News
ICPC, IMBLN Inaugurate Joint Task Committee To Tackle Fraud, Corruption In Nigeria’s RES
ICPC, IMBLN Inaugurate Joint Task Committee To Tackle Fraud, Corruption In Nigeria’s RES
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders of Nigeria (IMBLN) have formally inaugurated a Joint Task Committee (JTC) mandated to implement a landmark Memorandum of Understanding aimed at professionalising and sanitising Nigeria’s mortgage and real estate industry.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Wednesday, 11 March 2026 at the Boardroom of ICPC Headquarters in Abuja, marked the formal constitution of the committee originally provided for under the MoU signed by both institutions on 10 June 2024.
The event brought together senior officials of the ICPC, IMBLN leadership, members of the newly inaugurated committee, and representatives of professional bodies in the housing sector.
Presiding over the inauguration, ICPC Secretary Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, Esq., DSSRS, confirmed the committee’s mandate and formalised the membership list, noting that the exercise represented the operationalisation of a strategic agreement concluded in the previous year.
“This very important exercise forms part of the plans that were put in place last year. What we are here to do today is simply to formalise the process, the committee is duly constituted on this 11th day of March 2026.”
Oparaodu outlined the ICPC’s specific areas of interest within the collaboration, including database development and intelligence-sharing platforms between the Commission and relevant stakeholders, advocacy and public-awareness initiatives, curriculum development covering anti-fraud and anti-money laundering (AML) modules, and joint research, training and knowledge-sharing programmes.
“The property and construction sectors can sometimes be vulnerable to money-laundering activities. By anticipating these challenges, we can work together to strengthen safeguards within the industry.”
In his remarks, IMBLN Vice President ESV Ayodele Thomas grounded the collaboration in statute, citing the Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders Establishment Act, 2022, which empowers IMBLN to promote best practices, provide professional oversight, and ensure ethical compliance across the mortgage and housing finance ecosystem.
“The mortgage and housing finance sector plays a critical role in national development, it serves as a bridge between financial institutions, property developers, real estate practitioners, and Nigerians seeking access to home ownership. Because of this central role, the sector must operate on the foundations of professionalism, transparency, and strict compliance with regulatory standards.”
Thomas identified the JTC’s key expected outcomes as the strengthening of compliance frameworks, promotion of ethical conduct in the mortgage and real estate sector, support for investor confidence and public trust, and the enforcement of IMBLN’s charters and mandates. He commended the ICPC for what he described as a forward-looking strategy of preventive collaboration with professional bodies.
For IMBLN, the inauguration represents the culmination of more than five years of institutional effort. Dr. Victor Ivoke, Co-chair of the JTC and Head of Internal Affairs and Enforcement at IMBLN, described the committee as a turning point for an industry long characterised by informal and unregulated practice.
“The idea behind today is that it represents the fulfilment of a dream that has been on this journey as an institution for over five years. Last year, we found a willing partner in the ICPC, and we began this process together.”
Dr. Ivoke painted a stark picture of the current state of the industry, citing widespread irregular practices including multiple lettings of single properties to different tenants, and the prevalence of unregistered agents operating without traceable office addresses or accountability structures.
“Anyone can simply wake up, claim to be an agent, and begin to lease land or houses to people. In some cases, you even find a single one-bedroom apartment leased to three or four different people, with money collected from all of them.
They are then left to sort out the confusion among themselves, while the supposed agent disappears without a trace.”
He called for a regulated system modelled on other established professions, such as law and accountancy, where practitioners must be registered, trained and licensed before they can operate. IMBLN, he noted, is already making professional training available at little or no cost, with enforcement to follow after sufficient public awareness has been established.
“Before any enforcement begins, there must be adequate public awareness. We want to give practitioners enough time to understand the regulations and to comply with them.”
Dr. Ivoke further noted that a separate Act of Parliament, signed into law by the President, already empowers relevant bodies to regulate real estate practitioners and housing agents nationally, with violations subject to prosecution.
The partnership with ICPC is intended to provide the enforcement capacity that IMBLN alone could not wield.
“We were advised that if we attempted to enforce these measures alone, we might face resistance. That is why we chose to partner with institutions that are legally empowered to enforce compliance and prosecute offences where necessary.”
The JTC’s approved implementation roadmap includes five key deliverables: the establishment of a Joint Compliance and Ethics Enforcement Task Force; mandatory ethics and anti-corruption certification for sector practitioners; deployment of ICPC state offices as liaison points for nationwide monitoring and enforcement; a joint national compliance awareness campaign; and an annual Anti-Corruption and Compliance Summit.
Dr. Ivoke said the committee’s work would begin at the federal level before cascading to the states and eventually to local government level, with engagement starting at the Ministry of Housing and expanding through stakeholder meetings across the country. He confirmed that the EFCC has also been engaged as part of the broader effort to clean up the sector.
The committee draws members from key departments across both institutions. The ICPC delegation is led by Shehu Gambo of the Operations Department and comprises seven members in total, drawn from departments spanning Public Enlightenment and Education, the Anti-Corruption and Awareness Network (ACAN), System Study and Review, Proceeds of Crime, External Cooperation, and the Secretariat.
ICPC
The IMBLN side, led by Dr. Victor Ivoke in his capacity as Head of Internal Affairs and Enforcement, also fields seven members, including Legal Counsel, Media and Publications, ICT, and administrative representation, bringing the total JTC membership to fourteen.
The inauguration signals a significant shift in how Nigeria’s regulatory architecture approaches the real estate sector, moving from isolated institutional mandates to a coordinated, cross-agency enforcement and compliance model backed by legislative authority.
Both institutions emphasised that the initial phase of the JTC’s work will prioritise advocacy, education and voluntary compliance over punitive enforcement, with seminars and training sessions, some offered free of charge to be rolled out to estate agents, lawyers and other practitioners across the country.
The general consensus pointed to the premise that proper sanitisation of the real estate sector can generate significant income and provide employment for many people, provided implementation is professional to reduce the risk of corruption and minimise disputes.
Umahi, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Others Grace Shekina and Shope’s Wedding in Lagos
It was a celebration of love, family, friendship and distinguished personalities in Lagos on Saturday, August 22, 2026, as Shekina Chidinma Umahi and Shope Alexandra Ayinde were joined in holy matrimony at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Powerlink Chapel, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
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Shekina, a niece of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, is the daughter of Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Pastor Obi Abel Umahi, DSc, OFR, while Shope is the son of Commodore NN (Rtd.) Deacon Adebayo Abidemi Ayinde.
The wedding brought together governors, senior government officials, lawmakers, business leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industry, family members and friends from across the country to celebrate the young couple.
The Honourable Minister of Works, who also serves as the Deputy Director-General of Infrastructure, Mobilization and Sensitization of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, was present at the ceremony to celebrate with his niece and the families of the newlyweds and was joined by the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Dapo Abiodun, CON; and Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, who chaired the occasion.
In his opening remarks as Chairman of the occasion, Governor Alex Otti described marriage as a lifelong commitment and urged the newlyweds to embrace patience, understanding and tolerance as they begin their journey together.
With humour, the Abia State Governor stressed the permanence of marriage, telling the couple that they should approach their union with a strong commitment to making it work.
“I want to tell you in advance that I won’t be present and as such, I declare that this marriage is indissoluble,” he said.
In separate remarks, the parents of the bride and groom expressed gratitude and joy at witnessing the marriage of their children.
They praised Shekina and Shope for distinguishing themselves through their formative years and into adulthood, describing them as outstanding young people who had continued to make their families proud.
They prayed for God’s guidance, peace, happiness and prosperity in their marriage and wished them a fulfilling life together.
The Umahi family also formally welcomed the couple with the presentation of family gifts.
On behalf of the Umahi family, the Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD, presented the gifts to the newlyweds.
The ceremony attracted a gathering of political leaders, statesmen and captains of industry.
Other governors present at the event included the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, represented by his deputy, Her Excellency Patricia Obila; Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Peter Mbah, represented by his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Usman Ododo, represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo; Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea; and Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor.
Among the captains of industry, statesmen and
other distinguished personalities at the occasion were Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings; Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement; Admiral Alison Madueke, GCON, former Chief of Naval Staff; Mr. Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of UBA, represented by Chidi Okpara; Prof. Patrick Utomi; Mr. Adebiyi Olalekan, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lorelei Construction Limited; Engr. Solomon Dacree; Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, Chairman of Orient Global Limited; Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie, Chairman of Rock Results Group; and Barr. Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South East), among others.
The Ministry of Works was also represented at the ceremony, with the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo; Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works; Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works; and Engr. Musa Saidu, Director of Highways, Bridges and Designs, among others, joining in the celebration.
Umahi, Sanwo-Olu
Other members of the Umahi family at the ceremony included HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD, Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council; Barr. Roy Umahi, SAN, FCArb, of Roy and Associates; and Chief Austine Umahi (Anyanwu Igbo), Chairman of the Amino Kano University Board.
The wedding provided a memorable gathering of the two families, their friends and well-wishers, with guests celebrating the union and offering prayers and goodwill for a happy, peaceful and enduring marriage.
Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media)
Sunday 23, 2026
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Economy
Nigeria’s Diversity is Our Strengthen, Unity Must Remain Our Greates Asset, Says Minister Mohammed Idris
Nigeria’s Diversity is Our Strengthen, Unity Must Remain Our Greates Asset, Says Minister Mohammed Idris
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described Nigeria’s diversity as a source of strength, urging citizens to promote unity and mutual understanding, noting that what binds Nigerians together is far greater than what divides them.
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Idris stated this on Friday, August 14, 2026, when he attended the wake-keep of the late Ukandi Placidus Ugar Ogar in Obudu, Cross River State, alongside family members, friends, and dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey; former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade; Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar; and the Cross River State Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang.
The late Ukandi Placidus Ugar Ogar, who died at the age of 76, was an elder brother to Senator Ayade and Dr. Frank Ayade.
The Minister said the gathering reflected the richness of Nigeria’s diversity and the ability of citizens from different backgrounds to unite in solidarity.
“What I have seen today is the diversity of Nigeria and how it can be further harnessed to promote unity in this country. Nigerians from all walks of life are Nigerians first. Therefore, we must celebrate them wherever they are,” he said.
While expressing condolences to the bereaved family, Idris noted that the occasion also provided an opportunity to honour a life that fostered unity among people.
“It is a moment of sorrow that he has passed on, but also a moment of gratitude that he lived a worthy life, one that helped bring people together,” the Minister said.
He called on Nigerians to continue to promote unity and shared values, while leveraging the country’s diverse cultures and traditions as assets for national development.
“We must strengthen our unity, uphold our shared values, and also see our diversity as a resource that can contribute meaningfully to the growth of our economy,” he said.
Mohammed Idris
Idris reaffirmed that Nigeria’s strength lies in its people and their collective ability to rise above differences in pursuit of the common good.
Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Saturday, August 15, 2026
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EFCC FC Kano Wins Inter-Service Unity Cup, Defeats NAF FC 5-4
EFCC Football Club, Kano, has emerged champion of the Inter-Service Unity Cup after defeating NAF FC 5-4 on penalties in a thrilling final held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
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The match initially ended 1-1 after regulation time.
The tournament was organised by the Coalition of Military and Paramilitary Agencies in Kano.
Speaking during his opening remarks at the final, the EFCC Kano Zonal Director, who represented the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, commended the organisers for bringing together various security agencies through sports.
“Unity is one of the fundamentals of law enforcement. Bringing ourselves together to have football and soccer events is one of the ways of building this unity,” he said.
The Zonal Director thanked the participating teams, service commanders and all attendees for finding time to share in the spirit of friendship and brotherhood. He also acknowledged the humility and character displayed by all players who reached the final stage, stressing that such values are integral to the ethos of the nation’s security services.
He reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to initiatives that promote unity, performance and cohesion among colleagues, friends, and brothers in service, and conveyed the Chairman’s appreciation for the invitation.
EFCC FC Kano
In addition to their football victory, the EFCC team also emerged champions in the tug of war challenge organised by the same coalition, which featured participation from agencies under the coalition.
The competition was held at the Sani Abacha Stadium on July 24, 2026, where the EFCC team won three battles on the same day, defeating the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
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