The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Demolition in Gwarinpa Estate: The Facts Based on Years of Official Records to Date

    Demolition in Gwarinpa Estate: The Facts Based on Years of Official Records to Date

    The Management of Tulwu Integrated Ltd is appalled by a press release titled “Demolition at Gwarinpa Estate: The True Position”, published as advertorial in the Leadership newspaper’s edition of Friday, 19 December 2025, by the Management of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). The Press Release merely represents a character defamation as our Managing Director, Hajia Sadiya has nothing to do with illegal encroachment or a pregnant woman attacking armed police officers as pictures and videos speak to the contrary.

    While we refrained from being dragged into these allegations, which collides with years of FHA documents and correspondences that speak to our company’s possession of a 22,000sqm of a land as opposed to the claim of a 16,000sqm, but chose to put the records straight — and declare without any fear of contradiction that the FHA’s claims in the Press Release are diametrically opposite to the truth, just desperately to defend the illegal demolition and assault on our MD/CEO, Hajiya Sadiya by armed policemen in public glare.

    Some of the baseless and defamatory allegations leveled against our MD/CEO by the FHA, include that, “The true position is that one Hajiya Sadiya through land grabbing had illegally encroached on the property of Federal Housing Authority situated along 5th Avenue, 52 road, Gwarinpa Estate Abuja, to the tune of about 6000sq meters. And that “Federal Housing Authority had initially allocated a parcel of land to one Savannah Suites Ltd measuring about 16,000sq meters. Savannah Suites in return assigned the same property to Tulwu Integrated Properties Ltd. However, Hajiya Sadiya through her Tulwu Integrated Properties Ltd encroached on an extra 6000sq meters, thereby claiming the land to be 22,000sq meters.” FHA as decades- long credible institution that WORKS WITH RECORDS CLEARLY KNOWS THAT THESE CLAIMS ARE UNTRUE.

    There was also another claim in the Press Release that “Several attempts were made to resolve this issue amicably even when Savannah Suites that assigned the property to her clearly stated that what was transferred to her was 16,000, and not 22,000 sq meters. Rather, she resorted to threats, boasting of her connections, and at one meeting vowed to bring down the Managing Director and Chief Executive.” The truth of the matter is that there was no effort on the part of the Authority to resolve anything as there was no issue to resolve if records, documents, files and staff with institutional memories are anything to depend on in managing an entity established by law like the FHA. Our MD was only invited to the office to be harassed and boosted of nothing but spoke and stand on the truth.

    If the above mentioned sources of institutional decision were consulted, the assertion that our company encroached on 6,000 square metres additional land would not have cropped up. We wish to put it on records and is there in all correspondonces that the FHA allocated the land to Savannah Suites & Restaurant Ltd. via a letter of allocation Ref. No. FHA/LEM/GWA. It was later assigned our firm Tulwu Integrated Ltd via a Consent Letter dated 13 March, 2013, with Ref. No. FHA/LEM/GWAII. And the FHA approved our application for Conversion of Use from Hotel
    Development to Mixed Use Development, via a letter dated 27 July 2023, with Ref. No. FHA/LEM/GWA.Il.

    We want to further state that the Allocation Letter signed by the then MD/CE, Dr Mustapha Zubairu, stated among others that, “The land has an area of 16,000 square metres approximately SUBJECT TO SURVEY.” It is expedient to state here that on the same allocation letter, it was written that “After survey 20,220.482sq metres.” This is the same allocation letter signed, stamped and given to the Savannah Suites & Restaurant Ltd. Equally, the FHA reviewed the size of the land to 22,000 square metres after further surveys. Following records and after the passage of several leadership of the Authority, in a letter of Change of Use approval signed by the then FHA MD/CE, the authority clearly stated that “The land has an area of 22,017.233 square meters.” Not only that, the sales agreement between our company and Savannah Suites clearly indicated that the land is 22,000 square metres. The barrage of authoritative letters and documents that came from the FHA made it crystal clear that no ENCROACHMENT on a “6,000sq metres” land is made by our company.

    It is instructive to explain here that all letters of land allocations by the FHA comes along with this phrase “SUBJECT TO SURVEY.”

    It is also important to state that this new move by the Authority suprised us as all official correspondences between the FHA and our Company since we acquired the land in 2013 to date, including billings and receipts for payment of services clearly indicated without ambiguity that the land in question is 22,000 square metres. Denial of any of our assertions by the FHA could FORCE our company to release all the correspondences from 2013 to 2023.

    Our company, contrary to the claims never engages in anything to bend the rules. This can be verified from former Chief Executives and Leadership of the FHA right from the records of Late Arc Terver Gemade to date. It was when our firm got the wind of the current MD’s action on people’s legally owned properties, behaving as if no-records exist in the custody of the authority in the last 30 years.Our company chose to fence to secure its land, signaling to the authority to check its records, as we minimally have the Authority’s go ahead to ‘set-out’ on our conversion payment receipts.

    In May 2025, we applied for Approval Plan from the FHA, submitting the Allocation Letter, TDP and Proposal Design, which was approved by all the relevant departments in the FHA after submission of architectural, structural, engineering, and electrical designs. But bill for the approval to start the project more than seven months after the application was REFUSED TO BE ISSUED to us to pay all applicable fees.

    Two months after, instead of approving the bills for our company to start development of the land, a developer in the name Aiben Properties Limited came and curveout 6,000sqms from our land. That was when we approached the FHA management and nobody was ready to listen to our complaints. And without any notice or correspondence from the FHA, the developer backed by FHA officials and armed police men encroached on our land, destroyed part of our fences, and began development.

    As a law-abiding citizens, our company rushed to court to stop the illegal encroachment. On July 1, 2025, the court in a suit number FCT/HC/B/CV/227/2025, ordered the parties to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit. The case is coming up in January, 2026. If we boosted of any political connections as claimed, we might resort to it before rushing to the Court as we did. We are bold to say that our company and its management are law-abiding and respect due process in our dealings with all our customers and regulators including the FHA.

    After the court order, our company rebuilt the parts of the fence demolished by the developer to prevent hoodlums from accessing it for smoking and toilet needs. Aside this our company didn’t erect any new structure apart from the fence and the gate house that were there for security to guard the land. Therefore, it’s not that our company continued the development of the property despite the ongoing court case.

    Suddenly on Friday, 15 December 2025, armed police officers, accompanied by some staff of the FHA, came to the site in two Coaster buses, demolished the fence of the property and physically assaulted Hajiya Sadiya who is pregnant, dragging her on the ground when she attempted to stop them from demolishing the property. For the records, our MD/CEO went to the site after she was informed of the arrival of the two busloads of armed policemen. Her husband came to her rescue and he tried to stop them but was roughly arrested and bundled into a car and taken to the Gwarinpa Police Station. The following Monday, 15 December 2025, a team of armed policemen and bulldozers came to the site and demolished all the fence. To avoid, another confrontation particularly with our MD/CEO nursing the injuries of the previous assault, our company stayed back and allowed them to demolish all the fence and the gate house.

    Two days later, Aiben, the developer deployed thugs, engineers and machineries to the site in the middle of the night. He removed our company container and started digging. As a law-abiding company, we informed the police and went to court seeking another restraining injunctions. The FHA was duly served the court process. We took time to provide this insight to the public certainly not to join issues with the FHA but to correct the statement it made last week.

    It is against this backdrop that Tulwu Integrated Ltd emphasizes its core principles of following due process in its business practices. However, our company wants to reiterate that it shall deploy its energy to ensure that its rights are not trampled upon by anyone irrespective of his current position or political connections.

    SIGNED
    Management
    Tulwu Integrated Ltd

  • How JewelryByQuilare defines Nigerian Aesthetic

    How JewelryByQuilare defines Nigerian Aesthetic

    The Nigerian fashion scene has always been defined by its boldness, its vibrancy, and its uncompromising pursuit of excellence. This week, that landscape received a significant upgrade with the official arrival of JEWELRYBYQUILA.

    Known globally for a design philosophy that marries avant-garde contemporary lines with the enduring soul of traditional craftsmanship, the brand’s entry into Nigeria is being hailed as a “cultural homecoming” for the luxury label.

    For years, Nigeria’s fashion-forward elite have sought out JEWELRYBYQUILA’s pieces in the fashion capitals of Europe and North America. Now, the brand is bringing the experience directly to the heart of Lagos. The move is a response to an increasingly sophisticated consumer base that demands more than just a label—they demand a narrative of authenticity, quality, and artistic merit.

    The collections expected to debut in the Nigerian market feature a blend of minimalist gold work and intricate gemstone settings, designed to transition seamlessly from high-level corporate boardrooms to the most exclusive social galas.

    By establishing local operations, JEWELRYBYQUILA is also promising a more personalized luxury experience, offering bespoke consultations and a closer look at the “craft” behind the sparkle.

    As the brand deepens its roots, it is expected to become a staple in the wardrobes of the nation’s style icons, further cementing Nigeria’s reputation as the fashion capital of the continent.

  • NUC approves degree programmes for University of Fortune, Ondo

    NUC approves degree programmes for University of Fortune, Ondo

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the commencement of several undergraduate degree programmes at the University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State, beginning from the 2025/2026 academic session.

    The approval was conveyed in a letter dated December 29, 2025, and signed by the Acting Director of Academic Planning, Abubakar M. Girei, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu.

    According to the NUC, the institution met all requirements for the establishment of the programmes, with a total admission quota of 800 students approved.

    The letter read, “I am directed to convey to the Director-General, the Executive Secretary’s approval for the establishment of the following programmes in University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State, having satisfied the requirements for their establishment with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session, the admission quota is put at 800.”

    The approved programmes cut across four faculties. Under the Faculty of Science and Computing are B.Sc. Information and Communication Technology, B.Sc. Computer Science, and B.Sc. Cyber Security.

    The Faculty of Law was approved to run the LL.B. Law programme.

    Read Also: Barau bags PhD in corporate entrepreneurship

    For the Faculty of Basic Medical and Allied Health Sciences, the approved programmes are B.Sc. Public Health, B.N.Sc Nursing Science, and B.Rad. Radiology.

    In the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, the approved programmes include B.Sc. Accounting, B.Sc. Finance, B.Sc. Economics, B.Sc. International Relations, B.Sc. Criminology and Security Studies, B.Sc. Hospitality and Tourism Management, B.Sc. Project Management, B.Sc. Procurement Management, and B.Sc. Intelligence and Security Studies.

    The commission also requested the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to take note of the approved programmes for the purpose of students’ mobilisation.

    The NUC assured the university of its continued support as it expands its academic offerings in line with national standards.

    Here are the NUC-approved courses at the University of Fortune.

    A. FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND COMPUTING

    1. B.Sc. Information and Communication Technology

    2. B.Sc. Computer Science

    3. B.Sc. Cyber Security

    B. FACULTY OF LAW

    1. LL.B. Law

    C. FACULTY OF BASIC MEDICAL AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

    1. B.Sc. Public Health

    2. B.N.Sc Nursing Science

    3. B.Rad. Radiology

    D. FACULTY OF SOCIAL AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES

    1. B.Sc. Accounting

    2. B.Sc. Finance

    3. B.Sc. Economics

    4. B.Sc. International Relations

    5. B.Sc. Criminology and Security Studies

    6. B.Sc. Hospitality and Tourism Management

    7. B.Sc. Project Management

    8. B.Sc. Procurement Management

    9. B.Sc. Intelligence and Security Studies

  • Nigeria: Close of year accounting-sequencing from reform to relief

    Nigeria: Close of year accounting-sequencing from reform to relief

    • By Sunday Dare

    As 2025 draws to a close, President Bola Tinubu’s administration presents Nigerians with not rhetoric, but a measurable accounting of progress-one that is increasingly visible and relatable in everyday life, not just in macroeconomic charts.

    Year 2025 was one of deliberate, sometimes difficult, reforms. Today, those reforms are beginning to yield stabilisation, easing prices, and renewing confidence across the economy.

    What it means for households and businesses?

    After eight consecutive months of decline, headline inflation eased to 14.45% in November 2025. This matters because it slows the pace at which prices of food, transport, and household essentials rise. Food inflation has also entered a downward trend, offering gradual relief in markets and retail outlets nationwide.

    Fuel prices – one of the most visible cost drivers for households – have now stabilised and begun to ease. Petrol currently sells at around ₦845 per litre by NNPCL, while private refiner–owned filling stations are selling below ₦800 per litre in several locations. This moderation has reduced transport costs, eased pressure on food prices, and improved cost planning for businesses and families alike.

    The foreign exchange market has steadied, supported by external reserves of $44.56 billion. For Nigerians, this translates into fewer sudden currency swings, lower imported inflation, and more predictable pricing for essentials such as medicines, school supplies, and manufactured goods.

    Growth without illusions

    Nigeria’s economy expanded by 3.98% in Q3 2025, driven largely by the non-oil sector. This growth reflects real activity in agriculture, services, manufacturing, and trade—sectors that create jobs and sustain livelihoods.

    Business confidence has followed the same trajectory. The Purchasing Managers’ Index recorded 12 consecutive months of expansion, signalling increased production, restocking, and hiring across supply chains.

    Investor confidence has also returned. A massively oversubscribed Eurobond issuance—four times the $2.3 billion target—demonstrated renewed international belief in Nigeria’s reform path, reducing future borrowing costs and strengthening fiscal buffers.

    Infrastructure and power: lowering costs at the base

    Record power generation, the rollout of the Presidential Metering Initiative, and decisive action on legacy power-sector debt are all directed at reducing the hidden “generator tax” Nigerians pay daily. More reliable electricity lowers production costs for small businesses and reduces household spending on diesel and petrol.

    In parallel, over ₦1.5 trillion committed to road infrastructure – including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway.

    Security, confidence, and the social contract

    Security outcomes, including the successful rescue of all abducted schoolchildren in Niger State, reflect a more coordinated national security architecture – critical for farming communities, logistics corridors, and investor confidence.

    Internationally, Nigeria exited the FATF Grey List, regained key strategic seats, and secured major health and trade partnerships – steps that reinforce institutional credibility and global trust.

    Looking ahead to 2026

    The ₦58.18 trillion “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity” anchors the next phase. With record capital expenditure, the largest-ever allocation to security, and prudent revenue assumptions, the focus now shifts from stabilisation to acceleration.

    Bottom line

    2025 was about restoring balance and credibility. The early dividends—slowing inflation, easing fuel prices, steadier foreign exchange, and rising confidence – are now visible.

    2026 is positioned to be the year these gains are felt more deeply, more broadly, and more permanently.

    Nigeria is not yet where it intends to be – but it is decisively no longer where it was.

    – Dare, CON, is the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to the President of Nigeria.

  • JUST IN: Ondo Amotekun nabs 39 suspected terrorists fleeing Sokoto after U.S. airstrikes

    JUST IN: Ondo Amotekun nabs 39 suspected terrorists fleeing Sokoto after U.S. airstrikes

    The operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, have arrested 39 suspected terrorists who allegedly fled Sokoto State following the “powerful and deadly” United States airstrikes targeting militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) group in north-western Nigeria.

    The Commander of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Tuesday in Akure while parading a total of 61 suspects apprehended across various parts of the state during the ongoing Ember Month Patrol.

    According to Adeleye, the 39 suspects claimed during interrogation that they escaped from Sokoto State and moved towards the South-West in the aftermath of the airstrikes.

    “These 39 suspects themselves claimed they fled from the Sokoto area,” he told journalists.

    He said the suspects, aged between 18 and 45, are currently undergoing profiling, adding that those found in possession of incriminating materials would be prosecuted accordingly.

    Mr Adeleye further revealed that the Amotekun corps has intensified patrols and strengthened collaboration with sister security agencies, particularly along border communities linking Ondo State with Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Edo, and Kwara states.

    Giving a breakdown of the arrests, the Amotekun commander said that out of the 61 suspects paraded, 50 were arrested for various breaches of law and order, two for offences related to anti-open grazing laws, six for kidnapping-related crimes, while three were arrested for gender-based violence and rape.

    He explained that the Ember Month Patrol would officially end on Tuesday, but assured residents that security operations would not be relaxed, as Operation Le Jade Phase Two is scheduled to commence on January 1.

    Adeleye added that the Amotekun Corps has also increased its 24-hour surveillance across the state, with the deployment of Amotekun Rangers to forest reserves.

    He attributed the numerous arrests to sustained and coordinated efforts by officers and men of the Amotekun Corps to rid the state of criminal elements.

    While commending Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for providing an enabling environment for effective security operations, Adeleye said the state government has continued to support security agencies without hesitation.

    He also lauded the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), vigilante groups, and members of the public for their cooperation.

    Providing details of some arrests, Adeleye said two suspects – Mustafa (34) and Philip (45) – were apprehended for kidnapping around the Ofosio area of Odigbo Local Government Area.

    “In the Isua-Akoko axis, three suspects identified as Idris (18), Ibrahim Abdullahi (20), and Lawal Idris (23) were also arrested for alleged criminal activities.

    On rape and assault cases, he disclosed that Daniel Ojo (19), Usman (33), and Bejide (41) were arrested in Isinkan for rape and for assaulting Amotekun officers.

    “The corps also arrested suspected armed robbers identified as Ola Tunbosun (30), Ibrahim, and Shahidu in Akure North, Oba-Akoko, and Oba-Ile.

    “The suspects were allegedly part of a robbery gang that recently stole a vehicle in Akure, with plans to transport it to Abuja for sale. The stolen vehicle, as well as a taxi reportedly used to rob unsuspecting passengers, were recovered and displayed during the parade,” he said.

    Adeleye explained that the gang’s modus operandi involved operating in densely populated areas, picking up passengers, introducing another gang member as an extra passenger, and then using a firearm to dispossess victims of their belongings before pushing them out of the vehicle.

    He advised members of the public to remain vigilant, particularly when boarding taxis without proper markings or readable registration numbers.

  • 2027: Ogun East APC leaders drum support for Tinubu, Abiodun, Adeola

    2027: Ogun East APC leaders drum support for Tinubu, Abiodun, Adeola

    • …say president deserves second term to consolidate reform gains

    Leaders, members, and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State on Tuesday turned out in their thousands to declare support for the party and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The gathering, held under the banner of Ogun East Assembly Ijebu North at the Omo-Ilu Foundation Complex, Ijebu-Igbo, also saw party faithful endorsing Governor Dapo Abiodun for the Ogun East Senatorial seat in 2027 and Senator Olamilekan Adeola for the governorship.

    Speaking at the event, APC chieftain and convener of the meeting, Prince Fatai Adesegun, said the mobilisation was aimed at sensitising party members and preparing the political ground ahead of the next election season. He also supervised the distribution of food items and other gifts to party supporters.

    Adesegun told journalists that President Tinubu deserved a second term to consolidate the gains of his administration’s economic reforms. He cited the stabilisation of the naira, the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said had hindered development, and ongoing infrastructure projects across the country as reasons to support Tinubu beyond 2027.

    He added that the APC in Ogun East remained united and committed to ensuring victory for the party and its candidates in future elections.

    He said, “In my capacity as the son of the soil and to honour our leaders and to sensitize our people (Ijebu North), being one of the major determinants of election outcome in Ogun State, to remain loyal to the party. The gathering is part of the initiatives that will be happening ahead of 2027 so that we can garner active support for our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “And by the special grace of God, we are also urging our people to prepare the ground for our man, Senator Olamilekan Adeola Yayi, for his election. He has not declared his intention, but we who are his people and followers are urging him to contest for governor. He has been good to us in the Ijebu North local government. He has over 20 projects here – roads, schools, transformers, etc.

    “Although he is a Senator in Ogun West, he has extended his constituency and projects beyond Ogun West. We believe that if he becomes the governor, he will impact on the people of Ogun state. That is our purpose of gathering, to also canvas support for our President towards 2027 and Senator Olamilekan Adeola for the governorship ambition.”

    Asked why President Tinubu deserves a second term, Adesegun said, “He deserves another term because in terms of the economy of the nation, he has done so much to reposition it for the better. You know something that has been bastardized for so many years; it is not something you can rectify completely within two or three years. There is no known magic that can do that. There are two major indicators that you need to look out for.

    “The exchange rate has become stabilised. We are not using Naira to subsidize the dollar to benefit the selected few. President Tinubu has been able to stop that. He also boldly removed the subsidy that has stalled our development. Money saved is going into developmental projects across the geopolitical zones. These are the foundations of development. And he cannot complete the projects within four years. So, there is a need for re-election.”

    Also speaking to reporters shortly after the event that had in attendance representatives of Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN), Muslims group, Hausa community, Igbo community, market women, artisans among others, the Chairman of Ijebu North Local Government, Hon. Lawrence Oladipo, said that the initiative was meant to prepare the ground ahead of 2027 and ready the people for President Tinubu, Dapo Abiodun’s senatorial ambition and the yet – to – be declared governorship ambition of Senator Olamilekan Adeola.

    “If he is listening to them now and remembering them by supporting them during this yuletide, he is already preparing the ground and making it easier for APC in our local government ahead of 2027.  Come 2027, we will have a smooth sail here, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given us hope, and we can see the hope all around us.

    “Also, for Governor Dapo Abiodun, we can see we have many things to show for what he is doing since his first term till now in Ijebu North. All over Ijebu North, the active works of our Governor are there for people to see. We are even asking him to make himself available to contest the Ogun East Senatorial seat in 2027. We are urging him to come out and run.  He has given us the impression that if he gets to the Senate, he will do better for us in Ogun East.

    “And for Senator Olamilekan Yayi, I’m a party member, and I believe the party will go the popular way.  When you are talking about an election, you have to go by the mood of the majority, as it is, my party is progressive and will go the majority way. So, we are expecting something better come 2027,” Oladipo said.

  • Rivers monarch to Wike: You are a leader to be followed

    Rivers monarch to Wike: You are a leader to be followed

    • …says Tinubu has performed well

    The paramount ruler of Emohua Kingdom in Rivers, Eze Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse, has described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as a dependable ally and a leader to be followed.

    Awuse, who is also the chairman of the South South Monarchs Forum, stated this during Wike’s Special Christmas visit to Rumuche Emohua in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers.

    “I want to put it on record. You’re a man to be followed; you’re a dependable ally; a friend to the Omuoha people, and our leader.

    “Your Excellency, Emohua owes you everything, and we are not going to wait for you to tell us what to do when the time comes.

    “We have decided that wherever you put your leg, Emohua local government will follow you,” he said.

    Awuse also said President Bola Tinubu has done well and deserves the support of Rivers people.

    According to him, Tinubu has improved the nation’s economy, stabilised the Naira, and increased foreign reserves.

    He said, “Before I became a traditional ruler, I was an accountant first, and then I became a politician.

    Read Also: Makinde destabilising PDP for selfish reasons, says Wike

    “From my accounting and finance understanding, Tinubu has done very well.

    “The indices are so clear. The value of the Naira has gone up. He has done well.

    “The external reserve of the nation has also increased to more than 47 billion dollars.”

    The traditional leader added that through Tinubu, Wike has transformed Abuja.

    He advised Wike not to be distracted by the gimmicks of the enemy, saying, “In life, if you expect not to have enemies, then you’re a master of nobody.

    “Only a man who is doing well is spoken about.”

    He commended the minister for the annual visit at the end of every year to acknowledge the support of the people.

    He also thanked Wike for always coming to the rescue of people in the local government.

    “If I don’t thank you publicly, where will I say it?” he asked.

  • UPDATED: Alleged N8.7b fraud: Court remands ex-AGF Malami, son, one other in Kuje prison till January 2

    UPDATED: Alleged N8.7b fraud: Court remands ex-AGF Malami, son, one other in Kuje prison till January 2

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN), and two others be remanded in Kuje prison until January 2, 2026.

    The other two are Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami (Malami’s son) and Hajia Bashir Asabe, said to be an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, a firm allegedly linked to the former minister.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, who handed out the order in a ruling on Tuesday, said the three should remain in prison until January 2 next year, when their bail application would be heard and determined.

    Justice Nwite, in the ruling on an oral bail application made by defence lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), said it would serve the interest of justice and fair hearing to allow the prosecution respond to the formal bail application earlier filed by the defendants

    The judge said, “I have listened to the submissions of the learned counsel for both sides and also gone through the relevant laws. It is not in dispute that a bail application has been filed by the defendants.

    “It is also not in dispute that the bail application has been served on the prosecution. It is not in dispute that the application cannot be withdrawn by the defendants,” he said.

    The judge said that although the court could exercise its power by granting bail, the exercise of such power would be possible after the prosecution has responded to the bail application filed by the defence.

    Justice Nwite said it would amount to an ambush for the court to grant the bail application while the prosecution was yet to file a response to the defence’s bail application.

    He added, “This will breach the right to a fair hearing against the prosecution. I am of the view that the interest of justice will be met by allowing the prosecution to respond to the bail application filed.”

    Earlier in the proceedings, the three defendants were arraigned on a 16-count money laundering charge brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The EFCC is among others, claiming that Malami and his two co-defendants conspired to disguise the origin of funds, acquire properties indirectly, and retain sums they allegedly knew were proceeds of unlawful activity, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 (as amended) and 2022.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge, following which prosecuting lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), applied for a date for the commencement of trial.

    Daudu then told the court about his intention to apply for bail for the defendants.

    Responding, Iheanacho said he had yet to respond to the formal bail application filed by the defendants and applied for an adjournment to enable him respond to the bail application.

    Iheanacho said, “In view of the non-guilty plea of the defendants, may we apply for a trial date for the defendants.

    “I know we received an application for bail, and we will be seeking your lordship’s indulgence for a date to respond.

    “We got the application yesterday around 3 pm. We will be asking for a date to respond.”

    Daudu then said even though a formal bail application had been filed by the defendant, he could equally make an oral application, citing a 1995 case involving Abiola Vs. Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    After listening to the lawyers of both sides, Justice Nwite suspended proceedings briefly but returned later to deliver the ruling.

    In the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, the EFCC alleged, in count one, that between July 2022 and June 2025, Malami and his son directed Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal over N1 billion (N1,014,848,500) in a Sterling Bank account, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

    Count two states that between September 2020 and February 2021, the duo allegedly concealed more than N600 million (N600,013,460.40) through the same company.

    In count three, the commission alleged that in March 2021, Malami and his son retained N600 million as cash collateral for a N500 million Sterling Bank loan to Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, despite knowing the funds were illicit.

    Count four alleges that in November 2022, Malami, his son, and Mrs. Asabe disguised N500 million used to purchase a luxury duplex in Maitama, Abuja.

    In count five, the EFCC claimed that between November 2022 and September 2024, the trio conspired to conceal N1,049,173,926.13 paid through Meethaq Hotels Ltd’s Union Bank account.

    Count six states that between November 2022 and October 2025, Malami and his son allegedly took control of N1,362,887,872.96 from the same account, knowing it was illicit.

    Count seven alleges that in November–December 2018, Malami and Mrs. Asabe concealed N700 million used to purchase No. 3 Onitsha Crescent, Garki, Abuja (Hamonia Hotels Ltd).

    In count eight, between September and December 2020, the duo and Mrs. Asabe allegedly concealed N850 million to buy a property in Jabi District, Abuja (Meethaq Hotels Ltd).

    Count nine states that in February 2018, Malami and Hajia Bashir acquired No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja, for N430 million, allegedly from unlawful sources.

    In count 10, the pair allegedly concealed N210 million in February 2018 to purchase a property in Asokoro District, Abuja.

    Count 11 alleges that between March and June 2021, they concealed N325 million used to acquire No. 1241B Asokoro District, Abuja.

    In count 12, the EFCC stated that between November 2015 and January 2016, the duo concealed N120 million used to purchase No. 27 Efab Estate, Gwarimpa, Abuja.

    Count 13 alleges that in November 2022, Malami, his son, and Mrs Asabe conspired to hide funds used to acquire a luxury duplex at Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja.

    In count 14, between December 2016 and April 2022, Malami, Mrs Asabe, and others allegedly conspired to acquire additional properties for Mr Malami with proceeds of unlawful activity.

    Count 15 states that between June 2023 and January 2023, Malami allegedly concealed N537 million used to purchase multiple properties across Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano.

    In count 16, the EFCC alleged that between October 2018 and December 2021, Malami concealed N415 million used to acquire several properties in Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano.

  • Barau bags PhD in corporate entrepreneurship

    Barau bags PhD in corporate entrepreneurship

    Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has recorded another milestone in his public service career with the successful completion of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme at Maryam Abacha American University, Niger Republic.

    Senator Barau, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, earned a doctorate in Corporate Entrepreneurship after successfully defending his thesis on December 22, 2025.

    His dissertation, titled “Entrepreneurial Orientation and Financial Performance of SMEs: The Moderating Role of Environment,” explored the operations of small and medium-scale enterprises and examined how environmental factors influence their financial performance.

    Read Also: 2027: Former legislators back Tinubu for second term, endorse Barau for Kano governor

    The academic achievement has been widely applauded as a reflection of the lawmaker’s dedication, discipline, and resilience, especially in view of the demanding nature of his legislative and international responsibilities.

    Observers noted that the feat highlighted Senator Barau’s commitment to personal development and intellectual leadership, further strengthening his reputation as a legislator who values knowledge as a foundation for effective governance and sound policy formulation.

    Congratulatory messages have continued to pour in, with supporters describing the achievement as another remarkable addition to his credentials and wishing him continued success in his service to the nation.

  • Stop referring to me as Davido’s wife – Sophia Momodu urges fans

    Stop referring to me as Davido’s wife – Sophia Momodu urges fans

    Sophia Momodu, entrepreneur and mother of singer Davido’s first child, has publicly told fans to stop referring to her as the musician’s wife.

    In a recent video on Snapchat, Momodu expressed her frustration, stating that despite her breakup with Davido, who has since married, many fans continue to address her as his wife.

    Momodu emphasised the importance of respecting people’s choices and marriages, urging fans to move on and allow her to do the same.

    The mother of one expressed her desire for privacy and respect, stating that she has moved on from her past relationship with Davido and is focusing on her life.

    “I once met a content creator who started hailing me as ‘mama Imade, OBO [Davido’s] wife’ upon seeing me. I was shocked because I am not his wife.

    “Stop referring to me as Davido’s wife. Let’s respect people’s marriages and rules. If people have moved on, allow them to move on in peace. Allow me to move on in peace. Everyone is happy and doing what they are supposed to do,” Momodu said.