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FG Allocates N8.8bn to Fix Vandalized Transmission Towers Amid Growing Challenges

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By Adenike Lawal

The Federal Government has earmarked a staggering N8.8 billion to repair 128 vandalized transmission towers nationwide, according to the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Mr. Sule Abdulaziz.

Speaking through Mr. Olugbenga Ajiboye, Executive Director of the Transmission Service Provider (TSO), Abdulaziz disclosed this during the Quarterly Power Sector Working Group meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Abdulaziz highlighted the alarming scale of vandalism, which has crippled key power infrastructure across the country since January 13.

He lamented the leniency in prosecuting apprehended vandals, who are often charged with theft instead of vandalism.

“This allows them to secure bail and return to their destructive activities. So far, 128 towers have been destroyed by vandals or bandits, costing us about N8.8 billion to restore,” he revealed.

The TCN boss also detailed the operational hurdles faced during restoration efforts, including threats to contractors’ safety.

In particularly volatile areas, such as the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna corridor, military escorts have become a necessity for repair teams, with work restricted to just two hours a day in some cases due to security risks.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, announced a bold initiative aimed at providing electricity access to 50 million Nigerians by 2030.

Represented by his Chief Technical Adviser, Mr. Adedayo Olowoniyi, Adelabu said the government is partnering with the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to deliver electricity to underserved areas.

Adelabu emphasized the importance of alternative energy solutions such as solar systems, mini and micro grids, and grid extensions to reach remote communities.

He also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu will sign a key compact document supporting this initiative in Tanzania by January 2025.

Acknowledging the challenges of nationwide electricity access, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring power becomes a democratic right for all citizens.

He added that home solar systems would be prioritized in regions where grid expansion is unfeasible, promising significant strides toward energy equity across Nigeria.

The twin challenges of vandalism and inadequate electricity access underscore the critical need for robust policies and proactive investments to safeguard Nigeria’s power sector and deliver on its promises of electrification for all.

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Crime

ICPC Recovers Alleged Wiretapping Devices from El Rufai Home, Secures 14 Day Detention Order

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By Omoniyi David

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission said it recovered suspected wiretapping devices and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el Rufai.

The commission disclosed that a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, granted a 14 day detention order to allow investigators conclude their probe.

According to the agency, electronic equipment capable of intercepting phone conversations was discovered during a search at el Rufai’s Asokoro home. Officials also said documents described as sensitive to national security were recovered.

The ICPC dismissed claims that the former governor was being unlawfully detained or politically targeted, insisting that due process was followed.

In filings before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, the commission urged the court to dismiss el Rufai’s suit alleging violation of his fundamental rights, maintaining that its actions were lawful and necessary for a thorough investigation.

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Police Arrest Two in Abuja Over Alleged Homicide of 16 Year Old

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By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Command, have arrested two suspects over the alleged culpable homicide of a 16 year old boy, Chidera Benjamin, in the Byazhin area of Abuja.

The suspects, identified as Cosmos Okafor, 31, and Okechukwu Wisdom, 17, were arrested following the incident which occurred on Thursday, February 12, 2026, according to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Adeh said police received a distress call that Benjamin allegedly attacked his mother with a machete during a domestic dispute. Preliminary findings showed the mother had accused him of transferring money from her bank account to his Opay account without her consent.

The boy allegedly became violent during the confrontation and inflicted serious injury on her hand.

The police said two neighbours who witnessed the incident allegedly attacked the teenager in response. He sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The suspects are in custody and will be charged to court after investigations. The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, urged residents to avoid jungle justice and resolve disputes through lawful means.

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Crime

Poison Allegation: Expect DSS Invitation, NSA Office Replies El-Rufai

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By Patrick Idowu

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has replied former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his allegation that the agency imported a toxic chemical from Poland, telling him to expect an invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS), as the matter has been referred for investigation.

El-Rufai had written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, claiming opposition leaders had information that ONSA procured about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a highly poisonous substance.

He requested clarification on the purpose, supplier, permits, quantity, storage arrangements and regulatory oversight, including involvement of agencies such as NAFDAC and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

In a response released to journalists on Sunday night, ONSA denied the allegation, stating it neither procured nor initiated any process to purchase thallium sulphate and had no intention of doing so.

The letter, signed by Brigadier-General O.M. Adesuyi on behalf of the NSA, said the allegation had been referred to the DSS for a comprehensive investigation, adding that El-Rufai and others with relevant information would be invited to provide evidence.

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