The House of Representatives has granted a 10-year period of security protection for Umar Audu, an investigative reporter from DAILY NIGERIAN, in recognition of his report uncovering extensive certificate fraud involving degree mills in the Benin Republic.
Mr. Audu’s covert investigation revealed a network that enables the distribution of illegitimate university degrees to Nigerians, with numerous certificates subsequently being deceitfully sanctioned by government departments, such as the Ministry of Education.
The combined House Committees on University, Polytechnic, Interior, Foreign Affairs, and Youth Development are presently investigating the scandal.
During Monday’s session, Abubakar Fulata, who leads the Committee, communicated the House’s directive. He requested the Nigeria Police Force and other security organizations, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to guarantee Audu’s protection over the next ten years.
He said,“We are grateful to Audu for his courage. We urge the Minister of Interior to ensure that the Civil Defence provides the required support alongside the police.”
