By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened its investigation into allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following a petition by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, seeking his prosecution over alleged financial crimes.

The petition seeks to revive a case dating back to 2006, asking the anti-graft agency to revisit its investigation under former chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and consider a subsequent report by a United States Senate subcommittee.

Speaking on the development, Agbonayinma said the EFCC had acknowledged his petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received on September 1. Filed through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN, the petition asks the commission to reactivate its earlier report and act on the allegations.

The former lawmaker appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he adopted the petition and answered questions from investigators.

Agbonayinma said the matter should not be allowed to remain unresolved.

“I want to thank Nigerians, the EFCC, and those praying for me in this struggle. The laws are meant for both the rich and the poor. After the EFCC has done a fantastic job, it should not be kept under the table,” he said.

In the petition, Agbonayinma urged the EFCC to revisit its September 2006 report on Atiku and a February 4, 2010, report by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, arguing that both documents should form the basis for renewed action.

The petition alleged that the EFCC had previously indicated that Atiku could face prosecution after leaving office as vice-president, when his constitutional immunity ceased to apply, but that no prosecution followed.

Agbonayinma described the alleged failure to act as a dereliction of duty and argued that pursuing the matter would demonstrate the commission’s resolve to hold politically influential figures accountable.

He also disclosed that he had petitioned US President Donald Trump over the allegations.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, had yet to respond to messages seeking an update on the investigation as of the time of filing this report.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised Nigeria against restoring broad petrol subsidy, recommending targeted support for vulnerable households to cushion the impact of rising energy costs.

IMF said blanket petrol subsidies were expensive, often benefited higher-income consumers disproportionately and could worsen fiscal pressures amid rising borrowing costs.

Rodrigo Valdés, director of the IMF’s fiscal affairs department, spoke during a press briefing on the fund’s fiscal monitor at the 2026 annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday.

His comments followed a question on how the fund could recommend allowing energy prices to reflect scarcity when higher fuel prices in Nigeria could raise transport costs, worsen inflation and deepen poverty, particularly when the government was facing calls to restore petrol subsidy ahead of an election year.

“Protecting people is not the same as protecting the price of fuels,” Valdés said.

He said fuel subsidies or measures preventing prices from adjusting fully to an energy shock had cost countries between 1 percent and 1.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2026.

“It’s first fiscally very costly, and second, if you look at the pattern of consumption, it’s easy to see that that subsidy is readily regressive in many places,” he said.

Valdés said governments should instead use social safety nets and household data to identify people who need assistance.

“There are better tools to deal with this,” he said.

The federal government recently announced a 30-day petrol discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited retail stations, with priority for public transport operators, to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.

Taiwo Oyedele, minister of finance, said NNPC retail would sell petrol at cost by foregoing its retail profit margin, describing the measure as temporary relief rather than a return to petrol subsidy.

The government also proposed negotiating a ceiling of N1,350 per litre on petrol’s ex-gantry or landing cost, subject to monthly reviews.

The IMF also recommended targeted interventions to cushion the effect of higher fuel prices on transportation costs.

Davide Furceri, a division chief in the fund’s fiscal affairs department, said governments could redirect some of the resources spent on blanket subsidies towards vulnerable consumers.

“For example, you mentioned transportation costs. Yeah, gasoline could go up, and perhaps bus fees may be subsidised in a way that is a much better policy at the end of the day than just a blanket subsidy for everybody,” Furceri said.

He also suggested alternatives such as school feeding programmes, geographical targeting and assistance for vulnerable farmers.

Furceri acknowledged that some countries lacked household registries and digital payment systems needed to deliver targeted support effectively.

However, he said governments could adopt alternative approaches in the short term while developing stronger systems.

He recommended that assistance should be limited, targeted and temporary.

Valdés explained that fuel subsidies could worsen global energy pressures by preventing demand from adjusting when supplies were constrained.

“When you subsidise, you don’t allow, at the end of the day, demand to adjust,” he said.

“And reality is that we have less fuels in the world economy. That means that someone else has to adjust more, and the market produces a higher price for that.”

The IMF official said subsidies were not only costly and regressive but could also have spillover effects on the global economy.

Kano-born journalist and broadcaster Ahmad Hamisu Gwale of Premier Radio 102.7 FM, Kano, has emerged as the winner of the Best Radio Newscaster (Male) National category at the seventh edition of the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) 2026.

The awards ceremony was held on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, bringing together broadcasting and media professionals to recognise excellence, professionalism and innovation across Nigeria’s media industry.

The annual awards featured more than 85 categories spanning television, radio and digital media.

Gwale emerged as the winner ahead of five other nominees: Gbenga Alli-Balogun of Eko FM; Nnah Douglas of Wazobia FM Abuja; Nyamgul Agaji of City 105.1 FM; Augustus “GUS” Aigbe of Cool FM; and Chike Osuji of Orient FM/IBC Owerri.

His achievement marks a significant milestone in his broadcasting career, further highlighting his work in radio news presentation and journalism.

From Sports Broadcasting to National Recognition.

Before winning the NBMA national award, Gwale received recognition from the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State chapter, as Best Radio Sports Presenter of the Year 2024.

The award was presented on 6 February 2025 during the association’s calendar launch in Kano, recognising his contributions to sports broadcasting.

His recognition at both the SWAN awards and NBMA reflects his professional experience across two important areas of radio broadcasting: sports presentation and news reading.

Early Life and Education

Ahmad Hamisu Gwale was born in Sani Mainagge, Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria.

He developed an interest in journalism and communication, which led him to pursue formal training in mass communication. He graduated from the School of Basic Mass Communication (BMC), Kano, in 2018.

He subsequently studied Computer Science at Kano State Polytechnic, completing his programme on 15 May 2026. He is currently advancing his studies in Computer Science through the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

His educational background combines communication and journalism training with technical knowledge, supporting his interests in digital publishing, multimedia production and technology-driven media.

Journalism and Broadcasting Career

Gwale began his journalism career at Freedom Radio Kano in 2021 before joining Premier Radio 102.7 FM Kano in 2023.

At Premier Radio, he has worked in different capacities, including newsreader, reporter, sports presenter and multimedia journalist. His experience covers news preparation and presentation, editorial work, current affairs reporting, sports coverage and digital content production.

His professional responsibilities and interests include presenting news bulletins, writing and editing reports, covering football competitions, conducting interviews and producing content for broadcast and online audiences.

He has also contributed to sports programmes, including Zauren Wasanni, through which audiences receive updates and discussions about sporting developments.

Through these roles, Gwale has built experience in communicating news and sports information to diverse audiences.

Contributions to Sports Journalism and Barau FC

Beyond radio broadcasting, Gwale has been involved in football media and communications, particularly through his work with Barau Football Club, popularly known as the Maliya Boys.

His contributions have included preparing match reports, previews, player profiles, official announcements, post-match updates and digital content for supporters.

His involvement in football communications has also focused on promoting players, documenting club activities and bringing developments in Kano football to a wider audience.

His experience in sports journalism has complemented his broadcasting career and contributed to his recognition by SWAN Kano.

Publishing and Media Entrepreneurship

In addition to his broadcasting career, Gwale is the founder and chief executive officer of AHG Mirror Media Services Company.

He is also associated with Independent Mirror, an online newspaper established in September 2023, where he serves in a leadership and publishing capacity.

His media interests span online newspaper publishing, news reporting, digital content creation, multimedia production, social media management, online branding and media consultancy.

Through these initiatives, he seeks to expand access to news and information while exploring opportunities offered by digital communication and contemporary media platforms.

Combining Journalism with Technology

Gwale’s interest in Computer Science complements his work in journalism and digital publishing.

His technical education supports his broader interests in online media development, digital communication and multimedia production.

By combining journalism with technology, he is developing a professional profile that spans traditional broadcasting, online publishing, sports communications and media entrepreneurship.

A Milestone in His Broadcasting Career

Winning the Best Radio Newscaster (Male) — National award at NBMA 2026 adds to Gwale’s professional recognition and marks another milestone in his journey through Nigeria’s broadcasting industry.

From his early career at Freedom Radio Kano to his work at Premier Radio and his involvement in digital publishing and football communications, his experience reflects a career built across news presentation, sports journalism and media enterprise.

His latest recognition at the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards places his name among the award recipients celebrated at the seventh edition of the national broadcasting event.

Ahmad Hamisu Gwale continues to pursue opportunities at the intersection of journalism, sports, technology and digital media.