Muslim Hajj Commission Vows To Maintain Integrity, Amidst EFCC’s Probe Of N50 Billion Alleged Financial Mishaps

August 19, 2025

The Muslims’ National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has vowed to maintain financial and regulatory integrity in the conduct of annual Hajj operations to and from the Holy land of Macca in Saudi Arabia.
This is coming in the middle of the inquest being conducted by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on alleged N50 Billion financial shady deal in the Commission.
In a statement today, August 19, the NAHCON spokesperson, Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara said that as a public institution established by law, the Commission remains dedicated to its functions with the highest sense of responsibility, honesty, accountability, and a zeal to deliver efficient services.
Referring to what she called “certain media publications making various comments regarding the Commission, its operations and unverified allegations yet,” Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara, said that the Commission would keep to its mandate to serving Nigerian pilgrims and the nation well.
“The Commission wishes to reaffirm that, as a responsible organisation, NAHCON maintains an open and ongoing relationship with all relevant government agencies, including anti-corruption and regulatory bodies. “This cooperation is a standing principle of the Commission’s operations and its belief in due process and the rule of law. “The Commission would not shield any staff or process found wanting.
“However, the Commission respectfully urges the public and especially the media to exercise restraint on speculations and allow the appropriate authorities to conclude their work in accordance with established procedures without subjecting perhaps innocent persons to indignity through media trials.We are confident that whatever the truth is, it will emerge through the appropriate channels.
“The Commission remains focused on post-Hajj evaluations, addressing operational challenges, and strengthening measures to ensure even better service delivery in future Hajj operations.”
An online newspaper (not Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper) had come up with the news of EFCC’s probe of the alleged N50 Billion financial misappropriation, and detention of some top operatives of the Commission.
The online newspaper alleged that the EFCC had interrogated senior NAHCON officials, including Abdulmalik Diggi, Deputy Director (Accounts) and Special Adviser (General Services) to the Chairman/CEO; Sirajo Usman Salisu, Deputy Director in the Chairman’s Office; and Barrister Nura Danladi, the commission’s Legal Adviser.
It said that EFCC is currently probing alleged financial misconduct involving more than ₦50 billion under the leadership of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, popularly known as “Pakistan.”
Pakistan, who oversaw only the 2025 Hajj exercise, is facing allegations of massive financial misconduct, including the alleged squandering of ₦25 billion on Masha’ir tents, ₦1.6 billion on spouses, and ₦7.9 billion on contingency houses in Makkah.
He is also accused of authorizing extra-budgetary expenditure exceeding presidential approval, with funds reportedly diverted to cover expenses for NAHCON officials, stakeholders, and their spouses, amounting to an additional ₦25 billion.
The EFCC) is said to have detained the Commission’s Commissioner of Policy, Personnel, and Finance (PPMF) Aliu Abdulrazak, over alleged fraud alongside the Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA), Aminu Y. Muhammed.
Both officials reportedly honoured an invitation to the EFCC headquarters yesterday, August 18, and were thrown into detention.
The development comes on the heels of mounting allegations of mismanagement in the conduct of the 2025 Hajj, which the Forum of Chief Executives of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions recently described as “a total failure” under NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman (popularly known as Professor Pakistan).
In a review meeting with the commission in Abuja last week, the forum raised 16 issues, with seven directly linked to corruption and financial infractions, now being probed by the EFCC.
Insiders disclosed that Abdulrazak and Muhammed are also under investigation for their alleged involvement in another case of fund diversion dating back to the tenure of former chairman, Ahmad Jalal Arabi.
Some stakeholders and staff of the Hajj Commission, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the detained commissioner and the DFA should be immediately suspended to ensure transparency.
“President Bola Tinubu should act quickly by disbanding the current NAHCON leadership and appoint a sole administrator with Hajj operational and administrative experiences to put the commission back in order,” one of them said.
The NAHCON staff, however, welcomed the development, commending the EFCC for its bold efforts to restore the commission’s lost glory by tackling corruption in all its forms.
Stakeholders further urged the EFCC to carry out a comprehensive investigation and prosecution that would not only guarantee the recovery of misappropriated funds but also ensure that indicted officials are held accountable under the law.
It was gathered that former chairmen, Zikirullah Kunle Hassan and Ahmad Jalal Arabi, were earlier granted bail by the EFCC after facing investigation. Similarly, the immediate past Commissioner of Policy, Personnel and Finance, Nura Yakasai, was interrogated and later released on bail.

Nigerian Security Captures General Commander Of Dreaded Terrorist Group, Ansaru

Greenbarge Reporters

August 16, 2025

Top Nigerian security operatives have successfully captured Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, the General Commander of the dreaded terrorist group, Ansaru, the country’s most prominent Al-Qaeda affiliate. He is also self-proclaimed Emir of Ansaru.
Also captured is Mahmud al-Nigeri, known as Mallam Mamuda, and he served as Chief of Staff to the General Commander.
The two men were on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years and were also internationally wanted for their involvement in terrorist activities.
The two men reportedly maintained active links with terrorist groups in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in a statement today, August 16, confirmed the capture of the dreaded men, saying that the operation took place between May and July 2025.
He described it as a significant blow to the group’s operations and marks a turning point in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
“The capture of Abu Bara and Mallam Mamuda, the group’s leader and deputy commander respectively, marks one of the most significant achievements to date in our ongoing effort to rid Nigeria of the threat of terrorism.”
According to Ribadu, the operation was a “decisive blow” that effectively dismantled the group’s central command.
He said that Abu Bara’a coordinated various terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and masterminded several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to finance terrorism. He said that Mallam Mamuda, who trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015, led a cell operating in and around Kainji National Park.
Ansaru, which means “Vanguards for the Protection of Muslims in the Black Lands,” was formed in 2012 as a splinter faction of Boko Haram. It quickly aligned itself with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic MaghAND (AQIM), expanding its influence through sleeper cells and forest enclaves across northern Nigeria.
The captured leaders have been linked to a number of major attacks, including:
* The 2022 Kuje prison break.
* The attack on a uranium facility in Niger.
* The 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina.
* The 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, the Magajin Garin Daura.
* The abduction of the Emir of Wawa.
Ribadu emphasized that this precision operation highlights Nigeria’s advanced counter-terrorism capabilities, which involved “months of deep surveillance, human intelligence, and technical tracking.”
He noted that valuable intelligence, including a cache of materials and digital evidence, was recovered during the operation.
This evidence is currently undergoing forensic analysis to support ongoing efforts to completely neutralize the Ansaru network and disrupt its foreign collaborators.
“The capture of Abu Bara and Mahmuda signals the beginning of the end to impunity for terrorist leaders.” Ribadu said that Nigeria will continue to pursue extremists with “precision, resolve, and unwavering determination.”
The NSA thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “strategic guidance” and acknowledged the “doggedness” of the armed forces and intelligence agencies that worked collaboratively to achieve this outcome. He also urged the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.
Source: modified from PRNigeria.

Ibom Air Saga: Comfort Apologizes, But Complains Of Being Forcibly Exposed, Filmed

Greenbarge Reporters

August 15, 2025

The central figure in the August 10 altercation in the Ibom Airplane on Uyo-Lagos flight, Comfort Emmanson has formally apologized for her unruly behaviour that day.
But she complained of being forcibly exposed and filmed, with clips posted online, saying that such acts “crossed a line.”
In a Facebook post today, August 15, Comfort said: “I acknowledge that emotions ran high and that I could have handled myself better. If my words or actions contributed to disorder on board, I am sorry for that. I do not condone violence. I am cooperating fully with any fair process that seeks the truth.
“What I cannot accept is the indignity and public shaming that followed. Being forcibly exposed and filmed, with clips posted online, crossed a line.”
The full text of Comfort’s Facebook post goes thus:
To my family, friends, and everyone following this matter online — thank you for your prayers and concern. I owe you a clear account of what happened and where I stand.
What happened:
On Sunday, August 10, 2025, I boarded an Ibom Air flight scheduled between Uyo and Lagos. Shortly after boarding, a disagreement started over my phone use during safety procedures. I attempted to switch it to flight mode, but the exchange with a crew member became tense and, sadly, escalated. There are versions of this story circulating that I violently attacked staff; the airline’s statements and some media reports say I assaulted a flight attendant and was later removed from the aircraft by security. Those are serious claims, and I understand why people are upset.
What I experienced:
Here is what I lived through: The interaction quickly shifted from instructions to confrontation. An eyewitness who sat beside me later told the media that a crew member “threatened to deal with” me during the exchange. I felt provoked, intimidated, and singled out. That does not excuse raised voices or any contact — but it is part of what happened.
On the ground in Lagos, the situation became chaotic. I was forcibly removed and restrained. In the struggle my clothing was disheveled, leaving me exposed while being filmed. No one deserves to be treated without dignity — even in conflict.
What I acknowledge:
I acknowledge that emotions ran high and that I could have handled myself better. Airplanes are safety-critical environments, and crew instructions matter.
If my words or actions contributed to disorder on board, I am sorry for that. I do not condone violence. I am cooperating fully with any fair process that seeks the truth.
What went too far:
What I cannot accept is the indignity and public shaming that followed. Being forcibly exposed and filmed, with clips posted online, crossed a line. The Nigerian Bar Association publicly condemned my treatment and called for accountability; I am grateful that they recognized the dignity issues involved.
Aftermath and where things stand now:
I was taken into custody and briefly remanded. On August 13, 2025, the Federal Government ordered that the case against me be withdrawn.
A lifetime “no-fly” ban was announced at first; as of today (August 15, 2025), multiple outlets report that airlines have lifted the lifetime ban following the review by authorities. I appreciate this step toward fairness.
What I’m asking for:
1. A balanced, independent review of everything that happened — from the cabin exchange to ground handling — so lessons are learned on all sides.
2. Clear guidelines that protect safety and the dignity of passengers, including strict prohibitions on filming or exposing restrained individuals.
3. Civility going forward. I will speak with investigators in good faith. I ask the public to allow the process to work and to avoid threats or harassment toward anyone involved.
To those who stood by me:
Thank you to my family, friends, legal team, and Nigerians who insisted that safety and human dignity can — and must — coexist. I’m healing and I’m hopeful. I will share more when the formal processes conclude.

NCC Boss, Maida, Calls For Action To Combat Surging Attacks On Nigeria’s Digital Lifeline

Greenbarge Reporters

August 15, 2025

The Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has solicited strong action from stakeholders to address the surging attacks on the nation’s telecommunication backbone.
According to him, the relentless attacks cost the country an average of 30 to 43 fibre cuts every single day, thereby jeopardizing financial transactions, emergency services, and national security.
Dr. Maida, who spoke at the 2nd Strategic Stakeholders Meeting of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos, today, August 15, said that the country’s telecommunications network has officially been classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), putting it in the same security bracket as defence and power installations.
“This is not a luxury, it is a national imperative.
Dr. Maida said that any disruption to telecom towers, fibre optic lines, or data centres could paralyse Nigeria’s economy, halting banking operations, crippling healthcare systems and silencing emergency communications.
The NCC boss emphasized that cyberattacks are surging, with ransomware and insider threats compounding the physical sabotage and vandalism already plaguing the industry.
“We are not dealing with minor inconveniences; we are dealing with threats that can stall the nation.
“Under a Presidential Order issued in June 2024, the NCC, working with the Office of the National Security Adviser, has launched a nationwide mapping of critical telecom assets, stepped up public awareness campaigns, and begun mediating disputes with state governments to fast-track infrastructure deployment.”
Dr. Maida said that the Commission is ready to enforce penalties on vandals and uncooperative actors but prefers “engagement, not litigation.”
He recalled the successes recorded in restoring stalled projects in Osun and Kogi States.
“With 171 million mobile subscribers and telecom contributing 14.4% to Nigeria’s GDP, Maida called for a “war-time mentality.
“This infrastructure is the nation’s digital lifeline. Without it, our aspirations for a connected, prosperous Nigeria collapse.”
He said that the NCC is now pushing for tougher laws, unified permit processes, and stronger security partnerships to ensure telecom infrastructure survives the growing threats.
“The security and resilience of our national infrastructure is not negotiable.
“Let us build a digital future that is resilient, inclusive, and unstoppable.”

We’re Committed To Completing ₦100.8 Billion Enugu–P/Harcourt Expressway – FG

Greenbarge Reporters

August 15, 2025

The Federal Government has expressed its determination to complete the Section Three of the 61 kilometer Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway in Enugu State. The dual carriageway, which is 122 kilometer in total, is valued at ₦100.8 billion.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance when he led a federal government delegation to the site of the road project as part of a wider Citizens’ Engagement tour of the South East.
The minister acknowledged that modern road infrastructure is vital to economic growth, improved safety and citizens’ welfare.
“This project is a visible testament to government’s resolve to complete strategic highways nationwide for the benefit of Nigerians.”
The road is under construction by the CGC Nigeria Limited.
Director of Highways, Southeast, Engineer Tony Mbiko confirmed that the Enugu-bound section has been completed and that work on the remaining stretch is ongoing.

Speaking during the tour, minister Idris assured that Nigeria “will never go back to that era where the South-East or certain part of the country is being treated marginally.”
Idris said that, to address issues of marginalisation, Tinubu established new development commissions for all previously uncovered zones, ensuring no region is left behind.
According to him the President’s inclusive governance style is evident in balanced appointments and equitable distribution of projects .
“By the end of Tinubu’s first term, the benefits of his reforms will be clearer.
“The federal government remains committed to transparency, accountability, and delivering the dividends of democracy to all Nigerians.
“With Tinubu, Nigeria is marching towards prosperity.”
The minister added that the federal government has rolled out various empowerment and humanitarian programmes to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and other tough but necessary policies of the administration.
The event was attended by different stakeholders from the state.

Information Minister Describes Cancer Treatment Centre In Enugu As World Class

Greenbarge Reporters

August 15, 2025

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described the Federal Government’s Oncology Centre in Enugu as a world class. He said that it is a proof of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver life-changing health infrastructure to Nigerians.
The Minister, who led a high-powered delegation to inspect the newly established Oncology Centre in Enugu, said that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is making world-class healthcare a reality across the country.
He said that with six such centres planned nationwide three are already operational.
“This is democracy delivering tangible dividends. Our visit allows us to hear directly from citizens, see the impact for ourselves, and ensure these facilities are maintained for public benefit.”
During the visit, the minister and the delegation met patients receiving treatment, including a woman who had previously travelled long distances for care but can now access top-quality treatment in Enugu.
The tour also included inspections of federal road projects.
Commissioned only weeks ago by the Ministers of Health and Finance, the facility houses one of the most advanced cancer treatment machines in the world — previously only accessible abroad or in Lagos.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah has lauded the recently launched Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme of the Federal Government, an initiative designed to advance inclusive development across the 8,809 wards of the country.
Governor Mbah, spoke while welcoming Federal Government delegation on a Citizens’ Engagement tour of the South East, led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
The Renewed Hope Ward Development, according to the Governor, is a laudable initiative that aligns closely with the grassroot-oriented agenda of the government of Enugu state.
Endorsed recently by the National Economic Council, the program is one of the fresh initiatives of the President Bola Tinubu administration in its pursuit of eradicating poverty and hunger, and stimulating economic growth in the rural areas.

2 Planes Collide At American Airport

Greenbarge Reporters

August 15, 2025

Two American Airlines jets have crashed into each other, clipping their wings while taxiing on the runway at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The incident, according to report reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper, involved American Airlines Flight 5490 and Flight 4522. The accident occurred at about 12:45 p.m.
Report has it that there were no injuries on the passengers and were safely disembarked.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is said to be investigating the incident.
Both planes were to take off for Paris and Gibraltar respectively.
Meanwhile, flights have resumed at the airport following a brief suspension for a safety assessment which found minor damage to the planes.
Tynisha Chaudhry, who was on the Gibraltar-bound flight with her partner, compared the collision to a car crash.
“We felt the whole plane shudder – it was a massive hit.”
The 21-year-old said “a lot of fire engines” and other safety staff attended the scene, as passengers waited onboard during inspections.
The atmosphere among passengers was “okay” but some children and their parents became “tense” before they were allowed to return to the terminal, she added.

How NCC Rallied Stakeholders To Save Telecom Customers From Being Cut Off The Air

Greenbarge Reporters

August 14, 2025

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) was believed to have played a rallying role in stemming the planned strike action by the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association
of Nigeria (NOGASA) that would have crippled telecommunication connectivity nationwide.
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the Commission, working hand in hand with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), mediated in the dispute by the Association.
It was gathered that the strike, if it was carried out, would have disrupted the supply of diesel to telecommunications sites nationwide, severely affecting network operators’ ability to
power their diesel-driven generators and maintain uninterrupted connectivity.
In the days leading up to the resolution, the ONSA, under the leadership of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, held strategic engagements with NOGASA’s leadership, with the Commission, providing technical and regulatory guidance to highlight the potential implications of service disruptions on national security, the economy, and everyday life.
The discussions culminated in an agreement to call off the industrial action, averting what could have been a nationwide disruption of telecom services.
Nuhu Ribadu was quoted as saying: “Telecommunications infrastructure is the backbone of our connectivity and
digital economy. Any disruption, whether through vandalism, accidental damage
during construction work, theft of equipment, denial of access to maintenance teams, or interruptions in the supply of essential operational materials, has far- reaching implications for service delivery, economic stability, and national security.”
In a statement, NCC’s Head of Public Affairs, Nnena Ukoha, said that the Commission is committed to the full operationalisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), which designates telecommunications facilities as critical national assets deserving optimal protection.
It expressed appreciation to the ONSA for its leadership and dedication to protecting national assets and commended the maturity and understanding demonstrated by relevant stakeholders in recognising the national importance of telecommunications services.
The statement quoted the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, as saying: “We will continue to enforce strict compliance by our licensees with technical standards for the deployment and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure, while working closely with relevant stakeholders to strengthen awareness and cooperation on their protection.
“We also recognize mediation as an effective tool for building consensus among stakeholders.

“This resolution underscores the importance of dialogue in preventing avoidable service disruptions. Ultimately, we call on all Nigerians to regard telecom infrastructure as a shared national asset, one that underpins our ability to connect with loved ones, transact businesses, access healthcare, pursue education, and participate in the global digital economy.”
The Commission stressed that it would continue to coordinate with security agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public to ensure that Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure remains protected, resilient, and reliable for all.

Without Adequate Capital, Creative Industry Will Get Stuck, Experts Conclude At QEDNG Summit

Greenbarge Reporters

August 13, 2025

Experts in Nigeria industry have concluded that without adequate capital, creative entrepreneurs would not grow in the country.
They stressed that the creative industry required long-term financing and a shift in the mindset that are essential in enabling the industry to thrive.
The creative industry stakeholders reached this consensus in Lagos at the maiden edition of QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit, organised by Mighty Media Plus Network Limited.
Themed: “Financing as Catalyst for a Thriving Creative Economy,” the summit brought together filmmakers, musicians, fashion designers, journalists, business and thought leaders, bankers and government officials, among others, to brainstorm on how to make creatives in Nigeria thrive and not just survive.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mighty Media, Olumide Iyanda, in his welcome address, called for what he called “honest conversations,” for creatives to think and act smart for the industry to bloom.
“Nigeria’s creative economy contributes approximately $5.6 billion to our GDP and it is the second highest employer in the country. The federal government has set a bold goal of raising the sector’s contribution to $100 billion by 2030. The plan seeks to position Nigeria as a leading creative and entertainment hub on the global stage.”
According to him, talents and ideas abound, but that the real challenge is turning them into “something people can see, hear, touch and actually pay for.
“We need honest conversations. We need new partnerships. We need to think big and act smart.”
Mr Iyanda doubles as Publisher of QEDNG and Convener of the QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit, added.
This was even as the Group Managing Director of SO&U, Udeme Ufot, in his capacity as chairman of the summit, hailed QEDNG as a platform which has “steadily grown into a reputable voice in Nigeria’s media and digital journalism space through its commitment to telling authentic stories, amplifying emerging voices, and shaping conversations that reflect our evolving national identity.
“Its journey mirrors the core theme of this summit: unlocking potential through vision and purpose.”
He agreed that capital is required to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s creative economy and that capital must be sustainable and accessible.
“Because without access to sustainable and strategic funding, creativity will remain trapped in notebooks. “Studios shut down, talent goes untrained and potential remains just that – potential!
“The issue is not just about throwing money at the industry. It is about smart financing. It is about investors who understand the long tail of content development, banks willing to develop products tailored for creative entrepreneurs, governments designing policy environments that reward innovation and risk-taking, and private sector leaders championing scalable, locally relevant business models,” Mr Ufot noted.
The advertising expert urged Nigerian creative entrepreneurs to demonstrate sound financial management and assure investors that funds entrusted to them will be used responsibly.
Founder of The Africa Soft Power Group, Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, kicked off discussions with her keynote speech, saying: “the challenge is not the absence of capital but the lack of scalable, structured investment frameworks that the industry needs to thrive.”
Balonwu referenced the recent announcement of Afreximbank’s billion-dollar Africa film fund under its Mechanics Programme as a welcome step but cautioned that its impact would depend on effective implementation and alignment with industry needs.
She noted that at the national level, capital exists in theory, but that the real gaps lie in design, accessibility and alignment with the practical needs of entrepreneurs.
According to her, these funds serve large-scale projects while most creatives in Nigeria are operating at the micro or early growth level.
“Part of what we need is tier-targeted financing (early stage grants), seed capital, patient equity, all tailored to the creative life cycle. We need financing designed for the messy middle, not just the glamorous headline projects or the polished final product,” she said.
Balonwu, former chief executive of Spinlet, the first music streaming and digital distribution platform in Sub-Saharan Africa, called for long-term financing solutions that support not just content production but also the often overlooked infrastructure critical for a thriving creative economy, including intellectual property banks, data centres, legal support, domestic distribution networks, rights management platforms, efficient payment systems and affordable production facilities.
“This requires a mindset shift. Creatives must see themselves not just as artists but as businesspeople, institution builders and financially literate architects of enterprise. Financing must be smart, responsive, and tailored to the entire creative process, not just consumption,” she said.
Balonwu also noted the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the industry, urging creatives to see it as an enabler, not as a threat.
President Bola Tinubu’s senior special assistant on media and publicity, Temitope Ajayi, in his goodwill message, assured that the government would continue to support the creative sector.
“In terms of promoting the cultural export of Nigeria, the creative sector in the past decade has really done well. So, we must commend the operators of this sector for the good job they are doing,” he said.
Ajayi added that creators must grow beyond “subsistence thinking” for the industry to thrive.
On the panel to dissect the keynote speech were filmmaker and Founder of KAP Group, Kunle Afolayan; President and Founder of All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), Mike Dada; Founder of Africa Film Finance Forum (AFFF), Mary Ephraim-Egbas, and Founder of Duke of Shomolu Productions, Joseph Edgar.
The panellists, during the session moderated by broadcaster, Anike-Ade Funke Treasure, agreed that funding is key to unlocking the industry’s potential but cited difficulties in accessing these funds both from banks, investors and the government.
Former Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Steve Ayorinde, moderated the second panel, which had the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini; Head of SME Banking at First Bank of Nigeria, Dr Abiodun Famuyiwa; Head of Legal and Business Development at The Temple Company, Yemisi Falaye and Group Head of Large Corporates and Structured Finance at Providus Bank, Dr Biodun Ariyo.
While Husseini restated the Nigerian government’s provision of funds for the creative industry, the bankers assured of an open mind to understand the complexities of the industry, which would translate into funding.
Plaques were presented on behalf of QEDNG to some of the notable participants by the Publisher of Realnews Magazine and President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Maureen Chigbo; Editor of Vanguard Newspaper and President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Eze Anaba, and veteran actress and film director, Joke Silva.
Among the participants at the summit were the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile; Group Head, Brand Management and Corporate Communication of Polaris Bank, Rasheed Bolarinwa, and former Osun State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Funke Egbemode.
The event was anchored by actress and voice artiste, EyiyemiOlivia Rogbinyin.

Rape Allegation: Lady Admits Lying Against Ex-minister Turaki, Apologizes

Greenbarge Reporters

August 13, 2025

A young lady, Hadiza Baffa, who accused the former Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki of rape, has admitted lying and tendered public apology to the minister.
Hadiza Baffa, who withdrew her petition against the minister with the police, leading to the striking out of the case from the court, said that time “has become necessary both for the record and for posterity to set the facts straight, as silence is no longer golden.”
The court had, following the new development, discharged the former minister of the false allegations and charges.
This came even as the father of the lady, Musa Bashir Baffa, wrote a formal letter of apology to Turaki, pleading for forgiveness for his family, saying that his daughter, Hadiza Baffa and her mother, his former wife, as having been used by the former Minister’s political adversaries to tarnish his image.
It is on record that Hadiza Baffa had last year claimed that the former minister took advantage of her, violated her and harvested eight pregnancies for alleged ritual purposes and was also after her life.
As a result of the allegations and petition by Hadiza Baffa, the former Minister, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was charged to court. But the matter was eventually struck out by the court after Hadiza Baffa admitted lying against Turaki, apologised and withdrew her petition with the police.
Turaki, in turn, in September 2024, sued Hadiza Baffa, the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police and others over the matter.
According to Turaki, in a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Lawal Umar: “In light of these facts, it is both fair and just to acknowledge that the allegations were unfounded and as Mr. Turaki has consistently maintained, were orchestrated by political adversaries using her as part of a smear campaign. He has refused to succumb to such tactics and remains committed to upholding his integrity, the rule of law, and the principles of justice.”
The statement however noted that Turaki, being a former minister and a SAN, refrained from commenting on the matter during police investigation to avoid being accused of interference and contempt for judicial processes.
This stance of the former Minister, the statement added, however, gave room for unverified narratives to trend on social media while Turaki: “allowed the authorities to conduct their work without interference.”
Turaki, however, stated that despite the court striking out the case after discharging him, and since “the matter has continued to trend with different narratives tailored to suit various sponsors,” he has found it imperative, for record purposes and posterity, to speak out.
Therefore, revealing the background of the lady’s false allegations against the former minister, the statement explained, “Hadiza Baffa was entrusted to Mr. Turaki’s care by her mother when she relocated to Abuja, as she was new to the city. In the spirit of longstanding friendship with her family, he accepted this responsibility and treated her in a manner befitting that of a guardian. However, following her repeated involvement in financial scams and subsequent detentions where Mr. Turaki was frequently called upon to intervene and settle matters he reported her conduct to her mother and withdrew his guardianship. Aggrieved by this decision, Hadiza Baffa petitioned the police, making spurious allegations against him, including claims of rape, unlawful termination of pregnancy, and threats to life, which she also published on various social media platforms.
“Following a thorough police investigation, Hadiza Baffa was unable to substantiate her allegations. Despite the lack of evidence, a charge was filed against Mr. Turaki. However, she later wrote to the police and the court to withdraw her petition, leading to the striking out of the charge and Mr. Turaki’s subsequent discharge.”
It further said: “Significantly, her father who had initially supported his daughter later reviewed the circumstances in full and wrote a letter of apology to Mr. Turaki, expressing appreciation for his care towards his daughter and regret over the entire episode. Subsequently, Ms. Baffa herself sent a written WhatsApp message from her verified number (0806 795 7035), stating: “Salaam, ya ibada? Allah ya karba mana. Seeing you yesterday in the witness box was heart-wrenching and it saddens me a lot, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I never wished for all this to happen but unfortunately, we are here already. I want to withdraw my police case and for the sake of this holy month please forgive me, bygones be bygones. May Allah ease our affairs.””
The statement further said: “Regarding the DNA aspect of the matter, Mr. Turaki only became aware of the purported result through certain social media platforms and has challenged its authenticity in court. The Court has, in fact, restrained parties from relying on it pending the determination of the suit.”

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