The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Why Kaduna will support President’s re-election, by Sani

    Why Kaduna will support President’s re-election, by Sani

    • Adamawa APC elders close ranks, back Tinubu’s second-term bid

    • Akpabio, Eno pledge support for Asiwaju

    Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has promised that the state will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

    The governor premised the support on the dividends of democracy the President has brought to the state and across the country.

    Sani spoke yesterday at a stakeholders’ engagement on the ongoing e-registration of APC members across the country.

    The governor, who listed projects that were executed by the Federal Government and those that it has attracted to Kaduna State, spoke yesterday during a stakeholders’ engagement on the ongoing e-registration of APC members across the country.

    Addressing Zone 2 stakeholders, Governor Uba Sani said that Kaduna State is targeting 2.5 million members in the ongoing exercise because APC is now the dominant party in the State.

    The governor argued that his inclusive development model, through which projects are spread across the state, and President Tinubu’s projects in Kaduna State, have made members of the opposition to defect to the APC in large numbers.

    He said the President has supported the Kaduna State Light Rail project with N1 billion, described the development as unprecedented in northern Nigeria.

    Sani said: “Only three weeks ago, I was in China, in the company of the Director General of Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, at the instance of President Bola Tinubu, who has also decided that Kaduna State would be the pilot state to embark on a major poultry project.

    “The project will generate at least 350,000 jobs. Already, the Federal Government has approved $200 million for it and Kaduna State will have the biggest poultry project in Sub-Saharan Africa. The ground-breaking will be done in the next three weeks,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Why Northern Nigeria must put education first

    The governor announced that the project would also support 10,000 direct and indirect small businesses, particularly SMEs that are allied to poultry farming.

    “Again, we must thank our leader, President Bola Tinubu, for approving the construction of the Mando to Birnin Gwari road, which is very critical, as well as re-construction of the Kwoi to Jama’a road,” he added.

    Governor Sani said his administration had approved a lot of projects in the current budget between the Kaduna State government and the Office of the House of Representatives Speaker, Tajuddeen Abbas, for Zone One.

    He added that Zone 1, or Kaduna North Senatorial District, has benefited more than any other zone in Kaduna State, adding that having House Speaker Abbas has been a blessing.

    The governor said the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, who has done very well in supporting Kaduna State, is also from the zone.

    “When you look at some of the major projects that we are embarking on, under ACRESal, addressing erosion and other climate issues, he has played a pivotal role in that regard.

    “In the next one or two months, we will be having the ground-breaking for one of the major projects in Zaria and Rigasa, totaling about N53 billion, courtesy of the support and effort of the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal.

    “So, I can say that we are very lucky, we have people who are working for the Federal Government from our state who have been able to attract very important projects to our state,” he added.

    Also, APC leaders in Adamawa State, under the aegis of Adamawa Progressive Elders’ Council (APEC), have endorsed President Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general election.

    The APEC announced the endorsement in a communiqué signed by the Vice Chairman of the council, Senator Abubakar Girei, and the Secretary, Mrs. Olvadi Madayi, after the council meeting at the Muna Hotel, Yola.

    The party’s elders said their decision followed extensive consultations and was aimed at strengthening internal cohesion within the party while positioning the APC for victory in the 2027 general election.

    They said the council, constituted in line with the recommendations of the APC Reconciliation Committee, was set up to address internal disagreements and forge a united front among party stakeholders in the state.

    The council elders pledged to work towards resolving all lingering disputes within the party and mobilise support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in the general election.

    According to them, supporting President Tinubu’s second-term ambition aligns with their mandate to build a strong and united APC capable of delivering electoral success at all levels.

    They expressed gratitude to the President for appointing Adamawa indigenes into strategic positions in his administration, including the appointment of the party’s state leader to sensitive national office.

    The elders announced a plan to organise a grand rally and reception in honour of all the federal appointees from the state to demonstrate their gratitude to President Tinubu.

    To deepen the council’s impact at the grassroots, the APC elders also resolved to take their reconciliation and mobilisation activities to the local government and ward levels to resolve disputes and prevent divisions.

    They reaffirmed their stance that any member aspiring to an elective office must step aside from the council to preserve its neutrality and impartiality.

    The elders announced the constitution of four committees with Chief Joel Madaki as the Chairman of the Contact and Mobilisation Committee; Prof. Tahir Mamman (SAN) to head the Conflict Resolution Committee; Mrs. Olvadi Bema Madayi was appointed the Chairman of the Finance and General Purpose Committee; and Ahmad Sajoh the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee.

    The meeting was attended by key party figures, including a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), former governors, serving and former ministers, as well as experienced legislators.

    The gathering also received a goodwill message from the party’s leader in Adamawa State, delivered by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha.

    Also, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has said the people across party lines have united to support President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda to further develop Nigeria.

    Eno spoke at the weekend when he paid a New Year homage to Senate President Godswill Akpabio in his home in Uyo, the state capital.

    The governor reiterated the support of Akwa Ibom State for President Tinubu’s administration.

    Eno said he paid the traditional New Year homage to the Senate President to thank him for his leadership and making Akwa Ibom proud at the national level.

    “We pray for more wisdom upon you to keep supporting President Tinubu because you are all tied together. We also assure you that we are holding the ground at home for you. That is one assurance you need to know.

    “Akwa Ibom is united for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Akwa Ibom is united for you, Chief Akpabio. In fact, four days ago, the youths of Akwa Ibom State held a massive rally to endorse the President, you, and me.

    “Akwa Ibom is united across party lines. We may have some storms in the teacup. They will always be there. But when you see the general outlook, you would know that the state is very united as far as 2027 is concerned,” he said.

    Eno hailed Akpabio for his New Year gesture of ordering the withdrawal of all cases he had instituted against those who defamed and slandered him.

    The governor noted that such a gesture showed a strength of character.

    “It gave me so much joy because that is leadership. Beyond what you did, it is a great encouragement to pastors that our leaders can listen to a message and be inspired by it.

    “It was Mahatma Gandhi who said that forgiveness is not for the weak but for the strong. It takes the strength of character to rise above such a feeling of hurt to let go of the past. So, I commend you for that,” he said.

    Akpabio praised Eno for supporting President Tinubu.

    The Senate President said the success of the President is the success of Nigeria.

    “We are behind you just as we support President Tinubu. His reform agenda may be painful, but it is working. I want to thank you for your support for the President and for uniting the state to support him.

    “We are focused on assisting the President to succeed, because if the President succeeds, Nigeria succeeds,” Akpabio stated.

  • Recapitalisation: 20 banks in race to escape CBN hammer

    Recapitalisation: 20 banks in race to escape CBN hammer

    • Financial institutions weighing options of downgrading status

    Banks are revving up multi-layered strategies as the banking recapitalisation draws down to its final and most decisive phase.

    With barely 52 working days to the deadline for banks to meet new capital requirements, many are narrowing down their options, with more focus on snap private equity and a shift along the banking categorisation line.

    Ahead of the March 31 deadline, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso, in his last public update on the recapitalisation programme, confirmed that 16 banks have met their new capital requirements. He also indicated that 27 other banks were raising funds.

    Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, CBN, Dr Muhammad Abdullahi, who spoke a few days ago, said not less than 20 banks have met the new capital requirements.

    Abdullahi’s comment came on the heels of recent confirmations by United Bank for Africa (UBA), Fidelity Bank and First Bank that they had met their new capital requirements after final clearance of their latest capital raisings.

    Nigeria currently has 44 deposit-taking banks across various licence categories.

    Sources yesterday said the apex bank was weighing the most feasible and least impactful final exit plan for the round off of the banking recapitalisation.

    A highly placed source said the apex bank would shortly unfold “conclusive plans” for the resolution of at least three banks under its management.

    The source said one of the banks with a legacy of core Southwestern operations and a strong presence in the Lagos market might be considered for a change in status from national to regional bank.

    READ ALSO: Why Northern Nigeria must put education first

    At least seven other banks were said to be weighing the option of scaling down their license from national to regional bank, given the concentration of their operations and the almost equal ubiquitous advantage offered by Nigeria’s expansive digital banking.

    Another bank, which currently holds an international banking license, indicated over the weekend that it could be scaling down to a national banking license in the immediate period before the deadline, while pursuing further recapitalisation to boost its capital base and regain its international banking authorisation.

    The apex bank was said to have consented to an unencumbered two-way movement along the banking categorisation line, allowing banks to scale down or scale up their licenses once they provide verified evidence of the required minimum capital base.

    The apex bank categorises banks into three broad categories – international, national, and regional –  based on their financial strength.

    Investment banking sources said many banks were still exploring the remaining window of opportunities for special placements, with ongoing discussions with high networth individual and institutional investors.

    Market pundits expected such special placements to cluster within the next seven weeks.

    Under the recapitalisation guidelines, beyond raising funds, banks are required to subject their new equity funds to capital verification before the clearance of the allotment proposal and release of the funds to the bank for onward completion of the offer process and addition of the new capital to its capital base.

    The CBN is the final signatory in a tripartite capital verification committee that included the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

    The committee is saddled with scrutinising new funds being raised by banks under the ongoing banking sector recapitalisation programme.

    Market sources said the special capital verification and the narrow definition of qualifying capital to nominal equities have continued to moderate the ability of banks to source funds.

    But most analysts said they expected no major upset in the ongoing recapitalisation.

    “Many banks have actually met the recapitalisation requirements. Many banks, I mean, over 20 banks have met the requirements.

    “So, I think good progress has been made, and I’m really confident that there is not likely to be a major issue, given the progress that has been made so far,” a team lead for a well-respected think-tank said yesterday.

    Comparing the current banking recapitalisation to the 2004-2005 period, when several banks were forced into mergers and acquisitions and many liquidated, the team lead said this “is much better and reassuring”.

    In March 2024, the CBN released its circular on review of minimum capital requirement for commercial, merchant and non-interest banks.

    The apex bank increased the new minimum capital for commercial banks with international affiliations, otherwise known as mega banks, to N500 billion; commercial banks with national authorisation, N200 billion and commercial banks with regional license, N50 billion.

    Others included merchant banks, N50 billion; non-interest banks with national license, N20 billion and non-interest banks with regional license will now have N10 billion minimum capital.

    The 24-month timeline for compliance ends on March 31. 

    Under the new minimum capital base, CBN uses a distinctive definition of the new minimum capital base for each bank category, such as the addition of share capital and share premium, as opposed to the previous use of shareholders’ funds.

    While the apex bank has not released any provisional list of banks that have met the new minimum capital requirements, official listing reports at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), banks’ financial statements and public disclosures on capital raisings showed that first-tier banks, which control some three-quarters of the industry, have met their recapitalisation targets.

    These included Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), First Bank of Nigeria and Fidelity Bank. Other banks that have met the new capital thresholds were Jaiz Bank Plc, Wema Bank, Ecobank Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Citibank and Standard Chartered Bank among others.

  • Killer-suspects of woman, six children in police net

    Killer-suspects of woman, six children in police net

    Three suspects are in police net over the killing of a mother and her six children in Kano.

    Thirty-five-year-old Fatima Abubakar, and her six children were murdered in their residence in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters at 12.10 pm on Saturday.

    Kano Police command spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, gave the suspects’ names as: Umar Auwalu, 23 of Sabuwar Gandu Quarters, Isyaku Yakubu, aka ‘Chebe’, 40, of Sagagi Quarters, and Yakubu Abdulaziz, aka ‘Wawo’, 21, of Sabon Gida Sharada Quarters all in Kano.

    Kiyawa said the command acted on the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and deployed intelligence-led policing to track the suspects.

    CSP Kiyawa said the suspects would be charged to court on conclusion of investigation.

    He assured that perpetrators of crimes must be punished by the law.

    Police Commissioner Ibrahim Adamu Bakori hailed the officers for the timely arrest of the suspects and commended the public for their support.

    READ ALSO: Let the truth speak in the Bauchi EFCC case

    Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, commended the police for their efforts. Barau, in a statement by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Malam Ismail Mudashir, described the arrest as soothing news and called for a speedy trial of the suspects.

    “I commend the command for its swiftness. This is the first leg; the command should conduct a thorough investigation and ensure a speedy trial so that these ‘killers’ are prosecuted and brought to book.

    “They must face the full wrath of the law. We will follow this to its logical conclusion. Over the past hours, I have been traumatised, devastated and overwhelmed by the gruesome murder of these innocent children and their mother. This is barbaric and beyond comprehension.

    “May Almighty Allah grant the victims Aljannatul Firdaus and give the husband/ father of the children, Haruna Bashir, the strength to bear this,” he said.

  • Alake gets continental honour with re-election as AMSG chair

    Alake gets continental honour with re-election as AMSG chair

    In an absolute vote of confidence, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development,  Dr Dele Alake, has been re-elected Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) by a continental ministerial forum of African Ministers responsible for minerals and mining.

    His re-election held at the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the group, held on the sidelines of the same conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    The continental forum which is committed to a coordinated action aimed at maximising value addition and beneficiation from Africa’s vast mineral resources, in 2024 unanimously elected Alake as the pioneer Chairman of the AMSG on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF).

    The re-election of Alake was contained in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media,  Segun Tomori, from Saudi Arabia yesterday.

    Tomori added that as part of efforts to strengthen its institutional framework, the forum has approved the creation of additional leadership positions, including Vice-Chairman, Deputy Secretary-General, and Financial Secretary. The forum further resolved that these positions be equitably distributed across Africa’s sub-regions to promote inclusion and regional balance.

    While the positions of Chairman and Vice-Chairman are elective and reserved for serving ministers, other positions are appointed by member states to which they are zoned.

    READ ALSO: Why Northern Nigeria must put education first

    Under the new leadership structure, Nigeria’s Dr. Dele Alake continues as Chairman of the 24-member forum, representing West Africa. The Minister of Mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Hon. Louis Watum Kabamba was elected Vice-Chairman, representing Central Africa. The position of Secretary-General remains with Uganda (East Africa), Mauritania was appointed Deputy Secretary-General (North Africa), while South Africa was zoned the position of Financial Secretary.

    The AGM also ratified a two-year tenure for the newly elected executive committee and agreed that zoned positions belong to member countries, such that where a serving minister is replaced, the successor automatically assumes the role.

    Accepting his re-election,  Alake expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the renewed confidence reposed in him, stressing the urgent need for African nations to work collaboratively to unlock the continent’s economic potentials through solid minerals development.

    He called on member states to agree on minimum financial contributions and to refine the group’s budgeting framework to strengthen its operational effectiveness.

    “Once member states contribute, accountability will naturally follow. This will enhance transparency and strengthen the credibility of the AMSG before the global community,” the Minister stated.

    The AGM further resolved to hold quarterly ministerial meetings and ratified the establishment of standing committees, including Legal, Institutional Affairs & Human Resources; Sustainability and Responsible Mining; Finance, Budget & Resource Mobilisation, among others. It was also agreed that steps be taken towards hosting a global minerals conference in Africa, similar to the FMF.

    Earlier at a Leadership Roundtable themed “Africa: Unlocking Infrastructure Funding for Copper-Belt Production”—held on the sidelines of the FMF and attended by African Ministers of Minerals, development partners and private-sector stakeholders, Alake emphasized that mineral production alone cannot deliver lasting economic transformation without reliable infrastructure, coordinated policies and deliberate value-addition strategies.

    He cited the Lobito Corridor as a model of what is achievable when rail, ports, energy systems, and policy alignment work in synergy. He posited that  similar opportunities exist across the continent including the Lagos–Abidjan Corridor linking Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire; the Walvis Bay Corridor connecting Southern Africa’s mining regions to global markets; the Dar es Salaam and Central Corridors serving East and Central Africa amongst others.

    According to the Minister: “The real question is not whether Africa has corridors, but whether these corridors are being financed, governed and structured to support industrial growth, regional integration and long-term stability. What matters is how financing is designed to reduce risk, attract private capital, and sustain commercial viability while advancing national and regional development objectives.”

    Alake emphasised that unlocking capital at scale requires addressing issues such as bankable and enforceable offtake arrangements; predictable and harmonised cross-border regulatory frameworks; alignment of rail, port, power and industrial planning; and clear pathways for processing, smelting, logistics services and industrial clusters along these corridors.

    He added that the broader vision of the AMSG is to ensure that Africa’s mineral infrastructure is strategically designed, responsibly financed and efficiently managed in a rapidly evolving global environment—not to discourage investment, but to ensure it aligns with long-term stability, transparency and shared economic prosperity.

  • Brave Senegal stun hosts Morocco to claim second AFCON title

    Brave Senegal stun hosts Morocco to claim second AFCON title

    Senegal are the champions of Africa once again after winning a chaotic and bizarre final against host nation Morocco.

    Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye’s stunning strike in extra time secured a second ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) crown for Senegal after a hugely controversial end to regular time.

    After the referee had awarded Morocco a penalty for Malick Diouf’s foul on Brahim Diaz in stoppage time, following a long VAR check, Senegal’s players left the pitch in protest under the instruction of their manager Pape Thiaw.

    Moments earlier, Senegal had been controversially denied a winning goal when Ismaila Sarr found the back of the net, which was chalked off for a questionable foul on Achraf Hakimi by Abdoulaye Seck.

    Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the spot-kick when the Senegal players eventually re-emerged from the dressing room after a delay of around 15 minutes, but saw his dinked effort down the middle of the goal easily saved by Edouard Mendy, before Gueye won the game in extra time.

    READ ALSO: Let the truth speak in the Bauchi EFCC case

    In front of a passionate home crowd, the Lions of Teranga showed composure, resilience and champion mentality, withstanding relentless Moroccan pressure before delivering the decisive moment that settled a final worthy of African football’s biggest stage.

    For Senegal, this triumph confirms a golden era— at the summit of African football and another chapter of history written with discipline, belief and collective strength.

    Morocco pushed until the very end, but Senegal’s defensive resolve and big-game experience proved decisive as the trophy heads to Dakar once more.

    Africa has a champion again—and Senegal stand tall at the summit of the continent.

  • ARCO Group hails Ukwu on Global recognition by Marquis Who’s Who

    ARCO Group hails Ukwu on Global recognition by Marquis Who’s Who

    ARCO Group PLC has congratulated U.S.-based Nigerian professional Dr. Henrietta N. Ukwu on her inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who, one of the United States’ oldest and most respected biographical directory publishers.

    Marquis Who’s Who, which has documented notable individuals for more than a century, announced Dr. Ukwu’s listing on January 9. The directory has historically featured leaders across business, public service, and culture, including former U.S. Presidents, Warren Buffett, and Oprah Winfrey.

    In a statement signed by the Group Managing Director of ARCO Group PLC, Alfred Okoigun, the company described the recognition as both timely and well deserved.

    “ARCO Group PLC warmly congratulates Dr. Henrietta N. Ukwu, MD, FACP, FRAPS, on her distinguished recognition by Marquis Who’s Who for her outstanding expertise in Global Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance.

    This honour is not only a personal milestone, but a testament to decades of intellectual rigour, ethical leadership, and professional excellence in one of the world’s most demanding and consequential fields.

    READ ALSO: Why Northern Nigeria must put education first

    For ARCO, this recognition holds particular significance. Twenty-five years ago, in April 2001, ARCO Group organised the Nigerian Excellence in Science & Technology (NEST) Awards at the Dorchester Hotel in London — a formal initiative established to recognise outstanding Nigerians whose work had attained global standards of excellence in science and technology. At that ceremony, three individuals were honoured, among them Dr. Henrietta N. Ukwu, whose selection reflected the same qualities that continue to define her career today: integrity, clarity of purpose, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Long before international accolades followed, her professional impact and promise were already clearly evident.

    In a world where regulatory science and quality assurance underpin the safety, credibility, and trustworthiness of global systems, Dr. Ukwu’s influence has been both profound and enduring. She has helped shape institutions, mentor professionals, and strengthen frameworks that protect lives and enable sustainable development across borders.

    We celebrate Dr. Ukwu not only for this well-earned recognition, but for the legacy of leadership, trust, and excellence she continues to build.”

  • ICPC files charges against Ozekhome over ownership of Useni’s UK house

    ICPC files charges against Ozekhome over ownership of Useni’s UK house

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed a three-count charge against Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), over his alleged use of a fake passport to acquire the London property of the late former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lt. Gen. Jerry Useni.

    Useni, who served as FCT Minister between 1983 and 1998 during the administration of the late military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, died on January 23, 2025.

    Before his death, controversy broke out over attempts to take over his London property due to his alleged inability to pay legal fees for his failed 2019 governorship election, which he had challenged at the Election Petition Tribunal, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.

    Useni contested in Plateau State.

    The late General’s house at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, purchased with misappropriated funds, was acquired in 2021 by Ozekhome allegedly using a questionable passport.

    READ ALSO: Let the truth speak in the Bauchi EFCC case

    In August 2021, Ozekhome sought to transfer the property into his name, claiming it was a gift from a man who introduced himself as Mr. Tali Shani, purportedly in appreciation of his legal services.

    However, the application was challenged in September 2022 by Westfields Solicitors, representing “Ms. Tali Shani,” who insisted she had been the registered owner of the property since 1993.

    A London First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) judge, Ewan Paton, later found that both Mr. and Ms. Tali Shani were fictitious.

    Ozekhome ran into further trouble for presenting a fake Mr. Tali Shani passport to the tribunal, which the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) later confirmed was not in its database.

    The ICPC received a petition against Ozekhome, citing the London tribunal judgment and the public interest in Useni’s property, which the former Minister never personally purchased.

    Following an interrogation, the ICPC established grounds to arraign Ozekhome for trial at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

    The charge sheet, obtained by The Nation, is dated January 16, 2026. No arraignment date has been fixed.

    It was filed by the ICPC’s Head of the High Profile Prosecution Department, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, and Assistant Chief Legal Officer, Ngozi Onwuka, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

    The Charges:

    •            That you, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), 68, of No. 53, Nile Street, Maitama, Abuja, sometime in August 2021, or thereabout, outside Nigeria (London), directly received House 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX purportedly given to you by one Mr. Shani Tali, knowing it constituted a felony, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 13 and punishable under Section 24 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

    •            That you, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), 68, of No. 53, Nile Street, Maitama, Abuja, sometime in August 2021, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while being a legal practitioner, made a false document – Nigeria passport A07535463 bearing the name of Mr. Shani Tali – with intent to support a claim of ownership of 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 363 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code CAP 532, Laws of the FCT, Abuja, 2006.

    •            That you, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), 68, of No. 53, Nile Street, Maitama, Abuja, sometime in August 2021, dishonestly used the false passport A07535463 bearing the name of Mr. Shani Tali to support a claim of ownership of 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, knowing the document was false, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 366 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code CAP 532, Laws of the FCT, Abuja, 2006.

    In a December 18, 2025, letter to ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, stated there is no record of the passport number (A07535463-Shani Tali) in NIS’s database.

    Titled RE: ‘Letter of reminder investigation activities/request for information’ and signed by Assistant Comptroller-General I.A. Ozigi, the letter stated: “Passport booklet number A07535463 was never utilised due to a defect, and consequently, there is no record of a holder for this passport number in our database.

    “Passport numbers are uniquely assigned and never duplicated. Preliminary findings indicate the passport booklet had personal data unlawfully superimposed on it. Furthermore, there are numerous inconsistencies on the data page, suggesting significant irregularities in its production.”

    Ozekhome

    defends “gift”

    In his defence submitted to the court, Ozekhome said the London property was a gift in appreciation of cases and legal advice he provided to General Useni, who could not personally defray litigation costs.

    He stated: “I have read the above cautionary statement and I understand it. I now give my own statement out of my free will in the presence of my lawyers. My name is Chief Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)… I am a legal practitioner by profession.

    “I am aware of the judgment of the First-tier Tribunal in the UK. It was prompted by an objection to my application for the transfer of a property at 79 Randall Avenue, London.

    “The ownership and title of the property have been with me since…the London Property Tribunal proceedings, where I was physically present on June 11 and 12, 2024, and subsequently via Zoom hearings.”

    “I had handled legal matters for Mr. Tali Shani and General J.T. Useni prior to the proceedings, including the 2019 Plateau governorship election petition, which I took through the Tribunal, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court.

    “Useni undertook to gift me the London property in appreciation of my legal services and advice, as he could not personally cover the litigation costs. He handed over the title deeds in the presence of General Useni.”

    Ozekhome also clarified disputes involving his appointed agents for the property and confirmed that no encumbrances existed when the property was transferred to him.

    He maintained that all his actions were legal and transparent.

  • Anti-kidnapping operations will be extended beyond Kogi, Kwara, says IG

    Anti-kidnapping operations will be extended beyond Kogi, Kwara, says IG

    There are plans to expand ongoing anti-kidnapping operations beyond Kwara and Kogi states to the Northwest and other parts of the country, Inspector-General (IG) Kayode Egbetokun said yesterday.

    The plan according to him, is part of a comprehensive national security strategy.

    Speaking in a monitored chat on a national television,  the IG said that the operations, which initially targeted kidnapping and banditry in Northcentral states of Kwara and Kogi, would be extended to other affected areas, particularly in the Northwest and subsequently, nationwide.

    IG Egbetokun said the planned expansion is in line with a broader security overhaul, following an upsurge in kidnapping incidents.

    The initiative includes intensified operations and intelligence-led policing across multiple regions, with special focus on frontier states such as Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi and Niger as well as adjoining zones.

    Egbetokun said the anti-kidnapping initiative is designed to proactively tackle criminal networks, disrupt banditry activities, and restore public confidence in security nationwide.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sustaining coordinated, intelligence-driven operations to curb kidnapping and related crimes under his leadership.

    The police boss assured Nigerians of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property this year.

    READ ALSO: Why Northern Nigeria must put education first

    He said that safeguarding innocent citizens and preserving law and order remain the core mandate of the police.

    Egbetokun emphasised that the Force will continue to deploy resources in the effective discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

    He expressed optimism that improved resource allocation will further strengthen police operations across the country, noting that the Nigeria Police Force is determined to deliver enhanced security outcomes in the year ahead.

    According to him, the Police will “do better in 2026,” as renewed support and increased resources are expected to boost operational efficiency and reinforce public safety nationwide.

    Responding to questions on whether he was aware of allegations that the police arrested peaceful protesters in Ekpoma, the IG said the police were often unfairly accused after violent incidents that occurred under the guise of protests.

    He said: “When people have committed criminal offences during protests, we are used to narratives that the police arrested peaceful protesters.”

    The IG added that even in instances where police formations were attacked, officers killed, and weapons stolen, the public still accused the police of targeting innocent demonstrators.

    “Even those who burnt down police stations, murdered policemen, stole our arms during protests, Nigerians will accuse us that we are arresting people who are on peaceful protest,” he said.

    Specifically addressing the Ekpoma incident, Egbetokun maintained that the police had no issue with lawful demonstrations and would not arrest anyone for participating in a peaceful protest.

    “In the case of Ekpoma, of course, the police will not go after anybody who participated in a peaceful protest. We are not against peaceful protest.

    “We have made this clear many times, and we continue to say it, that the police will not stop anybody who comes out for a peaceful protest. If you want to come out for a peaceful protest, what’s our business? We will protect you,” he said.

    The IG stressed that violence, looting and destruction of property, not peaceful protest, were the concern of the police.

    “Peaceful protest is not a challenge to the police. It is those people who want to perpetrate crime, carry out violence, destroy property and loot shops during protests. Those are the ones we have problems with,” he said.

    Egbetokun disclosed that 52 persons were arrested in Ekpoma, insisting they were not peaceful protesters but individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities.

    “In Ekpoma, yes, 52 of them were arrested during the protest, and those 52, from the report coming to me, are those people who were involved in the looting of shops and the vandalism of the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma.

    “That was the report I have, not the arrest and detention of peaceful protesters. No. That’s the usual wrong narrative that we are used to in Nigeria. So, I debunk that,” he said.

  • Alake re-elected chairman of Africa minerals strategy group

    Alake re-elected chairman of Africa minerals strategy group

    …urges Africa to unite, catalyse economic growth through solid minerals 

    Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has been re-elected Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) by a continental forum of African Ministers responsible for minerals and mining.

    His re-election took place during the AMSG’s 2026 Annual General Meeting, held on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Alake was first unanimously elected as the pioneer chairman of the group in 2024, when African ministers resolved to intensify coordinated action to maximise value addition and beneficiation from the continent’s extensive mineral resources.

    A statement issued on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, confirmed the latest development. 

    Tomori also disclosed that the forum approved new leadership positions to strengthen its institutional framework. These include Vice-Chairman, Deputy Secretary-General, and Financial Secretary.

    The forum further resolved that the new roles be equitably distributed across Africa’s sub-regions to enhance inclusion and regional balance. 

    While the offices of Chairman and Vice-Chairman remain elective and reserved for serving ministers, the other positions are to be filled through appointments by member states within the designated zones.

    Under the new leadership structure, Nigeria’s Dr. Dele Alake continues as Chairman of the 24-member forum, representing West Africa. The Minister of Mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Hon. Louis Watum Kabamba was elected Vice-Chairman, representing Central Africa. 

    The position of Secretary-General remains with Uganda (East Africa), Mauritania was appointed Deputy Secretary-General (North Africa), while South Africa was zoned the position of Financial Secretary.

    The AGM also ratified a two-year tenure for the newly elected executive committee and agreed that zoned positions belong to member countries, such that where a serving minister is replaced, the successor automatically assumes the role.

    Accepting his re-election,  Alake expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the renewed confidence reposed in him, stressing the urgent need for African nations to work collaboratively to unlock the continent’s economic potentials through solid minerals development. 

    He called on member states to agree on minimum financial contributions and to refine the group’s budgeting framework to strengthen its operational effectiveness.

    “Once member states contribute, accountability will naturally follow. This will enhance transparency and strengthen the credibility of the AMSG before the global community,” the Minister stated.

    The AGM further resolved to hold quarterly ministerial meetings and ratified the establishment of standing committees, including Legal, Institutional Affairs & Human Resources; Sustainability and Responsible Mining; Finance, Budget & Resource Mobilisation, among others. It was also agreed that steps be taken towards hosting a global minerals conference in Africa, similar to the FMF.

    Earlier at a Leadership Roundtable themed “Africa: Unlocking Infrastructure Funding for Copper-Belt Production”—held on the sidelines of the FMF and attended by African Ministers of Minerals, development partners and private-sector stakeholders, Alake emphasized that mineral production alone cannot deliver lasting economic transformation without reliable infrastructure, coordinated policies and deliberate value-addition strategies.

    He cited the Lobito Corridor as a model of what is achievable when rail, ports, energy systems, and policy alignment work in synergy. 

    He posited that  similar opportunities exist across the continent including the Lagos–Abidjan Corridor linking Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire; the Walvis Bay Corridor connecting Southern Africa’s mining regions to global markets; the Dar es Salaam and Central Corridors serving East and Central Africa amongst others.

    According to the Minister, “The real question is not whether Africa has corridors, but whether these corridors are being financed, governed and structured to support industrial growth, regional integration and long-term stability. What matters is how financing is designed to reduce risk, attract private capital, and sustain commercial viability while advancing national and regional development objectives.”

    Alake emphasised that unlocking capital at scale requires addressing issues such as bankable and enforceable offtake arrangements; predictable and harmonised cross-border regulatory frameworks; alignment of rail, port, power and industrial planning; and clear pathways for processing, smelting, logistics services and industrial clusters along these corridors.

    He added that the broader vision of the AMSG is to ensure that Africa’s mineral infrastructure is strategically designed, responsibly financed and efficiently managed in a rapidly evolving global environment—not to discourage investment, but to ensure it aligns with long-term stability, transparency and shared economic prosperity.

  • Why Kaduna will support Tinubu’s re-election, by Uba Sani

    Why Kaduna will support Tinubu’s re-election, by Uba Sani

    Governor Uba Sani has pledged that Kaduna State will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election because of the dividends of democracy that he has brought to the state and the country at large.

    The governor, who listed projects that were executed by Federal Government and those that it has attracted in Kaduna State, spoke on Sunday during a stakeholders’ engagement on the ongoing e-registration of APC members across the country.

    Addressing Zone 2 stakeholders, Governor Uba Sani said that Kaduna State is targeting 2.5 million members in the ongoing exercise because APC is now the dominant party in the State.

    The Governor argued that his inclusive development model, where projects are spread across the state and President Tinubu’s projects in Kaduna State, have made members of the opposition to defect to the APC in large numbers.

    According to Governor Uba Sani, the President has supported the Kaduna State Light Rail project to the tune of N1 billion, which he described as unprecedented in the whole of northern Nigeria.

    He maintained that no other subnational has enjoyed this kind of support, apart from Lagos State, for the execution of the Light Rail Project in the whole of Nigeria.

    ‘’Only three weeks ago, I was in China, in the company of the Director General of Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, at the instance of President Bola Tinubu, who has also decided that Kaduna State would be the pilot state to embark on a major poultry project.

    ‘’The project will generate at least 350,000 jobs. Already, the federal government has approved $200 million for it and Kaduna State will have the biggest poultry project in South-Saharan Africa and the ground breaking will be done in the next three weeks,’’ he added.

    The Governor added that the project will also support 10,000 direct and indirect small businesses, particularly SMEs, those that are allied to poultry farming.

    ‘’ Again, we must thank our leader, President Bola Tinubu, for approving the construction of Mando to Birnin Gwari road, which is very critical, as well as re-construction of Kwoi to Jama’a road,’’ he added.

    Governor Uba Sani also said that a lot of projects have also been approved in partnership between Kaduna State Government and the office of the Right Honourable Speaker, Tajuddeen Abbas, in the current budget, for Zone 1.

    He pointed out that Zone 1, or northern senatorial district, has benefited more than any zone in Kaduna State, adding that having House Speaker Abbas has been a blessing.

    The Governor added that Zone 1 is also lucky to have the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, who has done very well in supporting Kaduna State generally.

    ‘’When you look at some of the major projects that we are embarking on, under ACRESal, addressing erosion and other climate issues, he has played a pivotal role in that regard.

    ‘’In the next one or two months, we will be doing ground breaking for one of the major projects in Zaria and Rigasa, totaling about N53 billion, courtesy of the support and effort of the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas.

    ‘’So I can say that we are very lucky, we have people that are working for the Federal Government from our State that have been able to attract very important projects to our state,’’ he added.

    Governor Uba Sani further said that with all that the State Government has done for the people of Kaduna State and the projects that President Tinubu has attracted to the subnational, it will be one of the leading states in the e-registration exercise.

    Earlier, the Governor had held similar engagements with stakeholders from Zone 2 on Saturday, comprising APC members from Kaduna North and Kaduna South, Chikun, Kajuru, Igabi, Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas.

    On Sunday, the Governor and senior government officials also met with stakeholders from Zone 1, which is made up of Zaria, Sabon Gari, Soba, Makarfi, Kubau, Kudan, Ikara and Lere local governments.

    Likewise, he interacted with stakeholders from Zangon Kataf, Kachai, Jaba, Jemaá, Kaura, Kaura, Kagarko and Sanga local governments of zone 3, or southern Kaduna senatorial district on Sunday.