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
Ex-NYSC Spokesperson Advises Corps Members to Uphold Patriotism and Play Active Roles in Developing the Nation
Joel Ajayi
Corps Members have been advised to be patriotic towards National building and also use the opportunities of NYSC service year to positively invest in their future.
The immediate past Director of Information and Public Relations of NYSC, Chief Eddy Megwa, stated this during his motivational lecture to Corps Members at the Bauchi State Orientation Camp, Wailo, Ganjuwa Local Government Area of the State.
Addressing the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Corps Members, Chief Megwa urged them to serve the nation with loyalty and strong sense of commitment, adding that, no nation grows without the selfless services of her citizens, he therefore urged them to rise up and make the desired change.
The Retired Director, urged the Corps Members to deliberately work towards building a great nation that would compete among the comity of nations, because, “if things are working very well, the youths will not be desperate about relocating to other countries of the world for greener pastures”.
He discouraged the youths from irregular migration, describing it as a suicide mission, because of many risks associated with it, including avoidable deaths, jail terms among others, but equally advised them to follow the official travelling protocol if the need for foreign trip arises.
He also encouraged the Corps Members to strive for excellence in whatever they do, adding that they should leverage on the achievements of their predecessors.
“Do not put your names and your families’ names into disrepute by getting involved in crimes and other unwholesome activities. NYSC is not a safe haven for criminals”, he said.
The former image maker of NYSC described the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme of the NYSC as the panacea to graduate unemployment. He therefore advised the Corps Members to take advantage of the SAED programme by learning skills that would be useful and enable them become entrepreneurs.
He emphasized that the days of white collar jobs are over as the reality of today is self employment which is made possible by embracing Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship training.
The Public Relations guru advised the Corps Members Members to be security conscious as vigilance and self consciousness of their environment are key to personal safety.
Earlier, the NYSC Bauchi State Coordinator, Mr Kufre Umoren appreciated the retired Director for the visit and his words of motivation to both camp officials and Corps Members.
The Coordinator described Chief Megwa as a living legend that shaped the NYSC Public Relations Unit to what it is today and left his footprints boldly.
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