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NBA Seeks Enhanced Collaboration With EFCC In Anti-Graft War
NBA Seeks Enhanced Collaboration With EFCC In Anti-Graft War
NBA seeks enhanced collaboration with EFCC in Anti-Graft War. The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has called for enhanced collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission , EFCC, to address corruption and unethical practices among legal practitioners and security agents in the country.
The appeal was made on Monday, February 23, 2026, when a delegation from the Anti-Corruption Committee of the NBA ,Lagos Branch, paid courtesy visits to the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 & 2, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 1 Adebayo Adeniyi and ACE I Usman Bawa Kaltungo.
Speaking during the interactive sessions, the Chairman of the Committee, Udochi Iheanacho, SAN, said the visits were aimed at strengthening existing collaboration between the NBA Lagos Branch and the EFCC, as well as establishing a framework for investigating unethical conduct among both legal practitioners and EFCC investigators.
Iheanacho disclosed that every NBA branch across the country had been mandated to establish an anti-corruption committee in response to what she described as a growing erosion of public trust in the legal profession and security agencies.
She said: “This Committee is one of several that have been set up in every NBA branch nationwide.
“We have a national body — the NBA National Anti-Corruption Committee — and we are all working together.
“We want to tackle corruption in various ways. There is corruption within our fold and among some of our colleagues. We also encounter it among agencies we work with, including the EFCC and the Police.
“This is a new initiative, and in carrying out our activities, we require the backing of agencies with enforcement powers. When we identify issues that fall within your jurisdiction, we should be able to refer them appropriately for necessary action.”
Describing corruption as endemic in the country, Iheanacho noted that many people still lack a clear understanding of what constitutes corruption and corrupt practices.
According to her, “When something becomes normalized and cultural, and the lines become blurred, the task goes beyond merely catching people in the act.
“It requires sustained education and reorientation.”
She also emphasized the need for collaboration, particularly in the area of sensitization through effective and sustainable training programmes and workshops.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the NBA, Lagos Branch, Uchenna Ogunedo-Akingbade, highlighted the roles of other committees within the branch, including the Human Rights Committee and the Security Agencies’ Relations Committee, which she said would also engage with the Commission to promote awareness about the dangers of corruption and unethical practices among lawyers and security agents.
“It is important that we intensify our fight against corruption, regardless of the personalities involved,” she said.
Responding, both Adeniyi and Kaltungo thanked the delegation for the visit and assured the Committee of the Commission’s cooperation.
They described the NBA as a strategic partner, adding that “Our doors are always open. We are public servants, not public masters. Where you require our support, we will readily provide it.
“We maintain a cordial working relationship with lawyers and continually remind our officers of the importance of respecting lawyers and suspects alike.”
NBA
While acknowledging that occasional friction may arise between lawyers and security agencies in the discharge of their duties, they stressed that the EFCC does not trivialize the role of legal practitioners.
“Even within families, disagreements occur. What matters most is how such issues are managed. If there are concerns requiring our intervention, feel free to knock on our doors,” he said.
In her remarks, the Head of Legal, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, EFCC, Ikoyi, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Deborah Adamu-Eteh, urged the Committee’s leadership to address instances of unprofessional conduct by some members of the Association, noting that such behaviour tarnishes the image of the legal profession.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
2027: NDC Picks Kashima As Bauchi Governorship Candidate
National Democratic Congress (NDC)
The former secretary to the Bauchi State government, Ibrahim Kashim, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections through a consensus arrangement.
The chairman of the electoral committee for the Bauchi State governorship primary election, Paul Daniel, announced Mr Kashim’s emergence on Friday in Bauchi.
Eereporter.com
He said the decision followed consultations among party stakeholders and other aspirants.
Mr Daniel explained that the consensus process reflected the unity and maturity within the party, adding that members demonstrated understanding and cooperation throughout the exercise.
“With this development, Ibrahim Kashim has officially become the NDC governorship candidate for Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 elections,” he said.
Also speaking, the state chairman of the party, Abdullahi Maigari, said the NDC was steadily gaining acceptance across Bauchi State and the country at large.
He described the party as one of the few political platforms in the state without internal litigation, attributing the stability to responsible leadership at both the national and state levels.
Mr Maigari expressed confidence in Mr Kashim’s capacity to provide solutions to the socio-economic challenges facing the state, describing him as a committed and experienced politician.
He assured supporters that party members would work tirelessly to ensure victory for the NDC during the 2027 general elections.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Kashim thanked party leaders, delegates and supporters for the confidence reposed in him, describing his nomination as a collective mandate for the people of Bauchi State.
He pledged to pursue policies focused on education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, infrastructure and transparent governance if elected governor.
NDC
According to him, Bauchi State possesses enormous human and natural resources but requires visionary leadership and inclusive governance to unlock its full potential.
Mr Kashim called on party members and residents of the state to unite behind the NDC’s vision of development.
He promised to build a prosperous and inclusive Bauchi where no community would be left behind.
The candidate also urged the electorate to support the party’s message of hope, competence and people-oriented leadership ahead of the 2027 polls. Eereporter.com
Police: Six Nabbed Over Disruption Of Sallah In Katsina
The Katsina State Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with a violent attack on residents of Keku Village in Musawa Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest followed a swift response by operatives after a group of men allegedly stormed the community on Wednesday at about 2:00pm and attacked villagers with sticks and machetes, leaving several people injured.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Katsina by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq.
According to the police, the suspects invaded the village in a coordinated attack that disrupted peace in the area during the Sallah celebration period.
Those arrested include Dayyabu Salisu (25), Usama Mansur (23), Yunusa Nura (27), Abdulmumini Alka (23), Buhari Suleiman (27) and Abubakar Safiyanu (27).
The Command said sticks, machetes and motorcycles were recovered as exhibits from the suspects.
Eereporter.com
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects criminally conspired to disrupt the peaceful Sallah celebration and breach the relative peace being enjoyed in the area. The prompt response of VCRU personnel saved the situation from escalating further. The injured victims were rushed to the nearest hospital and are currently responding to treatment. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” the statement read.
The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, condemned the attack and assured residents of sustained efforts to maintain law and order across the state.
He urged members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious movements through the Command’s emergency lines: 0815 697 7777, 0707 272 2539, and 0902 220 9690.
Police
The Command reiterated its zero tolerance for thuggery, mob action and other activities capable of disrupting public peace.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Delta State Police Command had earlier arrested two suspected armed robbers with a pump-action gun, live cartridges and other incriminating exhibits.
Eereporter.com
Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Demands Stronger Protection For Children, Schools
The governor lamented the recent abduction and killing of teachers in Oyo State.
Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Friday, urged urgent national commitment to protecting Nigerian children and schools against worsening insecurity nationwide.
Mr Sanwo-Olu made the call during the grand finale of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration organised by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in Ikeja.
The governor lamented the recent abduction and killing of teachers in Oyo State, describing the tragedy as painful evidence of growing insecurity threatening education nationwide.
Eereporter.com
“This Children’s Day arrives during painful national grief. We cannot genuinely celebrate while innocent children, teachers, and families continue suffering devastating consequences from violent attacks,” he said.
Mr Sanwo-Olu urged security agencies and the federal government to intensify rescue operations and strengthen measures to safeguard schools and learning environments across the country.
He insisted that every remaining captive must return safely, while governments at all levels establish stronger frameworks to protect schools from criminal attacks and violence.
Speaking on the celebration’s theme, the governor stressed that children’s rights to education, safety, dignity, and life must remain protected through deliberate national policies.
“The right to education, safety, and life are obligations owed children today. Every government must guarantee schools remain secure places where learning flourishes daily without fear,” he added.
Mr Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who delivered the governor’s address.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said the celebration’s theme highlighted the importance of protecting children’s rights and opportunities.
The theme, ‘Listen to the Future, Stand Up for Children’s Rights,’ focused on safeguarding children’s access to education, safety, expression, and equal opportunities nationwide.
Mr Alli-Balogun noted that activities organised throughout the week were designed to inspire students, strengthen confidence, and encourage inclusive learning environments across Lagos State.
According to him, the activities included youth forums, career talks, debates, cultural displays, Jumat prayers, thanksgiving services and a children’s parade rally.
“Listen to the future, stand up for children’s rights by protecting education, safety, expression, and opportunities while ensuring every child’s voice is heard and respected,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu
The commissioner stated that students demonstrated creativity, confidence, and awareness through debates and cultural performances presented during the week-long celebration activities.
He said the presentations reflected the importance of identity, cultural heritage, and active youth participation in national growth and development.
“We remain committed to safe schools, inclusive learning, and policies that empower children to dream boldly, speak freely, and grow into responsible leaders of tomorrow,” he added.
Mr Alli-Balogun reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safe schools, noting that the celebration reflected efforts to consistently invest in children’s future and wellbeing.
Lagos State traditionally uses Children’s Day celebrations to promote enrollment into public primary schools across the state.
The state government also publicises registration drives for primary one admissions during the annual Children’s Day activities as part of its educational development campaign. Eereporter.com
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