacity is rising, and they are appreciative of the sacrifices of our men and women.
“The success you are recording is undeniable. Nigerians are seeing it, but the avoidable errors, as witnessed recently in Kaduna, are unacceptable and cannot be repeated. I am pleased that coordination between all agencies has dramatically improved over recent months, but there is no room for celebrations until we can end this; until we can bring our troops back to their own localities, and until we can free up resources for our critical economic expansion programme,” the President firmly stated.
The President emphasized that the armed forces must deliver on his objective to ensure the nation achieves a sustainable production of two million barrels of crude oil per day, including condensates, within the first quarter of 2024.
“I do not play with my intelligence reports. I have multiple lines of sight. The Navy and sister branches must step up their game to achieve our aims for the benefit of all Nigerians. All malign actors will be aggressively uprooted from our midst. Those working against the national agenda from within and without will meet justice. Your task is clear. We will sustain our momentum. Failure is not an option under my leadership,” the President warned.
The President also commended the Commander of the Presidential Air fleet (PAF), the Commander of the Brigade of Guards (BoG), and his Chief Personal Security Officer (CPSO) for their dedication and commitment in the discharge of their assignments, which has earned them a promotion.
Speaking at the decoration of the PAF Commander, Air Commodore Olayinka Olusola Oyesola, with his new rank of Air Vice Marshal in the Nigerian Air Force; Commander, BoG, Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, who is promoted from Colonel to the rank of Brigadier-General; and the Police CPSO, Usman Musa Shugaba, who is now a Deputy Commissioner of Police after being promoted from his prior rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, President Tinubu said he was very impressed by the officers’ “loyalty and dedication to duty”.
“Nigeria calls all to serve. We are the servants of the country, not the masters as you have seen. Your stewardship as leaders in your various categories is reflected in the assignments and responsibilities you have undertaken. I hope that Nigeria will continue to recognize your service to motherland,” the President concluded.
The newly promoted officers were decorated by the President who was assisted by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja; and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, respectively, in the presence of the spouses of the elevated officers.
The event was witnessed by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; the Service Chiefs; Heads of Intelligence Agencies, as well as presidential aides.
Speaking on behalf of the officers, AVM Olayinka thanked the President for the promotion of the officers and for the privilege to be of service to the nation. He assured the Commander-in-Chief of their continued loyalty and commitment to duty.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 5, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT FELIX TSHISEKEDI OF DR CONGO ON RE-ELECTION
President Bola Tinubu congratulates President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo on his re-election.
President Tinubu commends the government and the people of DR Congo for ensuring a successful conduct of the last elections.
The President also congratulates the people of DR Congo for deepening democratic norms by exercising their rights without resorting to acts inimical to the sustenance of democracy.
“It is welcoming that the last elections in DR Congo were well-concluded. Democracy is sustainable on the continent. I congratulate President Tshisekedi on his victory. The President has demonstrated statesmanship in his handling of regional and continental matters. Africa will overcome any challenge with governance by popular consent, and democracy will thrive,” President Tinubu states.
The President wishes President Tshisekedi a successful term in office.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 6, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES FIRS CHAIRMAN, ZACCH ADEDEJI, ON BIRTHDAY
President Bola Tinubu celebrates the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, as he marks his birthday on January 8.
The President extols the fine defining qualities of the young first-class graduate of accounting who steadily rose through the ranks in public service by dint of hard work, loyalty, and competence, noting his service as the Commissioner of Finance in Oyo State at the age of 33; the CEO of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC); Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, and now Chief Executive Officer of the nation’s apex tax authority.
“Zacch is an innovator who consistently turns his creative ideas into change-making actions. He is a disciple of the ‘think-and-do’ school of changemakers. He will reform Nigeria’s tax system for the benefit of Nigerians. Give him a task, and it will be done and done well,” the President states.
President Tinubu wishes the FIRS Chairman more strength and zeal in the discharge of his duties.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 7, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS NIGERIA’S GLOBAL TROPHY-WINNING COACH, SEBASTIAN BRODERICKS-IMASUEN
President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of one of Nigeria’s finest football coaches, Mr. Sebastian Brodericks-Imasuen, with a heavy heart.
Brodericks-Imasuen, a footballer-turned-coach, led Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to victory at the inaugural FIFA U-16 World Championship in China in 1985.
President Tinubu celebrates the football icon, who brought hope and inspired national pride by his industry, devotion, and diligence on and off the pitch, describing him as a true Nigerian hero.
The President sympathizes with the Imasuen family, the football community, the government of Edo State, and all those who mourn this agonizing loss while praying for the repose of the soul of the dearly departed.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 7, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU DISMISSES TWO CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
In conformity with plans to restructure and reposition critical agencies of the Federal Government towards protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers and providing a strong basis for enhanced contributions to the nation’s economy by key growth-enabling institutions, President Bola Tinubu has dismissed the following Chief Executive Officers:
(1) Mr. Babatunde Irukera — EVC/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)
(2) Mr. Alexander Ayoola Okoh — Director-General/CEO, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE)
The two dismissed Chief Executives are directed to hand over to the next most senior officer in their respective agencies, pending the appointment of new Chief Executive Officers.
By this directive of the President, their removal from office takes immediate effect.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 8, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU SUSPENDS MINISTER OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION FROM OFFICE
In line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu suspends the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect.
The President further directs the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder.
The suspended Minister is hereby directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and she is further directed by the President to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation.
Furthermore, the President has tasked a panel that is headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative.
These directives of the President take immediate effect.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 8, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU FELICITATES NNPCL GCEO, MELE KYARI, ON BIRTHDAY
President Bola Tinubu felicitates the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, as he marks his birthday on January 8.
The President commends the diligence, passion, and expertise the foremost geologist brings to tasks as one of the longest-tenured chief executives in the history of Africa’s most valuable energy company.
“Mele is a man of action, rather than words. He is proactive in his approach. His ability to diagnose complicated problems with thoughtful and pragmatic solutions has created a path for him to continue rendering valuable service to our nation. I wish him a happy birthday,” the President says.
President Tinubu prays that Almighty Allah grant the business executive more wisdom and strength in his service to Nigeria.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 7, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES BUSINESS TYCOON, GILBERT CHAGOURY, ON BIRTHDAY
President Bola Tinubu celebrates business titan, Ambassador Gilbert Chagoury, as he marks his birthday on January 8.
The President appreciates Ambassador Chagoury’s consistency and reliability demonstrated throughout his storied career, noting his desire to see Nigeria rise to the highest of heights in all spheres of human endeavour.
The President recalls how the Chagoury family kept faith with Africa’s largest economy by continually investing in various projects and philanthropic activities over the decades, irrespective of all the socio-political challenges that characterized the road to the nation’s return to civilian rule in 1999 and beyond.
“Gilbert is a shining light in any room. He is compassionate, discerning, and totally reliable in every respect. He has invested in our country in both good and bad times. He is generous with both his heart and his resources. With friends like him, one can sleep with a still mind. He is a valuable and cherished person who is worthy of celebration,” the President says.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 7, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE