NEWS
ICPC Chairman to Personally Prosecute People Charged with Corrruption

The newly-appointed Chairman of the ICPC, Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN), says he will be the lead prosecutor of persons the commission charges with corruption.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) chairman made the pledge at his maiden interaction with the media in Abuja on Wednesday.
Aliyu, who said that he would lead by example, expressed the determination to do things differently from what obtained in the past.
He said one of the steps he would be taking to improve the system was to show himself in court during the prosecution of persons charged with corruption by the ICPC.
“In the area of prosecution, by the grace of God I intend to be appearing in cases instituted by the ICPC
“As the chairman of the commission, whenever we have cases that I feel I need to take the lead in prosecution, I will do so.
“This is to ensure that we discharge our mandate which is to prosecute person charged with corruption by the ICPC.
“This is one of the things I will do differently from what others have been doing.
“I don’t think there has ever been a chairman of ICPC who appeared in court during prosecution of persons charged with corruption,’’ he said.
Aliyu added, however, that he would assign some of the cases to senior lawyers in the commission from time to time.
“In terms of prosecution, we are determined to ensure that justice is not just done, but seen to be done.
“Strengthening our legal and regulatory frameworks will be paramount to support robust prosecutions.
“We will work tirelessly to ensure the efficient legal processing and adjudication of corruption cases, maintaining a solid legal foundation for accountability,” he said.
Aliyu said also that he would focus on technology and digitise the commission to achieve its mandate.
“I will ensure that ICPC is digitised and ensure that the work we do is efficient considering the magnitude; without technology we cannot be efficient.
“Innovation is important in our on-going battle against corruption. We are in an era where technology has revolutionised the way we live and work.
“As such, the ICPC is committed to integrating innovative approaches and apply cutting-edge technology into our operational framework.
“From leveraging data analytics for efficient resource management to employing advanced digital tools for effective corruption detection, technology will be at the forefront of our strategies,” Aliyu stressed.
He enjoined the media to join the ICPC as partners in the fight against corruption and corrupt practices.
“Your role in disseminating information, raising public awareness, and holding power to account is invaluable.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria where corruption is not just challenged, but overcome – a nation where our collective integrity shapes our future,” he said. (NAN)
NEWS
Nigeria Condoles India over Tragic Plane Crash

The Federal Government on Thursday condoled the Indian government over the tragic crash of Air India Flight-171 in Ahmedabad.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of theMinistry.Tuggar said, “Nigeria expresses profound sorrow and extends its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India over the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
“This devastating incident which claimed the lives of over 290 individuals has left the global community in mourning. “Nigeria stands in solidarity with India during this period of immense grief and unfortunate loss.“While initial reports indicate no Nigerian citizen was aboard the flight, the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi remains in close contact with Indian authorities to verify this information and provide consular assistance where necessary.“In this moment of shared sorrow, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to global aviation safety and supports the call for thorough investigation into the crash with a view to preventing such tragedies in the future.”The minister further commiserated with the families of the bereaved and all those affected by this tragic incident. (NAN)NEWS
Benue Speaker Advises Youth to Participate Actively in Politics

The Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, Mr Hyacinth Dajoh, has advised youths in the state to participate actively in the economic and political development of the country.Dajoh gave the advice in his Democracy Day message issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Terver Zamber, in Makurdi.
The speaker urged youths to show more interest in the economic and political development of the country. He said that they had the required education, exposure, and numerical strength to make a positive impact on both the economy and governance. Dajoh assured the youths that the assembly under his leadership would continue to enact laws to protect democracy and the rule of law.The speaker urged Nigerians to be more determined in ensuring that democracy worked in the country.He said that democracy remained the best option for the country.The speaker added that through the determination of the citizens and their active participation in the democratic process, Nigeria would be a great country.He saluted the heroic deeds of patriots who worked assiduously to actualise democratic rule in the country, especially the symbol of the June 12 struggle, the late M.K.O. Abiola.According to him, only a truly great, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria could be a befitting compensation for their sacrifices.He commended President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue for their roles in upholding democratic principles.Dajoh said that more sacrifices were required from the citizens to ensure that the country got the best of democracy. (NAN)NEWS
Cross River Communities Resume Hostility with More Casualties

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
There is another round of hostility arising from communal skirmishes between two brotherly communities of Etono 2 and Biakpan in Biased Local Government Are of Cross River State.The resumption of hostilities happened some days ago when youths from Etono 2 were alleged to have attacked and killed a visitor to Biakpan and another youth whose identity was not immediately known.
Before then there were reports that nearly 50 persons had been killed on both sides. In the latest resurgence, a source said, “Sporadic shootings were heard on Monday and Tuesday inside Biakpan. A few persons have been killed.”State security adviser Southern district, Patrick Odion told our correspondent that he has his men on ground to calm the situation.Recall that about three weeks ago, Commissioner of Police in the state, Olusegun Omosanyin summoned the two sides to his Headquarters in Calabar and cautioned them.The police commissioner had disclosed how there was massive arms buildup by the two communities and said he would launch police action to retrieve the arms from them.He had expressed anger that the two sides had earlier refused to appear before him three times when he summoned them, adding that he had also dispatched his key officers to the two communities.Following the resumption of the hostilities, the police commissioner again met with the leadership of Biase LGA in his office.He assured that he would mobilize his men today to Biakpan and Etono 2 to quell the uprising.When DAILY ASSET spoke with some concerned stakeholders from the two communities they lamented that often when police and soldiers sent to douse tensions would leave, hostilities would resume soon after.A youth leader from Etono 2 who gave his name as Egwu Jerry, lamented, “The presence of the security men usually give us confidence but once they leave, our safety is no longer guaranteed. We’re few compared with those from Biakpan.”He also lamented that they do not have access road elsewhere than the one into Biakpan which reason, their adversaries usually encircle and easily attack and kill them.But a chief from Biakpan who gave his name as Onun Ekpezu alleged that Etono people were too aggressive and violent, and have destroyed their important properties and farms, and have killed their people and visitors.”Because of these, our youths have positioned themselves to defend our women and properties”, Ekpezu said.