Threat to Life: Obidients demand fresh inquest into murder of Funsho Williams

 

Following the recent safety concerns raised by the Presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, the Obidient Movement has called on the Federal Government to reopen investigation into the 2006 assassination of former Lagos State governorship aspirant, Engr. Funsho Williams.

 

The group said that the recent concerns raised by Obi, over his personal safety have renewed the urgency of addressing unresolved political killings.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Media and Communications Directorate, the movement described the unresolved murder of Williams as “an enduring stain on Nigeria’s democratic history” and urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Inspector-General of Police to reopen the case immediately.

 

The group argued that nearly two decades after Williams was found murdered in his Lagos residence, Nigerians are yet to know those responsible for the crime, warning that the failure to resolve the case has continued to fuel public suspicion and erode confidence in the country’s criminal justice system.

 

According to the movement, reopening the investigation would demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to justice, transparency and accountability, irrespective of the political status of those who may be connected to the circumstances surrounding the killing.

 

Obi had recently expressed concerns about his safety ahead of the 2027 general election, saying he could not confidently guarantee that he would still be alive to contest the presidency because of what he described as persistent intimidation and hostility directed at him.

 

The Obidient Movement said such comments by a leading opposition figure should not be dismissed in a democratic society, noting that Nigeria’s history of unresolved political assassinations makes every allegation relating to the safety of political actors a matter of national concern.

 

It maintained that democracy cannot flourish where opposition politicians publicly express fears for their lives, adding that repeated failures to resolve politically sensitive murders have entrenched a culture of impunity.

 

The movement also urged the Federal Government to provide adequate security for Obi and other opposition leaders, stressing that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to participate in the democratic process without intimidation or fear.

 

While acknowledging that allegations surrounding the circumstances of Williams’ assassination have remained largely speculative, the group insisted that only a fresh, comprehensive and transparent investigation could establish the facts and restore public confidence.

 

It further argued that advances in forensic science and investigative technology now provide law enforcement agencies with tools that were unavailable when the murder occurred in 2006.

 

The movement said reopening the case would send a clear message that politically motivated crimes do not become immune from justice with the passage of time, urging the Inspector-General of Police to revisit the investigation without delay.

 

According to the group, resolving the Williams murder has become a broader test of Nigeria’s commitment to confronting political violence and ending the culture of impunity. Authority.

Dangote Refinery vs AGF: Matrix, AA Rano, AYM seek to join N100 billion import licence suit

 

 

Three major oil marketers—Matrix Energy, AA Rano, and AYM Shafa—have applied to join the fresh N100 billion import licence suit filed by Dangote Refinery against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

This is according to their Motion on Notice for joinder dated June 16, 2026, exclusively obtained by Nairametrics.

Nairametrics reports that Dangote Petroleum Refinery filed a fresh lawsuit seeking to void all import licences issued or renewed by the AGF or the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

 

The refinery is also asking the court to “seal off all tank farms, storage facilities, warehouses and stations” used by the licence holders to store imported petroleum products, where, according to the refinery, Nigeria is not experiencing a petroleum supply shortfall.

In the pending case seen by Nairametrics, the refinery listed the AGF as the defendant, thereby reigniting tensions over petrol importation in Nigeria.

 

What they are saying

In their motion, filed by Ahmed Raji, SAN, and Sir Chris Ekemezie, the trio seeks an order joining them as defendants, being “necessary parties,” arguing that without them, all the issues in the pending case cannot be effectively and completely determined.

 

The applicants argued that they, along with other licensed major oil marketers in Nigeria, have invested more than $20 billion in infrastructure, logistics, and retail networks to support the smooth operation of their licensed petroleum products businesses.

 

They maintained that they are licensed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to import and distribute petroleum products into Nigeria and have been doing so for more than two decades, long before “Dangote Refinery’s foray into the said sector.”

The applicants alleged that since Dangote Refinery commenced operations, it has championed calls for the cessation of petroleum product imports into Nigeria, citing calls by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, for the inclusion of refined petroleum products on the list of items banned under the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First” policy.

The applicants further alleged that, through the pending action, the plaintiff seeks to force its competitors out of business and entrench a monopoly, which, according to them, is expressly prohibited by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

They also argued that, should the refinery’s prayers be granted, the consequences for their businesses, employees, the oil and gas industry, and the Nigerian economy at large would be unquantified.

The applicants further urged the court to hold that the instant suit amounts to an abuse of court process in view of the refinery’s earlier import licence suit, which was previously dismissed by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

 

More insights

Following a review of associated court documents, Nairametrics reports that in April 2026, the refinery filed an ex parte motion seeking an interim injunction restraining the AGF and other government agencies, particularly the NMDPRA, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), from issuing or renewing import licences to any person or company for the importation of petroleum products pending the determination of its Motion on Notice.

 

However, the trial court, presided over by Justice C. J. Aneke, ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the Motion on Notice, which was filed simultaneously with the ex parte application.

 

In the refinery’s Motion on Notice, it accused the NMDPRA of proceeding to issue import licences in what it described as an “active breach of the orders of the court.”

 

Nairametrics reports that the matter has been adjourned until October 7, 2026.

 

What you should know

The latest legal move comes after recent reports from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) showed that Nigeria’s petrol imports dropped sharply in the first quarter of 2026 as supply from local refineries climbed to about 3.18 billion litres.

 

Dangote Refinery argued in its fresh court filing that the continued issuance of import licences contravenes Nigerian law, which, according to the company, permits fuel imports only when local supply is insufficient to meet demand.

This is not the first time Dangote Refinery has challenged fuel import licences issued by the NMDPRA.

 

In 2025, the refinery filed a similar suit asking a Nigerian court to nullify fuel import licences granted to NNPC Ltd, AYM Shafa Ltd, AA Rano Ltd, T. Time Petroleum Ltd, 2015 Petroleum Ltd, and Matrix Petroleum Services Ltd.

In that earlier case, Africa’s largest refinery also sought N100 billion in damages.

However, in July 2025, Dangote Refinery unexpectedly withdrew the lawsuit, telling the court: “Take notice that the plaintiff herein discontinues this suit against the defendants forthwith.”

Nigeria has historically depended heavily on imported petrol because of the poor performance of state-owned refineries over several decades.

 

However, the emergence of Dangote Refinery, widely regarded as Africa’s largest single-train refinery, has significantly altered the country’s fuel supply dynamics.

 

Recent data analysed by Nairametrics showed that petrol imports fell to about 965.52 million litres in the first quarter of 2026, down from an estimated 2.43 billion litres recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, representing a steep 60.2% year-on-year decline.

At the same time, supply from local refineries rose from 1.996 billion litres in Q1 2025 to 3.179 billion litres in Q1 2026, marking a 59.2% increase.

The figures showed that domestic refineries accounted for roughly 76.7% of Nigeria’s total petrol supply in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 45.2% in the corresponding period of 2025. Nairametrics.

Atiku criticises proposed N50,000 WAEC, NECO examination fees

 

 

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Federal Government over the proposed ₦50,000 examination fee for candidates sitting WAEC and NECO examinations from 2027.

In a statement released on Sunday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the proposed fee and the recent increase in Federal Unity School fees would make education more expensive for many Nigerian families already struggling with economic hardship.

 

He said many households are facing rising food prices, transportation costs, electricity tariffs, unemployment and declining purchasing power. According to him, asking parents to pay more for education could force them to choose between feeding their families, accessing healthcare and educating their children.

Atiku stressed that education should remain affordable and accessible to all Nigerians regardless of economic conditions. He argued that government policies should remove barriers to education rather than create new ones. Newspot.

Notorious bandit commander, Kachalla Sani Yellow killed in Zamfara

 

 

Kachalla Sani Yellow, one of Zamfara State’s most notorious bandit commanders, has been killed in Anka Local Government Area, ending the reign of a feared warlord long linked to deadly attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling across parts of the North-West.

However, conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

Multiple local sources said Yellow was shot dead on Friday, July 10, at Dan Jibga Market in Anka Local Government Area by armed men believed to be loyal to rival bandit kingpin Dogo Gide.

 

According to the sources, the attack was carried out in broad daylight, with the assailants ambushing Yellow while he was reportedly conducting activities at the market.

 

Residents familiar with the activities of armed groups in the area described the killing as another indication of the deepening rivalry among bandit factions competing for territorial control and influence across Zamfara State.

 

However, another account attributed Yellow’s death to a recent security operation conducted in Anka Local Government Area.

 

According to security sources, the notorious commander was neutralised during a coordinated operation involving security personnel and members of the Maiduguri Special Vigilantes, who have recently been deployed to support ongoing counter-banditry operations in parts of Zamfara.

 

The sources said the operation formed part of sustained offensives aimed at dismantling criminal enclaves and eliminating high-profile bandit leaders operating in the state.

 

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not officially confirmed which account accurately reflects the circumstances surrounding Yellow’s death.

 

However, regardless of the exact circumstances, the elimination of the notorious commander represents a significant development in the campaign against armed banditry in the North-West.

 

Yellow was widely regarded as one of the influential commanders operating within the forests spanning Anka, Bukkuyum, Maru and neighbouring Local Government Areas.

 

He was allegedly involved in coordinating numerous attacks on rural communities, mass abductions for ransom, cattle rustling and violent raids that displaced thousands of residents.

 

His activities had made him one of the most wanted bandit leaders in Zamfara and neighbouring states.

 

Meanwhile, communities in Tsafe Local Government Area have reportedly come under fresh attacks believed to be linked to reprisals following Yellow’s death.

 

Local sources said armed men suspected to be loyal to another notorious bandit leader, Adamu Aliero, stormed several communities, killing at least two residents and abducting more than 60 others.

 

Residents said the attackers also looted food items and livestock before retreating into nearby forest hideouts.

 

The sources believe the attacks were carried out in retaliation for the recent killings of prominent bandit commanders during ongoing security operations across the state.

 

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA and the Police have reportedly intensified patrols and launched pursuit operations to rescue the abducted victims and prevent further retaliatory attacks. Globalupfront.

The indignity of a Hero: The Professor Martin Aghaji story 

 

By Ike Abonyi.

At what point in life or professional standing does one become immune to the indignities that can arise from the aggressive actions of overzealous law enforcement? Furthermore, what is the legal principle that asserts an individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law? How can the events that transpired in Enugu State and Lagos between July 3rd and July 5th, 2026, be reconciled with the concept of the rule of law, which mandates adherence to legal procedures? Professor Aghaji’s experience serves as a stark illustration of unchecked power and impunity.

 

At 74 years of age, Professor Martin Anthony Chukwumbudike Aghaji has achieved considerable distinction across various facets of his life: as a family man, an educator, an administrator, and most notably, as a medical practitioner.

 

Professor Aghaji served as a Consultant Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH). He is credited with pioneering two significant surgical feats in Nigeria: the first successful replacement of a Mitral Valve with a Mechanical Heart Valve in 1986, a procedure that allowed the patient to live for twenty-seven years, and the first successful replacement of an Aortic Valve with a Mechanical Heart Valve. An alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he graduated as the Best Student of the MB BCH Class of 1977. His academic credentials also include studies at the University of London, renowned for its expertise in open-heart surgery. He also held the position of the founding Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State. The immeasurable value of a life dedicated to healing others is difficult to quantify.

 

For Emeritus Professor Aghaji, an internationally recognised cardiothoracic surgeon and one of Nigeria’s preeminent cardiologists, a lifetime of dedicated service was met not with appreciation, but with fear. He recounted his harrowing experience to me with profound emotion and tears, stating unequivocally, “No one should endure the treatment I received, regardless of the circumstances.”

 

At 2:30 a.m. on Friday, July 3rd, 2026, during a time of widespread repose, the sanctity of this esteemed healer’s residence in Independent Layout, Enugu, was violently violated. Approximately 30 operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), heavily armed as if confronting a major terrorist, breached his home. There was no prior notification, no official summons, and no response to any attempted contact. His age, professional standing, and substantial contributions to medicine and society were utterly disregarded.

 

In the darkness of the night, this venerable elder statesman and his visiting daughter, who was staying with him while his wife was abroad visiting their children, were forcibly removed from their home, treated as common criminals. The operatives, employing commando-style tactics, attempted to scale the fence but were deterred by barbed wire. They subsequently broke through the wall and forced entry through the doors. To Professor Aghaji and his household, the intrusion evoked the terror of robbers and kidnappers, prompting attempts to alert neighbours and the police.

 

One can only imagine the profound terror of that moment. Consider the anguish of a man who has dedicated his life to repairing damaged hearts, now helpless as his own home is subjected to violent intrusion. Imagine the trauma inflicted upon his daughter as they were dragged into the night.

 

They were transported to the Enugu DSS office and subsequently moved to Lagos on Saturday. The daughter was eventually released upon confirmation that she was not the target individual. This distinguished elder was stripped of his dignity and peace. For hours that felt like an eternity, he was held in a state of agonising uncertainty. The most distressing aspect? He was never informed of any alleged offence. Even in Lagos, no clear justification was provided for this demeaning and humiliating action. He was denied the fundamental human right to know the basis for being treated as a perceived threat to the state.

 

How did this ordeal conclude? With a perfunctory apology. After subjecting an elderly, world-renowned professor to unimaginable psychological and physical distress, the DSS operatives in Lagos offered a simple apology and his release, citing a mistake. The Lagos DSS had apparently failed to conduct adequate due diligence, merely instructing Enugu to apprehend the alleged “criminal.” They also neglected proper profiling and chose to strike in the dead of night. For three days, until Sunday, the 74-year-old professor remained in a state of shock, without any explanation. There was no accountability, only a “sorry” for the destruction of his property, the disruption of his home, and the shattering of his peace of mind. How can any apology compensate for the trauma of a 2:30 a.m. raid? An apology cannot mend the psychological scars inflicted upon his daughter. An apology does not restore the dignity so carelessly trampled upon by an agency charged with citizen protection.

 

If a figure of Professor Aghaji’s eminence—a true pioneer in Nigerian medicine—can be subjected to such blatant lawlessness and disrespect, then who among us is truly secure? This incident is not merely an affront to the Professor and his family; it represents a profound blemish on our collective justice system. We demand more than a quiet apology. We insist on accountability and justice for the psychological torment inflicted upon a national asset.

 

As Professor Aghaji contemplated the reasons for such treatment, he recalled having recently attended to an imprisoned IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. However, he could not fathom any professional conduct that would warrant such humiliation. When asked about his next steps, the emotionally distressed cardiologist stated, “I have lodged a complaint with the Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, requesting his intervention to ascertain the reason for my profound humiliation.”

 

He added, “I am awaiting a response, and a consulting professional should not be treated in such a manner, even if they have committed an offence and refused an invitation.”

 

It is deeply regrettable when institutions meant to safeguard citizens instead treat them as adversaries and common criminals. If a medical practitioner of Professor Aghaji’s age and stature can be subjected to such treatment, how can we fault the disillusionment of younger doctors who crowd foreign embassies in Lagos and Abuja in search of a visa to run away from their fatherland? May divine mercy be upon us.

 

Ike Abonyi is Editor @Large.

Tinubu expresses joy on the rescue of Oyo kidnapped school children, staff, commends security agencies

 

 

President Bola Ahmed has expressed joy on the rescue of kidnapped school children and staff in Oyo state saying relief has come to the families and the nation.

He praised the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their gallantry.

These were contained in a statement on Friday evening by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Below is the full text of the statement:

 

STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

 

PRESIDENT TINUBU EXPRESSES JOY OVER THE RESCUE OF ORIIRE ABDUCTED CHILDREN AND TEACHERS, COMMENDS SECURITY AGENCIES

 

President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound joy at the successful rescue of the children and teachers from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, by the security forces.

 

President Tinubu praised the heroic efforts of the security agencies, especially the military, the DSS and the police, for working round the clock in the last 56 days to secure the release of the abducted children and their teachers without any collateral damage and for arresting eight of the abductors and neutralising others.

 

President Tinubu regretted the anguish that the children and their teachers, as well as members of their families and the entire nation, have experienced since the sad occurrence.

 

For cooperating with the Federal Government in all rescue efforts, President Tinubu commended the Oyo State Government and charged it to ensure adequate security around schools across the state.

 

“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them.

 

“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.

 

“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered.

 

“I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” the President said.

 

President Tinubu has also directed that the emergency agencies work with the Oyo State Government to provide all necessary medical and relief support to the children and the teachers.

 

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information and Strategy)

 

July 10, 2026

Injury to one is an injury to all – Atiku warns Tinubu over safety of Peter Obi

 

Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Peter Obi — the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress — must not be harmed in any way.

 

Atiku gave the warning in a statement by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, on Thursday.

 

The warning appears to be linked to Peter Obi’s recent public expression of concern about threats to his life during an interview, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The alarm has since stirred concerns among Nigerians who condemned the threats to life over politics.

However, in a terse statemnet, Atiku noted that the safety of every opposition leader is a constitutional obligation of the Nigerian state and a test of its democratic credentials.

 

“Nothing should happen to Peter Obi. An attack on one person is an attack on everyone. When any opposition leader is harassed or intimidated, it weakens the voice of all opposition figures. Once citizens start living in fear because of their political views, democracy itself suffers.”

“The Presidency must understand that democratic leadership demands composure, not contempt. When a citizen, particularly an opposition figure, voices concerns about the state of the nation or his personal safety, the first duty of government is to reassure through statesmanship, facts and responsible conduct—not through insults. Democracies are strengthened by reasoned engagement, not by invective. A government that answers every criticism with abuse projects insecurity, not confidence.

 

“The opposition is not the enemy of Nigeria. Poverty is the enemy. Hunger is the enemy. Insecurity is the enemy. Corruption is the enemy. Kidnapping is the enemy. The daily bloodletting across our communities is the enemy. A government that devotes more energy to attacking its critics than confronting these existential challenges has confused political survival with the purpose of governance,” he stated. Newspot.

Tinubu urges Senate to amend Snr Secondary Education Commission Act

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to consider and pass the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The President said the proposed legislation is aimed at strengthening the administration and governance of public senior secondary education in Nigeria.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President’s letter during plenary on Thursday.

In the letter, Tinubu noted that the amendment bill was approved by the Federal Executive Council at its meeting of April 30, 2026.

“The purpose of the bill is to strengthen the administration and governance of public senior secondary education in Nigeria,” the letter reads.

The President said the proposed legislation aligns with his administration’s commitment to strengthening educational institutions in the national interest.

“In consequence of the above, the desire of this administration to strengthen the educational institutions in the national interest, the National Senior Secondary Education Commission Amendment Bill, 2026, is forwarded for legislative action by the National Assembly,” he said.

Tinubu urged the Senate to give the bill expeditious consideration.

“While it is my hope that the Senate will consider the bill and grant it expeditious passage, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards,” the letter reads.

After reading the letter, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business.

He directed the committee to report back to the chamber within one week. Authority.

NCC charges Nigerian students to protect telecommunications infrastructure

 The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on Nigerian students to actively protect telecommunications infrastructure across the country, describing such facilities as critical national assets that support education, innovation, economic growth and digital connectivity.

The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, made the call during a courtesy and familiarisation visit by the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to the Commission’s Head Office in Abuja recently.

In a release, the EVC, who was represented by the Director, Public Affairs Department, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, congratulated the newly elected NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, and members of the association’s executive council on their emergence while commending the smooth transition in the leadership of the student body.

Dr Maida noted that the longstanding relationship between the NCC and NANS has continued to flourish because of mutual respect, dialogue and constructive engagement, and expressed confidence that the current leadership would build on the achievements of its predecessors.

The EVC encouraged the student body to remain actively involved in the Commission’s stakeholder engagement processes, particularly public consultations on regulatory and consumer-related initiatives, to ensure that the interests and perspectives of Nigerian students are adequately represented in policy development.

Speaking on challenges facing the telecommunications industry, Dr. Maida identified vandalism of telecommunications facilities, theft of fibre optic cables and network equipment, destruction of infrastructure, and right-of-way challenges as major factors affecting service delivery across the country.

He urged NANS to support ongoing awareness efforts by sensitising students on the importance of safeguarding telecommunications facilities located within and outside educational institutions.

The EVC also highlighted several initiatives being implemented by the Commission to advance digital inclusion and create opportunities for young Nigerians. These include the deployment of digital infrastructure through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), establishment of Digital Parks in tertiary institutions across the country, and ongoing efforts to support digital learning and innovation.

Earlier, the President of NANS, Comrade Akinteye, expressed appreciation to the NCC for maintaining a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with the student body over the years, and commended the Commission for its openness to strengthening engagement between the Commission and the student body through dialogue and mutual understanding.

He acknowledged the role of the NCC in fostering a culture of dialogue and stakeholder engagement, noting that the Commission’s approach has continued to encourage the student body to pursue peaceful and responsible advocacy on national issues.  Authority.

Tinubu sends bill to repeal, replace 2015 Criminal Justice Act to Senate

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a bill to the Senate seeking to repeal the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and enact a new Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2026.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President’s letter during plenary on Thursday.

In the letter, Tinubu said the proposed law is aimed at strengthening the administration of criminal justice in the Federal Capital Territory and other federal courts across the country.

“The general objective of the bill is to repeal the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and to enact the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2026,” the letter reads.

It will also establish an Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council for effective and efficient administration of criminal justice in Nigeria.

Tinubu said the bill seeks to promote efficient management of criminal justice institutions, ensure speedy dispensation of justice, and protect society from crime.

It will also safeguard the rights and interests of suspects, defendants and victims, and ensure compliance by courts and law enforcement agencies.

According to the President, the decision to repeal the 2015 Act followed the identification of challenges including delays in investigations and prosecution, and inadequate deployment of technology in criminal proceedings.

Other challenges listed are weak coordination among criminal justice institutions, inefficient case management, and limitations in monitoring compliance with the Act.

After reading the letter, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business and directed it to report back to the chamber within one week. Authority