The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) for alleged terrorism financing.

The ex-Minister is also to explain issues relating to money laundering, especially operation of suspicious accounts.

Malami has been asked to account for his investment of about N10billion in Kebbi State, whereabouts of $322million Abacha loot recovered from Swiss account and about $22million from Island of Jersey in the UK.

The EFCC was holding on to Malami as at 10pm on Tuesday because he has not been able to meet his bail conditions.

But the ex-AGF said his public record in office stands in direct contradiction to any insinuation of complicity in terrorism financing.

A top EFCC source said the allegations against Malami were many which will require some days to go through.

The source said:”We have detained the ex-Minister for terrorism financing and the whereabouts of Abacha loot recovered from Switzerland and Island of Jersey in the UK.

“His sudden wealth of N10billion investments in Kebbi State are under investigation. We may attach some of these assets.

“We are likely to interrogate one of his wives on her role on N4billion Anchor Borrowers cash advanced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“He has a lot to clarify but he has not been able to meet bail conditions. He might be with us until he fulfils these.”

But Malami has rejected allegations of terrorism financing.

 He cited his key roles in Nigeria’s AML/CFT Reforms and FATF Grey-List exit to dismiss the terrorism financing insinuations.

In a statement on X, Malami said: “My attention has been drawn to a recent publication in which my name was mentioned in connection with allegations of terrorism financing and so-called “links” to persons described as terror suspects or alleged financiers.

“I consider it necessary, in the interest of truth, justice and public record, to make the following clarifications.

“First, I state clearly and unequivocally that I have never at any time been accused, invited, interrogated, investigated or charged by any security, law-enforcement, regulatory or intelligence agency—within or outside Nigeria—in respect of terrorism financing or any related offence.

“Secondly, even the retired military officer cited as the principal source in the said publication categorically admitted that he was not accusing me, or other named individuals, of financing terrorism.

” His own account, as reported, was limited to a vague assertion that certain suspects allegedly had some form of “business” or “institutional” relationship with various persons.

” That important clarification was, unfortunately, overshadowed by a headline and framing capable of misleading well-meaning members of the public into drawing inaccurate and damaging conclusions which was unfortunately politically manipulated by my political opponents to create mischievous insinuations implying my involvement in terrorism financing.

“Terrorism financing is a grave crime with devastating consequences for national security and human life. Any attempt—whether by direct allegation or indirect innuendo—to associate an individual with such an offence must be grounded in verifiable facts, due process and lawful findings, not in conjecture, speculation, or guilt by association. To suggest that lawful professional or institutional engagements can, without more, be read as evidence of terrorism financing is both mischievous and unjust.

“For the avoidance of doubt, my public record in office stands in direct contradiction to any insinuation of complicity in terrorism financing. During my tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, I worked with other arms of government and relevant institutions to strengthen—not weaken—Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

“Among other efforts:

●The Federal Government, through collaborative work involving the Federal Ministry of Justice, the National Assembly and other stakeholders, established an independent Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) by law, in order to meet global standards on operational autonomy and to restore Nigeria’s standing within the international financial-intelligence community.

●We supported and saw to the enactment of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which repealed the older Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and provided a more comprehensive and stringent framework for combating money laundering and related offences, including those that may underpin terrorism financing.

●We similarly worked on the passage and implementation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which strengthened Nigeria’s legal regime against terrorism, updated offences and penalties, and reinforced provisions dealing specifically with the financing of terrorism in line with international standards and United Nations obligations.

●In furtherance of these laws, my office cooperated closely with key domestic institutions—such as the NFIU, the Central Bank of Nigeria, law-enforcement and regulatory agencies—and with international partners, to improve coordination, information-sharing and compliance across the anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism-financing (AML/CFT) architecture.”

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By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE Speaker of the Edo State Youth Parliament, Prince Fawaz Muhammed, has resigned his position and membership of the parliament, citing abandonment of youth-oriented programmes and non-funding of the parliament.

In a letter addressed to the Clerk of the parliament, Muhammed said they have been self-funding the parliament and that most of the programmes that relate to youths were being abandoned while praise singers are the people getting attention, a development he said was contrary to the reason for the setting up of the parliament

He said “The Edo State Youth Parliament has survived not through institutional commitment but through the personal and financial sacrifices of its members.

“This is unsustainable, unjust, and contrary to the spirit in which this Parliament was established.

“In the current dispensation, we’ve seen youth welfare decline from bad to worse. Young people are losing confidence in good governance. Critical issues affecting Edo youths receive little to no meaningful attention, unless they are touts or praise singers of misgovernance. Presently, youth concerns are pushed to the background and treated as an afterthought when they are acknowledged at all.”

He said the establishment of the Parliament sowed a visionary seed that empowered young people to learn, question, challenge, and lead “However, leadership demands clarity, honesty, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. Today, I choose truth over silence, duty over comfort, and my people over political pretence.

“I cannot, in good conscience, remain a ceremonial Youth Parliament Speaker while my constituents face fear, vulnerability, and administrative indifference. I cannot lead a Parliament that runs on sacrifice while those empowered to strengthen youth governance look the other way.

“I cannot allow my voice to be confined within a system that has chosen not to listen. When institutions fail, leaders must refuse to fail with them.”

Checks at the Ministry of Youths which oversees its activities did not yield any response but a senior civil servant who did not want his name mentioned said the ministry look into the development through the appropriate channels

The post Edo Youth Parliament Speaker resigns, alleges abandonment of youth activities, funding appeared first on Vanguard News.

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United States President Donald Trump has reignited debate over America’s birthright citizenship policy, insisting that affluent foreigners are exploiting the provision to secure citizenship for their families.

Speaking in an interview with Politico’s Dasha Burns, Trump expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would eventually overturn the policy, which currently grants automatic citizenship to children born on US soil, including those of undocumented migrants and foreign nationals with “no ties to the U.S.”

Trump argued that the law’s original purpose has been “distorted,” saying it was designed in the post Civil War era to protect children born to enslaved people.

“The case is very interesting because that case was meant for the babies of slaves… It was exactly having to do with the Civil War,” he said.
“It was not meant for some rich person coming from another country, putting a foot in our country, and suddenly their whole family becomes United States citizens.”

The President warned that the US “cannot afford to house tens of millions of people that came in through birthright citizenship,” stressing that the Supreme Court overturning the provision would not only be justified but necessary.

His concerns were echoed on Capitol Hill. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI) raised alarm over a surge in “birth tourism,” especially among wealthy Chinese nationals, taking advantage of visa exemptions in the Northern Mariana Islands.

According to Tiffany, the islands now witness more foreign childbirths than local births.

“Communist Chinese passport holders have been permitted to sidestep U.S. visa requirements through categorical parole since 2009,” he told a House Judiciary Committee hearing.

“There are more children being born via birth tourism… They don’t even have to have a visa to come here.”

The debate over birthright citizenship, a constitutional guarantee under the 14th Amendment, continues to sharpen political divides as the US heads toward another election cycle.

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A video making the rounds on social media has captured the moment a Nigerian lady explained why her mother’s provision shop isn’t moving. Netizens reacted.



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The African Action Congress, AAC, has criticised the Bola Tinubu-led administration over its decision to launch a military operation against fleeing coup plotters in the Benin Republic.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, AAC National Publicity Secretary Rex I. Elanu said the action highlights what he described as the government’s selective application of power.

“Nigerians are being kidnapped, killed, and terrorised with near-total impunity, yet the same state demonstrates flawless coordination and lethal efficiency when it serves regime or foreign interests,” the party said.

The AAC maintained that the attacks expose a government more concerned with safeguarding elite interests than protecting its own citizens, pointing to ongoing failures in national security and public safety.

“Nigeria does not lack capacity, it lacks commitment to the lives of its own people,” the statement said.

The party encouraged Nigerians to push back against the government’s continued neglect, urging coordinated civic action to take back the country.

It also expressed solidarity with the people of the Republic of Benin and denounced any efforts aimed at destabilising neighbouring nations.

“Nigeria belongs to its people. The time has come to organize, resist, and take it back,” the AAC declared.

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Mr Peter Gwom, the Plateau Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Solid Mineral Development, says the State Government’s move to reorganise the mining sector would benefit all citizens.

Gwom said this on Tuesday at a two-day workshop on implementing Extractive Industries Transparency Standards in Plateau, organised by the ministry.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised in collaboration with the Open Government Partnership (OGP), Forum, Publish What You Pay (PWYP) and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI)

The activity is supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC).

The commissioner, who decried the poor revenue accruing to the state from mineral exploration, insisted that the move to reposition the sector would be of great benefit to all.

“All we are doing is to have proper mechanised mining, and eventually have value addition to the minerals that are on the Plateau.

“Not so many people are into proper and mechanised mining, and we are trying to encourage it.

“The government is doing its best to put things in place so that companies that have licenses can operate optimally.

“The state is losing in terms of revenue and what have you, and this is why we are taking the bold step to right the wrong,”he said.

The Commissioner, who further disclosed that over 300 licensed mining companies and 1,000 tin sheds were operating in the state, however, decried the rise in illegal mining activities.

Gwom, who particularly decried the surge in social vices, insecurity, and the decline in school enrolment, among others, said that the state government’s move had so far yielded some positive results.

The commissioner, who thanked RoLAC for supporting the event, called on participants and other key stakeholders to support the government’s bid to reposition the mining sector in the state.

Speaking, Mr Mantim Dala, the Coordinator of RoLAC in Plateau, said the intervention aimed to ensure transparency and accountability in the extractive industry.

He maintained that the challenges in the mining sector, particularly corruption, had, over time, posed a serious threat to the overall development of the state and the nation in general.

Dala explained that the meeting had brought together critical stakeholders to identify the best ways to reposition the mining sector in Plateau.

“So the whole idea is to look at the topical issue on the Plateau and beam the lens of transparency and accountability in the mining sector.

“The meeting will enable us to unravel some of the symptoms or perhaps inadequacies in managing the extractive industry in Plateau.

“But of course, the whole idea is to look at how to improve the way the sector is being administered,”Dala said.

Vanguard News

The post Why Plateau govt is reorganising mining sector – Commissioner appeared first on Vanguard News.

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JW Global Homes and Properties closed out the year with a memorable end-of-year celebration in Ikotun, Lagos, highlighting its unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, community development, and transparent real estate investment.

The event, themed “Financial Assets Appreciation”, brought together clients, partners, and distinguished community figures to reflect on the company’s achievements and outline its future direction.

During the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer, Barrister David Happiness, expressed heartfelt gratitude to clients and stakeholders for their continued trust.

She described the gathering as an opportunity to celebrate collective successes while reinforcing JW Global Homes’ dedication to providing credible, value-driven real estate solutions.

Barrister Happiness emphasised the company’s focus on delivering practical investment opportunities that empower Nigerians to achieve sustainable financial security.

The celebration also served to honour exceptional clients and staff whose loyalty and dedication were instrumental to the company’s 2024 successes.

Notable clients, including Mrs. Quadri Titilayo and Mrs. Gloria Ogbonna Eze, received awards for their steadfast patronage.

Similarly, staff members such as Madam Flora Neneyan Baribatu and Madam Hassan Ojochennemi were recognised for their outstanding service, reflecting JW Global Homes’ culture of excellence and appreciation for hard work.

The event was attended by a distinguished guest list, adding prestige and colour to the occasion.

Notable attendees included former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello; Chairman of Ikotun/Igando LCDA, Hon. Comrade Ladisi Akinsanya Ayinde; Prophet Peter Daniel; Travelogue CEO Amb. Ayo Omotoso; Barr. Ore Sotomi; CEO of Cotroy Media, Victor Udoh; Prince Obi Chigbogu; Alhaja Mustapha Oludiya; Chief Engr. Akinloye Ayantoye; and Chief Obasanjo Bobagbimo Oniba of Iba.

Guests lauded the company’s transparency and contributions to the development of real estate in Lagos and beyond.

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the “JesusWorld Global Magazine”, a new publication aimed at enhancing public knowledge of real estate investment, wealth creation, and emerging trends in the sector.

Attendees were also treated to vibrant performances, including a captivating showcase by the Chain Breakers dance group and other cultural acts, adding energy and excitement to the occasion.

Guest speakers delivered valuable insights on economic empowerment and asset growth.

Amb. Ayo Omotoso highlighted the synergy between tourism and real estate, emphasising how strategic infrastructure development drives prosperity in both industries.

Barr. Ore Sotomi and Prince Obi Chigbogu also shared actionable strategies for long-term wealth creation through property investment, equipping attendees with practical tools to secure financial stability.

In her closing remarks, Barrister Happiness reaffirmed JW Global Homes’ mission to educate, mentor, and guide Nigerians toward more secure financial futures.

She stressed that the company’s vision goes beyond property sales, aiming to help individuals transition from financial pressure to economic stability through responsible and informed investment practices.

The ceremony concluded on an uplifting note, leaving guests inspired by the company’s trajectory and optimistic about its future accomplishments in the coming year.

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…Unveils new youth-empowerment drive

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said empowerment of Nigerian youths remains the engine of his Renewed Hope Agenda as he noted that they are central to the nation’s future.

Tinubu restated his commitment to youth empowerment on Tuesday at the launch of the second edition of the Nigeria Youth Academy (NiYA) Startup Grants and the unveiling of the NiYA Gig digital-work platform in Abuja.

Represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, President Tinubu said he was determined to work his talks in making Nigerian youths globally competitive through digital-skills and enterprise support programs.

He said, “From the earliest days of this administration, I made a firm decision that Nigeria’s youth will not stand on the margins of our national development. This commitment is not political; it is personal.”

Speaking to the opportunities for youth-led enterprises, the Chief of Staff to the President listed easing tax compliance for small businesses, incentivising the digital and creative economy, and building a pipeline of young global service providers through the NiYA Academy, NiYA Startup, NiYA Jobs and the newly launched NiYA Gigs.

Tinubu commended the Ministry of Youth Development for widening the programme’s reach after the inaugural edition, which attracted more than 14,000 applications nationwide.

Earlier in his presentation, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced grants of N1 million each for 200 youth-led startups and N500,000 each for 100 beneficiaries in the informal sector.

He disclosed that the present administration has taken the initiative to construct a comprehensive youth-empowerment ecosystem covering skills acquisition, enterprise creation and income generation.

He also launched NiYA Gig, a national digital-work platform intended to link young Nigerians to paid opportunities locally and globally, while highlighting the success of initiatives such as the Nigerian Youth Help Desk and a WhatsApp AI Chatbot that has already engaged more than one million young people.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, expressed the hope that with the ongoing digital infrastructure, skills training and innovation, the Federal Government is already preparing Nigeria’s youthful population for global competition.

He said: “Nigeria’s youth are our demographic advantage. With proper preparation, young Africans will make up 25 percent of the world’s workforce by 2050.”

He noted that the expanded broadband access and automation will enable young Nigerians to export digital services without leaving the country.

In his presentation, Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite Udoka, said the financial-sector reforms embarked upon by the Tinubu administration would stimulate seamless access to credit, expand concessional loans, strengthen tax incentives and scale digital infrastructure for youth-led MSMEs.

She said, “These initiatives are deliberately designed to stimulate entrepreneurship and deepen the creativity that defines the Nigerian spirit.”

Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, told the gathering that the success of the present administration target of a $1 trillion economy is tied to on unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s youth.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

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A Plateau state High Court sitting in Jos has sentenced a police officer, Sgt. Ruya Auta, to death for the killing of a University of Jos student, Rinji Bala.

The judgment was delivered on Tuesday by the Chief Justice of Plateau State, Justice David Mann, at High Court 1. The court found the officer guilty of culpable homicide and ordered that he be executed by hanging.

Rinji Bala, a 300-level student of the University of Jos, was shot dead on May 12, 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown. He was with two of his friends near the Hwolshe area of Jos when they were arrested by the police.

It was established in court that the three young men were searched and nothing illegal was found on them. Despite this, they were beaten and later told to run after being released. As Rinji ran, he was shot from behind by the officer and died immediately.

After the judgment, the prosecuting lawyer, Dr. Garba Pwul (SAN) explained that although the officer claimed the shooting was a mistake, the evidence showed that Rinji was shot in the back, proving it was not accidental.

Rinji’s father, Peter Bala said “No sane person celebrates the death of another person, but the law has taken its course,” he said.

He added that he hopes the ruling will serve as a deterrent to other security officers against careless use of their weapons.

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A mild drama played out on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday (today) during the birthday recognition of lawmakers born in December, as Senate President Godswill Akpabio marked his 63rd birthday.

Coincidentally, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, also shares the same birth date, December 9, and turned 47.

It is a standing tradition in the Senate for the President of the Senate to recognise and honour senators celebrating their birthdays by calling their names for acknowledgement and best wishes from colleagues.

On Tuesday, while reading out the names of senators born on December 9, Akpabio first called his own name. He then paused briefly before saying, “and another person, Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.”

His tone drew laughter from senators across the chamber, especially as Akpabio himself chuckled while calling the name of his colleague.

While the moment appeared light-hearted, many lawmakers understood the underlying tension. Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan are not on cordial terms at the moment.

Just last week, their long-standing rift resurfaced online after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that Akpabio had filed a ₦200 billion lawsuit against her over a sexual harassment allegation she made.

Naija News recalls that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months by the Nigerian Senate following what was described as misconduct and violation of Senate Standing Rules (2023 as amended).

The suspension stemmed from a dispute over seating arrangements, which escalated into disorderly conduct during plenary sessions.

Amid the controversy, Akpoti-Uduaghan, on February 20, 2025, made a sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio. However, the Senate clarified that her suspension was strictly related to her conduct and not because of the allegation, which had brought negative attention to the chamber.

Since her resumption on October 7, Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained a low profile on the Senate floor, a stark contrast to her previously active and visible presence before her fallout with the Senate leadership.

Both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan have largely avoided each other in recent weeks, further underlining the strain in their relationship.

However, Tuesday’s birthday mention, though laced with laughter, was a rare moment of public acknowledgement between the two.

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