THE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has come under intense scrutiny after admitting that it issued seven official Federal Government number plates to vehicles linked to the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), an agency now under investigation over allegations that it operated without lawful authority.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, made the disclosure on Thursday while appearing before the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the alleged establishment and operations of the disputed council, explaining that the corps followed its standard operating procedures before approving the request for the official number plates.
His appearance before the committee followed testimony by businessman Gbenga Collins, who told lawmakers on Wednesday that he was received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja by vehicles bearing official Federal Government number plates belonging to the PFIPC.
Responding to questions from members of the committee, the Corps Marshal confirmed that seven official government number plates were issued to the council.
He explained that the FRSC complied with all laid-down procedures before approving the application.
According to him, the corps received a formal request accompanied by a letter from the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, as well as another correspondence signed by the PFIPC’s alleged Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi.
Mohammed further disclosed that the FRSC verified the council’s official website and confirmed its listed office address at the Federal Secretariat before approving and issuing the official number plates.
The House committee had summoned the FRSC following Collins’ testimony that he paid ₦400 million to Adeyemi to facilitate the award of a contract.
Collins alleged that after travelling to Abuja, he was received by officials of the council in vehicles carrying official Federal Government number plates before Adeyemi presented him with a contract award letter, the scope of work, and an agreement for the renovation and furnishing of the Director-General’s official residence.
According to Collins, Adeyemi requested the ₦400 million as proof of his company’s capacity to execute the project and to facilitate mobilisation.
Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Yusuf Gagdi, had earlier disclosed that Adeyemi was absent from the hearings because he remains in police custody and is also under investigation by anti-graft agencies.
The House panel is investigating the circumstances surrounding the creation and operations of the PFIPC amid allegations that it operated without lawful authority despite being allocated about ₦1.3 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
Meanwhile, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has submitted an interim report to President Bola Tinubu on its investigation into the controversial council, recommending the prosecution of Adeyemi.
The ICPC’s preliminary findings allegedly showed that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government and that documents used to establish the council, including its purported appointment letter and gazette, were forged.
The anti-corruption agency also recommended administrative sanctions against public officers whose alleged negligence enabled the operation of the disputed council, while calling for institutional reforms to strengthen internal controls across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The separate investigations by the House of Representatives and the ICPC continue as authorities seek to unravel how the controversial council allegedly operated within government institutions despite questions over its legal status.
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King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Competition Begins In Makkah With Record 334 Contestants, N3.7bn Prize
THE 46th session of the King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorising, Reciting and Interpreting the Holy Qur’an officially commenced in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, with a record 334 male and female contestants from 133 countries participating in this year’s edition.
News Point Nigeria reports that the prestigious competition is being held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, and is organised by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance.
The competition, which will run until Rabi Al-Awwal 6, corresponding to August 19, has attracted the largest number of participants since its inception, reflecting its growing global significance among Muslim communities.
According to the organisers, the annual event is designed to encourage young Muslims to memorise, understand and reflect upon the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, while promoting healthy and honourable competition among participants from across the world.
The competition also seeks to showcase Saudi Arabia’s longstanding commitment to serving the Holy Qur’an and honouring those who dedicate themselves to its memorisation, recitation and interpretation.
In a historic first, this year’s edition features separate competitions for female participants, with their events taking place at the Makkah Hilton Hotel & Convention.
Meanwhile, the finals for the male categories, as well as the grand closing ceremony, will be held at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
The competition is divided into five categories, with participants competing for a total prize pool of SR10,260,000 (approximately ₦3.7 billion), the highest prize fund since the international Qur’an competition was established.