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NMDC DG, Four Others Face Corruption Charges

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Director-General of the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC) in Jos, Professor Linus Okon-Asuquo, is set to face prosecution. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed criminal charges against him and four others. According to court documents dated October 14, 2025, the charges include multiple counts of corruption, abuse of office, and breaches of the Public Procurement Act.

The ICPC’s action comes after the DAILY NIGERIAN published investigations alleging that the NMDC leadership misused over ₦2.5 billion. The reported misuse involved awarding fraudulent contracts, diverting government intervention funds, and violating procurement rules.

The document, titled: “FRN vs. Prof Linus Okon Asuquo & 4 Others”, listed the DG alongside other senior officials and contractors who allegedly collaborated in awarding and executing questionable contracts running into hundreds of millions of naira.

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The ICPC’s charges detail that the defendants conspired to inflate contract sums, issued award letters in violation of procurement regulations, and approved payments that significantly exceeded the financial authority granted to the Director-General.

This legal action follows recent staff protests at the NMDC headquarters, where employees demanded Professor Asuquo’s removal over allegations of corruption, maladministration, and the victimization of staff.

Following the internal unrest, the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development dispatched a delegation led by its Permanent Secretary, Mr. Chris Osokpunwu, to assess the situation. The Ministry pledged to take decisive action based on the delegation’s findings.

A senior official at the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) confirmed that the investigation has been concluded and the case filed for prosecution. The official declined to provide further details, citing the sub judice nature of the matter as proceedings are now active before the court.

This prosecution represents a critical juncture in the ongoing scandal at the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC). The Centre, a strategically vital national research institution established to propel industrialization through metallurgical innovation, is now grappling with serious allegations of fraud and systemic administrative failures.

The professor, alongside two other chief executive officers, was appointed by the late president Buhari on the 19th of July, 2018, into the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

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Group asks Governor Yusuf to appoint Ganduje’s daughter as Kano Deputy Governor

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A group has called on the Governor of Kano State to appoint the daughter of former Governor of Kano, Dr. Asiya Balaraba Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as Deputy Governor.

The group, known as Haɗin Kan Jam’iyyar APC ‘Yan Dangole from Kano State, expressed its support for Dr. Asiya Ganduje to become the Deputy Governor of Kano State.

According to the group, Dr. Asiya Ganduje is a woman committed to serving the people, especially the youth, through various programs that have improved their lives.

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They stated that she has demonstrated competence and dedication in politics, contributing to opportunities for youth and women in areas such as education, skills acquisition, and self-reliance.

The group also emphasized that Dr. Asiya Ganduje possesses compassion and vision for improving the lives of citizens, while encouraging women to participate in politics and economic activities.

Furthermore, they praised her cooperative character and loyalty to party principles, saying this has made her a role model for women and youth.

In conclusion, the group declared that her appointment as Deputy Governor would help bring progress, unity, and prosperity to the people of Kano State.

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UTME 2026: JAMB to Release Day 1 Exam Results Today Before Midnight

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the results of all candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Thursday, April 16, 2026, will be released on Friday, April 17.

Spokesperson of the board, Fabian Benjamin, announced this in a post on X, noting that an announcement would be made when the results are available.

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“This is to inform all candidates who sat for the 2026 UTME on Thursday, 16th April 2026, that their results will be released today before midnight. An official announcement will be made to the public and posted on this page as soon as the results are available. Thank you,” he wrote.

Scheduled to run through April 22, the examination is structured into four daily sessions beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m., a framework designed to manage the large volume of candidates and reduce congestion at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.

This year, nearly 2.2 million candidates are participating across 966 accredited centres, each expected to meet operational benchmarks such as functional computer systems, stable internet connectivity and electricity as well as adequately trained personnel.

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Anambra Workers Under Scrutiny for Lateness and Absenteeism after Soludo’s Visit

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Anambra State Government has commenced a probe of civil servants accused of reporting late to duty and absenteeism in the state public service.

Some of the affected workers appeared before the Special Disciplinary Committee on Violation of Public Service Rules, following Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s unscheduled visit to the State Secretariat in March, where it was discovered that over 90 per cent of the workforce were absent from their duty posts.

The committee, constituted in line with the Public Service Rules 2021, sat at the Office of the Head of Service, State Secretariat Complex, Awka, on Friday, and examined several workers over alleged lateness and absenteeism.

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Speaking during the exercise, the Chairperson of the panel and Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Nkiru Nwankwo, said lateness and absenteeism violate public service rules and amount to a breach of employment terms.

She warned that such offences are punishable under the rules, stressing that the current administration is committed to repositioning the public service for efficiency and effectiveness.

“This exercise is set up to probe lateness and absenteeism, which violate public service rules and constitute a breach of contract of employment. Workers should have a change of attitude toward work,” she said.

Nwankwo advised workers with genuine reasons for absence or lateness to follow due process by formally notifying appropriate authorities in writing and in good time.

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