An anti-corruption advocacy group, the Young Guardians of Accountability (YGA), has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, over allegations of abuse of office and conflict of interest.

In a petition signed by its chairman, Adediran Raymond, YGA accused the minister of violating federal laws that prohibit public officials from engaging in private business activities.

The group alleged that Badaru maintains directorships in multiple private companies despite his ministerial position.

YGA demanded an inquiry into whether the minister fully disclosed his business interests in his official asset declaration, arguing that his continued involvement in the companies represents a “brazen disregard for the rule of law”.

As of press time, neither the minister nor his representatives had responded to the allegations.

The EFCC and ICPC have also not issued any official statements regarding the petition

Muslim leaders in Rivers State have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and reinstate suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s full authority.

The Muslim leaders emphasized that Governor Fubara has continued to lead the state effectively despite the political crisis.

They made the call during a visit to Governor Fubara at his private residence in Port Harcourt on Monday, as part of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

The delegation include, Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

Speaking on behalf of the Muslim Ummah, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor assured Governor Fubara of their unwavering support.

He encouraged the governor to remain resolute, as believers are tested through wealth, power and authority just like it is contained in Islamic teachings.

Some gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed one person and abducted another person in Asa 2 area of Otukpo town of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The victim, Mr Onche Akatu, was said to have been shot at his home, while Mr. Ocheche was abducted while going home when he ran into the kidnappers,

The incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Monday.

Ekwutosblog gathered that many residents were seeing fleeing the area to safety because of the frequent incident of violent killings and kidnappings in the area.

A source, who spoke under condition of anonymity said, “Mr Akatu Onche was gunned down by suspected kidnappers along Asa 2 area of Otukpo at about 7:00 pm on Friday.

“Unfortunately, he (Akatu) couldn’t survive the gunshots but died early morning on Tuesday.

“The kidnappers went further and abducted a man near the scene and whisked him to an unknown destination.”

Efforts to contact the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, CSP, Catherine Anene, proved abortive as she did not return calls to her mobile telephone as of the time of this report.