Student Anti-Corruption Vanguard Takes Root at Niger State Polytechnic: Seeds of Accountability

In a strategic effort to deepen integrity and instill ethical values among Nigerian youth, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has inaugurated a Student Anti-Corruption Vanguard (SAV) at Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru. The move forms part of the Commission’s broader agenda to embed transparency and accountability within tertiary institutions across the country.

The inauguration, which took place recently, drew key stakeholders from the academic community, ICPC officials, and students. It marked a notable step in mainstreaming anti-corruption education and youth participation in governance ethics.

Representing the ICPC Niger State Office, Mr. Suleiman Al-hajj led a delegation of senior officers to formally establish the Vanguard. In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC), he underscored the indispensable role of young people in combating corruption and advancing national development.

He described the SAV initiative as a deliberate framework for cultivating a new generation of ethical leaders equipped to uphold integrity across both public and private sectors. Corruption, he stressed, remains a fundamental obstacle to Nigeria’s progress, and redirecting the values of students is essential to reversing its grip.

The Student Anti-Corruption Vanguard is envisioned as a platform for learning, advocacy, and the promotion of honesty, accountability, and transparency. According to Mr. Al-hajj, embedding these principles early in young people can make a tangible difference in building a corruption-free society.

In his response, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Ibrahim Umar Kontagora, expressed profound appreciation to the ICPC for selecting the institution as a host. He commended the Commission’s sustained partnership with educational bodies in fostering ethical conduct among students. The Rector described the initiative as both timely and transformative, with significant potential to shape student character and inspire responsible citizenship. He further assured the ICPC of the institution’s full backing to ensure the Vanguard’s success and sustainability.

The event recorded 288 participants, including students, academic staff, and senior management. Notable attendees included the Deputy Rector, Registrar, Bursar, and other principal officers. A key moment of the ceremony was the swearing-in of six student executives to lead the Vanguard.

The oath was administered by Ya’u Muhammad Usman, a legal officer from the ICPC Niger State Office. The new executives were drawn from both the College of Science and Technology campus in Zungeru and the College of Arts and Business Studies (CABS) campus in Bida, ensuring balanced institutional representation.

ICPC

The successful launch of the Student Anti-Corruption Vanguard at Niger State Polytechnic reaffirms the ICPC’s commitment to grassroots anti-corruption advocacy, particularly within educational settings. It also highlights youth engagement as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s fight against corruption.

Looking ahead, stakeholders remain optimistic that the Vanguard will act as a catalyst for positive behavioural change—empowering students to become ambassadors of integrity on campus and in their communities, and ultimately contributing to a more transparent and accountable Nigeria.

Maiduguri EFCC Arraigns One For N25m Fraud

The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, April 16, 2026 arraigned one Mohammed Abdullahi Korimi before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court sitting in Maiduguri.

The defendant was arraigned on a two -count charge bordering on criminal misappropriation and obtaining by false pretense to the tune of N25,647,000.00(Twenty Five Million, Six Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand Naira).

Count one of the charges read: “That you, Mohammed Abdullahi Korimi on or about July, 2025 in Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to defraud obtained 400 (Four Hundred) bags of beans valued at the sum of N25,647,000.00 (Twenty Five Million, Six Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand Naira) from one Maina Hassan Madube, under the false pretense that you will supply same to your customers at Sango-Ota, Ogun State and make payment for it within one (1) week, a representation which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud related offences Act, 2006.”

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred when they were read to him . In the same vein, prosecution counsel, S.O Saka prayed for a trial date and to remand the defendant in a Correctional facility.

Thereafter, Justice Kumaliya adjourned till April 22, 2026 for hearing of bail application and ordered the remand of the defendant in Maiduguri Maximum Correctional facility.

EFCC

His journey to the Correctional facility started when he falsely obtained 400 bags of beans valued at N25, 647, 000 for supply to his customer at Sango-Ota, Ogun State.

Benue Links Driver Arrested Over Abduction Of UTME Candidates, Others

Benue Links Nigeria Limited has confirmed the arrest of its driver involved in the night trip that led to the abduction of passengers, including UTME candidates, along the Makurdi–Otukpo road.

The company’s Information Officer, Johnson Ehi Daniel, said the driver is currently in police custody as investigations continue. The bus, which was not authorised for the journey, was att@cked on Wednesday night at Ikobi while conveying passengers.

Out of the victims, two have escaped, while 13 remain in captivity.

Management revealed the driver violated company policy by embarking on a night journey without approval, documentation, or official record.

Benue Links

The General Manager, Alexander Aondohemba Fanafa, described the incident as distressing and assured that efforts are ongoing with security agencies to rescue the remaining v¡ct¡ms.

Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, is leading operations to secure their release.