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Onnoghen’s Conviction, Major Victory for Anti-Corruption Policy – Presidency

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7 years ago

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The Presidency has reacted to the conviction of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, saying the ruling was a major victory for the anti-corruption policy of the Buhari administration.

Mr Onnoghen was convicted on Thursday afternoon for false declaration of assets.

The tribunal ordered that he forfeit the money in the five accounts he failed to declare in his assets declaration form.

The tribunal ordered his removal from office and declared that he should not be allowed to hold public office in the next 10 years.

Mr Onnoghen, who denied the charges against him, has appealed the ruling.

In his appeal, Mr Onnoghen identified 16 grounds on which basis he wants the appellate court to upturn his conviction.

He also sought seven reliefs from the court including “an order setting aside the conviction of the appellant (Mr Onnoghen).”

Reacting to the verdict on Thursday, the Presidency in a statement by spokesperson Garba Shehu said the outcome of the trial “demonstrates clearly that the law is no respecter of persons, titles, social or political connections”.

The statement added that the essence of the rule of law is to hold everyone accountable equally before the law, regardless of their high or law status in the society.

According to the Presidency, the war against corruption is “all encompassing and is not designed to persecute anyone for political or other reasons”.

“The rule of law would lose its meaning and validity if only the weak, the poor and powerless are punished for their violations of the law. Countries succeed because the rule of law is evenly upheld and enforced. The war against corruption would go nowhere if the high and mighty are spared because of their influence and connections. You can’t fight corruption by allowing impunity because the rule of law cannot function where impunity is tolerated,” Mr Shehu wrote.

The statement said that the conviction of Justice Onnoghen should send a clear message that the dragnet against corruption will be spread widely to hold public officials accountable, whether they are politicians, Judges, civil servants or holding positions of public trust.

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2027: Obi Will Sweep South-East Votes, Igbo Group Counters Umahi

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6 hours ago

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October 7, 2026

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Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Igbo Heroes and Icons Foundation (IHIF) has predicted a landslide victory in the South-East for Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate.

The foundation made the prediction in reaction to a recent statement attributed to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would secure votes in the South-East in the election.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Chinedu Nsofor, the group described Obi as the strongest expression of what it called the South-East’s aspiration to produce a Nigerian president of Igbo descent.

The foundation said the demand for an Igbo presidency was rooted in fairness, equity, justice and reciprocity, rather than exclusion or opposition to other ethnic groups.

It argued that the South-East had supported presidential candidates from other regions, including Shehu Shagari from the North-West, Olusegun Obasanjo from the South-West, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from North-West, Goodluck Jonathan from the South-South and Bola Tinubu from the South-West.

According to the group, after decades of supporting candidates from other regions, fairness demands that Nigerians give the Igbo an opportunity to produce the president in 2027.

“The South East has watched presidential power move through different regions while the Igbo have yet to produce a president since independence,” the statement said.

The foundation called on other opposition presidential contenders to consider building consensus around Obi and urged political leaders to support what it described as the South-East’s demand for equity.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us. 2027 is the time to give the Igbo people their turn. 2027 is the time for an Igbo presidency,” the group said.

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Super Eagles Round Off International Friendly Window with 3-3 Draw Against Russia

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7 hours ago

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October 7, 2026

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Nigeria rounded off this international window 3-3 draw with Russia in a friendly match played on Tuesday night.

The Super Eagles were looking to bounce back from a 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

And it was Eric Chelle’s men who took the lead against the Russians, with Kelechi Iheanacho marking his return to the team with a long-range finish.

But the hosts wrestled control of the game from Nigeria and went in front thanks to goals from Lechi Sadulaev and Matvey Kislyak.

Aleksei Miranchuk extended Russia’s lead in the second, but the Eagles fought back to draw level.

Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams found the back of the net, to ensure the three-time African champions escaped another defeat.

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NAF Releases Identities of Ondo Plane Crash Victims

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1 day ago

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October 6, 2026

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the identities of the people who died in the crash involving an NAF ATR 42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, on Monday.

The aircraft, NAF 931, was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers when it crashed during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

In a statement, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesperson, said no survivor had been found following the accident, which prompted the immediate activation of search-and-rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities.

Those killed include five crew members: Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, co-pilot; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, aircraft technician.

The 20 passengers were identified as Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye; Flying Officer IM Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F; Master Warrant Officer Matini BA; Warrant Officer Nuhu FS; Flight Sergeant James RB; Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI; Sergeant Ani AE; Sergeant Izibenikien SI; Sergeant Alafuka C; Sergeant Mbadugha AN; Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC; Lance Corporal Eledan GE; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives in the crash.

Aneke described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during the difficult period.

He has also directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects and sympathise with the families of the deceased and the NAF.

The statement was signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force.

Daily Trust

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