Two members of the Kano State House of Assembly were on Wednesday reported dead almost simultaneously.
The lawmaker representing Kano Municipal Local Government Area, Sarki Aliyu Daneji, reportedly passed away just minutes after news emerged of the death of his colleague, Aminu Sa’adu, who represented Ungoggo Local Government Area.
The near-simultaneous deaths sent shockwaves across Kano State, given the prominence of both legislators and the unusual timing of the incidents.
The sad development was confirmed by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson to Governor Abba Yusuf, who announced the news on his official Facebook page.
…reaffirms commitment to religious freedom, security, and national unity
…urges Nigerians to embrace shared values, patience on the roads during holidays
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration will build on sustained engagements with leaders of the country’s major faiths to prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence, as part of broader efforts to strengthen national unity and stability.
In his 2025 Christmas goodwill message, the President said dialogue with Christian and Muslim leaders had remained central to his government’s response to religious intolerance and insecurity, noting that such engagements would be expanded to reinforce harmony across the country.
“Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, particularly amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity,” Tinubu said, adding that the administration would “build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.”
The President described Christmas as a solemn season that transcends celebrations and festivities, urging Nigerians to reflect on the deeper significance of the birth of Jesus Christ and his enduring message of peace, grace, and goodwill to humanity.
He prayed that “the love of Christ and his message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us all.”
Extending goodwill to Christians in Nigeria and across the world, Tinubu wished them a Merry Christmas and thanked God for the opportunity to serve as the nation’s leader. He also offered prayers for peace in the country, especially among people of different religious beliefs.
Reaffirming his constitutional responsibility, the President said his administration remains committed to entrenching religious freedom and protecting Nigerians of all faiths from violence and discrimination.
“As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence,” he said.
Tinubu recalled that since assuming office in 2023, his government has consistently reassured Nigerians of its resolve to safeguard the nation’s security, unity, and stability.
According to him, that pledge “remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He stressed that every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity or belief, has the right to live, worship, and pursue legitimate aspirations in safety and dignity, warning that no citizen should be made to suffer for professing or practising his or her faith.
He noted that love for God and love for humanity are shared values at the heart of all major religions and must continue to bind Nigerians together as one indivisible people.
The President also acknowledged the contributions of Christians to national development, noting that the teachings of Christ have inspired many to serve society selflessly.
He said the Gospel message has motivated countless Nigerians to care for the vulnerable and less privileged, while promoting peace, harmony, and tolerance within their communities.
Tinubu commended individuals and groups who continue to bring hope and faith in the midst of hardship, saying the Christmas season serves as a reminder that, despite daunting challenges, God remains with the nation.
On the security front, the President reiterated that peace and stability remain critical priorities for his administration, describing them as prerequisites for sustainable development and national progress.
With increased travel expected during the festive period, Tinubu urged Nigerians to exercise patience and discipline on the roads as they reunite with family and loved ones. He wished all travellers safe journeys and safe returns to their destinations.
Expressing optimism about the country’s future, the President said that with confidence in divine providence and collective national strength, Nigeria would continue on the path of renewal.
He pledged that his administration would remain focused on building a greater and more united country that future generations would be proud of.
• Oyo governor alleges Wike pledged to ‘hold down PDP’ for President
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde yesterday warned that the collapse of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a result of its protracted crisis could spell doom for democracy and pave the way for a one-party state.
He alleged a plot by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike to “hold down” the main opposition party for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is seeking re-election in 2027.
Makinde, who is an arrowhead of the PDP, said that he rejected the President’s offer to him to dump the party and reorganise the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The governor, who supported President Tinubu during the 2023 poll along with his colleagues in the “Group of Five Governors (G-5,” foreclosed similar support for his second term.
He lamented that his support for the president during the last election did not produce the outcome he had hoped for.
Makinde spoke on the PDP crisis, his rift with Wike, why he refused to defect to the APC, among other issues in a media chat from Ibadan which was aired on major television channels.
He fielded question from an array of top journalists.
As a member of G-5, led by Wike, he worked against the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, alleging the neglect of zoning by the party.
Other members of the then G-5 governors are ex-Governor Ifeanyi Uguwanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Samuel Ortom (Benue).
Makinde said his decision to back Tinubu was based on the belief that he would act in the national interest if elected.
He said: “I am human. I supported the current president, even though in another party at that time, because I thought we’ll do what is right for the country.”
He added that he believed the president would “reset the country” and bring together competent individuals to address the nation’s challenges.
Makinde added: “But unfortunately, that is not what we’re seeing. I regret that action. Yes, I do.”
He said for democracy to survive, PDP should be kept alive.
Makinde explained that Wike unilaterally promised President Tinubu to hold down the PDP without the consent of other party stakeholders.
He stressed: “I was in a meeting with the President and Wike and a few others, and Wike said to the President that I will hold PDP for you against 2027. So, we got up, and I asked Wike, did we agree to this?”
The governor said while Wike is entitled to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid, other PDP members also have the right to protect the PDP and oppose any move that could weaken democratic pluralism.
‘Why I declined offer to reorganise APC’
Makinde explained that he turned down the president’s request to organise Oyo APC because of his allegiance to the PDP.
He recounted his discussion with the president on the cabinet composition and the upgrading of the Ibadan Airport.
Makinde recalled that President Tinubu had requested him to nominate somebody with a professional background for ministerial appointment from Oyo State.
He said: “When the president said we should nominate a person who will be a minister, I said, ‘Sir, what do you have for us? He said he wanted a developmental economist who can be a minister of budget and economic planning.”
Makinde said although he complied with the request by recommending a qualified candidate from the state, the outcome differed from what was initially discussed.
He stressed: “I sent someone who is from Oyo State, and somebody else was chosen. He was not taken to the budget and economic planning. He was made minister of power.”
Makinde recalled that the ministerial nomination was discussed again when he visited the president to seek his approval for the upgrade of the Ibadan airport to international standards.
He said: “Later, when I went to seek approval for the upgrade of Ibadan airport, he said he heard I was angry that my ministerial nominee was not chosen.”
The governor said that he had no resentment over the cabinet decision, emphasising that the prerogative of appointing ministers rests solely with him
He however, said the conversation took a new turn when it shifted to party organisation in Oyo State.
Makinde said he told the president that the Minister of Power could not be relied upon to strengthen the APC structure in the state because he does not have the capacity.
He added that President Tinubu then made a direct request to him instead.
Makinde said: “He said no, it’s me that he wants to help him organise APC in Oyo State.”
However, the governor said he immediately declined the request, citing party loyalty and his political principles.
He added: “I told him no: ‘I cannot help you because I am of the PDP.”
My grudge against Wike, by Oyo governor
Makinde explained that he parted ways with his political ally, Wike, because he aligned himself with President Tinubu to weaken the PDP, particularly in Oyo State, ahead of the 2027 poll.
Makinde threw a jibe at Wike’s antecedents as a man known only for his time in politics.
Tendering a certificate of $1milion contract he won, he said he started making money at the multi-national level long before the minister started practising as a lawyer.
He recalled that at the age of 29, he was already earning millions of dollars in oil companies when Wike had just completed law school.
Makinde said: “Within one year, I made $1 million in my pocket. I was 29 in 1997. Wike, perhaps, at that time, had just left the law school, and his next job was as a local government chairman.”
‘PDP’s destruction dangerous’
Makinde warned that the plan to destroy the PDP could ultimately undermine democracy and erode multi-party system.
He urged democrats to resist any plot to impose a one-party system on the country.
The governor said he is eminently qualified to serve as president in 2027, if the opportunity comes his way.
He said his qualifications for the highest office were not in doubt, pointing to his record as governor of Oyo State.
Alluding to how President Tinubu got to office, he explained experience at the state level has always historically prepared leaders for the presidency,
Makinde also highlighted his professional background outside politics, noting that he successfully ran a private company from 29 yeas of age.
He stressed: “I have heard that also, people saying, ‘Oh, is Seyi trying to position himself for the 2027 presidency?’
“Let me make this very clear: to serve this country at the highest level, I am qualified. I am even overqualified. I have run Oyo State. Even the current president, what brought him to the table? He was governor of Lagos State. By the end of May 2027, by God’s grace, God sparing my life, I would have completed two terms as governor of Oyo State. Professionally, I ran a company from a very young age, at 29,” he said.
Makinde also spoke about the legacy he would leave behind in Oyo State, saying that he hoped to be remembered for the institutions his government is building rather than for physical projects.
He said he his focusing on creating systems that will ensure good governance, sustainable development, and growth long after his tenure.
Makinde pointed out that infrastructure alone does not guarantee a lasting legacy, unless projects are completed and embedded within strong institutions.
Citing the example of a major ring road, he noted that once such projects are completed, people often forget who initiated them, while unfinished projects tend to be remembered more vividly.
He added that his administration prioritises creating opportunities and a conducive environment for citizens to improve their lives, rather than relying on handouts.
On the Ibadan Circular Road project, Makinde defended his administration against allegations of land grabbing linked to the 500-metre corridor.
He explained that the land corridor was officially gazetted on November 19, 2018, months before he assumed office in May 2019.
He said the 110-kilometre circular road is designed to ease traffic flow around Ibadan and prevent congestion.
The governor described the corridor as part of a modern motorway standard and a commercial corridor aimed at helping Oyo State to transit from a consumptive to a productive economy.
On compensation, the governor said his administration is adopting a humane approach by offering payments to residents without formal land documentation, provided they can show proof of residence, to enable them to resettle elsewhere.
The National Assembly yesterday approved the revised Appropriation Acts of N43.5 trillion and N48.316 trillion for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.
It also slated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s N58.47 trillion 2026 budget for second reading in the Senate.
The approvals followed the passage of the Appropriation (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bills for 2024 and 2025 by both chambers of the legislature.
The lawmakers described the move as a major effort to restore fiscal discipline, eliminate overlapping budget cycles, and align public spending with current economic realities.
In the Senate, the resolutions were reached after the adoption of a consolidated report by the Senate Committee on Appropriations, presented at plenary by its Chairman, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Ogun West).
The report followed a request by President Tinubu, conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on December 19, 2025, seeking legislative approval to repeal and re-enact aspects of the 2024 and 2025 budgets.
Presenting the report, Adeola explained that the 2024 Appropriation Act was repealed from its original N35.005 trillion and re-enacted at N43.561 trillion to reflect additional security, humanitarian and economic intervention needs.
He said an extra N8.5 trillion was injected into the capital component to address pressing national challenges.
For the 2025 fiscal year, Adeola said the earlier N54.99 trillion budget was repealed and replaced with a revised expenditure of N48.316 trillion.
He noted that about N6.7 trillion in capital expenditure was deferred to the 2026 fiscal year due to revenue constraints.
He warned that running multiple budgets concurrently undermines transparency and fiscal discipline, stressing that the repeal and re-enactment process was aimed at correcting distortions created by overlapping budget cycles.
Based on its findings, the committee recommended approval of the revised budgets and an extension of the implementation of the 2025 budget to March 31, 2026, to ensure continuity of capital projects.
Lawmakers across party lines supported the recommendations.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, described the committee’s work as “top-notch,” while Senators Mohammed Sani Musa, Adetokunbo Abiru, and Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno said the revised budgets would strengthen fiscal discipline, protect infrastructure spending, and end the practice of stretching one revenue stream across multiple budgets.
Following a voice vote, the bills were passed for third reading.
The Senate President described the approval as a “transformative step” toward transparency and accountability in public finance.
The House of Representatives approved the issuance of N43.561 trillion and N48.316 trillion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the 2024 and 2025 budgets after considering the bills presented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Abubakar Kabir Abubakar.
The House-approved breakdown for 2024 include N1.74 trillion for statutory transfers, N8.27 trillion for debt service, N11.27 trillion for recurrent non-debt expenditure and N22.28 trillion for capital expenditure.
For 2025, the figures comprise N3.65 trillion for statutory transfers, N14.32 trillion for debt service, N13.59 trillion for recurrent expenditure and N16.71 trillion for capital expenditure, with implementation extended to March 31, 2026.
The Senate also passed the N58.472 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill for second reading, endorsing President Tinubu’s fiscal framework of consolidation, resilience, and development.
Leading the debate, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the bill translates the President’s 2026 budget address into enforceable public expenditure and is central to economic management in the coming year.
He said the proposed budget comprises N4.097 trillion for statutory transfers, N15.909 trillion for debt service, N15.252 trillion for recurrent non-debt expenditure and N23.214 trillion for capital expenditure, which remains the largest component.
According to him, the 2026 budget prioritises infrastructure, energy, agriculture, housing, the digital economy, education, healthcare, and security, while maintaining debt sustainability and improving revenue mobilisation.
Senator Ahmad Lawan and other lawmakers welcomed the scale of capital and security spending but cautioned that political activities in 2026 must not undermine budget implementation.
After debate, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Appropriations, with a mandate to report back within one month.
The Senate subsequently adjourned plenary until January 27, 2026.
Adeola told reporters that the is N58.472 trillion as the official size of the 2026 budget, clarifying discrepancies between figures in the budget speech and the appropriation bill.
He described the repeal and re-enactment of the 2024 and 2025 budgets alongside the 2026 proposal as a “three-in-one” reform designed to end fiscal distortions and ensure Nigeria returns to operating a single budget per financial year.
• 30 property valued at N212.8b to be accounted for
Immediate-past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has been charged with money laundering.
He will face a 16-count charge.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged him under Section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended and punishable under Section 15(3).
He is charged along with his son, Abdulaziz, and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Bashir Asabe.
In the charge, the first in three series, Malami was alleged to have laundered about N9billion to buy choice houses in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and others.
The ex-AGF is to account for how he came about 30 houses, valued at N212.8billion.
They were mostly acquired during his eight years in office.
He served between 2015 and 2023 in the government of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
The EFCC may invoke the Non-Conviction Asset Forfeiture clause of its Establishment Act to seize some of the properties.
It has a 14-day window to ask anyone interested to show cause as to why the assets should not be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The anti-graft commission is awaiting a date from the Federal High Court, Abuja, for the commencement of the trial.
The charge sheet was dated December 23rd, 2025.
In what appears a mother of all trials, those who will prosecute Malami are Chief Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) and Ekene Iheanacho (SAN), leading 14 other lawyers.
No fewer than 10 witnesses have been frontloaded to the court in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
There was no official reaction from Malami yesterday because he was still in the custody of the anti-graft agency.
His last reaction was a statement in which he asked the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, to recuse himself from his trial.
The 16 charges were revealing of how Malami engaged Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to launder funds.
The charges are as follows:
“That you Abubakar Malami SAN, and Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami between July 2022 and June, 2025 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did procure Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal the unlawful origin of the total sum of N1, 014, 848, 500.00 (One Billion, Fourteen Million, Eight Hundred and Forty Eight Thousand, Five Hundred Naira) in the Sterling Bank Plc Account No. 0079182387 when you reasonably ought to have known that the said sum formed proceeds of unlawful activities and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(c) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.
“That you Abubakar Malami SAN whilst being the Attorney-General of the Federation, and Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami between September 2020 and February, 2021in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did procure Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal the unlawful origin of the total sum of N600,013,460.4 in the Sterling Bank Plc Account No. 0079182387 when you reasonably ought to have known that the said sum formed proceeds of unlawful activitiesand you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 as amended by Act No. 1 of 2012) and punishable under section 15(3) of the same Act
“That you Abubakar Malami SAN whilst being the Attorney-General of the Federation and Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami sometime in March, 2021 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did retain the total sum of N600,000,000.00 in Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited as cash collateral for a loan of N500,000,000.00 granted to RAYHAAN HOTELS LTD by Sterling Bank Plc when you reasonably ought to have known that the said cash collateral of N600,000,000.00 was proceed of unlawful activities and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 as amendedpunishable under section 15(3) of the same Act
“That you Abubakar Malami SAN whilst being the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and Hajia Bashir Asabe an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited sometime in November, 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did indirectly disguise the unlawful origin of the aggregate sum of N500,000,000.00 paid to Efab Properties Ltd paid for purchase of property known as luxury duplex at Amazon street, Plot No. 3011 within Cadastral Zone A06 Maitama District, Abuja in favour of Abubakar Malami SAN when you reasonably ought to have known that the said N500million formed proceed of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(2) (a) and punishable under section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
“That you Abubakar Malami SAN, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and Hajia Bashir Asabe an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd sometimes in September 2024 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired to disguise the unlawful origin of the aggregate sum of N1,049,173,926.13 paid through the Union Bank Plc account of Meethaq Hotels Ltd Jabi savings Account No. 0179011105 between November 2022 and September 2024 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022 and punishable under Section 18(2) (a) and (3) of the same Act.
“That you Abubakar Malami SAN, and Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami between November 2022 and October, 2025 indirectly took control of the aggregate sum of N1,362,887,872.96 paid through the savings account of Meethaq Hotels Limited in Union Bank Plc when you reasonably ought to have known that the said funds formed proceeds of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2) (d) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
“That you Abubakar Malami SAN whilst being the Attorney-General of the Federation and Hajia Bashir Asabe an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd sometimes between November and December, 2018 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Courtindirectly concealed the unlawful origin of the aggregate sum of N700,000,000.00 paid for the purchase of the property described as No. 3 Onitsha Crescent Area 11, Garki Abuja (Hamonia Hotels Ltd) in favour of Abubakar Malami SAN when you reasonably ought to have known that the said sum of N700, 000,000.00formed proceeds of unlawful activityand you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2) (d) and punishable under section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended.
“That you Abubakar Malami SAN whilst being the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami and Hajia Bashir Asabe an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltdsometimes between September 2020 and December, 2020 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly concealed the aggregate sum of N850,000,000.00 paid for the purchase of property described as Plot 683 Jabi District Cadastral Zone B04 (Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Jabi) when you reasonably ought to have known that the said sum of N850, 000, 000.00 represented proceeds of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (d) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended.
“That you Abubakar Malami SAN whilst being the Attorney-General of the Federation and Hajia Bashir Asabe an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited on or about February, 2018 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly acquired the property described as No. 3 Rhine Street Maitama, Abuja (Meethaq Hotels Ltd) for an aggregate sum of N430,000,000.00 when you reasonably ought to have known that the said sum of N430,000,000.00 formed proceeds of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (d) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended.”
“That you Abubakar Malami SAN whilst being the Attorney-General of the Federation and Hajia Bashir Asabe an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd sometimes on or about February, 2018 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly concealed the unlawful origin of the aggregate sum of N210,000,000.00 paid for the purchaseof the property described as No. 3130 Cadastral Zone A04 Asokoro District, Abuja in favour of Abubakar Malami SAN when you reasonably ought to have known that the said sum of N210, 000, 000,000.00 represented proceeds of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2) (d) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended.
“That you Abubakar Malami SAN whilst being the Attorney-General of the Federation and Hajia Bashir Asabe an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd between March and June 2021 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly concealed the unlawful origin of the aggregate sum of N325,000,000,000.00 paid for the purchase of property described as No. 1241B Asokoro District Zone (No. 11A Yakubu Gowon Crescent Asokoro) in favour of Abubakar Malami SAN when you reasonably ought to have known that the said sum of N325, 000, 000.00 represented proceed of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2) (d) and punishable under section 15(3) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended.
“That you Abubakar Malami SAN whilst being the Attorney-General of the Federation and Hajia Bashir Asabe an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd between November 2015 and January, 2016 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly concealed the unlawful origin of the aggregate sum of N120,000,000,000.00 paid for the purchase of property described as No. 27 Efab Estate 5th Avenue, 59th Crescent, Gwarimpa, Abuja in favour of Abubakar Malami SAN when you reasonably ought to have known that the said sum of N120, 000, 000.00 represented proceeds of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2) (d) and punishable under section 15(3) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended.
“That you Abubakar Malami SANwhilst being the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and Hajia Bashir Asabe an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd sometime in November, 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourselves to conceal the unlawful origin of the funds paid for the purchase of property known as luxury duplex at Amazon street, Plot No. 3011 within Cadastral Zone A06 Maitama District, Abuja and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022 and punishable under Section 18(2) (a) and (3) of the same Act.
“That you Abubakar Malami SAN whilst being the Attorney-General of the Federation, Hajia Bashir Asabe whilst being an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd and other persons at large between December, 2016 and April, 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired amongst yourselves to indirectly acquire landed properties for Abubakar Malami SAN with proceeds of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act) 2011 and punishable under Section 15(2) (a) and (3) of the same Act.
“That you Abubakar Malami SAN whilst being the Attorney-General of the Federation, between June and January, 2023in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly concealed the unlawful origin of the aggregate sum N537,000,000.00 which you paid for the purchase of the properties namely (i) No. 26 Babbi Street, BUA Estate, Abuja, (ii) 4 bedroom Bungalow, Guesse 2 Brinin- Kebbi and (iii) No. 4 Ahmadu Bello Way, Kano, Nassarawa GRA, Kano knowing that the said sum of N537, 000,000.00formed proceeds of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(2) (a) and punishable under section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
“That you Abubakar Malami SAN whilst being the Attorney-General of the Federation, between October 2018 and December, 2021 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly concealed the aggregate sum N415,000,000.00 which you paid for the purchase of the properties namely (i) No. 28 Bagudu Kaltio crescent Gwarimpa, Abuja (ii) Plot 13, Ipent 7 Estate Abuja and (iii) A Plaza, Commercial Toilets, Laundry and Warehouse Tanks Adjacent to Brinin Kebbi Market (iv) 100 hectares of land Along Brinin Kebbi, Jeba Road (v) Plot 157 Lamido Crescent, Nassarawa Road GRA, Kano knowing that the said sum of N415,000,000.00 formed proceeds of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as amended.”
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has clarified that the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has automatically become the Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) for Nigerians under the new tax framework.
The clarification was made in a public sensitisation video on the new tax laws, which was circulated online.
In the video, the FIRS explained that the reform is aimed at simplifying tax administration and addressing public concerns surrounding the requirement of Tax ID for certain financial and economic transactions.
According to the Service, registered businesses will also not be required to obtain a separate Tax ID, as their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number now automatically serves that purpose under the new tax system.
“The Tax ID unifies all TINs previously issued by FIRS and state internal revenue services into a single identifier,” the Service said. “For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID, while for registered companies, your CAC RC number is used. You do not need a physical card, the Tax ID is a unique number linked directly into your identity.”
This declaration comes amid widespread public concern over provisions in the tax laws suggesting that Tax ID would be mandatory for bank account ownership.
The FIRS explained that the requirement is rooted in the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), which is scheduled to come into force from January 2026.
The agency noted, however, that the use of Tax ID for transactions is not a new development. It stated that the requirement has existed since the Finance Act of 2019 and has only been strengthened under the NTAA to improve efficiency and compliance.
The FIRS noted that the new Tax ID system is designed to simplify identification, eliminate duplication, close loopholes that enable tax evasion and promote fairness by ensuring that individuals and businesses earning taxable income contribute appropriately.
With the new arrangement, all Nigerians who have been issued a NIN are now deemed to automatically possess a Tax ID and can be brought into the tax net, provided they earn income that is subject to tax.
This development effectively addresses fears that millions of Nigerians would be required to undergo another round of registration to obtain a Tax ID from 2026 in order to access banking services.
Data released by the National Identity Management Commission show that as of October 2025, about 123.9 million Nigerians have been issued the National Identification Number, a development that significantly expands the country’s capacity to streamline tax administration and improve compliance under the evolving tax system.
…SSG, Fasoranti, others hail Gov on developmental projects in Akure
Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has reiterated his strong support for President Bola Tinubu, describing the president as “irreplaceable” ahead of the 2027 general election.
The governor spoke on Tuesday in Akure at the grand finale of his ‘Thank-You Tour’ to the 18 local government areas of the state, declaring that the people of Ondo State were solidly behind President Tinubu due to the ongoing developmental projects across the state.
He said many of the achievements recorded by his administration were made possible by increased federal allocations under President Tinubu.
“As you can see, there are ongoing projects across the state. All these achievements are a result of the increment in allocations to states from the federal level under our amiable President, Bola Tinubu.
“In Ondo State, we are witnessing giant developmental projects, particularly road construction. So, we are solidly behind the President. Let me tell you clearly that President Bola Tinubu cannot be replaced in 2027. He has done well and earned the support of our people,” he said.
He, however, cautioned members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against internal rancour as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum.
He warned that “infighting” could weaken the party, stressing that party supremacy would determine those who would fly the APC’s flag in future elections, adding that the party remained one and indivisible.
The governor further disclosed that the APC had strengthened its base in Ondo State with the defection of key members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Earlier, Adekanmbi Oluwatuyi from Akure; Chief Falusi of the PDP from Akoko North-East; and Chief Kora Adebisi of the SDP from Akoko North-West announced their defection to the APC.
Others include Hon. Yusuf Lateef, who joined alongside former 2016 local government officials, councillors, supervisors, and advisers, as well as Ijanusi Olawale and his supporters from Akoko South-East.
Welcoming the defectors, Aiyedatiwa commended them for joining the progressive fold and urged them to work collectively for the success of President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The governor also thanked residents of Akure South Local Government for their loyalty to the APC, recalling that the council recorded the highest number of votes among the 18 local governments in the November 16 governorship election.
He expressed gratitude for the mandate given to him and his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, describing the support as decisive to the party’s victory.
Earlier, the APC Vice Chairman in the state, Atili Ikoto Agabra, said the party had no room for “joiners or partners,” noting that relevance within the APC would be determined strictly by commitment and contributions.
He urged the new members to demonstrate loyalty through active participation in party activities at all level.
The Secretary to the State Government and indigene of Akure land, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti lauded the governor for what he described as unprecedented infrastructural development in Akure, the state capital.
Similarly, the APC Chairman in Akure South Local Government, Mr Fesobi Akinmolayan, praised the governor for the ongoing road projects and other developments across the area.
The Senate on Tuesday passed the sum of N43 trillion 2024 and 2025 Appropriations Act (repeal and re-enactment) Bills 2025.
The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and approval of the recommendations of the report of its Committee on Appropriations.
The consolidated report was presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC – Ogun West), during plenary.
Six members of the House of Representatives have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The members are Hon Dum Dekor, Hon Solomon Bob, Hon Hart Cyril Godwin, Hon Engr Victor Obuzor, Hon Blessing Amadi and Hon Felix Nweke.
Their letters of defection were read by the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, during plenary on Tuesday.
In their letters, they said their decision was due to the unresolved leadership crisis in the PDP.
According to them their decisions were taken after due consultation and that the APC, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu provides a better platform for them to serve their people.
