The Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, popularly known as So-Safe Corps, has evacuated an abandoned motorcycle in Kajola Town, Idiroko, and handed it over to the police for investigation.

The motorcycle, a blue Honda with registration number AYE 253 VX, was first reported to the corps on Thursday, August 14, 2025, by the Chairman of the Community Development Association (CDA), Kajola Community, Ogosa Town.

According to a statement issued by the corps commander, Dr. Soji Ganzallo, and released through the Director of Information and Public Relations, Assistant Commander Moruf Yusuf, the alert came in at about 5:13 p.m.

Handed over to police for investigation

Following the call, the Divisional Officer of Idiroko Division, CSC Abdulkareem Abdulrazaq, and his team moved swiftly to the scene to secure the motorcycle.

Dr. Ganzallo explained that preliminary checks and inquiries did not reveal the identity of the owner or the reason the motorcycle was abandoned. The motorbike was subsequently transferred to the Nigeria Police Force, Idiroko Divisional Headquarters, for further investigation.

Community vigilance commended

The state commander praised the community’s quick response and its collaboration with the corps in reporting the suspicious motorcycle.

In his words:

“This is a commendable step and a clear signal of residents’ active involvement in community policing. I encourage members of the public to always report any suspicious activity to security agencies for prompt action.”

Why this matters

The So-Safe Corps, which operates as a grassroots security outfit in Ogun State, has been working to strengthen collaboration between communities and security agencies. This latest action highlights the importance of residents’ vigilance in preventing potential threats.

Security experts note that abandoned vehicles and motorcycles are sometimes linked to crime or used as tools for criminal activities, making quick evacuation and investigation critical.

About So-Safe Corps

The So-Safe Corps was established by the Ogun State government to support law enforcement agencies, promote public safety, and encourage community participation in security. The corps often partners with residents’ associations to detect and address security concerns.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday defeated the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polling unit of the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, in Jigawa State’s bye-election.

The election took place at Polling Unit 001, Babura Kofar Arewa Primary School, where voters turned out to elect a representative for the Garki-Babura federal constituency.

Official results from the unit showed the PDP polled 308 votes, while the APC managed 112 votes, delivering a symbolic victory against the minister in his political stronghold.

Minister votes under tight Security 

Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, a former governor of Jigawa State and a top APC chieftain, arrived at the polling unit under tight security. The Defence Minister, however, reportedly left the scene without speaking to journalists after casting his ballot.

Nationwide bye-elections marred by irregularities

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) organised re-run and bye-elections on Saturday across at least 12 states. Reports from observers and local media indicated that while voting proceeded smoothly in some areas, the process was tainted in others by low voter turnout, isolated violence, and allegations of vote buying.

INEC has not yet released the final consolidated results for all constituencies, but the outcome from the Defence Minister’s polling unit has sparked political reactions both within Jigawa and nationally.

Political implications

The PDP’s victory in Badaru’s polling unit could be seen as a morale boost for the opposition, especially given the minister’s status as a powerful figure within the APC and a key ally of President Bola Tinubu.

Analysts say the outcome highlights growing discontent among voters in the north-western state and could have wider implications for future contests in the region.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered over N5 billion and $10 million from contractors and officials implicated in the failed turnaround maintenance of Nigeria’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri.

According to reliable sources, the anti-graft agency is pursuing an additional N10 billion and $13 million allegedly siphoned through inflated contracts awarded for the rehabilitation projects.

Olukoyede leads investigation personally

The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, is said to have taken direct control of the investigation. Insiders noted his frustration over the non-functional state of Nigeria’s refineries despite billions of dollars allocated for their rehabilitation.

Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries have remained largely dormant for decades, forcing the country to depend heavily on imported petroleum products.

Billions of dollars have been budgeted across successive governments for their revival, yet the facilities in Warri, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt continue to underperform.

Billions released, little to show

The EFCC is probing funds previously approved for the projects, including:

$1.55 billion for the Port Harcourt refinery

$740 million for the Kaduna refinery

$656 million for the Warri refinery

Top EFCC investigators revealed that fraudulent practices such as over-invoicing, contract inflation, and questionable payments were responsible for the refineries’ persistent failures.

Suspects grilled, charges expected

Sources confirmed that both serving and former management teams of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the three refineries had been repeatedly interrogated.

One EFCC source said:

“Our investigation into the turnaround maintenance of the nation’s refineries in Warri, Kaduna and Port Harcourt has yielded major discoveries of large-scale fraud. Investigators discovered fraudulent dealings through over-invoicing, contract inflation and questionable payments were largely responsible for the malfunctioning of the refineries. A total sum of $10m and N5bn have so far been recovered from suspects indicted in the fraud.”

The source added that charges are imminent:

“Investigations are already concluded on some officials of the NNPCL involved in the rehabilitation contracts and the commission is ready to file charges against them. Both former management and present management of the NNPCL and refineries may be charged.”

More funds under recovery

Another senior EFCC official disclosed that more recoveries were underway:

“While we have recovered some money, another $13m and N10bn discovered to be siphoned through contractors engaged in the maintenance are due to be recovered.”

The official further revealed that the agency is investigating fresh allegations of contract inflation worth about $40 million, allegedly involving NNPCL officials and contractors.

Silence from EFCC spokesperson

Efforts to reach the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful as calls and text messages were not returned.

However, a senior official, speaking off the record, confirmed the recoveries made so far.

Background

Nigeria’s state-owned refineries have long been a symbol of public sector inefficiency and corruption. Despite over four decades of promises and billions of dollars spent, the refineries have failed to operate at full capacity.

The latest EFCC investigation could mark a turning point, as Nigerians continue to endure fuel import dependence, rising energy costs, and distrust over government handling of public resources.

Credit: The punch