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  • Why Fubara, deputy should go, by lawmakers

    Why Fubara, deputy should go, by lawmakers

    • Speaker: Governor to get impeachment notice for misconduct within seven days

    Rivers State yesterday slipped deeper into another political turmoil as lawmakers moved to deploy the ultimate weapon against the governor and his deputy – impeachment.

    What began as a simmering struggle for control has now escalated into a high-stakes showdown that could upend the state’s leadership.

    The State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, initiated fresh impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

    The lawmakers reconvened for a special plenary and tabled allegations of gross misconduct against Fubara in a voluminous document.

    During a sitting beamed live on national television stations, the House insisted that the governor must be investigated for offences bordering on gross misconduct and total disobedience to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as extant laws of the state.

    The document was read on the floor of the House by the Majority Leader, Major Jack.

    READ ALSO; Still on Nigeria’s re-designation as ‘country of particular concern’

    The impeachment notice was signed by 26 members out of the 27 that are available. Only one member abstained.

    The House has 32 statutory members, three members are on suspension, one member resigned and another one died. Both have not being replaced.

    Allegations of unauthorised spending

    Central to the allegations is Fubara’s alleged authorisation, approval, withdrawal and expenditure of funds from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund without legislative appropriation.

    The document alleged: “No appropriation bill of Rivers State has been presented nor has any such law been duly passed into law, as the purported presentation and passage of the 2024 Appropriation Bill is void ab initio.”

    Fubara was accused of authorising and approving withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Account in 2024 without a duly passed appropriation law by the Assembly, contrary to Section 120 of the 1999 Constitution.

    He was also said to have awarded contracts, including the construction of a new Rivers State House of Assembly complex, without legislative approval.

    The lawmakers further alleged that the governor authorised withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund in 2025, particularly between January and March, without a duly passed appropriation law by the Assembly.

    They accused Fubara of violating Section 122 of the Constitution by authorising expenditure from the Consolidated Revenue Fund even after the Assembly declared a shutdown of state expenditure through a House resolution.

    The lawmakers said that on February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court restored a judgment of the Federal High Court, which confirmed that Fubara never presented any appropriation bill for 2024, did not have one for 2025, and ordered a shutdown of the state’s expenditures.

    The governor was also accused of approving, sometime in September 2023, extra-budgetary expenditure of N5 billion for the Ogoni-Andoni Unity Road without appropriation.

    The document further alleged that Fubara “approved and expended from the Consolidated Account an extra-budgetary fund of N4 billion and purported to have expended same on the Woji Refinery Road without appropriation,” among other claims.

    On allegations of gross misconduct, the lawmakers accused the governor of misappropriation of public funds, contrary to the 1999 Constitution.

    He was also accused of obstructing the Rivers State House of Assembly from performing its constitutional duties, citing the demolition of the Assembly complex on October 13, 2023.

    Fubara was further alleged to have appointed individuals into public offices in the state without subjecting them to the constitutionally required screening and confirmation by the Assembly.

    The governor was also accused of seizing salaries, allowances and other funds belonging to the Rivers State House of Assembly, contrary to Section 121 of the Constitution.

    Lawmakers said he seized the salaries of the Clerk of the House, Emeka Amadi, and refused to implement decisions on the financial autonomy of both the Rivers State House of Assembly and the state judiciary.

    He was further accused of withholding funds meant for the operations of the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission, thereby frustrating a commission established under Part II of the 1999 Constitution.

    In their petition, the 26 lawmakers stated: “The governor has shown that he is not prepared to govern Rivers State in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his oath of office.

    “The Supreme Court condemned the actions of the governor when the court stated that the fear of impeachment by the eight respondents is no justification for the attack on the rule of law.”

    While receiving the document, Speaker Amaewhule said it was submitted pursuant to Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.

    “I am in receipt of the letter and, in pursuant of the 1999 Constitution, I will ensure that the letter is forwarded to the governor within seven days,” Amaewhule said.

    Fubara could not be reached for his reaction yesterday.

    It was learnt, although, not confirmed that the governor was not in the state.

    Case against deputy governor

    The Deputy Leader of the House, Linda Stewart, also presented a separate notice of alleged gross misconduct against Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu.

    Odu was accused of reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstruction of the House from performing its constitutional duties, and colluding to allow unauthorised individuals to occupy public offices without proper screening by the legislature.

    She was also accused of seeking budgetary approval from an alternative group rather than the constitutionally recognised Rivers State House of Assembly, as well as withholding salaries and allowances due to lawmakers and the Assembly Service Commission.

    ‘We’ll resign if impeachment fails’

    Amaewhule and other lawmakers vowed to resign should the impeachment process fail.

    Addressing lawmakers during plenary, he insisted that neither the governor nor the deputy governor would be spared in the impeachment plan.

    “It will be better for lawmakers to step down than allow Fubara to defraud the people of Rivers State,” he said.

    The Speaker explained that the lingering political crisis in the state was not a battle between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Fubara, but a confrontation between the governor and the Constitution.

     Youths clash over Fubara’s impeachment

    Youth groups in Rivers State took opposing positions over the move to impeach Fubara.

    The Rivers State Youth Parliament (RSYP) declared its support for the lawmakers’ decision to investigate the governor over alleged gross misconduct.

    In a statement signed by its Speaker, Wisdom Bruce, the group described the impeachment process as “timely and necessary” in the interest of peace, stability and democratic governance in the state.

    RSYP said Rivers State had experienced prolonged political tension, a breakdown of trust among stakeholders and repeated breaches of peace accords brokered by the President and other national leaders.

    The group alleged that these agreements were consistently violated by the governor, thereby undermining efforts to restore political stability.

    According to RSYP, the alleged breaches amount to an affront to democratic norms and constitutional responsibility.

    It stressed that impeachment, as provided for in the Constitution, is not an act of vendetta but a legitimate democratic process to safeguard governance, uphold the rule of law and protect the public interest.

    The youth parliament also warned that continued political instability could worsen economic stagnation, erode investor confidence and shrink opportunities for young people, who it said bear the brunt of governance failures.

    But, the South South Youths Initiative (SSYI) condemned the impeachment move, describing it as ill-conceived and destabilising.

    In a statement signed by its National President, Imeabe Saviour Oscar, the group said youths across the South-South, particularly in Rivers State, were disturbed by the impeachment notice.

    SSYI argued that the action was coming at a time when Rivers people expected cooperation between the executive and the legislature to restore effective governance after what it described as a six-month near collapse during emergency rule.

    The group said it was unfortunate that while other states were focused on governance, Rivers State was still trapped in political battles.

    It appealed to lawmakers to work with the governor to deliver good governance, and urged Fubara to remain focused despite what it called political distractions.

    CLO urges dialogue

     The Rivers State chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) appealed to parties to shun hostilities and embrace dialogue in resolving the ongoing political crisis.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman, Sunny Dada, and Secretary-General, Christian Onyegbule, the group urged lawmakers to reconsider the impeachment move reportedly linked to the governor’s alleged failure to present the 2026 appropriation bill.

    It warned that although the Constitution empowers state assemblies to initiate impeachment, such powers must be exercised with due process, fairness, and good faith to avoid being seen as instruments of political conflict.

    The CLO expressed concern that Rivers State’s tense political atmosphere could undermine the credibility of constitutional procedures.

    It insisted that the Assembly must strictly comply with constitutional provisions, standing rules, and judicial precedents, noting that any impeachment carried out in haste or bad faith would lack legitimacy.

    The organisation also maintained that the governor must be granted full constitutional protections, including adequate time to respond and an impartial investigative process.

    According to CLO, the budget dispute cannot be isolated from the broader political and institutional crisis in the state.

    It urged all parties to prioritise dialogue, calling on the governor to initiate engagement by presenting the 2026 budget to the Assembly.

    History of crisis

    The political crisis in Rivers began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023, following a dramatic fallout with his predecessor and political benefactor, Wike.

    The rift, initially a struggle for control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure and state resources, quickly spread to the legislature.

    A faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly aligned with Wike moved to assert authority, while Fubara was accused by lawmakers of sidelining the Assembly, withholding funds, and governing without legislative backing.

    Tensions peaked in October 2023 with the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, an action widely interpreted as an attempt to weaken the legislature.

    This deepened institutional paralysis, leading to rival claims of legitimacy within the Assembly and prolonged court battles over budgetary approvals and executive authority.

    Despite judicial interventions, the crisis worsened, with governance effectively stalled amid accusations of constitutional breaches, unauthorised spending, and legislative obstruction.

    The breakdown of order and governance, and the bombing of an oil infrastructure, eventually prompted the presidential declaration of a state of emergency in the state, suspending key democratic institutions in an attempt to restore stability.

    Retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas was appointed as the Administrator for six months.

    At the end of the emergency rule, Fubara joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Wike, backed by loyal lawmakers and political allies, launched a statewide mobilisation drive under the banner of the “Rainbow Coalition,” positioning it as a broad-based political movement aimed at reclaiming Rivers State, re-electing President Tinubu and defending constitutional order ahead of future elections.

    The Wike-led coalition’s tour has further sharpened political tensions, with the minister also clashing with APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru over alleged interference, signalling that the underlying power struggle between rival camps remains unresolved.

  • Fed Govt explains how lowest income earners will pay zero tax

    Fed Govt explains how lowest income earners will pay zero tax

    The Federal Government has explained how low income earners will pay zero tax in the new regime, which took effect on January 1.

    In a statement yesterday, Director-General (DG) in the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu, made the clarification in response to what he called “wrong notions, stage-managed arithmetic, selective accounting and misrepresentation of the law” by those sponsored to discredit the government policy.

    Yakubu highlighted the N800, 000 annual tax-free threshold under the new personal income tax structure as the most critical omission in the criticism, explaining that the first N800,000 of annual income attracts a zero per cent tax rate, as against the previous framework that lumped low-income earners into equal tax bracket.

    Using an illustrative example of a worker earning N75,000 monthly, Yakubu noted that such a person earns N900,000 annually, placing only N100,000 above the zero-rated band.

    According to him, even at a 15 per cent rate on the excess of N100, 000, the tax exposure would amount to N15, 000 a year, before deductions. But once pension contributions are applied, the taxable portion drops sharply and could fall to zero if other allowable deductions, such as health insurance, are included.

    READ ALSO: Kano’s unfolding power game

    Yakubu said: “Under the new regime described in multiple reputable summaries, the first N800, 000 of annual income is taxed at 0 per cent. That is not a footnote. That is the hinge. Now apply it to “Joseph”: Monthly income: N75, 000. Annual income: N75,000 × 12 = N900,000.

    “Under a system where the first N800, 000 is taxed at 0 per cent, Joseph is not ‘squarely inside’ some punitive bracket. He is N100, 000 above the zero band. Even before deductions, the portion potentially exposed to tax is N100, 000 per year.

    “If the next band is taxed at 15 per cent as these summaries indicate, then Joseph’s gross annual PIT exposure is: N100, 000 × 15 per cent = N15,000 per year, N1, 250 per month.

    “Now add pension: If Joseph contributes pension at 8 per cent, even using the essay’s own assumption, that is: N900, 000 × 8 per cent = N72, 000 in pension contributions annually, simplified. That reduces the portion above N800, 000 from N100, 000 to N28, 000. Tax becomes: N28, 000 × 15 per cent = N4, 200 per year, N350 per month.

    “And if Joseph also has any deductible health insurance contribution, which many formal arrangements do, he can easily fall below N800, 000 taxable income, making his PIT zero. What this means is that the essay’s ‘public U-turn’ story is not proof that ‘the poor will pay tax’.

    The DG added: “A deduction is not a tax, and a contribution you own is not a levy you lose. Such deductions, in fact, reduce taxable income and demonstrate an effort to protect workers’ welfare rather than exploit it.

    “It is proof that the narrator’s demonstration did not apply the actual threshold structure that defines liability. That is not logic. That is stage-managed arithmetic,” Yakubu stated in a factual rebuttal of the wrong notion being pushed by the critic.

    He also faulted the use of global poverty lines in the criticism, noting that the World Bank’s $4.20-a-day benchmark was a purchasing power parity (PPP) measure, not a nominal wage threshold that could be converted directly into naira using market exchange rates, pointing out that such conversions turned technical welfare metrics into political talking points.

    On the claim that “widening the tax base” necessarily meant taxing the poor, Yakubu described it as a false syllogism.

    He said tax base expansion could involve bringing non-compliant high earners into the net, closing loopholes, capturing affluent segments of the digital and informal economy, and strengthening employer withholding, rather than targeting subsistence incomes.

    Yakubu further argued that long lists of alleged corruption and mismanagement, while raising legitimate governance concerns, did not invalidate the structure of a tax schedule.

    He said the logical response to accountability concerns was to improve transparency, auditing and enforcement, not to misrepresent tax reforms aimed at reducing Nigeria’s reliance on borrowing.

    Yakubu said: “The outrage depends on omitting the very thresholds and concepts that make its conclusion collapse. The new tax structure explicitly protects low incomes and that claims to the contrary were driven more by narrative devices than by arithmetic grounded in law.

    “Nigeria’s revenue problem is not ‘the poor escaping’. Nigeria’s problem is a historically weak tax-to-GDP ratio and heavy reliance on borrowing; tax reforms have been publicly framed as part of reversing that.

    “So ‘widening’ does not necessarily mean ‘drag subsistence wages into the net’. It often means: make the system catch who already should be paying”.

    Yakubu noted that the narrative branding the policy as “Bola’s tax” deliberately ignored key provisions designed to shield low-income earners.

    The essay written by one Emmanuel Orjih, the Budget Office DG said, was “built on powerful but false rhetorics, simply achieved by engaging in selective accounting”.

    He said the argument relied on emotional framing rather than the actual structure of the tax schedule approved under the new regime.

    According to Taminu, at the centre of the misinformation was a “category error” in which pension and health insurance contributions were wrongly presented as taxes.

    He explained that pension payments are deferred wages owned by workers and lodged in their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs), while health insurance premiums are contributions that purchase defined coverage, not compulsory levies for general government spending.

  • Rivers Assembly serves Fubara, Deputy notice of gross misconducts

    Rivers Assembly serves Fubara, Deputy notice of gross misconducts

    A few hours after receiving documents containing alleged gross misconducts against Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from 26 lawmakers,  Speaker Martin’s Amaewhule has transmitted letters containing the allegations to the Governor and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

    The letters entitled: “Notice of allegations of gross misconduct” brought pursuant to Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 was dated January 8, 2026 and signed by Amaewhule.

    In the letter Amaewhule informed the Governor that he received a notice of allegations of gross misconduct dated January 5th, 2026 against him from 26 members of the Rivers Assembly.

    READ ALSO: Senator Kalu replies Otti, says Tinubu, APC will win Abia in 2027

    He said the number that signed the notice represented two-third of the membership of the Assembly.

    Amaewhule said he forwarded the notice to the governor in pursuant to Section 188 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended .

    Addressing the Governor, he said: “You are requested to reply to the allegations of gross misconduct accordingly. In doing this, your attention is drawn to the provisions of section 188 of the constitution”.

    A similar letter was also sent to the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu.

  • FG confirms release of Super Eagles’ bonuses

    FG confirms release of Super Eagles’ bonuses

    The federal government has announced that all group-stage bonuses due to players of the Super Eagles at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations have been released and are expected to reflect in the players’ domiciliary accounts within hours.

    The disclosure was made by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, in response to reports suggesting that the national team was considering boycotting training sessions and could refuse to travel to Marrakesh for their quarter-final encounter against Algeria.

    In a post on her official X handle, Uzoka-Anite provided an update on the administrative steps taken to resolve concerns surrounding the payment of match bonuses to the Super Eagles, stating that the issue had been addressed through coordinated action by the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    “The Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have successfully streamlined to ensure faster, more predictable disbursements aligned with international best practice,” the minister said.

    She explained that all bonuses earned during the group stage of the tournament had already been processed through the required regulatory procedures. “All group-stage bonuses were fully released and have now cleared the necessary regulatory stages,” she said.

    Uzoka-Anite added that the government had introduced a fast-track process to meet the players’ preferences regarding currency denomination. “We have implemented a fast-track conversion process to move funds into foreign currency, honouring the players’ preferences,” she stated.

    Read Also: Another  bonus row threatens Super Eagles’ AFCON campaign

    According to the minister, the final stage of the payment process is already underway. “The final transfers to domiciliary accounts are currently in flight. Players can expect these funds to reflect starting today (Thursday) or tomorrow (Friday),” she said.

    She noted that the government’s priority remains the welfare and morale of the national team as they progress into the knockout phase of the tournament. “Our focus remains entirely on supporting the team’s welfare so they can maintain their incredible momentum in the knockout rounds,” Uzoka-Anite said.

    She added that the administration is committed to ensuring that off-field issues do not distract the players from their performance on the pitch. “We move forward with one goal: Bringing the trophy home!” she said.

    The update is expected to calm concerns surrounding the team’s preparations ahead of the quarter-final fixture, as the Super Eagles continue their campaign at the AFCON 2025 tournament.

  • BREAKING: Rivers Assembly initiates impeachment proceedings against Fubara, Deputy

    BREAKING: Rivers Assembly initiates impeachment proceedings against Fubara, Deputy

    The Rivers House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Oduh.

    The move followed a plenary session on Thursday presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.

    During the session, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations and claims of gross misconducts levelled against Governor Fubara. 

    He disclosed that the notice was endorsed by 26 members of the Assembly, who alleged that the Governor had acted in violation of provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

    Read Also: Wike faults Fubara over termination of 10,000 jobs for Rivers youths

    Speaker Amaewhule stated that the notice of impeachment would be served on Governor Fubara within the next seven days in line with constitutional procedures.

    The Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, read out a separate notice of allegations and gross misconduct against the Deputy Governor, Oduh, marking the formal commencement of impeachment proceedings against her as well.

    Details shortly…

  • Tax Laws’ effect on workers: Oshiomhole, Ajaero differ

    Tax Laws’ effect on workers: Oshiomhole, Ajaero differ

    • Obasanjo, Kukah, others honour first NLC president Sunmonu at 85

    How does the tax reform regime affect the worker?

    Two foremost labour leaders – Adams Oshiomhole and Joe Ajaero – differed sharply on the issue yesterday.

    Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said the tax laws, which took effect from January 1, propose the taxation of minimum wage earners.

    However, Senator Oshiomhole, a former NLC president, insisted that minimum wage earners are exempt from taxation.

    They spoke yesterday at the presentation of a book: “Organise, don’t agonise,” written by the first President of the NLC, Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu, to mark his 85th birthday.

    Sunmonu served as the pioneer president of the NLC between 1978 and 1984, following the consolidation of the different labour movements.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo chaired the event, while the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Mathew Hassan Kukah, reviewed the book.

    Ajaero accused the Federal Government of scheming labour out of the process that culminated in the passage of the tax bills.

    He said: “A tax law that imposes a heavy burden on workers and the poor is not progressive.

    “A tax policy that taxes the national minimum wage is not fair.

    “A tax that taxes the masses who are living in excruciating poverty is regressive.

    “That was why we were excluded from the committee, and that was why our warnings went unheeded.”

    The NLC president also urged the government to fully constitute the National Pension Commission (PenCom) Board and to immediately address Nigerians’ concerns over the tax laws, instead of what he described as the “present grandstanding by Mr Taiwo Oyedele of the Presidential Tax Committee and Zacch Adedeji of the Nigeria Revenue Service.”

    Both Oyedele and Adedeji have, at several fora, explained that the tax laws exempt minimum wage earners from payment.

    Echoing them, Oshiomhole, who spoke after Ajaero, chided the labour leader for making what he described as wrong claims.

    He said: “The minimum wage earner is exempted from tax.

    “So, when you (Ajaero) say minimum wage is being taxed, they will see that as a loophole.

    “The tax laws are subject to amendment in the same way you negotiated a benchmark for the minimum wage.”

    He added: “The lesson of Sunmonu is this: if it is wrong, fight it. If you know it (the tax law) is wrong, fight it. Do not lament it.

    “On the floor of the Senate, I always say I have not come to Abuja to lament imperfection.

    “What the people need is not our tears or emotional statements.

    “Those who do bad things don’t do them out of ignorance, and those who enjoy a particular order will not give it up.

    “You have to fight them to give up.”

    Ajaero also urged the government to prepare for an early review of the minimum wage, saying: “Let the government move from agonising the people to organising with them.

    “Let us build a democracy that delivers not just political freedom but economic liberation, where the wealth of the nation serves the welfare of its people.

    “On this note, we once again call on the Federal Government to urgently address the wages of Nigerian workers before next year’s statutory negotiation of the national minimum wage.”

    He also alluded to the controversy over alleged alterations in the tax laws.

    “Insisting on going ahead is akin to muddling along in confusion and darkness, since we do not know which one is truly the law.

    “Continuing with this is a dangerous pattern that seriously undermines the tax administration itself and indeed our democracy,” he said.

    Following the outcry, especially by the opposition, the National Assembly has released the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the tax bills as passed by it and forwarded for presidential assent.

    The author of the book urged trade union leaders to be upright in their dealings.

    He said: “Leaders, you are warned. You have the choice to stay clean and abide by the grace of God or join politicians to do the wrong thing, disgrace yourselves and incur the wrath of God.

    “Let us stay the course in the interest of the future of our children and grandchildren.

    Read Also: ‘New tax laws to plug revenue leakages in oil, gas sector’

    “The faith Nigerian workers have in us is a sacred trust that we should not betray.

    “If we betray it here and thereafter, the judgments are there. Let us stay the course.”

    Obasanjo recalled that he consolidated the labour movements during his tenure as military head of state between 1976 and 1979 to prevent labour unions from being sponsored by foreign agents.

    He said while one movement was sponsored by the Russian secret service (KGB), another was sponsored by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

    “I needed for Nigeria a Nigerian labour union, organised by Nigerians, controlled by Nigerians and financed by Nigerians.

    “So, I decided there was going to be a labour union reform, and I think the man I put in charge was Justice Adebiyi,” Obasanjo said.

    He explained that Justice Adebiyi was appointed to lead the reform process, which ultimately resulted in the establishment of the NLC, with Sunmonu emerging as its first elected leader.

    “I don’t know how Sunmonu felt at that time, but I felt comfortable,” he said.

    Obasanjo praised Sunmonu for strengthening labour leadership and expanding its influence across Africa and globally.

    He also revealed that he wrote the foreword to the book, highlighting Sunmonu’s contributions to national development.

    The event was attended by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN); Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Issa Aremu; President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Chris Piwuna; former NLC President, Ayuba Wabba; ex-ECOWAS Executive Secretary, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, and other dignitaries.

  • Court orders interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to Malami

    Court orders interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to Malami

    • Ex-AGF gets 14 days to prove they are lawfully acquired •Former minister, others get bail

    The Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) and members of his family.

    The properties, valued at about N213.23 billion, were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which invoked the Non-Conviction Based Asset Forfeiture provisions of the EFCC Establishment Act.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, who made the order, however, granted Malami, his sons Abdulaziz and Abiru-Rahman and any other interested parties 14 days to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited.

    Failure to establish that the properties were lawfully acquired within the stipulated period may result in their final forfeiture to the Federal Government.

    The order followed an ex-parte motion moved by EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), who argued that the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

    In granting the application, Justice Nwite ruled: “It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this honourable court is hereby made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the properties described in Schedule 1 below which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.”

    The judge further directed that the interim forfeiture order be published in a national daily, inviting any person or entity with an interest in the properties to approach the court within 14 days to contest the forfeiture.

    The case was adjourned to January 27, 2026, for a report on compliance with the court’s directives.

    EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, said the affected properties are located in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Kebbi states.

    They include luxury residences, hotels, schools, shopping complexes, oil and gas facilities, farmlands, and commercial buildings.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Court grants ex-AGF Malami, son, wife N1.5bn bail

    Among the notable properties listed in the schedule are:

    •            A luxury duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja, purchased in December 2022 for N500 million, with its value reportedly enhanced to about N5.95 billion.

    •            A two-winged multi-storey building at Onitsha Crescent, Area 11, Garki, formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited, acquired in December 2018 for N7 billion.

    •            A five-storey hotel complex in Jabi District, now operating as Meethaq Hotels Ltd with 53 rooms, reportedly valued at N8.4 billion after completion.

    •            A hotel property on Rhine Street, Maitama, purchased in 2018 for N430 million, now allegedly worth N12.95 billion after rehabilitation.

    •            Multiple properties in the Asokoro District, including terraces and plots along Yakubu Gowon Crescent.

    •            Commercial shops at Vegas Mall, Wuse 2, warehouse shops at Wuse Market, and residential buildings in Gwarimpa, Apo Legislative Quarters, and BUA Estate, Abuja.

    •            High-value properties in Nasarawa GRA, Kano, including residential and commercial buildings.

    •            Over 100 hectares of land along Birnin Kebbi–Jega Road, purchased in 2020 for N100 million.

    •            Many residential estates, schools, bungalows, and land assets acquired between 2023 and 2024 in Birnin Kebbi, allegedly through proxies and corporate entities.

    Court grants ex-minister, others N1.5bn bail

    The interim forfeiture order came in the course of Malami’s ongoing trial over alleged money laundering involving about N8.7 billion.

    Justice Nwite granted bail to Malami, his son, Abdulaziz, and Hajia Bashir Asabe, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited.

    The bail is in the sum of N500 million each, with two sureties each.

    The three defendants are being prosecuted on a 16-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, filed by the EFCC.

    The commission alleged that Malami and his two co-defendants conspired to disguise the origin of funds estimated at N8.7 billion.

    It said they acquired properties indirectly, and retained 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.

    Justice Nwite had, on January 2, taken arguments on the bail applications by the three defendants and adjourned till January 7 for ruling.

    Ruling yesterday, Justice Nwite said: “I have critically evaluated the evidence adduced by both parties. I am not unmindful of the serious nature of the offence and the attendant economic consequences to our country, Nigeria.

    “But, like I earlier emphasised in the course of this ruling, the paramount concern of a judge, in granting or refusing bail pending trial, remains the applicant making himself available to stand his trial and/or not interfering with witnesses, especially when the offence is not a capital offence.

    “There is no gainsaying that the reasons adduced by the complainant/respondent on this point are not concrete enough, but tilt towards the realm of speculation.

    “In view of the foregoing, I am minded to grant the defendants/applicants bail in the interest of justice. Consequently, bail is granted to the first, second and third defendants in the following terms:

    •            Bail is granted to each of the defendants in the sum of N500 million and two sureties in the like sum, who shall each depose to affidavits of means.

    •            The two sureties shall be landed property owners in either Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarimpa within this jurisdiction, and the documents must be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court and deposited with him.

    •            The defendants shall deposit all their international passports with the Deputy Chief Registrar (Litigation) of the court and shall not travel outside the country without the permission of this court.

    •            The defendants and sureties shall deposit two passport photographs each, and the sureties’ residences shall be verified,” the judge said.

    Justice Nwite, however, cautioned parties in the case against attempting to reach out to him for any favour in the course of the proceedings.

    Although the judge did not state whether any of the parties had attempted to contact him, he stressed that nobody could influence the decision of his court in any way.

    Justice Nwite said: “Before concluding, I want to admonish and warn counsel and litigants that all judges are not the same.

    “When I am handling any case, please don’t approach me. When you are doing your case, you can get the best lawyers in this country to handle it, but don’t attempt to approach me for any help.

    “I am not that type of judge. I know what God has done for me by giving me this job, and I have vowed to do it to the best of my ability.

    “I have sworn before Almighty God and man that I am going to do my duty without fear or favour,” he said.

    Justice Nwite warned lawyers and litigants to desist from coming to him with the aim of perverting justice, adding:

    “Any attempt to try this will be vehemently resisted.”

    The judge advised that rather than seeking to compromise the court, parties should concentrate their efforts on prosecuting their cases and, if dissatisfied, challenge the court’s decisions by approaching the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

    Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until February 17 for the commencement of trial.

  • Aliko Dangote withdraws petition before ICPC against Ahmed

    Aliko Dangote withdraws petition before ICPC against Ahmed

    Africa’s foremost businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has withdrawn his petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Alhaji Farouk Ahmed.

    However, the ICPC said there was no going back on its investigation of Ahmed, stressing that the matter is in the public interest.

    The anti-graft agency has activated a formal procedure to reach out to schools in Switzerland to verify whether Farouk’s children were, or are, enrolled in the institutions listed in the petition.

    Dangote had alleged that Ahmed expended, without evidence of lawful income, a humongous sum of over $7 million in public funds on the education of his four children in different schools in Switzerland, allegedly paying fees upfront for a period of six years.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that Dangote decided to withdraw his petition from the ICPC because a similar complaint is already being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    He reportedly asked the ICPC to allow the EFCC to proceed with the investigation, even though he had initially chosen to petition the two agencies.

    A source at the commission said: “We asked him to come in person to adopt his petition because our law does not allow representation in criminal matters.

    “We pleaded with Dangote to come to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja on December 29 to do the needful.

    Read Also: Aliko Dangote retires from Dangote Cement Plc

    “We have now received a letter of withdrawal from him. But he cannot stop our investigation because the petition falls within our mandate.

    “We deal with the public sector and public service. It is in the public interest, and we must see it to its logical conclusion.

    “There is also an inter-agency understanding that once ICPC or EFCC is handling a petition, one of us must stay action.

    “Despite the withdrawal of the petition, we are going ahead with our probe of the allegations against Farouk.

    “The ICPC has initiated a formal procedure to reach out to all the schools in Switzerland mentioned in Dangote’s petition.

    “As a matter of fact, we are awaiting their feedback.”

    A statement by the Spokesperson and Head, Media and Public Communications of ICPC, Mr. John Okor Odey, last night confirmed the commission’s position.

    The statement said: “The ICPC is in receipt of a letter dated January 5, 2025, titled ‘Notice of Withdrawal of Petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed’, submitted to the Commission by Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN and Associates, legal counsel to Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

    “The letter states that the petitioner has withdrawn the petition dated December 16, 2025, submitted against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past ACE/CEO of the NMDPRA, in its entirety, and that another law enforcement agency has taken over.

    “The ICPC wishes to state categorically that, in line with the provisions of Sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act, investigations in the interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state have already commenced and are presently ongoing.

    “The ICPC will therefore continue to investigate this matter in line with its statutory mandate and in the interest of transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption for the benefit of Nigeria.”

  • BREAKING: Super Eagles boycott Marrakech trip for Algeria game over unpaid bonuses

    BREAKING: Super Eagles boycott Marrakech trip for Algeria game over unpaid bonuses

    Players and coaches of the Super Eagles have reportedly refused to travel to Marrakech for their next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) fixture, citing unpaid bonuses.

    The development was disclosed on X by BBC Africa journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, who is currently in Morocco.

    Nigeria, regarded as one of the standout teams at the ongoing tournament, has won all four of its matches and recorded the highest number of goals so far. The team is scheduled to face Algeria in the quarter-final clash of the 2025 AFCON on Saturday evening.

    However, it is understood that bonuses for the four matches played have not been settled. The squad, led by coach Eric Chelle, defeated Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda in the group stage before recording a 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16.

    Read Also: Super Eagles steamroll Mambas to book quarter-finals

    In response to the unresolved payments, the players and technical crew have reportedly halted all travel and training plans.

    This marks their second bonus-related strike in three months. During the November 2025 international break, the team also downed tools ahead of a crucial World Cup playoff against Gabon, although that dispute was resolved within 24 hours.

    Details shortly…

  • JUST IN: Court grants EFCC’s request for temporary forfeiture of Malami’s 57 property

    JUST IN: Court grants EFCC’s request for temporary forfeiture of Malami’s 57 property

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order for the temporary forfeiture of 57 property suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities associated with the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami (SAN).

    Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Tuesday while ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and moved by its lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN).

    An enrolled copy of the order, seen on Wednesday, revealed that the affected landed property are located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states.

    In the ruling, Justice Nwite said, “It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this honourable court is hereby made, forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the properties described in Schedule One below, which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.”

    The judge ordered the EFCC to publish the interim order of forfeiture in any national daily to invite “any person(s) or body (ies) who may have interest in the properties listed in the schedule to show cause, within 14 days of the publication, why a final order of forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria of the said assets and properties, should not be made.”

    The judge proceeded to adjourn the matter until January 27 for the EFCC to report on compliance with the order for publication.

    According to court documents filed by the EFCC, the affected property includes:

    *Luxury Duplex at Amazon Street, Plot No. 3011 Within Cadastral Zone, A06 Maitama; File No: AN enhancement 11352, which was purchased in December 2022 at N500, 000, 000.00 (value after enhancement at N5, 950, 000, 000);

    *Two Winged Large Storey Building Situate at No. 3, Onitsha Crescent, Area 11, Garki, Cadastral Zone, A03, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited), FCT, which was purchased Dec. 2018 at N7, 000, 000, 000.00.

    *Plot 683, Jabi District, Cadastral Zone B04, Comprising a five storey Building (Now Luxurious Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Jabi, with 53 rooms/suites), which was purchased in Sept. 2020 at carcass level at N850, 000, 000. 00 with additional N300, 000, 000 to take possession (value after completion N8, 400, 000, 000).

    *Property No. 3130 within Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja, Comprising Terraces, purchased in Jan. 2021 at N360, 000, 000.00.

    *Property No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja (MEETHAQ HOTELS LTD, MAITAMA WITH 15 ROOMS), which was purchased in Feb. 2018 at N430, 000, 000.00 (current value after rehabilitation is N12, 950, 000, 000).

    *Plot No. 1241B, Asokoro District Zone (NO. 11A YAKUBU GOWON CRESCENT) ASOKORO DISTRICT, which was purchased in July 2021 at N325, 000, 000.00.

    *SHOP NO. C82 CITISCAPE — SHARIFF PLAZA, PLOT 739 CADASTRAL ZONE A07, AMINU KANO CRESCENT, WUSE Il, FCT, ABUJA, which was purchased in March 2024 at N120, 000, 000.00.

    *NO. 4 AHMADU BELLO WAY, NASARAWA GRA, KANO, which was purchased in Dec. 2022 at N300, 000, 000. 00

    *PLOT 157, LAMIDO CRESCENT, NASARAWA, GRA, KANO, purchased in July 2019 with no specific amount stated.

    *A PLAZA, COMMERCIAL TOILETS, LAUNDERING, WAREHOUSE TANKS ADJACENT TO BIRNIN KEBBI MARKET, which was purchased in 2021 at N100, 000, 000.00.

    *100 HECTARES OF LAND ALONG BRININ KEBBI, JEGA ROAD, which was purchased in 2020 at N100, 000, 000.00.

    *4 BEDROOM BUNGALOW GESSE PHASE, BIRNIN KEBBI, which was purchased in 2023 at N101, 000, 000.00.

    *SHOPS NOS. A36, B3 VEGAS MALL, WUSE 2, ABUJA, which was purchased in July 2023 at N158, 000, 000.00.

    *NO. 26, BABBI DRIVE, BUA ESTATE, ABUJA, purchased in 2022 at N136, 000, 000.00.

    *NO. 27, EFAB ESTATES AVENUE, 59™ CRESCENT, GWARIMPA, ABUJA, purchased in Jan. 2016 at N120, 000, 000.00.

    Read Also: Malami cuts a sorry figure

    *4 BEDROOM/ 2 ROOMS BOYS QUARTERS AT NO. 10B, DOKA CRESCENT ABAKPA GRA, KADUNA, purchased in Jan. 2018 at N40, 000, 000.00.

    *PLOT NO. 13, IPENT 7 ESTATE, KARSANA DISTRICT, ABUJA, purchased in June 2018 at N85, 000, 000.00.

    *A BEDROOM DUPLEX & BOYS QUARTERS AT NO. 12 YALINGA STREET, OFF ADETOKUNBO ADEMOLA CRESCENT, WUSE Il, ABUJA, purchased in Oct. 2018 at N150, 000, 000.00.

    *TWO WAREHOUSE SHOPS B40 AND B46, WUSE MARKET, ABUJA, purchased in July 2020 at N50, 000, 000.00.

    *TWIN HOUSES AT ZONE E, APO LEGISLATIVE QUARTERS, CADASTRAL ZONE B01, PLOT 14014, GUDU DISTRICT, ABUJA, it was purchased between Feb and May 2017 at N250, 000, 000.00.

    *Properties acquired by Khadimiyya for Justice & Development Initiative at the Academic Garden City, Birnin Kebbi, sold by the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage, namely.

    Others are nine units of three-bedroom, bungalow, three units of two-bedroom, bungalow, and 5.4 hectares of land, which were purchased between Feb. 2023 and Sept. 2023 at N187, 000, 000.00, among other assets listed in the schedule.