News
GICN Accuses Nigeria Police of Witch-Hunt Against President Edward Omaga Over Alleged Corruption Exposure
By Comfort Olayinka
The Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN) has condemned the Nigeria Police Force for declaring its president, Barr. Edward Omaga, wanted over alleged criminal defamation and other charges.
GICN alleges the police’s actions are a deliberate attempt to silence whistleblowers following the group’s exposure of corruption within Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB).
Despite taking legal action to address the issue, the police reportedly went as far as watch-listing Omaga’s passport, blocking his bank accounts, and publicly declaring him a criminal.
GICN insists that the charges are an abuse of power and a tactic to suppress activism and cover up corruption.
“Rather than call the group to write a statement in support of the report, the Police acting through DCP Ibrahim Zungura sent an invitation letter dated 10th October 2024 to Barr. Edward Omaga, asking him to come and answer questions connected to his commission of the offences of Criminal Defamation, Cyberbullying, Economic Sabotage, and Conduct likely to Cause a Breach of Public Peace. This is nothing short of an attempt to make the hunter become the hunted.”
“With this development, GICN and its leadership felt threatened that injustice was looming. They quickly filed court cases to wit; GICN Vs. CBN & 7 Ors. – SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/1549/2024, GICN Vs. IGP – Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/742/24, EDWARD OMAGA Vs. DIG & 6 Ors. – Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1588/24 and EDWARD OMAGA v. INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE & 2 Ors. – Suit No. CV/5181/2024. “
“Despite the fact that these cases were served on all parties, the Police went ahead to take so many illegal actions. First, they watch-listed the International Passport of Barr. Edward Omaga and blocked his bank accounts. Then they proceeded to declare him wanted in the media today as if he was a common criminal. “
“No doubt, the present ordeal of Barr. Edward Omaga in the hands of Police reflects a typical scenario where corruption fights back with vigour. In a country like Nigeria where those in power can easily manipulate the system to protect their interests, it is not uncommon for whistleblowers and activists to find themselves on the receiving end of threats, intimidation, and in some cases, prosecution. “
“The allegations contained in the GICN’s report are not trivial; they concern the integrity of one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions and its top executives. In any functioning democracy, such allegations would prompt a serious and independent investigation to ascertain their veracity or otherwise. “
“Nigeria is not a banana republic where the rule of law can be easily trampled upon. Whistleblowers and activists play a vital role in strengthening democracy and ensuring accountability. Therefore, any attempt to breach their fundamental rights must be frontally resisted. Let it be known that GICN will immediately take appropriate steps to quash the illegal actions of the Police both in Nigerian and ECOWAS Courts. “
“The case of corruption fighting back is not new, but it is one that we must continually resist. The power of the people when united is greater than the people in power. As long as there are those willing to speak out against injustice, there will always be hope for a better Nigeria. We call on other sister Civil Society Organizations and Media Outfits to join us in this campaign for justice. Today, it is Barr. Edward Omaga being hunted down, tomorrow it could be any other citizen of Nigeria.”
News
“Youth Minister Visits Innoson to Boost Youth Training and Job Creation”
Joel Ajayi
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, and members of the Ministry’s team, paid a working visit to Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) in Nnewi, Anambra State.
The delegation was warmly received by Chief Innocent Chukwuma (OFR), Chairman and CEO of the Innoson Group, whose humility and steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s industrial growth remain a source of national pride.
The Minister commended Innoson’s pioneering role in local innovation and job creation, particularly its ventures in CNG vehicle production, tractor assembly, and other industrial initiatives that present vast opportunities for youth empowerment.
During the tour, the Honourable Minister interacted with young Nigerians who have benefited from Innoson’s technical training and apprenticeship programmes, including two outstanding young women now excelling as auto-technicians.
Their stories, he noted, exemplify the transformative power of skill acquisition and enterprise in shaping a self-reliant generation.
As an outcome of the visit, the Ministry will partner with Innoson to expand youth training, apprenticeship, and enterprise development programmes across the country, focusing on the automotive value chain and allied sectors.
The Minister also met with the Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Agha Mba, to explore joint efforts between the federal and state governments in advancing the “1 Youth, 2 Skills” campaign. Both ministries reaffirmed their shared commitment to equipping young Nigerians with practical, income-generating skills that foster productivity, innovation, and self-reliance.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News9 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
