Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has alleged that he was offered N5 billion to coordinate the impeachment of his principal.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ehie claimed he has evidence of the bribe offer stored on his phone.

“I can also open my phone to show you, in the beginning of October 2023, when they approached me with a bribe of N5 billion. It is here in my phone,

“It was for impeachment. It’s here. I have it and I have printed it and distributed it, in case, in their evil imagination, they decide to attack me. I already have a son and a brother,” he said.

Ehie said the offer was made while he was serving as the majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The Chief of Staff also denied claims that he orchestrated the October 30, 2023, bombing of the Rivers Assembly complex on Fubara’s orders.

The allegation was made by a former Head of Service in the state, George Nwaeke, during a press conference last Friday.

Nwaeke had alleged that he witnessed a bag of money being handed over to Ehie at the Government House to execute the operation, though he admitted he did not know the amount inside.

Dismissing the claims as false and politically motivated, Ehie said, “It is very important to clarify that I had no hand and was not part of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“Like everyone else, I woke up in the early hours of 30th of October 2023 to hear of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

Ehie stated that he had instructed his lawyers to file a lawsuit against Nwaeke for criminal libel.

“I will not join issues completely with Mr. George Nwaeke because I have already instructed my lawyers to file an issue of criminal libel against him, and I hope he is very prepared to substantiate his claims and his allegations,” he said.

He further alleged that Nwaeke had sought financial assistance from him on the same day he resigned as head of service.

Rivers State has been in turmoil since Fubara’s fallout with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.

On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state and suspended both the governor and his deputy.

Subsequently, on March 26, the sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, suspended all political officeholders in the state.

Dismissed police corporal Aremu Musiliu, accused of killing a nursing mother, Comfort Udoh, has reportedly disappeared after secretly securing bail from the Lagos High Court, TheNigerian Metro investigation reveals.

Musiliu, along with five other policemen, had allegedly flagged down a tricycle along Isheri area in 2015, driven by Comfort’s husband, Godwin Udoh.

The vehicle reportedly carried Comfort and her four children, including a four-month-old baby, as they returned home from a church programme.

Despite the family explaining they were not commuters but merely heading home after worship, Musiliu allegedly insisted on a N2,000 bribe before allowing them to proceed.

When one of the policemen at the checkpoint ordered the family to leave, Musiliu reportedly aimed and fired his weapon at the tricycle.

The shot struck Comfort in the head, killing her instantly, while other bullets hit her husband in the jaw and right shoulder.

As their children screamed in terror, the officers reportedly fled the scene.

Musiliu was dismissed from the police force on September 17, 2015, and later granted bail in 2017 without the knowledge of the grieving family.

Court records reveal that Justice O.A. Taiwo of Court 26, Ikeja High Court, granted Musiliu bail at N1m with two sureties.

In the court ruling, Justice Taiwo stated, “Section 115(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2011 empowers the court to grant bail to a defendant charged with an offence punishable by death.

“Thus, the court has discretion whether or not to grant bail to a defendant charged with a capital offence. It is the duty of the applicant to show by affidavit special circumstances which will warrant the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the applicant.”

Since being granted bail, TheNigerian Metro learnt that Musiliu’s whereabouts have remained unknown despite multiple court sittings and attempts to arrest his sureties.

Speaking to TheNigerian Metro on Saturday, Godwin Udoh expressed his frustration and disbelief.

“I was surprised when I didn’t see him (the policeman) in court before discovering later that he had been granted bail. Nobody expected he would be granted bail.

“Every time they asked the prison to present him in court, they would give excuses like a lack of fuel to transport him. That’s how I began investigating what was going on,” Udoh recounted.

Udoh explained that his enquiries led him to the realisation that Musiliu had indeed been released.

“The court handling the case is now at the TBS High Court, but they never brought him there for arraignment. The only time he was ever arraigned was at the Ebute Metta Magistrate Court in 2015 when the incident happened,” he said.

“The judge, Hon. Justice Akintoye, even wrote letters to all the prisons in Lagos State, but they refused to produce this man in court. They even issued an arrest warrant for the two sureties.

“The entire court didn’t believe he had been released on bail until I personally went to find out. That’s when I confirmed that Hon. Justice Taiwo’s court at Ikeja had granted him bail. Now, the man has disappeared. We have never heard anything about him,” Udoh lamented.

The case is still ongoing, with the next court session scheduled for April 9. However, Udoh remains uncertain whether justice will be served.

“Nobody represented him in court as his lawyer. It’s only the prosecutor from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice who said I should try to see them at Alausa so they could find a way to bring him to court,” he added.

Udoh, reflecting on his life after the tragic incident in 2015, revealed that he and his children had been left to struggle alone, despite multiple promises from the police hierarchy to support them.

“The pain from this injury is still unbearable,” he said. “There’s still an iron in my jaw that was supposed to be removed. The doctor said they needed to take it out and replace it with bone so I could chew properly. But as I speak to you, the iron keeps hurting me.

“Sometimes, I even have to drain boils from it,” he said.

Udoh also recalled how the police failed to assist with his late wife’s burial in 2016.

“I met with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, but he told me the police don’t bury anyone and that I should handle it myself,” he said.

He lamented that despite assurances, the police had abandoned him and his family.

“They promised to care for me, cover all my medical expenses, and ensure I got the necessary surgery. But they left me to suffer.

“The cost of the operation to remove this iron from my jaw runs into millions, and I don’t have that money,” he explained.

Udoh further revealed that the police had also pledged financial support, medical care, and scholarships for his children.

“They said they would put me on their payroll so I could at least receive some financial support yearly. None of that has happened,” he said.

Even a scholarship certificate issued for his children was later recalled.

He said, “I had to return it, but I made a photocopy first.

“They said it was a mistake and that they would correct it and send it back to the inspector general for approval. Till today, I haven’t received it.”

Police brutality against innocent civilians is rampant despite efforts to rein in criminal-minded officers.

The police force sacked Inspector Usman Dikko over the death of the Baale of Lotu, the late Chief Fatai Jubril, in 2023.

Another officer was dismissed for raping a teenage girl at gunpoint inside a police station in Lagos.

Hon. Yusuf Shittu Galambi, representing Gwaram Federal Constituency in Jigawa State, has refuted allegations that members of the National Assembly were bribed to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

His statement comes amid ongoing controversy, with some groups accusing lawmakers of being influenced in their decision-making.

In a press release issued on Saturday, Galambi dismissed the claims, insisting that lawmakers neither received inducements nor were coerced into backing the president’s decision.

According to him, the majority of members supported the measure out of a commitment to protecting democracy and safeguarding the interests of the people of Rivers State.

He emphasized that the National Assembly’s endorsement was motivated by a desire to uphold patriotism, political stability, peace, and the protection of democratic institutions.

“I was shocked by the media reports spreading falsehoods and mischief, suggesting that we were bribed or forced into supporting the president’s decision regarding Rivers State,” he said.

He further explained that lawmakers backed the move as a necessary step to preserve democracy and even to protect Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who faces intense political opposition from a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which could lead to his impeachment.

“Nigerians should recognize the role of the National Assembly in advising the president to establish a reconciliation team of eminent Nigerians before the six-month emergency rule expires,” he added.

Addressing criticism from opposition groups and civil society organizations, Galambi insisted that lawmakers prioritized national unity, political cohesion, and democratic stability over emotional reactions.

“Contrary to the views of opposition groups and activists, we assessed the situation with a focus on patriotism, peace, and the preservation of democratic structures—including the people, the governor, and the Rivers State Assembly,” he stated.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to support peaceful dialogue in resolving the crisis.

“I call on well-meaning Nigerians to give peace a chance and allow Mr. President to explore the best possible solutions through dialogue and unity,” he said.

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of planning to squander the sum of N2.8 billion to bribe opposition lawmakers in the State House of Assembly to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

According to report the allegation was contained in a statement signed by Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary,
Edo PDP Caretaker Committee.

DAILY POST also reports that there are 13 PDP and one Labour Party lawmakers in the 24-member House.

Nehikhare alleged that Okpebholo planned to spend a huge amount to bribe lawmakers to defect to the APC in the midst of insecurity, incessant killings and kidnapping of farmers and other residents in the state.

The statement dated March 6, 2025 was titled, ‘Edo PDP condemns Okpebholo’s N200M bribery ploy to buy defection of each assembly member. A reckless misappropriation of state resources’.

He said, “The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is aware of the ploy by Senator Monday Okpebholo to splash N200 million each to induce members of the Edo State House of Assembly elected on the PDP platform to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“We condemn in the strongest terms Senator Okpebholo’s desperate plans to squander the resources of the people of Edo State on political horse-trading for his own survival, while critical sectors of the state remain in dire need of government intervention.

“In the last few weeks alone, at least 34 innocent Edo citizens have allegedly been brutally murdered across various communities in the State as a result of rising insecurity. While properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed on the back of the ongoing security crisis.

“Small and large-scale farmers are being displaced daily, more communities are being sacked by rampaging kidnappers and herders, while others, including the city centre is being overrun by non-state actors, leaving residents in fear and economic activities disrupted.

“The state is currently grappling with severe infrastructure decay due to neglect. The health sector is in shambles, with hospitals and clinics lacking essential medical supplies, including the Edo Specialist Hospital, where even the most basic consumables are unavailable. More youths now look up to thugs as role models because the government has failed to provide meaningful opportunities for their engagement.

“Unfortunately, amidst all these challenges, Okpebholo’s only concern is his political survival, as he schemes, along with his many political godfathers, to squander billions of naira that should be used to improve the lives of Edo people, on inducing Assembly members to defect to the APC.

“This is executive rascality at its peak and we dare say that this brazen act of corruption and reckless misplacement of priorities is shameful and unacceptable.

“We are not however surprised by Okpebholo’s alleged insatiable appetite for power at the expense of development and security of the State, having come to the office unprepared through the backdoor,” he alleged.

He, however, called on all well-meaning Edo people, civil society groups, and anti-corruption agencies to rise against the alleged abuse of power and reckless misappropriation of state resources.

He restated that as a party, they are undaunted by the alleged evil machinations of the governor and QPC in the state.

According to report the party had on March 3, 2025 accused Okpebholo of allegedly withdrawing N750 million monthly as a security vote even as the state has become a safe haven for kidnappers and other criminal gangs.

The party alleged that the criminal gangs operate with impunity, taking advantage of the deteriorating security situation, while residents and business owners continue to live in constant fear.

Reacting to the allegations, Paul Ohonbamu, the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communication, opined that if the opposition legislators abandoned their political party it would not be because of any pecuniary consideration as alleged by the PDP spokesman,
but because they are fed up staying with strange bed fellows.

Ohonbamu in a statement dated March 7, 2025 and titled, “Nehikhare’s Defection Story: A lie by the Dead PDP in Edo State’, noted that the lamentation of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state would not help the political party to survive the mass exodus of members to the All Progressive Congress, APC.

He alleged that there are strong indications that PDP would soon cease to exist in the state and that no matter the campaign of calumny and attack against the Okpebholo administration would save the party.

The statement read, “It is not surprising to know that PDP members in the State House of Assembly are going to cross over to the All Progressives Congress, APC .

“Chris Nehikhare lamented in a statement titled, Edo PDP condemns Okpebholo’s N200M bribery ploy to buy defection of each Assembly member, reckless misappropriation of state resources

“For the information of Edo People, The Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo will not give any money to induce members of the Edo State House of Assembly elected on the PDP platform to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

“Interestingly, if PDP members in the State House of Assembly decide to defect, it is nothing but survivalist strategy, because Godwin Obaseki destroyed the Party with his bad and wicked policies which apparently led to the defeat of their Governorship Candidate Asue Ighodalo at the polls.

“The fact remains that any discerning and credible politician in the state now knows where the pendulum is swinging to and like they say, failure is an orphan.

“Therefore, it is not strange if members of the House of Assembly want to be on the winning team, because of the good works of the governor which have become the magic wand.”

Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested two suspects in connection with two separate child trafficking cases even as they rejected N1m bribe offer.

The spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, made the disclosures in a press statement on Thursday.

Okoye said operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department had on February 4, 2025, arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, of Umuanyo Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA, for allegedly abducting her ex-neighbor’s three-year-old son, Nzubechi Udodiri, on February 1, 2025, while the lad was playing right on their premises.

However, the boy has been rescued and reunited with his parents,

In another development, operatives on the highway during a routine stop-and-search of buses along the Owerri-Aba Expressway apprehended a 45-year-old woman, Eze Chika, of Obiokwara Umualoma, Ideato North LGA, found with a suspected stolen four-year-old child. Though she claimed the child was hers, she later admitted to purchasing the child from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba for N1.8m.

Determined to go scot-free, she offered the police operatives N1m bribe which was rejected outright by the operatives. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to reunite the rescued child with his parents.

Okoye said, “On February 4, 2025, detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, of Umuanyo Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA, for abducting her ex-neighbor’s three-year-old son, Nzubechi Udodiri, on February 1, 2025. Investigations revealed she stole the child while he was playing in the compound where he resides. The child was rescued and reunited with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Udodiri Michael, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend possible accomplices.

“In a separate development on February 21, 2025, operatives of the Safer Highway Unit, while conducting a robust stop-and-search along the Owerri-Aba express road, apprehended Eze Chika (45) of Obiokwara Umualoma, Ideato North LGA, found with a suspected stolen four-year-old child. Initially, she claimed the child was hers but later admitted to purchasing the child from a suspected trafficking syndicate in Aba for N1.8m.

“In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the suspect offered the officers a N1m bribe, which was rejected outright. The officers proceeded with the lawful arrest and ensured the safe rescue of the child. Further investigations revealed possible links to a larger trafficking network, and more arrests are expected. Efforts are underway to identify the child’s biological parents.”

The police spokesperson reiterated that the command was committed to fighting child trafficking and other crimes in the state.

He however admonished residents especially parents to be vigilant, monitor their children, and report suspicious activities to the police.

The Imo State Police Command has arrested two suspected child traffickers and rescued two stolen children in separate operations.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, highlighting a strong display of professionalism by officers who rejected a ₦1m bribe to ensure justice prevailed.

*”On Feb. 21, operatives of the Safer Highway Unit, while conducting a robust stop-and-search on the Owerri–Aba Express Road, apprehended one Eze Chika, 45.

“The suspect was found with a stolen four-year-old child.

“Initially, she claimed the child was hers but later admitted to purchasing the child from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba for N1.8m,”* Okoye stated.

He further revealed that in a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the suspect offered the officers ₦1m as a bribe, which was outrightly rejected.

The officers proceeded with the lawful arrest and ensured the safe rescue of the child.

“Further investigations revealed possible links to a larger trafficking network, adding that more arrests are expected,” Okoye added.

In a separate operation, detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, for allegedly abducting her ex-neighbour’s son.

Okoye stated that investigations revealed Odoh, who was arrested on February 4, had stolen the child while he was playing in the compound where he resides.

“The child was rescued and reunited with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ududiri, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend possible accomplices,” he said.

Reiterating the command’s commitment to combating child trafficking and other organized crimes, Okoye urged residents, particularly parents, to remain vigilant and closely monitor their children.

He called on the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or contact the following emergency numbers: 0803 477 3600 and 0814 802 4755.

(NAN)

Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have rescued two children from their female abductors in two separate incidents, even as they rejected a ₦1million offer as bribe.

Police spokesperson in the state, DSP Henry Okoye disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday.

Okoye disclosed that on February 4th 2025, operatives attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, a resident of Umuanyo Eziobodo in Owerri West local government area.

Odoh was apprehended for allegely abducting her former neighbor’s 3-year-old son, Nzubechi Ududiri, three days earlier, on February 1, 2025.

The suspect was alleged to have abducted little Nzubechi while he was playing within the suspect’s house premises.

However, the child has been reunited with his parents, Mr and Mrs Michael Ududiri.

In another development, police operatives on a routine stop-and-search operation on the Owerri-Aba express Road also nabbed a 45-year-old Eze Chika, a female resident of Obiokwara Umualoma in Ideato North local government area of Imo State for being in company of an abducted four years old boy.

Chika offered a bribe of ₦1million during interrogation to the police operatives to pave way for her release after admitting that she bought the child for ₦1.8million from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba, Abia State.

Okoye said, “On February 4, 2025, detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, of Umuanyo Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA, for abducting her ex-neighbor’s 3-year-old son, Nzubechi Ududiri, on February 1, 2025. Investigations revealed she stole the child while he was playing in the compound where he resides.

“The child was rescued and reunited with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ududiri Michael, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend possible accomplices.

“In a separate development on February 21, 2025, operatives of the Safer Highway Unit, while conducting a robust stop-and-search along the Owerri-Aba Express Road, apprehended Eze Chika (45) of Obiokwara Umualoma, Ideato North LGA, found with a suspected stolen 4-year-old child. Initially, she claimed the child was hers but later admitted to purchasing the child from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba for ₦1.8 million.

“In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the suspect offered the officers a ₦1 million bribe, which was outrightly rejected. The officers proceeded with the lawful arrest and ensured the safe rescue of the child,” the police spokesman said.

Okoye added that further investigations revealed possible links to a larger trafficking network, saying more arrests are expected as efforts are underway to identify the child’s biological parents.

He expressed the commitment of the Imo State Police Command to combating child trafficking and other organised crimes.

Residents, especially parents, are also urged to stay vigilant, monitor their children closely, and report suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station or via 0803 477 3600, 08148024755.

The Head of Financial Crime Compliance at cryptocurrency firm, Binance, Tigran Gambaryan, who spent eight months in a Nigerian detention facility over alleged corruption, has identified three Nigerian lawmakers who allegedly demanded a bribe of $150m from him.

Nigerian authorities detained Gambaryan and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, a 37-year-old British Kenyan who serves as the regional manager for Africa at Binance.

Both were charged with money laundering involving $35 million, as initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Anjarwalla managed to escape from custody on March 22, 2024.

However, Gambaryan was released following the intervention of the United States government.

While in detention, the Binance boss said some lawmakers in the House of Representatives demanded bribes from him.

Taking to his verified X handle, Gambaryan named Philip Agbese, Ginger Onwusibe and Peter Akpanke, all members of the House, as the men who allegedly demanded the huge sum from him.

Gambaryan’s post on X read in part, “The DSS was involved in the House of Representatives matter. We met with them at their office on Friday, January 5, 2024, as a prerequisite to our meeting with the House of Representatives. They alluded to the fact that we had to comply with whatever the House members instructed us to do.

“At the House meeting, there were three members present. Two of them were Peter Akpanke and Philip Agbese, both working under the leadership of Ginger Obinna Onwusibe. There was a third House member, but I don’t recall his name.

“They set up fake cameras and media to make the meeting appear official, but the cameras weren’t even plugged in. As you may already know, this ended with them asking for a $150m bribe, paid in cryptocurrency into their personal wallets. A Micky Mouse operation at its best.”

Reacting to the development, however, Agbese, who doubles as the Deputy Spokesman of the House, has called on the Binance boss to support his claims with evidence or face the consequences of his actions.

Speaking with TheNigerian Online, the Benue lawmaker said, “I am outraged by the false allegations made by Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of the controversial crypto firm Binance, claiming that I was among those who demanded a $150m bribe from him.

“These allegations are false. I was not part of any meeting with any Binance executive regarding money for any purpose. The leadership of the committee took the matter to court, and Binance has already apologised.

“Let it be on record that I am not a member of the Committee on Economic and Financial Crimes. I visited my colleague, Hon Peter Akpanke, in his office, where he was meeting with some visitors about an activity of his committee, with Hon Peter Anakwe, a member of the committee present. We exchanged pleasantries and, in character with my person as an avid pursuer of knowledge, discussed Binance’s activities that did not include any demand from anyone.

“It was during this visit to the office of Hon Akpanke, with Hon Anekwe present, that he told me they were interfacing with the Binance team from abroad over a referral to their committee. What transpired between the two of them and the Binance executive after I left the office is left to them.”

He said he never saw the visitors again after the meeting and did not afterwards attend any meetings with Binance executives, the EFCC or the DSS.

“I am aware that when this issue was first raised, the Chairman of the Committee went to court and Binance apologised. So, all inquiries should be directed to the committee, not to Hon. Philip Agbese,” he stated.

The lawmaker noted that the world of cryptocurrency is new to him, saying, “I have never used any cryptocurrency as I do not have a crypto wallet anywhere in the world.  I could not have asked for funds to be credited to a non-existent wallet.

“Gambaryan and his associate, who escaped from prison, should return to the EFCC and defend themselves. Instead of trying to implicate me, they should focus on addressing the allegations against them.

“As a consequence of the foregoing, I demand that Tigran Gambaryan publishes any evidence that links Hon Philip Agbese to the issue. The man has spewed many other lies in his report about the government demanding information on opposition elements and other outrageous claims.

” I further demand that failing to provide evidence as stated, Tigran Gambaryan must cause a retraction of his malicious claims and publication and apologise to me within the next seven days or face legal action from my lawyers.”

He added that he has always been a target of foreign forces, noting, “This is not the first allegation against me by a foreign entity. The first was that I worked for the past government and the Armed Forces to promote Nigeria’s agenda, which shows the extent of desperation by entities that are interested in undermining public office holders they perceive as nationalistic.”

Onwusibe, who represents Isiala Ngwa North/Isiala Ngwa South Federal Constituency, Abia State, chairs the House Committee on Anti-Corruption.

He declined to comment when contacted by TheNigerian Online, saying, “I’m already in court with them on this same issue. I don’t need to respond again as I briefed the press on this last year when it happened.”

Efforts to reach Akpanke for his comment were not fruitful.

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Gusau, Prof. Muazu Abubakar, has dismissed allegations that members of the House of Representatives Committee on University Education demanded N480m to approve federal universities’ 2025 budgets.

In a letter dated January 27 and addressed to the committee’s chairman, Abubakar Fulata, the VC refuted media reports suggesting that lawmakers pressured vice-chancellors to pay N8m each as a condition for approving their allocations.

He noted that the report specifically mentioned a “stubborn vice-chancellor” believed to be him and stated that while he initially intended to ignore the claims, he decided to respond to prevent any misleading narratives from being accepted as fact.

“The attention of the Federal University, Gusau, has been drawn to a trending online report titled Investigation: Nigerian Lawmakers Demand N480 million from Universities to Approve 2025 Budget.

“We categorically state that no member of the university team present at the budget defence was part of the information circulated in the media. We urge you, Mr. Chairman, and your esteemed committee members to disregard this malicious and sensational report, which aims to mislead the public and undermine constructive journalism.”

Abubakar commended the committee for its support, describing the budget defence session as “robust, friendly, and engaging.”

Similarly, Fulata had earlier dismissed the allegations at a press briefing, insisting that they were an attempt to discredit the committee’s efforts to enhance Nigeria’s education sector.

“It is absurd for anyone to suggest that lawmakers demanded even a ‘kobo’ as a precondition for approving budget proposals,” Fulata said, stressing that the report sought to mislead the public about the activities of the committee and the 10th House of Representatives.

In a statement last Wednesday, the spokesman for the House, Akin Rotimi,  described the media report (not by The TheNigerian) as a deliberate attempt to smear lawmakers’ reputation.

Rotimi said, “The 10th House of Representatives is firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest ethical standards in all its legislative activities. These values form the bedrock of our operations. It is, therefore, imperative to address the baseless and sensational allegations in the report, which appear to be part of a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity of the House and erode public trust in this hallowed institution.”

Denying the media report, the House spokesman said it “lacks any diligent investigative effort as they would want people to believe, and instead, amplifies fabricated narratives by individuals seeking to evade accountability.”