The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media claiming that it directed Muslims to embark on prayers for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan.

In a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna, the Secretary-General of the council, Nafiu Baba-Ahmad, said the organisation had been inundated with enquiries following what it described as “a series of misleading and unsubstantiated reports” attributed to anonymous and unofficial sources.

He stated unequivocally that the council never issued such a directive at any time, urging the public to disregard the claims in their entirety.

“The council categorically dissociates itself from these claims. At no time did it issue any directive, statement, or call on Muslims to embark on prayers specifically calling for the removal of the chairman of INEC,” the statement read.

Ahmad noted that the reports were not only false but appeared to be a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and draw the religious body into partisan political controversies.

“These fabrications are clearly intended to create unnecessary tension and drag the council into the murky and often divisive waters of political contestation,” he added.

The council stressed that it remained a reputable religious organisation committed to promoting justice, equity, moral rectitude, and peaceful coexistence, adding that it operated strictly through recognised communication channels.

It warned against reliance on information from unverified social media accounts, which it said were being used to spread misinformation and cause confusion.

“The council urges the general public, particularly members of the Muslim Ummah and the media, to disregard these false narratives and rely only on official communications issued through recognised channels,” Ahmad said.

While distancing itself from the alleged prayer directive, the council, however, reaffirmed its earlier stance on the leadership of the electoral body, insisting that the INEC chairman should either resign or be removed from office.

It explained that its position was based on concerns about neutrality and integrity, rather than political or sectarian considerations.

“Our position is not driven by political bias or sectarian interests but by serious concerns arising from actions and dispositions that have demonstrated a clear prejudice against Islam and Muslims,” the statement added.

The council further argued that such alleged sentiments, if established, would be inconsistent with the expectations of a holder of a sensitive national office in a plural society like Nigeria.

Despite the controversy, the SCSN reiterated its commitment to remaining above partisan interests and resisting attempts to use it as a tool for political manipulation.

It maintained that it would not be distracted from its core objectives by what it described as the antics of mischief-makers.

“The council will not allow itself to be used for political manipulation, nor will it be distracted from its mission of fostering a just, peaceful and prosperous society,” Ahmad said.

The organisation also called for restraint among Nigerians, warning that the spread of false information could undermine national stability and deepen divisions.

Nigeria’s minister of defense, Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning to individuals accused of supporting criminal elements, declaring that anyone found aiding bandits or terrorists will be treated as a combatant.

Musa made the remarks following his visit to Uba Sani at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, ahead of the Kaduna State Expanded Security Council meeting.

Reacting to the recent airstrikes on Jilli Market, the defense minister emphasized that security forces would not spare those providing any form of assistance to criminal groups.

“A friend of a thief is a thief. Anybody who is doing any trading or providing any support to them, we will find you together and we will deal with you like bandits, like terrorists,” he said.

The statement underscores the federal government’s hard-line stance on tackling insecurity, particularly against networks suspected of aiding armed groups operating in parts of the country.

Musa reiterated the military’s commitment to intensifying operations against banditry and terrorism, warning that both perpetrators and their collaborators would face decisive action.

His comments come after at least 50 civilians were reportedly killed in Jilli Market, located between Gubio in Borno State and Geidam in Yobe State, during an anti-insurgent operation.

The killing had stirred controversy, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemning the airstrike.

However, the presidency tackled Atiku for politicizing the operation targeted at dislodged insurgents.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned Nigerian banks to desist from granting loans without credible collateral, citing concerns over insider abuse and threats to financial stability.

The commission’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede, gave the warning during a courtesy visit by officials of First Bank of Nigeria Plc to the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 office in Ikoyi.

Speaking through the acting Zonal Director, Assistant Commander Bawa Usman Kaltungo, Olukoyede expressed concern over lending practices in the banking sector, particularly loans backed only by personal guarantees, which he said expose depositors’ funds to significant risk.

“We have issues with banks’ mode of giving loans. The process often shows insider abuse,” he stated.

He criticised the practice of “top-down loans”, noting that they lack proper security and should be discouraged.

“You cannot give a loan based solely on the personal guarantee of the Chief Executive. This is not security. Banks must not issue loans without verifiable collateral,” he said.

Olukoyede maintained that enforcing strict collateral requirements would help reduce the rising level of non-performing loans within the financial system.

He also stressed that banks act as custodians of depositors’ funds and must exercise due diligence in their operations.
“Giving loans without adequate collateral amounts to tampering with depositors’ funds,” he warned.

The EFCC boss further called for stronger due diligence frameworks, insisting that accountability must be ensured even when such processes are outsourced.

“Even in situations where you outsource due diligence, there must be a clause of liability,” he added.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to collaboration, Olukoyede urged banks to cooperate fully with investigations, especially in cases involving suspected insider collusion.

“When we invite your staff, you must release them so we can jointly fight economic and financial crimes. We must work together to stay ahead of criminals,” he said, noting that cases may be escalated to foreign agencies when necessary.

Earlier, the Chief Audit Executive of First Bank, Mufutau Olawale Abiola, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the EFCC.

He also called for expedited handling of cases involving the bank’s personnel and disclosed that a dedicated team has been established to manage requests from the commission.

The development highlights increasing regulatory pressure on Nigeria’s banking sector to strengthen risk management systems amid concerns over loan defaults and governance challenges.

The Chairman House of Representatives Downstream Petroleum Committee, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has given more insight on how 27 of the 31 APC stakeholders supported the nomination of Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo for the position of Deputy Governor after the resignation of Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

Doguwa, in a release on Sunday commended Governor Abba Yusuf saying, “I have to commend His Excellency, Governor Engr. Abba Kabir’s decision to humbly and willingly concede his constitutional right and powers to the legacy component of the old APC under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to nominate for him a Deputy Governor.”

He said, “for this singular courtesy and an act of modesty, we must categorically commend the governor and appreciate his uncommon magnanimity and clear manifestation of his determination to working together for the unity of the party. Secondly, Governor Kabiru also gave to our group several vacant positions to be filled with our members including three Commissioners slots.”

He said the action of the governor was unprecedented and the first of its kind in history.

Doguwa hinted that In the course of their meeting, “Majority of the old legacy party members including my humble self have cooperated and supported Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and accepted him as leader of the legacy group in Kano state. And he presided over our meeting last night. For me, the meeting went on well and came up with an overwhelming support in favour of our former Deputy Gubernatorial candidate and a former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Murtala Sulen Garo as a unanimous choice.”

“Of course, there were unavoidable dissenting voices that one cannot rule out in such a situation. But about 27 stakeholders out of 31 in attendance were on the same page and adopted Murtala as our major nominee for this exalted position.

” We have anchored our decision for Murtala on the following practical political reasons 1. Murtala was our deputy gubernatorial candidate in the last general election in 2023. His political outreach and popular support amongst our party ranks is incontestable. 2. He is has the widest influence across the 44 LGAs of the state. 3. Murtala Sule Garo coincidentally came from Gwarzo Kabo federal constituency where the immediate Kwankwasiyya’s former deputy governor also came from.”

“We have no doubt about these-facts. Murtala is naturally most appropriate man to take over this very strategic position. We have however decided to submit three names to comply with the directives by His Excellency, the Governor as the supreme leader of the party in the state.”

But to my mind and the minds of most of us, the two other names are merely “ shadow nominees”. or you can call them “ space holders.” But our substantive nomination for the deputy governor collectively as legacy family is the choice of Hon. Murtala Sulen Garo.”

“We, therefore, most respectfully urge and request His Excellency, the Governor who naturally holds the final constitutional discretion and the powers to make this very critical decision to graciously accept this popular decision of the legacy party members.

“We promise His Excellency that we will give him our individual and collective support to succeed in the coming elections in 2027. “

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ebonyi State has mocked the opposition Africa Democratic Congress, ADC, for conducting a parallel State congress that produced separate leadership in the state.

One of the factions produced, Barr. Silas Onu as Chairman, while another faction produced Mrs. Jennifer Adibe Nwafor as State Chairman.

Silas Onu had in his acceptance speech at their faction’s Congress which held at Preston Hotel in Abakaliki on Saturday, said ADC under his leadership would wrestle power from the ruling APC in 2027.

“There is serious commotion in the camp of the opposition, we call them opposition because they are the ruling party but behaving as opposition. They are in fear because of the calibre of people assembled to lead ADC in Ebonyi.

“We shall field candidates for all positions, including the Governorship. We will not only contend with them, we shall beat them,” Onu said.

But the Chairman of APC in the state, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, in his reaction urged ADC not to waste their strength talking about APC and the 2027 elections in the state.

Speaking through his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Prince Chijioke Agwu, Chief Emegha advised the opposition party to concentrate its time and resources towards resolving its internal crises.

“Ebonyi ADC should, first of all, resolve it’s internal crises before talking about 2027 general elections.

“They should tell Ebonyi people, between Adibe Nwafor and Silas Onu who is their authentic State chairman.

“In APC, our Chairman is Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha; and there is no other person making claims to his position. That is how to know a party that is ready for elections.

“I advise the two factions not to waste their strength talking about the APC and the 2027 elections. They should concentrate their time and strength on resolving their internal crises, both at the State and national levels.

“Ebonyi people are comfortable with Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and the ruling APC, and they will prove it again with their votes in 2027,” he said.