The Executive Director of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM), Abdulgafar Kamal, is dead.
The centre’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Taiye Olaifa, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Ilorin.
Olaifa said the executive director died on Wednesday in Ilorin during a brief illness.
(NAN)
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 property suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities linked to Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Minister of Justice, to the Federal Government.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order following an ex-parte motion moved by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, to the effect.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the multi-billion naira landed property are located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna States.
Although the order was made on Tuesday, its certified true copy (CTC) was sighted by NAN on Wednesday.
“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 said.
Justice Nwite, in the ruling, also directed the publication of the interim order of forfeiture in any national daily “inviting 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 then adjourned the matter until Jan. 37 for report of compliance.
The assets include:
**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 of 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 of 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 on 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 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.
**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.
NAN reports that Malami, his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz are currently facing alleged N8.7 billion money laundering charge before Justice Nwite.
The EFCC had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, named the ex-minister, Asabe, his wife and an employee of a firm linked to the former minister, Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, and his son as 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.
The anti-graft agency, in the 16 counts, accused the defendants of carrying out various suspicious transactions and attempting to conceal the unlawful origin of billions of naira through bank accounts and property acquisitions across Abuja, Kano and Kebbi.
They allegedly committed the offences between 2015 and 2025, a period that includes the eight years Malami served as the AGF during the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The commission alleged that Malami, his son, and Asabe conspired to disguise the origin of funds, acquire property 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.
In count one, the EFCC alleged that between July 2022 and June 2025, Malami and his son directed Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal over one billion Naira in a Sterling Bank account, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.
(NAN)
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has revealed that a non-kinetic approach was instrumental in securing the release of 38 worshippers abducted in Kwara State.
The victims were kidnapped from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on November 18.
Following the incident, Adeola Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), briefed President Tinubu on November 21 regarding the growing security concerns across the country.
On November 23, the President announced that all abductees had regained their freedom, commending the joint efforts of the nation’s security agencies.
“Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued.”
“I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline.
“Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” the president announced in a statement.
However, speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday, Onanuga credited the successful operation to the DSS and military, noting that security operatives engaged the kidnappers strategically and established communication channels to secure the victims’ safe release.
“After the incident, the DSS and the military were involved in the rescue effort. They got in contact with the bandits to release the captives unharmed,” he said. “On Sunday, they were able to get them out safely. The security agencies have a way of tracking these people.”
He added that the gunmen understood the consequences of resisting government demands. “They know they could be pummelled,” he said.
Onanuga explained that a direct military assault would have been risky, as the abductors typically use captives as human shields, potentially leading to significant civilian casualties.
“Attacking their base could be risky because you can kill the civilians,” he noted.
He further stated that security authorities would determine the “next line of action” regarding the perpetrators.
The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, says the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu are bold measures to prepare Nigeria for a future of shared prosperity.
Momoh said this while delivering the 55th Founder’s Day Lecture of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) on Monday in Benin.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister, who is also an alumnus of the institution, spoke on the topic “Reforms for a Shared Prosperity.”
The minister noted that many Nigerians who are feeling the immediate pains of the ongoing reforms might not fully understand why the government had to take decisive action on long‑standing structural distortions in the economy.
According to him, President Tinubu inherited entrenched problems that previous administrations lacked the political courage to confront.
Momoh asserted that the removal of the petrol subsidy on the President’s first day in office was one of the most critical steps to rescue the economy from a system that drained resources and incentivised smuggling, rent‑seeking, and corruption.
“No previous administration had summoned the courage to confront this situation until President Tinubu introduced decisive reforms,” he said.
The minister highlighted the absurdity of selling refined petroleum products cheaply in Nigeria only for the subsidised fuel to be smuggled to neighbouring countries.
He noted that the present administration chose to endure public criticism now rather than postpone tough decisions that would only worsen Nigeria’s economic trajectory.
Momoh also justified the unification of Nigeria’s exchange rate, describing the previous system as one that rewarded arbitrage rather than genuine productive activity.
“Those who genuinely needed foreign exchange could not get it while a few people gamed the system.
“The reforms were designed to restore transparency and strengthen investor confidence,” he said.
The minister highlighted other reforms, including the operationalisation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Host Community Development Trust, and ongoing investment in local refining.
He pointed to the Dangote Refinery’s plans to expand production from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels as proof that confidence was returning to the sector.
He also referenced indigenous refinery projects and modular refineries, noting that the government’s new 15 per cent import duty on imported fuel was part of a “Nigeria First” industrial policy aimed at strengthening domestic production.
On the energy transition, he emphasised the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) as a key strategy for reducing transportation costs while aligning with Nigeria’s climate commitments.
Momoh also addressed the power sector, revealing that the government had approved the issuance of a N4 trillion bond to clear verified debts owed to power‑generation companies and gas suppliers, part of a broader plan to restore liquidity.
He said revenue collection in the sector rose by 70 per cent in 2024 after regulatory adjustments.
Momoh further disclosed that the Federal Executive Council had approved N68.7 billion for solar farms in eight universities and teaching hospitals, including UNIBEN.
He argued that although the economic transition has imposed hardship, it is building the foundation for long‑term stability.
“The reforms I have outlined, though challenging in the short term, are necessary to build a Nigeria where prosperity is shared, sustainable, and inclusive.
“Nigeria stands today at a difficult yet decisive juncture,” he said.
The minister recalled his personal journey from his days as a UNIBEN student to rising through various levels of public service, including serving as councillor, local‑government chairman, state lawmaker, two‑term federal lawmaker, and now a minister.
He expressed deep appreciation to the university for shaping his life and career.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice‑Chancellor of the university, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, praised the minister’s commitment to the university and the nation, describing him as “a worthy ambassador of the institution.”
Omoregie linked the university’s development trajectory to the Federal Government’s reform agenda.
“As an institution, we share in the vision of the Federal Government under His Excellency on sustainable development, captured in his Renewed Hope agenda,” he said.
The Vice‑Chancellor disclosed that UNIBEN had recently benefited from several federal interventions.
“Only yesterday, I received seven more tricycles again to ease transportation on campus.
“Also from TETFund, we received N1 billion for our agricultural development and N5 billion for the Senate building, and so many others—too numerous to enumerate now,” he said.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ending months of speculation about his next political move.
Atiku formally registered as a member at Jada Ward 1 in Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State, marking his first major political step since resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in July following a prolonged internal crisis within the party.
His move comes shortly after former Interior Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, publicly commenced his membership registration and validation on November 19.
Aregbesola had shared on social media that he completed his registration at Ward 8, Unit 1 in Ifofin, Ilesa East Local Government Area of Osun State, encouraging existing members to confirm their membership and new supporters to register.
Atiku confirmed his entry into the ADC on Monday via his official X handle, posting a photo holding his membership card with the caption: “It’s official.”
The former Vice President had earlier led discussions supporting the adoption of the ADC as a coalition platform for opposition figures ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has explained why he opted for a life sentence instead of the death penalty for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who was convicted of terrorism charges on Thursday.
The judge noted that the sentence for Nnamdi Kanu was the death penalty, but that he had to show mercy because of the teachings of the Holy Book.
According to him, the death penalty is gradually being abolished in many countries, while religious doctrines also advocate mercy.
Quoting a portion of the book of Matthew, Justice Omotosho pointed out that Jesus Christ taught His followers to show mercy.
Justice Omotosho further held that Kanu’s confinement must be in a facility suitable for his status, noting that the Kuje Correctional Centre would not achieve the intended purpose of the sentence.
He ordered that the IPOB leader be placed in protective custody at any secure location in the country.
The court also ruled that Kanu must not have access to electronic devices unless under strict monitoring by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
In addition, the judge ordered the forfeiture of the transmitter used for Kanu’s broadcasts to the Federal Government, adding that other equipment linked to the case would also be confiscated if no appeal is filed.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of terrorism-related offences.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the verdict on Thursday, convicting Kanu on Counts 4, 5, and 6 of the seven-count charge brought against him by the federal government. He was additionally sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment on Count 3.
The judgment marks one of the most decisive legal outcomes in the long-running case that has sparked national and international attention.
Details shortly…
Prosecutors in the terrorism case against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the maximum punishment of death.
Lead prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), told the court that more than 75 security operatives were killed in attacks allegedly linked to Kanu, his group, and followers. He added that several civilians also lost their lives, with public infrastructure destroyed in the process.
Awomolo argued that the death sentence would serve justice for the victims of the alleged acts of terrorism.
Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, has stood down proceedings and is expected to deliver sentencing by 4pm today.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shu’aibu, has arrived at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Operation Fansa Yamma (OPFY), Zamfara, as part of his ongoing operational tour of frontline formations.
The army chief was received by senior commanders of the OPFY and was accorded the usual military ceremonial salute by the Guard of Honour.
He was accompanied by senior officers, including representatives of the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff, among other top military officers.
Shu’aibu, who proceeded into a meeting with the OPFY commanders, is expected to address officers and men of the command before his departure.
(NAN)
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday convicted the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution had presented “uncontroverted evidence” proving that Kanu made several broadcasts inciting violence and killings in support of the separatist movement for Biafra.
He held that the evidence sufficiently established the defendant’s role in promoting attacks and unrest.
The judge rejected Kanu’s argument that the case was invalid because it was filed under the repealed Terrorism Prevention Act of 2013, ruling that the charges remained legally competent and enforceable.
