Borno opposition demands probe into ₦4bn rail project error in 2025 budget report
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Opposition parties, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress and Africa Democratic Congress, along with residents in Borno State, are calling for an external investigation into the inclusion of a non-existent four billion naira railway project in the state's 2025 budget implementation report. The Borno State government admitted that the project, marked as 100 percent complete, was an administrative error. Usman Tar, the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, stated that an internal review confirmed no rail project was awarded, funded, or executed by the state government in the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area during the 2025 fiscal year. The Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Party, Aliyu Balarabe, urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission to conduct a fair and transparent investigation, questioning the accountability and transparency of the government. Baba Mustapha, Spokesperson of the African Democratic Party, described the government's action as unfortunate and called for a thorough investigation into the public funds. Residents also expressed disbelief, with Hassan Aminu of Maiduguri demanding a re-evaluation of the total government expenditure given the erroneous figure.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Socialite and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, known as Cubana Chiefpriest, has expressed willingness to undergo a public DNA test to resolve a paternity dispute with Kenyan woman Hellen Ati. This development follows a viral video where Ati pleaded for help, stating she was exhausted from raising her son alone and that the child was ill. Ati urged Chiefpriest to take responsibility if the child was his. Chiefpriest made his declaration on a media house's Instagram page, responding to followers by stating, "Make Una help me bring her & the child for una studio make I come there come do the DNA For una on live tv for free." He insisted he would not send money to anyone making online allegations, maintaining that the claimant is responsible for bringing the child to him. Ati has consistently alleged that her son was conceived after an encounter with Chiefpriest in Lagos in 2022 and has repeatedly called for a DNA test, citing struggles to care for the child alone. Chiefpriest has consistently denied knowing her or fathering the child, claiming the allegations aim to damage his marriage and public image. The controversy resurfaced in January 2025 during an online feud with singer Burna Boy, who publicly supported Ati's demand for a DNA test. Ati also claimed Chiefpriest sent her N300,000 in installments for baby supplies in early 2023 after she appealed for financial assistance following childbirth complications, despite his alleged denial of paternity. Chiefpriest has continued to
Must ReadThe Lagos State Police Command intercepted 47 sacks of military camouflage uniforms and 80 cartons of suspected illicit substances in Surulere. Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani announced the arrest of three suspects: Chinedu David, 29; Ezeagwu Chukwuma, 38; and Ifeanyi Ogbeanyi, 45. The suspects were apprehended by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit with an unregistered MAN diesel truck. Preliminary investigations suggest the truck was transporting the military uniforms to the South-East. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source, ownership, and intended recipients of the recovered items, as well as the extent of the suspects' involvement. The commissioner stated that the consignment was being moved out of Lagos and did not pose an immediate threat to the state's residents, but acknowledged concerns given the trend of criminals using military uniforms. An unnamed police officer involved in the investigation stated that the truck driver and his assistant were initially arrested, followed by two other suspects who attempted to claim the items at the police station.
Must ReadSenate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to lawmakers to ensure full attendance at Wednesday’s plenary session for a vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police services across Nigeria. Akpabio described the State Police Bill as a landmark piece of legislation capable of reshaping Nigeria’s security architecture and strengthening grassroots security management. He emphasized that constitutional amendments require broad participation and urged senators to view it as a national responsibility. Akpabio noted that the proposed amendment would create the legal framework for state police while including safeguards against potential abuse. He argued that the reform would deepen community-based policing by involving local governments, traditional institutions, and other grassroots stakeholders, improving intelligence gathering and proactive responses to security threats. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also underscored the importance of attendance, reminding senators that constitutional amendments need the support of at least two-thirds of members. He described the proposal as a national issue transcending partisan interests. The Senate adjourned until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, for the debate and vote. The push for state police has gained traction following President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement. For the amendment to become law, it requires two-thirds support from both the Senate and House of Representatives, and ratification by at least 24 state Houses of