The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has announced automatic employment for two sons of his police escort, Deputy Superintendent of Police Hussani Ibrahim, who died in a road accident involving a petrol tanker on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
Akpabio announced on Tuesday during plenary while formally informing the Senate of the tragic death of the officer, who served as his dispatch rider.
DSP Ibrahim reportedly lost his life on Sunday when a petrol tanker rammed into the Senate President’s convoy in Ibadan, Oyo State. The incident happened shortly after Akpabio was picked up at the airport following a chieftaincy title ceremony held in honour of Senator AbdulAzeez Yari and Seyi Tinubu.
Speaking emotionally on the floor of the Senate, Akpabio said, “We went to Oyo State for the installation of our colleague and the vehicles that came to pick me at the Ibadan airport. Unfortunately, my dispatch rider was run over by a tanker driver, and his head was shattered. We just buried him 15 minutes ago in Kogi State. He left two wives and four children.”
The Senate President appealed to heads of ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to offer immediate employment to the children of the late officer.
He said, “By the grace of God, I’m recommending two of his senior children for employment immediately in any parastatals that may wish to, otherwise I’ll employ them personally in any of my private concerns.”
Akpabio described the deceased officer as disciplined, brave and fully committed to duty, noting that his death occurred in the line of service.
Addressing the bereaved family, he said, “Your late father understood the value of work and service. He devoted himself to it. Unfortunately, instead of earning a laurel for the devotion, he earned death.
“But it is death that is not in vain. It is death that testifies to his legacy of service. May the Lord accept his soul.”
He also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force.
“I commiserate with the family, the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force over the loss of this courageous, fearless, and daring officer,” Akpabio said.
“While I pray to God to accept his soul, may He in His infinite mercy grant the family and the Nigeria Police Force the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
He explained that the decision to secure jobs for the officer’s sons was a personal effort to honour his sacrifice and years of loyal service.
Following the announcement, the senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi, raised a motion for personal explanation to formally bring the matter before the Senate.
Karimi, while sympathising with Akpabio, disclosed that the late DSP Ibrahim was due to retire next year. He added that the officer, who hailed from Kogi State, had been part of Akpabio’s convoy since 2023 when he became Senate President.
Also during Tuesday’s session, the Senate paid tribute to Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur, a driver who died recently after serving for 25 years under the senator representing Kogi East, Jibrin Echocho.
Lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of both deceased men and offered prayers for the repose of their souls.
In a related development, the Consultant on Communications and Strategy to the President of the Senate, Kenny Okolugbo, has resigned his appointment.
In a letter dated December 22, 2025, and addressed to Akpabio through his Chief of Staff, Chinedu Akubueze, Okolugbo said he was stepping down due to “business and family commitments.”
He said, “I have enjoyed working with the team. I should also point out the privilege of being an adviser to the number three citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Okolugbo added, “I am grateful for the opportunity I had to serve and will wish the best to the President of the Senate as he continues to navigate the chairmanship of the National Assembly and the Senate, in particular.”
His resignation takes effect from January 1, 2026.
Confirming the development, Akubueze said the Senate President had accepted the resignation and thanked Okolugbo for his service, wishing him success in his future endeavours.
